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 0043may be imprinted after the letters
that identify speed rating 0084(Ypage 348) 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. 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 0044, tire size0087, tire type
code 0085and manufacturing date 0083.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
DOT (Department of Transportation): tire
symbol 0043indicates that the tire complies
with the requirements of the U.S. Department
of Transportation.
Manufacturer identification code:
manufacturer identification code 0044provides
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 330).
Tire size: identifier0087describes the tire size.
Tire type code: tire type code0085can be used
by the manufacturer as a code to describe
specific characteristics of the tire.
Date of manufacture: date of manufacture
0083 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. 350
Tire labelingWheels and tires
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. Tire pressure of cold tires
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. 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. TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
The TWR specifies the maximum permissible
weight that the ball coupling of the trailer tow
hitch can support. Definition of terms for tires and loading
353Wheels and tires Z
Observe the notes on recommended tire
pressures under various operating
conditions (Y page 334).
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 equipment or
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 GLK 250 BlueTEC, GLK 350, GLK 350
4MATIC i
Not all wheel and tire combinations are
available at the factory for all countries. 360
Wheel and tire combinationsWheels and tires
Tires
Summer tires Alloy wheels V1
FA
RA
235/5
0 R 19 99 V 17
255/45 R 19 100 V 17, 18 7.5 J
x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 1.85 in (47 mm)
8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.05 in (52 mm) 003B
All-weather tires Alloy wheels V1
BA
235/60 R17 102 H M+S
17 7.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.87 in (47.5 mm) 003B
BA
235/50 R19 99 H M+S
17 7.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 1.85 in (47 mm) 003B
BA 235/50 R19 99 H M+S
MOExtended
19 7.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 1.85 in (47 mm) 003B
BA
235/45 R20 100 H XL M+S
17 8.0 J x 20 H2
Wheel offset: 1.77 in (45 mm) 003B
All-terrain tires Alloy wheels V1
BA
235/60 R17 102 H M+S
17 7.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.87 in (47.5 mm) 003B
Winter tires Alloy wheels V1
BA
235/60 R17 102 H M+S
004D17 7.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.87 in (47.5 mm) 003B
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 replaced may differ.
Mounting an emergency spare wheel 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.
17 USA: not for GLK 250 BlueTEC.
18 Use of snow chains is not permitted. Observe the notes in the "Snow chains" section.
19 MOExtended tires (tires featuring run-flat characteristics) only in combination with an activated tire pressure
loss warning system. Emergency spare wheel
361Wheels and tires
Z
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.
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 334). The applicable value
is found on the wheel or under "Technical
data" ( Ypage 359).
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. Collapsible spare wheel
Removing the collapsible emergency
spare wheel The collapsible spare wheel can be found in
the stowage well under the cargo
compartment floor.
X
Lift the cargo compartment floor up
(Y page 281). X
Remove stowage compartment 0043.
X Turn retaining screw 0044counter-clockwise
and remove it.
X Remove collapsible spare wheel 0087.
X Take the wheel bolts for the collapsible
spare wheel from the vehicle tool kit.
For further information on changing a wheel
and mounting the spare wheel, see
(Y page 314).
Inflating the collapsible spare wheel !
Inflate the collapsible spare wheel using
the tire inflation compressor before
lowering the vehicle. The wheel rim could
otherwise be damaged. 362
Emergency spare wheelWheels and tires