I am taking a road trip and want to have a spare just in case. I see that someone on here used a "2004 SLK 500" donut spare, I am thinking they meant a 2004 SL 500 spare. Also someone used a 2002 SLK 320 donut spare. Does anybody have the part numbers for these? Thanks!

 

The 2003 Mercedes SLK320 rear tires were the same diameter as ours, (well, only an inch off) so their spare should work on a Crossfire without throwing off the traction control and putting your car into "limp" mode. Sorry, I don't have a part #.
Check out LKQ for one from a salvaged SLK. Good Luck

 

Steve,
It will be "Sods Law", that if you DO carry a spare for the back, AND YOU DO get a puncture, it will be in the FRONT, and as they are a different size, Gonna carry 2. ??? Ha Ha
TerryR

 

That is confusing to me. I realize we have a 18 in front and 19 in rear, but isn't there a universal spare for both? That is what I understood form a few of these other posts. If I had a picture of what they were talking about it would be helpful, you know?

 

Hey I am guessing this one might work?;

MERCEDES W203 C230 R170 SLK SLK230 INFLATABLE SPARE OEM - eBay (item 190510494619 end time Mar-16-11 10:57:04 PDT)

Does it work for both front and rear?

Thanks!

 

that is a cool spare. You may want to trial fit to make sure you don't need shorter lug bolts. On the rear too long of bolts can tear into yoour e brake.

 

Thanks- yes Mercedes sells separate lug bolts for the spares. Usually $7 a piece.

 

I bought one- I will let you all know how it works.

 

Steve,
I eagerly await your response to this. The problem as I see it, is that the MB SLK has 19" all round, and the Crossfire has 18" Front 19" Back. The Outside Diameter of the tire MUST be different, OR why would the manufacturer fit different size wheels Front & Back. Make sure you do not do any Damage to your Car.

 

My thoughts; If the diameter and circumfirence of the inflatable spare are compatatible with the rear wheels of the Crossfire and will not damage the differential, it should not make any difference on the front wheels as they are free wheeling. This is not to imply that the spare is a replacement tire. It is like the donuts that are used to get you home.
Peace of mind!

John P
FTroopChief

 

I should have it by next week- found one on ebay for less than $100 shipped which is a pretty good bargain. They are $350 new from dealership. I am buying the special lug bolts from my mechanic. I'll let everyone know sometime next week hopefully.

Also, if any of you live in the DC area let me recommend my mechanic to you. He is a Mercedes Benz mechanic but he really likes working on the Crossfire;

Fred Pulliam from Pulliam Engineering-


Talk to you all soon,

Steve

 

The 2003 SLK320 comes with 205/55r16" in front.
225/50r 16" in the rear.

The Crossfire uses 225/40r-18" in front.
255/35r-19" in back.

The rear tires on the SLK and the Crossfire are approximatly the same diameter (only about an inch difference, so there should be no reason Steves inflatable spare should cause any problems.
The front tires on the SLK and the Crossfire are nearly identical in diameter so the spare should fit just fine.

 

I am reporting back for those who are interested. I purchased the inflatable donut spare for a Mercedes SLK 320. Rim Diameter is 15, Rim Width 4.5. Bolt patter 5 on 112. Manufacturer Part Number A1705840538. I attached an image. It turns out the spare fits on the rear, but will not fit over the brake calipers in the front. In other words, it is useless. If anybody has an SLK they need it for let me know. CROSSFIRE OWNERS- THE QUEST CONTINUES!

 

I would think, that if any "universal" spare is found it's use would likely indicate a traction problem to the BCM. Therefore forcing the tracton control to function unneccesarily.

Would it not be advisable to shut that function off if using a "get you home" spare?

roadster with a stick

 

Here is the math:

Crossfire front diameter 18 (457mm) + (225*.40(90mm)) = 547mm outside diameter
Crossfire rear diameter 19 (483mm) + (255*.35(90mm)) = 573 outside diameter

Mercedes front diameter 16" (406mm) + (205*.55(113mm)) = 518mm outside diameter
Mercedes rear diameter 16" (406mm) + (225*.50(113mm)) = 518mm outside diameter

Front diameter with spare on will be 1" shorter than other front wheel and 2" shorter than rear wheel
Rear diameter with spare on will be 2 inch shorter than other rear wheel.
This may cause slippage causing the esp to lock the wheel. You would most likely have to drive with it off until it is replaced.

 

Another option...does anyone make a run flat tire that will fit the Crossfire? I did some research before I bought a set of Dunlops this week and didn't see any run flat tires listed for our car on the Tire Rack site. I'm not a big fan of the technology but it's better than being stuck on the side of the road with a sidewall puncture.

 

Steveb thanks for sharing your lesson learned. I was considering making the same purchase.

 

You have to run a 17'' spare to clear the front brakes(at least on an SRT).

 

AAA works just fine for me. As long as I have been a member, I have put over 15k miles on the XF's without a flat....lol....the minute I let the policy lapse, I will have a flat for sure....never carry a spare, and even the cars I have that have a spare, I was always able to make it to a tire store. Each to their own though.

 

Agree with Doc on AAA.

If you really want to feel safe on a road trip, then maybe consider a run flat. I wasn't overly impressed on the ones I had on my Z4 but they are available.

One thing to consider, if you are going on a long trip, where would you put the damaged tire/wheel? Better pack light!

I was concerned about going to CAA last summer from LA to St Louis. After 4500 miles it was back in the garage at home still in one piece.