
If "P" precedes the size description: 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 width0043shows the nominal
tire width in millimeters.
Height-width ratio: height-width ratio0044is
the ratio between tire height and tire width.
The aspect ratio is calculated by dividing the
tire width by the tire height. The resulting
quotient is given as a percentage.
Tire code: tire code0087shows 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 diameter0085is the
diameter of the bead seat, not the diameter
of the rim flange. The rim diameter is
specified in inches (in).
Load bearing index: 0084load bearing index
0083 (also load index) 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-pilla ron the driver's side
(Y page 322).
Example:
Load-bearing index 91 indicates a maximum
load of 1356 lbs (615 kg) that the tires can
bear. For further information on the maximum
tire load in kilograms and pounds, see
(Y page 331).
For further information on the load bearing
index, see "Load index" (Y page 330).Speed rating:
speed rating0084specifies the
approved maximum speed of the tire.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
Regardless of the speed rating, always
observe the speed limits. Drive carefully and
adapt your driving style to the traffic
conditions.
i Since 2009, tires in Europe which
correspond to the noise limitations of
Directive ECE-R 117 show an >>S<<
(Sound) mark. This identification follows
the type approval number and has no
connection with the speed rating.
Summer tires Index Speed rating
Q up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
R up to 106 mph (170 km/h)
S up to 112 mph (180 km/h)
T up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
W up to 168 mph (270 km/h)
Y up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR...Y up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR...(..Y) over 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR over 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 ZR18).
The service specification is made up of
load-bearing index 0083and speed rating
0084.
R If the size description of your tire includes
"ZR" and there are no service Tire labeling
329Wheels and tires Z

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:
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. 100 kilopascals (kPa) are 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. 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)
A standard unit of measure 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 not been driven further
than 1 mile (1.6 km)
Tread The part of the tire that comes into contact
with the road. Tire labeling
333Wheels and tires Z

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
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 wheels, tires and
approved combinations can be obtained from any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
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
pressure under various operating
conditions.
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.
Further information on recommended tire
pressures as well as tire pressures for
specific driving situations, see (Y page 332).
i Notes on the vehicle equipment – always
equip the vehicle with:
R tires of the same size on a given axle
(left/right)
R tires of the same type on your vehicle at
a given time (summer tires, winter tires,
all-weather tires, all-terrain tires)
i The following pages contain information
on approved wheels and tire sizes for
equipping your vehicle with winter tires.
Winter tires are not available at the factory
as standard equipment or optional extras.
If you want to equip your vehicle with
approved winter tires, it may be necessary
to obtain wheel rims in the corresponding
size. The size of the approved winter tires
may differ from 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. Wheel and tire combinations
339Wheels and tires Z

Vehicle identification number (VIN)
0043
VIN (stamped into the chassis on the
right-hand side, when viewed in the
direction of travel) 0043
VIN (on the lower edge of the windshield)
The VIN can be found in the following
locations:
R on the vehicle identification plate
(Y page 342)
R stamped into the chassis on the right-hand
side (when viewed in the direction of travel)
R on the lower edge of the windshield Engine number
Example: G 550
0043
Plate with information on emissions
testing, including the confirmation of the
emission standards at U.S. federal level
as well as for California
0044 Engine number (stamped into the
crankcase) Service products and filling
capacities
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Service products may be poisonous and
hazardous to health. There is a risk of injury.
Comply with instructions on the use, storage
and disposal of service products on the labels
of the respective original containers. Always
store service products sealed in their original
containers. Always keep service products out
of the reach of children. H
Environmental note
Dispose of service products in an
environmentally responsible manner.
Service products include the following:
R Fuels
R Lubricants (e.g. engine oil, transmission oil)
R Coolant
R Brake fluid Service products and filling capacities
343Technical data Z

Additives
!
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.
One of the main problems of poor fuel quality
is the forming of deposits that are created
during the gasoline combustion process.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
branded fuels that have additives.
If you use fuels without these additives over
a longer period of time, carbon deposits may
build up. These deposits form at the inlet
valves and in the combustion chamber in
particular.
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
Carbon deposits may form if the availability
of gasoline with relevant additives is
insufficient (in certain regions). In this case,
Mercedes-Benz recommends additives
approved for use in Mercedes-Benz vehicles;
see http://bevo.mercedes-benz.co m.
For a list of approved products, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. 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.
Notes on fuel consumption H
Environmental note
CO 2(carbon dioxide) is the gas which
scientists believe to be principally responsible
for global warming (the greenhouse effect).
Your vehicle's CO 2emissions are directly
related to fuel consumption and therefore
depend on: R
efficient use of the fuel by the engine
R driving style
R other non-technical factors, such as
environmental influences, road conditions
or traffic flow
You can minimize your vehicle's CO 2
emissions by driving carefully and having it
serviced regularly.
The vehicle will use more fuel than usual in
the following situations:
R at very low outside temperatures
R in city traffic
R on short journeys
R in mountainous terrain
R when towing a trailer Engine oil
General notes !
Never use engine oil or an oil filter of a
specification other than is necessary to
fulfill the prescribed service intervals. Do
not change the engine oil or oil filter in
order to achieve longer replacement
intervals than those prescribed. You could
otherwise cause engine damage or damage
to the exhaust gas aftertreatment.
Follow the instructions in the service
interval display regarding the oil change.
Otherwise, you may damage the engine and
the exhaust gas aftertreatment.
The engine oils are matched to the
performance of Mercedes-Benz engines and
service intervals. For this reason, only use
engine oils and oil filters that are approved for
vehicles with a service system.
For a list of approved engine oils and oil filters,
consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or go to the Internet site
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com (USA
only).
The table shows which engine oils have been
approved for your vehicle. 346
Service products and filling capacitiesTechnical data

possible fording depth is less in flowing
water.
0043
Fording depth, 24 in (60 cm)
The table shows the fording depth when the
vehicle is loaded and ready to drive. Fording depth 24 in (60 cm)
For more information about off-road fording,
see (Y
page 162). Approach/departure angle
G
WARNING
If you drive on a steep incline at an angle or
turn when driving on an incline, the vehicle
could slip sideways, tip and rollover. There is
a risk of an accident.
Always drive on a steep incline in the line of
fall (straight up or down) and do not turn the
vehicle. For vehicles with steel springs, loaded and
ready to drive means: a full tank, all fluids
refilled and the driver is in the vehicle. 0043 0043 0044
0044
G 550
34° 29°
G 63 AMG
36° 31°
For further information about approach/
departure angles, see (
Ypage 167). Maximum gradient-climbing
capability
On good road surfaces the maximum
gradient-climbing capability of your vehicle is
100%, which corresponds to an approach/
departure angle of 45°. Note that the
climbing ability of your vehicle depends on
the terrain conditions.
For further information about the maximum
gradient climbing ability, see (Y page 168). Trailer tow hitch
Mounting dimensions
G
WARNING
Only have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
changes to the engine cooling system may
be necessary, depending on the vehicle
type.
If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
observe the anchorage points on the
chassis frame.
For trailer tow hitches installed at the factory,
the overhang dimension is 990.5 mm. Trailer tow hitch
351Technical data Z