It will be driven only for short term.

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1992 300D 2.5 turbo diesel. 319 k miles.
124.128 chassis, 602.962 engine, 722.418 tranny.

the unidirectional design is mostly for optimal water evacuation, to reduce hydroplaning for summer/all-season tires.

For winter tires, in addition to optimal hydroplaning resistance, a unidirectional design is adopted for optimal grip in snow as the tire rolls in that direction

so as a spare, they should be ok.

agreed !!! good post

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Understand that uni-directional is ok as a spare for short distance, any thoughts which side (left/right) to mount the tire onto the spare rim initially ? Or flip a coin ?

Flip a coin.
It will either be correct for 2 left or 2 right side wheels.

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2007 C 230 Sport.

in my experience you more often need a spare for the right hand side. the debris tends to end up there. run over a nail and the front tire stands it up for the rear to catch.

also more likely to hit a curb of pothole on the right.

my wife does both on a regular basis!

she loves to drive way over there next to the curb.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Thanks manny & tom.

My own experience is about 50/50 for left vs right, but obviously that is from a very small sample size. However, I do recall one time hitting a curb (snow covered) and requiring the spare. Good point there tom.

New tires (Michelin Hydroedge) going on our family van this week... will set up the spare for the right side then.

it cant hurt.

good luck

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.