2012 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class Speed limit

CTire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed rating
( Y page 507)DLoad index ( Y page 509)ETire name
i
Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed rating
:Tire width;Nominal aspect ratio in %=Tire code?Rim diameterALoad bearing indexBSpeed rating
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
General: depending on the manufacturer's
standards, the size imprinted in the tire wall
may not contain any letters or may contain
one letter that precedes the size description.
If there is no letter preceding the size
description (as shown above): these are
passenger vehicle tires according to
European manufacturing standards.
If "P" precedes the size description: these are
passenger vehicle tires according to U.S.
manufacturing standards.
If "LT" precedes the size description: these
are light truck tires according to U.S.
manufacturing standards.
If "T" precedes the size description: these are
compact emergency spare wheels at high tire
pressure, to be used only temporarily in an
emergency.
Tire width: tire width : shows the nominal
tire width in millimeters.
Nominal aspect ratio: aspect ratio ; is the
size ratio between the tire height and the tire
width and is shown in percent. The aspect
ratio is calculated by dividing the tire width by
the tire height.
Tire code: tire code = specifies the tire type.
"R" represents radial tires. "D" represents
diagonal tires, "B" represents diagonal radial
tires.
Optionally, tires with a maximum speed of
over 149 mph(240 km/h) may have "ZR" in
the size description depending on the
manufacturer (e.g. 245/40 ZR 18).
Rim diameter: rim diameter ? 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 A
is a numerical code which specifies the
maximum load-bearing capacity of a tire.GWARNING
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.
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
Tire labeling507Wheels and tiresZ

in handling or steering problems, or brake
failure.
Example:
The load bearing index 91 is equivalent to a
maximum load of 1356 lbs (615 kg) that the
tire can carry. For further information on the
maximum tire load in kilograms and pounds,
see ( Y page 504).
For further information on the load bearing
index, see Load index ( Y page 509).
Speed rating: speed rating B specifies the
approved maximum speed of the tire.GWARNING
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 rating always
observe the speed limits. Drive carefully and
adapt your driving style to the traffic
conditions.
Summer tiresIndexSpeed ratingQUp to 100 mph (160 km/h)RUp to 106 mph (170 km/h)SUp to 112 mph (180 km/h)TUp to 118 mph (190 km/h)HUp to 130 mph (210 km/h)VUp to 149 mph (240 km/h)WUp to 168 mph (270 km/h)YUp to 186 mph (300 km/h)Summer tiresIndexSpeed ratingZR...YUp to 186 mph (300 km/h)ZR...(..Y)Above 186 mph (300 km/h)ZRAbove 149 mph (240 km/h)
R Optionally, tires with a maximum speed of
over 149 mph (240 km/h) may have "ZR"
in the size description depending on the
manufacturer (e.g. 245/40 ZR 18).
The service specifications consist of load
bearing index A and speed rating B.
R If the size description of your tire includes
"ZR" and there are no service
specifications, ask the tire manufacturer in
order to find out the maximum speed.
If a service specification is available, the
maximum speed is limited according to the
speed rating in the service specification.
Example: 245/40 ZR 18 97 Y. In this
example, "97 Y" is the service specification.
The letter "Y" represents the speed rating
and the maximum speed of the tire is
limited to 186 mph (300 km/h).
R Every tire that has a maximum speed above
186 mph (300 km/h) must have "ZR" in the
size description and the service
specification must be given in brackets.
Example: 275/40 ZR 18 (99 Y). The speed
rating "(Y)" shows that the maximum speed
of the tire is above 186 mph (300 km/h).
Ask the tire manufacturer to find out the
maximum speed.
All-weather tires and winter tiresIndexSpeed ratingQ M+S 29Up to 100 mph (160 km/h)T M+S29Up to 118 mph (190 km/h)29
Or M+S i for winter tires.508Tire labelingWheels and tires

All-weather tires and winter tiresIndexSpeed ratingH M+S29Up to 130 mph (210 km/h)V M+S29Up to 149 mph (240 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 i 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.
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding the following speeds:
R 130 mph (210 km/h):
- All vehicles (except AMG vehicles)
R 155 mph (250 km/h):
- S 63 AMG
- S 65 AMG
R 186 mph (300 km/h):
- S 63 AMG (Performance Package)
- S 63 AMG with increased top speed
- S 65 AMG with increased top speed
The speed rating of tires mounted at the
factory may be higher than the maximum
speed that the electronic speed limiter
permits.
Make sure that your tires have the required
speed rating as specified in the "Tires"
section ( Y page 514), e.g. if you buy new
tires.
Further information about reading tire data
can be obtained from any qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Load index
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
In addition to the load bearing index, load
index : may be imprinted after the letters
that identify speed index B (Y page 507) on
the sidewall of the tire.
R If no specification is given: no text (as in the
example above), represents a standard
load (SL) tire
R XL or Extra Load: represents a reinforced
tire
R Light load: represents a light load tire
R C, D, E: represents a load range that
depends on the maximum load that the tire
can carry at a certain pressure
DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)
U.S. tire regulations prescribe that every
manufacturer of new tires or retreader has to
imprint a TIN in or on the sidewall of each tire
produced.
29 Or M+S i for winter tires.Tire labeling509Wheels and tiresZ

Normal occupant weight
The number of occupants the vehicle is
designed to seat, multiplied by 68 kilograms
(150 lbs).
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards
A uniform standard to grade the quality of
tires with regards to tread quality, tire traction
and temperature characteristics. Ratings are
determined by tire manufacturers using U.S.
government testing procedures. The ratings
are molded into the sidewall of the tire.
Recommended tire pressure
The recommended tire pressure applies to
the tires mounted at the factory.
The Tire and Loading Information placard
contains the recommended tire pressures for
cold tires on a fully loaded vehicle and for the
maximum permissible vehicle speed.
The tire pressure table contains the
recommended tire pressures for cold tires
under various operating conditions, i.e.
differing load and speed conditions.
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.
Rim
This is the part of the wheel on which the tire
is mounted.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible axle
weight. 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 rating
The speed rating is part of the tire
identification. It specifies the speed range for
which the tire is approved.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
The gross vehicle weight comprises 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 loaded vehicle weight
The maximum weight is the sum of the curb
weight of the vehicle, the weight of the
accessories, the total load limit and the
weight of the optional equipment installed at
the factory.
Definition of terms for tires and loading511Wheels and tiresZ

! On vehicles equipped with a tire pressure
monitor, electronic components are
located in the wheel.
Tire-mounting tools should not be used
near the valve. This could damage the
electronic components.
Always have the tires changed at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Direction of rotation
Tires with a specified direction of rotation
have additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk
of hydroplaning. You will only gain these
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 a spare wheel/emergency
spare wheel against the direction of rotation.
Observe the time restriction on use as well as
the speed limit specified on the spare wheel/
emergency spare wheel.
Storing wheels
Store wheels 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
GWARNING
Do not use power washers with circular-jet
nozzles (dirt grinders) to clean your vehicle, in
particular the tires. You could otherwise
damage the tires and cause an accident.
Wheel and tire combinations
Please bear the following in mind
! For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use Tires and
wheels 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 featuring run-flat characteristics)
R MO1 = Mercedes-Benz Original (only
certain AMG tires)
Mercedes-Benz Original Extended tires
may only be used on wheels that have been
specifically approved by Mercedes-Benz.
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
load, tire dimension 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.
Mercedes-Benz accepts no liability for
damage resulting from the use of tires,
wheels or accessories other than those
tested and approved.
Further information about tires, wheels and
approved combinations 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.514Wheel and tire combinationsWheels and tires