tire blowout caused by a foreign object). In
this case bring the vehicle to a halt by carefully
applying the brakes and avoiding abrupt
steering maneuvers.
Restarting the tire pressure loss warning
system
The tire pressure loss warning system must
be restarted in the following situations:
R after you have changed the tire inflation
pressure
R after you have replaced the wheels or tires
R after you have installed new wheels or tiresXUsing the Tire and Loading Information
placard on the driver’s door B-pillar or, if
available, the tire inflation pressure label on
the inside of the fuel filler flap, make sure
the tire inflation pressure of all four tires is
correct.GWarning!
The tire pressure loss warning system can
only warn you in a reliable manner if you have
set the correct tire inflation pressures for
each tire.
If an incorrect tire inflation pressure was set,
the system will monitor the pressure
according to the incorrect value.
XSwitch on the ignition.XPress button = or ; on the
multifunction steering wheel to select the
Service menu (Y page 129).XPress button 9 or : on the
multifunction steering wheel to select
Tire Pressure .XPress button a on the multifunction
steering wheel to confirm.
The following message appears in the
multifunction display:
Run Flat Indicator
Active
Press 'OK' to RestartXPress button a.
The following message will appear in the
multifunction display:
Tire Pressure
Now OK?
Cancel
YesXIf you wish to confirm: Press button
9 or : to select Yes.XPress button a.
The following message will appear in the
multifunction display:
Run Flat
Indicator
Restarted
After a certain “learning phase”, the tire
pressure loss warning system checks the
set pressure values for all four tires.XIf you wish to cancel: Press button 9
or : to select Cancel.XPress button a to confirm.
The previous settings remain unchanged.
Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (Advanced TPMS), (USA only)
Your vehicle is equipped with the Advanced
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS). It measures the tire inflation pressure
in the vehicle’s tires and issues warnings in
case of pressure loss in one or more of the
tires.
The TPMS is equipped with a combination low
tire pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale in
the instrument cluster. Depending on how the
telltale illuminates, it indicates a low tire
pressure condition or a malfunction in the
TPMS system itself:
R If the telltale illuminates continuously, one
or more of your tires is significantly
underinflated. There is no malfunction in
the TPMS.
R If the telltale flashes for 60 seconds and
then stays illuminated, the TPMS system
itself is not operating properly.
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The TPMS only functions on wheels that are
equipped with the proper electronic sensors.GWarning!
The TPMS does not indicate a warning for
wrongly selected inflation pressures. Always
adjust tire inflation pressure according to the
Tire and Loading Information placard or the
supplemental tire inflation pressure
information on the inside of the fuel filler flap.
The TPMS is not able to issue a warning due
to a sudden dramatic loss of pressure (e.g. tire
blowout caused by a foreign object). In this
case bring the vehicle to a halt by carefully
applying the brakes and avoiding abrupt
steering maneuvers.
GWarning!
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked at least once a month
when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door B-
pillar or the tire inflation pressure label on the
inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the Tire and Loading Information placard
or the tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure
for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your
tires are significantly underinflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly underinflated tire causes the tire
to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability. Please note that
the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if underinflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with
the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately 1 minute and then
remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
exists. When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of
incompatible replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on your
vehicle to ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.
i If a condition causing the TPMS to
malfunction develops, it may take up to
10 minutes for the system to signal a
malfunction using the TPMS telltale
flashing and illumination sequence.
The telltale extinguishes after a few
minutes driving if the malfunction has been
corrected.
Tire pressure inquiries are made using the
multifunction display. The current tire
inflation pressure for each tire appears in the
multifunction display after a few minutes of
driving.
i Possible differences between the
readings of a tire pressure gauge of an air
hose, e.g. gas station equipment, and the
vehicle’s control system can occur. The tireTires and wheels235Operation204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 235Z
pressure displayed by the control system
apply to sea level. In high-altitude
locations, the reading on a tire pressure
gauge will be higher than the reading issued
by the vehicle’s control system. Do not
reduce the tire inflation pressure under
such circumstances.
XSwitch on the ignition.XPress button = or ; on the
multifunction steering wheel to select the
Service menu (Y page 129).
XPress button 9 or : to select Tire
Pressure.
XPress button a.
The current inflation pressure for each tire
appears in the multifunction display.
Example illustration
When the vehicle has been parked for longer
than 20 minutes, the message Tire
pressures will be displayed after
driving a few minutes appears in the
multifunction display.
The TPMS recognizes new wheels or sensors
automatically after the learn-in phase. As long
as the tire inflation pressure values cannot be
allocated to the individual wheels, the
message Tire Pressure Monitor Active
appears. Despite this message, the tire
inflation pressure values are monitored
already.
iWith a spare wheel mounted, the system
may still indicate the tire inflation pressure
of the removed road wheel for some
minutes. If this happens, keep in mind that
the indicated value where the spare wheel
is mounted does not reflect the actual
spare tire inflation pressure.
iOperating radio transmission equipment
(e.g. wireless headsets, two-way radios) in
or near the vehicle could cause the TPMS
to malfunction.
iThis device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2. this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Tire inflation pressure warnings
If the system detects a significant loss of tire
inflation pressure in one or more than one
tire, a message appears in the multifunction
display. In addition, an acoustic warning
sounds and the low tire pressure telltale in the
instrument cluster comes on.
Example illustration
The respective tire is indicated by a red
rectangle.
Restarting Advanced TPMS
GWarning!
It is the driver’s responsibility to set the tire
inflation pressure to the recommended cold
tire inflation pressure. Underinflated tires
affect the ability to steer or brake the vehicle.
You might lose control over the vehicle.
When you restart the TPMS, the system sets
new reference values for each tire.
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The TPMS must be restarted when you have
adjusted the tire inflation pressure to a new
level (e.g. because of different load or driving
conditions). The TPMS is then recalibrated to
the current tire inflation pressures.
Restart the TPMS after adjusting the tire
inflation pressure to the inflation pressure
recommended for the vehicle operating
condition. Tire inflation pressure should only
be adjusted on cold tires. Observe the
recommended tire inflation pressure on the
Tire and Loading Information placard on the
driver’s door B-pillar. Some vehicles may have
supplemental tire inflation pressure
information for driving at high speeds or for
vehicle loads less than the maximum loaded
vehicle condition. If such information is
provided, it can be found on the inside of the
fuel filler flap.XUsing the Tire and Loading Information
placard on the driver’s door B-pillar
( Y page 238) or the supplemental tire
inflation pressure information on the inside
of the fuel filler flap, make sure the tire
inflation pressure of all four tires is correct.XSwitch on the ignition.XPress button = or ; on the
multifunction steering wheel to select the
Service menu.XPress button 9 or : on the
multifunction steering wheel to select
Tire Pressure .XPress button a.
The current inflation pressure for each tire
appears in the multifunction display or the
following message appears in the
multifunction display:
Tire pressures
will be displayed
after driving
a few minutesXPress button :.
The following message appears in the
multifunction display:
Use Current
Pressures As NewReference Values
Press 'OK' to ConfirmXPress button a.
The following message appears in the
multifunction display:
Tire Press. Monitor
Restarted
After driving a few minutes the system
verifies that the current tire inflation
pressures are within the system’s specified
range. Afterwards the current tire inflation
pressures are accepted as reference values
and then monitored.XIf you wish to cancel: Press button %.
or
XPress button 9 to exit the menu screen.
i
When the wheel positions have been
changed, the inflation pressure of a tire
may be displayed for the wrong position
temporarily. After driving for a few minutes,
the inflation pressure will be shown for the
correct position.
Maximum tire inflation pressure
GWarning!
Never exceed the maximum tire inflation
pressure. Follow recommended tire inflation
pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely
affect handling and fuel economy, and are
more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can
adversely affect handling and ride comfort,
wear unevenly, increase stopping distance,
and result in sudden deflation (blowout)
because they are more likely to become
punctured or damaged by road debris,
potholes etc.
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iFor illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and
may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
This is the maximum permissible tire inflation
pressure : for the tire.
Always follow the recommended tire inflation
pressure (Y page 230) for proper tire
inflation.
Loading the vehicle
Two labels on your vehicle show how much
weight it may properly carry.
(1)The Tire and Loading Information placard
can be found on the driver’s door
B-pillar. This placard tells you important
information about the number of people
that can be in the vehicle and the total
weight that can be carried in the vehicle.
It also contains information on the proper
size and recommended tire inflation
pressures for the original equipment tires
on your vehicle.
(2)The certification label, also found on the
driver’s door B-pillar. It tells you about the
gross weight capacity of your vehicle,
called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight
of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and
cargo. The certification label also tells
you about the front and rear axle weight
capacity, called the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR).
The GAWR is the total allowable weight
that can be carried by a single axle (front
or rear). Never exceed the GVWR or
GAWR for either the front axle or rear
axle.
:Driver’s door B-pillar
Following is a discussion on how to work with
the information contained on the Tire and
Loading Information placard with regards to
loading your vehicle.
Tire and Loading Information
GWarning!
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information placard on the
driver’s door B-pillar. Overloading the tires
can overheat them, possibly causing a
blowout. Overloading the tires can also result
in handling or steering problems, or brake
failure.
Tire and Loading Information placard
iData shown on Tire and Loading
Information placard example are for
illustration purposes only. Load limit data
are specific to each vehicle and may vary
from data shown in the following
illustration. Refer to Tire and Loading
Information placard on vehicle for actual
data specific to your vehicle.
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Tire care and maintenanceGWarning!
Regularly check the tires for damage.
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
Check the tire inflation pressure at least once
a month. For more information on checking
tire inflation pressure, see “Recommended
tire inflation pressure” (Y page 230).
Tire inspection
Every time you check the tire inflation
pressure, you should also inspect your tires
for the following:
Rexcessive treadwear (Y page 243)
Rcord or fabric showing through the tire’s
rubber
Rbumps, bulges, cuts, cracks or splits in the
tread or side of the tire
Replace the tire if you find any of the above
conditions.
Make sure you also inspect the spare tire
periodically for condition and inflation. Spare
tires will age and become worn over time even
if never used, and thus should be inspected
and replaced when necessary.
Life of tire
GWarning!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after
6 years, regardless of the remaining tread.
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including but not limited to:
RDriving style
RTire inflation pressure
RDistance driven
Tread depth GWarning!
Although the applicable federal motor vehicle
safety laws consider a tire to be worn when
the treadwear indicators (TWI) become visible
at approximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), we
recommend that you do not allow your tires
to wear down to that level. As tread depth
approaches 1/8 in (3 mm), the adhesion
properties on a wet road are sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely.
Do not allow your tires to wear down too far.
Adhesion properties on wet roads are sharply
reduced at tread depths of less than 1/8 in
(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 approximately1/16 in (1.6 mm), at which point the tire is
considered worn and should be replaced.
The recommended minimum tire tread depth
for summer tires is 1/8 in (3 mm). The
recommended minimum tire tread depth for
winter tires is 1/6 in (4 mm).
Treadwear indicator : appears as a solid
band across the tread.
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The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy
road is always lower than on a dry road.
You should pay particular attention to the
condition of the road whenever the outside
temperature is close to the freezing point.
Mercedes-Benz recommends winter tires
( Y page 252) with a minimum tread depth of
approximately 1
/ 6 in (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
considerably greater than when the road is
not covered with snow or ice. Exercise
appropriate caution.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel. This may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Temperature GWarning!
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
The temperature grades are A (the highest),
B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to
the generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires
must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
Rotating tires
GWarning!
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.
GWarning!
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. Wheels could become
loose if not tightened with a torque of
96 lb-ft (130 Nm).
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts
specified for your vehicle’s rims.
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 front-to-rear rotation
pattern that will maintain the intended
rotation (spinning) direction of the tire
( Y page 242).
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
configuration, tires can be rotated according
to the tire manufacturer’s recommended
intervals 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 necessary, according
to the degree of tire wear. The same rotation
(spinning) direction must be maintained.
Rotate tires before the characteristic tire
wear pattern becomes visible (shoulder wear
on front tires and tread center wear on rear
tires).
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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 “Flat
tire” (Y page 317).
Tire labeling
Besides tire name (sales designation) and
manufacturer name, a number of markings
can be found on a tire.
Following are some explanations for the
markings on your vehicle’s tires:
:Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards
(Y page 244)
;DOT, Tire Identification Number
(Y page 249)
=Maximum tire load (Y page 242)?Maximum tire inflation pressure
(Y page 237)
AManufacturerBTire ply material (Y page 250)CTire size designation, load and speed
rating (Y page 246)
DLoad identification (Y page 249)ETire nameiFor illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and
may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
For more information, see “Rims and tires”
(Y page 344).
Tire size designation, load and speed
rating
:Tire width;Aspect ratio in %=Radial tire code?Rim diameterALoad index BSpeed symbol
iFor illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and
may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
General: Depending on the design standards
used, the tire size molded into the sidewall
may have no letter or a letter preceding the
tire size designation.
No letter preceding the size designation (as
illustrated above): Passenger car tire based
on European design standards.
Letter “P” preceding the size designation:
Passenger car tire based on U.S. design
standards.
Letter “LT” preceding the size designation:
Light Truck tire based on U.S. design
standards.
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