Streamliner

Is there a compact spare wheel/tire and a jack in the R231 models? If not, is there sufficient space below the trunk floor to put one?

Another question: as far as keeping the interior cooler on a sunny day, can anyone comment on whether the standard Pano roof or the Magic Sky option would be better?

Steinhart

I have a 2014 SL550 with ABS and Magic Sky...

there is no spare tire and no room for one below the trunk floor, and my car has no jack, the car came with regular tires (not run flats) as part of the ABS option

the Magic Sky keeps the car surprising cool in the Arizona sun, but I have a white interior and exterior car, no idea how the standard pano roof is

threeMBs

Then you must have TireFit, right? I would not drive without a spare (donut does fit in the trunk, not under floor, but in the trunk - I posted a picture here somewhere showing that it does fit) with jack or at least run flats. In addition to a donut spare, I have a jack under the floor and a ContiComfortKit(in every car).

Steinhart

no, and to make matters worse I purchased a set of HRE rims and they mounted the tires with the stems on the inside, so I can't even put air in the tires unless the car is lifted, so I'm relying AAA if I get a flat

the car is used very little though, about 3k miles a year

threeMBs

Do you have picture(s)? How can this even be possible?.

Steinhart

Streamliner

I've done the same with my 2015 S550. I replaced the run flats with conventional tires--which resulted in a MUCH improved ride quality and I purchased a compact spare, which must sit on TOP of the trunk floor, but it gives great peace of mind on trips out of the city. Should I get an R231, I'll probably change from run flats to conventional tires for better ride quality and put a TireFit in the trunk. The SL would only be driven locally, so no spare isn't a huge deal to me on this car, but I still feel that not at least having the SPACE for a spare, should an owner desire to have one, is an absolutely ridiculous move that MB made. I love Germans but as brilliant as they may be, they certainly do make some truly asinine decisions sometimes.

Steinhart

I agree, another example of "great ingenuity" is my B&O stereo which for some bizarre reason the rear speaker does not work unless a particular high audio CD is inserted, the stereo is an expensive option that sounds very mediocre, especially compared to the Burmester in the S

threeMBs

I can not see the valve, so where is it - deep inside the wheel that you just can not get too or is it facing the inside instead of outside (because above you said that car must be lifted)? I've seen wheels with "hidden" valves but never one that you can not get to while car is on the ground if need be. (I would never drive on wheels like that - I drive mine even less (only 1K/yr) but still check pressure manually at least once a month. proper tire pressure at all times is like a religion to me).

Steinhart

it's facing inside instead of outside, so you can't reach it unless the car is lifted

threeMBs

Well. Then I would certainly consider a donut from C218 CLS550 or 2012-14 W212 E550: https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...re-33b0cjb.jpg

Streamliner

I would consider asking the wheel maker "WTF WERE YOU GUYS THINKING????"
That's like somebody having their pants sewed shut after they put them on, to eliminate the zipper, for a nice, clean look.

Steinhart

well, I agree, I didn't even notice it until I was low on air and stopped by the dealer, who then had to put the car on a lift to fill the tires, ridiculous

I think I"ll have holes drilled for the stems to be accessible on the outside, like every other wheel I have ever seen, lol

Wolfman

This is standard fare on HRE's. Whoever got you the wheels (tire guy, private or dealer) just has installed the wrong valve stems.

These wheels require angled valve stems for TPMS. Just call HRE and order some

Steinhart

wow, very good to know, I will bring it back to the wheel shop, who were supposed to be one of the best shops in town, go figure, thanks for posting this information

Wolfman

Should look something like this... There are different ones (internally) for TPMS


or just get some extensions like this.

Steinhart

ok, thank you, much appreciated

Steinhart

well, I brought the car in to the wheel shop, turns out they did install stems on the outside, just hidden behind the rim, hard to see, but definitely there and able to fill with air, can't believe I didn't see it, but now I wonder why the Mercedes dealer told me they had to put the car on a lift to put air in the tires?