2002 MERCEDES-BENZ S500 Page 33

349 Tires, Wheels
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Rotating wheels
The wheels can be rotated according to the degree of
tire wear while retaining the same direction of travel.
Rotating, however, should be carried out as
recommended by the tire manufacturer, before the
characteristic tire wear pattern (shoulder wear on front
wheels and tread center wear on rear wheels) becomes
visible, as otherwise the driving properties deteriorate.
Notes:
Thoroughly clean the inner side of the wheels any time
you rotate the wheels or wash the vehicle underside.
The use of retread tires is not recommended. Retread
tires may adversely affect the handling characteristics
and safety of the vehicle.
Dented or bent rims can cause tire pressure loss and
damage to the tire beads. For this reason, check rims for
damage at regular intervals. The rim flanges must be
checked for wear before a tire is mounted. Remove
burrs, if any.
Check and ensure proper tire inflation pressure after
rotating the wheels. For tire inflation pressure see
inside of fuel filler flap and also page 296.Spare wheel
Spare wheel S 430, S 500 and S 600
(except Sport Package)
Important!
The spare wheel rim is mounted with a full size tire of
the same type as on the vehicle, and is fully functional.
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.
In the case of a flat tire, you may temporarily use the
spare wheel.
Do not operate vehicle with more than one spare wheel
mounted.
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.

350 Tires, Wheels
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
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cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Spare wheel S 55 AMG and Sport Package
S55AMG, S600 with Sport Package:
The spare wheel rim size is 7
1/2 J x 17 H2 with tire size
225 / 60 R17 98H.
S430, S500 with Sport Package:
The spare wheel rim size is 7
1/2 J x 16 H2 with tire size
225 / 60 R16 98H.
In the case of a flat tire or breakdown, you may
temporarily use the spare wheel, while observing the
following restrictions:
•Do not exceed vehicle speed of 50 mph (80 km / h).
•Drive to the nearest repair facility to have the flat
tire repaired or replaced as appropriate.
•Do not operate vehicle with more than one spare
wheel mounted.
For additional information, refer to page 398.
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) may
cause wheel rim failure leading to an accident and
possible injuries. The dimensions of the spare wheel are different
from those of road wheels. As a result, the vehicle
handling characteristics change when driving with
a mounted spare wheel.The spare wheel should only be used temporarily,
and replaced with a regular road wheel as quickly
as possible.

355 Tires, Wheels
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index 12. Using the wrench, tighten the five bolts evenly,
following the sequence illustrated, until all bolts are
tight.
Observe a tightening torque of 110 ft.lb. (150 Nm).
13. Ensure proper tire pressure.
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 346.
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.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 spare wheel should only be used temporarily,
and replaced with a regular road wheel as quick as
possible.S 55 AMG and 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 mounted spare wheel.

356 Tires, Wheels
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
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.
For notes on checking the tire pressure using the tire
inflation pressure monitor, see page 152.
Important!
Tire pressure changes by approximately 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 = approximately +68
°F (+20
°C)
and ambient temperature = approximately +32
°F (0
°C)
then the adjusted air pressure = specified air pressure
+3 psi (+0.2 bar).Tire pressures listed for light loads are minimum values
offering high driving comfort. Increased inflation
pressures for heavy loads produce favorable handling
characteristics with lighter loads and are perfectly
permissible. The ride of the vehicle, however, will
become somewhat harder.
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.

358 Battery
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Therefore, we strongly recommend that you have the
battery charge checked frequently, and corrected if
necessary, especially if you use the vehicle less than
approximately 200 miles (300 km) per month,
mostly for short distance trips, or if it is not used for
long periods of time.
Only charge a battery with a battery charger after the
battery has been disconnected from the vehicle’s
electrical circuit.
Always disconnect the battery negative lead first and
connect last.
When removing and connecting the battery, always
make sure that all electrical consumers are off and the
electronic key is in starter switch position 0. The
battery, its filler caps, the vent tube and the opposite
plug must always be securely installed when the vehicle
is in operation.
While the engine is running the battery terminal clamps
must not be loosened or detached, otherwise the
generator and other electronic components would be
damaged.Note:
The gear selector lever will remain locked in
position “P” and the electronic key cannot be turned in
the starter switch, if the vehicle battery disconnected or
discharged.
After reconnecting the battery also set the clock (see
COMAND operator’s manual) resynchronize the front
seat head restraints, the express feature of the power
windows, the sliding / pop-up roof, and the electronic
stability program (see head restraints on page 68, power
windows on page 184, sliding/pop-up roof on page 189,
and electronic stability program on page 280).
Battery recycling
Batteries contain materials that can harm the
environment with improper disposal.
Large 12 Volt storage batteries contain lead.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred method of
disposal.
Many states require sellers of batteries to accept old
batteries for recycling.

361 Towing the vehicle
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Towing the vehicleImportant!
When towing the vehicle, please, note the following:
With the automatic central locking activated and the
electronic key in starter switch position 2 (vehicles with
KEYLESS-GO: in “On” position, see page 232), the
vehicle doors lock if the left front wheel as well as the
right rear wheel are turning at vehicle speeds of
approximately 9 mph (15 km / h) or more.
To prevent the vehicle door locks from locking,
deactivate the automatic central locking. See
“VEHICLE” under “Individual settings” on page 146.
Towing of the vehicle should only be done using the
properly installed towing eye bolt. Never attach tow
cable, tow rope or tow rod to vehicle chassis, frame
or suspension parts.
Note:
The selector lever will remain locked in position “P” and
the electronic key cannot be turned in the starter switch
if the battery is disconnected or discharged. See battery
on page 357 or jump starting on page 359.
Wa r n i n g !
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground, make certain that the electronic key is in
starter switch position 2. The maximum towing
speed and distance with the vehicle on the ground
is 30 mph (50 km/h) and 30 miles (50 km).If the electronic key is left in the starter switch
position 0 for an extended period of time, it can no
longer be turned in the switch. To unlock, remove
electronic key from starter switch and reinsert.

363 Towing the vehicle
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index We recommend that the vehicle be transported using
flat bed equipment. This method is preferable to other
types of towing.
Important!
To prevent damage during transport, do not tie down
vehicle by its chassis or suspension parts.
The vehicle may be towed with all wheels on the ground
and the selector lever in position “N” for distances up to
30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph
(50 km / h). The electronic key must be in starter switch
position 2.
To be certain to avoid a possibility of damage to the
transmission, however, we recommend the drive shaft
be disconnected at the rear axle drive flange for any
towing beyond a short tow to a nearby garage.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Towing with
sling-type equipment over bumpy roads will damage
radiator and supports.
Use wheel lift, dolly, or flat bed equipment, with
electronic key in starter switch turned to position 0.Note:
To signal turns while being towed with hazard warning
flasher in use, turn electronic key in starter switch to
position 2 and activate combination switch for left or
right turn signal in usual manner – only the selected
turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard warning
flasher will operate again.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the
engine must be shut off (electronic key in starter switch
position 0 or 1). Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be
engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes.
Switch off the tow-away alarm (see page 61), the
automatic central locking, see individual setting menu
“VEHICLE” – “AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK” (see
page 146) as well as the ESP (see page 280).
Wa r n i n g !
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the braking and steering systems. In
this case, it is important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is necessary to
brake and steer the vehicle.

370 Exterior lamps
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Standby bulb function
The rear fog lamp, dimmed, will act as a replacement
lamp, if the bulb in the inner left-hand taillamp stops
working.
The inner taillamp acts as a replacement for the right or
left-hand bulb of the outer taillamp, if it stops working
as a parking lamp.Notes:
The multifunction display will indicate that a bulb has
failed. See Malfunction and warning messages on
page 309.