The Run Flat Tires on my 2018 S560......AMAZING!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,154
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
The Run Flat Tires on my 2018 S560......AMAZING!
Well, for those of you who know me on this site, I think you will agree that what I am about to say is nothing short of earthshaking! I have driven my new 2018 S560 about sixty miles so far. It is equipped with 18" wheels and Bridgestone Turanza EL400 MOExtended or "run flat tires." This is how the car came from the factory. Well, I'm amazed to say that one of two things is certain: either these tires are day and night better riding than the RFT that were original equipment on my 2015 S550, or MB has made phenomenal changes to the suspension of the car. I say this, because the ride is excellent and I must say that I am very impressed. The tires make a bit more noise on the freeway than the conventional tires I had on my 2015, but they are certainly acceptable, whereas the RFT on my 2015, IMO, were completely unacceptable for both comfort and noise level.
As it turns out, I had the dealer agree to swap out the RFT for my favorite Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus tires. That should be done in a few days. I can't wait to compare the ride and noise level and I'll be sure to post my thoughts here. In the mean time, if you need new RFT, I'd have to say that the Bridgestone EL400's are truly worth a try.
As it turns out, I had the dealer agree to swap out the RFT for my favorite Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus tires. That should be done in a few days. I can't wait to compare the ride and noise level and I'll be sure to post my thoughts here. In the mean time, if you need new RFT, I'd have to say that the Bridgestone EL400's are truly worth a try.
Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 127
Likes: 27
From: Lincoln, CA
2018 S450
Well, for those of you who know me on this site, I think you will agree that what I am about to say is nothing short of earthshaking! I have driven my new 2018 S560 about sixty miles so far. It is equipped with 18" wheels and Bridgestone Turanza EL400 MOExtended or "run flat tires." This is how the car came from the factory. Well, I'm amazed to say that one of two things is certain: either these tires are day and night better riding than the RFT that were original equipment on my 2015 S550, or MB has made phenomenal changes to the suspension of the car. I say this, because the ride is excellent and I must say that I am very impressed. The tires make a bit more noise on the freeway than the conventional tires I had on my 2015, but they are certainly acceptable, whereas the RFT on my 2015, IMO, were completely unacceptable for both comfort and noise level.
As it turns out, I had the dealer agree to swap out the RFT for my favorite Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus tires. That should be done in a few days. I can't wait to compare the ride and noise level and I'll be sure to post my thoughts here. In the mean time, if you need new RFT, I'd have to say that the Bridgestone EL400's are truly worth a try.
As it turns out, I had the dealer agree to swap out the RFT for my favorite Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus tires. That should be done in a few days. I can't wait to compare the ride and noise level and I'll be sure to post my thoughts here. In the mean time, if you need new RFT, I'd have to say that the Bridgestone EL400's are truly worth a try.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: FL & CT
2015 S550 Palladium/Deep Sea Blue, 2016 Tesla Model S 70D, 2015 Volvo XC70
My 2015 S550 was delivered April 2015 with EL400s. They are my only experience with runflats and I never really found them lacking, so I've never taken part in the runflat bashing on this or any car forum.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 493
From: Birmingham, AL
2019 S560, 2022 Audi S8
My 2015 BMW 750 Li had RFTs and they were the best tires I've ever had on any car (ever!). They were staggered and still had 5Kmiles of tread left on them at 35,000 miles. I miss that car.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,154
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I have the exact same tire on my S450 and I agree they are not bad for a RFT! I still plan on replacing them when they wear down. Did your 2015 S550 also have 18" tires? The extra sidewall on the 18" makes a big difference. I had 20" on my C300 and the ride was harsh.
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Super Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 706
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2018 S 650, 2014 SL 550, 2017 911 TTS Cab, '13 F458 Spider
well Streamliner, that is hard to believe, coming from you, amazing in fact, lol
glad you like the ride and thanks for posting
how is the road noise compared to your '15 S550? We have had reports on this forum that there is more road noise on the '18 vs '14 or '15 similar cars
I have a '15 S550 and looking at getting an '18 S560, so any feedback you can provide will be very helpful, thanks
glad you like the ride and thanks for posting
how is the road noise compared to your '15 S550? We have had reports on this forum that there is more road noise on the '18 vs '14 or '15 similar cars
I have a '15 S550 and looking at getting an '18 S560, so any feedback you can provide will be very helpful, thanks
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,154
Likes: 4,380
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
well Streamliner, that is hard to believe, coming from you, amazing in fact, lol
glad you like the ride and thanks for posting
how is the road noise compared to your '15 S550? We have had reports on this forum that there is more road noise on the '18 vs '14 or '15 similar cars
I have a '15 S550 and looking at getting an '18 S560, so any feedback you can provide will be very helpful, thanks
glad you like the ride and thanks for posting
how is the road noise compared to your '15 S550? We have had reports on this forum that there is more road noise on the '18 vs '14 or '15 similar cars
I have a '15 S550 and looking at getting an '18 S560, so any feedback you can provide will be very helpful, thanks
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
S550 4-Matic, BMW 335d, BMW 540i, BMW M Roadster
My previous car, a BMW 750Li M Sport came with 19" wheels and Pirelli P Zero run flat tires. Initially, I was never satisfied with how the car rode and after a few thousand miles, it sounded like all the wheel bearings were bad! So, I was tempted to try non run flat tires but didn't want to have a spare taking up space in the trunk. As a last ditch effort, I ditched the Pirelli's and fitted Michelin Primacy 3 ZP run flats. These totally transformed the car, it rode better, was far quieter and I thoroughly enjoyed the car thereafter. The 3 ZP's stayed quiet until fully worn and I highly recommend them. Fast forward to my 2016 S550 4-Matic, it has the same tire sizes as the 750 and came with Continental SSR run flats, whilst not as bad as the Pirelli's, they don't ride as well as the 3 ZP's, so I'm looking to switch soon. BTW, the S550 has 2 places with recommended tire pressures, one on the driver's side B pillar the other inside the gas filler door. The first calls for 38 PSI front and 39 rear, no option. The second says 32 front 32 rear for light loads. Since I usually have only 2 people with no luggage in the car, I use those pressures and find that the car rides much better. On my 3 Series BMW, I'm using the new Bridgestone Driveguard RFT and am loving them. They even ride better and quieter than the non run flat Conti DWS I had replaced the original RFT's with! Unfortunately they don't come in sizes to fit the S550.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 706
Likes: 50
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2018 S 650, 2014 SL 550, 2017 911 TTS Cab, '13 F458 Spider
Both cars are very quiet. When I get the tires swapped out and am comparing apples to apples, I’ll know for sure, but as of right now, my initial feeling is that the new car is more hushed. Depending on what option triggers the reduced trunk space, if you can live with the tiny trunk, as I will have to, I highly recommend this new model, but mind you, I’ve only driven her 60 miles so far.
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,379
Likes: 952
W212 FL
Nice to see your pleasantry on the tires . My car has 18" Goodyear tires and they ride incredibly smooth for a car that is epitomized by many as Ultimate Driving Machine .I have read that Run Flat Tires has their nose cut thru as well .However to make a better judgement you should be driving same specced car as yours with conventional tires
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 32
Likes: 16
From: Va.
2026 S580
I have commented a couple of different times about the suspension/tire improvements between my 15 and 17.Again, online material for the 17 said the suspension had been "re-engineered with lighter components for better response."Also my 17 weighs 100 lbs.less than the 15.Some of that is the 9G trans.Anyway,glad you're happy Stream!
Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 217
Likes: 15
From: Los Angeles, CA
S65, SL65
I learned from the dealer shop foreman this week that there is a special foam injected into the tires on Maybachs to enhance quietness. The tires may be a special spec as well. He mentioned they had to bring one back to re-do the foam insertion a second time.
Anyone know details?
Anyone know details?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,154
Likes: 4,380
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I learned from the dealer shop foreman this week that there is a special foam injected into the tires on Maybachs to enhance quietness. The tires may be a special spec as well. He mentioned they had to bring one back to re-do the foam insertion a second time.
Anyone know details?
Anyone know details?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 283
From: Canada
A car
I learned from the dealer shop foreman this week that there is a special foam injected into the tires on Maybachs to enhance quietness. The tires may be a special spec as well. He mentioned they had to bring one back to re-do the foam insertion a second time.
Anyone know details?
Anyone know details?
Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 217
Likes: 15
From: Los Angeles, CA
S65, SL65
Im sure there have been upgrades to the Maybach, but when I test drove a new 2015 model, I was tremendously underwhelmed. The car was no more quiet than my 2015 S550 and with the 20” wheels it had, did not ride as well. The particular car I drove also had a very noticeable “whine” sound coming from the engine bay. I guess foam in the tires is a nice touch, but some truly wonderful, cushy, conventional tires, along with a full size, matching spare in the trunk would be real luxury, at least to me. The Maybach is a compromised car and nothing more than a stretched W222, with the same tiny trunk. MB should have stretched the trunk area as well as the rear seat area and made the Maybach a true, unique, ultra luxury car—but they took the low rent route instead. Inexcusable.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,154
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
The new 2017 550 Maybach i drove recently was wonderful. Silent, quick enough and luxurious. Trunk's big enough - don't want the fridge...I'm a little concerned about dealing w/ the increased length, but otherwise, I'm liking these cars very much. If MB can't / won't solve the noise problem on my 560, I'll get a Maybach.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 61
Likes: 3
From: Norway
S560
The new 2017 550 Maybach i drove recently was wonderful. Silent, quick enough and luxurious. Trunk's big enough - don't want the fridge...I'm a little concerned about dealing w/ the increased length, but otherwise, I'm liking these cars very much. If MB can't / won't solve the noise problem on my 560, I'll get a Maybach.
My other problem with the Maybach, is that IMO, it looks like a car that an owner would ride in, driven by a chauffeur. Every now and then, I see someone driving a Maybach by themselves and it looks rather odd, at least to me. Is the driver running an errand for the owner? Why haul all that luxurious back seat capacity around with nobody riding in it? And, as you stated, with so many parking spaces shrinking in size, parking one of these things in a metro area would not be fun.
Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 217
Likes: 15
From: Los Angeles, CA
S65, SL65
My other problem with the Maybach, is that IMO, it looks like a car that an owner would ride in, driven by a chauffeur. Every now and then, I see someone driving a Maybach by themselves and it looks rather odd, at least to me. Is the driver running an errand for the owner? Why haul all that luxurious back seat capacity around with nobody riding in it? And, as you stated, with so many parking spaces shrinking in size, parking one of these things in a metro area would not be fun.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
2017 E300 4Matic
non run flat with compact spare?
Well, for those of you who know me on this site, I think you will agree that what I am about to say is nothing short of earthshaking! I have driven my new 2018 S560 about sixty miles so far. It is equipped with 18" wheels and Bridgestone Turanza EL400 MOExtended or "run flat tires." This is how the car came from the factory. Well, I'm amazed to say that one of two things is certain: either these tires are day and night better riding than the RFT that were original equipment on my 2015 S550, or MB has made phenomenal changes to the suspension of the car. I say this, because the ride is excellent and I must say that I am very impressed. The tires make a bit more noise on the freeway than the conventional tires I had on my 2015, but they are certainly acceptable, whereas the RFT on my 2015, IMO, were completely unacceptable for both comfort and noise level.
As it turns out, I had the dealer agree to swap out the RFT for my favorite Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus tires. That should be done in a few days. I can't wait to compare the ride and noise level and I'll be sure to post my thoughts here. In the mean time, if you need new RFT, I'd have to say that the Bridgestone EL400's are truly worth a try.
As it turns out, I had the dealer agree to swap out the RFT for my favorite Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus tires. That should be done in a few days. I can't wait to compare the ride and noise level and I'll be sure to post my thoughts here. In the mean time, if you need new RFT, I'd have to say that the Bridgestone EL400's are truly worth a try.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,493
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2014 S550 AMG, 2017 XT5
The Turanza EL400 RFT is Bridgestone's Standard Touring All-Season self-supporting run-flat replacement tire developed for Toyota Sienna* minivans originally equipped with run-flat tires. The Turanza EL400 RFT is designed to combine temporary extended mobility for a distance of at least 50 miles at up to 50 mph even after a puncture has allowed complete air pressure loss with dry, wet and wintertime traction, even in light snow.
The Turanza EL400 RFT tires feature an all-season rubber compound molded into a symmetric tread design with straight circumferential grooves to balance dry and wet road traction with noise comfort and hydroplaning resistance. The tire's internal structure includes twin steel belts reinforced by spirally wrapped nylon to blend high-speed durability with uniform ride quality. The structure of the Turanza EL400 RFT features Bridgestone Side Support Run-Flat technology-reinforced sidewalls specifically tuned to temporarily support the vehicle after a puncture causes complete loss of air pressure.
*The P225/60RF17 99T-sized Turanza EL400 RFT developed for Toyota Sienna minivans originally equipped with run-flat tires feature Bridgestone's 3rd generation run-flat tire (3G RFT) technology. The 3G RFT tires are designed to offer almost the same riding comfort as conventional tires while continuing to provide temporary extended mobility in the event a puncture allows complete air loss. While Bridgestone's "3G" identification isn't molded on the tire's sidewall, it is visually confirmed by the cooling fin technology molded into the sidewalls
The Turanza EL400 RFT tires feature an all-season rubber compound molded into a symmetric tread design with straight circumferential grooves to balance dry and wet road traction with noise comfort and hydroplaning resistance. The tire's internal structure includes twin steel belts reinforced by spirally wrapped nylon to blend high-speed durability with uniform ride quality. The structure of the Turanza EL400 RFT features Bridgestone Side Support Run-Flat technology-reinforced sidewalls specifically tuned to temporarily support the vehicle after a puncture causes complete loss of air pressure.
*The P225/60RF17 99T-sized Turanza EL400 RFT developed for Toyota Sienna minivans originally equipped with run-flat tires feature Bridgestone's 3rd generation run-flat tire (3G RFT) technology. The 3G RFT tires are designed to offer almost the same riding comfort as conventional tires while continuing to provide temporary extended mobility in the event a puncture allows complete air loss. While Bridgestone's "3G" identification isn't molded on the tire's sidewall, it is visually confirmed by the cooling fin technology molded into the sidewalls
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 2
From: S
PURCHASING S560
I thought I'd add my recent experience to this discussion. I purchased my 2019 S560 with the 18 inch wheel option, with the intent to swap to non RFTs after some period of use. The car came with Continental RFT (245/50R 18). (Thanks for your advice, Streamliner) I noticed upon receiving the new MB, that the RFTs where not as smooth or quiet as those similar Michelin non RFT tires I had on my previous Lexus LS 460. But not all that bad, except for the freeway "bumps."
After 8000 miles, I recently experienced a small (relatively speaking with an MB) front grill accident from a speeding parking lot cowboy. Getting the damage repaired, I was loaned a 15 year old Lexus LS 430 with 180K miles on the odometer. Wow, what memories of my previous LS 430! Plus, this old sedan rode quieter, and smoother than my new MB! Well, that did it. Upon receiving the car from the body shop, I marched into Discount Tire, and swapped the RFT Continentals for new Bridgestone Turanza "Quiet Tracs."
With only 100 miles on the new tires, I can say the ride is somewhat quieter than the Continentals. As for the smoothness, I'm not sure yet. My dilemma is what tire pressure is the best for the smoothness. Logic would have it that the lower pressures would be the best. I'm now ready to experiment, and would like any comments from the experts as to what pressures they prefer. Somewhere between 32 Psi. (fuel door figure), and 39 Psi. (door jam figure). Thanks to all on this site.
After 8000 miles, I recently experienced a small (relatively speaking with an MB) front grill accident from a speeding parking lot cowboy. Getting the damage repaired, I was loaned a 15 year old Lexus LS 430 with 180K miles on the odometer. Wow, what memories of my previous LS 430! Plus, this old sedan rode quieter, and smoother than my new MB! Well, that did it. Upon receiving the car from the body shop, I marched into Discount Tire, and swapped the RFT Continentals for new Bridgestone Turanza "Quiet Tracs."
With only 100 miles on the new tires, I can say the ride is somewhat quieter than the Continentals. As for the smoothness, I'm not sure yet. My dilemma is what tire pressure is the best for the smoothness. Logic would have it that the lower pressures would be the best. I'm now ready to experiment, and would like any comments from the experts as to what pressures they prefer. Somewhere between 32 Psi. (fuel door figure), and 39 Psi. (door jam figure). Thanks to all on this site.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 265
Likes: 21
From: San Diego
04 Lexus LS430
I thought I'd add my recent experience to this discussion. I purchased my 2019 S560 with the 18 inch wheel option, with the intent to swap to non RFTs after some period of use. The car came with Continental RFT (245/50R 18). (Thanks for your advice, Streamliner) I noticed upon receiving the new MB, that the RFTs where not as smooth or quiet as those similar Michelin non RFT tires I had on my previous Lexus LS 460. But not all that bad, except for the freeway "bumps."
After 8000 miles, I recently experienced a small (relatively speaking with an MB) front grill accident from a speeding parking lot cowboy. Getting the damage repaired, I was loaned a 15 year old Lexus LS 430 with 180K miles on the odometer. Wow, what memories of my previous LS 430! Plus, this old sedan rode quieter, and smoother than my new MB! Well, that did it. Upon receiving the car from the body shop, I marched into Discount Tire, and swapped the RFT Continentals for new Bridgestone Turanza "Quiet Tracs."
With only 100 miles on the new tires, I can say the ride is somewhat quieter than the Continentals. As for the smoothness, I'm not sure yet. My dilemma is what tire pressure is the best for the smoothness. Logic would have it that the lower pressures would be the best. I'm now ready to experiment, and would like any comments from the experts as to what pressures they prefer. Somewhere between 32 Psi. (fuel door figure), and 39 Psi. (door jam figure). Thanks to all on this site.
After 8000 miles, I recently experienced a small (relatively speaking with an MB) front grill accident from a speeding parking lot cowboy. Getting the damage repaired, I was loaned a 15 year old Lexus LS 430 with 180K miles on the odometer. Wow, what memories of my previous LS 430! Plus, this old sedan rode quieter, and smoother than my new MB! Well, that did it. Upon receiving the car from the body shop, I marched into Discount Tire, and swapped the RFT Continentals for new Bridgestone Turanza "Quiet Tracs."
With only 100 miles on the new tires, I can say the ride is somewhat quieter than the Continentals. As for the smoothness, I'm not sure yet. My dilemma is what tire pressure is the best for the smoothness. Logic would have it that the lower pressures would be the best. I'm now ready to experiment, and would like any comments from the experts as to what pressures they prefer. Somewhere between 32 Psi. (fuel door figure), and 39 Psi. (door jam figure). Thanks to all on this site.
