X Step 5: Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded in/on the
vehicle. For reasons of safety, that weight
must not exceed the available cargo and
luggage cargo capacity calculated in step
4.XStep 6 (if applicable): If your vehicle will
be towing a trailer, load from your trailer
will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this reduces
the available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle ( Y page 260).258Loading the vehicleWheels and tires
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Example: step 1 to 3
The following table shows examples on how to calculate total load and cargo capacities with
varying seating configurations and number and size of occupants. The following examples use
a cargo limit of 1500 lbs (680 kg). This is for illustration purposes only. Make sure you
always use the actual load limit for your vehicle stated on the vehicle's tire and loading
information table ( Y page 256).
Example 1Example 2Example 3Step 1Combined maximum
weight of occupants
and cargo (data from
the Tire and Loading
Information placard)1500 lbs
(680 kg)1500 lbs
(680 kg)1500 lbs
(680 kg)Example 1Example 2Example 3Step 2Number of people in
the vehicle (driver
and occupants)531Distribution of the
occupantsFront: 2
Rear: 3Front: 1
Rear: 2Front: 1Weight of the
occupantsOccupant 1:
150 lbs (68 kg)
Occupant 2:
180 lbs (82 kg)
Occupant 3:
160 lbs (73 kg)
Occupant 4:
140 lbs (63 kg)
Occupant 5:
120 lbs (54 kg)Occupant 1:
200 lbs (91 kg)
Occupant 2:
190 lbs (86 kg)
Occupant 3:
150 lbs (68 kg)Occupant 1:
150 lbs (68 kg)Gross weight of all
occupants750 lbs (340 kg)540 lbs (245 kg)150 lbs (68 kg)Loading the vehicle259Wheels and tiresZProCarManuals.com
Example 1Example 2Example 3Step 3Permissible cargo
and trailer load/
noseweight
(maximum gross
vehicle weight rating
from the Tire and
Loading Information
placard minus the
gross weight of all
occupants)1500 lbs
(680 kg) -
750 lbs (340 kg)
= 750 lbs
(340 kg)1500 lbs
(680 kg) -
540 lbs (245 kg)
= 960 lbs
(435 kg)1500 lbs
(680 kg) -
150 lbs (68 kg) =
1350 lbs
(612 kg)
The higher the weight of all the occupants, the smaller the maximum load for luggage.
Further information can be found under "trailer load/noseweight" ( Y page 260).
Vehicle identification plate
Even if you have calculated the total load
carefully, you should still make sure that the
gross vehicle weight rating and the gross axle
weight rating are not exceeded. Details can
be found on the vehicle identification plate on
the B-pillar on the driver's side of the vehicle
( Y page 256).
Gross vehicle weight: the gross weight of
the vehicle, all passengers, cargo and trailer
load/noseweight (if applicable) must not
exceed the permissible gross vehicle weight.
Gross axle weight rating: the maximum
permissible load that can be carried by one
axle (front or rear axle).
To ensure that your vehicle does not exceed
the maximum permissible values (gross
vehicle weight and maximum gross axle
weight rating), have your loaded vehicle
(including driver, occupants, cargo, and full
trailer load if applicable) weighed on a
suitable vehicle weighbridge.
Trailer load/noseweight
The trailer load/noseweight affects the gross
weight of the vehicle. If a trailer is attached,
the trailer load/noseweight is included in the
load along with occupants and luggage. The
trailer load/noseweight is usually
approximately 10% of the gross weight of the
trailer and its load.
Only use a trailer coupling that has been
approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz.
Comply with the manufacturer's operating
instructions for operation, care and
maintenance.
Maximum tire load
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.
260Maximum tire loadWheels and tires
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iThe actual values for tires are vehicle-
specific and may deviate from the values in
the illustration.
Maximum tire load : is the maximum
permissible weight for which the tire is
approved.
Further information on tire loads
( Y page 262).
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards
Overview of Tire Quality Grading
Standards
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards
are U.S. government specifications. Their
purpose is to provide drivers with uniform
reliable information on tire performance data.
Tire manufacturers have to grade tires using
three performance factors: tread wear :,
tire traction ;, and heat resistance =. All
tires sold in North America are provided with
the corresponding quality grading markings
on the sidewall of the tire, even though these
regulations do not apply to Canada.
i The actual values for tires are vehicle-
specific and may deviate from the values in
the illustration.
Where applicable, the tire grading
information can be found on the tire sidewall
between the tread shoulder and maximum
tire width.
For example:Tread wearTractionTemperature200AAA
All passenger car tires must conform to the
statutory safety requirements in addition to
these grades.
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
U.S. government test track. For example, a
tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
times as well on the government test track as
a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm, due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate conditions.
Traction
GWarning
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards261Wheels and tiresZProCarManuals.com
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants
The number of occupants for which the
vehicle is designed multiplied by 68 kilograms
(150 lb).
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards
A uniform standard to grade the quality of
tires with regards to tread quality, tire traction
and temperature characteristics. The quality
grading assessment is made by the
manufacturer following specifications from
the U.S. government. The quality grade of a
tire is imprinted on the sidewall of the tire.
Recommended tire pressure
The recommended tire pressure for your
vehicle under normal driving conditions. You
will find the recommendation on the Tire and
Loading Information placard on the B-pillar on
the driver's side of your vehicle. The
recommended tire pressure provides the best
balance between handling characteristics,
ride comfort and wear. Additional information
on particular driving conditions is located on
the tire pressure table on the inside of the fuel
filler flap.
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment
This is the combined weight of all standard
and optional equipment available for the
vehicle, regardless of whether it is actually
installed on the vehicle or not.
Wheel rim
This is the part of the wheel on which the tire
is mounted.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
The GAWR is the maximum gross axle weight
rating. The actual load on an axle must never
exceed the gross axle weight rating. The
gross axle weight rating can be found on the
vehicle identification plate on the B-pillar on
the driver's side.
Speed index
The speed index is part of the tire
identification. It specifies the speed range for
which the tire is approved.
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
The GTW is the sum of the weight of a trailer
and the weight of the load, luggage,
accessories etc. on the trailer.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
The gross vehicle weight includes the weight
of the vehicle including fuel, tools, the spare
wheel, accessories installed, occupants,
luggage and the drawbar noseweight if
applicable. The gross vehicle weight must not
exceed the gross vehicle weight rating GVWR
as specified on the vehicle identification plate
on the B-pillar on the driver's side.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
The GVWR is the maximum permitted gross
weight of the fully laden vehicle (weight of the
vehicle including all accessories, occupants,
fuel, luggage and the drawbar noseweight if
applicable). The gross vehicle weight rating is
specified on the vehicle identification plate on
the B-pillar on the driver's side.
Maximum weight of the laden vehicle
The maximum weight is the sum of the curb
weight of the vehicle, the weight of the
Definitions for tires and loading267Wheels and tiresZProCarManuals.com
accessories, the maximum load and the
weight of the optional equipment installed at
the factory.
Kilopascal (kPa)
Metric unit for tire pressure. 6.9 kPa is the
equivalent of 1 psi. Another unit for tire
pressure is bar. 100 kilopascal (kPa) is the
equivalent of 1 bar.
Load index
In addition to the load bearing index, the load
index may also be imprinted on the sidewall
of the tire. This specifies the load bearing
capacity more precisely.
Curb weight
The weight of a vehicle with standard
equipment, including the maximum capacity
of fuel, oil and coolant and also includes the
air-conditioning system and optional
equipment if these are installed on the
vehicle, but does not include passengers or
luggage.
Maximum tire load
The maximum tire load is the maximum
permissible weight in kilograms or lbs for
which a tire is approved.
Maximum permissible tire pressure
Maximum permissible tire pressure for one
tire.
Maximum load on one tire
Maximum load on one tire. This is calculated
by dividing the maximum axle load of one axle
by two.
PSI (pounds per square inch)
Standard unit of measurement for tire
pressure.
Aspect ratio
Relationship between tire height and tire
width in percent.
Tire pressure
This is pressure inside the tire applying an
outward force to every square inch of the
tire's surface. The tire pressure is specified in
pounds per square inch (psi), in kilopascal
(kPa) or in bar. The tire pressure should only
be corrected when the tires are cold. For this,
the vehicle must have been stationary for at
least 3 hours or not have traveled more than
1.6 km (1 mile) in this time.
Tire tread
The part of the tire that comes into contact
with the road.
Tire bead
The tire bead ensures that the tire sits
securely on the wheel. There are several steel
wires in the bead to prevent the tire from
coming loose from the wheel rim.
Sidewall
The part of the tire between the tread and the
tire bead.
Weight of optional extras
The combined weight of those optional extras
that weigh more than the replaced standard
part and more than 2.3 kg (5 lbs). These
optional extras, such as high-performance
268Definitions for tires and loadingWheels and tires
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brakes, level control, a roof rack or a high-
performance battery, are not included in the
curb weight and the weight of the
accessories.
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
This is a unique identification number which
can be used by a tire manufacturer to identify
tires, for example for a product recall, and
thus identify the purchasers. The TIN is made
up of the manufacturer's identity code, tire
size, tire type code and the manufacturing
date.
Load bearing index
The load bearing index (also load index) is a
code that contains the maximum load bearing
capacity of a tire.
Traction
Traction is the result of friction between the
tires and the road surface.
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight)
The TWR is the maximum permissible weight
that may act on the ball coupling of the trailer
tow hitch.
Wear indicator
Narrow bars (tread wear bars) that are
distributed over the tire tread. If the tire tread
is level with the bars, the wear limit of 1
/ 16 in
(1.6 mm) has been reached.
Distribution of the vehicle occupants
Distribution of vehicle occupants over
designated seat positions in a vehicle.
Maximum permissible payload
weight
Nominal load and luggage load plus
68 kilograms (150 lb) multiplied by the
number of seats in the vehicle.
Changing a wheel
Flat tire
The "Roadside Assistance" section
( Y page 232) contains information and notes
on how to deal with a flat tire. It also provides
instructions on changing a wheel or mounting
the spare wheel.
Interchanging the wheels
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.
The wear patterns on the front and rear tires
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Rotate the wheels before a clear wear pattern
has formed on the tires. Front tires typically
wear more on the shoulders and the rear tires
in the center.
If your vehicle's tire configuration allows, you
can rotate the wheels according to the
intervals in the tire manufacturer's warranty
book in your vehicle documents. If no
warranty book is available, the tires should be
rotated every 3000 to 6000 miles
(5000 to 10000 km), or earlier if tire wear
Changing a wheel269Wheels and tiresZProCarManuals.com
Vehicle weights, G 550Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating
(GVWR) 276615 lbs (3000 kg)Gross Axle
Weight Rating
(GAWR), front 283110 lbs (1410 kg)Gross Axle
Weight Rating
(GAWR), rear 283965 lbs (1800 kg)
Vehicle data, G 55 AMG (463.271)
The data stated here refers specifically to a
vehicle with standard equipment. Consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the
data for all vehicle variants and trim levels.
Vehicle dimensionsVehicle length183.9 in
(4672 mm) 29
188.2 in
(4780 mm) 30Vehicle width
including exterior
mirrors79.0 in (2007 mm)Vehicle height76.8 in (1951 mm)Ground clearance9.2 in (234 mm)Wheelbase112.2 in (2850 mm)Track width59.1 in (1501 mm)Turning circle44.6 ft (13.6 m)Vehicle weightsGross Vehicle
Weight Rating
(GVWR) 316615 lbs (3000 kg)Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR),
front 323263 lbs (1480 )Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR),
rear 323965 (1800 kg)27
GVWR is the maximum total vehicle weight permissible. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the vehicle weight
including fuel, service products, spare wheel, accessories installed, load and, if applicable, trailer drawbar
load. The GVW must never exceed the GVWR.
28 The GAWR is the maximum gross axle weight rating.
29 Including spare wheel.
30 Including spare wheel and styling bar (USA only).
31 GVWR is the maximum total vehicle weight permissible. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the vehicle weight
including fuel, service products, spare wheel, accessories installed, load and, if applicable, trailer drawbar
load. The GVW must never exceed the GVWR.
32 The GAWR is the maximum gross axle weight rating.282Vehicle dataTechnical data
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