bips

As I stated in an earlier post, even RFT will leave you stranded, if more than 80kms from a tyre shop or MB dealer. At least a plug kit gives you a chance, *if* the hole is pluggable. The only guaranteed solution is a full-sized spare. I know not everyone wants to / can carry one. You pays your money ....

dieseldoc

I would love a full size spare. There is no room for it. I remember the good old days when I owned BMWs with a spare on an alloy wheel.

ajmtbm

a donut would be fine with me...

mikbar2

^^ Double Ditto for me.

dieseldoc

I think we all have the same sentiment.

larrypmyers

Interesting to note the speed limit and drive distance on the pictured tire is identical to a zero pressure extended mobility tire.

ajmtbm

thats a good catch
do all temporary spares have a mileage limit on them?

dieseldoc

My understanding is most do have a limit of speed and distance.

bips

And that's precisely why I wasn't going to buy one when I had RFT. Plus the price was significantly more than a complete fifth wheel. That said, there is still an advantage to the emergency in those instances where the tyre damage is such that even a RFT tyre can't be driven on, which has happened to both me and a family member (X4) recently.

I understand the speed and distance limits on a deflated RFT. I understand the speed limits on an emergency spare, as the handling will be quite different. But I don't understand the distance limits. If you crunch the numbers, the diameter of the emergency is close enough to the original, so what's the reason for the distance limit?

To respond to the question "do all temporary spares have a mileage limit on them?", Subaru are an exception. The Outback and similar have space-saver spares that are not so limited. That maybe because their tyres are not so wide as the 235 / 255 that we have. On the other hand, a friend has a Mazda 3 and that has a speed and distance limited spare, which strikes me as odd. In this country it's not hard to be more than 80kms from help, and if you were you may not have phone coverage.

Eric_John

Grabbed this 2003 ML spare/lugs/wrench (couldn't find the jack) for $20 I'll test fit in a few days and update.

Eric_John

Update: Had new non run flat tires put on and the ride is so much better. Also, I had the technician test fit the above spare on front to see if it cleared the calipers and it fits no problem.

E

mikbar2

And the spare fits where? We use our cargo space.

Eric_John

It fits under the rear floor panel. it closes and locks with tire inside too.

Ddmccormack

where did you wind up finding this old spare? Also, did you have to remove the forms below the rear lid to get it to fit?

mikbar2

Won't fit in ours without mods.

Oliver12

I purchased the official GLC space saver wheel and whilst this is still pretty bulky if the front facing wheel is facing down in the underfloor boot/trunk area- the lower boot/trunk lid almost closes- not quite- certainly better than having the tyre taking up a significant amount of the upper boot area.

Teckno

Can you please provide info on the spare you are using ? Model and year it came off, any MB part numbers stamped on the rim, is it steel or alloy.
Basically any info I can use to chase one down here in Australia. Thanks

Eric_John

it is off a 2003 ML. I found it at local wrecking yard for $20 with lug wrench and bolts

ajmtbm

Is it possible to buy one new one fron somewhere or buy one from a 2015 ml?

mikbar2

Is it safe to say that spares should be replaced after 6 or 7 years as your every day tires are?

dieseldoc

I would think you need to change a spare after a period of time just like a ref tire. Risk of dry rot.

mikbar2

That makes Eric_Johns spare 14 years old. Me thinks a fresh RFT might have a better chance of making the 50 miles?? Guess either way is a gamble. Wife had a major blow out on one of her OEM RFT's less than an inch from the corner. It still got her home and me to Americas tires to replace them all at 19,000 miles.

ajmtbm

can you post a photo of what the tire looks like while sitting in the storage space?

Eric_John

Lid closes without having to even push on it

ajmtbm

[QUOTE=Eric_John;7268161]
Lid closes without having to even push on it

very nice thanks for posting
is that a US GLC? i dont see the fusebox in there which i assumed would interfere, is it underneath the spare?