bnzct

When Sunman came to Dallas last month, he installed the Ipod interface and programmed the MOST ring for the phone. While his DAS was connected to my C230, he asked me if I wanted the Run-Flat-Indicator activated. I haven't had any thought about it and didn't know what to say...but finally said OK.

Last week, the Run-Flat-Indicator went off. My tires looked fine and I thought it was a false alarm...Probably why the system is not standard. But when I measured the pressure later, I found a tire with 20psi instead of 32psi. I looked more carefully and surely found a nail.

So the system did actually work perfectly and saved me from driving weeks or more with a flat, and maybe damage the tire!!
The problem with low profile tires is that it's impossible to detect a loss of pressure visually.
So thanks Sunman!! You saved my life!!

The happy story ends here though. I took the wheel to be fixed, and of course they had to scratch my shiny rim with their dirty tire removal machine. I watched the guy. He knew what it was doing, but he just didn't pay attention and worked too fast. It's a Mercedes! Not your old truck's wheel! They also damaged one of the "jack-block" underneath the car.

I guess I had no choice, because I don't own a tire removal machine.
Could anybody tell me for next time what kind of place would take extra care when working on a car?

diamondblak05

Can you post a pic of what the tire pressure display looks like the in the center cluster? Thanks.

DC BENZO

If you mean the MFD, I hope this helps:

http://homepage.mac.com/drsunilpatel/PhotoAlbum14.html

Scroll 3/4 of the way down!

bnzct

Here are the pictures.
Sorry for the bad quality, I had to use my cell-phone.

I couldn't take the warning screen since I don't have a flat anymore, but it's a red message that comes up and says something like "Check tire pressure".

Sunman has a system that measure the presure with RF sensors in the tires.
While this is a system based on wheel speed: A wheel with a flat tend to be smaller, so will do more RPM than other wheels on the long term.

By the way, I just took these pictures. And yes, it's 90F right now in Dallas...in November!!!

jedcred

So you're saying that tire pressure sensors are standard equipment, and that the console indicator is disabled? Or did Sunman install the sensors as well?

If they are standard, what models have them? 05 and up or earlier models as well?

bnzct

Yes, the equipment is standard (part of traction control: ESP).
The program is already in the car, but not activated.
I'm not sure what models have it. Mine is 2006 C230, and I know 2005 models can do that too. But Sunman would be the one to ask.

Sunman did the activation for me (just setting a selection box on the DAS).
He said dealers can also do that as an option.

mleskovar

Most tire centers use the machines that are automatic and don't touch the rim other than the clamping/holdown at the center of the rim. I never take it for granted and always ask if I don't see the machine in action. Also ask if they use rubber or plastic on the hold down where it contacts the outside center of the rim. For the jack cups tell them your concern and if they can't accomodate you go elsewhere. <Usually> places that deal in fancy aftermarket rims and performance tires are more careful.

SUNILP

i am not sure if the dealers can activate this feature as it depends on the DAS system. The picture on my website is of a active tire pressure system which requires sensors in the wheels. The picture that bnzct posted is the correct display.

LMing

Dr.Sunman, are you coming to Canada anytime soon ?

Turbo2

This sounds like a great feature, however, I'm confused by the posts. Is this already programmed on '05 models and it just needs to be activated by DAS or do you need to purchase sensors for each wheel as well?

Thanks

SUNILP

this is a passive system that does not require any sensors installed. It requires activation via DAS system on 05 and newer cars.

DC BENZO

Appologies for the misleading info.

So in terms of pre 04 models (ie: Mine 2001) you'd have to go for the system you have on your site Sunman, or is there another way/system?

Turbo2

Alright...so how do I get my dealer to activate this? Anyone tried, is there a certain code, etc. that I should inform my dealer about?

This would be an awesome feature to have, why doesn't MBUSA give us these features, were obviously paying for them!

SUNILP

if you have a pre 05 car, replacement of the ESP/BAS module would be required which is still way cheaper than a complete active tire pressure monitor system as I have. The feature is available on the CLK for a couple hundred bucks.

diamondblak05

The reason I asked above regarding the display on the MFD was to compared mine. Mine was programmed by Steve also, but he said it couldn't be done. The weird thing is that mine is MY 05...This is all I got after Steve tried to activate it:



Under the "Settings" menu, it only allows me to chose between "psi" and "bar" but nothing happens or displays anything after that screen. So I guess this can be said..... NOT ALL 2005 c-class can be programmed to activate the tire pressure indicator....as most of you keep on saying! Or am I missing something here???

SUNILP

i already spoke to steve regarding this issue and his DAS needs to be updated to do this. I am sure your 05 can be done though. The Pressure Unit display you have is useless as it's for a active system which is not available on the C class. There are many factors regarding the DAS system that play a role when activating this feature and not all DAS systems are created equally.

diamondblak05

Thanks for sharing some light on this....as I was a bit caught offguard when everyone said it could be done on 05+ c-class but Steve said..."nope" to mine! That was one of the features I really wanted to have since I took out my spare tire in place of a subwoofer.

Turbo2

So if you have a '05+ car, all you have to do is have it activated, no additional parts, etc, right? Is there a special name for this setting to inform the dealer about?

Thanks in advance.

nlpamg

DAMMIT! I wanted that done on my car!

I wonder what factors/things are involved for 05's. What packages do you have? Could it be that if you have more/less electronics that it would work?

I hope it works on mine!

GMW

What was the process on DAS to activate this tyre pressure monitoring system on your car? I just need to now which menus you/they went through using the Star diagnosis so that I can use the same route with my dealer and see if it is possible on my car.

diamondblak05

I have the entertainment package, lighting package, sunroof package, auto trans, power driver's seat w/ memory, heated front seats, and rear fold down seats. Then I added the DVD NAV comand from Steve. Mine was built in 10/04...I don't know if that has anything to do with it or not.

bnzct

As said earlier, no need for any special equipment. The only options I have on my 06 C230 are sunroof package and auto-tran.
The system is part of ESP (wheel speed sensors) and ESP is standard.
The activation menu on the DAS is within the instrument cluster module.

Thanks Mleskovar for the advice about tire repair. I'll definitely be more carefull next time.
I'm not sure they clamped the center of the rim. The scratches are circles on the outside close to the tire. So maybe the rim moved while the machine was turning? Or the machine was set too low. Also, they pry manualy once at start. When they pry, they left a "dent" on the rim.