SL500 R230 TPMS

[kevh]

My SL500 is currently fitted with the standard 17" alloy wheels. The car has TPMS fitted from new (from 2003). The TPMS appears to be operating as it should on all wheels. It's showing 2.1 bar at each wheel and there is no warning message. However my local CostCo have checked them over using a special meter and they tell me that only 2 of them are operating correctly.

I have recently purchased a set of used 18" MB Avior wheels from a forum member - thanks once again Simon. These wheels don't have the TPMS sensors fitted.

I was going to get CostCo to fit me a new set of Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres and they would have been prepared to swap the sensors over onto the new wheels at no charge.

Not sure what to do. TPMS is not that important to me, but would prefer to keep it if working. I'd appreciate advice or learning members experiences.

 

[television]

Tyre pressure monitor valves only have a life of 6 years, then they must be replaced at roughly £100 each so £400. Trying to get old ones out of wheels is not always very easy and you need a new fitting kit. I would never try and change them over, either buy 4 new ones or go without.

 

[kevh]

Much appreciated Malcolm. I really don't see the value in paying out another £400 simply to keep an eye on my tyre pressures.

If I don't fit them, I assume that I will end up with a warning on the dash. Do I need to disable the system in some way? If so, could you please advise how I might do this?

Thanks once again.
Kev

 

[television]

You can have the info removed on STAR, you can unplug the ECU in the left hand boot side, but not sure if this turns off the display.

 

[kevh]

Sorry Malcolm - what is STAR?

 

[television]

This is the Mercedes diagnostic kit, all indies have it.

 

[kevh]

Ok thanks.

What do you think would be a reasonable charge for an independent to do this?

 

[television]

Ok thanks.

What do you think would be a reasonable charge for an independent to do this?

You could pull the plug out of the monitor ECU, its in the left side of the boot.
You can remove the boot panel side fixing stud and with a hook and screwdriver to push the plug clamp down and pull the plug out. It is the light grey one on the outside.

Indies charge anything from £30 to £50 to remove it from the cluster, it does not take long.

 

[silver CL55]

Ive got TPMS on my 20", nothing on my 17" winters.
From memory it warns you there are no sensors once then switches itself off.

 

[kevh]

So it may be that I don't have to bother doing anything. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Thanks VM

 

[television]

I think that it will come up every time that you start up.

 

[kevh]

You are right Malcolm. In the short term i'll perhaps live with it, but I will want to get a 'fix' eventually.

Once again many thanks.

By the way, I was aiming to fit Michelin Pilot Sport 3's - these have about the best rating in respect of wet driving and noise. What is your view on tyres?

 

[television]

I have the Pilots on one SL and the Goodyear on the other one, the goodyear are quieter, I cannot comment on driving in the wet.

 

[ernieh]

You can have the info removed on STAR, you can unplug the ECU in the left hand boot side, but not sure if this turns off the display.

Does disabling the warning system count as a modification for insurance purposes?

This seems like an over complicated system when sensors need to be replaced and the fitters have you over a barrel especially when the 'speed sensor' system worked perfectly well as a warning of impending problems.

Ernie

 

[television]

Does disabling the warning system count as a modification for insurance purposes?

This seems like an over complicated system when sensors need to be replaced and the fitters have you over a barrel especially when the 'speed sensor' system worked perfectly well as a warning of impending problems.

Ernie

As it was an option, then I would say no, as it was not a standard item. As from about 1 years ago it became law that all car registered had to have some form of monitoring.

No tyre pressure monitoring system is part of any MOT test.