Notices
S-Class (W222) 2014-2020

Sports Package Plus 1 Tire Bubble Problem

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jan 28, 2014 | 01:22 PM
  #51  
ImInPA's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 20
From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
I agree as well about the ride and comfort characteristics of RunFlats, however, they do have an inherently stronger construction especially in the sidewall. Personally, I can't stand them, although the Bridgestones that came on my E class Bluetec had a surprisingly good ride. Keep in mind that an S-Class weighs about the same as a Ford F-150. That is a lot of weight.
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2014 | 08:50 PM
  #52  
Wolfman's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

20 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,534
Likes: 3,669
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Originally Posted by ImInPA
I agree as well about the ride and comfort characteristics of RunFlats, however, they do have an inherently stronger construction especially in the sidewall. Personally, I can't stand them, although the Bridgestones that came on my E class Bluetec had a surprisingly good ride. Keep in mind that an S-Class weighs about the same as a Ford F-150. That is a lot of weight.
Whichever car forum one visits, the discussion of factory installed run flats is controversial. I wish that car companies would give customers their choice. I am sure the results would surprise them.

Run flats were the talk of the town 10-15 years ago and it was assumed by some that by now all cars use run flats. I think it's still less than 10% and for good reasons. Poor ride quality is experienced every day versus the remote risk of being stranded without a place to change a spare. Our BMW has a rougher ride on run flats than our MB on Snows...

Sorry for the rant
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2014 | 09:41 PM
  #53  
Kratos-TM's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 730
Likes: 2
From: McComb MS
2014 Mercedes S550
I'm guessing within 2 years time (the amount of time it will take me to need new tires because I only drive my S classes 3000 miles a year), we'll have plenty of options for me to get out of these run flats. So I'll just take the rougher ride until then...
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2014 | 10:49 PM
  #54  
Kratos-TM's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 730
Likes: 2
From: McComb MS
2014 Mercedes S550
Question.....I bought the tire warranty, but I've been thinking.....how long/how many miles before a dealer says they're not honoring the warranty. In other words, they could say.... well these tires have a lot of miles on them and that's the reason they're sidewalls are getting bubbles or giving out. And also how damaged does the wheel have to be before it can be replaced?.....a bend, a chip, scruffed up a little or lot, etc.....What's the minimum qualification?
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2014 | 11:31 PM
  #55  
Chucky300's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 13
From: NYC
2014 S550
Originally Posted by Kratos-TM
Question.....I bought the tire warranty, but I've been thinking.....how long/how many miles before a dealer says they're not honoring the warranty. In other words, they could say.... well these tires have a lot of miles on them and that's the reason they're sidewalls are getting bubbles or giving out. And also how damaged does the wheel have to be before it can be replaced?.....a bend, a chip, scruffed up a little or lot, etc.....What's the minimum qualification?


I asked my Sales guy that very same question. He told me if it is purchased through a factory dealership (MB OF ____________________) they are not allowed to throw out your warranty and refund your money. They must honor the claims. It should be unlimited amont and applies to wheel and tire. You could have 10,000 miles on it - get a bubble, and it will be replaced for free (or with a small deductible).

Chips and scuffs are not replaceable but cracks and bends are. (I asked because I could swear I bent it on the first go around).

When you get into minimum qualifications, it would be case by case - and I'm sure you could ask to see the wheel in person with the tech if you dispute their finding.

What I don't understand is how they sell the insurance at the price they have it for. Mine was $2500 and in my first MONTH - i used $1750 of it. So what, 3 more tires, or ONE rim, and I am now a net positive on the cost.

HOw do they handle losing all that money? Even if they are getting the tires wholesale....I could see how one could easily run through 8 tires per year if the roads are not repaired.

You absolutely did the right thing by getting the insurance. It is peace of mind EVERYTIME you shout out those very common words... "OH F**** THIS FUC***N ROAD!!"
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2014 | 11:33 PM
  #56  
Chucky300's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 13
From: NYC
2014 S550
From Mercedes Benz

Drive with peace of mind.

You likely have a lot invested in what connects you to the road. And, that’s
all the more reason to give your investment some added protection against
the unexpected hazards the road might throw your way. Mercedes-Benz
Financial’s First Class Wheel and Tire Protection will pay to replace your
tires and wheels if they are damaged by a road hazard — such as a pothole,
nail, tree limb or other debris. You may not be able to avoid every hazard
you encounter on the road, but you can avoid the resulting expense.
Unmatched coverage that won’t leave you flat.

Your driving experience should be nothing less than
first class. Whether you’re paying cash, financing, or
leasing a new or pre-owned Mercedes-Benz vehicle,
our First Class Wheel and Tire Protection will ensure
a smooth ride. This plan includes:
• All costs related to the replacement of
wheels/tires (including labor, mounting,
balancing, valve stems, taxes)
• Coverage for the usable tread life of the tire
• Coverage for each automobile wheel, and the
tire that is mounted on it, for damage due to a
covered road hazard*
• Replacement of a wheel rim damaged due to the
failure of a tire covered under your plan, if the
tire fails to seal
• No limit to the number of occurrences that can
be claimed


With so many benefits, our Wheel and Tire Protection
plan makes your driving experience worry-free. Ask your
Mercedes-Benz dealer about our First Class Wheel and
Tire Protection today.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2014 | 09:57 AM
  #57  
Kratos-TM's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 730
Likes: 2
From: McComb MS
2014 Mercedes S550
Thanks for the awesome feedback Chucky. We have good roads here and I don't drive the car until the weekends, so apart of me thinks I wasted 2 grand. But all it takes is 1 pothole and I guess that will make it worth it. It's also good to know that the amount of miles doesn't altar the coverage.

Only 1 small problem I see in all of this though.......it sounds like MB of Houston would have to honor the claim.....so how do I get a damaged tire/wheel car to a dealership 2 states away.....?
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2014 | 10:16 AM
  #58  
Chucky300's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 13
From: NYC
2014 S550
Originally Posted by Kratos-TM
Thanks for the awesome feedback Chucky. We have good roads here and I don't drive the car until the weekends, so apart of me thinks I wasted 2 grand. But all it takes is 1 pothole and I guess that will make it worth it. It's also good to know that the amount of miles doesn't altar the coverage.

Only 1 small problem I see in all of this though.......it sounds like MB of Houston would have to honor the claim.....so how do I get a damaged tire/wheel car to a dealership 2 states away.....?
Well, from my understanding of how it works, I bought the car from MB Manhattan, and purchased the warranty through them at the time of delivery. If I were to be in Dallas with the car, hit a pothole and cracked the rim, I could get MB of Dallas to replace it under this warranty since it is a factory sold warranty product.

Is there a MB of _____________ near you? Even if you did not buy the car?
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 11, 2014 | 11:56 AM
  #59  
AJMB1's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
2014 S550 4Matic, 2016 GLC300 4Matic , 2018 Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid
I spoke with both my dealer and MBUSA directly about the tire & wheel warranty and was told that a bent rim is not replaceable unless it is bent to the point of the tire not holding air.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2014 | 12:11 PM
  #60  
Kratos-TM's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 730
Likes: 2
From: McComb MS
2014 Mercedes S550
Originally Posted by Chucky300
Well, from my understanding of how it works, I bought the car from MB Manhattan, and purchased the warranty through them at the time of delivery. If I were to be in Dallas with the car, hit a pothole and cracked the rim, I could get MB of Dallas to replace it under this warranty since it is a factory sold warranty product.

Is there a MB of _____________ near you? Even if you did not buy the car?
MB of Jackson is near me. If they could honor the warranty, that would be great.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2014 | 12:18 PM
  #61  
Chucky300's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 13
From: NYC
2014 S550
Originally Posted by Kratos-TM
MB of Jackson is near me. If they could honor the warranty, that would be great.
They must honor it if you bought it from a factory dealer. Give em a call just to confirm.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2014 | 12:19 PM
  #62  
Chucky300's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 13
From: NYC
2014 S550
Originally Posted by AJMB1
I spoke with both my dealer and MBUSA directly about the tire & wheel warranty and was told that a bent rim is not replaceable unless it is bent to the point of the tire not holding air.
Manhattan told me if the rim is bent or cracked, they will replace.

I guess theres a fine print somewhere.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2014 | 01:31 PM
  #63  
AJMB1's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
2014 S550 4Matic, 2016 GLC300 4Matic , 2018 Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid
That's good to know that your dealer will take care of you in case you need it. With some of the pictures you've posted you just might.

I live in WNY which is why I opted for the 4matic and standard 18" wheels. Don't like the look as well but ride comfort, safety, and wheel damage were concerns over here. Although it hasn't been above freezing too much so the thraw/freeze cycle hasn't been that bad yet.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2014 | 02:14 PM
  #64  
Chucky300's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 13
From: NYC
2014 S550
Originally Posted by AJMB1
That's good to know that your dealer will take care of you in case you need it. With some of the pictures you've posted you just might.

I live in WNY which is why I opted for the 4matic and standard 18" wheels. Don't like the look as well but ride comfort, safety, and wheel damage were concerns over here. Although it hasn't been above freezing too much so the thraw/freeze cycle hasn't been that bad yet.
With 18" Wheels and Tires - this car must glide like its on a cloud.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2014 | 02:50 PM
  #65  
AJMB1's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
2014 S550 4Matic, 2016 GLC300 4Matic , 2018 Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid
So far I've only test driven the 18's with 4matic and the 20's with MBC. It was about a 3 hour test drive though and I came away very impressed with both versions. Would love for them to be able to incorporate the 4matic and MBC in the future.

My car is slated to start production tomorrow, so looking to take delivery sometime in mid March. It's been a long 6 months.

As an interesting side note, I see on MY15 you get conventional tires if you opt for 20" wheels on the S600.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2014 | 02:55 PM
  #66  
Kratos-TM's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 730
Likes: 2
From: McComb MS
2014 Mercedes S550
Originally Posted by AJMB1
So far I've only test driven the 18's with 4matic and the 20's with MBC. It was about a 3 hour test drive though and I came away very impressed with both versions. Would love for them to be able to incorporate the 4matic and MBC in the future.

My car is slated to start production tomorrow, so looking to take delivery sometime in mid March. It's been a long 6 months.

As an interesting side note, I see on MY15 you get conventional tires if you opt for 20" wheels on the S600.
So how much "rougher" was the 20's compared to the 18's in your opinion? Although the MBC might have made the 20's ride a little better.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2014 | 03:22 PM
  #67  
AJMB1's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
2014 S550 4Matic, 2016 GLC300 4Matic , 2018 Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid
I think you've kind of hit on it Kratos. It's not an apples to apples comparison. I loved the way MBC handled the off ramps with virtually no body lean, and it did a fine job of soaking up thruway bumps, much better than my current car with run flats. But I did feel that the 18"s had a little smoother ride. As I said before, very impressed with both rides, but the laws of physics still apply even to an S-Class.

I know when your paying this much for a car you want it to be without compromise. My guess is that within a month of driving this car you'll come to appreciate its ride quality more each time you get in it. Can't wait to be joining you guys in that experience.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2014 | 03:50 PM
  #68  
Chucky300's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 13
From: NYC
2014 S550
It is a real shame they can't put 4matic and ABC/MBC on the same vehicle.

It would only be beneficial to them.

4matic option is around $3000 or so
Sports Package is around $6000
MBC is about $5000

Most people would get all three if made available on the same vehicle.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2014 | 04:06 PM
  #69  
Kratos-TM's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 730
Likes: 2
From: McComb MS
2014 Mercedes S550
Chucky do you have MBC?
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2014 | 04:41 PM
  #70  
Chucky300's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 13
From: NYC
2014 S550
Originally Posted by Kratos-TM
Chucky do you have MBC?
Yes. Its great but with the 20" tires, you have more ride harshness than with standard 18s.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2014 | 04:45 PM
  #71  
Kratos-TM's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 730
Likes: 2
From: McComb MS
2014 Mercedes S550
Originally Posted by Chucky300
Yes. Its great but with the 20" tires, you have more ride harshness than with standard 18s.
I'm hoping non run-flats will give us a ride comparable to the 18's.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2014 | 04:52 PM
  #72  
Chucky300's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 13
From: NYC
2014 S550
Originally Posted by Kratos-TM
I'm hoping non run-flats will give us a ride comparable to the 18's.
Agree with you and I am going to switch over when they become available.

Two things though...

a) Will these tires be covered under warranty that covered the OEM tires? If not - forget it. I would never switch.

b) Where do you put the spare? They don't leave a space for one in the trunk....
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2014 | 05:11 PM
  #73  
Kratos-TM's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 730
Likes: 2
From: McComb MS
2014 Mercedes S550
Originally Posted by Chucky300
Agree with you and I am going to switch over when they become available.

Two things though...

a) Will these tires be covered under warranty that covered the OEM tires? If not - forget it. I would never switch.

b) Where do you put the spare? They don't leave a space for one in the trunk....
Yeah, both a and b suck. Lol
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2014 | 05:21 PM
  #74  
AJMB1's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
2014 S550 4Matic, 2016 GLC300 4Matic , 2018 Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid
Originally Posted by Chucky300
Agree with you and I am going to switch over when they become available.

Two things though...

a) Will these tires be covered under warranty that covered the OEM tires? If not - forget it. I would never switch.

b) Where do you put the spare? They don't leave a space for one in the trunk....

Since the coverage states the following I would assume it's not but check with your guy.

"• Coverage for the usable tread life of the tire"

You could always get the new tire road hazard warranty from whomever you purchase it through.

As far as the spare, you'd be in the same position that you're now if you had a blowout you couldn't drive on, calling roadside.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2014 | 05:34 PM
  #75  
Kratos-TM's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 730
Likes: 2
From: McComb MS
2014 Mercedes S550
Originally Posted by AJMB1
Since the coverage states the following I would assume it's not but check with your guy.

"• Coverage for the usable tread life of the tire"

You could always get the new tire road hazard warranty from whomever you purchase it through.

As far as the spare, you'd be in the same position that you're now if you had a blowout you couldn't drive on, calling roadside.
Yeah, this brings me to that thought.....a run flat is not a 100%-non-stuck-on-the-side-of-the-road type of tire right? From my 1990's knowledge, it just can get you back home if you pick up some nails......Help me out with this.
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:11 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE