GLK-Class (X204) Produced 2008-2014

GLK250 BT Tires

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Old Dec 2, 2013 | 02:55 PM
  #1  
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From: Redding, CA
'85 190D , '12 E350 BlueTec, '13 GLK 250 BlueTec
GLK250 BT Tires

Just made a revolting discovery! Reading about winter tires, spares, run-flats, MOE's, compressors, etc., I started checking my tires. Turns out my tires seem to be just regular tires, not MOE! I just returned from a short trip and preparing to make an extended one, and this throws me for a loop! No wonder I had upheld the comfort of the run-flats during my European tour on them! They are regular tires!

In another thread I posted just last week that I had found a can which appears to be compressed air. Almost all the writing is in German so I can't be sure what it is, except for one spot which says "Tire Sealant". The name on the small tank says "Tirefit".

Anyone have any knowledge or experience with this? Lots of writing in several languages, not English, but the technical words in Portugese, Italian and French are all unknown to me though I can read and understand much in all those languages. But the neat thing is, it's heavy, has the Benz logo on it and it's made in Stugartt!

Guess I make up a "Canadian" kit for my trip! I'm a bit disappointed in this discovery and I'll be curious to see what MBUSA answers to the letter I wrote them.
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Old Dec 2, 2013 | 03:22 PM
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From: Hickory, NC USA
2013 GLK250BT
Bob,

My Dunlops actually say extended mobility on the sidewalls. Are you saying that this is not true? Are these just regular tires?
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Old Dec 2, 2013 | 03:36 PM
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From: Redding, CA
'85 190D , '12 E350 BlueTec, '13 GLK 250 BlueTec
No, not saying yours are or aren't. I'm sure if they say that, they are MOE.

My tires are Continentals, tires I've always liked. I've had them on other cars, notably an SD300 I also picked up European Delivery. High mileage!

My tires are regular 4X4Contacts. I was looking up the specs and found only one run-flat tire in the Continental lineup, for a BMW in a size way away from my 235X50X19. I looked mine over thoroughly. Maybe that's why my sales guy was so accommodating to me before I went to Europe. The dealer offered to change the tires for me if I didn't like the runflats, at no cost to me after the car arrived here. Naw, they also presumed they were runflats. In some old threads here people were *****ing about them and the ride. That's why I said mine rode nice, they were standard tires and I didn't even know it!! I thanked the dealer when I returned and never thought more about it until I started planning a 3000 mile trip which I expect to take shortly.

I think the issue with my car was that I got the AMG package which has different tires and rims than the other GLK's have, and what the standard package is for the BlueTec's without the AMG package. But it seems to me that if they were partially equipping my USA car as the Canadian cars without the runflats, that they could have at least given me a compressor with the Benz logo on it! (Actually, I have a compressor as I posted in another recent thread, but it doesn't have the tri star on it.) I like the size and storability of the Benz compressor so I may push to get one, not that it really matters to me.
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Old Dec 2, 2013 | 05:46 PM
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From: Michigan
2014 GLK250BT, Polar White; 2016 GLE 300d, Polar White
Originally Posted by mike-nc
Bob,

My Dunlops actually say extended mobility on the sidewalls. Are you saying that this is not true? Are these just regular tires?
The same as above with mine.
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Old Dec 3, 2013 | 07:06 PM
  #5  
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From: Maryland
2014 GLK250 BlueTEC, 2012 BMW 335is Conv.
I also have the Dunlop extended mobility tires. I have the Appearance package wheels rather than the AMG wheels.
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Old Dec 4, 2013 | 06:42 PM
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From: Redding, CA
'85 190D , '12 E350 BlueTec, '13 GLK 250 BlueTec
Just got nice letter from MBUSA in effect acknowledging the issue and taking care of it to my entire satisfaction!! Can't beat them if you treat them the right way!

I think I know what happened on mine. I had ordered mine some months ahead of the build date. At that time I had to order a sunroof, which I had no use for, but it wasn't possible to get other options I wanted without the sunroof. A week before the build my sales guy called me to tell me they would would build without a sunroof and give me the credit. I jumped on it. I think the Canadian specs always allowed that option and I'll bet mine was going to be Canadian and it got mixed up in the process of the several changes immediately before and after mine was built. I'm guessing that's why I got half of the special equipment (no compressor.) They offered to put runflats on there as well. They have been super nice and show Mercedes Benz class!

Thanks MBUSA and Mercedes Benz of Rocklin!!!
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Old Dec 4, 2013 | 09:24 PM
  #7  
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From: Michigan
2014 GLK250BT, Polar White; 2016 GLE 300d, Polar White
Originally Posted by Bob338
I think the Canadian specs always allowed that option and I'll bet mine was going to be Canadian and it got mixed up in the process of the several changes immediately before and after mine was built. I'm guessing that's why I got half of the special equipment (no compressor)!
So, do you have an engine block heater as part of Canadian specs?
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Old Dec 4, 2013 | 09:54 PM
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From: Redding, CA
'85 190D , '12 E350 BlueTec, '13 GLK 250 BlueTec
I'll have to look! Would you believe I have yet to open the hood? Sure don't care as I have absolutely no use for it where I live!!!
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Old Dec 4, 2013 | 10:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Bob338
I'll have to look! Would you believe I have yet to open the hood? Sure don't care as I have absolutely no use for it where I live!!!
Do you know where to look?

We just got our 2014 and it does not come with the cable. Dealer says it connects somewhere down under front of engine, but there is a cover there, so I couldn't see anything.

I did ask in a separate thread, but no answers
https://mbworld.org/forums/glk-class...onnection.html

Last edited by 107123210; Dec 4, 2013 at 10:23 PM.
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Old Dec 4, 2013 | 11:32 PM
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From: Redding, CA
'85 190D , '12 E350 BlueTec, '13 GLK 250 BlueTec
Well, here's the engine without block heater. . . .



If there's anything more on this side, THAT would be the block heater!

On the other side it's impossible to attach. . . . . .



A mirror and a flashlight should lead the way!!
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Old Dec 5, 2013 | 01:00 PM
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From: FIN
S213
This is how it is installed/instructed by one manufacturer in Europe. Heater comes to lower radiator hose. Chapter/detail 4 (l 4).

http://www.defa.com/file/3c00f0522647/460535.pdf
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Old Dec 5, 2013 | 08:32 PM
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Originally Posted by ak_ku
This is how it is installed/instructed by one manufacturer in Europe. Heater comes to lower radiator hose. Chapter/detail 4 (l 4).

http://www.defa.com/file/3c00f0522647/460535.pdf
I posted the epc data on the BH in the other thread on block heaters. But you are right - the heater is not on the block at all.
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Old Dec 7, 2013 | 05:58 PM
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From: Redding, CA
'85 190D , '12 E350 BlueTec, '13 GLK 250 BlueTec
Just went over mine with a fine tooth comb and guess what I found? An air compressor with the tri star logo neatly tucked into the tool compartment right near where I found the little sealant tank, but on the 'inside of the compartment. Neat. Stowed away where you'd never see it unless looking for it.

I also checked for the block heater. There is none. Only thing missing of what I was supposed to have, is the runflats. Mercedes insisted I had both runflats AND compressor and sealant. I've asked for an emergency spare and hope I can get that instead of the runflats!
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Old Dec 7, 2013 | 08:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Bob338
I also checked for the block heater. There is none. Only thing missing of what I was supposed to have, is the runflats. Mercedes insisted I had both runflats AND compressor and sealant. I've asked for an emergency spare and hope I can get that instead of the runflats!
A friend picked up a couple of the Vredestein compact spares today for he and myself. These have been salvaged from wrecked GLK350s. Still not cheap unless you can get them direct from wrecker.

Logic of buying them is still a bit fuzzy

If we have a flat with our MO tires, I suppose first thing we will try and pump it enough to get on our way to somewhere we could have it checked. Or if in a bad spot, we would call roadside assistance. Only time I could see us using compact spare, would be if flat would not hold air and roadside assistance preferred to put spare on rather than tow us. There could also be times when somehow roadside assistance is not available within reasonable time frame.

A full size spare with replica rim would have been cheaper and more useful. But finding a place for it in/on the GLK was a challenge. The compact spare should tuck in behind the passenger seat when we are on road trips and maybe give us a little peace of mind ??
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Old Dec 14, 2013 | 09:58 AM
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GLK 250
I have the Dunlop MOE tires on mine. What bothers me are the cars that have cans
of tire sealant. Everything I've read says not to use the stuff on wheels with tire
pressure monitors. If you use the sealant and the tire pressure monitor dies will MB
replace it, for free?
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Old Dec 14, 2013 | 11:21 AM
  #16  
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From: Redding, CA
'85 190D , '12 E350 BlueTec, '13 GLK 250 BlueTec
No telling what M-B would do if the monitors are damaged. I would think there would be a good cause of action against M-B if THEIR sealant damaged them. I'd guess they'd take car of it. However, before I 'found' my M-B supplied sealant and the compressor, I had shopped for other sealant. If you need it in a major emergency, the cost of the any ancillary damage is inconsequential. In looking over the sealants I found a couple that claim to be usable and cause no damage to monitors. I bought one of those. Looking for a place to stow it is how I found the other items I didn't know I had.

I wouldn't use it if I had a flat in my driveway or very near a repair facility. But if I had a flat on US Highway 50, 'the loneliest road in the America', there are only 3 settlements over about 500 miles of desert, I'd use any means at my disposal to get me out of there, particularly in the summertime where temperatures will exceed 100!
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Old Dec 14, 2013 | 12:19 PM
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As noted elsewhere, our Canadian GLK250,s are fitted with 235/70-19 MO all-weather tires as standard. And, there is no spare, just a compressor and can of sealant.

In reading the tire section of the manual, the only tire allowed for the GLK250, is the MOExtended all weaher, which is the semi runflat tire that US delivered cars get. All others including the 235/70-19 99H M+S that Canadians get, have a note 17 alongside, which says "USA: Not for GLK 250 Bluetec"

So why would All Weather tires be OK for Canada with no spare while US gets MOExtended?

By the way, many owners use 17" rims with snow tires. In fact they are recommended for the GLK350. According to manual, those too are not suitable for the GLK250BT!

Last edited by 107123210; Dec 14, 2013 at 12:26 PM.
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Old Dec 14, 2013 | 01:34 PM
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From: Redding, CA
'85 190D , '12 E350 BlueTec, '13 GLK 250 BlueTec
Originally Posted by 107123210

So why would All Weather tires be OK for Canada with no spare while US gets MOExtended?
Because there is a genius sitting at M-B Canada that says that's what the Canucks want! Same in the US telling us what we want. Somebody has a reason, right or wrong.
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Old Dec 14, 2013 | 06:20 PM
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It might be due to simple market analysis but there may also be differences in automobile regulations or liability risks/concerns that lead to Canada getting one thing and the US getting another.
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Old Dec 14, 2013 | 06:59 PM
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The difference between MBUSA and MBCanada is there. Maybe to do with availability or approval of runflats here or perhaps a cost thing - cheaper to provide pump and goo than install runflats.

How about the other issue. How to install winter tires on a GLK250 if you live in USA? The owner's manual doesn't provide an option for that!

It rules out what most are doing here. 17" rims with 235/60-17 winter tires. Manual say not to do this, but only in USA! Maybe due to lack of spare or runflat capability?
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Old Feb 9, 2014 | 09:28 AM
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Conti Tires

Hey BOB, just wondering what MB is doing for you? I picked up my 2013 250BT in May from Sindelfingen, just went out to the garage and noticed I have the Conti 4x4 tires also. I have no pump or can of tire inflate. Thanks for your help!
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Old Feb 9, 2014 | 01:09 PM
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From: Redding, CA
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When I initially contacted M-B USA they insisted I had MOE tires. After exchange of correspondence and their insistence the car was designated to have runflats as had been represented to me on the order, they had me take the car to the dealer for inspection and confirmation. A couple of weeks later they notified me to go to the dealer where they would supply me with an emergency spare in lieu of the demand I made for them to install the runflats specified on my order. I offered that 'settlement' as inducement to save themselves $1000 worth of tires for the $300 emergency spare. They were extremely nice about it, as was I. I feel I got the best of both worlds!
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Old Feb 10, 2014 | 12:35 PM
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Thank you for the quick response Bob. I have an appointment with the dealership on Wednesday lets hope I can get figured out. Thanks again!
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Old Feb 10, 2014 | 09:01 PM
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From: Boston , MA
GLK250 BlueTec- 2014
Hi everyone;
I have a 2014 GLK250BT (dec2013 build delivered jan014 by a Boston MB dealer)

The Lack of spare tire was stuff to take - (like my two previous BMWs that had Run-flats its nerve-wrecking when you drive in country-side with little no cell coverage's)
due to my work requirements - thus the smaller Diesel engine!

I quickly tracked down a MB dealer willing to sell me a Vredestein (from GLK350) and it sits in luggage area in a plastic bag with a 12V compressor from Walmart + Guus. Orders on line = NO SALES TAX (pls msg me and I can send the vendor info if needed)

In my humble experience - MBUSA & Canada either don't know their customer's requirement(s) and are WAY TO ARRAGONT to listen to their concerns!! My last two cars that had RUN_FLATS both had flats that could not be REPAIRED BY THE DEALER - and good for me as I had '4 yr tyre insurance' ,,,, and am sure that cost them heaps. 4 tyres with side-wall damage due to driving in GRAVEL Roads after puncture -rendered those tyres USELESS with RIMS !!!
FYI - the same GLKS in rest of the world are given a Vredestein spare tire!

Last edited by miked807; Feb 13, 2014 at 02:34 PM. Reason: Typos
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Old Feb 13, 2014 | 11:07 AM
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Well it has been confirmed that I do NOT have run flats on my 250BT. BOB I am going through the same things you did. I talked to MB USA last night and they are insisting I have run flats and there is no way I couldn't. The biggest issue I am having is I am currently living in Germany with a US spec car. MB Germany is being great about it and writing up an official letter to MB USA letting them know the tire are wrong. Hope to get this figured out soon.
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