Thread for proud S Class Owners to Post pictures from time to time
Senior Member
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S 550
Curious, what tire brands do you guys have?
We have the Goodyear with the 20" wheels and they are ok, but this is our first S-Class and don't have a good barometer to measure against. Do I wish the car ride was smoother, oh yes. But am wondering if tire brands have different ride characteristics between the run-flats.
We have the Goodyear with the 20" wheels and they are ok, but this is our first S-Class and don't have a good barometer to measure against. Do I wish the car ride was smoother, oh yes. But am wondering if tire brands have different ride characteristics between the run-flats.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 730
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From: McComb MS
2014 Mercedes S550
Curious, what tire brands do you guys have?
We have the Goodyear with the 20" wheels and they are ok, but this is our first S-Class and don't have a good barometer to measure against. Do I wish the car ride was smoother, oh yes. But am wondering if tire brands have different ride characteristics between the run-flats.
We have the Goodyear with the 20" wheels and they are ok, but this is our first S-Class and don't have a good barometer to measure against. Do I wish the car ride was smoother, oh yes. But am wondering if tire brands have different ride characteristics between the run-flats.
Thread Starter
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From: NYC
2014 S550
Curious, what tire brands do you guys have?
We have the Goodyear with the 20" wheels and they are ok, but this is our first S-Class and don't have a good barometer to measure against. Do I wish the car ride was smoother, oh yes. But am wondering if tire brands have different ride characteristics between the run-flats.
We have the Goodyear with the 20" wheels and they are ok, but this is our first S-Class and don't have a good barometer to measure against. Do I wish the car ride was smoother, oh yes. But am wondering if tire brands have different ride characteristics between the run-flats.
Should be renamed BadDay
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From: NYC
2014 S550
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Joined: Nov 2013
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S 550
I had run flats on a sports car in the past, those run flats were really rough!
These on the 2014 S-Class are better than what I experienced in the past but still transfer more shock than what I think the S-Class image represents in ride quality.
I know my past experience with run flats was that temperature played a significant role in both traction and ride smoothness. So I can understand that Chucky would have a harsher ride since NY is rather cold right now. But that logic doesn't apply for Kratos in MS (I assume that MS is above 60 degrees at this point).
The roads here in central florida are pretty good (with a few exceptions, particularly construction zones) and also the temps are warm so I don't have a lot of complaints about ride quality but when I do hit bumps I do notice that the ride is more "sport like" rather than luxury feeling (meaning that the road surface feel is not only transferred to the steering wheel but the entire cabin).
Wish MB could rectify this. Overall I love this car, except for two things at this point; MB apps in the command (but I can ignore those) and the ride quality (which is rather difficult to ignore).
The ride is rather strange to explain IMO, is has a sense of smoothly floating down the road but when you go over a bump you definitely feel it. Very strange to me to be able to "float" and also feel the bumps.
These on the 2014 S-Class are better than what I experienced in the past but still transfer more shock than what I think the S-Class image represents in ride quality.
I know my past experience with run flats was that temperature played a significant role in both traction and ride smoothness. So I can understand that Chucky would have a harsher ride since NY is rather cold right now. But that logic doesn't apply for Kratos in MS (I assume that MS is above 60 degrees at this point).
The roads here in central florida are pretty good (with a few exceptions, particularly construction zones) and also the temps are warm so I don't have a lot of complaints about ride quality but when I do hit bumps I do notice that the ride is more "sport like" rather than luxury feeling (meaning that the road surface feel is not only transferred to the steering wheel but the entire cabin).
Wish MB could rectify this. Overall I love this car, except for two things at this point; MB apps in the command (but I can ignore those) and the ride quality (which is rather difficult to ignore).
The ride is rather strange to explain IMO, is has a sense of smoothly floating down the road but when you go over a bump you definitely feel it. Very strange to me to be able to "float" and also feel the bumps.
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,640
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From: NYC
2014 S550
I had run flats on a sports car in the past, those run flats were really rough!
These on the 2014 S-Class are better than what I experienced in the past but still transfer more shock than what I think the S-Class image represents in ride quality.
I know my past experience with run flats was that temperature played a significant role in both traction and ride smoothness. So I can understand that Chucky would have a harsher ride since NY is rather cold right now. But that logic doesn't apply for Kratos in MS (I assume that MS is above 60 degrees at this point).
The roads here in central florida are pretty good (with a few exceptions, particularly construction zones) and also the temps are warm so I don't have a lot of complaints about ride quality but when I do hit bumps I do notice that the ride is more "sport like" rather than luxury feeling (meaning that the road surface feel is not only transferred to the steering wheel but the entire cabin).
Wish MB could rectify this. Overall I love this car, except for two things at this point; MB apps in the command (but I can ignore those) and the ride quality (which is rather difficult to ignore).
The ride is rather strange to explain IMO, is has a sense of smoothly floating down the road but when you go over a bump you definitely feel it. Very strange to me to be able to "float" and also feel the bumps.
These on the 2014 S-Class are better than what I experienced in the past but still transfer more shock than what I think the S-Class image represents in ride quality.
I know my past experience with run flats was that temperature played a significant role in both traction and ride smoothness. So I can understand that Chucky would have a harsher ride since NY is rather cold right now. But that logic doesn't apply for Kratos in MS (I assume that MS is above 60 degrees at this point).
The roads here in central florida are pretty good (with a few exceptions, particularly construction zones) and also the temps are warm so I don't have a lot of complaints about ride quality but when I do hit bumps I do notice that the ride is more "sport like" rather than luxury feeling (meaning that the road surface feel is not only transferred to the steering wheel but the entire cabin).
Wish MB could rectify this. Overall I love this car, except for two things at this point; MB apps in the command (but I can ignore those) and the ride quality (which is rather difficult to ignore).
The ride is rather strange to explain IMO, is has a sense of smoothly floating down the road but when you go over a bump you definitely feel it. Very strange to me to be able to "float" and also feel the bumps.
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From: Iowa
2025 EQS580
Dave, that does not sound good to me. Damn!
Having said this, I have a friend in northern NJ and he checked with his MB sales guy who is very honest and extremely knowledgable according to my friend. His sales guy told my friend today that the ride quality with the RFT's on the new S has not been affected. This same sales person recommended non RFT's on my friends brand new GL because the RFT's that are optional on the GL ride very stiff. So, it really sounds like my friend's sales guy is very credible. This sales guy's comments are also in line with my sales guy who stated that the RFT's are indeed comfortable and the ride has not been adversely affected on the new S.
I'm beginning to wonder if this is a problem mainly with the 20 inch wheels only on the S550. I guess I will soon find out.
Having said this, I have a friend in northern NJ and he checked with his MB sales guy who is very honest and extremely knowledgable according to my friend. His sales guy told my friend today that the ride quality with the RFT's on the new S has not been affected. This same sales person recommended non RFT's on my friends brand new GL because the RFT's that are optional on the GL ride very stiff. So, it really sounds like my friend's sales guy is very credible. This sales guy's comments are also in line with my sales guy who stated that the RFT's are indeed comfortable and the ride has not been adversely affected on the new S.
I'm beginning to wonder if this is a problem mainly with the 20 inch wheels only on the S550. I guess I will soon find out.
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Dave, that does not sound good to me. Damn!
Having said this, I have a friend in northern NJ and he checked with his MB sales guy who is very honest and extremely knowledgable according to my friend. His sales guy told my friend today that the ride quality with the RFT's on the new S has not been affected. This same sales person recommended non RFT's on my friends brand new GL because the RFT's that are optional on the GL ride very stiff. So, it really sounds like my friend's sales guy is very credible. This sales guy's comments are also in line with my sales guy who stated that the RFT's are indeed comfortable and the ride has not been adversely affected on the new S.
I'm beginning to wonder if this is a problem mainly with the 20 inch wheels only on the S550. I guess I will soon find out.
Having said this, I have a friend in northern NJ and he checked with his MB sales guy who is very honest and extremely knowledgable according to my friend. His sales guy told my friend today that the ride quality with the RFT's on the new S has not been affected. This same sales person recommended non RFT's on my friends brand new GL because the RFT's that are optional on the GL ride very stiff. So, it really sounds like my friend's sales guy is very credible. This sales guy's comments are also in line with my sales guy who stated that the RFT's are indeed comfortable and the ride has not been adversely affected on the new S.
I'm beginning to wonder if this is a problem mainly with the 20 inch wheels only on the S550. I guess I will soon find out.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: NYC
2014 S550
I hate to say this but I agree - and I don't like dishonesty. The salesguy - as close as he to your friend, and we all have salesguys who we want to believe have our backs - but they are salesguys for the other team. They will say whatever it takes to sell the car. They have to meet a quota or they are out.
To conclude, this is my 4th S Class. First with Runflats. Last two had 19" wheels. Always had Sports Package. Always had Active Body Control.
This car rides MUCH (not marginally) rougher, borderline unpleasant on anything but the smoothest roads, all the way to unacceptable on bumpy roads.
To conclude, this is my 4th S Class. First with Runflats. Last two had 19" wheels. Always had Sports Package. Always had Active Body Control.
This car rides MUCH (not marginally) rougher, borderline unpleasant on anything but the smoothest roads, all the way to unacceptable on bumpy roads.
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Dave, that does not sound good to me. Damn!
Having said this, I have a friend in northern NJ and he checked with his MB sales guy who is very honest and extremely knowledgable according to my friend. His sales guy told my friend today that the ride quality with the RFT's on the new S has not been affected. This same sales person recommended non RFT's on my friends brand new GL because the RFT's that are optional on the GL ride very stiff. So, it really sounds like my friend's sales guy is very credible. This sales guy's comments are also in line with my sales guy who stated that the RFT's are indeed comfortable and the ride has not been adversely affected on the new S.
I'm beginning to wonder if this is a problem mainly with the 20 inch wheels only on the S550. I guess I will soon find out.
Having said this, I have a friend in northern NJ and he checked with his MB sales guy who is very honest and extremely knowledgable according to my friend. His sales guy told my friend today that the ride quality with the RFT's on the new S has not been affected. This same sales person recommended non RFT's on my friends brand new GL because the RFT's that are optional on the GL ride very stiff. So, it really sounds like my friend's sales guy is very credible. This sales guy's comments are also in line with my sales guy who stated that the RFT's are indeed comfortable and the ride has not been adversely affected on the new S.
I'm beginning to wonder if this is a problem mainly with the 20 inch wheels only on the S550. I guess I will soon find out.
Of course it's BS. You need to remember that MB doesn't offer a non-RFT option, so what do you expect anyone to say? "Sure, RFT's are rougher but you can only choose between RFT and RFT. Too bad, so sad".
If there is a choice, they would recommend non-RFT.
Thread Starter
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From: NYC
2014 S550
WOW
Check this out
http://www.infinitiq50.org/forum/new...t-tires-2.html
http://www.wheels.ca/news/review-2014-bmw-320ix/
http://www.infinitiq50.org/forum/new...t-tires-2.html
"I cant tell you how much I hate how the runflats handle in the cold weather. I wish I could drive a Q50 without runflats to see the difference.Initially I thought the RFT were decent, but after finally driving the vehicle for 3 consecutive days I'm starting to notice how much they suck. So I guess I have to go 3 years like this... I refuse to add anything additonal for a car i'm going to return."
http://www.wheels.ca/news/review-2014-bmw-320ix/
That’s all before Metre One. After Metre One, it feels as if BMW has fired all of its suspension engineers. The ride is flat-out awful, harsh over bumps small or large, noisy and non-compliant on all surfaces.
I should say it’s “run-flat” awful, because a peek at the tire sidewall explains it — yes, the dreaded run-flat tires. For a sidewall to be stiff enough to support the car with no air in the tire, it creates a compromise in ride quality that BMW and, in this case, Pirelli have not been able to solve.
The point of run-flats is to save the weight of a proper spare, and improve fuel-economy ratings. Theoretically, it also saves space.
But how often do you ever fill your trunk to the absolute brim? You have to live with the crappy ride every kilometre. It’s not worth it.
My test of this BMW overlapped that of a Volvo S60, also with four-wheel drive. The Volvo’s ride was a million times better.
Harshness in suspension can be partially forgiven if there are handling rewards, as is the case with BMW’s MINI line and its other more sporting cars. But in a supposed luxury sedan, this is not good enough.
You can’t just stop at your local tire store for new rubber, either, because BMW appears to have softened up the springs to mitigate the lousy low-speed behaviour. So the car wallows in a most uncharacteristic BMW fashion at higher speeds, too.
I should say it’s “run-flat” awful, because a peek at the tire sidewall explains it — yes, the dreaded run-flat tires. For a sidewall to be stiff enough to support the car with no air in the tire, it creates a compromise in ride quality that BMW and, in this case, Pirelli have not been able to solve.
The point of run-flats is to save the weight of a proper spare, and improve fuel-economy ratings. Theoretically, it also saves space.
But how often do you ever fill your trunk to the absolute brim? You have to live with the crappy ride every kilometre. It’s not worth it.
My test of this BMW overlapped that of a Volvo S60, also with four-wheel drive. The Volvo’s ride was a million times better.
Harshness in suspension can be partially forgiven if there are handling rewards, as is the case with BMW’s MINI line and its other more sporting cars. But in a supposed luxury sedan, this is not good enough.
You can’t just stop at your local tire store for new rubber, either, because BMW appears to have softened up the springs to mitigate the lousy low-speed behaviour. So the car wallows in a most uncharacteristic BMW fashion at higher speeds, too.
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: NYC
2014 S550
http://www.autotrader.com/research/a...car-review.jsp
What's New for 2014?
The CTS sedan is completely new for 2014, with more interior space, power under the hood and luxury goodies, including an available reconfigurable instrument cluster.
What We Like
Bold styling; strong engine lineup; stunning interior detail; more rear-seat legroom; precise handling and braking
What We Don't
Run-flat tires deliver a rather harsh ride; CUE screen and HVAC touch controls can be frustrating to operate when driving; front seats are a bit snug; new 8-speed automatic not available on AWD models
The CTS sedan is completely new for 2014, with more interior space, power under the hood and luxury goodies, including an available reconfigurable instrument cluster.
What We Like
Bold styling; strong engine lineup; stunning interior detail; more rear-seat legroom; precise handling and braking
What We Don't
Run-flat tires deliver a rather harsh ride; CUE screen and HVAC touch controls can be frustrating to operate when driving; front seats are a bit snug; new 8-speed automatic not available on AWD models
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: NYC
2014 S550
http://www.yelp.com/topic/atlanta-mi...run-flat-tires
I have a mini cooper S convertible with run flats (no place for a spare, though). They do make for a harsh ride, but the biggest problem is they are easily punctured and shops won't patch run flat tires (and they aren't cheap to replace
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From: Iowa
2025 EQS580
Ok, your reviews of the RFT's are very convincing.
Just curious. Does anyone here own the new S with 18 inch wheels and RFT's? I suppose the ride is not as harsh but still not up to par with non RFT's. I'd love to hear your comments.
Just curious. Does anyone here own the new S with 18 inch wheels and RFT's? I suppose the ride is not as harsh but still not up to par with non RFT's. I'd love to hear your comments.
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 730
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From: McComb MS
2014 Mercedes S550
Exactly! I thought I was the only one who felt weird on that. It has this "sense" of smoothness when you drive on a descent road. But hit a bump, and it's like the car mutates to something out of its character. As if it's telling you "this is not me, and I apologize for that."
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: NYC
2014 S550
Exactly! I thought I was the only one who felt weird on that. It has this "sense" of smoothness when you drive on a descent road. But hit a bump, and it's like the car mutates to something out of its character. As if it's telling you "this is not me, and I apologize for that."
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
You mention MB but you must be referring to MBUSA. In Europe MB does offer standard tyres.
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I had run flats on a sports car in the past, those run flats were really rough!
These on the 2014 S-Class are better than what I experienced in the past but still transfer more shock than what I think the S-Class image represents in ride quality.
I know my past experience with run flats was that temperature played a significant role in both traction and ride smoothness. So I can understand that Chucky would have a harsher ride since NY is rather cold right now. But that logic doesn't apply for Kratos in MS (I assume that MS is above 60 degrees at this point).
The roads here in central florida are pretty good (with a few exceptions, particularly construction zones) and also the temps are warm so I don't have a lot of complaints about ride quality but when I do hit bumps I do notice that the ride is more "sport like" rather than luxury feeling (meaning that the road surface feel is not only transferred to the steering wheel but the entire cabin).
Wish MB could rectify this. Overall I love this car, except for two things at this point; MB apps in the command (but I can ignore those) and the ride quality (which is rather difficult to ignore).
The ride is rather strange to explain IMO, is has a sense of smoothly floating down the road but when you go over a bump you definitely feel it. Very strange to me to be able to "float" and also feel the bumps.
These on the 2014 S-Class are better than what I experienced in the past but still transfer more shock than what I think the S-Class image represents in ride quality.
I know my past experience with run flats was that temperature played a significant role in both traction and ride smoothness. So I can understand that Chucky would have a harsher ride since NY is rather cold right now. But that logic doesn't apply for Kratos in MS (I assume that MS is above 60 degrees at this point).
The roads here in central florida are pretty good (with a few exceptions, particularly construction zones) and also the temps are warm so I don't have a lot of complaints about ride quality but when I do hit bumps I do notice that the ride is more "sport like" rather than luxury feeling (meaning that the road surface feel is not only transferred to the steering wheel but the entire cabin).
Wish MB could rectify this. Overall I love this car, except for two things at this point; MB apps in the command (but I can ignore those) and the ride quality (which is rather difficult to ignore).
The ride is rather strange to explain IMO, is has a sense of smoothly floating down the road but when you go over a bump you definitely feel it. Very strange to me to be able to "float" and also feel the bumps.
Link to my own version of this thread on that board:
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ugh-roads.html
BTW, I have P-Zero runflats on 19's on my current car, and find them to exhibit none of the issues I hear people complain about via RFT's. Mixed with the suspension geometry and chassis of this particular car, they're extremely quiet and smooth, vastly more so than my non-RFT E Class M-B's with even smaller wheels. I did some research and found that the Pirelli P-Zero RFT's are one of the better rated and regarded RFT's on the market.
Sounds to me like M-B's first foray into RFT's are similar to BMW's own growing pains when they first started using them.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 730
Likes: 2
From: McComb MS
2014 Mercedes S550
I hate to draw the comparison again, but this is exactly my complaint with my recent E Classes, which had no RFT's and just 18" wheels. Which is why I think M-B's suspension/chassis dynamics are what are truly flawed when it comes to trying to mix an essence of "sport" with comfort. You get essentially the opposite of what a good suspension should do, which is be smooth over bumps, and tight through turns. Sounds to me like your S does what I criticized my E's for doing: Floaty through turns, and harsh over bumps, which is the worst mix.
Link to my own version of this thread on that board:
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ugh-roads.html
BTW, I have P-Zero runflats on 19's on my current car, and find them to exhibit none of the issues I hear people complain about via RFT's. Mixed with the suspension geometry and chassis of this particular car, they're extremely quiet and smooth, vastly more so than my non-RFT E Class M-B's with even smaller wheels. I did some research and found that the Pirelli P-Zero RFT's are one of the better rated and regarded RFT's on the market.
Sounds to me like M-B's first foray into RFT's are similar to BMW's own growing pains when they first started using them.
Link to my own version of this thread on that board:
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ugh-roads.html
BTW, I have P-Zero runflats on 19's on my current car, and find them to exhibit none of the issues I hear people complain about via RFT's. Mixed with the suspension geometry and chassis of this particular car, they're extremely quiet and smooth, vastly more so than my non-RFT E Class M-B's with even smaller wheels. I did some research and found that the Pirelli P-Zero RFT's are one of the better rated and regarded RFT's on the market.
Sounds to me like M-B's first foray into RFT's are similar to BMW's own growing pains when they first started using them.
