2005 MERCEDES-BENZ C320 tire pressure

287 Operation
Tires and wheels
Life of tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including but not limited to:

Driving style


Tire pressure


Distance driven
Direction of rotation
Unidirectional tires offer added advan-
tages, such as better hydroplaning perfor-
mance. To benefit, however, you must
make sure the tires rotate in the direction
specified.
An arrow on the sidewall indicates the
intended direction of tire rotation.
Checking tire inflation pressure
Correct the tire pressure only when tires
are cold.
Regularly check your tire pressure at
intervals of no more than 14 days.
If the tires are warm you should only
correct the tire pressure if it is too low for
current operating conditions.
A table on the fuel filler flap lists the
specified tire inflation pressures for warm
and cold tires as well as for various
operating conditions.
Warning!
G
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after
six years, regardless of the remaining tread.!Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as
possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease and gasoline.
Warning!
G
If the tire pressure drops repeatedly:

Check the tires for punctures from
foreign objects.


Check to see whether air is leaking from
the valves or from around the rim.

288 OperationTires and wheels
Tire pressure changes by approx. 1.5 psi
(0.1 bar) per 18°F (10°C) of air tempera-
ture change. Keep this in mind when
checking tire pressure where the tempera-
ture is different from the outside tempera-
ture.
Tire temperature and tire pressure are also
increased while driving, depending on the
driving speed and the tire load.
Check the spare tire periodically for condi-
tion and inflation. Spare tires will age and
b e c o m e w o r n o v e r t i m e e v e n i f n e v e r u s e d ,
and thus should be inspected and replaced
when necessary.
iThe 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.
Warning!
G
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.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified vehicle capacity weight (as indi-
cated by the label on the pillar in the driver’s
door opening). Overloading the tires can
overheat them, possibly causing a blowout.

289 Operation
Tires and wheels
Rotating tires
Tire rotation can be performed on vehicles
with tires of the same dimension all
around. If your vehicle is equipped with
tires of the same dimension all around,
tires can be rotated, observing a a
front-to-rear rotation pattern that will
maintain the intended rotation (spinning)
direction of the tire (
page 287).
In some cases, such as when your vehicle
is equipped with mixed-size tires (different
tire dimension front vs. rear), tire rotation
is not possible.If applicable to your vehicle's tire configu-
ration, tires can be rotated according to
the tire manufacturer's recommended in-
tervals in the tire manufacturer's warranty
pamphlet located in your vehicle literature
portfolio. If none is available, tires should
be rotated every 3 000 to 6 000 miles
(5 000 to 10 000 km), or sooner if neces-
sary, according to the degree of tire wear.
The same rotation (spinning) direction
must be maintained (
page 287).
Rotate tires before the characteristic tire
wear pattern becomes visible (shoulder
wear on front tires and tread center wear
on rear tires).
Thoroughly clean the mounting face of
wheels and brake disks, i.e. the inner side
of the wheels/tires, during each rotation.
Check for and ensure proper tire inflation
pressure.For information on wheel change, see the
“Practical hints” section (
page 329) and
(
page 353).
Warning!
G
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the tires
are of the same dimension.
If your vehicle is equipped with mixed-size
tires (different tire dimensions front vs.
rear), tire rotation is not possible.
Warning!
G
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. Wheels could become
loose if not tightened with a torque of
80 lb-ft (110 Nm).
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel
bolts specified for your vehicle's rims.

353 Practical hints
Flat tire
Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Park the vehicle as far as possible from
moving traffic on a hard surface.

Turn on the hazard warning flasher
(page 114).

Turn the steering wheel so that the
front wheels are in a straight ahead
position.

Set the parking brake (
page 54).

Move the gear selector lever toP
(manual transmission to first or reverse
gear).

Turn off the engine (
page 56).

Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.

Have any passenger exit the vehicle at
a safe distance from the roadway.
Mounting the spare wheel
Preparing the vehicle
Prepare the vehicle as described
(page 353).
Vehicles with Minispare wheel:

Take the wheel wrench, the wheel
bolts, and the jack out of the trunk
(page 329).

Take the Minispare wheel out of the
trunk (
page 333).
Vehicles with collapsible tire
(C 55 AMG only):

Take the collapsible tire, wheel wrench,
wheel bolts, jack, and electric air pump
out of the trunk (
page 330).
Warning!
G
The dimensions of the spare wheel
(Minispare or collapsible tire) are different
from those of the road wheels. As a result,
the vehicle handling characteristics change
when driving with a spare wheel mounted.
Adapt your driving style accordingly.
The spare wheel is for temporary use only.
When driving with spare wheel mounted,
ensure proper tire pressure and do not ex-
ceed a vehicle speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
Drive to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible to have the spare wheel
replaced with a regular road wheel.
Never operate the vehicle with more than
one spare wheel mounted.
iOpen doors only when conditions are
safe to do so.

357 Practical hints
Flat tire

Unscrew the alignment bolt, install last
wheel bolt and tighten slightly.Inflating the collapsible tire
(C 55 AMG only)

Take the electric air pump out of the
trunk (
page 331).
1Flap
2On/off switch
3Electrical plug
4Air hose with pressure gauge and vent
screw
5Union nut

Open flap 1 on electric air pump.

Pull out electrical plug 3 and air hose
with pressure gauge 4.

Remove the valve cap from the
collapsible tire valve.
Warning!
G
Only use genuine equipment
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts. Other wheel
bolts may come loose.
Do not tighten the wheel bolts when the
vehicle is raised. Otherwise the vehicle
could fall of the jack.
Warning!
G
Vehicles with collapsible tire
(C 55 AMG only):
Inflate collapsible tire only after the wheel is
properly mounted.
Inflate the collapsible tire using the electric
pump (
page 357) before
lowering the
vehicle.
Warning!
G
Observe instructions on air pump label.!Do not lower the vehicle before
inflating the collapsible tire. Otherwise
the rim may be damaged.


358 Practical hintsFlat tire
Screw air hose 4 onto the collapsible
tire valve.

Insert electrical plug 3 into vehicle
cigarette lighter socket.

Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position1.

Press I on electric air pump switch 2.
The electric air pump should now
switch on and inflate the collapsible
tire.

Inflate the tire to approximately 36 psi
(2.5 bar).
This takes about five minutes for the
collapsible tire. Air hose 4 and union
nut5 can become hot duration infla-
tion. Exercise proper caution to avoid
burning yourself when using the equip-
ment.

Press 0 on electric air pump switch 2.

Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position0.

If the tire pressure is above 36 psi
(2.5 bar), release excess tire pressure
using the vent screw.

Detach the electric air pump.

Store the electrical plug and the air
hose behind the flap and place the
electric air pump back in the trunk.
!Do not operate the electric air pump
longer than six minutes without inter-
ruption. Otherwise it may overheat.
You may operate the electric air pump
again after it has cooled off.
Warning!
G
Follow recommend inflation pressures.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflating tires
can result in sudden deflation (blowout) be-
cause they are more likely to become punc-
tured 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.


380 Technical dataRims and TiresOnly use tires and rims which have been
specifically developed for your vehicle and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Other tires and rims can have detrimental
effects, such as

poor handling characteristics


increased noise


increased fuel consumption
!Moreover, tires and rims not approved
by Mercedes-Benz may, under load,
exhibit dimensional variations and
different tire deformation characteris-
tics that could cause them to come into
contact with the vehicle body or axle
parts. Damage to the tires or the
vehicle may be the result.
iFurther information on tires and rims is
available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. A tire inflation
pressure table is located on the fuel
filler flap of the vehicle. The tire pres-
sure should be checked regularly and
should only be adjusted on cold tires.
Follow tire manufacturer’s mainte-
nance recommendation included with
vehicle.

406 Index
Multicontour seat* 104
Placing upright rear seat
head restraints 102
Power seat* 38
Rear seat head restraints 101
Seat belt height 45
Seat cushion depth 104
Seat cushion tilt, manual seat 36
Seat cushion tilt, power seat* 38
Seat fore and aft adjustment,
manual seat 36
Seat fore and aft adjustment,
power seat* 38
Seat height, manual seat 36
Seat height, power seat* 38
Seats 35
Steering column height,
electrical* 41
Steering column height,
manual 40
Steering column length,
electrical* 41
Steering column length,
manual 40
Steering wheel 39Adjusting air distribution
and volume 178
Adjusting sound functions 187
Adjusting the volume 187
Aids for changing fuses 369
Air bags 59
BabySmart
TM deactivation
system 70, 399
Children 60
Front 63
Passenger 63
Safety guidelines 62
Side impact 64
Window curtain 64
Air conditioning (cooling) 181
Turning off 181
Turning on 181
Air conditioning refrigerant 390
Air distribution
Adjusting 178
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air pump, electric
Turning on 358Air recirculation mode 179
Activating 179
Deactivating 180
Air vents, rear passenger compartment
Adjustable 182
Air volume
Adjusting 178
Alarm
Audible 76, 83
Canceling 84, 86
Visual 83
Alarm system
Anti-theft* 83
Tow-away* 85
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 355, 399
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 395
Antiglare
Automatic* 169
Manual 168
Antilock Brake System see ABS
Anti-theft alarm system*
Arming 84
Canceling alarm 84
Disarming 84