Page 265 of 341

262 Tires, Wheels
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
CLK 430
Important!
The spare wheel rim size is 7
1/2J x 17 H 2.
The spare wheel rim is for temporary use only. However, 
that spare wheel rim is weight optimized and has a 
limited service life of 12 000 miles (20 000 km) use 
before a standard wheel rim must replace it.
If the arrow on tire side wall does not point in direction 
of vehicle forward movement when using the spare 
wheel, observe the following restriction:
•Drive to the nearest tire repair facility as soon as 
possible.
•Do not exceed vehicle speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
Unidirectional tires must always be mounted with arrow 
on tire sidewall pointing in direction of vehicle forward 
movement.For rim and tire specifications, refer to “Technical Data” 
( p a g e 312 ) .
Wa r n i n g !
The spare wheel rim is for temporary use only. Use 
for over a total of 12 000 miles (20 000 km) 
(aggregate of all uses) may cause wheel rim failure 
leading to an accident and possible injuries.The dimensions of the spare wheel are different 
from those of the road wheels for the rear axle. As a 
result, the vehicle handling characteristics change 
when driving with a spare wheel mounted on the 
rear axle.The spare wheel should only be used temporarily, 
and replaced with a regular road wheel as quick as 
possible.
Do not exceed vehicle speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
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        Page 266 of 341

263 Tires, Wheels
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Changing wheelsMove vehicle to a level area which is a safe distance 
from the roadway.
1. Set parking brake and turn on hazard warning 
flasher.
2. Move selector lever to position “P” and turn off 
engine.
3. Prevent vehicle from rolling away by blocking 
wheels with wheel chocks (not supplied with 
vehicle) or sizable wood block or stone. When 
changing a wheel on a hill, place chocks on the 
downhill side blocking both wheels of the other 
axle. On a level road, place one chock in front of and 
one behind the wheel that is diagonally opposite to 
the wheel being changed.
Wa r n i n g !
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up the 
vehicle at the jack tubes built into either side of the 
vehicle. To help avoid personal injury, use the jack 
only to lift the vehicle during a wheel change. 
Never get beneath the vehicle while it is supported 
by the jack. Keep hands and feet away from the area 
under the lifted vehicle. Always firmly set parking 
brake and block wheels before raising vehicle with 
jack.Do not disengage parking brake while the vehicle is 
raised. Be certain that the jack is always vertical 
when in use, especially on hills. Always try to use 
the jack on level surface. Be sure that the jack arm 
is fully inserted in the jack tube. Always lower the 
vehicle onto sufficient capacity jackstands before 
working under the vehicle.
Wa r n i n g !
Before working on the vehicle, e.g. when changing 
wheels, the roll bar should be raised with the 
switch, and the electronic key be removed from the 
steering lock, to prevent possible injury.
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        Page 267 of 341
264 Tires, Wheels
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
4. Using the wrench, loosen but do not yet remove the 
wheel bolts.5. Remove the protective cover from the jack support 
tube opening by inserting the screwdriver (supplied 
in the tool kit) in the opening and prying it out.
The tube openings are located directly behind the 
front wheel housings and in front of the rear wheel 
housings.
P40.10-2479-26
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        Page 268 of 341
265 Tires, Wheels
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index 6. Insert jack arm fully into the tube hole up to the 
stop. Place jack on firm ground. Position the jack so 
that it is always vertical (plumb-line) as seen from 
the side (see arrow), even if the vehicle is parked on 
an incline.
7. Jack up the vehicle until the wheel is clear of the 
ground. Never start engine while vehicle is raised.8. Unscrew upper-most wheel bolt and install 
alignment bolt (1) supplied in the tool kit. Remove 
the remaining bolts. Keep bolt threads protected 
from dirt and sand.
9. Remove wheel. Grip wheel from the sides. Keep 
hands from beneath the wheels.
P40.10-2481-26
P40.10-2482-26
1
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        Page 269 of 341
266 Tires, Wheels
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
10. Clean contact surfaces of wheel and wheel hub. 
Install wheel on wheel hub. Insert wheel bolts and 
tighten them slightly.Important!
CLK 320 only: 
When installing steel spare wheel rim, make certain to 
use the correct wheel bolts, supplied in the vehicle tool 
kit, page 256 and see page 260.
To avoid paint damage, place wheel flat against hub and 
hold it there while installing first wheel bolt.
Unscrew the alignment bolt (1) to install the last wheel 
bolt.
P40.10-2483-26
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        Page 270 of 341
267 Tires, Wheels
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Lower vehicle. Remove jack and insert jack tube cover.
11. Using the wrench, tighten the five bolts evenly, 
following the sequence illustrated, until all bolts are 
tight.
Observe a tightening torque of 80 ft.lb. (110 Nm).
12. Ensure proper tire pressure.
34
2
5
P40.10-2484-26
Wa r n i n g !
Always replace wheel bolts that are damaged or 
rusted.Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.Damaged wheel hub threads should be repaired 
immediately.Incorrect mounting bolts or improperly tightened 
mounting bolts can cause the wheel to come off. 
This could cause an accident. Be sure to use the 
correct mounting bolts.CLK 430:
The spare wheel rim is for temporary use only. Use 
for over a total of 12 000 miles (20 000 km) 
(aggregate of all uses) may cause wheel rim failure 
leading to an accident and possible injuries.
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        Page 271 of 341

268 Tires, Wheels
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Notes:
Before storing the jack, the jack arm must be lowered 
almost to the base of the jack.
For proper storage of vehicle jack see page 257.Tire inflation pressure
A table (see fuel filler flap) lists the tire inflation 
pressures specified for Mercedes-Benz recommended 
tires as well as for the varying operating conditions.
Important!
Tire pressure changes by approx. 1.5 psi (0.1 bar) per 
18
°F (10
°C) of air temperature change. Keep this in 
mind when checking tire pressure inside a garage – 
especially in the winter.
Example:
If garage temperature = approx. +68
°F (+20
°C) and 
ambient temperature = approx. +32
°F (0
°C) then the 
adjusted air pressure = specified air pressure +3 psi 
(+0.2 bar).
Wa r n i n g !
CLK 320 with Sport Package:
The dimensions of the spare wheel are different 
from those of the road wheels. As a result, the 
vehicle handling characteristics change when 
driving with a spare wheel mounted.
CLK 430: 
The dimensions of the spare wheel are different 
from those of the road wheels for the rear axle. As a 
result, the vehicle handling characteristics change 
when driving with a spare wheel mounted on the 
rear axle.The spare wheel should only be used temporarily, 
and replaced with a regular road wheel as quick as 
possible.When using the spare wheel, do not exceed vehicle 
speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
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        Page 272 of 341

269 Tires, Wheels
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index The pressures listed for light loads are minimum values 
offering high driving comfort.
Increased inflation pressures listed for heavier loads 
may also be used for light loads. These higher pressures 
produce favorable handling characteristics. The ride of 
the vehicle, however, will be somewhat harder. Never 
exceed the max. values or inflate tires below the min. 
values listed in the fuel filler flap.
Tire temperature and pressure increase with the vehicle 
speed. Tire pressure should therefore only be checked 
and corrected on cold tires. Correct tire pressure in 
warm tires only if pressure has dropped below the 
pressure listed in the table and the respective operating 
conditions are taken into consideration.
An underinflated tire due to a slow leak (e.g. due to a 
nail in the tire) may cause damage such as tread 
separation, bulging etc.. Regular tire pressure checks 
(including the spare tire) at intervals of no more than 
14 days are therefore essential.If a tire constantly loses air, it should be inspected for 
damage.
The spare tire should be checked periodically for 
condition and inflation. Spare tire will age and become 
worn over time even if never used, and thus should be 
inspected and replaced when necessary.
Wa r n i n g !Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified 
vehicle capacity weight (as indicated by the label 
on the driver’s door latch post). Overloading the 
tires can overheat them, possibly causing a 
blowout.
Follow recommended inflation pressures.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can 
result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they 
are more likely to become punctured or damaged 
by road debris, potholes etc.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear 
unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel 
economy, and are more likely to fail from being 
overheated. 
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