View Poll Results: How do you feel about no spare wheel/tire in the W222?
As an option, I would be willing to pay extra for a full size spare on a matching alloy wheel.
26.67%
Voters: 75. You may not vote on this poll
SPARE WHEEL/TIRE POLL--RESULTS TO BE SENT TO MBUSA!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 61
2006 E320 CDI 2014 C63 507 Coupe 2012 E550 4M 2016 E63s Wagon
Wife got a flat in our E550 and it destroyed the wheel ($965 + core is price gouging Barry). Had to wait a couple days for a replacement wheel. The donut served its purpose over several days of light driving around town. I don't think flat RFT would work well after being parked for a while. When I traded my 335 convertible for my C63 coupe I was pleased to get rid of RFT and get a spare - even a donut is better than nothing.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 284
Likes: 64
2015 S-550
Letter to MBUSA
The other day, I sent a letter--a real one, on paper, in an envelope, to MBUSA telling them how disappointed I was my new $115K+ S550 did not have a spare or even the frigging PLACE to put one, should I choose to provide my own.
I strongly suggest that anyone interested in this topic do the same. I know, it's probably futile, but it can't hurt to deluge them with complaints. Maybe they'll see the light and decide that providing a spare would put them one up on BMW--something they are always interested in.
I strongly suggest that anyone interested in this topic do the same. I know, it's probably futile, but it can't hurt to deluge them with complaints. Maybe they'll see the light and decide that providing a spare would put them one up on BMW--something they are always interested in.
Did you get a reply?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 284
Likes: 64
2015 S-550
Nevada flat
I would be as happy with a flat in that situation as I would be with a mechanical failure. In your example I think the issue is do you want to take the chance of being stranded at midnight in the middle of Nevada.
I have no use for the donut as a backup, if you want a full sized spare then at least you have something decent. The donut has virtually no tread or protection from road hazards and is good for maybe 20 miles more than the RFT.
I live in the Northeast if I had a flat with the single digit weather we've been having I would rather drive with the RFT then attempt to pull off the road in the snow and change the tire.
I have no use for the donut as a backup, if you want a full sized spare then at least you have something decent. The donut has virtually no tread or protection from road hazards and is good for maybe 20 miles more than the RFT.
I live in the Northeast if I had a flat with the single digit weather we've been having I would rather drive with the RFT then attempt to pull off the road in the snow and change the tire.
Only full size spare makes sense, fully agree. RFT range is only 50 miles, which is nothing. In all my years of driving I've had only one mechanical failure, but quite a few flats.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,142
Likes: 4,363
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
What I don't know is what it would take to make this change. When looking at the place a spare would go, there is a lot of "stuff" there. I can imagine finding a new home for this "stuff" would not be an easy task and require a major reworking, something they don't do mid-cycle.
Hope I am wrong.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,430
Likes: 187
From: USA
W140 Mercedes S350, W221 S550 sport
What's interesting also is that a spare tire helps with rear end collisions. I've seen many crash tests where damage is reduced in rear end hits when the spare is in there (it helped absorb some impact). One wonders if someone on billing board decided to uncheck a box for the spare tire and is risking some safety issues.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 284
Likes: 64
2015 S-550
In all my years of driving I've had only one mechanical failure, but quite a few flats, so I would consider a mechanical rather improbable. I'd prefer to change a tire rather than getting stuck on the road for who knows how long.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 284
Likes: 64
2015 S-550
Not only did Mercedes eliminate the spare tire, and the space for that, but they also made the gas tank smaller. What is going on? At least they could have put in a bigger tank so one did not have to swing by the gas station so often.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
S550
I'm one of the "run flats suck" crowd. I just picked up my S500 Monday with 20" run flats. Car drives like a dream. So, have I changed my mind....no way. Wait till I get to 8000 miles and the noise starts. Overtime I've taken run flats off a car I have never regretted it. Hard to convey the difference.
The car was so quiet and smooth feeling on Monday.....just think how it would have felt with good old fashioned tires on it!!
The car was so quiet and smooth feeling on Monday.....just think how it would have felt with good old fashioned tires on it!!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,142
Likes: 4,363
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I'm one of the "run flats suck" crowd. I just picked up my S500 Monday with 20" run flats. Car drives like a dream. So, have I changed my mind....no way. Wait till I get to 8000 miles and the noise starts. Overtime I've taken run flats off a car I have never regretted it. Hard to convey the difference.
The car was so quiet and smooth feeling on Monday.....just think how it would have felt with good old fashioned tires on it!!
The car was so quiet and smooth feeling on Monday.....just think how it would have felt with good old fashioned tires on it!!
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
S550
I've had two BMW 7 Series that I have taken the run flats off, one was a 2009, 750li, then I did not like the long wheel base, something just looked off design wise and I bought a 2011 750i, same things...took off the run flats. Last car was a 2013 BMW 650i and when original tires ran out I out on non-run flats. Now, I did wait for a two one weekend. But, all in all I got to say that every tine I have done it I have been surprised by the difference and happy I did it.
Now, who knows, my Mercedes I picked up drives like a dream, but I'm thinking over time as the wear down it will be the same old song and dance. Maybe Mercedes has it figured out????? Time will tell for me.
OH....I always waited till the cars tires needed it before I switched. I don't got money to burn changing tires when the run flats are new. Although, the difference is so striking an argument can be made that its worth taking the hit financially. Anybody else want to chime in.
Now, who knows, my Mercedes I picked up drives like a dream, but I'm thinking over time as the wear down it will be the same old song and dance. Maybe Mercedes has it figured out????? Time will tell for me.
OH....I always waited till the cars tires needed it before I switched. I don't got money to burn changing tires when the run flats are new. Although, the difference is so striking an argument can be made that its worth taking the hit financially. Anybody else want to chime in.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,142
Likes: 4,363
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I've had two BMW 7 Series that I have taken the run flats off, one was a 2009, 750li, then I did not like the long wheel base, something just looked off design wise and I bought a 2011 750i, same things...took off the run flats. Last car was a 2013 BMW 650i and when original tires ran out I out on non-run flats. Now, I did wait for a two one weekend. But, all in all I got to say that every tine I have done it I have been surprised by the difference and happy I did it.
Now, who knows, my Mercedes I picked up drives like a dream, but I'm thinking over time as the wear down it will be the same old song and dance. Maybe Mercedes has it figured out????? Time will tell for me.
OH....I always waited till the cars tires needed it before I switched. I don't got money to burn changing tires when the run flats are new. Although, the difference is so striking an argument can be made that its worth taking the hit financially. Anybody else want to chime in.
Now, who knows, my Mercedes I picked up drives like a dream, but I'm thinking over time as the wear down it will be the same old song and dance. Maybe Mercedes has it figured out????? Time will tell for me.
OH....I always waited till the cars tires needed it before I switched. I don't got money to burn changing tires when the run flats are new. Although, the difference is so striking an argument can be made that its worth taking the hit financially. Anybody else want to chime in.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 659
Likes: 7
From: New Jersey
2013 S550 4matic (AMG sport package), 2016 Corvette Stingray.
They need to add a compact spare (PERIOD). The option of paying extra for a fullsize spare doesnt appear to be an option that would be considered by the manufacturer (MB) as im sure that would not fit in their plans of eliminating excess weight. Now a compact spare really seams reasonable and elimates any safety issues.
The other issue I have is that MB is making alot of money on their wheel insurance and as a result of this providing RFT tires makes dollars and sense lol. Now maybe offering a rft tire vs a compact spare option that would be great!
The other issue I have is that MB is making alot of money on their wheel insurance and as a result of this providing RFT tires makes dollars and sense lol. Now maybe offering a rft tire vs a compact spare option that would be great!
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
S550
Maybe off topic a bit.....but this S550 is so quiet from road sounds when in the cabin. Never had a car this insulated from noise. I got to give it an A+ on that score. Now, if I could just figure out the navigation verbal instructions, I can adjust the volume she speaks....problem is the volume of music does not mute enough. It mutes, nut not enough to get the nav instructions clearly. And, I got music at a reasonable volume....not blasting it by any means. Anyone else with this issue? I guess it's back to the owners manual or COMMAND manual. My first Mercedes so I've been spending a lot of time with my nose buried in those manuals. I'm starting to get the hang of it.
The interior is awesome, and the COMMAND system seems like a couple of years ahead of the latest BMW operating system.
The interior is awesome, and the COMMAND system seems like a couple of years ahead of the latest BMW operating system.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
2014 S550 4Matic, 2016 GLC300 4Matic , 2018 Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid
Maybe off topic a bit.....but this S550 is so quiet from road sounds when in the cabin. Never had a car this insulated from noise. I got to give it an A+ on that score. Now, if I could just figure out the navigation verbal instructions, I can adjust the volume she speaks....problem is the volume of music does not mute enough. It mutes, nut not enough to get the nav instructions clearly. And, I got music at a reasonable volume....not blasting it by any means. Anyone else with this issue? I guess it's back to the owners manual or COMMAND manual. My first Mercedes so I've been spending a lot of time with my nose buried in those manuals. I'm starting to get the hang of it.
The interior is awesome, and the COMMAND system seems like a couple of years ahead of the latest BMW operating system.
The interior is awesome, and the COMMAND system seems like a couple of years ahead of the latest BMW operating system.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 558
Likes: 152
From: New York City
2021 e All Terrain, 2001 e55
I will hope for the best and plan for the worst.
It seems that the emergency spare for the 221 will fit my 222 car but I am going to try and find a full size rim and tire and put it in my trunk. I know it will take up a lot of space and I am not happy about that but it beats being stuck in the country at night.
I hope I can fine the thinnest possible tire.. The thinnest tire in the manual is a 245. I hope I can find a rim that is thinner and still fits my car.
Some may disagree with this approach but as I look at the poll in this thread many do agree.
If anyone has a suggestion please let me know.
thanks
phil
It seems that the emergency spare for the 221 will fit my 222 car but I am going to try and find a full size rim and tire and put it in my trunk. I know it will take up a lot of space and I am not happy about that but it beats being stuck in the country at night.
I hope I can fine the thinnest possible tire.. The thinnest tire in the manual is a 245. I hope I can find a rim that is thinner and still fits my car.
Some may disagree with this approach but as I look at the poll in this thread many do agree.
If anyone has a suggestion please let me know.
thanks
phil
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 342
Likes: 71
From: NJ
E300-4matic
Your point is well taken and I do in fact agree with you, but you're dealing with MB. I've been driving their so-called luxury cars for 20+ years and don't for one minute kid yourself they will give a hoot in hell what the poll shows, they do whatever they damn well please, they build some very good cars and some that I would be ashamed to put my moniker on but at the end of the day they're still stuck with that idiotic German mentality that they're the best automotive engineers in the world so if they are doing something it must be right. Personally after taking delivery of my last three MB's I went on EBay and bought a used MB wheel that fit my car and purchased the correct tire for from Tirerack and have always kept it in the trunk, to hell with loosing trunk space, I've had more than 3 occasions when one of my tires went flat and I was very happy to know that I had the foresight after spending $90k to $100k to spend another $500 or so, so that I didn't have to rely on MB to come and change my spare tire, the one they don't provide you with anymore.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 972
Likes: 28
From: DFW
BMW M850i Gran Coupe
This week I noticed a sidewall cut on my Continental GX SSR 245/45-19 and literally could not find a replacement tire in Maryland. Tire Rack had limited inventory but didn't show it online. A "phone call" eventually got the tire shipped from Indiana but this is a lot of aggravation just to be allowed to "overpay" for a tire I did not want to begin with when I took the S-Class delivery 3 months ago.
I may not have Tesla "range anxiety" but now I have "no spare tire" anxiety! Northeast roads are filled with potholes this year and my fear is not a nail hole but rather a large gash and a damaged wheel. True, it might never happen, but why should I now have something else to worry about? I know Mercedes needs to meet CAFE standards by reducing weight but at least give me the option of obtaining a donut spare and jack. The dealer says they can't even discuss the earlier model spare fitting the W222 with MBUSA as it was not designed for that model, therefore no guidance. (Off the record I was told it fits, but the offset is slightly different) How difficult would it be to restore the W221 style tire slot in the trunk to accommodate the small tire? I go back to the 560SEL days and this is the first time I will be writing a letter to MBUSA. They need to hear from us - more than even this poll.
I may not have Tesla "range anxiety" but now I have "no spare tire" anxiety! Northeast roads are filled with potholes this year and my fear is not a nail hole but rather a large gash and a damaged wheel. True, it might never happen, but why should I now have something else to worry about? I know Mercedes needs to meet CAFE standards by reducing weight but at least give me the option of obtaining a donut spare and jack. The dealer says they can't even discuss the earlier model spare fitting the W222 with MBUSA as it was not designed for that model, therefore no guidance. (Off the record I was told it fits, but the offset is slightly different) How difficult would it be to restore the W221 style tire slot in the trunk to accommodate the small tire? I go back to the 560SEL days and this is the first time I will be writing a letter to MBUSA. They need to hear from us - more than even this poll.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,142
Likes: 4,363
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
This week I noticed a sidewall cut on my Continental GX SSR 245/45-19 and literally could not find a replacement tire in Maryland. Tire Rack had limited inventory but didn't show it online. A "phone call" eventually got the tire shipped from Indiana but this is a lot of aggravation just to be allowed to "overpay" for a tire I did not want to begin with when I took the S-Class delivery 3 months ago.
I may not have Tesla "range anxiety" but now I have "no spare tire" anxiety! Northeast roads are filled with potholes this year and my fear is not a nail hole but rather a large gash and a damaged wheel. True, it might never happen, but why should I now have something else to worry about? I know Mercedes needs to meet CAFE standards by reducing weight but at least give me the option of obtaining a donut spare and jack. The dealer says they can't even discuss the earlier model spare fitting the W222 with MBUSA as it was not designed for that model, therefore no guidance. (Off the record I was told it fits, but the offset is slightly different) How difficult would it be to restore the W221 style tire slot in the trunk to accommodate the small tire? I go back to the 560SEL days and this is the first time I will be writing a letter to MBUSA. They need to hear from us - more than even this poll.
I may not have Tesla "range anxiety" but now I have "no spare tire" anxiety! Northeast roads are filled with potholes this year and my fear is not a nail hole but rather a large gash and a damaged wheel. True, it might never happen, but why should I now have something else to worry about? I know Mercedes needs to meet CAFE standards by reducing weight but at least give me the option of obtaining a donut spare and jack. The dealer says they can't even discuss the earlier model spare fitting the W222 with MBUSA as it was not designed for that model, therefore no guidance. (Off the record I was told it fits, but the offset is slightly different) How difficult would it be to restore the W221 style tire slot in the trunk to accommodate the small tire? I go back to the 560SEL days and this is the first time I will be writing a letter to MBUSA. They need to hear from us - more than even this poll.
Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 106
Likes: 3
1988 560sl/2015 S550 4Matic
I expect my new S550 (ruby-black wi beige interior, 4matic) to arrive at the dealer next week about 4-24-15. I wish a spare of any kind was avail. While it has been 4 or 5 years since I have had a flat, the asurance would give me a better piece of mind even if I never have another flat in my life.
Michael in Arizona
Michael in Arizona
Last edited by xrayaz; Apr 15, 2015 at 10:35 PM. Reason: spelling
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
I live in Orange County, CA where the roads are in great shape and we pretty much don't know what a pothole is. However, sitting on TOP of my W222 trunk floor, is an unused W221 spare, taking up ridiculous space but providing peace of mind for the driver. The best or nothing???
