AlonzoMosely

When I had the dealer change my tires, I don't think they replaced the valve stem and other small components. Seems from tirerack and other sources that these should be replaced every time a tire is dismounted. Does anyone know if MBUSA officially recommends that dealers do this? i'm wondering if this could have caused or contributed to my broken valve stem.

Diesel Benz

The valve stem is not supposed to get broken if tyres are changed properly. Sensor batteries have a limited life span but most often there is no need to change sensors at every tyre swap. How old were your sensors?

AlonzoMosely

It's a 2010 car that was manufactured around end of 2009. I got it used so don't know for sure, but I see nothing in the service history that says the sensors were ever replaced so I think they are probably the original ones. What you are saying seems consistent with what I can find on alldatadiy. They only replace the stem and other parts of the sensor if they are damaged. It's strange, because Tirerack suggests that a rebuild kit is needed every time tires are mounted.

Ron Jr

The rebuild kit has a new Schraeder valve and a rubber O ring thats the whole thing.

jimmythegreek

tirerack suggests it so u buy more sensors and stems from them, just like any other business. I still have a set of 18s that were on my first C from early 08 that hold air and sensors work perfect. The trick is the tire technician needs to be careful with the stem nut, if it wont spin free and release the sensor into the rim the sensors under the lip will be damaged trying to dismount the tire unless the guy is a super pro

RLE

Sensor batteries last about ten years and cannot be replaced but there is no reason to think they are kaput just yet. And replacing the sensors before they fail is just plain nuts at about $250 a set.

RLE

The original sensor assemblies (complete) in my 2008 were manufactured by Schrader and the four sensors I bought from Tire Rack for my winter tires/wheels were the same identical units also by Schrader.

I had a little leak in one tire last summer which was stopped by slightly tightening the hold-down nut thus compressing the o-ring a bit.

I can see replacing the o-ring whenever the tire is dismounted but nothing else.

ExoticToysNyC

I've been in the tire business for over 10 yrs...there's no reason to replace your sensor during a regular tire change. Unless the tech damaged your sensor while taking/replacing your tire which is total incompetence. If this is not covered by your warranty you shouldn't have to pay for this extra cost.

ZeroSeVen

No need to replace it if it's not broken or malfunctioning.

The TPMS valve assembly has built in 3-volt lithium ion or 1.25 volt nickel metal hydride battery which has a life expectancy range of 5 to 12 years.

It can be damaged though with improper tire replacement. Make sure to check for leaks right after installing new tires or if you are placing the unit onto your new set of wheels.

Ron Jr

I meant the Schraeder valve core not the whole valve. the whole kit is worth only 2 or 3 dollars at the most.

Darkstar19

One of my TPMS sensors failed and the dealer says it's $250 for one. I'm still under 4yr/50k warranty... why is this not covered? Anyone have any experience getting this covered?

AlonzoMosely

My dealer also told me the TPMS is not covered under warranty, though in my case the valve stem was snapped off which apparently ruined the sensor. However, they "goodwilled" it for me and replaced it for free. They told me it would otherwise be around $170 for a new one, but maybe the difference in price is labor.

Darkstar19

Love how the salesman was saying how MB warranty is so extensive and covers everything but brake pads and maintenance...

This seems like something that should def. be covered. Frustrating.

AlonzoMosely

Agreed, it's very frustrating. The TPMS system is the most inconvenient convenience I've ever experienced. There are many others here who are more knowledgeable than I am, but you can look into getting a sensor from tirerack.com and having a local tire place install it to save some money. Others seem to just do without them and just ignore the warning light on the dash.

Darkstar19

Yeah, thanks for the tip... I'll check out tirerack and get it done elsewhere

AdidasC230

MB shops do not make it standard practive to rebuild or replace valve stems on tire changes or sensors, In fact Ive never seen a broken one, a bad one yes, but not broken

Darkstar19

Mine is not the valve stem. It's the sensor