After blowing out a rear tire last week after hitting something on the side of the road, I really want to put a spare in the back.
I found several threads about it, but no %100 certain information.
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...-roadster.html
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...crossfire.html
What I would like to know is
1 - What model MB cars can I source one from, year and body.
2 - which cars have a narrow donut, or wider collapsible tire?
3 - Should I get shorter lug bolts for the narrower wheel, if so, any donor vehicle for those??
Then I will look into making an attractive cover and mount. I have a coupe, so there is a ton of space. I might be doing a 7,000 mile trip this summer, and consider it a requirement.

 

R171 SLK spare will work, from what I've heard.

Unfortunately I can't confirm about the wheel studs; but I would assume they would be compatible with OEM R171 bolts, which are the same diameter, pitch, and seat-style as ours.

Others might be able to chime in with more accurate/precise details.

 

Thanks, now I need to look up R171, I can't keep track of the M.B. model/body classifications. I would think that where ever I get a wheel from will have bolts to match, probably any steel wheel with hubcaps bolt would be good.

 

OK, R171 = 2004-2010 SLK, I assume R170 would work 1997 - 2004 SLK since those are basically the same as the Crossfire, correct?
Also would the late 1990s C class cars work?
I checked a few sites and looks like ALL Mercedes from late 1990s on use 5x112 and same bolts 12x1.5mm except for the G wagons.
And I assume I need a 17" to clear the front calipers, correct?

 

I think the reason behind going with the R171 is because the R170 did not have a spare (again, I might have that mistaken). I simply recall seeing R171 being specifically mentioned when anyone bought a spare for the Crossfire.

I think a 16" will clear the brakes on the Limited, but 17" space-saver spare wouldn't hurt. And by design, the R171 spare is large enough to clear the R171's brakes.

Frankly I never bothered, as there wasn't a way for me to discreetly store the spare. So, I took my chances. My "spare" was my AAA Card

 

According to Car-part, I choose 2000 SLK and under wheel, you get these spare options
170 Type, aluminum, 16x3-1/2 (spare)
170 Type, steel, 15x4-1/2 (compact spare)
I would love the collapsible spare, but I guess I need to go to a junkyard and see what all they have. I did read on one MB site that they should come with a set of bolts specifically for the spare. I think the only MB that didn't come with a spare are the AMGs, but I'm not sure of that. If I look up a 203 C Class there are about 10 different spare wheels alone!

 

Honestly I think you'd be OK with just about any of them, as long as they're >16" diameter. All of them will be extremely thin, but we're not shooting for style or handling. These are only meant to get you from the point of failure to the tire shop

All of the spares are designed to clear the caliper, and with the wheel being so narrow, offset is a moot point.

Grab the cheapest one you can and hope you never have to use it

 

I would prefer the collapsible, and I did see sets of spare wheel lug bolts on eBay, I just need to find a good donor vehicle locally. Maybe some of the u-pull-it places will have one.
Then if I can find a matching carpet to make a nice cover, that would be great.

 

I found one locally, getting more info on it. I think it is 16" has anyone tried a 16" spare on the front of a non SRT Crossfire?
This is the hit I got it on "203 Type, C240, 16x3-1/2 (spare) " So that would be a donut, not a collapsible, correct?

 

If you do find one that fits, I would like to know, as well. I just can't see myself ,attempting a flat tire repair using what came with the car.(I carry a plug kit an a smaller comp.) Has anyone ever used the cars original factory service method to repair a flat?

 

I found a 16" near my work, will probably pick it up tomorrow or Thursday. $30, then I need to get the shorter lug bolts. I will check around for those as well. I would like to make it factoryish, maybe with a nice mount and cover.

 

I picked up the wheel/tire. It is from a C class, possibly 2005?
Here are some pictures of it laying in the back for now. I have an idea how I will stow it.

 

Have you put it on and made sure it clears the calipers ?

 

Thats my question too.

 

No, I just got it yesterday afternoon. I will try it out tomorrow or Sunday. We will be up to 50F this weekend. Today, going to work I felt like I was in a snowglobe full of pretzel salt. Weird mini blizzard of white snow/sleet particles, lasted 2 minutes. Once weather subsides, I will putz with the wheels. I only paid $30 and it looks like new, so if it doesn't work, I'm not out much. I still need to figure out the lug bolt issue, if I need shorter ones or not.

 

see if this helps :

 

Yep, thanks. Just like the same Mercedes alloy wheel bolts. I really don't want to pay $5 each for the short ones.

 

Well, all good news. I mounted it on the front today, no issues other then the expected bolt issue. It clears the front caliper and rotates freely. Maybe 3/8" clearance or so. I'm not sure a full size 16" wheel would fit, but they might. Here is a couple pictures trying to show clearance and bolt issue. Also some pictures of it covered up in the back. I plan an making a bracket to bolt it down, and a riser board cutout to stiffen the carpet over it. With the foam removed and jack/air pump rearranged, it would sit down maybe another inch.



Sticker showing not to use long alloy wheel bolts, only short fully threaded ones.





Trunk floor laying over the tire in the back





Trunk floor laying over the tire in the back





Poor attempt at showing clearance





fits fine





showing why NOT to use standard bolts

 

Just wanted to say thanks, you have saved "me" a long an arduous search. As much as I hate the "donut", I hate sitting on the side of the road, (wondering what to do next,or who to call) even more! Thanks for the research. Can't wait to see how you tie it in.

 

Now, if you can just figure out how I can get one in my roadster ......