Tire size designation
,load-bearing
capacity and speed rating 0002
Tire width
0003 Nominal aspec tratio in %
0022 Tire code
0021 Rim diameter
001F Load bearing index
0020 Speed 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 lette rthat 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 width0002shows the nominal
tire width in millimeters.
Height-width ratio: aspect ratio0003is the
size ratio between the tire height and tire
width and is shown in percent.T he aspectratio is calculated by dividing the tire width by
the tire height.
Tire code:
tire code0022specifies 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 diameter0021is 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 index001F
is a numerical code that specifies the
maximum load-bearing capacity of a tire.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit. The maximum
permissible load can be found on the
vehicle's Tire and Loading Information
placard on the B-pillar on the driver's side
(Y page 311).
Example:
Load-bearing index 91 indicates a maximum
load of 1,356 lb (615 kg) that the tires can
bear. For further information on the maximum
tire load in kilograms and lbs, see
(Y page 315).
For further information on the load bearing
index, see "Load index" (Y page 320).
Speed rating: speed rating0020specifies the
approved maximum speed of the tire. G
WARNING
Exceeding the stated tire load-bearing
capacity and the approved maximum speed
could lead to tire damage or the tire bursting.
There is a risk of accident.
Therefore, only use tire types and sizes
approved for your vehicle model. Observe the
tire load rating and speed rating required for
your vehicle.
Regardless of the speed rating, always
observe the speed limits. Drive carefully and 318
Tire labelingWheels and tires
Further information abou
treading tire data
can be obtained from any qualified specialist
workshop. 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 0002may be imprinted after the letters
that identify speed rating 0020(Ypage 318) on
the sidewall of the tire.
R If no specification is given: no text( as in the
example above), represents astandard
load (SL) tire
R XL or Extra Load: represents a reinforced
tire
R Ligh tLoad: 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. The TIN is a unique identification number. The
TIN enables 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
0003, tire size0022, tire type
code 0021and manufacturing date 001F.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
DOT (Department of Transportation): tire
symbol 0002indicates that the tire complies
with the requirements of the U.S. Department
of Transportation.
Manufacturer identification code:
manufacturer identification code 0003provides
details on the tire manufacturer. New tires
have a code with two symbols. Retreaded
tires have a code with four symbols.
For further information about retreaded tires,
see (Y page 300).
Tire size: identifier0022describes the tire size.
Tire type code: tire type code0021can be used
by the manufacturer as acode to describe
specific characteristics of the tire.
Date of manufacture: date of manufacture
001F 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. 320
Tire labelingWheels and tires
Tire characteristics
i
Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate fro mthe data in the example.
This information describes the type of tire
cord and the number of layers in
sidewall 0002and under tire tread 0003. Definition of terms for tires and
loading
Tire ply composition and material
used
Describes the number of plies or the number
of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire
tread and sidewall. These are made of steel,
nylon, polyester and other materials. Bar
Metric unit for tire pressure.
14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi) and
100 kilopascals (kPa) are the equivalent of
1 bar. DOT (Department of Transportation)
DOT marked tires fulfill the requirements of
the United States Department of
Transportation. Normal occupant weight
The number of occupants for which the
vehicle is designed multiplied by
68 kilograms (150 lbs). Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards
Au niform 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 Informatio nplacard
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 pressures for cold tires for
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 equipmen tavailable for the
vehicle, regardless of whethe ritis actually
installed on the vehicle or not. Rim
This is the part of the wheel on which the tire
is mounted. Definition of terms for tires and loading
321Wheels and tires Z
Aspect ratio
Relationship between tire height and tire
width in percent. Tire pressure
This is pressure inside the tire applying an
outward force to each 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. Tire pressure of cold tires
The tires are cold:
R if the vehicle has been parked without
direct sunligh tonthe tires for at least three
hours and
R if the vehicle has not been driven further
than 1 mile (1.6 km) Tread
The part of the tire that comes into contact
with the road. 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
bead. Weight of optional extras
The combined weight of those optional extras
that weigh more than the replaced standard
parts and more than 2.3 kg (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
curb weight and the weight of the
accessories.
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
This is a unique identifier 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. Treadwear indicators
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 0008in
(1.6 mm) has been reached. Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle at
their designated seating positions. Total load limit
Nominal load and luggage load plus 68 kg
(150 lbs) multiplied by the number of seats in
the vehicle. Definition of terms for tires and loading
323Wheels and tires Z
safety if retreaded tires are mounted. Do
not mount used tires if you have no
information aboutt heir previous usage.
i The recommended pressures for various
operating conditions can be found:
R on the Tire and Loading Information
placard with the recommended tire
pressures on the B-pillar on the driver's
side
R in the tire pressure table on the inside of
the fuel filler flap
Observe the notes on recommended tire
pressures under various operating
conditions (Y page 303).
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.
i Notes on the vehicle equipment –always
equip the vehicle with:
R tires of the same size on a given axle
(left/right)
R the same type of tires at a given time
(summer tires, winter tires, MOExtended
tires)
i On the following pages, you can find
information on approved wheel rims and
tire sizes for equipping your vehicle with
winter tires. Winter tires are not available
at the factory as standard equipmen tor
optional extras.
If you would like to equip your vehicle with
approved winter tires, you may also, in
certain circumstances, require rims of the
appropriate size. The size of the approved
winter tires may deviate from that of the
standard tires. This is dependent on the
model and the equipment installed at the
factory.
The tires and wheel rims, as well as further
information, can be obtained at a qualified
specialist workshop. i
Overview of abbreviations used in the
following tire tables:
R BA: both axles
R FA: front axle
R RA: rear axle
In the following table, the wheel/tire
combinations are assigned to the vehicle
models through variants, e.g. V1, V2 etc.: V1 C 250
V2 C 350, C 350 4MATIC
V3 C 63 AMG
i
Not all wheel and tire combinations are
available at the factory for all countries. Wheel and tire combinations
329Wheels and tires Z
All-weather tires Alloy wheels V1 V2 V3
FA
RA 225/45 R17 91 H M+S
245/40 R17 91 H M+S
10 7.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.85 in (47 mm)
8.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 2.28 in (58 mm) 001C
— —
FA
RA 225/40 R18 92 H XL M+S
255/35 R18 94 H XL M+S
10, 11 8.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.97 in (50 mm)
8.5 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.13 in (54 mm) 001C 001C
—
Winter tires Alloy wheels V1 V2 V3
BA 205/55 R16 91 H M+S0002 7.0 J x 16 H2
Wheel offset: 1.69 in (43 mm) 001C
— —
BA 225/45 R17 91 H M+S0002 7.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.85 in (47 mm) 001C 001C
—
BA 225/40 R18 92 V XL M+S0002 8.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.77 in (45 mm) — — 001C
BA
235/40 R18 95 V XL M+S0002
10 8.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.77 in (45 mm) — — 001C
FA
RA 235/40 R18 95 V XL M+S0002
255/35 R18 94 V XL M+S0002
10 8.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.77 in (45 mm)
9.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.13 in (54 mm) — — 001C
Emergency spare wheel
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The wheel or tire size as well as the tire type
of the spare wheel or emergency spare wheel
and the wheel to be replace dmay differ.
Mounting an emergency spar ewheel may
severely impair the driving characteristics.
There is a risk of an accident. To avoid hazardous situations:
R
adapt your driving style accordingly and
drive carefully.
R never mount more than one spare wheel or
emergency spare wheel that differs in size.
R only use a spare wheel or emergency spare
wheel of a different size briefly.
R do not switch ESP ®
off.
R have a spare wheel or emergency spare
wheel of a different size replaced at the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
10 Use of snow chains is not permitted. Observe the notes in the section on snow chains.
11 Additional measures necessary (hub caps on rear axle, code 776). Emergency spare wheel
331Wheels and tires
Z
Observe that the wheel and tire dimensions
as well as the tire type must be correct.
When using an emergency spare wheel or
spare wheel of a different size, you must not
exceed the maximum speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h).
Snow chains must not be mounted on
emergency spare wheels. General notes
You should regularly check the pressure of
the emergency spare wheel, particularly prior
to long trips, and correct the pressure as
necessary (Y page 303). The applicable value
is found on the wheel or under "Technical
data" (Y page 328).
i When you are driving with the collapsible
spare wheel mounted, the tire pressure
loss warning system or the tire pressure
monitor cannot function reliably. Only
restart the tire pressure loss warning
system/the tire pressure monitor when the
damaged wheel has been replaced with a
new wheel.
Vehicles with tire pressure monitor:
after mounting an emergency spare wheel,
the system may still display the tire
pressure of the removed wheel for a few
minutes. The value displayed for the
mounted emergency spare wheel is not the
same as the current tire pressure of the
emergency spare wheel.
An emergency spare wheel may also be
mounted against the direction of rotation.
Observe the time restriction on use as well as
the speed limitation specified on the
emergency spare wheel.
Replace the tires after six years at the latest,
regardless of wear. This also applies to the
emergency spare wheel. "Minispare" emergency spare wheel
The "Minispare" emergency spare wheel can
be found in the stowage well under the trunk
floor.
X Lift the trunk floor upwards (Y page 251). X
Remove tool kit tray 0002.
X Turn stowage tray 0003counter-clockwise
and remove it.
X Remove "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel 0022.
Always observe the instructions and safety
notes in the "Mounting awheel" section
(Y page 324). 332
Emergency spare wheelWheels and tires