babyboxer1

I'm thinking of purchasing a second set of rims to mount my winter tires on, and I'm wondering, are TPMS sensors required on my winter set too? I think I read TPMS monitors are not mandatory in Canada. My question also has more to do with whether it'll cause any issues with the car. Winter tires are mandatory on vehicles between December 15 and March 15, am I going to have issues if I don't equip my second set with TPMS monitors?

sadpanda

Unless things have changed in the last few years, TPMS is not required in Canada. I've seen that question come up a few times on winter tire threads, e.g:

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...50-4matic.html

babyboxer1

Thanks for your response - OK, looks like I'll save myself the $300 and not order the TPMS sensors. As long as having no sensors doesn't damage the system or anything!

DapperStyle

You don't need the sensors. Just know that the system will beep and yell at your when turning on your car when it doesn't receive the information from the TPMS. Many people run winters without TPMS and just use Tire Gauges every month or so to be sure things are where they should be.

babyboxer1

Thank you, Dapper. I was expecting the beeping the yelling at start-up, I just didn't want to deal with any issues long-term. I'll have the tires inflated with nitrogen so they maintain tire pressure better.

Zozzle

I just went through this subject this week with my tire man and the local MB dealership.

The tire man says my C350 doesn't have sensors in the wheels - the pressure monitoring system is operated through the ABS system. It detects a lower pressure tire due to its smaller diameter (and more revolutions).

I picked my new (to me) 2013 on Friday and the salesman thought it had wheel TP sensors. He asked the parts man for me and it was confirmed - Canadian C-class (I wouldn't know about other series) don't have them.

I think USA C-class do have them.

One way to tell for sure - if the tire valve stem is rubber, it's not a TP monitor. Their stems are metal.

babyboxer1

Thank you, Zozzle - I think you're right, my valve stems are rubber and look nothing like the ones I see on ebay when I search for w204 tpms sensors.

Do you think there would be any issues if I drop down to 17" rims / tires for winter? My C350 comes with the staggered 18" option, but I would go with 225/45R17 XL tires for the winter. The difference in price is minor between a 18" and 17" set, but most people seem to agree that 17" seems better for winter. That being said, I don't want any issues with sensors and such, and while 17" is already available on these cars, does it throw off the sensors or is there a chance for any long term issues if we switch between a 17" and 18" set?

C300fan2

No TPMS sensors on the c300 in Canada. You are correct. Also no issue changing rim size, just make sure to get proper tires so the circumference is the same. Once on just goto your dash settings and reset the tires pressure monitoring.

Zozzle

This is incredible babyboxer! You're going though the same questions and issues that I am right now.

I was talking to my tire guy about winter wheels and tires and he was the one to suggest going down to 17" wheels. He had a book that gave diameters for all tire/wheel combos and I think with 45 aspect ratio tires the overall diameter would be under a 1/2" difference.

He suggested not going with the staggered widths too as tires would be cheaper. The BIG plus is that my old winter tires from my Acura I just traded on my C350 would fit! He figures I have three more winters left in these tires.

C300fan has got it right about re-setting the dash setting. I think it's covered in the car handbook.

babyboxer1

I love this forum, you guys are always so helpful!

This is my second MB, and I know the dealer recommends going with all 4 winter tires the same size - just use the size of the front tires. Wider tires in the back wear out almost 2x faster when you go with a staggered combo, which would be non-sense for winter tires.

I just went to tirerack to grab the 17" tire sizes and priced out a set of 4 with the front tire diameters. I'm really happy I don't need to spend the nearly $300 for the tpms sensors!

Zozzle

That's not possible as I've only been here a week!

babyboxer1

Somewhat related to this thread, does anyone know if rim weight will cause any major issues with the 4matic transmission? I just ordered a set of winter tires and rims, and per the site, they guarantee fitment of wheels, but I was wondering if there's any potential issues if the aftermarket rims are heavier than the OEM ones.

Thanks!

95_993

Rim weight is not really an issue. Just ensure the overall Dia of front and rear tires is within spec.