2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER ESP

Bar marking 0046 for tread wear is integrated
into the tire tread.
Notes on selecting, mounting and
replacing tires
R Only mount tires and wheels of the same
type and make.
R Only mount tires of the correct size onto
the wheels.
R After mounting new tires, run them in at
moderate speeds for the first 60 miles
(100 km) as they only reach their full
performance after this distance.
R Do not use tires that are excessively worn
as the tire traction on wet road surfaces
decreases significantly when the tread
depth is less than ⅛ in (3 mm).
R Replace the tires after six years at the
latest, regardless of
wear. This also applies
to the spare wheel.
The service life of tires depends, among other
things, on the following factors:
R driving style
R tire pressure
R mileage
Permissible wheel/tire combinations and
instructions for tires can be found under
"Tires and wheels" in the "Technical data"
section ( Y page 280). Operation in winter
Please bear the following in mind
Have your vehicle

winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized
Sprinter Dealer, at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes under "Winter driving" in
the "Operation" section (Y page 271). Driving with summer tires
At temperatures below

45 ‡(+7 †), summer
tires lose a lot of their elasticity, and thus also
lose grip and braking effect – equip your
vehicle with M+S tires. Summer tires may
develop cracks leading to permanent damage
if they are used at very low temperatures. We
cannot accept responsibility for this type of
damage. M+S tires
At temperatures below 45 ‡(+7 †), use
winter tires or all-season tires — both are
marked M+S.
In wintry road conditions, only winter tires
with the snowflake symbol 004D in addition
to the M+S marking offer the best possible
grip. Only these tires allow driving safety
systems such as ABS and ESP ®
to continue
to work optimally in winter, as these tires
have been

designed specifically for driving on
snow.
For safe driving, use M+S tires of the same
make and tread pattern on all wheels. G
Warning
M+S tires with a tread depth of less than 1
/ 6
inch (4 mm) must be replaced. They are no
longer suitable for winter operation.
Always observe the maximum permissible
speed specified for the M+S tires you have
mounted. 254
Operation in winter
Wheels and tires

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.
USA only:
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the tire pressure monitoring 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 one 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 lit, 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 USA only:
If the tire pressure monitor is
malfunctioning, it may take more than
10 minutes for the 0077 tire pressure
warning lamp to inform you of the
malfunction by flashing for 60 seconds and
then remaining lit.
When the malfunction has been rectified,
the tire pressure warning lamp goes out
after driving for a few minutes. Information on tire pressures is displayed in
the on-board computer. After a few minutes
of driving, the current tire pressure of each
tire is shown in the on-board computer
i
The tire pressure values indicated by the
on-board computer may differ from those
measured at a gas station with a pressure
gauge. The tire
pressures shown by the on-
board computer refer to those measured at
sea level. At high altitudes, the tire pressure
values indicated by a pressure gauge are
higher than those shown by the on-board
computer. In this case, do not reduce the
tire pressures.
i If radio transmitting equipment (e.g.
wireless headphones, two-way radios) is
operated inside the vehicle or in the vicinity
of the vehicle, this can interfere with the
operation of the tire pressure monitor.
i USA only:
This 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 withstand any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Unauthorized modifications to the device
could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.
i Canada only:
This device complies with the RSS-210
Rules from Industry Canada. 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 operation.
Unauthorized modifications to the device
could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment. Tire pressure
259
Wheels and tires Z

Tire and Loading Information
placard
0046 is on the B-pillar on the
driver's side. The Tire and Loading
Information placard shows the
permissible number of
occupants and the
maximum permissible vehicle load. It
also contains details of the tire sizes and
corresponding pressures for tires
mounted at the factory.
(2) The vehicle identification plate is located on the driver's seat frame. The vehicle
identification plate informs you of the
gross vehicle weight

rating. It is made up
of the vehicle weight, all vehicle
occupants, the fuel and the cargo. You
can also find information about the
maximum gross axle weight rating of the
front and rear axle.
The maximum gross axle weight rating is
the maximum weight that can be carried
by one axle (front or rear axle). Never
exceed the maximum load or the
maximum gross axle weight rating for the
front or rear axle. Tire and Loading Information placard
Only for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight
rating of less than 10,000 lbs(4536 kg).
Maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight rating i
The details on the Tire and Loading
Information placard illustration

are only an
example. The maximum permissible gross
vehicle weight rating is vehicle-specific and
may differ from that which is illustrated.
You can find the valid maximum
permissible gross vehicle weight rating for
your vehicle on the Tire and Loading
Information placard. 0046
Maximum number of seats
0047 Maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight rating
X The Tire and Loading Information placard
gives you details on maximum permissible
gross vehicle weight rating 0047: "The gross
weight of occupants and luggage must
never exceed XXX kilograms or XXX
pounds."
The gross weight of all vehicle occupants,
cargo, luggage
and

trailer load/noseweight (if
applicable) must not exceed the specified
value.
Number of seats i
The details on the Tire and Loading
Information placard illustration

are only an
example. The number of seats is vehicle-
specific and can differ from the details
shown. The number of seats in your vehicle
can be found on the Tire and Loading
Information placard. 262
Loading the vehicle
Wheels and tires

Tire code:
tire code 0088 specifies the tire type.
"R" represents radial tires. "D" represents
diagonal tires, "B" represents diagonal radial
tires.
Rim diameter: rim diameter 0086 is the
diameter of the bead seat, not the diameter
of the rim flange. The rim diameter is
specified in inches (in).
Load bearing index: load bearing index 0087
is a numerical code which specifies the
maximum load-bearing capacity of a tire. G
Warning
The tire load rating must always be at least
half of the GAWR of your vehicle. Otherwise,
sudden tire failure may be the result which
could cause an

accident and/or serious injury
to you or others.
Always replace rims and tires with rims and
tires having the same specifications
(designation, manufacturer and type) as
shown on the original part. G
Warning
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.
Example:
The load bearing index 120 is equivalent to a
maximum load of 3042 lbs (1380 kg) that the
tire can carry. If two load-bearing capacity
indices are specified (as shown above), the
first number states the load-bearing capacity
for single tires, the second number the load-
bearing capacity for twin tires. For further
information on the maximum tire load in
kilograms and pounds, see ( Y page 265).
Speed index: speed index 006E specifies the
approved maximum speed of the tire. G
Warning
Even when permitted by law, never operate a
vehicle at speeds greater than the maximum
speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum

speed for which tires
are rated can lead to sudden tire failure,
causing loss of vehicle control and possibly
resulting in an accident and/or serious
personal injury and possible death, for you
and for others.
Regardless of the speed index always observe
the speed limits. Drive carefully and adapt
your driving style to the traffic conditions. Index Speed rating
F up to 50 mph (80 km/h)
G up to 56 mph (90 km/h)
J up to 62 mph (100 km/h)
K up to 68 mph (110 km/h)
L up to 74 mph (120 km/h)
M up to 80 mph (130 km/h)
N up to 87 mph (140 km/h)
P up to 93 mph (150 km/h)
Q up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
R above 106 mph (170 km/h)
i
Not all tires that have the M+S
identification offer the driving
characteristics of winter tires. Winter tires
have, in addition

to the M+S identification,
the 004D snow flake symbol on the tire
sidewall. Tires with this identification fulfill
the requirements of the Rubber
Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the
Rubber Association of Canada (RAC)
regarding the tire traction on snow and
have been especially developed for driving
on snow.
More information on reading the tire data can
be obtained at any qualified specialist Tire labeling
267
Wheels and tires Z

workshop, e.g. at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)
U.S. tire regulations
prescribe that every new
tire manufacturer or retreader has to imprint
a TIN in or on the sidewall of each tire
produced. The TIN is a unique identification number. The
TIN enables the tire manufacturers to inform
purchasers of recalls and other safety-
relevant matters. It makes it possible for the
purchaser to
easily

identify the affected tires.
The TIN is made up of manufacturer
identification code 0047, tire size 008A, tire type
code 0088 and date of manufacture 0086.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
DOT (Department of Transportation): tire
symbol 0046 marks that the tire complies with
the requirements of the U.S. Department of
Transportation.
Manufacturer identification code:
manufacturer identification code 0047 provides
details on the tire manufacturer. New tires
have a code with two symbols. Retreaded
tires have a code with four symbols.
Further information about retreaded tires
(Y page 252).
Tire size: identifier 008A describes the tire size.
Tire type code: tire type code 0088 can be
used by the manufacturer as a code to
describe specific characteristics of the tire. Date of manufacture:
date of manufacture
0086 provides information about the age of a
tire. The
first

and second positions represent
the week of manufacture, starting with "01"
for the first calendar week. Positions three
and four represent the year of manufacture.
For example, a tire that is marked with
"3208", was manufactured in week 32 in
2008. Tire characteristics
i
Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
This information describes the tire cord and
the number of

layers in sidewall 0046 and under
tire tread 0047. Definition for tires and loading
Tire structure and characteristics
Describes the number

of layers or the number
of rubber-coated belts in the tire tread and
the tire wall. These consist of steel, nylon,
polyester, and other materials. Bar
Metric unit for

tire pressure. 14.5038 pounds
per square inch (psi) and 100 kilopascal (kPa)
correspond to one bar. 268
Definition for tires and loading
Wheels and tires

You may mount a spare wheel against the
direction of rotation. Observe the time
restriction on use as well as the speed
limitation specified on the spare wheel.
Storing wheels
Store wheels that
are not being used in a cool,
dry and preferably dark place. Protect the
tires from contact with oil, grease and fuel. Cleaning wheels
G
Warning
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles (concentrated-power jets) to clean
your vehicle, especially

for cleaning tires. You
could otherwise damage the tires and cause
an accident. Changing wheels
273
Wheels and tires Z

Vehicle equipment
i Diese Betriebsanleitung beschreibt alle
Modelle, Serien- und
Sonderausstattungen
Ihres Fahrzeugs, die zum Zeitpunkt des
Redaktionsschlusses dieser
Betriebsanleitung erhältlich waren.
Länderspezifische Abweichungen sind
möglich. Beachten Sie, dass Ihr Fahrzeug
nicht mit allen beschriebenen Funktionen
ausgestattet sein könnte. Dies betrifft auch
sicherheitsrelevante Systeme und
Funktionen. Genuine Sprinter parts
We test genuine parts, conversion parts and
accessories that have been specifically
approved for the type of vehicle for:
R reliability
R safety
R suitability
Despite ongoing market research, we are
unable to assess other parts. We therefore
accept no responsibility for the use of such
parts in Sprinters, even if they have been
independently or officially approved.
In Germany and

some other countries, certain
parts are only officially approved for
installation or modification if they comply
with legal requirements. All genuine Sprinter
parts satisfy these requirements.
Make sure that any replacement parts are
suitable for your vehicle. In many countries,
parts which result in a modification to the
vehicle could invalidate the vehicle's general
operating permit.
This is the case if:
R they cause a change to the vehicle type
from that for which the vehicle's general
operating permit was granted.
R other road users could be endangered.
R emission or noise levels are adversely
affected. The use of non-approved parts could affect
your vehicle's
operating

safety. We therefore
recommend that you use genuine Sprinter
parts, conversion parts and accessories that
have been approved for the type of vehicle.
0040Environmental note
We supply reconditioned assemblies and
parts which are of the same quality as new
parts. The same New Vehicle Limited
Warranty applies as for new parts.
Genuine Sprinter parts, approved conversion
parts and accessories are available from an
authorized Sprinter Dealer. Here you will
receive advice about permissible technical
modifications, and the parts will be
professionally installed.
Always provide the vehicle's identification
number and the engine number when
ordering genuine parts. The numbers can be
found on the vehicle identification plate of
your vehicle ( Y page 277). Vehicle electronics
Tampering with the engine
electronics
G
Warning!
For safety reasons and to preserve the
General Operating Permit, have procedures
involving engine electronics and associated
parts performed only at a qualified specialist
workshop that has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required. Your driving safety may otherwise
be impaired.
For this reason,

we recommend an authorized
Sprinter Dealer. In particular, all work relevant
to safety or on safety-related systems must
be carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop.
! Always have the engine electronics
system and its components such as control
units, sensors and connector leads
serviced at a qualified specialist workshop, 276
Vehicle electronics
Technical data

i
The data shown in the pictures is for the
purposes of illustration. Such data is
vehicle-specific and can differ from that
shown. Always observe the specifications
on your vehicle's tire label.
The tire pressure information applies to all
load levels up
to the permissible gross weight
and is only valid for original tires in their cold
state. Operating data
General notes
The "Technical data" section contains
important technical data for your vehicle.
You can find

vehicle-specific and equipment-
dependent technical data in your vehicle
registration papers, such as:
R engine power output data
R speeds
R vehicle dimensions
R vehicle weights Tires and wheels
! Only use tire and rim sizes approved for
your type of vehicle. These have been
specially adapted for use with the control
systems, such as ABS or ESP ®
.
Take note of

the operating safety information
on tires and wheels in the "Tires and wheels"
section ( Y page 252).
i In particular, please also observe the
permissible tire specifications in your
country.
These specifications may stipulate a
certain tire type for your vehicle and/or
prohibit the use of certain tire types
permitted in other countries.
Observe the required tire load-bearing
capacity and the speed index for your
vehicle. Information about wheels and tires can be
obtained from any authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
You
will

find details about the original
tires on the tire data label on the B-pillar on
the driver's side of your vehicle
(Y page 279). 280
Operating data
Technical data