How to remove spare wheel/stainless steel cover
my G320CDI has the spare wheel mounted on the back door - I want to take it off and carry it inside the car. This is because I want to take bikes on a towbar mounted carrier.
Trouble is - I can;t see how to take off the stainless steel cover that covers the tyre. It seems to be locked in some way, I guess to prevent it "walking" when the vehicle is parked
It is the original one supplied with the vehicle since new - I should be able to get it off as otherwise how would I change a tyre?
Anyone know how to do this?
Cheers Mike
Hi Mike
you should have a separate key to unlock the catch where the two ends of the circle touch.."the catch is adjustable when undone" ..to undo after unlocking pull the lever that the lock is set into...you may have to remove the spare wheel carrier to accomodate the cycle rack
Hi Mike
hard to know from this distance ..I have seen covers without a locking handle ...look at where the ends meet may just be an over centre catch with eyelets for a padlock...
Ha - just checked where you were in case you were nearby but NI is a bit far to drive this evening!
Tx again for the reply - it does look as though some sort of tool or key should have been suppled (like a bike lock key?) but I don't think I was given one///
Cheers Mike
Hi perhaps you can try looking inside the glove compartment?
I recall on the G500 it was stashed in there inside some plastic bag with some other documents.
Basically a small short key, like you find used on office drawers. If all else fails you can probably force it with a big flat screwdriver, then replace the cylinder at a locksmiths.
I have seen bike carriers mounted to spare wheels as well, so you don't necessarily have to take it out. MB made a dedicated inside tyre carrier for some models of the G, but fitting it is not straightforward, I think.
This link has some excellent info/pics on the lock:
http://www.hehlhans.de/tipp17.htm#b38
http://translate.google.com can help :)
I've attached a close up photo of the keyhole or screwdriver hole on the stainless steel wheel cover
Does it look like a screwdriver one or a key one - if anyone has a chance to look?
Cheers Mike
the stainless steel wheel cover is made by autotech as it says autotech.de on it!
Try MB main dealer with your chassis number. They may be able to get a key.
Hi Mike
click onto www.autotech.de and give them the number that is atamped onto the cover next to the lock ...they will supply you with a key....did you check for the key in the leather case that holds all the manuals probably i located in the compasrtment under the double rear passenger seat ( LWB) Or in the righthand locker in the load space .....
Hi fixwin
Interesting that you mention the number...
I had to cut down the size of the photo to upload it - the whole photo would show you autotech.de but also the whole number - the whole number is actually a fax number for autotech
The fact that there is not an individual number for this lock is interesting - suggests to me that you may need a generic tool to open it rather than a specific key ie specific to the lock?
Cheers Mike
The fact that there is not an individual number for this lock is interesting - suggests to me that you may need a generic tool to open it rather than a specific key ie specific to the lock?
Hi mike have you tried a "generic" screwdriver in the slot just on the off chance.
Hi Mike
it is a key like the ones you get with filing cabinets...very often the lock used has the same key for the production run (maybe 100 units)..it is only there to deter the "alloy wheel stealers" from easy access...a screwdriver actuated lock may not be secure enough to deter the average light fingered members of the community....my key has no name but a numbe R010 on it ..looking at the cutouts the tumblers are deep in the barrel possibly to avoid corrosion from road salt
Ha - bligblock you were right!
I did try a generic screwdriver but without the confidence to know what to do didn't get a result
On my way to get a number plate cut for the bike rack lights I passed by MB who were very helpful.
They sprayed some generic WD40 type oil on then used a generic screwdriver to open the cover!
Thanks for all your comments and help!
Cheers - Mike
Hi fixwin
I think that was what they used to do - MB in Austria told me the new ones just need a screwdriver as they had so much trouble with the locks seizing up due to salt on the roads..
Mine just needed a screwdriver and a deft touch (I only had the screwdriver!)
Cheers Mike
Good result. Have a nice holiday.
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Hi Fixwin
Thanks for the reply - wonder where the key might be??> Not on my keywings and not obvious in the toolkit - bought the G new from MB Austria..
Any idea what is looks like or where it might be?
Cheers Mike