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I recently bought an Australian delivered W211 E55 MY 2003. It has an aftermarket subwoofer / amp installed in the spare wheel well. I would like to get rid of the sub and have a spare, however the battery is oriented in such a way that a spare (even a space saver) will not fit. Initially I thought the battery had just been moved, but when I removed the sub for a better look I could see the battery hold down etc was properly integrated into the plastic floor of the trunk with an OEM ground post to the left of the battery. Other pictures of W211 trunks show the battery mounted on the right. I asked my MB mechanic about this and he’s only ever seen E55s come with a spare.
So is this car not meant to have a spare? It looks to me that if I want to run a spare I would need to change the whole plastic tray to one that’s suitably configured?
Correct. My 2004 did not come with a spare either. I've owned it for 9 years and never had a problem, but I do have the tire pressure monitoring system. You have a compressor there. Buy yourself a Safety Seal tire plug kit and keep it with you. Keep your tires properly inflated, and don't run them until they are bald and you shouldn't have any problems.
Correct. My 2004 did not come with a spare either. I've owned it for 9 years and never had a problem, but I do have the tire pressure monitoring system. You have a compressor there. Buy yourself a Safety Seal tire plug kit and keep it with you. Keep your tires properly inflated, and don't run them until they are bald and you shouldn't have any problems.
I'd be a lot more comfortable if the car was optioned with tyre pressure monitoring. Out of interest can you post a picture of what is in this area of the trunk from factory?
I'd be a lot more comfortable if the car was optioned with tyre pressure monitoring. Out of interest can you post a picture of what is in this area of the trunk from factory?
Mine looks just like yours except for a carpet insert. I agree, without the TPM system I'd be a bit worried. By the time you realize you have a flat, the tire could be ruined. It saved me once, traveling on the interstate at 80mph, the warning came on, I watched the pressure drop 1psi per mile, I was able to take an exit and found the valve stem was loose (they are metal with the TPM system) and I tightened it, filled up with the compressor and I was on my way.
If you choose to buy a spare, you can just get a spare front wheel and leave it in your trunk. Also be aware if you buy a space saver spare, it needs to be E55 specific in order to clear the front brake calipers, and you also may need the shorter wheel bolts for it.
Last edited by E55Greasemonkey; Feb 9, 2021 at 09:35 PM.
Actually while we're on the subject - can you add TPMS with STAR like I've done enabling sbc hold etc? Or does it have a physical module etc and too much of a headache to add?
If it's a programming task I'd love to have the extra warning, we have too much tire-destroying road construction where I live...
Actually while we're on the subject - can you add TPMS with STAR like I've done enabling sbc hold etc? Or does it have a physical module etc and too much of a headache to add?
If it's a programming task I'd love to have the extra warning, we have too much tire-destroying road construction where I live...
No, you'll need not only the control unit, but the antennas in each wheel well, plus all the wiring of course.
Space saver spare is what you should have. Two configurations for the E55. I'll see about finding the tech document I have.
EDIT: Search on "TIREFIT". NOTE: Second edit. TIREFIT appears to be a chemical tire sealant combined with a can of compressed air and/or an air compressor. Ouch...I'll take a spare tire for $800, Alex. (Gratuitous TV game show reference.)
Last edited by bbirdwell; Feb 9, 2021 at 11:02 PM.
Well there it is. Thanks for the info guys. I have to get a spare and chuck it in the boot for longer trips.
Going forward I reckon I'll need to install TPMS, which is a bit of a mission. Hoping I can find a wreck I can strip the parts off but I've not had much luck with wreckers so far.
I don’t see why you can’t move the battery to the right side. All of the mounting holes for the electrical items, and battery hold downs should be there?
The only thing is are the wires long enough?
It looks like the battery would just swing to the right. Positive cable is still in the same spot. And the other wires move and bolt up.
Then you should be able to mount a spare tire.
I wouldn’t think Mercedes would have a different length harness or the spare tire well be different with or without a spare option.
Last edited by tlambert; Jan 10, 2022 at 12:11 AM.
I don’t see why you can’t move the battery to the right side. All of the mounting holes for the electrical items, and battery hold downs should be there?
The only thing is are the wires long enough?
It looks like the battery would just swing to the right. Positive cable is still in the same spot. And the other wires move and bolt up.
Then you should be able to mount a spare tire.
I wouldn’t then Mercedes would have a different length harness or the spare tire well be different with or without a spare option.
Actually not a bad idea. BCM mounts on the back side towards the bumper. Storage box on the left is different but one out of any E-class might fit. If there is a salvage yard nearby it would be worth a trip.
Well there it is. Thanks for the info guys. I have to get a spare and chuck it in the boot for longer trips.
Going forward I reckon I'll need to install TPMS, which is a bit of a mission. Hoping I can find a wreck I can strip the parts off but I've not had much luck with wreckers so far.
I believe you can scroll through the cluster info to find your tire pressures if you have TPMS, I don't in my '03 so there is no screen with that information. That, or just let 10psi out of one of your tires and cruise around the block, see if a warning pops up
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