Page 254 of 417

253 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tires and wheels
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use tires approved by
Mercedes-Benz for use on SLR vehicles.
See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for information on tested and
recommended rims and tires for summer
and winter operation. They can also offer
advice 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. The operating safety of the
vehicle cannot be assured when such tires
are used.
Important guidelines
For the first 100 miles (160 km) avoid
high-speed cornering. Do not exceed a
speed of 125 mph (200 km/h).
1
Only use sets of tires and rims of the
same type and make.
Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.
Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can
cause tire inflation pressure loss and
damage to the tire beads.
Warning!
G
Replace rims or tires with the same designa-
tion, manufacturer and type as shown on the
original part. See an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for further informa-
tion. If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted:
The wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged.
The operating clearance of the wheels
and the tires may no longer be correct.
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, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can
result in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
!A wheel change should only be carried
out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. Otherwise there is a danger of
damaging the vehicle by jacking it up
incorrectly.
1Please always drive carefully and obey applicable
speed limits.
Page 283 of 417

282 OperationTires and wheelsThoroughly 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 349).
Anti-theft wheel nuts
Your vehicle is equipped with anti-theft
wheel nuts that prevent the theft of your
vehicle’s wheels.
1Anti-theft wheel nut
2Wheel nut key
Warning!
G
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. Wheels could become
loose if not tightened with a torque of
95 lb-ft (130 Nm).
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel
bolts specified for your vehicle’s rims.
Warning!
G
Pull the parking brake lever up as many
notches as possible and move the gear se-
lector lever to positionP, before loosening
the wheel bolts. Otherwise the vehicle may
move and cause an accident and/or serious
personal injury. !Do not use air tools, such as an impact
wrench, when installing or removing
the anti-theft wheel nuts. An impact
wrench can damage the anti-theft
wheel nuts and the wheel nut key, or
cause them to malfunction.
!Store wheel bolts and anti-theft wheel
nuts not currently in use in a safe place
to avoid damage to the threads.
Page 284 of 417

283 Operation
Tires and wheels
Removing anti-theft wheel nuts
Unscrew anti-theft wheel nut1 using
wheel nut key2.
Replace anti-theft wheel nut1 with
one of the regular wheel bolts.
Fasten the wheel bolt and tighten it
with a torque wrench to a tightening
torque of 95 lb-ft (130 Nm).Fitting anti-theft wheel nuts
Unscrew a wheel bolt from one of the
wheels.
Replace that wheel bolt with one of the
anti-theft wheel nuts1 delivered with
your vehicle.
Fasten anti-theft wheel nut1 using
wheel nut key2 and tighten with a
torque wrench to a tightening torque of
95 lb-ft (130 Nm).
Warning!
G
The wheels could come loose if the wheel
bolts are not tightened to a torque of 95 lb-ft
(130 Nm). Have the tightening torque
checked after changing a wheel.
Warning!
G
The wheels could come loose if the wheel
bolts are not tightened to a torque of 95 lb-ft
(130 Nm). Have the tightening torque
checked after changing a wheel.
iKeep the anti-theft wheel nut key in a
convenient place in your vehicle where
you and service personnel can always
find it easily when it is needed.iIf you should lose the anti-theft wheel
nut key or one of the anti-theft wheel
nuts, please contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for a replace-
ment.
Page 390 of 417

389 Technical terms
Sidewall
(
page 280)
SRS
(Supplemental 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
(Tele
matic 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.Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.
TIN
(T
ire I
dentification N
umber)
(
page 280)
Tire load rating
(page 280)
Tire ply composition and material used
(page 280)
Tire speed rating
(page 280)
TIREFIT kit
Accessory for emergency and tempo-
rary tire repair. The TIREFIT kit consists
of a container with sealant material, a
filler hose and an air compressor.
Traction
(page 280)Tread
(
page 280)
Treadwear indicators
(page 280)
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards
(page 281)
Vehicle capacity weight
(page 281)
Vehicle maximum load on the tire
(page 281)
VIN
(Vehicle I
dentification N
umber)
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the body to uniquely
identify each vehicle produced.