2016 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class Owner's Manual

Tire characteristics
This information describes the type of tire cord
and the number of layers in sidewall:and
under tire tread ;.
iTire data is vehicle-specific and may deviate
from the data in the example.
Definition of terms for tires and load-
ing
Tire ply composition and material used
Describes the number of layers or the number of
rubber-coated belts in the tread and the sidewall
of the tire. These are made of steel, nylon, pol-
yester and other materials.
Bar
Metric unit for tire pressure. 14.5038 pounds
per square inch (psi) and 100 kilopascals (kPa)
are the equivalent of 1 bar.
DOT (Department of Transportation)
DOT-marked tires fulfill the requirements of the
U S Department of Transportation.
Normal occupant weight
The number of occupants for which the vehicle
is designed multiplied by 68 kilograms (150 lb s).
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards
A uniform standard to grade the quality of tires
with regards to tread quality, tire traction and
temperature characteristics. The quality grad-
ing assessment is made by the manufacturer
following specifications from the U.S. govern- ment. The ratings are molded into the sidewall of
the tire.
Recommended tire pressures
The recommended tire pressure applies to the
tires mounted at the factory.
The Tire and Loading Information placard con-
tains the recommended tire pressures for cold
tires on a fully loaded vehicle and for the maxi-
mum permissible vehicle speed.
The tire pressure table contains the recommen-
ded pressures for cold tires for various operat-
ing conditions, i.e. differing load and speed con-
ditions.
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment
The combined weight of all standard and
optional equipment available for the vehicle,
regardless of whether it is 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
Tire labeling279
Wheels and tires
Z

the drawbar noseweight, if applicable. The gross
vehicle weight must not exceed the gross vehi-
cle weight rating GVWR as specified on the vehi-
cle 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 thevehicle 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.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The maximum weight is the sum of:
Rthe curb weight of the vehicle
Rthe weight of the accessories
Rthe load limit
Rthe weight of the factory installed optional
equipment
Kilopascal (kPa)
Metric unit for tire pressure. 6.9 kPa corre-
sponds to 1 psi. Another unit for tire pressure is
bar. 100 kilopascal s(kPa) are the equivalent of
1 bar.
Load index
In addition to the load-bearing index, the load
index may also be imprinted on the sidewall of
the tire. This specifies the 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 sys-
tem and optional equipment if these are instal-
led in the vehicle, but does not include passen-
gers or luggage.
Maximum load rating
The maximum load rating is the maximum per-
missible 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)
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 out-
ward force to each square inch of the tire's sur-
face. The tire pressure is specified in pounds per
square inch (psi), in kilopascals (kPa) or in bar.
The tire pressure should only be corrected when
the tires are cold.
Cold tire pressure
The tires are cold:
Rif the vehicle has been parked without direct
sunlight on the tires for at least three hours
and
Rif 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.
280Tire labeling
Wheels and tires

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-per-
formance 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 pur-
chasers. The TIN is made up of the manufactur- er'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 capa-
city 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.
Treadwear indicators
Narrow bars (tread wear bars) that are distrib-
uted over the tire tread. If the tire tread is level
with the bars, the wear limit of áin (1.6 mm)
has been reached.
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle at their
designated seating positions.
Total load limit
Nominal load and luggage load plus 150 lb
(68 kilograms) multiplied by the number of seats
in the vehicle.
Changing a wheel
Flat tire
The "Breakdown assistance" section
(Ypage 250) contains information and notes on
how to deal with a flat tire.
Rotating the wheels
GWARNING
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 acci-
dent.
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 spe-
cialist workshop.
Rotating front and rear wheels of differing
dimensions can render the general operating
permit invalid.
Always pay attention to the instructions and
safety notices in the section on "Changing a
wheel and mounting a spare wheel"
(
Ypage 282).
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 avail-
able, 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 contact surfaces of the wheel and the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel is rota-
Changing a wheel281
Wheels and tires
Z

ted. Check the tire pressure and reactivate the
tire pressure monitor (Ypage 268)if necessary.
Direction of rotation
Tires with a specified direction of rotation have
additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk of hydro-
planing. You will only gain these benefits if the
correct direction of rotation is observed.
An arrow on the sidewall of the tire indicates its
correct direction of rotation.
You may mount the spare wheel against the
direction of rotation. Adhere to the time restric-
tion on use as well as the speed limitation speci-
fied on the spare wheel.
Storing wheels
Store tires that are not being used in a cool, dry
and preferably dark place. Protect the tires from
oil, grease, gasoline and diesel.
Mounting a wheel
Preparing the vehicle
GWARNING
When you remove the spare wheel from the
spare wheel bracket, the vehicle’s weight dis-
tribution changes. If the vehicle is already
raised, the jack could tip over. There is a risk
of injury.
Remove the spare wheel from the spare wheel
bracket before lifting the vehicle.
XPrepare the vehicle as described
(Ypage 250).
XRemove the vehicle tool kit and the jack
(Ypage 248).
XSecure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
XRemove the spare wheel from the spare wheel
bracket (Ypage 249).
iVehicles without a spare wheel or emer-
gency spare wheel are not equipped with a
tire-change tool kit at the factory. For more
information on which tools are required to
perform a wheel change on your vehicle e.g. lug wrench or jack, consult an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Securing the vehicle to prevent it from
rolling away
XOn level ground:
place chocks or other suit-
able items under the front and rear of the
wheel that is diagonally opposite the wheel
you wish to change.
XOn downhill gradients: place chocks or
other suitable items in front of the wheels of
the front and rear axle.
Raising the vehicle
GWARNING
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.
!The jack is designed exclusively for jacking
up the vehicle at the jacking points. Other-
wise, your vehicle could be damaged.
Observe the following when raising the vehicle:
RTo raise the vehicle, only use the vehicle-spe-
cific jack that has been tested and approved
by Mercedes-Benz. If used incorrectly, the
jack could tip over with the vehicle raised.
RThe 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 performing main-
tenance work under the vehicle.
RAvoid changing the wheel on uphill and down- hill slopes.
RBefore raising the vehicle, secure it from roll-
ing away by applying the parking brake and
inserting wheel chocks. Do not disengage the
parking brake while the vehicle is raised.
RThe jack must be placed on a firm, flat and
non-slip surface. On a loose surface, a large,
load-bearing underlay must be used. On a
slippery surface, a non-slip underlay must be
used, e.g. rubber mats.
RDo not use wooden blocks or similar objects
as a jack underlay. Otherwise, the jack will not
282Changing a wheel
Wheels and tires

be able to achieve its load-bearing capacity
due to the restricted height.
RMake sure that the distance between the
underside of the tires and the ground does not
exceed 1.2 in (3 cm).
RDo not place your hands or feet under the
raised vehicle.
RDo not lie under the vehicle.
RDo not start the engine when the vehicle is
raised.
RDo not open or close a door when the vehicleis raised.
RMake sure that no persons are present in the
vehicle when the vehicle is raised.
XUsing lug wrench :, loosen the bolts on the
wheel you wish to change by about one full
turn. Do not unscrew the wheel bolts com-
pletely.
Pump lever ;
XAssemble the pump lever for the jack. It can
be found with the vehicle tool kit
(
Ypage 248).
XTurn pressure release screw =clockwise as
far as it will go using notch ;on the pump
lever.
Pressure release screw =is closed.
iDo not turn pressure release screw =by
more than one to two revolutions. Otherwise,
hydraulic fluid could escape.
XSet jack :on solid ground.
XPosition jack :on the axle carrier tube ;of
the front or rear axle. Jack :must always
stand vertically, even on slopes.
Make sure that jack :is correctly positioned
under axle carrier tube ;. The front or rear
axle must sit securely in the recess of jack :.
XRaise the vehicle by pumping in the direction
of the arrow until the tire is 1.2 in (3 cm) off
the ground at the most.
Removing a wheel
!Do not place wheel bolts in sand or on a dirty
surface. The bolt and wheel hub threads could
otherwise be damaged when you screw them
in.
XUnscrew the wheel bolts.
XRemove the wheel.
Changing a wheel283
Wheels and tires
Z

Mounting a new wheel
GWARNING
Oiled or greased wheel bolts/wheel nuts and
damaged wheel bolt/wheel nut/wheel hub
threads can cause wheel bolts/wheel nuts to
come loose. As a result, you could lose a
wheel while driving. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
Never oil or grease wheel bolts/wheel nuts. In
the event of damage to the threads, contact a
qualified specialist workshop immediately.
Have the damaged wheel bolts/wheel nuts or
hub threads replaced/renewed. Do not con-
tinue driving.
GWARNING
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.
!To prevent damage to the paintwork, hold
the wheel securely against the wheel hub
while screwing in the first wheel bolt.
Always pay attention to the instructions and
safety notes in the "Changing a wheel" section
(
Ypage 281).
XClean the wheel and wheel hub contact sur-
faces.
XPlace the new wheel on the wheel hub and
push it on.
XTighten the wheel bolts until they are finger-
tight.
Lowering the vehicle
GWARNING
The wheels could work loose if the wheel nuts and bolts are not tightened to the specified
tightening torque. There is a risk of accident.
Have the tightening torque immediately
checked at a qualified specialist workshop
after a wheel is changed.
XOpen the pressure release screw on the jack
using the pump lever (Ypage 282) by approx-
imately one turn.
XLower the vehicle until it is once again stand-
ing firmly on the ground.
XPlace the jack to one side.
XTighten the wheel bolts evenly in a crosswise pattern in the sequence indicated (: toA).
The specified tightening torque is 96 lb-ft
(130 Nm).
XDisassemble the pump lever.
XPush the jack piston back in and close the
drain plug.
XUse the bolts to secure the faulty wheel to the
spare wheel bracket (Ypage 249).
XStow the jack and the vehicle tools in the
vehicle again.
XCheck the tire pressure of the newly installed
wheel and adjust it if necessary.
A table with the tire pressures for your vehicle can be found on the B-pillar on the driver's
side.
Wheel and tire combinations
General notes
GWARNING
If wheels and tires 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 tires with those
that fulfill the specifications of the original
part.
284Wheel and tire combinations
Wheels and tires

When replacing wheels, make sure to use thecorrect:
Rdesignation
Rmodel
When replacing tires, make sure to use the
correct:
Rdesignation
Rmanufacturer
Rmodel
GWarning
A flat tire severely impairs the driving, steer-
ing and braking characteristics of the vehicle.
There is a risk of an accident.
do not drive with a flat tire. Immediately
replace the flat tire with your spare wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
!For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use tires, wheels and
accessories which have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz specifically for your vehicle.
These tires have been specially adapted for
use with the driving safety systems, such as
ABS or ESP
®.
Only use tires, wheels or accessories tested
and approved by Mercedes-Benz. Certain
characteristics, e.g. handling, vehicle noise
emissions or fuel consumption, may other-
wise be adversely affected. In addition, when
driving with a load, tire dimension variations
could cause the tires to come into contact
with the bodywork and axle components. This
could result in damage to the tires or the vehi-
cle.
Mercedes-Benz accepts no liability for dam-
age resulting from the use of tires, wheels or
accessories other than those tested and
approved.
Further information about wheels, tires and
approved combinations can be obtained from
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
iThe recommended pressures for various
operating conditions can be found:
Ron the Tire and Loading Information placard
with the recommended tire pressures on
the B-pillar on the driver's side
Rin the tire pressure table on the inside of the
fuel filler flap
Observe the notes on recommended tire
pressure under various operating conditions.
Check tire pressures regularly, and only when
the tires are cold. Comply with the mainte-
nance recommendations of the tire manufac-
turer in the vehicle document wallet.
Further information on recommended tire pres-
sure as well as tire pressures for specific driving situations (
Ypage 279).
iNotes on the vehicle equipment – always
equip the vehicle with:
Rtires of the same size on a given axle (left/
right)
Rtires of the same type on your vehicle at a
given time (summer tires, winter tires, all-
weather tires, all-terrain tires)
iThe following pages contain information on
approved wheels and tire sizes for equipping
your vehicle with winter tires. Winter tires are
not available at the factory as standard equip-
ment or optional extras.
If you want to equip your vehicle with
approved winter tires, it may be necessary to
obtain wheel rims in the corresponding size.
The size of the approved winter tires may dif-
fer from 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.
iNot all wheel and tire combinations are
available at the factory for all countries.
Wheel and tire combinations285
Wheels and tires
Z

Tires
G 550
All-weather tires
Tires (radial tires)Alloy wheels
265/60 R18 110V M+S7.5J x 18 H2 ET 43
265/60 R18 110 H M+S7.5J x 18 H2 ET 43
275/55 R19 111V M+S59.5J x 19 H2 ET 50
iYou can obtain information about tires and tire dimensions that are not listed here at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
G 63 AMG
Summer tires
TiresAlloy wheels
275/50 R20 113W XL69.5J x 20 H2 ET 50
iYou can obtain information about tires and tire dimensions that are not listed here at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
All-weather tires
TiresAlloy wheels
295/40 R21 111W XL M+S610J x 21 ET45
iYou can obtain information about tires and tire dimensions that are not listed here at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Winter tires
TiresAlloy wheels
265/55 R19 109H M+S9.5J x 19 H2 ET 50
iYou can obtain information about tires and tire dimensions that are not listed here at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Spare wheel
!The spare wheel must be inflated to the maximum tire pressure given in the table on the inside
of the fuel filler flap.
iThe spare wheel corresponds to the standard tires.
5Vehicles with AMG Sports package only.6Use of snow chains not permitted. Observe the notes in the "Snow chains" section.
286Wheel and tire combinations
Wheels and tires