!
Observe the following points when towing
with a tow rope:
R secure the tow rope on the same side on
both vehicles.
R make sure that the tow rope is not longer
than legally permitted. Mark the tow rope
in the middle, e.g. with a white cloth
(30 x 30 cm). This makes other road
users aware that a vehicle is being
towed.
R only secure the tow rope to the towing
eye.
R observe the brake lamps of the towing
vehicle while driving. Always maintain a
distance so that the tow rope does not
sag.
R do not use steel cables or chains to tow
your vehicle. You could otherwise dam-
age the vehicle.
! Do not use the towing eyes for recovery
purposes as this could damage the vehicle.
If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high,
the vehicles could be damaged.
! Shift the automatic transmission to
Nand
do not open the driver's or front passeng-
er's door during towing. The automatic
transmission may otherwise shift to posi-
tion P, which could damage the transmis-
sion.
! You may tow the vehicle for a maximum of
50km. A towing speed of 50 km/h must not be exceeded.
For towing distances over 50 km, the entire
vehicle must be lifted up and transported.
! If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its
weight must not exceed the maximum per- missible gross vehicle weight of your vehi-
cle.
Information on your vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate (Y page 402). Observe the legal requirements for the rele-
vant countries when towing.
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed.
If the vehicle has suffered transmission dam-
age, have it transported on a transporter or
trailer.
The automatic transmission must be in posi-
tion Nwhen the vehicle is being towed.
If the automatic transmission cannot be shif-
ted to position N, have the vehicle transpor-
ted on a transporter or trailer.
The battery must be connected and charged. Otherwise, you:
R cannot turn the key in the ignition lock to
position 2
R cannot release the electric parking brake
R cannot shift the automatic transmission to
position N
i Deactivate the automatic locking feature
before the vehicle is towed (Y page 92). You
could otherwise be locked out when push-
ing or towing the vehicle.
i Deactivate tow-away protection
(Y page 81) before the vehicle is towed. 368
Towing and tow-startingBreakdown assistance
Fitting/removing the towing eye
Fitting the towing eye The brackets for the screw-in towing eyes are
located in the bumpers. They are at the front and at the rear under covers :.
X Remove the towing eye from the vehicle
tool kit/stowage tray (Y page 355).
X Press the mark on cover :inwards in the
direction of the arrow.
X Remove cover :from the opening.
X Screw the towing eye in clockwise to the
stop and tighten it.
Removing the towing eye X
Loosen the towing eye and unscrew it.
X Attach cover :to the bumper and press
until it engages.
X Place the towing eye in the vehicle tool kit/
stowage tray. Towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised
Only vehicles without 4MATIC can be
towed with the rear axle raised.
! The ignition must be switched off if you
are towing the vehicle with the rear axle raised. Intervention by ESP
®
could other-
wise damage the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with the front or rear axle raised; otherwise,
the transmission may be damaged.
Vehicles with 4MATIC may either be towed
away with both axles on the ground or be loa- ded up and transported.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 126).
X Move the front wheels to the straight-
ahead position.
X If necessary, turn the key in the ignition
lock to position 0and remove the key from
the ignition lock.
X When leaving the vehicle, take the key with
you.
When towing your vehicle with the rear axle
raised, it is important that you observe the
safety instructions (Y page 367). Towing the vehicle with both axles on
the ground
It is important that you observe the safety
instructions when towing away your vehicle
(Y page 367).
The automatic transmission automatically
shifts to position Pwhen you open the driver's
or front-passenger door or when you remove the key from the ignition lock.
In order to ensure that the automatic trans-
mission stays in position Nwhen towing the
vehicle, you must observe the following
points:
X You must use the key instead of the Start/
Stop button (Y page 159).
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and
that the key is in position 0in the ignition
lock.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Depress and hold the brake pedal. Towing and tow-starting
369Breakdown assistance Z
X
Shift the automatic transmission to posi-
tion N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Leave the key in position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 126).
i In order to signal a change of direction
when towing the vehicle with the hazard
warning lamps switched on, use the com-
bination switch as usual. In this case, only
the turn signals for the desired direction
flash. When you reset the combination
switch, the hazard warning lamps start
flashing again. Transporting the vehicle
! You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as
axle or steering components. Otherwise,
the vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transporta-
tion.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Shift the automatic transmission to posi-
tion N.
As soon as the vehicle is loaded: X Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
X Shift the automatic transmission to posi-
tion P.
X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition
lock and remove it.
X Secure the vehicle. Notes for 4MATIC vehicles
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with the front or rear axle raised; otherwise,
the transmission may be damaged.
Vehicles with 4MATIC may either be towed
away with both axles on the ground or be loa- ded up and transported.
If the vehicle has transmission damage or
damage to the front or rear axle, have it trans-
ported on a transporter or trailer.
In the event of damage to the electrical
system: if the battery is defective, the auto-
matic transmission will be locked in position
P. To shift the automatic transmission to posi-
tion N, you must provide power to the vehi-
cle's electrical system in the same way as
when jump-starting (Y page 364).
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter
or trailer. Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
! Do not tow-start vehicles with automatic
transmission. You could otherwise damage the automatic transmission.
i Information on "Jump-starting"
(Y page 364). Electrical fuses
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you manipulate, bridge or replace a faulty
fuse with a fuse of a higher amperage, the
electric cables could be overloaded. This may result in a fire. There is a risk of an accident
and injury.
Always replace faulty fuses with specified new fuses of the correct amperage.
Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of
the same rating, which you can recognise by 370
Electrical fusesBreakdown assistance
Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all mod-
els, series and optional equipment for your
vehicle that were available at the time of
going to press. National variations are pos- sible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the functions descri-
bed. This is also the case for systems and
functions relevant to safety.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops: (Y page 25). Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If wheels and tyres of the wrong size are used, the wheel brakes or suspension components
may be damaged. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
Always replace wheels and tyres with those
that fulfil the specifications of the original
part.
When replacing wheels, make sure to fit the
correct:
R designation
R type
When replacing tyres, make sure to fit the
correct:
R designation
R manufacturer
R type G
WARNING
A flat tyre severely impairs the driving, steer-
ing and braking characteristics of the vehicle.
There is a risk of accident.
Tyres without run-flat characteristics:
R do not drive with a flat tyre.
R immediately replace the flat tyre with your
emergency spare wheel or spare wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop. Tyres with run-flat characteristics:
R pay attention to the information and warn-
ing notices on MOExtended tyres (tyres
with run-flat characteristics).
Accessories that are not approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz or that are not
being used correctly can impair operating
safety.
Before purchasing and using non-approved
accessories, visit a qualified specialist work-
shop and enquire about:
R suitability
R legal stipulations
R factory recommendations
Information on the dimensions and types of
wheels and tyres for your vehicle can be
found under "Wheel/tyre combinations"
(Y page 391).
Information on air pressure for the tyres on
your vehicle can be found:
R on the tyre pressure label on the fuel filler
flap (Y page 176)
R under "Tyre pressure" (Y page 380)
Modification work on the brake system and
wheels is not permitted. The use of wheel
spacers or brake dust shields is not permit-
ted. This invalidates the general operating
permit for the vehicle.
i Further information on wheels and tyres
can be obtained at any qualified specialist
workshop. Operation
Information on driving
Check the tyre pressures when the vehicle is
heavily laden and, if necessary, adjust.
While driving, pay attention to vibrations,
noises and unusual handling characteristics,
e.g. pulling to one side. This may indicate that the wheels or tyres are damaged. If you sus-
pect that a tyre is defective, reduce your
speed immediately. Stop the vehicle as soon 376
OperationWheels and tyres
Interchanging the wheels
G
WARNING
Interchanging the front and rear wheels may
severely impair the driving characteristics if
the wheels or tyres have different dimensions. The wheel brakes or suspension components may also be damaged. There is a risk of acci-
dent.
Interchange front and rear wheels only if the
wheels and tyres are of the same dimensions.
! On vehicles fitted with a tyre pressure
monitor, electronic components are loca-
ted in the wheel.
Tyre-fitting tools should not be applied in
the area of the valve, as this could damage
the electronic components.
Only have tyres changed at a qualified spe- cialist workshop.
Interchanging the front and rear wheels of
differing dimensions can render the general
operating permit invalid.
Observe the instructions and safety notes in
the "Fitting a wheel" section (Y page 386).
The wear patterns on the front and rear tyres differ depending on the operating conditions.Interchange the wheels before a clear wear
pattern has formed on the tyres. Front tyres
typically wear more on the shoulders and the
rear tyres in the centre.
On vehicles that have the same size front and
rear wheels, you can interchange the wheels
every 5,000 to 10,000 km depending on the
degree of tyre wear. Ensure the direction of
rotation is maintained.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel is interchanged. Check the tyre pressure and,
if necessary, restart the tyre pressure loss
warning system (Y page 385) or the tyre pres-
sure monitor (Y page 383). Direction of rotation
Tyres with a specified direction of rotation
have additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk of aquaplaning. You will only gain these ben-
efits if the correct direction of rotation is
observed.
An arrow on the sidewall of the tyre indicates
its correct direction of rotation. Storing wheels
Store wheels in a cool, dry and preferably
dark place if they are not being used. Protect the tyres against oil, grease, petrol and diesel. Cleaning the wheels
G
WARNING
The water jet of circular-jet nozzles (dirt grind- ers) can cause damage not visible from the
outside to tyres or chassis components. Com-
ponents damaged in this way can unexpect-
edly fail. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use high-pressure cleaners with circu-
lar-jet nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have dam- aged tyres or chassis components replaced
immediately. Fitting a wheel
Preparing the vehicle X
Stop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground.
X Apply the electric parking brake manually.
X Move the front wheels to the straight-
ahead position.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Make sure that "normal" level is selected
for AIRMATIC (Y page 207).
X Switch off the engine. 386
Changing a wheelWheels and ty
res
Only position the jack at the appropriate jack-
ing point of the vehicle. The base of the jack
must be positioned vertically, directly under
the jacking point of the vehicle.
Observe the following when raising the
vehicle:
R to raise the vehicle, only use the vehicle-
specific jack that has been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. If the jack is
used incorrectly, it could tip over while the vehicle is raised.
R the jack is designed only to raise and hold
the vehicle for a short time while a wheel
is being changed. It is not suitable for per-
forming maintenance work under the vehi- cle.
R avoid changing the wheel on uphill and
downhill slopes.
R before raising the vehicle, secure it from
rolling away by applying the parking brake
and positioning wheel chocks. Do not
release the parking brake while the vehicle
is raised.
R the jack must be placed on a firm, flat and
non-slip surface. On a loose surface, a
large, flat load-bearing underlay must be
used. On a slippery surface, a non-slip
underlay must be used, e.g. rubber mats.
R do not use wooden blocks or similar
objects as a jack underlay. Otherwise, the
jack will not be able to achieve its load-
bearing capacity due to the restricted
height.
R make sure that the distance between the
underside of the tyres and the ground does
not exceed 3 cm.
R never place your hands or feet under the
raised vehicle.
R do not lie under the vehicle.
R do not start the engine when the vehicle is
raised. R
do not open or close a door or the boot lid
when the vehicle is raised.
R make sure that no persons are present in
the vehicle when the vehicle is raised.
Vehicles with AMG wheels and hub caps:
the hub cap covers the wheel bolts. Before
you can unscrew the wheel bolts, you must
remove the hub cap. Two different variants
can be fitted. Vehicles with AMG wheels and plastic
hub caps:
X To remove: turn the centre cover of hub
cap :anti-clockwise and remove.
X To fit: before fitting, ensure that hub cap :
is in the open position. To do so, turn the
centre cover anti-clockwise.
X Put hub cap :in position and turn the
centre cover clockwise until you feel and
hear hub cap :engage.
X Make sure that hub cap :is fitted
securely. Vehicles with AMG wheels and aluminium
hub caps: 388
Changing a wheelWheels and tyres
X
Turn ratchet ring spanner Buntil jack A
sits completely on jacking point ?and the
base of the jack lies evenly on the ground.
X Turn ratchet ring spanner Buntil the tyre
is raised a maximum of 3 cm from the
ground.
Removing a wheel !
AMG vehicles:
during removal and repo-
sitioning of the wheel, the wheel rim can
strike the ceramic-brake disc and damage
it. Therefore, take precautions and have a
second person assist you. Alternatively,
you can use a second centring pin.
! Do not place wheel bolts in sand or dirt.
The threads of the wheel bolts and wheel
hubs could otherwise be damaged when
the bolts are tightened.
When fitting/removing wheels, and for as
long as the wheels are removed, avoid apply- ing any external force on the brake discs. This
could impair the level of comfort when brak-
ing. X
Unscrew the uppermost wheel bolt com-
pletely.
X Screw centring pin :into the thread
instead of the wheel bolt.
X Unscrew the remaining wheel bolts fully.
X Remove the wheel. Fitting a new wheel G
WARNING
Oiled or greased wheel bolts or damaged
wheel bolts/hub threads can cause the wheel bolts to come loose. As a result, you could
lose a wheel while driving. There is a risk of
accident.
Never oil or grease wheel bolts. In the event ofdamage to the threads, contact a qualified
specialist workshop immediately. Have the
damaged wheel bolts or hub threads
replaced/renewed. Do not continue driving. G
WARNING
If you tighten the wheel bolts or wheel nuts
when the vehicle is raised, the jack could tip
over. There is a risk of injury.
Only tighten the wheel bolts or wheel nuts
when the vehicle is on the ground.
Always pay attention to the instructions and
safety notices in "Changing a wheel"
(Y page 386).
Only use wheel bolts that have been designed
for the wheel and the vehicle. For safety rea-
sons, Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
only use wheel bolts which have been
approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and the
respective wheel.
! AMG vehicles:
during removal and repo-
sitioning of the wheel, the wheel rim can
strike the ceramic-brake disc and damage
it. Therefore, take precautions and have a
second person assist you. Alternatively,
you can use a second centring pin. 390
Changing a wheelWheels and tyres
Winter tyres
R 18
Tyres Light-alloy wheels
FA: 245/50 R18 104 V XL M+Si
1
RA: 245/50 R18 104 V XL M+S i1, 2 FA: 8.0 J x 18 H2 ET 41
RA: 8.5 J x 18 H2 ET 35.3
R 19
Tyres Light-alloy wheels
FA: 245/45 R19 102 V XL M+S
i1
RA: 245/45 R19 102 V XL M+S i1, 2 FA: 8.5 J x 19 H2 ET 36
FA: 9 J x 19 H2 ET 30.5
BA: 245/45 R19 102 V XL M+S
i1 BA: 8.5 J x 19 H2 ET 38
S 63 AMG
Summer tyres
R 19
Tyres Light-alloy wheels
FA: 255/45 ZR19 (104 Y) XL
4, 5
RA: 285/40 ZR19 (107 Y) XL 2, 4, 5 FA: 8.5 J x 19 H2 ET 38
RA: 9.5 J x 19 H2 ET 38
FA: 255/45 ZR19 (104 Y) XL
4, 5
RA: 285/40 ZR19 (107 Y) XL 2, 4, 5 FA: 8.5 J x 19 H2 ET 39
RA: 9.5 J x 19 H2 ET 39
R 20
Tyres Light-alloy wheels
FA: 255/40 ZR20 (101 Y) XL
5, 6
RA: 285/35 ZR20 (104 Y) XL 2, 5, 6 FA: 8.5 J x 20 H2 ET 38
RA: 9.5 J x 20 H2 ET 38
FA: 255/40 ZR20 (101 Y) XL
5, 6
RA: 285/35 ZR20 (104 Y) XL 2, 5, 6 FA: 8.5 J x 20 H2 ET 39
RA: 9.5 J x 20 H2 ET 39
For certain countries only:
the following wheel/tyre combinations are permitted for vehicles
with a maximum speed of 250 km/h.
1 Available as MOExtended tyres.
2 Use of snow chains is not permitted. Observe the notes in the "Snow chains" section.
4 Not in combination with a ceramic brake system.
5 Only for certain countries.
6 Observe notes on "Large wheels" under "General notes" in "Wheel/tyre combinations". Wheel and tyre combinations
395Wheels and tyres Z