[Violetrose47]

Hello All!
Love my car but at my C service dealer says I need all new tires.
Cost almost $2,000 at dealer and wondering if I can switch to non run flats as they may cost less and I really don’t drive much.
What would this entail with settings etc?
Any advice and expertise greatly appreciated
Thank you 🙏

 

[2019 gla owner]

Without a set of run flat tires, you would need to add a spare tire with rim for peace of mind or be left stranded roadside with a tire failure. A set of four (4) - 18" Continental TX SSR run flats from MB dealers hear in NJ typically run in the $1300-$1400 range per 4 including mounting and balancing. MB Dealers periodically offer $150 off coupons on purchase of 4 or $75 off coupons on purchase of 2. You can shop various MB dealer pricing in the USA in your local area at www.mbusatirecenter.com. You can also likely find some better pricing from independent tire shops but I would have some concerns of their ability to properly mount and calibrate, reset TPMS. Happy motoring.

 

[Huey52]

Welcome to the forum!

Need? No -carry patch kit and/or "goop" & 12V pump - or a spare (room for a "donut" spare beneath cargo floor cover if NO premium audio receiver/sub; if premium audio atop cover with appropriate restraining straps. Worst case call MB/AAA and have them bring a trailer, but much lost time.

Peace of mind? YES -can 'simply' drive ~20 miles, at somewhat reduced speed, to a dealer/tire shop.

Note that the "MOE" are actually Mercedes-specific "run flat like" (even if sidewall moulded "Run Flat", as are the 19" Goodyear Eagle; the 18" Continental ProContact have "MOE" but not the "Run Flat" moulding but if you look them up they are as well). This is a compromise between Benz heralded ride comfort and anti-stranding capability. Full on Run Flats are even heavier and stiffer (poorer mpg and less ride comfort). "All design is compromise."

Ref: https://www.tirerack.com/upgrade-ga...enz-original-extended-moextended-or-moe-tires

 

[2019 gla owner]

I understand the Continental TX SSR's were provided as one of the factory installed OE tires
Is the advantage of a MOE tire better ride quality? Thank you.

 

[Huey52]

I understand the Continental TX SSR's were provided as one of the factory installed OE tires
Is the advantage of a MOE tire better ride quality? Thank you.

See my add'l info and TireRack link above; likely my edit just as you posted.

 

[2019 gla owner]

In trying to answer a members question, Huey52 provided me with information I was not aware of, thank you.. I understand the MOE may not be as durable or not extend the same mileage of a "run flat" at zero pressure, but may offer better ride quality under normal driving conditions. This option will greatly expand my choice of tires when shopping for new ones shortly.

 

[monicameans33]

Hello All! Love my car but at my C service dealer says I need all new tires. Cost almost $2,000 at dealer and wondering if I can switch to non run flats as they may cost less and I really don’t drive much. What would this entail with settings etc? Any advice and expertise greatly appreciated Thank you 🙏

Hello. I had a 2017 GLA and I had to replace the two front tires and yes, I went with the run flat tires. At the dealership. Yes, it was expensive.

 

[Huey52]

Hello. I had a 2017 GLA and I had to replace the two front tires and yes, I went with the run flat tires. At the dealership. Yes, it was expensive.

I'll soon need to replace a couple front tires as well and not looking forward to the expense. But will again go with the MOE "run flat like."

Note that the 4Matic AWD is FWD most of the time so they tend to wear more quickly.

 

[2019 gla owner]

For those wanting to move completely away from run flat tires and opening the door to additional tire choices, "Modern Spare", based in the USA offers a GLA spare tire kit consisting of an aluminum alloy rim, compact spare, scissor jack with lug wrench in various options. Fits All 2013-2020 Mercedes GLA Class - Including AMG Models (X156* Models)- Spare Tire And Complete Accessory Kit Options. (I am wondering if it would fit under the cargo floor cover without the premium audio components). Looks like it is a well engineered product.

 

[Huey52]

For those wanting to move completely away from run flat tires and opening the door to additional tire choices, "Modern Spare", based in the USA offers a GLA spare tire kit consisting of an aluminum alloy rim, compact spare, scissor jack with lug wrench in various options. Fits All 2013-2020 Mercedes GLA Class - Including AMG Models (X156* Models)- Spare Tire And Complete Accessory Kit Options. (I am wondering if it would fit under the cargo floor cover without the premium audio components). Looks like it is a well engineered product.

I know a number of folks who have the Modern Spare and it is very good from a very reputable outfit.

It's an 18" rim however so that's a significant stowage consideration (tire is narrower than OE). So no, would not go under the cargo floor cover even if lacking the premium audio, as that space only accommodates a small/thin donut.

So atop the cargo cover and thereby requires ideally a couple crossed cam buckle cargo straps. It does come complete with a nice jack & tools however that strap-reside within the also included tire cover w/handle. It also comes with the appropriate lug bolts (sometimes longer than OE as required by the Modern Spare rim).

 

[Huey52]

Soooo ...... bottom line is to just get replacement MOE "run flat like" tires. Although your wallet/purse may not be happy, you will be.

 

[RamaGLA]

You could get run flat tires that are not MOE or from the dealer. I quite like the Pirelli Cinturato P7 tires on the BMW X3, all season run-flats with good winter performance. Personally, I will be getting Michelin PS4s when the time comes. Excellent performance summer tires that are suitable for track use as well.

 

[Nick]

I’ve been running on Bridgestone run flats and may never go back to a traditional tire. Yes, the ride is harsher, but where I have to go on a daily basis for my job I encounter many road hazards.
Yes, price is a consideration (my set ran $1400), but you have to weigh that against your convenience. It’s worth it to me not to have to jack up a car for every little nail.

Other considerations: Some manufacturers will not patch a run flat, but I found that more for the performance profiles like Pirelli. I’ve had my Bridgestone’s patched on multiple occasions, but typically only a Bridgestone dealer will do it. Also, the limitations differ between manufacturers – mine are warranted to go up to 50 miles at up to 50 mph. Check this thread for just how much damage you can do and still drive on a run flat.

I also got the road hazard certificates (another $300) so all my patches and replacements have been free. Just last weekend I picked up a nail – drove to the tire place on 8 psi, waited about 20 minutes and I was back on the road again. Sure beats having to change a spare in the rain or messing with a can of “fix a flat” goop and portable compressor.

And there is no “magic” the dealer will do to warrant buying tires from them. TPMS sensors/valves get replaced with the tires and at least where I go (Discount Tire), they reset the computer (my Bridgestone’s run at about 48 psi whereas the original Conti’s ran at 32 psi).

 

[RamaGLA]

I’ve been running on Bridgestone run flats and may never go back to a traditional tire. Yes, the ride is harsher, but where I have to go on a daily basis for my job I encounter many road hazards.
Yes, price is a consideration (my set ran $1400), but you have to weigh that against your convenience. It’s worth it to me not to have to jack up a car for every little nail.

Other considerations: Some manufacturers will not patch a run flat, but I found that more for the performance profiles like Pirelli. I’ve had my Bridgestone’s patched on multiple occasions, but typically only a Bridgestone dealer will do it. Also, the limitations differ between manufacturers – mine are warranted to go up to 50 miles at up to 50 mph. Check this thread for just how much damage you can do and still drive on a run flat.

I also got the road hazard certificates (another $300) so all my patches and replacements have been free. Just last weekend I picked up a nail – drove to the tire place on 8 psi, waited about 20 minutes and I was back on the road again. Sure beats having to change a spare in the rain or messing with a can of “fix a flat” goop and portable compressor.

And there is no “magic” the dealer will do to warrant buying tires from them. TPMS sensors/valves get replaced with the tires and at least where I go (Discount Tire), they reset the computer (my Bridgestone’s run at about 48 psi whereas the original Conti’s ran at 32 psi).

Agreed. The convenience of run-flats is unparalleled and in many cases justifies the cost. While it's true that many places won't patch run-flats, they can be done at the right place or for the right amount of money.
My mom's X3 had a flat, dealer said they wouldn't patch it and replacement was all they'd do. The tires only had 4K kms on them (new car), so $500 for a new tire made no sense. I had to call around and pay a little more money, but I got it done. There are patches now specifically for run-flats. My dad used to have an X5 about 10 years ago when run-flats were not very common and only found on cars like European imports. It cost about $80 CAD, so a bit pricey but bad compared to the cost of replacement.

 

[Christine_S]

I hated, hated, hated the ride of my run-flats. Depending on the aesthetic you seek, there's always the "rooftop spare" that works for me:

 

[2019 gla owner]

While I respect your "road ready" look (and winter knobby "shoes"), my wife would have me strapped to the roof rack if I came home with a rooftop spare. Lol

 

[Christine_S]

Perfect! That's where I usually keep my husband also!

 

[Huey52]

@Violetrose47 What did you end up procuring?