
Always observe the maximum permissible
speed specified for the M+S tires you have
mounted.
If you mount M+S tires that have a lower max-
imum permissible speed than that of the vehi-
cle, affix a corresponding warning label in the
driver's field of vision. You can obtain this at
a qualified specialist workshop.
Once you have mounted the winter tires:
X Check the tire pressure (Y page 290).
X Reactivate the tire pressure moni-
tor*(Y page 295). Snow chains
G
WARNING
If you drive too fast with snow chains
mounted, they may snap. As a result, you
could injure others and damage the vehicle.
There is a risk of an accident.
Observe the maximum permissible speed for
operation with snow chains.
When driving with snow chains fitted, do not
exceed the maximum permissible speed of
30 mph (50 km/h). Observe the country-spe-
cific laws and regulations for operation with
snow chains.
! Check the snow chains for damage before
mounting them. Damaged or worn snow
chains may snap and damage the following
components:
R wheel
R wheel housing
R wheel suspension
For this reason, you must use only snow
chains that are free of defects. Observe the
manufacturer's mounting instructions.
! Vehicles with steel wheels: if you
mount snow chains on steel wheels, you
may damage the hub caps. Remove the hub
caps from the relevant wheels before
mounting the snow chains. Snow chains increase traction on roads in
wintry conditions.
For reasons of safety we only recommend
using snow chains or traction aids that are
approved for the Sprinter. The snow chains or
traction aids must be of class U or meet the
SAE type U specification. Information on
snow chains is available at any qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
When mounting snow chains, please bear the
following points in mind:
R Snow chains cannot be mounted on all
wheel/tire combinations. When mounting
the snow chains, note the permissible tire
and snow chain dimensions.
R Mount snow chains only in pairs and only
to the rear wheels. On vehicles with twin
tires, mount the snow chains to the outer
wheels. Observe the manufacturer's
mounting instructions.
R Only use snow chains when the road is cov-
ered by a layer of snow. Remove the snow
chains as soon as possible when you come
to a road that is not snow-covered.
R The use of snow chains may be restricted
by local regulations. Observe the appropri-
ate regulations before mounting snow
chains.
R When driving with snow chains fitted, do
not exceed the maximum permissible
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h).
R Check the tension of the chains after a dis-
tance of approximately 0.5 miles (1.0 km).
You can deactivate ASR (Y page 60) when
pulling away with snow chains mounted. This
allows the wheels to spin in a controlled man-
ner, achieving an increased driving force (cut-
ting action). Operation in winter
289Wheels and tires
* optional Z 

ing properties and the driving characteristics.
There is a risk of an accident.
Avoid tire pressures that are too low in all the
tires, including the spare wheel.
Underinflated tires can:
R fail from being overheated
R adversely affect handling
R wear excessively and/or unevenly
R have an adverse effect on fuel consumption
Overinflated tires G
WARNING
Tires with excessively high pressure can burst
because they are damaged more easily by
road debris, potholes etc. In addition, they
also suffer from irregular wear, which can
severely impair the braking properties and the
driving characteristics. There is a risk of an
accident.
Avoid tire pressures that are too high in all the
tires, including the spare wheel.
Overinflated tires can:
R increase the braking distance
R adversely affect handling
R wear excessively and/or unevenly
R adversely affect ride comfort
R be more susceptible to damage
Maximum tire pressures 0043
Maximum permitted tire pressure (exam-
ple) Never exceed the maximum permissible tire
inflation pressure. When adjusting the tire
pressures always observe the recommended
tire pressure for your vehicle (Y
page 290).
i The actual values for tires are specific to
each vehicle and may deviate from the val-
ues in the illustration. Tire valve (snap-in valve)
G
WARNING
Tire valve that are not approved for your vehi-
cle by the distributor named on the inside
cover page may result in a loss of tire pres-
sure. This may affect road safety. There is a
risk of an accident.
Only use tire valve that are approved for your
vehicle by the distributor named on the inside
cover page. Always make sure you have the
correct tire valve type for the tires on your
vehicle.
! Do not screw additional weights (check
valves, etc.) onto the tire valves. The elec-
tronic components could thus be damaged.
Only for vehicles without a tire pressure mon-
itor:
For safety reasons, we recommend that you
only use tire valves that have been tested for
use on your vehicle, e.g. those manufactured
by Wonder:
R type TR 600 for the vehicle types 2500
R type TR 418 for the vehicle types 3500 Checking the tire pressure manually
In order to determine and adjust the tire pres-
sures, proceed as follows:
X Remove the valve cap of the tire you wish
to check.
X Press the tire pressure gauge securely onto
the valve.
X Read the tire pressure and compare it with
the recommended value on the loading 292
Tire pressureWheels and tires 

0087
Maximum tire pressure (Y page 292)
0085 Manufacturer
0083 Tire material (Y page 304)
0084 Tire size designation, load-bearing capa-
city and speed index (Y page 302)
006B Tire name
The markings described above are on the tire
in addition to the tire name (sales designa-
tion) and the manufacturer's name.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may devi-
ate from the data in the example.
Tire size designation, load bearing index
and speed index G
WARNING
Exceeding the stated tire load-bearing capa-
city and the approved maximum speed could
lead to tire damage or the tire bursting. There
is a risk of accident.
Therefore, only use tire types and sizes
approved for your vehicle model. Observe the
tire load rating and speed rating required for
your vehicle. 0043
Design standard
0044 Tire width
0087 Nominal aspect ratio in %
0085 Tire code
0083 Rim diameter
0084 Load bearing index
006B Speed index General:
depending on the manufacturer's
standards, the size imprinted in the tire wall
may not contain any letters or may contain
one letter 0043that precedes the size descrip-
tion
If "LT" precedes the size description (as
shown above): these are light truck tires
according to U.S. manufacturing standards.
If "C" precedes the size description: these are
commercial motor vehicle tires according to
European manufacturing standards.
Tire width: tire width0044shows the nominal
tire width in millimeters.
Aspect ratio: aspect ratio0087is the size ratio
between the tire height and tire width and is
shown in percent. The aspect ratio is calcu-
lated by dividing the tire width by the tire
height.
Tire code: tire code0085specifies the tire type.
"R" represents radial tires. "D" represents
diagonal tires, "B" represents diagonal radial
tires.
Rim diameter: rim diameter0083is the diam-
eter of the bead seat, not the diameter of the
rim flange. The rim diameter is specified in
inches (in).
Load-bearing index: load-bearing index0084
is a numerical code that specifies the maxi-
mum load-bearing capacity of a tire.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit. The maximum permissi-
ble load can be found on the vehicle's Tire and
Loading Information placard on the B-pillar on
the driver's side (Y page 298).
Example:
The load-bearing index 120 indicates a max-
imum load of 3,042 lb (1,380 kg) for the tire.
If two load-bearing capacity indices are speci-
fied (as shown above), the first number states
the load-bearing capacity for single tires, the
second number the load-bearing capacity for
twin tires. For further information on the max-
imum tire load in kilograms and pounds, see
(Y page 303). 302
What you should know about wheels and tiresWheels and tires 

Loading Information placard on the B-pilla
ron
the driver's side (Y page 298).
i The actual values for tires are specific to
each vehicle and may deviate from the val-
ues in the illustration.
DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN) U.S. tire regulations stipulate that every tire
manufacturer or retreader must imprint a TIN
in or on the sidewall of each tire produced. The TIN is a unique identification number. The
TIN enables the tire manufacturers or retread-
ers 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 identifi-
cation code 0044, tire size 0087, tire type
code 0085and manufacturing date 0083.
DOT (Department of Transportation): tire
symbol 0043indicates that the tire complies
with the requirements of the U.S. Department
of Transportation.
Manufacturer identification code: manu-
facturer identification code 0044provides
details on the tire manufacturer. New tires
have a code with two symbols. Retreaded
tires have a code with four symbols.
Further information about retreaded tires
(Y page 286).
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.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may devi-
ate from the data in the example.
Tire characteristics This information describes the type of tire
cord and the number of layers in side-
wall 0043and under tire tread 0044.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may devi-
ate from the data in the example.
Definitions for tires and loading Tire structure and characteristics
Describes the number of layers or the number
of rubber-coated belts in the tire tread and
the tire wall. These consist of steel, nylon,
polyester, and other materials.
Bar
Metric unit for tire pressure.
14.5038 pound
s per square inch (psi) and
100 kilopascals (kPa) are the equivalent of
1 bar. 304
What you should know about wheels and tiresWheels and tires 

!
Only use the jack pump lever middle rod
and the rod with the largest diameter as a
lug wrench extension. Only slide the middle
rod as far as it will go onto the lug wrench.
The rods may otherwise bend and be dis-
torted to such an extent that they can no
longer be used as a pump lever for the jack.
! Do not place the jack on the leaf spring or
the differential case. Hydraulic jack
Preparing the hydraulic jack
X
Insert the third rod of jack pump lever 0043
into the lug wrench extension.
Jack pump lever 0043is assembled.
X Close pressure release screw 0044.
X To do this, use the flattened section on
pump lever 0043to turn pressure release
screw 0044clockwise to the stop.
i Do not turn pressure release screw 0044
more than 1 or 2 full turns. Hydraulic fluid
could otherwise escape.
X Insert pump lever 0043into the recess on the
jack and secure by turning it clockwise.
X Place the jack vertically beneath the jack-
ing points described below. Jacking point, front axle
Jacking point at the front axle
X
Place the jack under the longitudinal mem-
ber in front of the front axle. Jacking point, rear axle (example: vehicle type
2500)
Jacking point, rear axle (example: vehicle type
3500)
Jacking point at the rear axle on vehicle
types 2500 and 3500
X Place the jack under the longitudinal mem-
ber in front of the rear axle. 310
Changing wheelsWheels and tires 

X
Wheel with hub cap: position the opening
for the tire valve in the hub cap over the tire
valve.
X Push the edge of the hub cap with both
hands against the wheel until it clicks into
place. Make sure the hub cap retaining
catches engage on the steel wheel.
X Wheel with central hub cap: position the
retaining lugs of the central hub cap over
the wheel bolts.
X Hit the middle of the hub cap to engage it
on the wheel.
X Secure the faulty wheel in the spare wheel
bracket (Y page 314).
X Check the tire pressure of the newly
mounted wheel and adjust it if necessary.
Observe the recommended tire pressure
(Y page 290).
X Retighten the wheel bolts or wheel nuts to
the specified tightening torque after the
vehicle has been driven for 30 miles
(50 km).
When using a wheel/spare wheel with a new
or newly painted wheel rim, have the wheel
bolts/nuts retightened again after approx-
imately 600 to 3,000 miles (1,000 to
5,000 km). Observe the specified tightening
torque.
i Vehicles with the tire pressure monitor
system: all mounted wheels must be equip-
ped with functioning sensors. Wheel and tire combination
General notes
! Retreaded tires are neither tested nor rec-
ommended for Sprinter vehicles, since pre-
vious damage cannot always be detected
on retreaded tires. We can therefore not
guarantee driving safety. Do not mount
used tires if you have no information about
their previous usage. The recommended tire pressures can be
found:
R
on the Tire and Loading Information plac-
ard 8
on the B-pillar on the driver's side
R on the tire pressure table on the B-pillar on
the driver's side
The recommended tire pressure can also be
found in the "Tire pressure table" section in
these Operating Instructions (Y page 297).
The wheel/tire combination for your vehicle
can be found on the tire pressure table. Fur-
ther information on wheel/tire combination
can be obtained at any qualified specialist
workshop.
Check tire pressures regularly and only when
the tires are cold. Observe the notes on the
recommended tire pressures (Y page 290).
Follow the maintenance recommendations in
the tire manufacturer's warranty book in your
vehicle documents.
Notes on the vehicle equipment – always
install the vehicle:
R with tires of the same size across an axle
(left/right)
R with the same type of tires on all wheels at
a given time (summer tires, winter tires) Spare wheel
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Wheel and tire dimensions as well as the type
of tire can vary between the spare wheel and
the wheel to be replaced. When the spare
wheel is mounted, driving characteristics may
be severely affected. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
In order to reduce risks:
R you should therefore adapt your driving
style and drive carefully.
R never mount more than one spare wheel
that differs from the wheel to be replaced.
8 Only for vehicles with a gross weight of less than 10,000 lbs(4,536 kg). Spare wheel
313Wheels and tires
Z 

R
only use a spare wheel that differs from the
wheel to be replaced for a short time.
R do not deactivate ESP ®
.
R have a spare wheel that differs from the
wheel that has been changed replaced at
the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
You must observe the correct wheel and
tire dimensions as well as the wheel type.
When using a spare wheel of a different size,
do not exceed the maximum speed of
80 km/h. General notes
! Check the spare wheel regularly to see
that it is secure and has the prescribed tire
pressure.
The procedure for mounting the spare wheel
is described in "Mounting a wheel"
(Y page 308).
The following should be checked regularly,
particularly prior to long journeys:
R the tire pressure of the spare wheel, which
should then be corrected if necessary
(Y page 290).
R the fastenings of the spare wheel bracket.
The spare wheel is located in a spare wheel
bracket under the rear of the vehicle.
Replace the tires after 6 years at the latest,
regardless of wear. This also applies to the
spare wheel.
i If you have mounted a spare wheel, the
tire pressure monitor (Y page 293) will not
function for this wheel. The spare wheel is
not equipped with a sensor for monitoring
tire pressure. Removing and installing the spare
wheel
Cargo Van/Passenger Van Bolt covers for the safety catches (example: Cargo
Van)
Removing
X
Open the rear doors.
X Place a screwdriver into recesses 0044and
then prise off covers 0043.
X Using the lug wrench from the vehicle tool
kit (Y page 276), unscrew the now visible
bolts counter-clockwise by approximately
20 turns. Spare wheel carrier under the vehicle
X Slightly raise spare wheel bracket 0083and
unhook left-hand retaining hook 0087.
X Assemble the pump lever for the jack and
slide it into sleeve 0085on spare wheel
bracket 0083.
X Raise spare wheel bracket 0083with the
pump lever and unhook right-hand retain-
ing hook 0087. 314
Spare wheelWheels and tires 

R
diesel fuel with a bio-diesel content of
more than 7%
R diesel fuel with a bio-diesel content of up
to 7%, which does not fulfill the require-
ments stated under "Fuel grade"
The sulfur content of the diesel fuel may not
exceed the following values: Euro 6 diesel engine 50 ppm
Euro 5 diesel engine ≥ 50 ppm
Euro 4 diesel engine ≥ 500 ppm
Euro 3 diesel engine ≥ 2500 ppm
You will generally find information about the
fuel grade on the filling pump. If there is no
identification on the filling pump, consult a
gas station attendant.
For more information about refueling
(Y
page 148).
i You can obtain information about modifi-
cation options for operation with alterna-
tive fuels (bio-diesel fuels) from any author-
ized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Diesel at very low outside temperatures G
WARNING
If you heat fuel system components, e.g. with
a hot-air gun or open flame, these compo-
nents could be damaged. This can cause fuel
to escape and ignite. Depending on the type
of damage, fuel may also not escape until the
engine is running. There is a risk of fire and
explosion.
Never heat fuel system components. Contact
a qualified specialist workshop to rectify the
malfunction.
Refill only with commercially available
ULTRA-LOW SULFUR DIESEL (ULSD, maxi-
mum sulfur content 15 ppm), which fulfills the
ASTM D975 standard.
The flow properties of diesel may be inade-
quate at low outside temperatures due to
paraffin separation. i
Malfunctions resulting from paraffin sep-
aration can only be rectified by heating the
entire fuel system. Park the vehicle in a
heated garage, for example.
To prevent operating problems, diesel with
better flow qualities is available during the
winter months. You can obtain information at
the gas station or from your fuel supplier.
Your vehicle is equipped with a fuel preheat-
ing system. This improves the flow properties
of the diesel by approximately 46 ‡ (8 †).
ULTRA-LOW SULFUR DIESEL can be used
without risk of malfunction down to an out-
side temperature of approximately 14 ‡
(00F810 †).
Fuel additives
! Do not add gasoline or kerosene to diesel
fuel to improve its flow characteristics.
Gasoline or kerosene impairs the lubricat-
ing properties of the diesel fuel. This can
result in damage to the fuel injection sys-
tem, for example.
Information on fuel consumption H
Environmental note
CO 2(carbon dioxide) is the gas which scien-
tists 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 envi-
ronmental influences, road conditions or
traffic flow
You can minimize your vehicle's CO 2emis-
sions by driving carefully and having it serv-
iced regularly.
i Only for certain countries: the respective
current consumption and emission values
of your vehicle can be found in the COC
papers (EC CERTIFICATE OF CONFORM- Service products and capacities
323Technical data Z