
Tire type code
Tire type code
? may, at the option of the
manufacturer, be used as a descriptive code
for identifying significant characteristics of
the tire.
Date of manufacture The date of manufacture
A identifies the
week and year of manufacture.
The first two figures identify the week,
starting with “01” to represent the first full
week of the calendar year. The second two
figures represent the year.
For example, “3208” represents the 32nd
week of 2008. Tire ply material
i
For illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and
may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
This marking tells you about the type of cord
and number of plies in the sidewall : and
under the tread ;. Tire and loading terminology
Accessory weight The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that these
items are available as factory-installed
equipment (whether installed or not).
Air pressure The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air
pressure is expressed in pounds per square
inch (psi), kilopascal (kPa), or bar.
Aspect ratio
Dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width expressed
in percentage.
Bar
Metric unit for air pressure. There are
14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi) to
1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa) to 1 bar.
Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Cold tire inflation pressure
Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle has
been sitting for at least 3 hours or driven no
more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity
of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped,
air conditioning and additional optional
equipment, but without passengers and
cargo.
DOT (Department of Transportation)
A tire branding symbol which denotes the tire
meets requirements of the U.S. Department
of Transportation. Tires and wheels
393Operation
216_AKB; 3; 90, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-15T11:47:50+02:00 - Seite 393 Z

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible axle
weight.
The
gross vehicle weight on each axle
must never exceed the GAWR for the front
and rear axle indicated on the certification
label located on the driver’s door B-pillar.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) The GVW comprises the weight of the vehicle
including fuel, tools, spare wheel, installed
accessories, passengers and cargo and, if
applicable,
trailer
tongue load. The GVW must
never exceed the GVWR indicated on the
certification label located on the driver’s door
B-pillar.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) This is the maximum permissible vehicle
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (weight of
the
vehicle
including all options, passengers,
fuel, and cargo and, if applicable, trailer
tongue load). It is indicated on the
certification label located on the driver’s door
B-pillar.
Kilopascal (kPa) Metric unit for air pressure. There are 6.9 kPa
to 1 psi; another metric unit for air pressure
is bar. There are 100 kilopascals (kPa) to
1 bar.
Load index
Numerical code associated with the
maximum load a tire can support.
Maximum load rating
The maximum load in kilograms and pounds
that can be carried by the tire.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory weight,
total load limit, and production options
weight. Maximum permissible tire inflation
pressure This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should ever be put in the tire.
Normal occupant weight
The number of occupants the vehicle is
designed to seat, multiplied by 68 kilograms
(150 lb).
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle at
their designated seating positions.
Production options weight
The combined weight of those installed
regular production options weighing over
5 lbs (2.3 kilograms) in excess of those
standard items which they replace, not
previously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty
battery, and special trim.
PSI (Pounds per square inch)
A standard unit of measure for air pressure.
Recommended tire inflation pressure
The recommended tire inflation pressure for
normal
driving
conditions is listed on the Tire
and Loading Information placard located on
the driver’s door B-pillar. It provides best
handling, tread life and riding comfort.
Supplemental information pertaining to
special driving situations can be found on the
tire inflation pressure label on the inside of
the fuel filler flap.
Rim A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube
assembly upon which the tire beads are
seated.394
Tires and wheels
Operation
216_AKB; 3; 90, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-15T11:47:50+02:00 - Seite 394

Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing
point
do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges. G
Warning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in
drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
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 or
DISTRONIC PLUS system under such
conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, shift
the automatic transmission to neutral
position N. Try to keep the vehicle under
control by corrective steering action.
i For information on driving with snow
chains, see “Snow chains” ( Y page 396).
Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce the
normal brake 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 efficiency
should be tested as soon as possible after
driving is resumed. G
Warning!
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers. Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
To save fuel you should:
R Keep tires at the recommended inflation
pressures.
R Remove unnecessary loads.
R Remove roof rack when not in use.
R Allow engine to warm up under low load
use.
R Avoid frequent acceleration and
deceleration.
R Have all maintenance work performed at
the intervals specified in the Maintenance
Booklet and as required by the
Maintenance system. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Fuel consumption
is also increased by driving
in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic, on
short trips and in mountainous areas. Drinking and driving
G
Warning!
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are
greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs. Pedals
G
Warning!
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all Driving instructions
397
Operation
216_AKB; 3; 90, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-15T11:47:50+02:00 - Seite 397 Z

Vehicle equipment ............................
412
Where will I find ...? .......................... 412
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display ....................... 414
What to do if … .................................. 450
Unlocking/locking manually ...........460
Replacing SmartKey batteries ......... 461
Replacing bulbs ................................. 463
Replacing wiper blades ....................464
Flat tire .............................................. 465
Battery ............................................... 469
Jump starting .................................... 471
Towing the vehicle ............................473
Fuses .................................................. 476 411Practical hints
216_AKB; 3; 90, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-15T11:47:50+02:00 - Seite 411

lower the trunk floor before closing the
trunk.
X
Remove spare wheel mounting = by
turning it counterclockwise.
i Vehicle tool kit box ; can only be
removed together with spare wheel
mounting =.
After removing spare wheel mounting =,
you can disengage vehicle tool kit box ;
from spare wheel mounting =.
X Remove spare wheel :.
The spare wheel bolts are located in a
container on the spare wheel rim.
X Take off the spare wheel bolts.
For information on mounting the spare wheel,
see “Flat tire” ( Y page 465).
Storing the spare wheel after use X
Place spare wheel : into the spare wheel
well (Y page 414).
X Secure spare wheel : by turning spare
wheel mounting = clockwise
(Y page 414). Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display
Notes
Warning and malfunction messages appear in
the multifunction display located in the
instrument cluster. Certain warning and malfunction messages
are accompanied by an audible signal.
Address these messages accordingly and
follow the additional instructions given in this
Operator’s Manual.
High-priority messages are shown in red in
the multifunction display. Messages of lower
priority are shown in yellow or white.
Certain messages of high priority cannot be
cleared from the multifunction display using
a or % on the multifunction steering
wheel (Y page 202).
Other messages of high priority and
messages of less immediate priority can be
cleared from the multifunction display using
a or %. They are then stored in the
vehicle status message memory
(Y page 214). Remember that clearing a
message will only make the message
disappear. Clearing a message will not
correct the condition that caused the
message to appear.
G
Warning!
All categories of messages contain important
information which should be taken note of
and, where a malfunction is indicated,
addressed as soon as possible at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Failure to repair the condition noted may
cause damage not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty, or result in property
damage or personal injury. G
Warning!
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
R speed
R outside temperature
R warning/indicator lamps 414
Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
216_AKB; 3; 90, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-15T11:47:50+02:00 - Seite 414

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X SolutionsNext
Service X in ...
days
in ...
mls (km) The specified maintenance service must be carried out within
the remaining time range or driving distance (Y page 402).
X
Have the maintenance service carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Service X Due The specified maintenance service must be carried out
(Y page 402).
X
Have the maintenance service carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible. Service X
Exceeded by X days
by XXX
mls (km) The specified maintenance service term has been exceeded
(Y page 402).
X
Have the maintenance service carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible. !
Failure to have the vehicle maintained in
accordance with the Maintenance Booklet
and maintenance service indicator at the designated times/mileage will result in
vehicle damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Tires Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X SolutionsTire
Pressures Displayed
After
Driving A
Few
Minutes The tire inflation pressure is being checked by the Advanced
TPMS.
X
Drive the vehicle for a few minutes. Tire
Pressure
Monitor Inoperativ
e The Advanced TPMS is malfunctioning.
X
Have the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Tire
Pressure
Monitor Inoperativ
e No
Wheel
Sensors There are wheels without appropriate wheel sensors mounted
(e.g. winter tires).
X
Have the appropriate wheel sensors installed at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. 426
Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
216_AKB; 3; 90, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-15T11:47:50+02:00 - Seite 426

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X SolutionsWheel
Sensor(s) Missing At least one sensor is defect (e.g. battery is empty).
The respective tire is indicated by
– – instead of the tire
inflation pressure in the multifunction display.
X Have the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
X Have the wheel sensors installed at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. At least one wheel without appropriate wheel sensors is
mounted (e.g. spare wheel).
The respective tire is indicated by
– – instead of the tire
inflation pressure in the multifunction display.
X Have the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
X Have the wheel sensors installed at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Tire
Pressure
Monitor Currently
Unavailabl
e The Advanced TPMS cannot monitor the tire inflation pressure
due to a nearby radio interference source or insufficient
power supply.
As
soon
as the causes of the malfunction have been rectified,
the Advanced TPMS becomes active again automatically after
a few minutes of driving. Tire
Pressure
Please
Rectify The tire inflation pressure is too low in at least one tire.
or
The tire inflation pressures of the individual tires differ from
each other significantly.
The tire inflation pressure values are shown in the
multifunction display.
X
Check and correct tire inflation pressure as required
(Y page 377).
X Restart the Advanced TMPS ( Y page 380).Caution
Tire
Defect At least one tire is deflating.
The respective tire is indicated in the multifunction display.
X
Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers.
X If necessary, change the wheel (Y page 465). Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display
427
Practical hints
216_AKB; 3; 90, en-US
d2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-15T11:47:50+02:00 - Seite 427 Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X SolutionsCheck
Tires The tire inflation pressure in at least one tire is significantly
below the reference value.
The respective tire is indicated in the multifunction display.
X
Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers.
X Check and adjust tire inflation pressure as required.
X If necessary, change the wheel (Y page 465). G
Warning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may
lose control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up
and possibly a fire. G
Warning!
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. Symbol messages
Brake Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions# Check
Brake Pad
Wear The brake pads have reached their wear limit.
X
Have the brake pads replaced as soon as possible at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. !
Brake pad thickness must be visually inspected by a qualified technician at the intervals
specified in the Maintenance Booklet. 428
Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display
Practical hints
216_AKB; 3; 90, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-15T11:47:50+02:00 - Seite 428