WEBSRFR

Is it a bad idea to put the MB valve stem caps? I did a quick search on the forums and heard of some people claiming that they bond to the valve stem during extreme temperatures that makes them very difficult/impossible to remove. Is this something I should be concerned with?

Also for a silver car would the black stems look good or should I stick with silver (what I'm leaning towards)?

Finally what is a good source for the genuine MB valve stem caps? I found the following source online and I was wondering if this is for a genuine MB valve stem.

Thanks for any info!

http://mercedespartspeople.com/Searc...s+%28Silver%29

charliele729

Valve stems should be plastic as metal ones are the that gets really sticky and sometimes leads to a broken valve stem

WEBSRFR

Does MB make plastic valve stem caps? Anyone know of a good source for purchasing them? Is the link above for the plastic stem caps? Thanks!

Barry45RPM

Also, vehicles equipped with full pressure reading TPMS should only run with Plastic Valve Stem Caps.

LOVEMYBS

I placed BMW aluminum valve stem covers on my wife's X3 that has TPMS steel valve stems. After a few weeks they bonded to the steel and I could not get them off even with pliars. Needless to say I had the tires removed, replaced the old valve stems (had to break them off) with new valve stems ($$$) and have never used aluminum valve stem covers since. Plastic or rubber/vinyl only!

KEY08

I put those AMG logo stem caps in your link on my C32 and they were stolen the very next day in a parking lot. I learned that lesson quickly

bigben320e

Never heard of or experienced bonding of valve caps. I have the AMG logo caps, no issues whatsoever.

WEBSRFR

So does anyone know if the link at the top are for the plastic valve stems?

Ichabod

With our modern wide, large diameter wheels, we need to be careful not to throw the balance off by switching to a much heavier or lighter cap on the valve stem, especially those long ones that are supposed to warn the driver about low pressures.

WEBSRFR

Thats a good point! That's why I'm looking for MB valve stems because I assume/hope they take this weight issue into consideration. Still looking for a link for the MB plastic ones with the silver "look."

bigben320e

I think you will be fine with the OEM Mercedes caps, they are metal and work fine. I have had them for over two years with no issues.

Clinton Horn

I dont think either of those pictured are OEM. Mine came with very unobtrusive but well made stainless valve stem caps. The idiot at the tire shop replaced ONE with a cheap aluminum colored piece of plastic so I removed them all and ordered a hex shaped chrome cap that was pretty low key as well. As for balance, I find it hard to believe that a valve stem cap could be a major bone shaker at speed but then there are some very particular people out there.

I try to remember to remove all of them when visiting a tire shop as they are careless with them and love to replace them with those crappy green ones.

I don't care if anyone knows that I am riding on Nitrogen filled tires or not.
Maybe a big deal at Nascar speeds, not at mine.

Ichabod

just as much as the basic stick-on weight unit, and they are located where they get maximum leverage against the centerline of the wheel, as far as dynamic balance is concerned.

Barry45RPM

The caps are genuine or they would be beat up by MBUSA for using the logos. They are ABS (brittle) plastic & lightweight. Don't overtighten them.

Genuine Mercedes stems? No such thing. Stems are generic, and the TPMS ones are made for MB by a tire stem company by sticking on a pressure guage/transmitter. The stem's still standard. I think they mean Genuine MB Logo Stem Caps made under license from MB.

lkchris

Go to your dealer's parts department--they can provide/order either kind.

SoCal208

Plastic valve caps ONLY, that my SA advise me (when I had the car in for services with the chrome after market valve cap), he advise that the metal valve caps will messed up the TPMS in the car, he gave me 4 new (silver) plastic valve caps, I am glad to learn something NEW. My car (08E350) had full TPMS monitor, so far so good), only one time it warning me "LOW TIRES PRESURE ", it's low to 26 (f) 29 (r), I set 29 (f) 32 (r), I put some more air in, the warning do not show anymore.

Sgooter

I bought a set of the nice shiny metal stem caps with the black outlined M-B star logo about 4 yrs ago for my SL; caps were stolen within a week. Now I just use simple plain polished stainless caps on the E and the SL.

charliele729

I use the shiny one with the n2 green logo on tops. I hate the medal ones as they are tought to remove