Example: steps 1 to 3
The following table shows examples on how to calculate total and cargo load capacities with
varying seating configurations and number and size of occupants. The following examples use
a maximum load of 1,500 lbs (680 kg). This is for illustration purposes only. Make sure
you are using the actual load limit for your vehicle stated on your vehicle's Tire and Loading
Information placard (Y page 409).
The greate rthe combined weight of the occupants, the lower the maximum luggage load.
Additional information when towing a trailer (Y page 253).
Step 1 Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
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)
Step 2
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
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)412
Loading the vehicleWheels and tires
Step 3
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Permissible load
(maximumg
ross
vehicle weight rating
from the Tire and
Loading Information
placard minus the
gross weight of all
occupants) 1500 lbs (680 kg)
0019750 lbs (340 kg) =
750 lbs (340 kg) 1500 lbs (680 kg)
0019540 lbs (245 kg)
=960 lbs (435 kg) 1500 lbs (680 kg)
0019150 lbs (68 kg) =
1350 lbs (612 kg)
Vehicle identification plate
Even if you have calculated the total cargo
carefully, you should still make sure tha tthe
gross vehicle weight rating and the gross axle
weight rating are not exceeded. Details can
be found on the vehicle identification plate on
the B-pillar on the driver's side of the vehicle
(Y page 409).
Permissible gross vehicle weight: the
gross weight of the vehicle, all passengers,
load and trailer load/noseweight (if
applicable) must not exceed the permissible
gross vehicle weight.
Gross axle weight rating: the maximum
permissible weight 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 8% of the gross weight of the
trailer and its cargo. All about wheels and tires
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards
Overview of Tire Quality Grading
Standards Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards are
U.S. government specifications. Their
purpose is to provide drivers with uniform
reliable information on tire performance data.
Tire manufacturers have to grade tires using
three performance factors:
0002tread wear
grade, 0003traction grade and 0023temperature
grade. These regulations do not apply to
Canada.N evertheless, all tires sold in North
America are provided with the corresponding
quality grading markings on the sidewall of
the tire.
Where applicable, the tire grading
information can be found on the tire sidewall
between the tread shoulder and maximum
tire width. All about wheels and tires
413Wheels and tires Z
All-weather tires and winter tires
Index Speed rating
Q M+S
2 up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
T M+S
2 up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H M+S
2 up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V M+S
2 up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
i
Not all tires with the M+S marking provide
the driving characteristics of winter tires.
In addition to the M+S marking, winte rtires
also have the 0002snowflake symbol on
the tire wall. Tires with this marking fulfill
the requirements of the Rubber
Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the
Rubber Association of Canada (RAC)
regarding the tire traction on snow. They
have been especially developed for driving
on snow.
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle fro mexceeding the following speeds:
R all vehicles (excep tAMG vehicles):
130 mph (210 km/h)
R AMG vehicles: 155 mph (250 km/h)
R AMG vehicles with increased top speed:
174 mph (280 km/h)
The speed rating of tires mounted at the
factory may be higher than the maximum
speed that the electronic speed limiter
permits.
Make sure that your tires have the required
speed rating, e.g. when buying new tires. The
required speed rating for your vehicle can be
found in the "Tires" section (Y page 426).
Further information about reading tire data
can be obtained from any qualified specialist
workshop. Load index
In addition to the load bearing index, load
index
0002may be imprinted after the letters
that identify the speed index 0021on the
sidewall of the tire (Y page 415).
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
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
Maximum load rating Maximum tire load
0002is the maximum
permissible weight for which the tire is
approved.
2 Or M+S0002 for winter tires. All about wheels and tires
417Wheels and tires Z
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
419Wheels 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. 420
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 0008in
(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 381).
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 382).
The "Breakdown assistance" section
(Y page 381) 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 382).
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 422). 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 422).
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 no
warranty book is available, the tires should be
rotated every 3,000 to 6,000 miles (5,000 to
10,000 km), or earlier if tire wear requires. Do
not change the direction of wheel rotation.
Clean the contac tsurface softhe wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is rotated. Check the tire pressure and, if
necessary, restart the tire pressure loss
warning system or the tire pressure monitor. Changing
awheel
421Wheels and tires Z
Always have work on the climate control
system carried ou
tataqualified specialist
workshop.
Refrigerant instruction label Example: refrigerant instruction label
0002
Warning symbol
0003 Refrigeran tfilling capacity
0023 Applicable SA Estandards
0022 PAG oil part number
0020 Type of refrigerant
Warning symbols 0002indicate:
R possible dangers
R having service work carried out at a
qualified specialis tworkshop
Filling capacities Missing values were not available at time of
going to print.
ML 350 Capacity
Refrigerant
1050 ± 10 g (37.0 ±
0.4 oz) PAG oil
All other models Capacity
Refrigerant
PAG oil Vehicle data
General notes
Please note that for the specified vehicle
data:
R the heights specified may vary as a result
of:
-tires
- load
- condition of the suspension
- optional equipment
R optional equipment reduces the maximum
payload.
Observe the information relating to level
control:
R AIRMATIC package (Y page 209)
R ON&OFFROAD package (Y page 202) Dimensions and weights452
Vehicle dataTechnical data
Trailer loads
Trailer loads, trailer drawbar noseweights and axle loads Missing values were not availabl
eattime of going to print. ML 350 4MATIC and ML 550 4MATIC
Permissible trailer load
,unbraked Permissible trailer load, braked (at a
minimu
mgradient-climbing capability of
12% from a standstill) 7198 lbs (3265 kg)
Maximum drawbar noseweight (the
drawbar noseweight is no
tincluded in
the trailer load) 575 lbs (261 kg)
Permissible rear axle load when towing
a trailer
3527 lbs (1600 kg)
ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC
Permissible trailer load, unbraked
Permissible trailer load, braked (at a
minimu
mgradient-climbing capability of
12% from a standstill) 6613 lbs (3000 kg)
Maximum drawbar noseweight (the
drawbar noseweight is no
tincluded in
the trailer load) 529 lbs (240 kg)
Permissible rear axle load when towing
a trailer
3637 lbs (1650 kg)
ML 350
Permissible trailer load, unbraked
Permissible trailer load, braked (at a
minimu
mgradient-climbing capability of
12% from a standstill) 6613 lbs (3000 kg)
Maximum drawbar noseweight (the
drawbar noseweight is no
tincluded in
the trailer load) 529 lbs (240 kg)
Permissible rear axle load when towing
a trailer
3527 lbs (1600 kg)456
Trailer tow hitchTechnical data