Run flats questions
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 59
Likes: 6
From: Dallas suburbs
S550
Run flats questions
I recently picked up a 2015 s550 with 13k miles. This is my 6th s class, and I'm happy. But, this is my first experience with run flat tires. My biggest question is about how the tires hold up in a highway speed blowout situation. Do you still get some drivability or can the tires get shredded like non-rf versions?
i drive some long distance trips and sometimes a long way from any dealerships. I've used the MB towing service before, but it's nice to know I have a donut tire. Are there things to watch out for?
i've never had good life from tires on my s 550's but haven't had a blowout either.
i drive some long distance trips and sometimes a long way from any dealerships. I've used the MB towing service before, but it's nice to know I have a donut tire. Are there things to watch out for?
i've never had good life from tires on my s 550's but haven't had a blowout either.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 742
Likes: 228
From: Santa Barbara, CA
S550C4, Porsche Cayenne
I recently picked up a 2015 s550 with 13k miles. This is my 6th s class, and I'm happy. But, this is my first experience with run flat tires. My biggest question is about how the tires hold up in a highway speed blowout situation. Do you still get some drivability or can the tires get shredded like non-rf versions?
i drive some long distance trips and sometimes a long way from any dealerships. I've used the MB towing service before, but it's nice to know I have a donut tire. Are there things to watch out for?
i've never had good life from tires on my s 550's but haven't had a blowout either.
i drive some long distance trips and sometimes a long way from any dealerships. I've used the MB towing service before, but it's nice to know I have a donut tire. Are there things to watch out for?
i've never had good life from tires on my s 550's but haven't had a blowout either.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 779
Likes: 205
From: Texas
63 Falcon vert
I’ve had both and lost both. NRF blowout was saved by a donut that got me into town. RF separated at tread/sidewall joint at hwy speed. Was near an off ramp and limped on the busted RF to a tire store for a new RF. Got lucky the had the correct size.
Personally I would prefer a spare but I gamble with RFs.
Personally I would prefer a spare but I gamble with RFs.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 573
Likes: 179
From: Half Moon Bay, CA
2016 S550e, 2005 Nissan Xterra 4x4, 1984 300ZX
There isn't really a place for the spare when the cars come with RF's. I haven't had a blow-out in last 10 years but did have one on my old Q45, but I was running low profile tires and hit a big bump. Either way I towed the car to my mechanic and bought new set of tires from Tire Rack. Some people have stuck a dount spare into their trunk, but I have the Plug-in Hybrid so my truck is already too small to begin with. So far I would prefer a little more performance but the AMG 19" wheels and the Michelin MXM MOE's (mercedes specfici) I am just fine with the ride. For sure a RF will hold up better than a non-RF hitting something and allowing you to get to a place for repair.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 431
S600
A run flat tire gives you 50 miles at 50 MPH to get somewhere to replace the tire.
A standard tire give you 0 miles at 0 MPH to get somewhere to replace the tire.
In both cases, you will be replacing the tire maybe the whole set.
Most of the time 50 MPH is not considered Highway speeds.
You may notice several handling anomalies::
steering may pull to one side,
brakes my cause the car to steer one way or the other,
acceleration may cause the car to steer one way or another.
Your gas mileage will su$k
Senior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 330
Likes: 119
From: Tennessee
2015 MB S550 & 2020 MB GLS 450
The 2015 I bought in 2019 is my first experience with RF. The tires were original (6,200 mi) and I have had two blowouts, one front and one rear. When the front passenger tire blew, I remember hitting a major pothole, but since tire pressure did not drop I did not think anything about it. Until a few days later I was on that side of the car and saw the bubble. Given the summer compound, I believe the age of the tires may have affected the blowouts.
What may be one factor in your decision is your tire size. I have the 20s and unless something has come out recently, there is no RF all season tire for the rear. My tires are summer tires. There are at least three all season RF choices with the 19s. As a result, while I have no issues with the RF, I am strongly considering non RF tires at next change.
What may be one factor in your decision is your tire size. I have the 20s and unless something has come out recently, there is no RF all season tire for the rear. My tires are summer tires. There are at least three all season RF choices with the 19s. As a result, while I have no issues with the RF, I am strongly considering non RF tires at next change.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,372
Likes: 945
W212 FL
Thanks for your relies , yes age of tires could be related to blowouts and to the best of my knowledge 10 years maximum a lifespan for tires .RFT could give you a chance to drive without getting stranded but in the end you have to hit the tire store
