1997 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 winter tires

198 OperationDriving instructionsTire speed rating
Regardless of the tire speed rating, local
speed limits should be obeyed. Use pru-
dent driving speeds appropriate to prevail-
ing conditions.ML 350
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“H”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 130 mph (210 km / h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
130 mph (210 km / h).
ML 500
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“V”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 149 mph (240 km / h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
130 mph (210 km / h).
Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move gear selector lever to positionN. Try
to keep the vehicle under control by cor-
rective steering action.
!Avoid spinning of one drive wheel. This
may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Warning!
G
Even when permitted by law, never operate
a vehicle at speeds greater than the maxi-
mum speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire fail-
ure, causing loss of vehicle control and pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and / or serious
injury and possible death, for you and for
others.
iFor information on speed ratings for
winter tires, see “Winter tires”
(page 230).
iFor information on driving with snow
chains, see “Snow chains”
(page 231).

226 OperationTires and wheels
Tires and wheelsSee your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center for information on tested and
recommended rims and tires for summer
and winter operation. They can also offer
advice concerning tire service and pur-
chase.
Retreaded tires are not tested or recom-
mended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous
damage cannot always be recognized on
retreads. Mercedes-Benz can therefore
not assure the operating safety of the vehi-
cle when such tires are used.
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center for information on tested and
recommended rims and tires for summer
and winter operation.
Important guidelines

Use only sets of tires and rims of the
same type and make.


Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.


Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate
speeds.


Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can
cause tire pressure loss or damage to
the tire beads.


If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
pressure and correct as required.


Do not allow your tires to wear down
too far. Adhesion properties on wet
roads are sharply reduced at tread
depths under
1/8in (3 mm).


When replacing individual tires, you
should mount new tires on the front
wheels first.
Warning!
G
Replace rims or tires with the same designa-
tion, manufacturer and type as shown on the
original part. See your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for fur-
ther information. If incorrectly sized rims
and tires are mounted:

The wheel brakes or suspension compo-
nents can be damaged.


The correct operating clearance of the
wheels and the tires are no longer guar-
anteed.
Warning!
G
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.
When replacing rims, use only genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can re-
sult in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.

230 OperationWinter driving
Winter drivingBefore the onset of winter, have your vehi-
cle winterized at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. This
service includes:

Check of anticorrosion and antifreeze
concentration.


Addition of cleaning concentrate to the
water of the windshield and headlamp
cleaning system. Add MB Concentrate
“S” to a premixed windshield washer
solvent / antifreeze which is formulated
for temperatures below freezing point
(page 307).


Battery test. Battery capacity drops
with decreasing ambient temperature.
A well charged battery helps to ensure
that the engine can be started even at
low ambient temperatures.


Tire change. Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends M+S rated radial-ply tires with a
minimum tread depth of approximately 1/6in (4 mm) on all four wheels for the
winter season.
Winter tires
Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45°F (7°C) and whenever wintry
road conditions prevail. Use of winter tires
is the only way to achieve the maximum ef-
fectiveness of the ABS, ESP, 4-ETS, and
EBP in winter operation.
For safe handling, ensure that all winter
tires mounted are of the same make and
have the same tread design.Always observe the speed rating of the
winter tires installed on your vehicle. If the
maximum speed for which your tires are
rated is below the speed rating of your ve-
hicle, you must place a notice to this effect
where it will be seen by the driver. Such no-
tices are available at your tire dealer or any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.Warning!
G
Winter tires with a tread depth under
1/6in
(4 mm) must be replaced. They are no long-
er suitable for winter operation.
Warning!
G
If you use your spare tire when winter tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may
very well impair turning stability and that
overall driving stability may be reduced.
Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter
tire at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

338 IndexTele Aid* 171
Emergency calls 173
Information 177
Initiating an emergency call
manually 175
Remote door unlock 179
Roadside assistance 175
Stolen vehicle tracking services 180
System self-check 172
Upgrade signals 178
Telematics* 315
Telephone* 170
Temperature
Grades of tires 309
Tires 228
Third row seats* 102
Folding down single seat 102
Installing single seat 104
Removing single seat 104
Storing single seat 103
Tie-down rings (Cargo
compartment) 158Tightening torque 315
Tightening torque (Wheel bolts) 277
Tilt
Head restraint 37, 39
Time
Setting hours 118
Setting minutes 118
Tire inflation pressure
Checking 216, 227
Tire speed rating 198, 315
Tire traction 197
Tires 295, 308
Direction of rotation 227
Driving instructions 196
Retreads 226
Rims and tires 295
Rotating 228
Service life 227
Temperature 228
Temperature grades 309
Tread depth 230
Wear pattern 228
Winter 230Tools 257
Vehicle jack 258
Vehicles with CD-changer* 258
Wheel bolt wrench 258
Tow-away alarm 29, 84
Arming 84
Disarming 84
Disarming for transport 84
Towing
Trailer 206
Towing a trailer 209
Automatic transmission 124
Towing eyes
Front 285
Rear 285
Towing the vehicle 283
Stranded vehicle 286
Tracking services
For stolen vehicle 180

341 Index
Wear pattern (tires) 228
Weights 299
Wheel bolt wrench 258
Wheel change
Tightening torque 277
Wheels
Rotating 228
Window curtain airbags 64
Windows see Side windows
Windshield
Defogging 138
Refilling washer fluid 224
Replacing wiper blades 273
Washer fluid 224, 307
Washer system 307
Windshield washer fluid 307
Filler neck 224
Mixing ratio 307
Refilling 224
Wiping with 50Windshield washer system 307
Windshield wipers 49, 129
Intermittent 49
Interval wiping 130
Normal wiper speed 49
Rain sensor* 130
Rear window wiper/washer 51
Replacing wiper blades 273
Simultaneous wiping and washing 51
Single wipe 50
Switching on 49
Wiping with windshield washer
fluid 50
Winter driving
Snow chains 231
Tires 230
Winter driving instructions 198
Winter tires 230Wiper blades
Cleaning 237
Installing 273
Removing 273
Replacing 273
Wiper switch 49
Wiper/washer
Rear window 51
Wiping
And washing simultaneously 50
Intermittent 49, 130
With windshield washer fluid 50
Wiping and washing simultaneously 51
X
Xenon headlamps*
Bi-Xenon* 311

AP40.10-P-4051Z
Check tires for damage and cracks

MODEL
123, 124, 126, 129, 140, 163, 168, 170, 171, 201, 202, 203, 208, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230, 240, 414

P40.10-0002-01
P40.10-0001-01

Left diagram

Wear at shoulder of front tires

Right picture

Wear in middle of rear tires


Check

Danger!

Risk of death
cased by vehicle slipping or

toppling off of the lifting platform.
Align vehicle between the columns of the

hydraulic hoist and position the four support

plates below the hoist support points specified

by the vehicle manufacturer.

AS00.00-Z-0010-01A

1
Check tires on all wheels

Check tread as well as outer and inner
sidewalls on all tires for signs of damage such

as cuts, punctures, cracks, breakouts,

separation and ingressed foreign matter. If

damage is present

#

Install new tires:

f

Model 124, 129, 140, 163, 168, 170, 171,
202, 203, 208, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220

except maximum protection code Z07, 230,

240 except CSR system, 414

AR40.10-P-1030A

f

Model 220 with maximum protection, code Z07

AR40.10-P-1030MB

f

Model 240 with CSR system

AR40.10-P-1030CSR

Model 123, 126, 201

2
Check tire wear pattern on all wheels

Greater wear at the shoulder compared to

the center of the tire is normal for the front

wheel tires. Wear on the rear tires is uniformly

distributed across the total tread, whereby

wear on vehicles with rear-wheel drive in the
middle of the tread is somewhat greater than

at the shoulders. In event of unusual tire

pattern:

#

Determine cause for increased tire wear and

rectify, then:

#

Install new tires:

f

Model 124, 129, 140, 163, 168, 170, 171,
202, 203, 208, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220

except maximum protection code Z07, 230,

240 except CSR system, 414

AR40.10-P-1030A

f

Model 220 with maximum protection, code Z07

AR40.10-P-1030MB

f

Model 240 with CSR system

AR40.10-P-1030CSR

Model 123, 126, 201

3
Measure the depth of tread of the tires on al

the wheels and note the measurement in the

table on the maintenance sheet.

Measure depth of tread at point of

greatest wear. Perform measurement at

outside, inside and center of tread.

Minimum depth of tread 1.6 mm.

For safety reasons, tires should be

replaced before the minimum depth of tread is

reached:

D
Summer tires for approx. 2 to 3 mm depth

of tread

D
Winter tires at approx. 4 mm depth of tread


Information on measuring tire tread depth

AH40.10-P-0006-01T
Brake pad gauge

*211589062300

4.1
Change round wheels on front and rear axles
If necessary, and only on vehicles without

mixed tires

Retain running direction of wheels, as
otherwise handling performances and comfort

may be impaired and tire wear increased.

Model 124, 129, 140, 168, 170, 202, 203,

208, 209, 210, 211, 215, 220, 230, 240, 414

AP40.10-P-4050Z

Model 163

AP40.10-P-4050GH

Copyright DaimlerChrysler AG 06.07.2006 CD-Ausgabe G/10/04 . This WIS print-out will not be recorde
d by Modification services.
Page 1

AH40.10-P-9411-01A
Information on tires/rims
Model 124, 129, 140, 163, 168, 169,

170, 171, 199, 201, 202, 203, 208, 209,
210, 211, 215, 219, 220, 230, 240, 414,
450, 452,
639


Tires

D
For service conversions, the tire/disc wheel specifications and

dimensions should be compared with the entries in the
registration papers.

D
When mounting tires, the tires and rims must be carefully

matched in order to guarantee the concentricity of the wheel.

Identification of matching points on:

- Tires with a colored dot on the outside of the tire,

- Sheet steel disk wheel by a colored dot or punch mark on the

outside of the wheel,

- Perform this operation at the valve stem hole on light-alloy

disk wheels

With an additional paint spot or punch mark in the rim base

for the 140 Model Series.

D
Always replace the rubber valve.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D

Damaged and defective tires must always be replaced. The

repair methods employed in the tire trade are not approved by

Mercedes-Benz. Small nicks (<0.8mm) on the tire's sidewall do

not usually pose a cause for concern, and continued use of

such tires is approved

D When replacing just one tire, install it on the front of the vehicle.

This does not apply to vehicles with different tires of varying

specifications on the front and rear wheels.

D
Only use tires listed in the valid Service Information bulletins

and repair instructions.

D
If the permissible maximum speed of an M+S tire is below the

maximum speed of the vehicle, an appropriate adhesive plate

must be attached in the driver's field of view.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

D
Tires permissible for higher speeds may be used.

D
Always fit all rims with tires of the same design, make and

version.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D

Run in new tires for approx. 100 km at moderate speed.

D
Handed tires must be installed according to the arrow on the

side wall of the tire.

D
Tires are subject to an aging process with negative effects on

the properties of the tire. In order to ensure optimum

effectiveness in winter, M+S tires should not be used for longer

than 3 years.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tire pressure

(For specified values see tire pressure table in the fuel filler flap, on

the Vaneo BM 414 see B-pillar on the passenger side).
Too low tire pressure increases the rolling resistance and increases

the flexing energy of the tire. This causes the critical temperature limit

to be exceeded (carcass detachment) and destroys the tire. Respond

to loss of tire pressure by determining the source and replacing the

tire as indicated.

Cleaning

Using a spray wand with high-pressure nozzles to clean the wheel

can lead to tire damage. Such damage occurs especially on the tire

side walls. The following should be observed when using flat jet

nozzles:

D
Maintain a minimum distance of 300 mm

D
Do not direct the water jet at a single point on the surface of the

tire for any length of time.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mounting in bearings

Before putting into storage, clean tires thoroughly and check for
damage and adequate tread depth. Mark the position and running

direction of the tires with chalk. Do not store tires outdoors. Under the

influence of sunlight, heat, moving air and ozone the rubber looses

elasticity and strength, ages more quickly and becomes cracked.

Storage areas should be dry, cool and dark. Avoid drafts by keeping

doors and windows closed as much as possible. Do not bring tires

into contact with gasoline, oil or other greases as they dissolve the

rubber.

Disposal

Collection, storage and disposal should be performed in accordance

with the legal requirements and the company's own regulations.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright DaimlerChrysler AG 06.07.2006 CD-Ausgabe G/10/04 . This WIS print-out will not be recorde
d by Modification services.
Page 1