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Adoni
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Sacramento, CA
Vehicle(s): '00 G500, '15 C300 4Matic, '06 L322 G4
Posts: 1283
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
4x4abc - 1/30/2013 9:24 AM
295's will definitely rub on both sides
and do'n forget the ESP nightmare you will be running into
http://www.pointedthree.com/disc/forums/showthread.php?tid=9622&sta...
I would strongly advise against any Goodyear tire - they can not be plugged in the sidewall area
BFG's take plugs well and keep them in for at least 10,000 miles
after that they can even be re-plugged
BFG's offer much more backcountry safety than any other (I know of the PR claims of the others - they are just that, claims
But Harald, you run 295s on your rig. he should be able to adjust all his settings via STAR just like the rest of us. Unless of course DBAG as made the system less "adjustable". |
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4x4abc
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: La Paz, Baja California, Mexico
Vehicle(s): 02 G500
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
that's why I posted how to adjust the system |
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econryan
Member
Date registered: Jan 2013
Location: San Diego
Vehicle(s): 2011 G550
Posts: 10
| RE: Toughening up a 2011 G550
Questions...
I read through the thread on adjusting the ESP, yet I have to admit that I am still a bit confused. Sorry if I am being abtuse. Is the STAR system adjustment something that should be able to be accomplished at the MB dealership? Or do I need to find a specialized MB shop?
Also, any thoughts on the BFG MT KM2 in a 285/70R18 (33.7" x 11.5")? I am assuming that, at the very least, I would need 30mm spring spacers. But hopefully no body work?
Thanks again for all of your time in providing feedback. It is really helpful!
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DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| RE: Toughening up a 2011 G550
econryan - 1/30/2013 3:12 PM
Questions...
I read through the thread on adjusting the ESP, yet I have to admit that I am still a bit confused. Sorry if I am being abtuse. Is the STAR system adjustment something that should be able to be accomplished at the MB dealership? Or do I need to find a specialized MB shop?
An MB dealer certainly can do it, but probably would NOT do it. They will not make any adjustments that would take the truck out of a standard warranty specification.
If an indie shop won't do it either, there are some members around your area who might. |
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Adoni
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Sacramento, CA
Vehicle(s): '00 G500, '15 C300 4Matic, '06 L322 G4
Posts: 1283
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
Ryan,
Since your offset is different than mine, on an 11.5" wide tire I believe you should be fine running a 10mm spacer. I ASS-U-ME that the offset on the new MB wheels is still ET43. As I said, I'm running an 11" wide tire on an effective ET53 once you include my 10mm spacer. If you want to PM me I can send you infor on where I got my 10mm spacers, they are of high quality and designed for the G. |
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Loki Laufeyjarson
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: 66°N, 19°W
Vehicle(s):
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
4x4abc - 1/30/2013 4:24 PM BFG's offer much more backcountry safety than any other (I know of the PR claims of the others - they are just that, claims
BFG was the first 35" radial tire on the Icelandic market and has sold well up to recently when the 35" MT´s started disintegrating at highway speeds after limited offroading at low pressure. The low pressure use is tough for tires and BFG is no longer up to the job. Friends and family members have experienced nasty sidewall ruptures of 35" BFG.
No one in my family will ever buy that brand again.
BFG might be safe tire for those who never air down but in my environment it is a useless death trap.
The inner sidewall of this 5K tire ruptured at 90Km/h.
2 or 3 rounds of BFG tires had previously been worn out under this car over its lifetime without incidents.
After inspection it was decided to discard all tires. This tire had been driven at low pressure for a day or two in soft snow.
Many tire brands can cope with that use for years. but BFG is no longer up to the job and has been blacklisted here like Interco tires.
-(my cars do not have stickers from any tire manufacturer)
 (bfg sidewall puncture.jpg)
Attachments
----------------
 bfg sidewall puncture.jpg (125KB - 2 downloads)
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DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
Adoni - 1/30/2013 4:58 PM
Ryan,
. If you want to PM me I can send you infor on where I got my 10mm spacers, they are of high quality and designed for the G.
Or you could post it here so all can benefit.  |
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Adoni
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Sacramento, CA
Vehicle(s): '00 G500, '15 C300 4Matic, '06 L322 G4
Posts: 1283
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
The spacers were purchased from Mike Serpe at G-Wagen Preserve. They have 10mm, 30mm and 50mm options available. I bought the 10mm ones and they work well with my factory wheel bolts since those are actually a bit longer than necessary for my wheels. With my ET63 wheels and the 275/70-18 Duratracs I only get a very slight rub at full-lock in reverse one direction. I can't remember if it is left or right at the moment. |
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512bbi
Expert
Date registered: Jan 2007
Location: North western US and Europe
Vehicle(s): 05G55kge,Range rover classic,clk55amg,ML 430
Posts: 1313
| RE: Toughening up a 2011 G550
econryan - 1/30/2013 1:12 PM
Questions...
I read through the thread on adjusting the ESP, yet I have to admit that I am still a bit confused. Sorry if I am being abtuse. Is the STAR system adjustment something that should be able to be accomplished at the MB dealership? Or do I need to find a specialized MB shop?
Also, any thoughts on the BFG MT KM2 in a 285/70R18 (33.7" x 11.5")? I am assuming that, at the very least, I would need 30mm spring spacers. But hopefully no body work?
Thanks again for all of your time in providing feedback. It is really helpful!
Regardless of what some of the MB dealers do or not do in this country,the bottom line is MB has built this vehicle with the adjust ability to do so up to a certain size of tire.
It will work great and is a five minute job if the adjustment is performed choosing the tire size that is close or larger in diameter than what you install.
If done so it does not only solve the ESP issues but also makes your electronic traction control work properly.
When mine was not done while I had no esp issues at all I had my etc not working properly and used to believe the MB etc was inferior only to find out later it works quite well.
Mario
Edited by 512bbi 2/4/2013 1:21 AM
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zimm
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Feb 2010
Location: pittsburgh
Vehicle(s): lx470, 76 fj40, 72fj40, 96 gelandewagen g320.
Posts: 788
| RE: Toughening up a 2011 G550
i run 2" spacers, konis, and duratracks. i find it a great combo.
you can get the poly spacers cheaper in the for sale section. the finish doesnt appear as nice in the photos, but... a spring shim isnt innovative or high tech.
Edited by zimm 2/4/2013 3:21 PM
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zimm
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Feb 2010
Location: pittsburgh
Vehicle(s): lx470, 76 fj40, 72fj40, 96 gelandewagen g320.
Posts: 788
| RE: Toughening up a 2011 G550
DUTCH - 1/27/2013 4:17 PM
econryan - 1/27/2013 4:06 PM
Spare tire issue: The OEM spare tire mount has the front of the wheel facing the cargo door. This is fine as is because of the fancy spare tire cover. However, the cover is not going to fit with larger tires, so I would like to figure out an alternative that looks sharp. I am thinking of a bare spare tire that faces out, but do not know where to get a mount/kit to do so. Suggestions?
Thanks again!
Here's your best option:
http://www.g-wagenaccessories.com/products/wheelcover.htm
per cu/ft, the space created is more expensive than the G itself.  |
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stevegsmith
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: SF Bay Area, CA USA
Vehicle(s): 82 300GD WVO, 06 Jeep Lib CRD B99
Posts: 1301
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
4x4abc - 1/30/2013 9:24 AM
295's will definitely rub on both sides
and do'n forget the ESP nightmare you will be running into
http://www.pointedthree.com/disc/forums/showthread.php?tid=9622&sta...
I would strongly advise against any Goodyear tire - they can not be plugged in the sidewall area
BFG's take plugs well and keep them in for at least 10,000 miles
after that they can even be re-plugged
BFG's offer much more backcountry safety than any other (I know of the PR claims of the others - they are just that, claims
Harald,
Do you have more info about the plugability of the GY? This is the first neg crit i've heard. Would be good to know. Thanks peaches.
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Otiswesty
Administrator
Date registered: Jun 2007
Location: Portland, Oregon
Vehicle(s): 463.241, 461.213
Posts: 3004
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
I ran the 275/70/18 General Grabber AT2 for years, aired down numerous times in Baja, death valley, eastern Oregon, and put about 35-40K miles on them. Within 3 months of last summer's dune driving with the Oregon treffen group, I had 2 inner side wall failures. I junked the other 2 tires as well and am now running BFG All terrain AT 285/75/16 on a 16" Ashtaroth with ET63 and 30mm spacers per side. So far so good
I do have an extra set of the Generals with studs that I will continue to use in the winter. |
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econryan
Member
Date registered: Jan 2013
Location: San Diego
Vehicle(s): 2011 G550
Posts: 10
| RE: Toughening up a 2011 G550
Sorry to be thick headed about the ESP issue, but... For those of you with newer Gs and larger tires (say, 33+), have you made ESP modifications? Or are some of you able to run 33+ tires without ESP modifications while maintaining full performance? Thank you for your input!
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drey
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Sep 2012
Location: Scottsdale AZ
Vehicle(s): 04 G500
Posts: 364
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
I have 285s which are more like 32" dia when you actually get a tape measure on it.
My ESP will freak for a few seconds with a 90 deg turn where one wheel is up on a curb or in a gutter before the other, this is always at 15-20 mph not a big deal.
I turn it off when I'm off road or it is constantly going off.
Other than that no problems I have not done any adjustments. I have not bought a STAR system yet....not sure I will at 2+k for an import copy that may or may not work out of the box.
My dealer looked at me sideways when I asked if he could adjust it for me, "never heard of that".
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Otiswesty
Administrator
Date registered: Jun 2007
Location: Portland, Oregon
Vehicle(s): 463.241, 461.213
Posts: 3004
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
The dealer will adjust it for you. If you go to the thread Harald posted, you can print out the settings you need and which STAR menu they are in. They ought to be able to get it done for 1 hour of labor charge or less. If you need some other service for the G, add the reprogramming on and they may not even charge you. Seriously, it only takes 5-10 min to reset the tire and diff settings. This will preserve your ETS, correct your speedo, and reduce ESP overreaction.
There is no necessity to doing it. Many others run with factory settings and 33" tires and have minimal issues. Even the stock tire will give you ESP issues depending on how you drive, so I wouldn't focus on that too much.
I noticed you are in San Diego. There are members of this forum in your town that could do this for you for a beer and some good conversation. |
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econryan
Member
Date registered: Jan 2013
Location: San Diego
Vehicle(s): 2011 G550
Posts: 10
| RE: Toughening up a 2011 G550
I am pleased to report that I have completed the toughening up of my 2011 G550. Well, at least for now… Thank you to all of you who provided input. I truly appreciate it. For those that may be interested, here is the summary.
I went with BFG All-Terrains in a 275/70-18, which reportedly have a 33.2 inch diameter. I installed these on stock rims with no spacers. I get virtually no rub. At full wheel lock and full articulation, I get a slight rubbing on the wheel well. Just enough to wipe away the dust and dirt.
I have been pleased with the performance, both on-road and off-road. In my view, the larger tires make the G feel more solid and stable on the road. Braking is still good, but I have noticed that it stops a bit slower now (not surprising).
I did not make any modifications to the ESP. I had my mechanic look into it, and he talked with Darren at Collie Autoworks in San Rafael -- thank you Harald for the recommendation! He was very helpful, yet interestingly I am told that there are no longer any settings that can be changed in the ESP of the newer G’s. So I left it as is. After a couple thousand miles I can say that the larger tires have had no adverse effect on the ESP. I do not get any more intrusion now than I did before mounting the larger tires, which is to say that the ESP is not bothersome.
For the spare tire mount, I ended up going with Dyno-Comp (http://dyno-comp.com/details.php?browse_make=Mercedes&model=67&type=50#detail_1085). The first mount I received made the spare tire extend too far away from the rear cargo door. Well, at least from an aesthetics perspective. I suspect this is because it is made for the G55, not the G550. So I had them fabricate a mount that is 1 7/8” shorter, which is a perfect size. However, this caused the center of the mount pipe to be hollow. Thus, when the wheel is attached, there is a hole in the middle that does not look ideal. So the fix to this was to obtain another hub-cap, pry off the tabs, and attach it with some silicone.
In addition to the larger tires, I also added rock sliders from G-wagen Accessories (http://www.g-wagenaccessories.com/products/LWBw463RockSlider.htm). I went with the additional hardware so that I can keep the side steps. The rock sliders are not visible without bending down low, but they sure do work wonders for me on the trails. I have done a bit of wheeling and have made good use of the sliders.
In summary, I am very pleased with the outcome. On-road performance is improved, I am more confident when going off-road, and I think it looks great. My next step is to get some pictures uploaded…
Thanks again!
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drey
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Sep 2012
Location: Scottsdale AZ
Vehicle(s): 04 G500
Posts: 364
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
Cool man, very cool.
I think you have pretty much done all that is needed.
Anyone on the trails stop you yet and ask what the hell you were driving? |
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econryan
Member
Date registered: Jan 2013
Location: San Diego
Vehicle(s): 2011 G550
Posts: 10
| RE: Toughening up a 2011 G550
So far the only comments have been why in the heck would I take a $100K vehicle on the trails to get beat up (which it does). I suppose the answer seems so simple -- that's what it is built for!
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BrentG500
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, TX, Dallas
Vehicle(s): 2004 G500 (gone)
Posts: 449
| Re: Toughening up a 2011 G550
Get those pictures uploaded. |
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