I need to soften this thing up...
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Joined: Sep 2014
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S600
you compute the rolling diameter by:: rd = wd + (www*sh*2)/25.4
www*sh is the height of the sidewall
www*sh*2 is the added rolling diameter
/25.4 converts millimeters to inches.
Also note: the width of the tire on the road = www/25.4
And the wheel width should be ~= www/25.4 - 0.5-to-1.0
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 115
Likes: 21
From: Calgary
2014 S550 4matic, 2014 Corvette, 2016 Camaro SS 2011 Lexus RX350
My 2014 lists the same size 20,s but 245-50-18 as an alternative.
So.....you have the wrong size
you can look in your user manual it has alternates.
the gas filler lid lists sizes also
or. Sites like tire rack give tire circumference
So.....you have the wrong size
you can look in your user manual it has alternates.
the gas filler lid lists sizes also
or. Sites like tire rack give tire circumference
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,366
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From: Canada
A car
It is common knowledge in all of the most recent reviews that the S class's ride is no longer king. The RFTs don't help things, but if after switching to regular tires that you feel the ride is still too harsh, switch to the A8 or the Bentley Bentaga...
This is one of MANY reviews that speak to the ride of the S class being inferior to its rivals these days. T=9:31.
Last edited by superangrypenguin; Aug 3, 2019 at 12:30 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 8
Likes: 6
From: Atlanta, Ga
'19 S560 Iridium Silver
Psylon: Just got my 17 W222, and feel that the ride is pretty harsh as well. Tire guys say just get rid of the RF's, and you'll be happy. I was hoping to not have to go to a 19" rim. I was thinking of doing the same thing you did, keep the 20" rims and just go with Michelins (non RF)....which I've always bought. You think you felt a nice (softer) ride with the Michelins? I'm more of a cush ride guy, and don't really drive the car hard....so not too concerned about handling....the car will still handle great I feel. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!!
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
2015 S550 sedan with sport package
I have to preface by saying inquire with your Mercedes lead technician/svc manager directly for specific tires as they know the protocol for wheel changes etc. I use the dealer to mount my tires as they have the proper tools not to mess up my expensive as hell wheels up.. I have the sport package the ride is superb as well as the NVH innate with the car. I take full advantage of the sport and auto ride control button if pavements annoy me and it really works for me. However, from what you wrote about ride, either increase sidewall (smaller diameter wheel) offering more cush as mentioned by the other guys here, or test drive a Maybach to see how it rides, I might just do that myself and report back. Shock damping is calibrated for different versions of the base S, S sport pack, and Maybach. The side wall increase will squirm a little more on quick steering transitions with this stiff heavyish chassis but would offer a compliant straight line ride characteristic. I have a load of miles now on sport 4s. I must say that I do some spirited driving in this car and really enjoy the dynamics all round. Hard to believe this behemoth can actually carve curves ride great, and hold a normal conversation at double the legal speed limits in the desert west of course lol. LMK how things go! The rubber compound Michelin summer tires sport 4 S are calibrated for season speed and weight of the car as well as ride improvement relative to the shock valving, treadwear rates are far better than the runflat. If you are in a region where there is extremely cold an all season version a Michelin sport AS3 with correct speed rating is best.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireS...SortCode=60000
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireS...SortCode=60000
Last edited by Psylon; Mar 10, 2020 at 01:43 PM. Reason: add`l info
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 145
Likes: 11
From: Wellington, Florida, USA
2017 S-Class, 2016 GLC-Class
Just noting here and in another similar discussion that I decided on keeping the 20" wheels because they just look so darn good - and went with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. There's a very noticeable difference in quietness. However, very little noticeable difference in ride quality. My guess is that a set of brand new run flats would be so close to the same that it's not worth making the change if your primary goal is a softer ride. For that, you're definitely going to need to get smaller wheels...
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 437
Likes: 168
All Cars Lost To Hurricane Isaac (W124 E420 revived - added 88 Allante 14 S550, 17 S63
Just noting here and in another similar discussion that I decided on keeping the 20" wheels because they just look so darn good - and went with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. There's a very noticeable difference in quietness. However, very little noticeable difference in ride quality. My guess is that a set of brand new run flats would be so close to the same that it's not worth making the change if your primary goal is a softer ride. For that, you're definitely going to need to get smaller wheels...
I just switched to the Bridgestone Quiettrack on the S550 and I am absolutely blown away.
The difference between the two cars now is dramatic. The W222 S550 with Quietracks is the smoothest AND most quiet ride I have ever experienced in any car i have owned - which includes four S-Classes
it is a given that the S63 would have a "sportier" suspension, but the harshness extends beyond the suspension.
It is just not acceptable that the W222 engineering and project budget would result in NO spare, 50 miles of flat protection and a lifetime of harsh rides.
The stubborn side of "the best or nothing"
Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 141
Likes: 32
From: Portland, Maine
2020 S560 sedan, 2018 Volvo v90 Cross Country
I just went from the standard staggered setup 245/45/19 and 275/40/19 with Michelin Primacy to a TSW Clypse 19x8.5 ET32 with a set of Nokian 245/45/19 Hakkepelitta R3 snow tires. The ride is definitely improved, also the road holding ability in slush and 4-5" of snow is significantly better. I live in Maine and there is NO way I would use an all season tire here. They just don't work. I am taking off the MOE tires on my staggered setup and will sell them and go with Michelin PS3 or the Firestone Indy 500 for my dedicated summer setup.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,242
Likes: 628
From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
I have the opportunity to drive an S63 and a S550 regularly (daily is still W124). Both rides are too harsh for the high line MB S-Class.
I just switched to the Bridgestone Quiettrack on the S550 and I am absolutely blown away.
The difference between the two cars now is dramatic. The W222 S550 with Quietracks is the smoothest AND most quiet ride I have ever experienced in any car i have owned - which includes four S-Classes
it is a given that the S63 would have a "sportier" suspension, but the harshness extends beyond the suspension.
It is just not acceptable that the W222 engineering and project budget would result in NO spare, 50 miles of flat protection and a lifetime of harsh rides.
The stubborn side of "the best or nothing"
I just switched to the Bridgestone Quiettrack on the S550 and I am absolutely blown away.
The difference between the two cars now is dramatic. The W222 S550 with Quietracks is the smoothest AND most quiet ride I have ever experienced in any car i have owned - which includes four S-Classes
it is a given that the S63 would have a "sportier" suspension, but the harshness extends beyond the suspension.
It is just not acceptable that the W222 engineering and project budget would result in NO spare, 50 miles of flat protection and a lifetime of harsh rides.
The stubborn side of "the best or nothing"
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 145
Likes: 11
From: Wellington, Florida, USA
2017 S-Class, 2016 GLC-Class
I've seen people say there was a night and day difference between the run flats and the Michelin's I have now. I think different people just feel different things. I feel very little difference between the old run flats that were worn and needed to be replaced, and the brand new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 349
From: Huntington NY
S560
I have the opportunity to drive an S63 and a S550 regularly (daily is still W124). Both rides are too harsh for the high line MB S-Class.
I just switched to the Bridgestone Quiettrack on the S550 and I am absolutely blown away.
The difference between the two cars now is dramatic. The W222 S550 with Quietracks is the smoothest AND most quiet ride I have ever experienced in any car i have owned - which includes four S-Classes
it is a given that the S63 would have a "sportier" suspension, but the harshness extends beyond the suspension.
It is just not acceptable that the W222 engineering and project budget would result in NO spare, 50 miles of flat protection and a lifetime of harsh rides.
The stubborn side of "the best or nothing"
I just switched to the Bridgestone Quiettrack on the S550 and I am absolutely blown away.
The difference between the two cars now is dramatic. The W222 S550 with Quietracks is the smoothest AND most quiet ride I have ever experienced in any car i have owned - which includes four S-Classes
it is a given that the S63 would have a "sportier" suspension, but the harshness extends beyond the suspension.
It is just not acceptable that the W222 engineering and project budget would result in NO spare, 50 miles of flat protection and a lifetime of harsh rides.
The stubborn side of "the best or nothing"
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 437
Likes: 168
All Cars Lost To Hurricane Isaac (W124 E420 revived - added 88 Allante 14 S550, 17 S63
Thanks for your comments - good ones at that
It is smoother now than with the RFT
Maybe by 2019 they have it right - but it is a tough engineering feat to get the suspension tuned to assist with the lack of tire sidewall absorption over larger "bumps".as is standard on premium luxury tires.. of course if it were easy, the forums world wide would not have the complaints because MB would have had it right day one... but its a toughie...
In addition to that noted above - a smooth ride is definitely relative....the amount of complaints from lifelong (me - 27years) owners like myself in the forums at least indicates that there are many that do care and expect a top tier luxury automobile to have a ride quality that is also top tier.
for at least some of us, we demand a "better" ride than the RFT provides in our respective model year and options...for others the ride may be great as is, and that is fine ...MB certainly likes to hear that...
It is smoother now than with the RFT
Maybe by 2019 they have it right - but it is a tough engineering feat to get the suspension tuned to assist with the lack of tire sidewall absorption over larger "bumps".as is standard on premium luxury tires.. of course if it were easy, the forums world wide would not have the complaints because MB would have had it right day one... but its a toughie...
In addition to that noted above - a smooth ride is definitely relative....the amount of complaints from lifelong (me - 27years) owners like myself in the forums at least indicates that there are many that do care and expect a top tier luxury automobile to have a ride quality that is also top tier.
for at least some of us, we demand a "better" ride than the RFT provides in our respective model year and options...for others the ride may be great as is, and that is fine ...MB certainly likes to hear that...
I'm guessing you are driving an S550 with 20" rims? If not there its something wrong- an S550 on 19's is a very smooth riding vehicle even more so if you swap out the RFTs. My 2019 with RFTs is smoother than my 2015 with non-RFT Michelins (both 19"). It rides so well now I can't see any reason to swap them out as I have done in the past.
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Joined: Sep 2014
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S600
Those large wheels ONLY look great to those who don't have a clue as to what they are looking at.
The ONLY reason to use wheels larger thatn 18" is to be able to fit larger brakes (and colipers) inside the wheel.
This is why the Endurance race cars use large wheels--they don't use them because they are faster, or have a better ride, they use them because the brakes last longer and stop better.
So think about the last time you needed to stop 7,000 times in a row from high speeds (> 120 MPH) This is where the larger brakes come into play,
NOT when doing the 1-2-3-4-5 stops from moderately high speeds (<90 MPH).
Uneducated people think that if they see it on a race car it has to be better--well it is better for a specific application--it is not better in general.
Wheels larger than (about) 18" have LESS traction than larger wheels, less traction for acceleration, deceleration, and cornering.
The rotating mass is larger, leading to longer acceleration and deceleration intervals.
To me those large wheels and thin tires speaks Gheto not Go Get 'Em.
but these are not sports cars,
This is why the Endurance race cars use large wheels--they don't use them because they are faster, or have a better ride, they use them because the brakes last longer and stop better.
so why some folks insist on losing the truly amazing ride comfort these cars are capable of,
NOT when doing the 1-2-3-4-5 stops from moderately high speeds (<90 MPH).
just to have a better wheel look, is way beyond me.
Wheels larger than (about) 18" have LESS traction than larger wheels, less traction for acceleration, deceleration, and cornering.
The rotating mass is larger, leading to longer acceleration and deceleration intervals.
To me those large wheels and thin tires speaks Gheto not Go Get 'Em.
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,173
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S600
Well, I’ll disagree. I know exactly what I am looking at and I think a W222 with 20’s looks sensational. That said, I would never have 20’s on my car, as I value ride quality much more than a sexy look, especially on a stately sedan. I did, however, compromise on my SL. I retrofitted the AMG Ceramic Composite brakes to it and 19’s were the smallest wheels that would clear the front calipers. On that car, which is rarely driven and only over near perfect roadways, I’m willing to give a bit on the ride quality to have those brakes. I also wanted the AMG forged, polished wheels, so it worked out great.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 742
Likes: 228
From: Santa Barbara, CA
S550C4, Porsche Cayenne
I've seen people say there was a night and day difference between the run flats and the Michelin's I have now. I think different people just feel different things. I feel very little difference between the old run flats that were worn and needed to be replaced, and the brand new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 742
Likes: 228
From: Santa Barbara, CA
S550C4, Porsche Cayenne
Uneducated people think that if they see it on a race car it has to be better--well it is better for a specific application--it is not better in general.
Wheels larger than (about) 18" have LESS traction than larger wheels, less traction for acceleration, deceleration, and cornering.
The rotating mass is larger, leading to longer acceleration and deceleration intervals.
To me those large wheels and thin tires speaks Gheto not Go Get 'Em.
Wheels larger than (about) 18" have LESS traction than larger wheels, less traction for acceleration, deceleration, and cornering.
The rotating mass is larger, leading to longer acceleration and deceleration intervals.
To me those large wheels and thin tires speaks Gheto not Go Get 'Em.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,242
Likes: 628
From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
The ONLY reason to use wheels larger thatn 18" is to be able to fit larger brakes (and colipers) inside the wheel.
This is why the Endurance race cars use large wheels--they don't use them because they are faster, or have a better ride, they use them because the brakes last longer and stop better.
This is why the Endurance race cars use large wheels--they don't use them because they are faster, or have a better ride, they use them because the brakes last longer and stop better.
So think about the last time you needed to stop 7,000 times in a row from high speeds (> 120 MPH) This is where the larger brakes come into play,
NOT when doing the 1-2-3-4-5 stops from moderately high speeds (<90 MPH).
NOT when doing the 1-2-3-4-5 stops from moderately high speeds (<90 MPH).
Uneducated people think that if they see it on a race car it has to be better--well it is better for a specific application--it is not better in general.
Wheels larger than (about) 18" have LESS traction than larger wheels, less traction for acceleration, deceleration, and cornering.
The rotating mass is larger, leading to longer acceleration and deceleration intervals.
To me those large wheels and thin tires speaks Gheto not Go Get 'Em.
Wheels larger than (about) 18" have LESS traction than larger wheels, less traction for acceleration, deceleration, and cornering.
The rotating mass is larger, leading to longer acceleration and deceleration intervals.
To me those large wheels and thin tires speaks Gheto not Go Get 'Em.
It seems that the biggest stink to the 19 & 20" wheel options is that they come standard with run-flats and no spare option. I don't care for the RFT's either and will be swapping them out for standard rubber when these are worn out.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 742
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From: Santa Barbara, CA
S550C4, Porsche Cayenne
They are staggered and quite a bit wider in the back than the stock 18's. ... and the lower profile tires handle significantly better in the twisties. The only advantage to the taller profile 18's are the rolley-polley softer ride (if that's what you like) and they are less apt to bending when hitting potholes.
It seems that the biggest stink to the 19 & 20" wheel options is that they come standard with run-flats and no spare option. I don't care for the RFT's either and will be swapping them out for standard rubber when these are worn out.
It seems that the biggest stink to the 19 & 20" wheel options is that they come standard with run-flats and no spare option. I don't care for the RFT's either and will be swapping them out for standard rubber when these are worn out.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 145
Likes: 11
From: Wellington, Florida, USA
2017 S-Class, 2016 GLC-Class
Dave, we were all already thinking this about his comments but didn't care to waste our time. :p
This is only your opinion and I highly doubt that it is shared by many S-class owners. The optional stock 20's available on the AMG bodied W222 aren't hooptie wheels. I happen to think that the 20" stock wheels on my S look fantastic....1000x better than the stock 18's that MB offered as the base wheels. And as soon as this crappy winter weather is over, I'll be putting them back on for summer duty.
Another baseless opinion. The 20" wheels offered as an option on these cars look soooo much better than any of the 18 or 19" options. And it is factually incorrect that the 20's have longer or worse stopping than 19 or 20's. The 20's have the same rolling diameter as the base 18's.
Useless conjecture. The S isn't a track car. The 20" wheels are visually more appealing to most people with a discernable eye for style.
Uneducated? That's funny!! Perhaps you should take a look in the mirror when you say that. Have you even seen the 20's in person that MB offers as an option? They are staggered and quite a bit wider in the back than the stock 18's. They hook wayy better than the higher profile narrow 18's and the lower profile tires handle significantly better in the twisties. The only advantage to the taller profile 18's are the rolley-polley softer ride (if that's what you like) and they are less apt to bending when hitting potholes. I think you're confusing the 20's with 22 or 24" ghetto wheels running rubber-band tires....which these certainly are not.
It seems that the biggest stink to the 19 & 20" wheel options is that they come standard with run-flats and no spare option. I don't care for the RFT's either and will be swapping them out for standard rubber when these are worn out.
Another baseless opinion. The 20" wheels offered as an option on these cars look soooo much better than any of the 18 or 19" options. And it is factually incorrect that the 20's have longer or worse stopping than 19 or 20's. The 20's have the same rolling diameter as the base 18's.
Useless conjecture. The S isn't a track car. The 20" wheels are visually more appealing to most people with a discernable eye for style.
Uneducated? That's funny!! Perhaps you should take a look in the mirror when you say that. Have you even seen the 20's in person that MB offers as an option? They are staggered and quite a bit wider in the back than the stock 18's. They hook wayy better than the higher profile narrow 18's and the lower profile tires handle significantly better in the twisties. The only advantage to the taller profile 18's are the rolley-polley softer ride (if that's what you like) and they are less apt to bending when hitting potholes. I think you're confusing the 20's with 22 or 24" ghetto wheels running rubber-band tires....which these certainly are not.
It seems that the biggest stink to the 19 & 20" wheel options is that they come standard with run-flats and no spare option. I don't care for the RFT's either and will be swapping them out for standard rubber when these are worn out.
