
X
Use a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Thoroughly hose down the vehicle with a
gentle jet of water.
X Do not point the water jet directly towards
the air inlets.
X Use plenty of water and rinse out the
sponge frequently.
X Rinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
X Do not let the cleaning agent dry on the
paintwork.
Power washers 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.
! Always maintain a distance of at least
11.8 in (30 cm) between the vehicle and the
power washer nozzle. Information about
the correct distance is available from the
equipment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around
when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R tires
R door gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc.
R electrical components
R battery
R connectors
R lights
R seals
R trim
R ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures. Cleaning the wheels !
Do not
use acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
! Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after
cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and
the brake pads/linings, thus drying them.
The vehicle can then be parked.
Cleaning the paintwork Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected
by corrosion and damage caused by
inadequate
care
cannot always be completely
repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified
specialist workshop.
X Remove dirt immediately, where possible,
while avoiding rubbing too hard.
X Soak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
X Soak bird droppings with water and rinse
off the treated areas afterwards.
X Remove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin,
oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gently
with a cloth soaked in petroleum ether or
lighter fluid.
X Use tar remover to remove tar stains.
X Use silicone remover to remove wax.
! Do not affix:
R stickers
R films
R magnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
If water
no longer forms "beads" on the paint
surface, use the paint care products
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz. This is the case approximately every 218
Care
Maintenance and care

Cleaning the plastic trim
G
WARNING
When cleaning the steering wheel boss and
dashboard, do not use cockpit sprays or
cleaning agents
containing solvents. Cleaning
agents containing solvents cause the surface
to become porous, and as a result, plastic
parts may break away and be thrown around
the interior when an air bag is deployed, which
may result in severe injuries.
! Do not affix the following to plastic
surfaces:
R stickers
R films
R scented oil bottles or similar items
You can otherwise damage the plastic.
! Do not allow cosmetics, insect repellent
or sunscreen to come into contact with the
plastic trim. This maintains the high-quality
look of the surfaces.
X Wipe the plastic trim with a damp, lint-free
cloth, e.g. a microfiber cloth.
X Heavy soiling: use car care and cleaning
products recommended and approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
The surface
may change color temporarily.
Wait until the surface is dry again.
Cleaning the steering wheel and gear or
selector lever X
Thoroughly wipe with a damp cloth or use
leather care agents that have been
recommended and
approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
Cleaning wooden trim and trim strips X
Wipe the wooden trim and trim strips with
a damp, lint-free cloth, e.g. a microfiber
cloth.
X Heavy soiling: use car care and cleaning
products recommended and approved by
Mercedes-Benz. !
Do not
use solvent-based cleaning agents
such as tar remover, wheel cleaners,
polishes or waxes. There is otherwise a risk
of damaging the surface.
! Do not use chrome polish for trim strips.
The trim strips have a chrome look but are
mostly made of anodized aluminum and
can lose their shine if chrome polish is
used. Use a damp, lint-free cloth instead
when cleaning the trim strips.
If the chrome-plated trim strips are very
dirty, you can use a chrome polish. If you
are unsure as to whether the trim strips are
chrome-plated or not, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Cleaning the seat covers !
Do not use microfiber cloths to clean
genuine leather or artificial leather covers,
as these are too aggressive and, if used
often, may damage the cover.
! Observe the following when cleaning:
R clean genuine leather covers carefully
with a damp cloth and then wipe the
covers down
with a dry cloth. Make sure
that the leather does not become
soaked. It may otherwise become rough
and cracked. Only use leather care
agents that have been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. You can
obtain these from a qualified specialist
workshop.
R clean artificial leather covers with a cloth
moistened with a solution containing 1%
detergent (e.g. dishwashing liquid).
R clean cloth covers with a microfiber cloth
moistened with a solution containing 1%
detergent (e.g. dishwashing liquid). Rub
carefully and always wipe entire seat
sections to avoid leaving visible lines.
Leave the seat to dry afterwards.
Cleaning results depend on the type of
dirt and how long it has been there. Care
221
Maintenance and care Z

Removing a wheel
X
Unscrew the wheel bolts.
! Do not place wheel bolts in sand or on a
dirty surface. The bolt and wheel hub
threads could
otherwise be damaged when
you screw them in.
X Remove the wheel.
Mounting a new wheel G
WARNING
Always replace wheel bolts that are damaged
or rusted.
Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.
Damaged wheel hub threads should be
repaired immediately. Do not continue to
drive under these circumstances! Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.
Incorrect wheel
bolts or improperly tightened
wheel bolts can cause the wheel to come off.
This could cause an accident. Make sure to
use the correct wheel bolts. G
WARNING
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts.
Other wheel bolts may come loose.
Do not tighten the wheel bolts when the
vehicle is
raised. Otherwise, the vehicle could
fall off the jack.
X Clean the wheel and wheel hub contact
surfaces.
! To prevent
damage to the paintwork, hold
the wheel securely against the wheel hub
while screwing in the first wheel bolt.
X Place the wheel on the wheel hub and push
it on.
X Tighten the wheel bolts until they are
finger-tight. Lowering the vehicle X
Open the pressure release screw on the
jack using the pump lever (Y
page 227) by
approximately one turn.
X Lower the vehicle until it is once again
standing firmly on the ground.
X Place the jack to one side. X
Tighten the wheel bolts evenly in a
crosswise pattern in the sequence
indicated ( : to A
). The tightening torque
must be 96 lb-ft (130 Nm). G
WARNING
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. The wheels could come
loose if they are not tightened to a torque of
96 lb-ft (130 Nm).
X Disassemble the pump lever.
X Push the jack piston back in and close the
drain plug.
X Use the bolts to secure the faulty wheel to
the spare wheel bracket ( Y page 225).
X Cover the faulty wheel with the tire cover
provided.
X Put the jack and the rest of the vehicle tool
kit away.
X Check the tire pressure and correct it, if
necessary.
A table with the tire pressures for your
vehicle can be found on the B-pillar on the
driver's side. Flat tire
229
Breakdown assistance Z

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
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. Definition of terms for tires and loading
263Wheels and tires Z

benefits if the correct direction of rotation is
maintained.
An
arrow
on the sidewall of the tire indicates
its correct direction of rotation.
You may mount the spare wheel against the
direction of rotation. Adhere to the time
restriction on use as well as the speed
limitation specified on the spare wheel. Storing wheels
Store tires that are not being used in a cool,
dry and preferably dark place. Protect the
tires from oil, grease, gasoline and diesel. Cleaning the 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. Wheel and tire combinations
Please bear the following in mind
G
WARNING
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer
and type as shown
on the original part. For further information
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged. Also, the
operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct. G
WARNING
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them. When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular
rim
type. Failure to do so can result
in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be
recognized on retreads. The operating safety
of the vehicle cannot be assured when such
tires are used. G
WARNING
If you notice sudden significant vibrations or
unusual handling performance or if you
suspect that damage has occurred to the
vehicle, you should activate the hazard
warning lamps, gently reduce speed and
carefully head for an area that is located at a
safe distance from the road.
Check the tires and the underside of the
vehicle for damage. If the vehicle seems
unsafe, have the vehicle towed away to the
nearest Mercedes-Benz Center or tire dealer
to be repaired. G
WARNING
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
might lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with
a flat tire or driving at high speed
with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire.
! 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 driving
safety systems, such as ABS or ESP ®
.
Only use tires, wheels or accessories
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Certain characteristics, e.g. handling,
vehicle noise emissions or fuel
consumption, may otherwise be adversely
affected. In addition, when driving with a 266
Wheel and tire combinationsWheels and tires

Engine number
Example: G 550
:
Emissions control information plate,
including the certification of both federal
and Californian emissions standards
; Engine number (stamped into the
crankcase) Service products and capacities
Important safety notes
Service products include the following:
R fuels
R lubricants (e.g.
engine oil, transmission oil)
R coolant
R brake fluid
R windshield washer fluid
Vehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. You should therefore
only use products that have been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Information on tested and approved products
can be obtained at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or on the Internet at http://
bevo.mercedes-benz.com .G
WARNING
Comply
with all valid regulations with respect
to handling, storing and disposing of service
fluids. Otherwise, you could endanger
persons or the environment.
Keep service fluids out of the reach of
children. For health reasons, you should prevent
service
fluids
from coming into direct contact
with your skin or clothing.
If a service fluid is swallowed, contact a
physician immediately. 272
Service products and capacities
Technical data

Capacities
Vehicle model Capacity Fuel, coolant,
lubricants, etc.
Engine oil and
filter
G 550 9.5 US qt (9.0 l) Approved engine
oils
G 55 AMG 9.0 US qt (8.5 l)
Power steering
All models Approx. 1.06 US qt (1.0 l) MB power steering
fluid or approved
Dexron III ATF
Cooling system
G 550 Approx. 12.8 US qt (12.1 l) MB 325.0 corrosion
inhibitor/antifreeze
agent
G 55 AMG Approx. 13.4 US qt (12.7 l)
Tank capacity
G 550 25.4 US gal (96.0 l) Unleaded gasoline
(at least 91 octane;
average value of
96 RON/86 MON)
G 55 AMG 25.1 US gal (95.0 l)
Reserve
All models Approx. 5.3 US gal (20.0 l)
Automatic
climate control
All models — Refrigerant R134a
and special PAG
lubricant (never
R12)
Windshield/
headlamp
cleaning
system
All models 7.4 US qt (7.0 l) MB windshield
washer
concentrate
21
( Y page 277)
Mixing ratio for
washer fluid
(Y page 277) Fuel
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline.
Turn off the engine before refueling. Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing
contact.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation
of
fuel vapors are damaging to your
health.
Premium-grade unleaded gasoline !
To ensure the longevity and full
performance of the engine, only premium-
grade unleaded gasoline may be used.
21 Mixed with water or premixed washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Service products and capacities
273
Technical data Z

If there is no premium-grade unleaded
gasoline available and regular-grade
unleaded gasoline may be used; please
observe the following precautions:
R
only fill the fuel tank to half full with
regular-grade unleaded gasoline and fill
the rest with premium-grade unleaded
gasoline as soon as possible.
R do not drive at the maximum speed.
R avoid sudden acceleration.
R if the
vehicle is carrying a light load, e.g.
two passengers without luggage, do not
allow the engine to rev above
3,000 rpm.
R if the vehicle is fully loaded or is being
operated in mountainous terrain, do not
depress the accelerator pedal further
than Ô of the pedal travel.
Fuel requirements Use only premium-grade unleaded gasoline.
The octane number should be at least 91.
Details can be found on the gas pump. The
octane number is the average value of the
Research Octane Number (RON) and the
Motor Octane Number (MON): (RON +
MON) / 2, also known as knock resistance.
Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) and/or
unleaded
gasoline
with additives can be used
if the concentration of the additives in the fuel
does not exceed 10%, e.g.:
R Ethanol
R TAME
R ETBE
R IPA
R TBA
For MTBE, the concentration should not
exceed 15%.
The concentration of methanol in gasoline
including other additives must not exceed 3%.
Using mixtures of methanol and ethanol is not
permitted. Gasohol, a mixture of 10% ethanol
and 90% unleaded gasoline, can be used. All of these mix fuels must fulfill the fuel
requirements, e.g.:
R
knock resistance
R boiling point
R vapor pressure
Additives in gasoline One of the major problems in engine design
is the creation of carbon deposits during the
process of burning fuel. Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you use fuel brands
containing
additives
that prevent the build-up
of carbon deposits.
If you use fuels without these additives for an
extended period of time, there may be a build
up of carbon deposits, especially on the inlet
valves and in the combustion chamber.
This could lead to engine problems, e.g.:
R longer engine warm-up phase
R uneven idle
R engine noise
R misfiring
R loss of power
In areas where carbon deposits can build up,
because of the lack of availability of gasoline
with the corresponding additives, Mercedes-
Benz recommends the use of additives that
have been approved for Mercedes-Benz
vehicles.
Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or go to the Internet site
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com for a list
of approved products. Comply with the
instructions for use on the product label.
Do not mix other fuel additives with fuel. This
causes unnecessary costs and could damage
the engine.
! Do not refuel with low-grade fuel and do
not use fuel additives that are not tested
and approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Damage to or malfunctions of the fuel
system may otherwise occur. 274
Service products and capacities
Technical data