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 412).
i The actual values for tires are vehicle-
specific and may deviate fro mthe values in
the illustration.
DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN) U.S. tire regulations prescribe that every tire
manufacturer or retreader must imprint
aTIN
in or on the sidewall of every tire produced. The TIN is a unique identification number. The
TIN enables the tire manufacturers or
retreaders 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 size0021, tire type
code 0020and manufacturing date 001E.
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 aboutr etreaded tires,
see (Y page 428). Tire size:
identifier0021describes the tire size.
Tire type code: tire type code0020can be used
by the manufacturer as acode to describe
specific characteristics of the tire.
Date of manufacture: date of manufacture
001E 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.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
Tire characteristics This information describes the type of tire
cord and the number of layers in
sidewall 0002and under tire tread 0003.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
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 420
All about wheels and tiresWheels and tires
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 numbe rofoccupants which the vehicle
is designed for, multiplied by 68 kilograms
(150 lb).
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.
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 rating
The speed rating 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 weight of a trailer including
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 drawbarn
oseweight, 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.
Maximu mloaded vehicle weight
The maximum weight is the sum of:
R the curb weight of the vehicle
R the weight of the accessories
R the load limit
R the weight of the factory installed optional
equipment
Kilopascal (kPa)
Metric unit for tire pressure. 6.9 kPa
corresponds to 1 psi. Another unit for tire
pressure is bar. There are 10 0kilopascals
(kPa) to 1bar. All abou
twheels and tires
421Wheels and tires Z
Load index
In addition to the load-bearing index, the load
inde
xmay also be imprinted on the sidewall
of the tire. This specifie sthe load-bearing
capacity more precisely.
Curb weight
The weight of a vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity
of fuel, oil and coolant. It also includes the air-
conditioning system and optional equipment
if these are installed in the vehicle, but does
not include passengers or luggage.
Maximum load rating
The maximum tire load is the maximum
permissible weight in kilograms or lbs 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)
As tandard uni tofmeasure for tire pressure.
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. Cold tire pressure
The tires are cold:
R
if the vehicle has been parked without
direct sunlight on the tires for at least three
hours and
R if the vehicle has been driven for less 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 kilograms (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. 422
All about wheels and tiresWheels and tires
Traction
Traction is the result of friction between the
tires and the road surface.
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
The TWR specifies the maximu mpermissible
weight that the ball coupling of the trailer tow
hitch can support.
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 0007in
(1.6 mm) has been reached.
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle at
their designated seating positions.
Total load limit
Rated cargo and luggage load plus
68 kilograms (150 lb) multiplied by the
number of seats in the vehicle. Changing
awheel Flat tire
You can find information on wha tto do in the
event of a flat tire in the "Breakdown
assistance" section (Y page 383).
Information on driving with MOExtended tires
in the event of a flat tire can be found under
"MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
characteristics" (Y page 384).
The "Breakdown assistance" section
(Y page 383) contains information and notes
on how to deal with a flat tire. Information on
driving with MOExtended tires in the event of
a flat tire can be found under "MOExtended
tires (tires with run-flat characteristics"
(Y page 384).
Vehicles with an emergency spare
wheel: in the event of a flat tire, mount the
emergency spare wheel according to the
description under "Mounting a wheel"
(Y page 424). Rotating the wheels
G
WARNING
Interchanging the front and rear wheels may
severely impair the driving characteristics if
the wheels or tires have different dimensions.
The wheel brakes or suspension components
may also be damaged. There is a risk of
accident.
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the wheels
and tires are of the same dimensions.
! 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.
Only have tires changed at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Always observe the instructions and safety
notes in the "Mounting awheel" section
(Y page 424).
The wear patterns on the front and rear tires
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Rotate the wheels before a clear wear pattern
has formed on the tires. Front tires typically
wear more on the shoulders and the rear tires
in the center.
If your vehicle's tire configuration allows, you
can rotate the wheels according to the
intervals in the tire manufacturer's warranty
book in your vehicle documents. If this is not
available, the tires should then be rotated
every 3000 to 6000 miles (5000 to
10,000 km), or earlier if the tire wear requires
this. Do not change the direction of wheel
rotation.
Cleant he contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is interchanged. Check the tire pressure and,
if necessary, restart the tire pressure loss
warning system or the tire pressure monitor. Changing
awheel
423Wheels and tires Z
0002
Wheel bolts for all wheels supplied by the
factory
0003 Wheel bolts for the "Minispare"
emergency spare wheel X
Clean the wheel and wheel hub contact
surfaces.
X Slide the wheel to be mounted onto the
alignment bolt and push it on.
X Tighten the wheel bolts until they are
finger-tight.
X Unscrew the alignment bolt.
X Tighten the last wheel bolt until it is finger-
tight.
Lowering the vehicle G
WARNING
The wheels could work loose if the wheel nuts
and bolts are not tightened to the specified
tightening torque. There is a risk of accident.
Have the tightening torque immediately
checked at a qualified specialist workshop
after a wheel is changed. X
Place the ratchet wrenc honto the hexagon
nut of the jack so that the letters ABare
visible.
X Turn the ratche twrench until the vehicle 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 ( 0002to001E). The tightening torque
must be 110 lb-ft (150 Nm).
X Turn the jack back to its initial position.
X Stow the jack and the rest of the tire-
change tool kit in the stowage well under
the cargo compartment floor again.
X Check the tire pressure of the newly
installed wheel and adjust it if necessary.
Observe the recommended tire pressure
(Y page 404).
i Vehicles with tire pressure monitor: all
wheels mounted must be equipped with
functioning sensors. Wheel and tire combinations
General notes
! For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use tires and
wheels which have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz specifically for your
vehicle. 428
Wheel and tire combinationsWheels and tires
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-BenzO riginal (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.
Information on tires, wheels and approved
combinations can be obtained from any
qualified specialist workshop.
! Retreaded tires are neither tested nor
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be
detected on retreaded tires. As a result,
Mercedes-Benz cannot guarantee vehicle
safety if retreaded tires are mounted. Do
not mount used tires if you have no
information about their previous usage.
Overview of abbreviations usedint he
following tire tables:
R BA: both axles
R FA: front axle
R RA: rear axle 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 404).
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.
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)
Vehicles with MOExtended tires are not
equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the factory. It
is therefore recommended that you
additionally equip your vehicle with a TIREFIT
kit if you moun ttires that do not feature run-
flat properties, e.g. winter tires. ATIREFIT kit
may be obtained from a qualified specialist
workshop.
i Not all wheel and tire combinations are
available at the factory for all countries.
i On the following pages, you can find
information on approved wheelr ims 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 sizes 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. Wheel and tire combinations
429Wheels and tires Z
Tires
GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC All-weather tires
R 19
Tires Allo
ywheels BA: 275/50 R 19 111 H M+S
3 BA: 8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.44 in (62 mm)
R 20
Tires Alloy wheels
BA: 275/50 R 20 109 H M+S
3 BA: 8.5 J x 20 H2
Wheel offset: 2.44 in (62 mm)
BA: 275/50 R 20 109 H M+SMOExtended
3, 4 BA: 8.5 J x 20 H2
Wheel offset: 2.44 in (62 mm)
All-terrain tires
R 18
Tires Alloy wheels
BA: 265/60 R 18 110 H M+S BA: 8.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.22 in (56.5 mm)
R 19
Tires Alloy wheels
BA: 275/55 R 19 111 H M+S
3 BA: 8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.44 in (62 mm)
Winter tires
R 18
Tires Alloy wheels
BA: 265/60 R 18 110 H M+S
0002 BA: 8.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.22 in (56.5 mm)
3
Use of snow chains not permitted. Observe the notes under "Snow chains".
4 MOExtended tires (tires featuring run-fla tcharacteristics) only in combination with an activated tire pressure
loss warning system or tire pressure monitor. Wheel and tire combinations
431Wheels and tires Z
R 19
Tires Allo
ywheels BA: 265/55 R 19 109 H M+S
0002 BA: 8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.44 in (62 mm)
GL 450 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY
All-weather tires
R 19
Tires Alloy wheels
BA: 275/50 R 19 111 H M+S
3 BA: 8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.44 in (62 mm)
R 20
Tires Alloy wheels
BA: 275/50 R 20 109 H M+S
3 BA: 8.5 J x 20 H2
Wheel offset: 2.44 in (62 mm)
BA: 275/50 R 20 109 H M+SMOExtended
3, 4 BA: 8.5 J x 20 H2
Wheel offset: 2.44 in (62 mm)
All-terrain tires
R 19
Tires Alloy wheels
BA: 275/55 R 19 111 H M+S
3 BA: 8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.44 in (62 mm)
Winter tires
R 19 Tires Alloy wheels
BA: 265/55 R 19 109 H M+S
0002 BA: 8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.44 in (62 mm)
3
Use of snow chains not permitted. Observe the notes under "Snow chains".
4 MOExtended tires (tires featuring run-fla tcharacteristics) only in combination with an activated tire pressure
loss warning system or tire pressure monitor. 432
Wheel and tire combinationsWheels and tires