4200/GS alternative space saver from a Mercedes SL R230

tonycharente

tonycharente

Member
Messages
182
Black Mazerati said:
Newly registered Yank without an introduction!

This thread baited me into a question that's been burning in my head! I was lucky to get the OEM Spare Tire kit with my 2005 Coupe I purchased at the end of last year. The tire looks pristine(showroom new) and the rubber is very supple. I do have to wonder if I could trust it driving slow to get me where I'm going if needed. I don't even know if it will air up but feel it's probably a 1 shot deal if I do considering the age. Thoughts?

Pretty sure it has been asked, is an OEM replacement still available anywhere?
Click to expand...
Difficult call !!! I think it's encouraging that the rubber is still very supple, but the rubber is still 17 years old. I think only you can make the decision.

Regarding buying an OEM replacement, if you do manage to find one (a) it will cost a fortune and (b) if it dates from when they stopped making 4200's it will itself be very old. It was these two factors that pushed me to but a brand new Mercedes one when the second hand one I had purchased had problems (as related in my previous posts). But unlike you I wasn't starting with an unused OEM one, and I desparately wanted an actual spare as I had some long trips to make - that's why I say in your case (with an OEM one) I think only you can make the decision.
 
B

Black Mazerati

Junior Member
Messages
39
tonycharente said:
Difficult call !!! I think it's encouraging that the rubber is still very supple, but the rubber is still 17 years old. I think only you can make the decision.

Regarding buying an OEM replacement, if you do manage to find one (a) it will cost a fortune and (b) if it dates from when they stopped making 4200's it will itself be very old. It was these two factors that pushed me to but a brand new Mercedes one when the second hand one I had purchased had problems (as related in my previous posts). But unlike you I wasn't starting with an unused OEM one, and I desparately wanted an actual spare as I had some long trips to make - that's why I say in your case (with an OEM one) I think only you can make the decision.
Click to expand...

So this type spare is a one off for the 4200's?
 
safrane

safrane

Member
Messages
16,817
I have spoken to Vredestein directly who informed me the only way to get a new one (Tyre or Wheel and Tyre set) is via Maserati which strikes me of yet another cartels operation by Maserati.
 
T

TimR

Member
Messages
2,723
Not sure if they were designed to be used once and then discarded. Given the price of them, you'd have to think not..!? I believe the 4200 had savers made by Vredestein in Europe when they were manufactured initially... I do know you cannot buy them off the shelf; and if you can get something with matching numbers,( you cant I reckon!) it is not mounted with the use of a standard tyre machine, Im told...
I also wondered if they were meant to be evacuated after use. Or simply let down like a conventional tyre....
Personally, I wouldnt be too concerned about non standard fitting. I would expect that any dispute would have to prove that the wheel/space saver wasnt load rated, which I am certain it would be even it was produced OEM for a different vehicle; and further, that the use of spacers ( which is widespread and widely accepted by underwriters already) were the cause of any failure, the cost of which they were being asked to bear...
Unless Insurers are as slippery as Boris Johnson..Which is always possible I suppose....!>!?!
 
tonycharente

tonycharente

Member
Messages
182
TimR said:
.....
I also wondered if they were meant to be evacuated after use. Or simply let down like a conventional tyre....
....
Click to expand...

After I test inflated my brand new SLK wheel, I just let the air out. The re-deflated diameter was barely bigger than when it was "a virgin", and it dropped into place dead easily.
 
mjheathcote

mjheathcote

Centenary Club
Messages
9,037
tonycharente said:
After I test inflated my brand new SLK wheel, I just let the air out. The re-deflated diameter was barely bigger than when it was "a virgin", and it dropped into place dead easily.
Click to expand...
I guess the only fear of test inflation and deflation is that through pumping it up, you are introducing damp wet air into the tyre cavity. This could accelerate the possibility of rubber rot.
Unless you can inflate using dry filtered air.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.