My GL spare tire
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 20
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240 TD; GL 350
My GL spare tire
This is one of my very few posts...so, please bear with me.
A few months ago, I had a flat tire with my GL350. To make a long story short, I was taken for a ride. Literally, which set me back 450$.
In the middle of nowhere, a nice tow truck got me home. Even though this was within the price range, I said to myself that it won't happen again due to a stupid tire.
As you all know, the GL350 does not have a spare tire ( which I was aware of ) and the run-flats can't do more than 40-50 miles distance on flat ( which I was not fully aware of it at the time ). Anyways I was 80 miles in any direction from any city and about 160 from any dealership, so a total waste...
So, here is my solution to a spare tire, which MB was too cheap to create or have one available.
Any opinions ? impressions ? Critics ?
A few months ago, I had a flat tire with my GL350. To make a long story short, I was taken for a ride. Literally, which set me back 450$.
In the middle of nowhere, a nice tow truck got me home. Even though this was within the price range, I said to myself that it won't happen again due to a stupid tire.
As you all know, the GL350 does not have a spare tire ( which I was aware of ) and the run-flats can't do more than 40-50 miles distance on flat ( which I was not fully aware of it at the time ). Anyways I was 80 miles in any direction from any city and about 160 from any dealership, so a total waste...
So, here is my solution to a spare tire, which MB was too cheap to create or have one available.
Any opinions ? impressions ? Critics ?
Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 245
Likes: 8
2008 gl320cdi
Lol. That is exactly why I bought an 08 and won't get another. I had planned to get a 2010. There were features I liked better. But no spare was a deal breaker for me.
Is there a spare tire on the latest models. If so what test did they start?
Is there a spare tire on the latest models. If so what test did they start?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
240 TD; GL 350
I wish there was one...
No, and I am pretty sure that most of the models these days are without a spare. However, I am quite pleased with my "innovation" , because it does the trick. Besides, I haven't seen one like this yet
No, and I am pretty sure that most of the models these days are without a spare. However, I am quite pleased with my "innovation" , because it does the trick. Besides, I haven't seen one like this yet
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,932
Likes: 291
From: Allentown, PA
'08 GL 320 CDI
I've seen that contraption used on other vehicles (or something similar, anyways), before. I think it definitely serves your purpose. Gives you a little extra cushion for a small fender-bender, too!
One quick question... Towing insurance is pretty cheap... Flats, while they still happen (obviously) are a lot more rare than they used to be... How much did that whole contraption and wheel/cover set you back? I'm betting that cost a WHOLE lot more than what an annual towing insurance membership would be... probably even more than 20 years of membership dues.
Was there no regular gas station closer to you? Most of them can repair a tire in about 10 minutes (if the damage is in the tread). Another option may have been to carry a plug kit for a DIY. I know some manufacturer's state that run flats can't be plugged, even thought some of the tire manufacturer's state that they can be, but leave the final word up to the vehicle manufacturer. I suspect they say "can't be plugged" because they don't want to deal with it.
But that said, looks good! And in the end, it's what works best for you!
One quick question... Towing insurance is pretty cheap... Flats, while they still happen (obviously) are a lot more rare than they used to be... How much did that whole contraption and wheel/cover set you back? I'm betting that cost a WHOLE lot more than what an annual towing insurance membership would be... probably even more than 20 years of membership dues.
Was there no regular gas station closer to you? Most of them can repair a tire in about 10 minutes (if the damage is in the tread). Another option may have been to carry a plug kit for a DIY. I know some manufacturer's state that run flats can't be plugged, even thought some of the tire manufacturer's state that they can be, but leave the final word up to the vehicle manufacturer. I suspect they say "can't be plugged" because they don't want to deal with it.
But that said, looks good! And in the end, it's what works best for you!
Last edited by DennisG01; Jun 26, 2017 at 09:34 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
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240 TD; GL 350
Howdy !
Thanks for the honest opinion....
You know what they say, is so ugly...that is cute.
Well, who cares ... it does the trick.
Now, seriously ... what else would you suggest ? design wise ? I am open to suggestions.
Thanks for the honest opinion....
You know what they say, is so ugly...that is cute.
Well, who cares ... it does the trick.
Now, seriously ... what else would you suggest ? design wise ? I am open to suggestions.
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Rear spare on GL done before. There is even a factory option.
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...re-wheels.html
Yours looks like those on a G.
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...re-wheels.html
Yours looks like those on a G.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
240 TD; GL 350
I've seen that contraption used on other vehicles (or something similar, anyways), before. I think it definitely serves your purpose. Gives you a little extra cushion for a small fender-bender, too!
Oh no ... I have an inverted towing hitch for that - it never fails, trust me, and it look hideous sticking out that much
One quick question... Towing insurance is pretty cheap... Flats, while they still happen (obviously) are a lot more rare than they used to be... How much did that whole contraption and wheel/cover set you back? I'm betting that cost a WHOLE lot more than what an annual towing insurance membership would be... probably even more than 20 years of membership dues.
Well, price ! Not bad really. E-bay (most of it ). Matching spare tire with wheel, used of course: 145$ ; custom made wheel cover ( trust me, there ain't another one in US ) 350$ - new; The support for the wheel with all the hardware - 455 $; so, all in all 950 $
If you consider towing and car rental when you may get a flat, it can run you into 5-600 $, and it would take me 1 and 1/2 flats to recover the cost. Now the good thing is that I can move the entire contraption to any vehicle I may need.
Here is the other thing: before I started this project, I did my research on towing insurance, distance, places, costs, membership fees, and more. None satisfactory.
Was there no regular gas station closer to you? - Nope, none. In fact I was shocked to have coverage on my phone; Most of them can repair a tire in about 10 minutes (if the damage is in the tread) - uhh... no. Not with a 1/2 inch hole - Another option may have been to carry a plug kit for a DIY. I know some manufacturer's state that run flats can't be plugged, even thought some of the tire manufacturer's state that they can be, but leave the final word up to the vehicle manufacturer. I suspect they say "can't be plugged" because they don't want to deal with it. - Well, with the wife p.o. at me and a truck full of crap, in a week end, on a game day .... nah ! I will carry that contraption for the rest of my life
But that said, looks good! And in the end, it's what works best for you!
Oh no ... I have an inverted towing hitch for that - it never fails, trust me, and it look hideous sticking out that much
One quick question... Towing insurance is pretty cheap... Flats, while they still happen (obviously) are a lot more rare than they used to be... How much did that whole contraption and wheel/cover set you back? I'm betting that cost a WHOLE lot more than what an annual towing insurance membership would be... probably even more than 20 years of membership dues.
Well, price ! Not bad really. E-bay (most of it ). Matching spare tire with wheel, used of course: 145$ ; custom made wheel cover ( trust me, there ain't another one in US ) 350$ - new; The support for the wheel with all the hardware - 455 $; so, all in all 950 $
If you consider towing and car rental when you may get a flat, it can run you into 5-600 $, and it would take me 1 and 1/2 flats to recover the cost. Now the good thing is that I can move the entire contraption to any vehicle I may need.
Here is the other thing: before I started this project, I did my research on towing insurance, distance, places, costs, membership fees, and more. None satisfactory.
Was there no regular gas station closer to you? - Nope, none. In fact I was shocked to have coverage on my phone; Most of them can repair a tire in about 10 minutes (if the damage is in the tread) - uhh... no. Not with a 1/2 inch hole - Another option may have been to carry a plug kit for a DIY. I know some manufacturer's state that run flats can't be plugged, even thought some of the tire manufacturer's state that they can be, but leave the final word up to the vehicle manufacturer. I suspect they say "can't be plugged" because they don't want to deal with it. - Well, with the wife p.o. at me and a truck full of crap, in a week end, on a game day .... nah ! I will carry that contraption for the rest of my life
But that said, looks good! And in the end, it's what works best for you!
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
240 TD; GL 350
Rear spare on GL done before. There is even a factory option.
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...re-wheels.html
Yours looks like those on a G.
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...re-wheels.html
Yours looks like those on a G.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,932
Likes: 291
From: Allentown, PA
'08 GL 320 CDI
Pricing for towing insurance, distance, places, etc... Holy crap, man! That is quite the bill for that! I just saw that you are in Europe - I didn't know that. I was basing my comments on US prices. I think I pay somewhere around $100/year for towing coverage (covers other things, too) for ALL of my cars. Flats can usually be fixed so quickly that a rental isn't needed, but if I did we can get them as cheap as $20/$30 a day. Granted it's for a car not much higher on the totem pole than a scooter, but still.
But if I was facing the same type of bill you are for towing then I would feel the same way as you.
But if I was facing the same type of bill you are for towing then I would feel the same way as you.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 303
Likes: 75
From: s.f. bay area
s500 GL450 GL63 Z71XL Yukon 67 396 SS velle 68 Vert Camaro 69 RSSS Vert Camaro 75 Blazer
I too think it looks ugly but you are right about it helping in a stranded time of need. Is there no way you can fit a small donut spare tire in the back and put a cover on it or do you always use the back area?
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240 TD; GL 350
Wow, that is the FIRST time I am seeing those pictures ...readable. Really. Especially the silver one.
No - you will not get that in Europe today anymore. In fact I haven't seen one like that over there.
Could it be made custom ? possible... however the folks at Vance told me that they have never seen one. Now, if they're lying to me then ... I don't know.
The 2nd one with 2 wheels is really butt ugly ...
My "invention" has several advantages, in my opinion:
- does not rattle - not a bit
- does not cover the back window at all
- you can see the tag clearly and you won't get pulled over by a trooper for that
- you don't like it anymore or sell the car, no problemo ... one screw ... that is all and is off
- it nicely cover the wheel and it is made as close as possible to a G specs - in fact I can go so far to say that is even better than a G in engineering.
- super easy to operate and
- no holes into the current bumper
But that is just my 2 cents.
However, I still strongly believe that for such a vehicle MB should have had a spare. I don't care about the add blue or other crap... is plenty of space to squeeze a doughnut in there (mind you, that is also quite large, but not to this extent ).
No - you will not get that in Europe today anymore. In fact I haven't seen one like that over there.
Could it be made custom ? possible... however the folks at Vance told me that they have never seen one. Now, if they're lying to me then ... I don't know.
The 2nd one with 2 wheels is really butt ugly ...
My "invention" has several advantages, in my opinion:
- does not rattle - not a bit
- does not cover the back window at all
- you can see the tag clearly and you won't get pulled over by a trooper for that
- you don't like it anymore or sell the car, no problemo ... one screw ... that is all and is off
- it nicely cover the wheel and it is made as close as possible to a G specs - in fact I can go so far to say that is even better than a G in engineering.
- super easy to operate and
- no holes into the current bumper
But that is just my 2 cents.
However, I still strongly believe that for such a vehicle MB should have had a spare. I don't care about the add blue or other crap... is plenty of space to squeeze a doughnut in there (mind you, that is also quite large, but not to this extent ).
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 20
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240 TD; GL 350
Interesting ... so I was told BS by the Vance guys for one reason or another.
Looking at the # plates and vehicle models, it seems that the general area is the middle east, or even Israel.
However, I pinged all my friends and acquaintances in Europe and no one has seen something similar to that over there. For me is still a unicorn. If ( and I do not doubt ) that is made by MB, then probably would cost more then what I paid for mine, knowing MB prices...
Looking at the # plates and vehicle models, it seems that the general area is the middle east, or even Israel.
However, I pinged all my friends and acquaintances in Europe and no one has seen something similar to that over there. For me is still a unicorn. If ( and I do not doubt ) that is made by MB, then probably would cost more then what I paid for mine, knowing MB prices...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
240 TD; GL 350
There, I have found it !!!
http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...25707A0018524F
Apparently was made only for Australia (!?)
http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...25707A0018524F
Apparently was made only for Australia (!?)
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
240 TD; GL 350
If you can find that thread, post, or part number I would love to give them a call and ask for it to see if is still available, especially how much it costs to have it all setup.
Now, in an emergency, don't know if that would work out well.
Now, in an emergency, don't know if that would work out well.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 437
Likes: 84
From: Espoo, Finland
2012 GL 350
Honestly, that looks awful to my eye, but I appreciate the function. I personally just carry a plug kit and a compressor (and know how to use it, including doubling up plugs for large holes.) I'd have to hit something pretty large to be out of luck.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 20
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240 TD; GL 350
sak335 - the beauty is in the eye of the beholder ...
I know, it ain't the prettiest one in town, but is as close as "original" ( G series ? ) as I could get.
And plugging a round hole of almost 1 in. ( bridge bolt ! ), I don't know... Let me be skeptic on that. That is what I had. Now, with my luck, and spending the $$ on this, I will probably won't have another flat in a long while.
If memory serves me well, this is my 3rd flat in 18 years!
But, like I said...if it happens again - I am ready.
In all honesty this is MB being skimpy and cheap on a luxury terrain vehicle. The GLs should have had spare tires. Period.
I know, it ain't the prettiest one in town, but is as close as "original" ( G series ? ) as I could get.
And plugging a round hole of almost 1 in. ( bridge bolt ! ), I don't know... Let me be skeptic on that. That is what I had. Now, with my luck, and spending the $$ on this, I will probably won't have another flat in a long while.
If memory serves me well, this is my 3rd flat in 18 years!
But, like I said...if it happens again - I am ready.
In all honesty this is MB being skimpy and cheap on a luxury terrain vehicle. The GLs should have had spare tires. Period.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 437
Likes: 84
From: Espoo, Finland
2012 GL 350
Please don't misconstrue my response; I think that the engineering on this truck was half-assed from the beginning, and that they certainly could have found a way to integrate a spare into something this big. They didn't want to spend the extra money to properly re-engineer the rear underfloor to accommodate both the air suspension tank and the DEF tank, knowing that there were only a couple model years left before the complete redesign came though. So they took the lazy/easy way out and threw run flats on it. Anybody can open the rear compartment and plainly see that there is room for a spare, they just didn't want to work to make it happen. A single, instead of dual, exhaust would have left plenty of room, but they didn't want to add another part number to the equation...
My issue with the solution above is that I open the rear hatch ALL THE TIME, and if I had to swing that contraption out of the way every time I went to get in there, I know I'd be annoyed. Since I open the hatch every day, but only get a flat every 15 years, the math tells me which to choose.
My issue with the solution above is that I open the rear hatch ALL THE TIME, and if I had to swing that contraption out of the way every time I went to get in there, I know I'd be annoyed. Since I open the hatch every day, but only get a flat every 15 years, the math tells me which to choose.
