
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed rating 0043
Tire width
0044 Nominal aspect ratio in %
0087 Tire code
0085 Rim diameter
0083 Load bearing index
0084 Speed rating
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may devi-
ate from the data in the example.
General: depending on the manufacturer's
standards, the size imprinted in the tire wall
may not contain any letters or may contain
one letter that precedes the size description.
If there is no letter preceding the size descrip-
tion (as shown above): these are passenger
vehicle tires according to European manufac-
turing standards.
If "P" precedes the size description: these are passenger vehicle tires according to U.S.
manufacturing standards.
If "LT" precedes the size description: these
are light truck tires according to U.S. manu-
facturing 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: aspect ratio0044is the
size ratio between the tire height and tire
width and is shown in percent. The aspect ratio is calculated by dividing the tire width by
the tire height.
Tire code: tire code0087specifies 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 man-
ufacturer (e.g. 245/40 ZR 18).
Rim diameter: rim diameter0085is 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 index0083
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 342).
Example:
Load-bearing index 91 indicates a maximum
load of 1,356 lb (615 kg) that the tires can
bear. For further information on the maximum
tire load in kilograms and lbs, see
(Y page 346).
For further information on the load bearing
index, see "Load index" (Y page 351).
Speed rating: speed rating0084specifies the
approved maximum speed of the tire. 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.
Regardless of the speed rating, always
observe the speed limits. Drive carefully and Tire labeling
349Wheels and tires Z

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 accesso-
ries. 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. 354
Definition of terms for tires and loadingWheels and tires

Securing the vehicle on slight downhill gradients
X On light downhill gradients: place
chocks or other suitable items in front of
the wheels of the front and rear axle. Raising the vehicle
G
WARNING
If you do not position the jack correctly at the appropriate jacking point of the vehicle, the
jack could tip over with the vehicle raised.
There is a risk of injury.
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 vehi-
cle:
R To raise the vehicle, only use the vehicle-
specific jack that has been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. If used incor- rectly, the jack could tip over with the vehi-
cle 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 suited 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 inserting wheel chocks. Do not disen- gage 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 tires and the ground does
not exceed 1.2 in (3 cm).
R Never place your hands and feet under the
raised vehicle.
R Do not lie under the vehicle.
R Do not start the engine when the vehicle is
raised.
R Never open or close a door or the tailgate
when the vehicle is raised.
R Make sure that no persons are present in
the vehicle when the vehicle is raised.
! The jack is designed exclusively for jack-
ing up the vehicle at the jacking points.
Otherwise, your vehicle could be damaged. X
Using lug wrench 0043, loosen the bolts on
the wheel you wish to change by about one full turn. Do not unscrew the bolts com-
pletely. Mounting a wheel
357Wheels and tires Z

Always have work on the climate control sys-
tem carried out at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Refrigerant instruction label Example: refrigerant instruction label
0043 Warning symbol
0044 Refrigerant filling capacity
0087 Applicable standards
0085 PAG oil part number
0083 Type of refrigerant
Warning symbol 0043advises you about:
R possible dangers
R having service work carried out at a quali-
fied specialist workshop
Filling capacities All models Capacity
Refrigerant
20.8 ± 0.4 oz
(590 ± 10 g) PA
G oil 4.2 oz
(120 g) 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. Dimensions and weights
Model
0043 0043
Opening height 0044
0044
Max.
headroom GLK 250 Blue-
TEC
82.2 in
(2087 mm) 77.0 in
(1955 mm) All other mod-
els
82.1 in
(2086 mm) 76.9 in
(1954 mm) All models
Vehicle length
178.6 in (4536 mm)
Vehicle width
including exterior
mirrors
79.4 in (2016 mm)
Wheelbase
108.5 in (2755 mm)380
Vehicle dataTechnical data

All models
Turning radius
38.2 ft (11.65
m) Maximum roof load
165 lb (75 kg)
Model Vehicle height
GLK 250 BlueTEC
66.7 in (1694 mm)
All other models
66.7 in (1693 mm)
Model Ground clearance
GLK 250 BlueTEC
8.0 in (204 mm)
All other models
8.2 in (208 mm)
Trailer tow hitch
Mounting dimensions
! If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
changes to the engine cooling system and
drive train may be necessary, depending on
the vehicle type. Anchorage points for the trailer tow hitch (exam-
ple)
0043
Anchorage points
0044 Rear axle center line Trailer loads
Missing values were not available at time of
going to print. All models
Permissible trailer load,
unbraked
Permissible trailer load,
braked
17 3500 lbs
(1588 kg) Maximum drawbar nose-
weight
18 280 lbs
(127 kg) Permissible rear axle
load when towing a trailer
3108 lbs
(1410 kg) The actual noseweight may not be higher than
the value which is given. The value can be
found on the trailer tow hitch or trailer iden-
tification plates. The lowest weight applies.
17 At a minimum gradient-climbing capability of 12% from a standstill.
18 The drawbar noseweight is not included in the trailer load. Trailer tow hitch
381Technical data Z