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2018 S450 4Matic, 2021 Toyota Tundra, 2010 GL350 (sold)
Tires for 2018 S450 4Matic
I have a new to me 2018 S450 4Matic and I’m in love, and several of you know. My wife is starting to suspect something. 🤫
The tires have some life left, but I want to start thinking about a new set given the winter weather coming up. I’d appreciate some advice from the real MB experts here because I am not a smart man.
Please keep in mind that I’m in Texas so we DO get some snow about every decade or so. When that happens it’s a total calamity and the whole state shuts down, so I won’t be driving in snow. It’s pretty hilarious when that happens.
I think I’m mostly interested in a very smooth and quiet ride with the ability to handle some rain from time to time. Most of my driving will be highway miles between 70-90mph on Distronic Plus. I’m not concerned about any brand loyalty or anything like that.
Anyone have any thoughts about what I should look at?
The original tire and wheel info on the data card are:
R02 All Season Tyres R17 19” Alloy Wheel 5 Double Spoke Des. Mixed Tires R66 Tire with Run-Flat Properties
I’m not sure if Run-Flat is the way to go or not. I’ve read they are louder and the ride is worse. Is that true? Is it worth having anyway?
You can also use MO tires , run flats are harder but don't render S Class as a tractor either .However, once you drive a car with a conventional tires , you should be able to feel the difference on the rough roads
I just bought a 2019 with 20" wheels and Michelin run flats and the ride and sound is very different from my 2016 with 19s and Pirelli P7 AS+ tires. I'm switching wheels between the cars and that will make the 2019 much more enjoyable.
I had Pirelli PZero A/S3 on my S560 and they were excellent, had the previous 2 version on it before. Soft, quiet but still gave the car a sporty feel. Same wheels you have,
For TireRack, ignore their survey result data but do look at their instrumented reviews where they compare and rate tires against each other.
I have stock Michelin MOE run flats on mine. Ride is fine and I like the peace of mind they give. Considering your situation and hoping for fantastic treatment results, being able to get down the road in an emergency could be a huge benefit.
I’ve got the Michelin MO runflats now, but will be changing to Bridgestone RE980AS+ non-runflats next.
Changing from RF tires on my previous BMW made a huge difference in ride/comfort/handling.
I’ve purchased a spare/jack/tool set for the 222, as I’ve seen coworkers with MO tires left stranded when they hit debris which shredded the tire (runflat doesn’t, if sidewall is damaged).
The cost savings on the first set of tires pays for the spare/tools. The better ride is a bonus.
On the wife’s Benz, we’ve run Michelin AS3+ (noisy), Conti DWS06+, Conti ProContact, and the Bridgestones. Bridgestones gave us the best comfort/quiet/durability mix of the bunch.
I carry a tire repair kit and basic tools, screw in plugs and a compressor. If it’s a catastrophic blowout I’ll call roadside assistance and deal with it.
I’ve used run flats with punctures and it’s really nice. Check the tire then drive to a shop. Easy. And if I have to drive 100 miles to a shop I’ll do it. I’ll go for a new replacement then. I’ll pretend I’m in F1 or NASCAR trying to get to the pits, but much slower.
2018 S450 4Matic, 2021 Toyota Tundra, 2010 GL350 (sold)
I decided to go with the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 tires which are NOT run-flat tires. Why? Well, for one thing they will provided a better and quieter ride. But there is another reason I don’t think anyone mentioned, but maybe I missed it.
Cracked wheels.
These wheels are crazy expensive and run-flat tire walls are very rigid and have a tendency to damage the wheel, especially these wheels.
My insurance agent is a friend and he told me to call anyone I want for a repair or a tow and to just send him the bill, so I’m covered on that end.
I greatly appreciate all the advice and opinions given. Learning a lot and I love it!
I have the Pirelli P Zero AS 3 Plus tires as well. Great performance in dry & rain. Better turn in than P Zero summer only RF. I suggest you pick up an AirMan ResQ Pro+ tire repair kit in case you have a flat. German designed and under $56 on Amazon. Also available on Griots Garage website. Allows you to drive up to 120 miles before repair.
2018 S450 4Matic, 2021 Toyota Tundra, 2010 GL350 (sold)
Originally Posted by blackbullit
I have the Pirelli P Zero AS 3 Plus tires as well. Great performance in dry & rain. Better turn in than P Zero summer only RF. I suggest you pick up an AirMan ResQ Pro+ tire repair kit in case you have a flat. German designed and under $56 on Amazon. Also available on Griots Garage website. Allows you to drive up to 120 miles before repair.
Thank you for the tip. I made out like a bandit on these tires - our the door with four new tires for $622. Front two were low enough for the warranty replacement I had with the car and when I went back when the tires were available to put on, they found a rebate for Pirelli they applied to everything.
These tires are a big improvement over the OEM which the car had in it. Handles better, better ride, smoother, quieter. Thanks for the advice everyone.
Also thanks for the tip on this repair tool. I didn’t know something like this existed.
Question on the repair kit ... the one I carry plugs into a 'cigarette lighter'. The AirMan compressor has a couple of alligator clamps for power, where would you connect them?
Question on the repair kit ... the one I carry plugs into a 'cigarette lighter'. The AirMan compressor has a couple of alligator clamps for power, where would you connect them?
To the positive and neutral terminals under the hood
2018 S450 4Matic, 2021 Toyota Tundra, 2010 GL350 (sold)
Originally Posted by SW20S
To the positive and neutral terminals under the hood
Are the cables long enough to reach the rear tires?
Now that I have the Pirelli P Zero AS 3 Plus tires on the car I know I made the right decision. Great improvement in ride. Spending $622 for a new set of those was also very nice as I was expecting it to be $1600 when I started looking.
I would use a 12v outlet for the pump. You should have a 12 v plug on the unit to plug in the trunk 12 v outlet or the one between the front seats. Just be sure to start the engine before you use the pump.
Last edited by blackbullit; Jan 4, 2025 at 04:04 PM.
2018 S450 4Matic, 2021 Toyota Tundra, 2010 GL350 (sold)
Originally Posted by blackbullit
I would use a 12v outlet for the pump. You should have a 12 v plug on the unit to plug in the trunk 12 v outlet or the one between the front seats. Just be sure to start the engine before you use the pump.
Yup - that’s right. I didn’t think about that. 👍 Thanks.
2018 S450 4Matic, 2021 Toyota Tundra, 2010 GL350 (sold)
Originally Posted by SW20S
I also would just use the 12V outlet
Hey this thing arrived today and it’s a perfect fit on the left or right side bungee area of the truck. Many thanks for the suggestion. I’m loving the non-run-flat tires and now I’m less concerned (still have tow if needed).
Brings up another question from me… shocking I know… 😂
If the S450 with AirMatic is ever needing to be towed, that should be on a flat bed correct?
Hey this thing arrived today and it’s a perfect fit on the left or right side bungee area of the truck. Many thanks for the suggestion. I’m loving the non-run-flat tires and now I’m less concerned (still have tow if needed).
Brings up another question from me… shocking I know… 😂
If the S450 with AirMatic is ever needing to be towed, that should be on a flat bed correct?
If your car is RWD, then it can likely be towed conventionally. But I would still insist on a flatbed.
Regarding that tire goo and pump set, this is what MB puts in their cars that don't come with RFT's or spare tires, so it's a good thing to have when switching to standard tires. Just keep in mind that if you do have to use it, it will likely fry out the TPMS sensor for that wheel and that will have to be replaced when the tire is repaired or replaced. When you lift the the trunk shelf, you'll notice that there is a good amount of storage where the spare tire would go, so you can store the pump and a set of jumper cables in there and not intrude into your normal trunk space.
2018 S450 4Matic, 2021 Toyota Tundra, 2010 GL350 (sold)
Originally Posted by DaveW68
If your car is RWD, then it can likely be towed conventionally. But I would still insist on a flatbed.
Regarding that tire goo and pump set, this is what MB puts in their cars that don't come with RFT's or spare tires, so it's a good thing to have when switching to standard tires. Just keep in mind that if you do have to use it, it will likely fry out the TPMS sensor for that wheel and that will have to be replaced when the tire is repaired or replaced. When you lift the the trunk shelf, you'll notice that there is a good amount of storage where the spare tire would go, so you can store the pump and a set of jumper cables in there and not intrude into your normal trunk space.
Okay we will always make sure it’s a flatbed IF that ever comes up.
Great tip on the storage under the trunk shelf. Fits perfectly and I found an older smaller one in there which I will leave as a backup in case of failure.
Also noted on the TPMS. Makes sense. That’s a ton cheaper than replacing a wheel. 😁
If you already have a 12V compressor, then why bother with slime (which can damage the TPMS)?
Just go to NAPA or any other parts store, get a plug kit, carry the plug kit plus some basic tools (plier to pull nails/screws/??? from the tire, wrench/jack to be able to remove the wheel if necessary to find the offending leak), gloves, etc, and plug the tire on the side of the road?
Then you can simply drive on to your destination and not have to worry about having the tire dismounted, cleaned, TPMS replaced, etc.
In my years I've plugged plenty of tires and have never had any issue at all. I've even plugged a hole where 3 plugs were required to seal the leak - and this lasted for the remainder of the life of the tire.
2018 S450 4Matic, 2021 Toyota Tundra, 2010 GL350 (sold)
Originally Posted by dmatre
If you already have a 12V compressor, then why bother with slime (which can damage the TPMS)?
Just go to NAPA or any other parts store, get a plug kit, carry the plug kit plus some basic tools (plier to pull nails/screws/??? from the tire, wrench/jack to be able to remove the wheel if necessary to find the offending leak), gloves, etc, and plug the tire on the side of the road?
Then you can simply drive on to your destination and not have to worry about having the tire dismounted, cleaned, TPMS replaced, etc.
In my years I've plugged plenty of tires and have never had any issue at all. I've even plugged a hole where 3 plugs were required to seal the leak - and this lasted for the remainder of the life of the tire.
Well, I bought the car because we will be traveling a lot to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston from DFW and that’s a rough ride for me in my Tundra. Sad to say but my 115lbs 5’0” wife is likely stronger than I am right now. 💪 Most likely I will call for a flat bed but it’s a just in case thing for now. I’ve plugged a tire before and there’s just no way I’m going to be doing that for a while yet. 😊
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