2006 MERCEDES-BENZ R500 winter tires

ContentsLoading .............................................. 279
Roof rack* .................................... 279
Loading instructions ..................... 280
Cargo tie-down rings .................... 281
Hooks ........................................... 282
Expanding cargo compartment .... 283
Cargo compartment cover blind* . 288
Partition net* ............................... 290
Useful features .................................. 294
Storage compartments................. 294
Parcel nets ................................... 298
Cup holders .................................. 299
Ashtrays* ..................................... 302
Cigarette lighter* ......................... 305
Power outlets ............................... 306
Rear center console* ................... 308
Telephone*................................... 310
Tele Aid* ...................................... 311
Garage door opener* ................... 320
Compass ...................................... 327
Floormats* ................................... 328
Infrared reflecting windshield* ..... 328
Operation......................................... 329
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 330
Driving instructions............................ 331
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 331
Drinking and driving ..................... 331
Pedals .......................................... 331
Power assistance ......................... 331
Brakes .......................................... 332
Driving off .................................... 333
Parking ......................................... 334
Tires ............................................. 334
Hydroplaning ................................ 335
Tire traction.................................. 335
Tire speed rating .......................... 336
Winter driving instructions ........... 337
Standing water ............................. 338
Passenger compartment .............. 338
Driving abroad.............................. 339
Control and operation of radio
transmitters ................................. 339
Catalytic converter ....................... 340
Emission control .......................... 340
Coolant temperature .................... 341At the gas station .............................. 342
Refueling ...................................... 342
Check regularly and before a
long trip ....................................... 343
Engine compartment ......................... 345
Hood ............................................ 345
Engine oil ..................................... 346
Transmission fluid level................ 350
Coolant level ................................ 351
Windshield / rear window washer
system and headlamp cleaning
system* ....................................... 352
Tires and wheels................................ 353
Important guidelines .................... 353
Tire care and maintenance........... 354
Direction of rotation..................... 356
Loading the vehicle ...................... 356
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ....................................... 363
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 365
Tire labeling ................................. 375
Load identification ....................... 380
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................. 380
Maximum tire load ....................... 382
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 382

Contents
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) ............. 383
Tire ply material ........................... 385
Tire and loading terminology ........ 385
Rotating tires ............................... 388
Winter driving .................................... 390
Winter tires .................................. 390
Block heater (Canada only) .......... 391
Snow chains................................. 391
Maintenance ...................................... 392
Clearing the maintenance service
indicator ....................................... 393
Maintenance service term
exceeded ..................................... 393
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator........................... 393
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator........................... 394
Vehicle care ....................................... 395
Cleaning and care of the vehicle .. 395
Practical hints.................................. 403
What to do if … ................................... 404
Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 404
Lamp in center console................. 414
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display..................... 416
Where will I find ...? ............................ 454
First aid kit .................................... 454
Vehicle tool kit .............................. 454
Spare wheel .................................. 457
Unlocking / locking in an emergency .. 459
Unlocking the vehicle.................... 459
Locking the vehicle ....................... 460
Fuel filler flap ................................ 461
Opening / closing in an emergency ..... 462
Power tilt/sliding sunroof* ........... 462
Replacing SmartKey batteries ............ 463
SmartKey ...................................... 463
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* ....... 464
Replacing bulbs .................................. 465
Bulbs ............................................. 465
Replacing bulbs for front lamps .... 468
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 472Replacing wiper blades ...................... 475
Front wiper blades ........................ 475
Rear wiper blade ........................... 476
Flat tire............................................... 478
Preparing the vehicle .................... 478
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 479
Battery ............................................... 487
Disconnecting, removing,
reinstalling and reconnecting
the battery .................................... 489
Charging the battery ..................... 495
Jump starting...................................... 496
Towing the vehicle.............................. 499
Installing towing eye bolts ............ 501
Stranded vehicle ........................... 502
Fuses.................................................. 503
Main fuse box ............................... 504
Fuse box in cargo compartment ... 504
Fuse box in passenger
compartment ................................ 505

97 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems
In this section you will find information on
the following driving safety systems:

ABS (A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)


BAS (B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)


ESP
® (E
lectronic S
tability P
rogram)


EBP (E
lectronic B
rake P
roportioning)


4-ETS (E
lectronic T
raction S
ystem)
ABS
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do
not lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of ap-
proximately 5 mph (8 km / h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will re-
spond even to light brake pressure.
The -indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster (
page 24) comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Warning!
G
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:

Excessive speed, especially in turns


Wet and slippery road surfaces


Following another vehicle too closely
The ABS, BAS, ESP
® and 4-ETS cannot re-
duce this risk.
Always adjust your driving style to the pre-
vailing road and weather conditions.
iIn winter operation, the maximum ef-
fectiveness of the ABS, the BAS, the
ESP
®, the EBP, and the 4-ETS is only
achieved with winter tires (
page 390)
or snow chains as required.
Warning!
G
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump-
ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of
the ABS and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.

329 Operation
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
Driving instructions
At the gas station
Engine compartment
Tires and wheels
Winter driving
Maintenance
Vehicle care

336 OperationDriving instructionsMercedes-Benz recommends winter tires
(page 390) with a minimum tread depth
of approximately
1/6in (4 mm) on all four
wheels for the winter season to ensure
normal balanced handling characteristics.
On packed snow, they can reduce your
stopping distance compared to summer
tires.
Stopping distance, however, is still consid-
erably greater than when the road is not
covered with snow or ice. Exercise appro-
priate caution.
Tire speed rating
Regardless of the tire speed rating, local
speed limits should be obeyed. Use
prudent driving speeds appropriate to pre-
vailing conditions.R 350, R 500
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“H”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 130 mph (210 km / h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
130 mph (210 km / h).
R 350, R 500 (with Sport Package*)
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“W”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 168 mph (270 km / h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
130 mph (210 km / h).
!Avoid spinning of one drive wheel. This
may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Warning!
G
Even when permitted by law, never operate
a vehicle at speeds greater than the maxi-
mum speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire
failure, causing loss of vehicle control and
possibly resulting in an accident and / or
serious injury and possible death, for you
and for others.
iFor information on speed ratings for
winter tires, see “Winter tires”
(page 390).
For additional general information on
tire speed markings on the tire side-
wall, see “Tire speed rating”
(page 388).

353 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tires and wheels
See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck 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

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 inflation pressure loss and
damage to the tire beads.


If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
inflation 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 an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for fur-
ther information. 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.

355 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tread depth
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).
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. These indicators are located in six
places on the tread circumference and
become visible at a tread depth of approx-
imately
1/16
in (1.6 mm), at which point
the tire is considered worn and should be
replaced.
Recommended minimum tire tread depth:


Summer tires
1/8in (3 mm)


Winter tires
1/6in (4 mm)
1TWI (T
read W
ear I
ndicator)
The treadwear indicator appears as a solid
band across the tread.Storing tires
Cleaning tires
Warning!
G
Although the applicable federal motor safety
laws consider a tire to be worn when the
treadwear indicators (TWI) become visible at
approximately
1/16in (1.6 mm), we recom-
mend that you do not allow your tires
to wear down to that level. As tread depth
approaches
1/8in (3 mm), the adhesion
properties on a wet road are sharply re-
duced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely.
!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.!Never use a round nozzle to power
wash tires. The intense jet of water can
result in damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.

366 OperationTires and wheels
Install the valve cap.

Repeat this procedure for each tire.Run Flat Indicator (Canada only)
While the vehicle is being driven, the Run
Flat Indicator monitors the set tire inflation
pressures by evaluating each wheel’s rota-
tional speed. This allows the system to de-
tect a significant loss of pressure in a tire.
If a wheel’s rotational speed changes due
to falling tire inflation pressure, you will
see a corresponding warning message in
the multifunction display.
The Run Flat Indicator may function in a re-
stricted manner or with a delay if:


snow chains are mounted to the
vehicle


winter road conditions prevail


you are driving on a loose surface (e.g.
sand or gravel)


you are driving in a very sporty manner
(involving rapid acceleration or high
speeds in curves)
iIf you have overfilled the tire, release
tire inflation pressure by pushing the
metal stem of the valve with e.g. a tip of
a pen. Then recheck the tire inflation
pressure with the tire gauge.
Warning!
G
When the multifunction display shows the
message
Tire pressure Check tires
,
one or more of your tires is significantly un-
der-inflated. You should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper tire inflation pressure as
indicated on the vehicle’s tire information
placard. Driving on a significantly under-in-
flated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability. Each tire, including the
spare, should be checked monthly when
cold and set to the recommended tire infla-
tion pressure as specified in the vehicle
placard and owner’s manual.