SL/R231: More About Tires ... Sorry.
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2017 SL450, 2017 Ford Expedition, 2007 CLK 550, 2019 Buick Enclave
More About Tires ... Sorry.
We are needing tires very soon for our 2017 ..450SL... I have read a LOT on here about tires for this car. I would like to stay with the stock size tires that MB put on there.
My wife drives this car most of the time. She is an author and drives to conventions and book signings and such... She really wants runflats... Is this a mistake?? The dealership has her liking the runflat because of her being on the road by herself some. Are Bridgestone and Continental the only choices? That's all the choices I have found. If it was my car, I would probably go with the Michelin Pilot...
Is this Continental tire a good tire? It gets such mixed reviews on here... I appreciate your help. This is a big decision for the car and I am confused about what to do.
Also, are these Continental run flats the tires that are causing wheel problems? We have AGM stamped on our wheels. I read increased pressure might eliminate the problem...correct??
My wife drives this car most of the time. She is an author and drives to conventions and book signings and such... She really wants runflats... Is this a mistake?? The dealership has her liking the runflat because of her being on the road by herself some. Are Bridgestone and Continental the only choices? That's all the choices I have found. If it was my car, I would probably go with the Michelin Pilot...
Is this Continental tire a good tire? It gets such mixed reviews on here... I appreciate your help. This is a big decision for the car and I am confused about what to do.
Also, are these Continental run flats the tires that are causing wheel problems? We have AGM stamped on our wheels. I read increased pressure might eliminate the problem...correct??
Last edited by Panama; Apr 9, 2021 at 04:54 PM.
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
Mercedes engineered the current SL with runflat tires as the OEM tire. I am satsfied with the factory spec Continental runflats that they installed on my SL during the CPO certification process.
Yes, you can improve the ride with non-runflats but you give up the security of being able t drive up to 50 miles on a flat tire.
If it were my car and my wife was the primary driver I'd stick with runflats. Others will disagree.
Yes, you can improve the ride with non-runflats but you give up the security of being able t drive up to 50 miles on a flat tire.
If it were my car and my wife was the primary driver I'd stick with runflats. Others will disagree.
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
Assuming that the car currently has runflats on it and she is happy with the ride of the car as it is, with her as the primary driver on the road by herself, it would seem to be a no brainer to replace them with another set of runflats. Just try to find the ones that will provide the best ride quality.
Last edited by MBNUT1; Apr 10, 2021 at 09:56 AM.
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2017 SL450, 2017 Ford Expedition, 2007 CLK 550, 2019 Buick Enclave
Thanks for the replies. I am trying to pay attention and help her with the decision. We bought the car pre-owned. It was a Mercedes leased car with all records and maintenance. It came directly from Mercedes. The owner had put on Pirelli tires. I think they were winter tires and he/she had another set for summer. So we do not have experience with runflats.
I think I am going to buy runflats. The reason is that she wants the added safety and if I bought other tires like the Michelin and something happened.......and it is not "my" car. If it was "my" car I would probably buy the Mich Pilots.. So I am trying to decide which ones and what tire pressure to run. I read several threads here and have researched a lot of reviews on runflats. And I just need help deciding what to do and exactly which to buy and pressures. Thanks.
I think I am going to buy runflats. The reason is that she wants the added safety and if I bought other tires like the Michelin and something happened.......and it is not "my" car. If it was "my" car I would probably buy the Mich Pilots.. So I am trying to decide which ones and what tire pressure to run. I read several threads here and have researched a lot of reviews on runflats. And I just need help deciding what to do and exactly which to buy and pressures. Thanks.
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
Go to tirerack.com. Put in your car details and it will bring up all tires available. It is hard to beat TireRack's prices but some tire stores will try and match them. I usually buy from TireRack and have them shipped directly to one of their recommended installers.
You may have 18s but if you have the AMG wheels you probably have 19s. Good luck.
You may have 18s but if you have the AMG wheels you probably have 19s. Good luck.
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2017 SL450, 2017 Ford Expedition, 2007 CLK 550, 2019 Buick Enclave
We have 19s.... Yesterday, I went to tirerack to check pricing and see the selections. I put in 2017 Mercedes SL450 .... AND put in RUNFLAT tires. They gave me 22 different tires to look at and I am pretty sure a lot of them are NOT runflats... It is pretty confusing.
Another concern is that I read on here about some tires that may cause the wheels to get cracks... And read about needing higher pressures to help prevent this. Are these Continental runflats the tires causing problems with the wheels?
I have owned so many cars that I cannot remember them all..sports cars, foreign cars, Corvettes, performance Jeeps, etc..... I have never owned a car with so many peculiarities and caused such research just to buy something like tires.....among other issues like the stereo sound quality....but I'll live through it.
Thanks for any help.
Another concern is that I read on here about some tires that may cause the wheels to get cracks... And read about needing higher pressures to help prevent this. Are these Continental runflats the tires causing problems with the wheels?
I have owned so many cars that I cannot remember them all..sports cars, foreign cars, Corvettes, performance Jeeps, etc..... I have never owned a car with so many peculiarities and caused such research just to buy something like tires.....among other issues like the stereo sound quality....but I'll live through it.
Thanks for any help.
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
Wheel problems including cracking is usually caused by potholes or curbs. While runflats do have stiffer sidewalls, this is what allows them to support themselves without any air, the newer generations ride much better than the older models. I have not seen any scientific data that links wheel cracking to the use of runflats. Proper inflation is important but I run 33-35 psi in my Continental runflats. This is lower than the recommendations by Mercedes but it helps soften the ride. If I am on a road trip with 2 people and a trunk full of luggage I will increase the psi in the rear tires to about 38 psi. The best indicator of proper pressure is even tire wear.
If you google wheel cracking you will find numerous reports in a variety of vehicles. I am active on the Corvette forum and there have been a number of reports of cracked wheels on C7 models. GM is replacing some wheels but the problem seems to be the wheels not the tires. GM is using low cost cast wheels with low profile runflat tires.
If you google wheel cracking you will find numerous reports in a variety of vehicles. I am active on the Corvette forum and there have been a number of reports of cracked wheels on C7 models. GM is replacing some wheels but the problem seems to be the wheels not the tires. GM is using low cost cast wheels with low profile runflat tires.
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2017 SL450, 2017 Ford Expedition, 2007 CLK 550, 2019 Buick Enclave
You have been very helpful. Thank you. Could you tell me the exact Continental tires you run? I am not sure if they make different models or whatever. I think I will.buy the exact same thing for my wife's car. I want to be specific and absolutely know I order the right thing. Thanks.
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
I have this tire: Continental ContiSportContact 5P SSR
CONTINENTAL
CONTISPORTCONTACT 5P SSR
Max Performance Summer
However, be advised that this is a "Summer" tire and does not perform well when the temperatures go below about 40 degrees F. It is runflat. I don't drive my SL in very cold weather or if there is any danger of snow or ice as these tires are very dangerous in any snow or ice.
If you plan to drive your car year round in temperatures that stay below 40 degrees I would recommend an All Season tire such as these. The second one is the latest version. I had these on my C7 Corvette and my wife has them on her Lexus RX. They perform well in all weather conditions. However, they are NOT runflats.
CONTINENTAL
EXTREMECONTACT DWS 06
or
CONTINENTAL
EXTREMECONTACT DWS 06 PLUS
CONTINENTAL
CONTISPORTCONTACT 5P SSR
Max Performance Summer
However, be advised that this is a "Summer" tire and does not perform well when the temperatures go below about 40 degrees F. It is runflat. I don't drive my SL in very cold weather or if there is any danger of snow or ice as these tires are very dangerous in any snow or ice.
If you plan to drive your car year round in temperatures that stay below 40 degrees I would recommend an All Season tire such as these. The second one is the latest version. I had these on my C7 Corvette and my wife has them on her Lexus RX. They perform well in all weather conditions. However, they are NOT runflats.
CONTINENTAL
EXTREMECONTACT DWS 06
or
CONTINENTAL
EXTREMECONTACT DWS 06 PLUS
Last edited by rmorin49; Apr 10, 2021 at 02:11 PM.
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From: Homeless
'20 Targa 4 DD, ' 18 Volvo S60 T6
Just look at the tire-rack compassion test matrix all the tires are so close it doesn't matter.
I always go for noise, comfort and durability and usually increase side wall by 5 (e.g 35-40 etc). My best experience has been with Pirelli. While they wear fast they take enourmous pot hole hits with out tire or rim damage and are great overall.
Tried to order Dunlop recently but the dropped the ball on the order. Michelin are way over priced - someone has to pay for motorsport haha.
Keep in mind all the tier 1 and tier 2 brands have really elevated their game with the flood of low price no name brands.
So far as run flats I refuse to run them....I'd rather call a tow truck for the once in 500.000 mike's I will get a flat. I am comfortable with roadside kit.
I always go for noise, comfort and durability and usually increase side wall by 5 (e.g 35-40 etc). My best experience has been with Pirelli. While they wear fast they take enourmous pot hole hits with out tire or rim damage and are great overall.
Tried to order Dunlop recently but the dropped the ball on the order. Michelin are way over priced - someone has to pay for motorsport haha.
Keep in mind all the tier 1 and tier 2 brands have really elevated their game with the flood of low price no name brands.
So far as run flats I refuse to run them....I'd rather call a tow truck for the once in 500.000 mike's I will get a flat. I am comfortable with roadside kit.
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Mini Electric
I love it when someone just comes out with a statement and is so confident that it's true. Maybe they all came with runflats in the US, but here in Europe they all came with standard tyres and a Tyrefit kit. Runflats weren't even an option in the UK.
That would make me think that the car was NOT engineered with runflats in mind. The same was true of the BMW F3X series. In Germany runflats were an option, we got them as standard. Those of us in the know replaced them with Michelin Pilot Sports.
Most of ours came with Pirelli PZero, Yokohama Advan Sport or Bridgestone Eagle.
Last edited by NIguy; Apr 11, 2021 at 02:57 PM.
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Shanks’s Pony
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Mini Electric
You guys were unlucky getting runflats. I hated the ones on my BMW 4 series. I also hate tyre inflation kits with sealant. I now carry a puncture repair kit and a compressor, one of those kits with sticky string and an auger to press them into the hole. Runflats are a problem to me. Yes you can drive on them for around 50 miles at up to 50mph, but if you do, then they can't be repaired and need replacing!
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
You guys were unlucky getting runflats. I hated the ones on my BMW 4 series. I also hate tyre inflation kits with sealant. I now carry a puncture repair kit and a compressor, one of those kits with sticky string and an auger to press them into the hole. Runflats are a problem to me. Yes you can drive on them for around 50 miles at up to 50mph, but if you do, then they can't be repaired and need replacing!
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Mini Electric
A proper blowout on a runflat would actually leave you just as stranded to be fair. I think the only place where they are useful is on a motorway/interstate, where you risk your life pulling over with traffic whizzing past at 80mph.
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2010 E350 4Matic
Kind of missing the point of the original post. The OP's wife does not want to stop if she gets a flat. Which is perfectly reasonable. Runflats will in all likelihood facilitate that need.
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2017 SL450, 2017 Ford Expedition, 2007 CLK 550, 2019 Buick Enclave
I really don't believe salesmen. So I came here to ask about runflats for the SL. I have never owned any and the SL is such a peculiar car to me that I wanted to investigate the right thing to do....and ask about different brands ...the good and the bad.
If I forced her to NOT get runflats and something happened unforseen, then I would feel really bad - and rightfully so. Right now, I have her researching pros and cons of runflats. She is an author and very good with media. We have AAA...and my SUGGESTION is to buy the Michelin or Pirelli REGULAR tires and sit in the car and lock the doors and call AAA...AND carry the slime and a compressor...and maybe a plug kit if I am available.
I don't know how this will end and I thank everyone for their help. The runflats keep talking about newer technology and the new ones being better. This whole "car without a spare" thing is new to me and tires are SO IMPORTANT..that I am trying to help her do the right thing....with a subject I am ignorant about but trying to learn. Maybe this explains it better...
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Shanks’s Pony
Who knows why they specified run-flats for the USA market. I've never heard anything good about them and apparently the ride is harsher and the wheels heavier.
My son had a set on his BMW X6 and the ride improvement on that car, was like night and day when he swapped them out for regular tyres.
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Shanks’s Pony
Thank you. If I was the main driver, it would be a different story. I have a concealed carry license and don't worry about a breakdown. I also drive a new Expedition and I have a spare. The SL doesn't. Also my wife had her SL in for service and the salesperson has her sold on runflats. Believe it or not, they did not even want to price anything else except runflats for her.
I really don't believe salesmen. So I came here to ask about runflats for the SL. I have never owned any and the SL is such a peculiar car to me that I wanted to investigate the right thing to do....and ask about different brands ...the good and the bad.
If I forced her to NOT get runflats and something happened unforseen, then I would feel really bad - and rightfully so. Right now, I have her researching pros and cons of runflats. She is an author and very good with media. We have AAA...and my SUGGESTION is to buy the Michelin or Pirelli REGULAR tires and sit in the car and lock the doors and call AAA...AND carry the slime and a compressor...and maybe a plug kit if I am available.
I don't know how this will end and I thank everyone for their help. The runflats keep talking about newer technology and the new ones being better. This whole "car without a spare" thing is new to me and tires are SO IMPORTANT..that I am trying to help her do the right thing....with a subject I am ignorant about but trying to learn. Maybe this explains it better...
I really don't believe salesmen. So I came here to ask about runflats for the SL. I have never owned any and the SL is such a peculiar car to me that I wanted to investigate the right thing to do....and ask about different brands ...the good and the bad.
If I forced her to NOT get runflats and something happened unforseen, then I would feel really bad - and rightfully so. Right now, I have her researching pros and cons of runflats. She is an author and very good with media. We have AAA...and my SUGGESTION is to buy the Michelin or Pirelli REGULAR tires and sit in the car and lock the doors and call AAA...AND carry the slime and a compressor...and maybe a plug kit if I am available.
I don't know how this will end and I thank everyone for their help. The runflats keep talking about newer technology and the new ones being better. This whole "car without a spare" thing is new to me and tires are SO IMPORTANT..that I am trying to help her do the right thing....with a subject I am ignorant about but trying to learn. Maybe this explains it better...
My wife is likely to arrive home with a destroyed rim & tyre and tell me that the car is "driving funny". It has TPMS
.
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Thank you. If I was the main driver, it would be a different story. I have a concealed carry license and don't worry about a breakdown. I also drive a new Expedition and I have a spare. The SL doesn't. Also my wife had her SL in for service and the salesperson has her sold on runflats. Believe it or not, they did not even want to price anything else except runflats for her.
I really don't believe salesmen. So I came here to ask about runflats for the SL. I have never owned any and the SL is such a peculiar car to me that I wanted to investigate the right thing to do....and ask about different brands ...the good and the bad.
If I forced her to NOT get runflats and something happened unforseen, then I would feel really bad - and rightfully so. Right now, I have her researching pros and cons of runflats. She is an author and very good with media. We have AAA...and my SUGGESTION is to buy the Michelin or Pirelli REGULAR tires and sit in the car and lock the doors and call AAA...AND carry the slime and a compressor...and maybe a plug kit if I am available.
I don't know how this will end and I thank everyone for their help. The runflats keep talking about newer technology and the new ones being better. This whole "car without a spare" thing is new to me and tires are SO IMPORTANT..that I am trying to help her do the right thing....with a subject I am ignorant about but trying to learn. Maybe this explains it better...
I really don't believe salesmen. So I came here to ask about runflats for the SL. I have never owned any and the SL is such a peculiar car to me that I wanted to investigate the right thing to do....and ask about different brands ...the good and the bad.
If I forced her to NOT get runflats and something happened unforseen, then I would feel really bad - and rightfully so. Right now, I have her researching pros and cons of runflats. She is an author and very good with media. We have AAA...and my SUGGESTION is to buy the Michelin or Pirelli REGULAR tires and sit in the car and lock the doors and call AAA...AND carry the slime and a compressor...and maybe a plug kit if I am available.
I don't know how this will end and I thank everyone for their help. The runflats keep talking about newer technology and the new ones being better. This whole "car without a spare" thing is new to me and tires are SO IMPORTANT..that I am trying to help her do the right thing....with a subject I am ignorant about but trying to learn. Maybe this explains it better...
If that is the case I think that it would be a complete no brainer to buy the runflats, evaluate the ride and then let your wife make the call at that point.
Last edited by MBNUT1; Apr 13, 2021 at 08:50 AM.
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
If it were me, I'd get her the runflats. She is used to the ride. Only thing is to advise her about the max speed & distance with a puncture (roughly 50mph & 50 miles) she can travel. Pretty sure your car has TPMS so that she will know if she gets a flat.
My wife is likely to arrive home with a destroyed rim & tyre and tell me that the car is "driving funny". It has TPMS.
My wife is likely to arrive home with a destroyed rim & tyre and tell me that the car is "driving funny". It has TPMS
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