I have my '07 ML CDI in for service and I lucked out with the loaner car this time. I got a 2015 C-300 with under 500 miles. It scoots around pretty well
But it has run flats for some reason. The tires don't ride and handle as bad as I expected based on comments I have heard and read. In fact except for the road noise they are acceptable. The ride is hard and I feel the pot holes but I blame that on the low profile 19 in- 35 series tires.
My ML is turning 220,000 miles soon and seems like it will run forever, but I plan to give it to # 2 son soon.
I planned to get a '12 or '13 ML blutec but was hesitant because of the run flat tires, but now having driven them I think they would be OK and it would not stop me from buying the blutec.
It looks like new cars are going run flats. That's the future.
I wonder why?

jz

Newer diesels use run flats due to the AdBlue tank replacing the spare......

Jim

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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles

Technology drives this as well; real-world experience has to demonstrate feasibility.

As we move closer and closer to the "driverless" car, the blobs riding in them aren't going to want to change flats, so when a TMPS sensor indicates a runflat is, well, flat, the car will drive itself at an arranged time (like after it drops off the blobs at work/school/etc.) to a shop that will replace the tire.

Presumably an actual human will do that part of it...

Each generation of run flats gets progressively better and better than the last.

__________________
'O=00=O'
bmw 2002.
long live the legend

Not carrying around a spare tire is an easy way to reduce the weight of the car, which increases fuel economy. I think that is why it is on the w205 gasser. The price of run flat tires is still materially higher, so it increases your ownership costs over time. And there are situations in which a spare is a better solution, such as a bent wheel or if you are far from home or service.

Another issue with run flats is that many have special wheels to prevent the tire bead from coming off the wheel. This requires special procedures to dis / mount tires from wheels.

why not just carry a flat tire and a mini compressor?

__________________
Strelnik
Invest in America: Buy a Congressman!

1950 170SD
1951 Citroen 11BN
1953 Citroen 11BNF limo
1953 220a project
1959 180D
1960 190D
1960 Borgward Isabella TS 2dr
1983 240D daily driver
1983 380SL
1990 350SDL daily driver alt
3 x Citroen DS21M, down from 5
3 x Citroen 2CV, down from 6

They would take up room and add weight.
Since I started this thread a year and a half ago I sprung for a new - 2015 ML 250 Blutec . They now comes with an inflated spare tire that is hidden under the rear deck and thus standard tires. That synched the deal for me.

BTW, that little 4 banger diesel has plenty of pep and am getting 35 mpg on the highway.

jz