E43 - RUN FLATS OR CONVENTIONAL

[E43Chris]

Just had a row with a dealer that despite flogging me an E43 AMG ESTATE with Run Flats on R20 rims (actually not run-flats as it transpired!) and without the repair kit or compressor in the boot....and Run Flat insurance!!
When asking MB Service Department whether run-flats (note that Michelin Pilot Sport 4's DO NOT COME IN THE CORRECT SIZES ANYWAY) or conventional were the correct tyres, told that Run Flats were not recommended for these rims!

Does anybody have any thoughts or comments???

Thanks

 

[LostKiwi]

I'd never opt for run flats - especially on 20" rims.

 

[Blobcat]

As per above, unless you want to be on first name terms with your chiropractor and alloy wheel welder I’d never have run flats on 20’s

Depends upon what’s in the bill of sale - what’s written down from the dealer when you bought the car. If it says run flats and it hasn’t got them, I’d get them to supply the tyre seal and compressor kit.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

The W213 chassis handles 20in wheels with runflats fitted very well my son has them on his but you will need to take care of the rims especially when navigating speed reducing humps and bumps etc.

So as the car would be supplied with them fitted when new the balls in your court, personally I’d stick with non runflats and buy an air compressor and can of goo as I’ve done with my 4 series

 

[E43Chris]

Thanks......... tbh I think its the way to go, conventional plus goo and compressor.....waiting on dealer to supply

 

[John Laidlaw]

You got off light ! Run flats , yewwwww!

 

[JBell]

I'd never opt for run flats - especially on 20" rims.

ditto, hate them, ruin the ride on any car

 

[bembo449]

It astounds me how often folk ask this question, run flats are pointless , expensive and ruin the ride of any car they are fitted too !

 

[E43Chris]

It astounds me how often folk ask this question, run flats are pointless , expensive and ruin the ride of any car they are fitted too !

Appreciate your thoughts, never had Run Flats; feedback not always clear whether its factual, anecdotal, third hand or something. I guess applying logic of harder sidewalls makes sense to ride and yes, cost I get!
Thx

 

[Blobcat]

Appreciate your thoughts, never had Run Flats; feedback not always clear whether its factual, anecdotal, third hand or something. I guess applying logic of harder sidewalls makes sense to ride and yes, cost I get!
Thx

I had them on a 5 Series BM, awful things

 

[bembo449]

Appreciate your thoughts, never had Run Flats; feedback not always clear whether its factual, anecdotal, third hand or something. I guess applying logic of harder sidewalls makes sense to ride and yes, cost I get!
Thx

Its also the fact you can i only use them once and then they need replacement, lets be honest, how often do you have a puncture ??

 

[E43Chris]

Its also the fact you can i only use them once and then they need replacement, lets be honest, how often do you have a puncture ??

Not often tbh but did have in an E250 on M23 around 0630 in the morning en route to Gatwick.....quite a scarey wheel change BUT didn't miss flight.......guess that gloop and compressor makes sense!

 

[John Laidlaw]

I had them on a 5 Series BM, awful things

Lot of folks moved off the brand just because of that, can’t blame em

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Lot of folks moved off the brand just because of that, can’t blame em

Totally agree with this, well made cars with fine engines (especially the IL6) ruined by bl**dy awful tyres

 

[Blobcat]

Lot of folks moved off the brand just because of that, can’t blame em

It was one of many reasons I didn’t get on with it... really uncomfortable seats being the main one. Being as bland as vanilla blancmange being another.

 

[matthew k]

Run flats absolutely suck, I had them on a e60 and later on a e90. Couldn't wait for them to wear out, the car is improved in every way without them. Heavy, expensive, they destroy the ride quality and can lead to cracked alloys.

 

[E43Chris]

Run flats absolutely suck, I had them on a e60 and later on a e90. Couldn't wait for them to wear out, the car is improved in every way without them. Heavy, expensive, they destroy the ride quality and can lead to cracked alloys.

Thanks Matthew, had the 'normal' tyres fitted this morning so I managed by chance to avoid the Run Flats after getting the Forum's advice DESPITE MB providing feedback to use Pirelli P Zero's on my car ... thanks to Forum for advice!!

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Glad you’ve got that sorted the car will be much better for it.

As an aside what do you think of the E43 I’m starting to look at prices for the wagon?

 

[E43Chris]

Glad you’ve got that sorted the car will be much better for it.

As an aside what do you think of the E43 I’m starting to look at prices for the wagon?

Hi Malcolm,
Its a smashing car tbh, the only thing is that it really doesn't like full lock on cold tyres, really 'crabby'. Turning circle isn't that tight compared to RWD E's, I had a 250 before.
I've been very happy with it, performance is great with 400hp on tap, sad that you can't really use it fully on UK roads although when you get it spooled up it belies its size, really launches. With the 4wd also very sure-footed, great cornering ability. Inevitably a bit thirsty but on a decent run at 70/75mph a good 33 or 34mpg is achievable...short runs around town just over 20/22 ish........having said that I didn't buy it for the consumption.
As its an E estate it's very roomy of course......
Wrt controls beware the column-mounted R and D stick, you have to be positive otherwise there is a danger of going the wrong way...
What else...comfortable, great seat positions (I'm a good 6'3'' and its fine for me)
Overall, its got a really solid look, its look is 'heavier' than a usual E class in my view, just looks more 'brutish' I guess.
Could have had a 63 but tbh it seemed the best compromise between a really quick estate without totally upsetting the wife and neighbours and throwing my license away!
I think there is a 53 now as well, only a few extra horses ........ seems 43 isn't available new??? Not sure on that..
Good luck - I think its worth a punt but I suppose I am a bit biaised!!

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Thanks Chris, always good to to hear owner’s thoughts, I’ve owned E Class estates since 92 and wouldn’t be without one. I noticed the E43 has been discontinued and MB have introduced the IL6 into the E53 which I would prefer but on the negative side the drivetrain incorporates a 21bhp electric motor which I can see as trouble in long term ownership. Fuel consumption is not an issue nowadays as my mileage is low and have considered the E63 but felt the same downsides as you. My son has the rear wheel drive W213 and I’m really impressed with the quality of cabin and especially the handling which is very similar to the S210 I owned.

The price point is £25k for me so will probably have to wait 18 months or so they do seem to be holding their value well, the only issue I have to get my head around is the crabbing how intrusive is it?