Advice on spare wheel limitations
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Australia
1999 E55 AMG
Advice on spare wheel limitations
Hi
Could someone advise of any speed limitations when using the spare wheel on the rear of the car, please.
I picked up a nail and had to change the wheel. I seem to recall that there's some speed limit (maybe) as the spare wheel is the same size as the front and not the back, on the staggered wheel cars.
Unfortunately, at the same time, debris in the road ripped off the plastic under tray behind the front spoiler, so if anyone knows the part number for it, that would be awesome.
Bit of an unlucky night
Could someone advise of any speed limitations when using the spare wheel on the rear of the car, please.
I picked up a nail and had to change the wheel. I seem to recall that there's some speed limit (maybe) as the spare wheel is the same size as the front and not the back, on the staggered wheel cars.
Unfortunately, at the same time, debris in the road ripped off the plastic under tray behind the front spoiler, so if anyone knows the part number for it, that would be awesome.
Bit of an unlucky night
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 734
Likes: 27
2021 Yukon XL Denali, 2017 GLS450 4MATIC, 1993 Chevy Corvette
Do you have a silver AMG wheel or black steel wheel for the spare? Once upon a time MBZ gave a real silver alloy spare rim that matched the other four. Then a bean counter probably submitted a proposal to save MBZ millions by using those ugly black steel wheels. I personally had a full alloy AMG mono block with unidirectional standard tire on it. The monoblock (which had never been used but the tire had been replaced) oddly had a 55mph sticker on it, which I assumed was a result of the fact that from the factory the spare rim had a cheap, spare rubber on it. I compared the spare to my front wheel monoblock and they appeared identical both in appearance and weight.
If you have the steel rim, then definitely don't drive on it for long. For short term use it will be fine. Where I live I see people tearassing around the highway with a donut spare - it's amazing the stupidity...
If you have the steel rim, then definitely don't drive on it for long. For short term use it will be fine. Where I live I see people tearassing around the highway with a donut spare - it's amazing the stupidity...
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 734
Likes: 27
2021 Yukon XL Denali, 2017 GLS450 4MATIC, 1993 Chevy Corvette
I believe Mercedes stopped giving the real alloy rims as spares in MY 2000. Stick below 55mph if you don't have a standard replacement wheel and tire and are running the traditional steel spare (typically black).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,396
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From: Bay Area, CA
2007 SL55 AMG
The later spares (2000+ models) are also alloy, however it is a 17in black rim with a directional goodyear tire (235/45/17) and I've heard it only fits on the front. I believe that it's fine to drive normally with even though it has a speed limit sticker on it. I just wouldnt do 100+mph runs on it.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Australia
1999 E55 AMG
Thanks for the responses.
The spare wheel is an original alloy, same size as the front one.
I've now found out that it can be used on the rear, but only as an emergency with speed limited to 80 km/hr.
Luckily, the tyre can be repaired, which is a relief.
The spare wheel is an original alloy, same size as the front one.
I've now found out that it can be used on the rear, but only as an emergency with speed limited to 80 km/hr.
Luckily, the tyre can be repaired, which is a relief.
