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.
Letter “T” preceding the size designation:
Temporary spare tires which are high
pressure compact spares designed for
temporary emergency use only.
Tire width
Tire width : indicates the nominal tire width
in millimeters.
Aspect ratio
Aspect ratio ; is the dimensional
relationship between tire section height and
section width and is expressed in percentage.
The aspect ratio is arrived at by dividing
section height by section width.
Tire code
Tire code = indicates the tire construction
type. The “R” stands for radial tire type. Letter
“D” means diagonal or bias ply construction;
letter “B” means belted-bias ply construction.
At the tire manufacturer’s option, any tire
with a speed capability above 149 mph
(240 km/h) can include a “ZR” in the size
designation (for example: 245/40 ZR 18). For
additional information, see “Tire speed
rating” (Y page 247).
Rim diameter
Rim diameter ? is the diameter of the bead
seat, not the diameter of the rim edge. The
rim diameter is indicated in inches (in).
Load index
GWarning!
The tire load rating must always be at least
half of the GAWR of your vehicle. Otherwise,
tire failure may be the result which may cause
an accident and/or serious injury to you or
others.
Always replace rims and tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as shown
on the original part.
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.
Load index A is a numerical code associated
with the maximum load a tire can support.
246Tires and wheelsOperation
212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 246
control. Other settings may result in
damage to your vehicle.
! Some tire sizes do not leave adequate
clearance for snow chains. To help avoid
serious damage to your vehicle or tires,
make sure the use of snow chains is
permissible as specified in the “Technical
data” section of this Operator’s Manual.
Snow chains should only be driven on snow-
covered roads at speeds not to exceed
30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains as soon
as possible when driving on roads without
snow.
Observe the following guidelines when using
snow chains:
R Use of snow chains is not permissible with
all wheel/tire combinations ( Y page 353).
R Use snow chains in pairs and on rear
wheels only. Follow the manufacturer’s
mounting instructions.
! If snow chains are mounted to the front
wheels, they may scrape against the body
or axle components. The tires or the vehicle
could be damaged as a result.
R Only use snow chains that are approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center will be glad to advise you on
this subject.
R Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check local
and state laws before installing snow
chains.
R Do not use snow chains on the spare wheel.
i When driving with snow chains, you may
wish to switch off the ESC ( Y page 66)
before setting the vehicle in motion. This
will improve the vehicle’s traction.Winter driving instructionsGWarning!
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) gases may enter vehicle interior
resulting in unconsciousness and death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
GWarning!
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
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.
GWarning!
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 252).
Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce the
normal brake effect.
Winter driving253Operation212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 253Z
Cleaning the panorama roof
The rear part of the tilt/sliding panel has a
protective layer on the inside.
XUse a soft, clean cloth and a mild window
cleaning solution.
An automotive glass cleaner is
recommended.
! Do not use a dry cloth, abrasives, solvents
or cleaners containing solvents. Do not
touch the protective layer with hard objects
such as an ice scraper or ring. Never apply
strong force and only use a soft, non-
scratching cloth when cleaning the rear
part of the tilt/sliding panel.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the
protective layer.
Light alloy wheels
If possible, clean wheels once a week.
XUse Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care,
a soft bristle brush and a strong spray of
water for cleaning the light alloy wheels.
! Only use acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid may cause corrosion or damage the
clear coat.
! The vehicle should not be parked for an
extended period of time immediately after
it has been cleaned. This applies especially
after the wheel rims have been cleaned
with wheel rim cleaner. Wheel rim cleaners
can lead to increased corrosion of the
brake disks and brake pads. Non-approved
wheel cleaners may also damage the wheel
paint if the vehicle is not driven after
cleaning.
Therefore, the vehicle’s brake system
should always be warmed-up before it is
parked after cleaning. Drive your vehicle for
several minutes to allow the brakes to dry.
When applying Mercedes-Benz approved
Tire Care and Mercedes-Benz approved
Wheel Care products, take care not to
spray them on the brake disks.
Plastic and rubber partsXUse a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild
detergent for delicate fabrics as a washing
solution.XWipe with a cloth moistened in a lukewarm
solution.
The surface may temporarily change color.
If this is the case, wait for it to dry.GWarning!
Do not use cleaners or cockpit care sprays
containing solvents to clean the cockpit or the
steering wheel. Cleaners containing solvents
will make the surface porous and vehicle
occupants could suffer serious injuries from
plastic parts coming loose in the event of air
bag deployment.
! Do not use oil, wax or scouring agents.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the
surface.
Hard plastic trim items
XUse Mercedes-Benz approved Interior Care
on a soft, lint-free cloth and apply with light
pressure.
COMAND display
! You must switch off the COMAND display
and allow it to cool prior to cleaning.
! Do not use any liquids or cleaning agents.
These can damage or even destroy the
COMAND display screen.
XUse a standard microfiber cloth and apply
with light pressure.
Steering wheel and gear selector lever
XWipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly
or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved
Leather Care.Vehicle care265Operation212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 265Z
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsbCheck
Left
Daytime
Running
Light
or
Check
Right
Daytime
Running
LightThe left or right daytime running lamps are malfunctioning.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.bCheck
Left
Reverse
Lamp
or
Check
Right
Reverse
LampThe left or right backup lamp is malfunctioning.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.bCheck
Center
Brake LampThe high-mounted brake lamp is malfunctioning. This
message will only appear if all LEDs have stopped working.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.bCheck
Left Fog
Lamp
or
Check
Right Fog
LampThe left or right front fog lamp is malfunctioning. This message
will only appear if all LEDs have stopped working.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.bCheck
Front
Left
Sidemarker
Lamp
or
Check
Front
Right
Sidemarker
LampThe front left side or right side marker lamp is malfunctioning.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.300Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 300
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsbAuto Lamp
Function
Inoperativ
eThe light sensor is malfunctioning. The headlamps come on
automatically.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
To switch off the headlamps (U.S. vehicles only):
XSwitch off the daytime running lamp mode in the control
system ( Y page 141).XSwitch off the headlamps using the exterior lamp switch
( Y page 97).bCheck
Left Low
Beam
or
Check
Right Low
BeamThe left or right low-beam lamp is malfunctioning.XHalogen headlamp: Replace the bulb as soon as possible
( Y page 318).XBi-Xenon headlamp: Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.bCheck
Rear Left
Fog LampThe rear fog lamp is malfunctioning. This message will only
appear if all LEDs have stopped working.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.bSwitch
Off LightsYou have removed the SmartKey from the starter switch,
opened the driver’s door and left the headlamps on or
removed the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO from the vehicle
and left the headlamps on.XTurn the exterior lamp switch to $ or c
( Y page 97).
or
XWith the fog lamps switched on: Push in the exterior
lamp switch to its stop.bCheck
Left Tail
and Brake
Lamps
or
Check
Right
Tail and
Brake
LampsThe left or right tail lamp/brake lamp is malfunctioning. This
message will only appear if all LEDs have stopped working.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.302Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 302
iVehicles without spare wheel are not
factory-equipped with the tools required for
a wheel change such as a jack or a wheel
wrench. Some tools required for a wheel
change are specific to your vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center to obtain the tools approved for
your vehicle. This section describes the
wheel change using the tools approved and
recommended for your vehicle.
Lifting the vehicleGWarning!
When jacking up the vehicle, only use the jack
which has been specifically approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle.
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up
the vehicle at the jack take-up brackets built
into both sides of the vehicle. Make sure the
jack arm is fully seated in the jack take-up
bracket. The jack must always be vertical
when in use, especially on inclines or
declines.
The jack is intended only for lifting the vehicle
briefly for wheel changes. It is not suited for
performing maintenance work under the
vehicle. To help avoid personal injury, use the
jack only to lift the vehicle during a wheel
change.
Never get beneath the vehicle while it is
supported by the jack. Keep hands and feet
away from the area under the lifted vehicle.
Always lower the vehicle onto sufficient
capacity jackstands before working under the
vehicle.
Always engage the parking brake firmly and
block the wheels with wheel chocks or other
sizeable objects before raising the vehicle
with the jack. Do not disengage the parking
brake while the vehicle is raised.
Make sure that the ground on which the
vehicle is standing and where you place the
jack is solid, level and not slippery. If
necessary, use a large underlay. On slippery
surfaces, such as tiled floors, you should use
a non-slip underlay, for example a rubber mat.
Do not use wooden blocks or similar objects
to support the jack. Otherwise the jack may
not be able to achieve its load-bearing
capacity if it is not at its full height.
Never start the engine when the vehicle is
raised.
Also observe the notes on the jack.XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away by
blocking wheels with wheel chocks or other
sizeable objects.
When your vehicle is equipped with a wheel
chock, it is included with the vehicle tool kit
( Y page 268). For information on setting up
the collapsible wheel chock, see
( Y page 270).
When changing a wheel on a level surface:
XPlace a wheel chock or other sizeable
object in front of and another wheel chock
or other sizeable object behind the wheel
that is diagonally opposite to the wheel
being changed.
Always try lifting the vehicle using the jack on
a level surface. However, should
circumstances require you to do so on a hill:
XPlace wheel chocks or other sizeable
objects on the downhill side in front of both
wheels on the side opposite to the side on
which the wheel is to be changed.GWarning!
Only jack up the vehicle on level ground or on
slight inclines/declines. Otherwise, the
vehicle could fall off the jack and injure you or
others.
324Flat tirePractical hints
212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 324
Version 1
Version 2
XVersion 1 only: Open flap C on the
electric air pump.
XPull plug ? and air hose A out of the pump
housing.
XScrew the air pump’s air hose A onto
flange B of TIREFIT container :.
XStick TIREFIT container : upside down
into notch ; of the electric air pump.
XUnscrew the valve cap of the damaged tire
from tire valve E.
Version 1
XVersion 1 only: Close vent screw F on
pressure gauge G.
XScrew filler hose D onto tire valve E.XInsert electrical plug ? into the cigarette
lighter socket (Y page 206) or a power
outlet (Y page 207).
XTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 1.
or
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Press the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button once. Do
not depress the brake pedal.
XPress I on electric air pump switch =.
The electric air pump is switched on and
inflates the tire.
iFirst, the sealing is pumped into the tire.
The pressure may briefly rise to up to 73 psi
(5 bar). This is normal and not an indication
of a malfunction. Do not switch off the
electric air pump.
XLet the electric air pump inflate the tire for
approximately 5 minutes.
The pressure gauge must display at least
26 psi (1.8 bar).
GWarning!
The air hose can become hot during inflation.
Please exercise appropriate caution.
! Do not operate the electric air pump
longer than 8 minutes without interruption.
Otherwise it may overheat.
Flat tire331Practical hints212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 331Z
E 350 Sport40
E 550 Sport 4018" wheelsFront axleAMG rims (light alloy)
Wheel offset8.5 J x 18 H2
1.89 in (48 mm)All-season tires 41245/40 R18 97V XL (Extra Load)
M+SRear axleAMG rims (light alloy)
Wheel offset9.0 J x 18 H2
2.13 in (54 mm)All-season tires 41,42265/35 R18 97V XL (Extra Load)
M+SE 63 AMG18" wheelsFront axleAMG rims (light alloy)
Wheel offset9.0 J x 18 H2
1.46 in (37 mm)Summer tires 41,43255/40 ZR18 (99Y) XL (Extra Load)
MO1Rear axleAMG rims (light alloy)
Wheel offset9.5 J x 18 H2
2.05 in (52 mm)Summer tires 41,42,43285/35 ZR18 (101Y) XL (Extra
Load) MO1E 63 AMG
E 63 AMG (Performance Package)18" wheelsFront axleAMG rims (light alloy)
Wheel offset9.0 J x 18 H2
1.46 in (37 mm)Winter tires 41,43,44255/40 R18 99V XL (Extra Load)
M+S iRear axleAMG rims (light alloy)
Wheel offset9.5 J x 18 H2
2.05 in (52 mm)Winter tires 41,43,44255/40 R18 99V XL (Extra Load)
M+S i40
USA only.
41 Radial-ply tires.
42 Must not be used with snow chains.
43 Must not be used on vehicles that are equipped with ceramic composite brake disks.
44 Not available as factory equipment.Rims and tires357Technical data212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 357Z