2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER MY12 Operator’s Manual

0046
Maximum number of seats
0047 Maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight rating
Maximum number of seats 0046 determines the
maximum number of occupants allowed to
travel in the vehicle. This information can be
found on the Tire and Loading Information
placard.
Determining the maximum load Individual steps
The following steps have been developed as
required of all manufacturers under Title 49,
Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575
pursuant to the "National Traffic and Motor
Vehicle Safety Act of 1966".
X
Step 1: Locate the statement "The
combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX lbs." on
your vehicle's Tire and Loading Information
placard.
X Step 2: Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
traveling in your vehicle.
X Step 3: Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from XXX
kilograms or XXX lbs.
X Step 4: The resulting figure equals the
available amount of

cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the "XXX" amount
equals 1400 lbs and there will be five
150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs (1400 - 750 (5 x 150) =
650 lbs).
X Step 5: Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. For reasons of safety, that weight
must not exceed the available cargo and
luggage cargo capacity calculated in step
4.
X Step 6

(if applicable): If you
intend to tow
a trailer behind your vehicle, the load on the
trailer is transferred to your vehicle.
Consult this Operator's Manual to
determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle ( Y page 265). Loading the vehicle
263
Wheels and tires Z

Example: Steps 1 to 3
The following table shows examples of 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 placard (Y page 262). Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Step 1 Combined 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 1 Example 2 Example 3
Step 2 Number of people in
the vehicle (driver
and occupants)
5 3 1
Distribution of the
occupants
Front: 2
Rear: 3 Front: 1
Rear: 2 Front: 1
Weight of the
occupants
Occupant 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
occupants
750 lbs (340 kg) 540 lbs (245 kg) 150 lbs (68 kg)264
Loading the vehicle
Wheels and tires

Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Step 3 Permissible 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 greater the combined weight of the occupants, the lower the maximum luggage load.
Further information can be found under "Towing a trailer" (
Y page 152). Vehicle identification plate
Even if you have calculated the total cargo
carefully, you should still make sure that the
gross vehicle weight

rating and the gross axle
weight rating are not exceeded. Details about
this can be found on the vehicle identification
plate on the driver seat frame of your vehicle
(Y page 277).
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 cargo. Maximum tire load
G
Warning!
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information placard on the
B-pillar on the driver's side or on the vehicle
identification plate on the driver seat frame.
Overloading the tires can overheat them,
possibly causing a blowout. Overloading the
tires can also result in handling or steering
problems, or brake failure. Maximum tire load
265
Wheels and tires Z

i
The actual values for tires are specific to
each vehicle and may deviate from the
values in the illustration.
Maximum tire load 0046 is the maximum
permitted weight for which the tire is
approved.
Further information on tire loads
(Y page 266). Tire labeling
Overview of tire labeling
The following markings are on the tire in
addition to the tire name (sales designation)
and the manufacturer's name: 0046
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(Y page 268)
0047 Maximum tire load ( Y page 265)
008A Maximum tire pressure (Y page 257)
0088 Manufacturer
0086 Tire material ( Y page 268)
0087 Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed index (
Y page 266)
006E Tire name
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example. Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed index
0046
Design standard
0047 Tire width
008A Nominal aspect ration in %
0088 Tire code
0086 Rim diameter
0087 Load bearing index
006E Speed index
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
Instructions for tires can be found under
"Tires and wheels" in the "Technical data"
section ( Y page 280).
General: depending on the manufacturer's
standards, the size imprinted in the tire wall
may not contain any letters or may contain
one letter 0046 that precedes the size
description.
If "LT" precedes the size description (as
shown above): these are light truck tires
according to U.S. manufacturing standards.
If "C"
precedes
the size description: these are
commercial motor vehicle tires according to
European manufacturing standards.
Tire width: tire width 0047 shows the nominal
tire width in millimeters.
Nominal aspect ratio: aspect ratio 008A 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. 266
Tire labeling
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

DOT (Department of Transportation)
Tires with the DOT label fulfill the
requirements of the U.S. Department of
Transportation. Average weight of 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 regard

to tread quality, 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 F
The tire pressure recommended for your
vehicle for normal driving situations. The
recommendation can be found on the Tire &
Loading Information placard 13
or on the tire
pressure plate on the B-pillar on the driver's
side of the vehicle. The recommended tire
pressure provides the best balance between
handling characteristics, ride comfort and
wear. 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 driver seat
frame (Y page 277). Speed index
The speed index 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 includes the weight
of the vehicle including fuel, tools, spare
wheel, accessories installed, occupants,
luggage and the drawbar noseweight if
applicable. The gross

vehicle weight may not
exceed the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) specified on the vehicle identification
plate on the driver seat frame ( Y page 277). 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 driver seat frame
(Y page 277).
13 Only for vehicles with a gross weight of less than 10,000 lbs(4536 kg). Definition for tires and loading
269
Wheels and tires Z

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
equivalent to

1 psi. Another tire pressure unit
is bar. 100 kilopascal (kPa) is equivalent to
1 bar. Unladen weight
The weight of a vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum filling
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. 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 width in
percent. Tire pressure
Pressure inside the tire applying an outward
force to every square inch of the tire's
surface. Tire pressure is specified in pounds
per square inch

(psi), in kilopascal (kPa) or in
bar. 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 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 kilograms (5 lbs).
These optional extras, such as a roof rack or 270
Definition for tires and loading
Wheels and tires