2004 MERCEDES-BENZ E320 tire type

273 Operation
Driving instructions
E55AMG
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“Z”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
above 149 mph (above 240 km / h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
155 mph (250 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 gar selector lever to position N or in
case you have a manual transmission, de-
clutch. Try to keep the vehicle under con-
trol by corrective steering action.Road salts and chemicals can adversely af-
fect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce
the normal braking effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn
roads can bring road-salt-impaired braking
efficiency back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking efficien-
cy should be tested as soon as possible af-
ter driving is resumed.
iFor information on speed ratings for
winter tires, see “Winter driving”
(page 295).
iFor more information on driving with
snow chains, see “Snow chains”
(page 296).
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of control loss.
Warning!
G
Make sure not to endarger any other road
users when carrying out these braking ma-
neuvers.

289 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tires and wheels
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter for information on tested and recom-
mended rims and tires for summer and
winter operation. They can also offer ad-
vice concerning tire service and purchase.
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 Cen-
ter for information on tested and recom-
mended rims and tires for summer and
winter operation.
Important guidelines

Only use 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 and 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 (on vehicles with
same-sized wheels all around).
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 Center for further informa-
tion. 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.

348 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display symbol
Display messages
Possible cause
Possible solution
@
Vehicle rising!
Your vehicle is adjusting to your level se-
lection.
Level selec. canceled
The “Raised” level setting is canceled at
vehicle speeds of over 75 mph
(120 km / h).

Reactivate the “Raised” level setting.
Stop, car too low!
The vehicle level control is malfunction-
ing.
Avoid excessive steering input. The fend-
er or tires could otherwise be damaged.
Listen for scraping noises.
Do not drive faster than 50 mph
(80 km / h).
Drive to the side of the road and se-
lect a higher vehicle level. Depending
on the type of malfunction, this may
raise the vehicle’s level.
There is otherwise danger of an accident.
Visit workshop!
The system is functional only to a limited
extent.
The system display or the system is mal-
functioning.

Do not drive faster than 50 mph
(80 km / h).

Have the vehicle checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.

415 Technical terms
SBC
(S
ensotronic B
rake C
ontrol)
Electronically controlled hydraulic
braking system for increased braking
safety and comfort.
Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock
prevents the transmission selector le-
ver from being moved out of positionP
without SmartKey turned and brake
pedal depressed.
SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning de-
vice and airbags. Though independent
systems, they are closely interfaced to
provide effective occupant protection.Tele Aid System
(T
elematic A
larm I
dentification on D
e-
mand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, roadside assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
vided that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.
Telematics*
A combination of the terms “telecom-
munications” and “informatics”.
Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.Tire speed rating
Part of a tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is ap-
proved.
Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the
road via the tires.
Vehicle level control
The ground clearance of the vehicle is
automatically controlled according to a
selected setting and speed.The driver
can set the ground clearance manually
for example on very rough roads.
VIN
(V
ehicle I
dentification N
umber)
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the body to uniquely
identify each vehicle produced.
Voice control system*
Voice control system for car phones,
portable cell phones and audio sys-
tems (radio, CD, etc.).

434 IndexSeat cushion depth
Adjusting 111
Seat heater*
Switching off 113
Switching on 113
Seat ventilation*
Switching off 114
Switching on 114
Seats 108
Adjusting 34
Easy entry/exit feature* 108
Heater* 113
Multicontour seat* 111
Split rear bench seat* 236
Ventilation 114
Securing cargo
Cargo tie-down rings 241
Selecting display 142, 143
Selector lever
Lock 43
Message in the display 323
Position (automatic
transmission) 158Self-test
BabySmartTM airbag deactivation
system 68
Tele Aid* 251
Service
Batteries 375
Calling up the service indicator 298
Major service (Service H) 297
Minor service (Service A) 297
Overdue 298
Types 297
When due 297
Service and warranty information 10
Service indicator 297
Calling up 298
Clearing 298
Service life (tires) 290
Service System see FSS 297
Setting
Convenience functions 140, 150
Cruise control 212
Daytime running lamp mode 146
Distronic* time interval 221Exterior rear view mirror parking
position 118
Higher speed in cruise control 213
Higher speed in Distronic* 219
Hours (clock) 144
Individual vehicle settings 138
Instrument lighting 126, 127
Interior lighting delayed
switch-off 149
Lamps and lighting (control
system) 146
Language, multifunction display 142
Locator lighting 147
Lower speed in cruise control 213
Lower speed in Distronic* 220
Miles/kilometers in
speedometer 141
Minutes (clock) 144, 145
Parking position for exterior rear view
mirrors 152
Slower speed in cruise control 213
Slower speed in Distronic* 220
Smartkey dependent memory 152