Spare Tire
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Member
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Atlanta,GA
2001 E430
Spare Tire
Hey guys I have a stock tire in my trunk for about 10 years now. Someone told me that tires only last about 5 years. Is this true? It has never been used and it is a full size tire. Also is it a good idea to take it out since it does weigh down the rear a little?
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Check the
air in it yearly.
Nothing worse than having a flat and finding the spare is out of air.
Sure you could take it out,and sure within the next week you will run over a nail
The spare lasts a long time in the dark of the boot and no load.It is fine.
Nothing worse than having a flat and finding the spare is out of air.
Sure you could take it out,and sure within the next week you will run over a nail
The spare lasts a long time in the dark of the boot and no load.It is fine.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Atlanta,GA
2001 E430
. @Richard - Yea that is a similar story my friend told me.
@Ohlord - I have not touched it for 10 years until today and it still seems very stiff(and dirty
). Also are you sure it's ok to take it out? It's not part of the balance, crumple zone, or anything important?
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
You can take it out
But you will have a flat
It is not part of support or crumple zones.
And inspection is key to life of spare i am sure the tire makers would love to have everyone replace spares used or not at 10 years.
It is good even dusty.
It is not part of support or crumple zones.
And inspection is key to life of spare i am sure the tire makers would love to have everyone replace spares used or not at 10 years.
It is good even dusty.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Atlanta,GA
2001 E430
Are you saying that my spare is still good? Also if I remove my spare tire will it increase mpg and performance?
As for getting a flat...no I won't get one, I haven't had one for 10 years and it will not be any time soon...(knock on wood)!
Even if I do my family lives near by so try can provide assistance.
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
Um you both gave me different answers .
@Richard - Yea that is a similar story my friend told me.
@Ohlord - I have not touched it for 10 years until today and it still seems very stiff(and dirty). Also are you sure it's ok to take it out? It's not part of the balance, crumple zone, or anything important?
. @Richard - Yea that is a similar story my friend told me.
@Ohlord - I have not touched it for 10 years until today and it still seems very stiff(and dirty
). Also are you sure it's ok to take it out? It's not part of the balance, crumple zone, or anything important?Unless you are just pulling our leg, a think removing the spare is a bad idea.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Atlanta,GA
2001 E430
I agree that the manufacturer's recommendation is conservative. But the DOT made them put the date of manuf. on the sidewall for a reason. I don't drink milk past the expiration date either.
Unless you are just pulling our leg, a think removing the spare is a bad idea.
Unless you are just pulling our leg, a think removing the spare is a bad idea.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
Yes.
Most W210's come with a spare mounted on an alloy wheel. When replacing tires you can but five instead of four and use all for rotation. That way you can use of the service life of your spare.
Most W210's come with a spare mounted on an alloy wheel. When replacing tires you can but five instead of four and use all for rotation. That way you can use of the service life of your spare.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 293
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From: Chicago
2002 E430 4MATIC
Would removing the spare tire increase city mileage? Yes but not measurably.
Is a 10yr old unused spare tire stored in your trunk suitable as a emergency spare? Yes if you inspect it for obvious deteriation and proper inflation. But use it only as an emergency spare. i.e. no high speed driving and only limited distances.
Should you remove your spare tire because you have not had a flat in 10 years? Sorry, I don't see the logic. Would you cancel your car insurance because you haven't had an accident in 10 years?
Is a 10yr old unused spare tire stored in your trunk suitable as a emergency spare? Yes if you inspect it for obvious deteriation and proper inflation. But use it only as an emergency spare. i.e. no high speed driving and only limited distances.
Should you remove your spare tire because you have not had a flat in 10 years? Sorry, I don't see the logic. Would you cancel your car insurance because you haven't had an accident in 10 years?
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Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Australia
W210 E320
If you're in an urban area take it out - I have and carry a puncture repair kit and air compressor (with the jack)
In the event of a flat I'm relying on a friend to get my spare for me or my roadside assistance membership.
The improvement in mpg and performance would be neglible, I've only taken it out to fit my subwoofer in there.
In the event of a flat I'm relying on a friend to get my spare for me or my roadside assistance membership.
The improvement in mpg and performance would be neglible, I've only taken it out to fit my subwoofer in there.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: South Carolina
2014 E350 4matic, 2015 Acura TLX
I'd agree with everyone else who said keep that tire in there as a spare. A 10 year old tire exposed to the weather is one thing, but in the (relative) climate controlled environment of your trunk, I think it would take much longer for dry rot to set in. There's another thing no one else has mentioned - the spare and that thing that holds it in there also supports the trunk floor. Take that out and put something heavy into your trunk and you stand to bend or break the trunk floor.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 92
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From: Atlanta,GA
2001 E430
I'd agree with everyone else who said keep that tire in there as a spare. A 10 year old tire exposed to the weather is one thing, but in the (relative) climate controlled environment of your trunk, I think it would take much longer for dry rot to set in. There's another thing no one else has mentioned - the spare and that thing that holds it in there also supports the trunk floor. Take that out and put something heavy into your trunk and you stand to bend or break the trunk floor.
