
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment
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
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. Specifies the speed range for
which the tire is approved.
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
The GTW is the weight of a trailer including
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 permissible gross
weight of a fully loaded vehicle (the 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
unladen weight of the vehicle, the weight of
the 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.
Unladen weight
The weight of a vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity
of fuel, oil and coolant. It also includes the air-
conditioning system and optional equipment
if these are installed on the vehicle, but does
not include passengers or luggage.
Definitions for tires and loading345Tires and wheelsBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 345Z

Maximum tire load
The maximum tire load in kilograms or
pounds is the maximum weight 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
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 three 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 contains steel wire which is
bound by steel cords that hold the tire on 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 kilograms (5 lbs).
These optional extras, such as high-
performance brakes, level control, a roof rack
or a high-performance battery, are not
included in the unladen weight and the weight
of the accessories.
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
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.
346Definitions for tires and loadingTires and wheels
BA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 346

TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight)
The TWR is the maximum permissible weight
that the ball coupling of the trailer tow hitch
can support.
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.
Wheel/tire combinations
Points to remember
GWarning
Observe the "Important safety information"
( Y page 324).
! For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use tires,
wheels and accessories which have been
approved by Mercedes-Benz specifically
for your vehicle. These tires have been
specially adapted for use with the control
systems, such as ABS or ESP ®
, and are
marked as follows:
R MO = Mercedes-Benz Original
R MOE = Mercedes-Benz Original Extended
(tires with run-flat characteristics)
R MO1 = Mercedes-Benz Original (AMG)
Only use Mercedes-Benz Original Extended
tires on wheels that have been specifically
approved by Mercedes-Benz.
If you use other tires, wheels and
accessories, Mercedes-Benz cannot
accept any responsibility for damage that
may result from this. Further information
about tires, wheels and approved
combinations can be obtained from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
! If you mount tires other than those tested
and recommended by Mercedes-Benz,
characteristics such as handling, noise
levels and fuel consumption, etc. may be
adversely affected. In addition, when
driving with a load, tire dimensional
variations could cause the tires to come
into contact with the bodywork and axle
components. This could result in damage
to the tires or the vehicle.
i Further information about tires and
wheels can be obtained from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
i The Tire and Load Information placard
with the recommended tire pressures is
attached to the B-pillar on the driver's side.
Further information about driving at high
speeds or driving with vehicle loads that are
lighter than the maximum vehicle load can
be found in the tire pressure table on the
inside of the fuel filler flap. Check tire
pressures regularly, and only when the tires
are cold. Comply with the maintenance
recommendations of the tire manufacturer
in the vehicle document wallet.
Further information on the recommended tire
inflation pressure and on tire pressures for
specific driving conditions, see (Y page 326).
i Notes on the vehicle equipment:
R always mount tires of the same size on a
given axle (left/right).
R always mount the same type of tires on
your vehicle at a given time (summer
tires, winter tires, MOExtended tires).Wheel/tire combinations347Tires and wheelsBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 347Z

Vehicle weight, ML 350 BlueTEC4MATICMaximum roof
loadMaximum 220 lb
(100 kg)
Vehicle data, ML 350 (164.156)
The data quoted here refers specifically to a
vehicle with standard equipment. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the
data for all vehicle variants and trim levels.
i This vehicle is only available in the USA.
Vehicle dimensions, ML 350Vehicle length188.5 in (4788 mm)Vehicle width
including exterior
mirrors85.5 in (2170 mm)Vehicle height71.5 in (1815 mm)Wheelbase114.8 in (2915 mm)Front track64.0 in (1627 mm)Rear track64.1 in (1629 mm)Ground clearance8.3 in (210 mm)Turning circle38.1 ft (11.6 m)Vehicle weight, ML 350Maximum roof
loadMaximum 220 lb
(100 kg)
Vehicle data, ML 350 4MATIC
(164.186)
The data quoted here refers specifically to a
vehicle with standard equipment. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the
data for all vehicle variants and trim levels.
Vehicle dimensions, ML 350 4MATICVehicle length188.5 in (4788 mm)Vehicle width
including exterior
mirrors85.5 in (2170 mm)Vehicle height71.5 in (1815 mm) 7469.8 - 73.0 in (1774 -
1854 mm) 75Wheelbase114.8 in (2915 mm)Front track64.0 in (1627 mm)Rear track64.1 in (1629 mm)Ground clearance8.3 in (210 mm) 747.3 - 10.3 in (186 -
261 mm) 75Turning circle38.1 ft (11.6 m)Vehicle weight, ML 350 4MATICMaximum roof
loadMaximum 220 lb
(100 kg)
Vehicle data, ML 550 4MATIC
(164.172)
The data quoted here refers specifically to a
vehicle with standard equipment. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the
data for all vehicle variants and trim levels.
Vehicle dimensions, ML 550 4MATICVehicle length188.5 in (4788 mm)Vehicle width
including exterior
mirrors85.5 in (2170 mm)Vehicle height71.5 in (1815 mm) 7674
Vehicles with steel-spring suspension.
75 Vehicles with AIRMATIC package: the values vary depending on the level set for the vehicle suspension.
76 Steel-sprung vehicles.364Vehicle dataTechnical data
BA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 364

Vehicle dimensions, ML 550 4MATIC69.8 - 73.0 in (1774 -
1854 mm) 77Wheel base114.8 in (2915 mm)Front track63.7 in (1619 mm)Rear track63.8 in (1621 mm)Ground clearance8.3 in (210 mm) 767.3 - 10.3 in (186 -
261 mm) 77Turning circle38.1 ft (11.6 m)Vehicle weight, ML 550 4MATICMaximum roof
loadMaximum 220 lb
(100 kg)
Vehicle data, ML 63 AMG (164.177)
The data quoted here refers specifically to a
vehicle with standard equipment. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the
data for all vehicle variants and trim levels.
Vehicle dimensions, ML 63 AMGVehicle length189.7 in (4818 mm)Vehicle width
including exterior
mirrors85.5 in (2170 mm)Vehicle height69.5 - 72.6 in (1765 -
1845 mm) 78Wheelbase114.8 in (2915 mm)Front track65.5 in (1664 mm)Rear track65.6 in (1667 mm)Vehicle dimensions, ML 63 AMGGround clearance7.0 - 10.1 in (177 -
257 mm) 78Turning circle38.1 ft (11.6 m)Vehicle weight, ML 63 AMGMaximum roof
loadMaximum 220 lb
(100 kg)77 On vehicles with the AIRMATIC package, the values vary depending on the level of the vehicle.
76 Steel-sprung vehicles.
78 The values vary depending on the level set for the vehicle suspension.Vehicle data365Technical dataBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 365Z