SL/R231: How’s this for a nail in a tire?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 223
From: Milton/Westport, MA USA
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
I discovered the nail just before a planned 20+ mile drive to a friend's house for dinner, somehow comfortably believing that nail has been there a while and if it hasn't been a problem so far, it wouldn't be last night (I put my compressor in the trunk though, just in case). This shot of the nail from the other side (with wheels first wiped clean) has me wondering if it might be traveling through solid rubber? I'll have my tire guy take a look Monday. I know he won't be able to patch it but maybe it can be removed without causing a leak?
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,558
Likes: 3,680
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
For a couple hundred bucks I wouldn’t take chances with the tire no matter what a tire shop would tell me...
Good tires and brakes are the most important part of any car.
Good tires and brakes are the most important part of any car.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
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
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,447
Likes: 334
From: South Florida
2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 223
From: Milton/Westport, MA USA
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
unlike many on this forum, I'm BARELY a millionaire, so really, what danger am I in driving with no air loss in my tire? that chick takes that thing out of her eyebrow and it'll heal, lol. I don't race, and it's a rear tire, plus I have a compressor in the trunk.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 65
Likes: 10
From: Chester County, PA
2018 SL550
I'm a great believer in asking the question, "is it worn or worn out?" before replacing something. Personally, for me that question doesn't come into play for tire sidewall damage.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 660
Likes: 300
From: Franklin, TN
2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
Agree with RocketBoots; a tire blow out at speed is not a fun event, regardless of location on the vehicle. The increased risk associated with that occurring due to a weak sidewall are not worth the immediate savings. Sooner or later you will have to replace the tire; better to do it now and keep your vehicle, you, your passenger, and others on the road safe from a 'what if' moment.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 223
From: Milton/Westport, MA USA
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
Many months later, still dealing with constant false alarms from the TPMS System (I later replaced the "brain" along with all the sensors) I was doing about 100 mph ignoring what I was certain was a false alarm "white" warning when it turned red, started beeping, and the car started slowing down, like limp mode, straight as an arrow. Turns out the tire was so worn I had driven the tread right off it, exposing steel belts and, well, air. I may have cheated death that time.
Last edited by eddieo45; May 22, 2019 at 02:49 PM.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,558
Likes: 3,680
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
I've had a couple of crazy tire experiences, both with the CLK550. I had lots of issues with TPMS sensors and always carry a compressor. Once I got the "red" warning, got off the highway immediately and put air in the tire, noticing a somewhat brittle feel to the metal valve stem. I started back onto the highway without resetting the warning indicator, so it continued to show red and beep. All around the cloverleaf onramp I tried to clear the warning and it made me so anxious I just continued onto the offramp and got off again, pulled over and looked at the tire and the valve stem was just gone. Nothing but a hole, so 0 lbs. of air in the tire. Thought for sure the tire would be ruined from driving on it with no air but a new sensor and valve stem and it was good as new.
Many months later, still dealing with constant false alarms from the TPMS System (I later replaced the "brain" along with all the sensors) I was doing about 100 mph ignoring what I was certain was a false alarm "white" warning when it turned red, started beeping, and the car started slowing down, like limp mode, straight as an arrow. Turns out the tire was so worn I had driven the tread right off it, exposing steel belts and, well, air. I may have cheated death that time.
Many months later, still dealing with constant false alarms from the TPMS System (I later replaced the "brain" along with all the sensors) I was doing about 100 mph ignoring what I was certain was a false alarm "white" warning when it turned red, started beeping, and the car started slowing down, like limp mode, straight as an arrow. Turns out the tire was so worn I had driven the tread right off it, exposing steel belts and, well, air. I may have cheated death that time.
Growing up in Germany and living in Europe, we used to do a lot of driving in Germany and while it is safer than the US despite the lack of speed limits (at the time there were less restrictions for noise pollution, etc.) I have seen my fair share of accidents. Gruesome moments. Have had two accidents at 130+mph. Brand loyalty was formed here...
Front tire blow-outs at high speeds would likely be deadly, rear tire ones dangerous due to surrounding traffic. Tires blow for a variety of reasons, from wrong tire pressure, sidewall damage, old age or stuff on the road, making sure that tires and brakes are good before going 150+ mph for extended periods of time was essential. Stopping is more important than accelerating even on an old and cheap car.
Point is, you have a nice car with precious cargo. Spend a few bucks and buy a new tire.
