
Further information on the reading of tire infor-
mation can be obtained at any qualified special-
ist workshop.
Load index
In addition to the load-bearing index, load rat-
ing:may be imprinted after the letters that
identify speed rating on the sidewall of the tire
(
Ypage 261).
RIf no specification is given: no text (as in the
example above), represents a standard load
(SL) tire
RXL or Extra Load: represents a reinforced tire
RLight Load: represents a light load tire
RC, D, E: represents a load range that depends
on the maximum load that the tire can carry at
a certain pressure
iTire data is vehicle-specific and may deviate
from the data in the example.
Maximum tire load
Maximum tire load :is the maximum permis-
sible weight for which the tire is approved.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit. The maximum permissible
load can be found on the vehicle's Tire and Loading Information placard on the B-pillar on
the driver's side (
Ypage 258).
iThe actual values for tires are specific to
each vehicle and may deviate from the values
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 retreaders
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 identifica-
tion code ;, tire size =, tire type code ?and
manufacturing date A.
DOT (Department of Transportation): tire
symbol :indicates that the tire complies with
the requirements of the U.S. Department of
Transportation.
Manufacturer identification code: manufac-
turer identification code ;provides 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
(
Ypage 247).
Tire size: identifier=describes the tire size.
Tire type code: tire type code?can be used by
the manufacturer as a code to describe specific
characteristics of the tire.
Date of manufacture: date of manufactureA
provides information about the age of a tire. The first and second positions represent the week of
manufacture, starting with "01" for the first cal-
endar week. Positions three and four represent
the year of manufacture. For example, a tire that
What you should know about wheels and tires263
Wheels and tires
Z

cle weight rating (GVWR) specified on the vehi-
cle identification plate at the base of the driver's
seat (
Ypage 276).
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
The GVWR is the maximum permitted gross
weight of the fully laden vehicle (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 driver seat frame (
Ypage 276).
Maximum weight of the laden vehicle
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 are the
equivalent of 1 psi. Another tire pressure unit is
bar. 100 kilopascals(kPa) are the equivalent of
1 bar.
Load index
In addition to the load bearing index, a load
index can be stamped onto the sidewall of the
tire. It specifies the load-bearing capacity of the
tire more precisely.
Curb weight
The weight of a vehicle with standard equipment
including the maximum filling capacity of fuel,
oil, and coolant. It also includes the air-condi-
tioning system and optional equipme nt i
f these
are installed on the vehicle, but does not include
passengers or luggage.
Maximum tire load
The maximum tire load in kilograms or pounds is
the maximum weight 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)
Standard unit of measurement for tire pressure.
Aspect ratio
Relationship between tire height and width in
percent.
tire pressure
Pressure inside the tire applying an outward
force to every square inch of the tire's surface.
Tire pressure is specified in pounds per square
inch (psi), in kilopascal (kPa) or in bar. Tire pres-
sure should only be corrected when the tires are
cold.
Cold tire pressure
The tires are cold:
Rif the vehicle has been parked for at least
three hours without direct sunlight on the
tires, and
Rif the vehicle has not been driven further than
1 mile (1.6 km)
Tire tread
The part of the tire that comes into contact with the road.
Tire bead
The tire bead ensures that the tire sits securely
on the wheel. There are several stee l 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
tire 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, a roof rack or a high-performance bat-
tery, are not included in the curb weight and the
weight of the accessories.
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
A unique identification number 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 composed of the
manufacturer identification code, tire size, tire
model code and manufacturing date.
What you should know about wheels and tires265
Wheels and tires
Z

tional tires, an arrow on the sidewall shows the
prescribed direction of rotation of the tire.
Twin rear tires:if the tires are of identical
dimensions, you can rotate the wheels on the
front axle and the inner wheels on the rear axle
in pairs such that the original direction of tire
rotation is retained. With unidirectional tires,
you may rotate the outside wheels at the rear
axle from one side to the other.
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 a spare wheel against the direc-
tion of rotation. Observe the time restriction on
use as well as the speed limitation specified on
the spare wheel.
Storing wheels
Store wheels that are not being used in a cool,
dry and preferably dark place. Protect the tires
from contact with oil, grease and fuel.
Mounting a wheel
Vehicle preparation
XStop the vehicle as far away as possible from
traffic and on a level, firm and non-slip sur-
face.
XIf your vehicle poses a risk to approaching
traffic, switch on the hazard warning lamps.
XApply the parking brake.
XTurn the front wheels to the straight-ahead
position.
XMove the selector lever of the automatic
transmission to position P.
XSwitch off the engine.
XPassengers should leave the vehicle. Make
sure that the passengers are not endangered
as they do so.
XMake sure that no one is near the danger area
while the wheel is being changed. Anyone
who is not directly assisting in the wheel change should, for example, stand behind the
barrier.
XPlace the warning triangle or warning lamp at
a suitable distance.
Observe legal requirements.
XSecure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
iObserve the safety notes on parking in the
section on "Driving and parking"
(
Ypage 130).
XOn level terrain: place chocks or other suit-
able objects under the front and rear of the
wheel that is diagonally opposite the wheel to
be changed.
XOn slight inclines: place chocks or other
suitabl e objects under the wheels on the front
and rear axles opposite the wheel to be
changed.
XTake the vehicle tool kit and the jack from the
footwell on the front-passenger side
(
Ypage 240).
XRemove the spare wheel from the spare wheel
bracket (Ypage 273). Observe the safety
notes in the "Spare wheel" section
(
Ypage 272).
XOn wheels with wheel bolts, remove the hub
caps.
XAssemble the lug wrench extension using the
middle rod and the rod with the largest diam-
eter from the three-piece jack pump lever.
XStarting with the middle rod, slide the lug
wrench extension as far as it will go onto the
lug wrench.
XUsing lug wrench :, loosen the wheel bolts/
wheel nuts on the wheel to be changed by
about one full turn. Do not unscrew the wheel bolts/nuts completely.
Changing wheels267
Wheels an d tires
Z

Slide the new wheel onto the wheel hub and
push it on.
Wheels with centering by wheel bolts:
XVehicles with alloy wheels: take the short
wheel bolts that secure the steel spare wheel
out of the vehicle tool kit.
XScrew in the wheel bolts and tighten them
lightly.
For wheels with wheel nuts:
XFront wheels with wheel nut covers: press the
wheel nut covers onto the wheel nuts.
XScrew in the three wheel nuts over the fixing
discs of the wheel nut cover.
XTurn the wheel so that the wheel bolts are in
the middle of the holes.
XScrew on the rest of the wheel nuts.
XSlightly tighten all the wheel nuts.
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.
!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 distorted to
such an extent that they can no longer be
used as a pump lever for the jack.
!Vehicles with Super Single tires: if you
install the spare wheel, do not exceed the
maximum speed of 40 mph (60 km/h) and do
not drive further than 65 miles(100 km).
The transmission could otherwise be dam-
aged by the difference in wheel rotation
speeds.
Tightening torque pattern
:—B
Wheel bolts or wheel nuts
XUsing the pump lever, slowly turn the lowering
screw on the jack through approximately one revolution and carefully lower the vehicle
(
Ypage 268).
XPut the jack aside.
XPull the rod with the smallest diameter off the
pump lever.
The shortened pump lever serves as a lug
wrench extension.
XStarting with the middle rod, slide the lug
wrench extension as far as it will go onto the
lug wrench.
XUsing the extended lug wrench, tighten the
wheel bolts evenly in a crosswise pattern in
the sequence indicated ( :toB).
Tighten the wheel bolts to the following tight-
ening torques:
RSteel wheel 177 lb-ft(240 Nm)
RAlloy wheel 133 lb-ft(180 Nm)
Tighten the wheel nuts to a tightening torque
of 133 lb-ft (180 Nm).
XPush the piston on the hydraulic jack in again
and close the pressure release screw.
XVehicles with all-wheel drive: turn the jack
spindle clockwise as far as it will go
(
Ypage 268).
XStow the jack and the rest of the vehicle tools
in the vehicle again.
iYou can now install the hub caps on steel
wheels with wheel bolts. The installing proce-
dure depends on whether the hub cap acts as
a trim that covers the whole wheel, or just
covers the center.
XWheel with hub cap: position the opening for
the tire valve in the hub cap over the tire valve.
XPush the edge of the hub cap with both hands against the wheel until it clicks into place.
Changing wheels271
Wheels and tires
Z

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 pres-
sure.
The procedure for mounting the spare wheel is
described in "Mounting a wheel" (
Ypage 267).
The following should be checked regularly, par-
ticularly prior to long journeys:
Rthe tire pressure of the spare wheel, which
should then be corrected if necessary
(
Ypage 250).
Rthe 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.
iIf you have mounted a spare wheel, the tire
pressure monitor (Ypage 253) will not func-
tion 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
XOpen the rear doors.
XPlace a screwdriver into recesses ;and then
pry off covers :.
XUsing the lug wrench from the vehicle tool kit
(Ypage 240), unscrew the now visible bolts
counter-clockwise by approximately 20 turns.
Spare wheel carrier under the vehicle
XSlightly raise spare wheel bracket Aand
unhook left-hand retaining hook =.
XAssemble the pump lever for the jack and
slide it into sleeve?on spare wheel bracket
A.
XRaise spare wheel bracket Awith the pump
lever and unhook right-hand retaining hook
=.
XSlowly lower spare wheel bracket Adown to
the ground.
XLift spare wheel bracket Aslightly and pull
the pump lever out of sleeve ?.
Spare wheel in the spare wheel carrier
Spare wheel273
Wheels and tires
Z

XUse the pump lever to lift the spare wheel
beyond the rear edge of the spare wheel car-
rier.
XCarefully remove the spare wheel from sparewheel bracket A.
The spare wheel is heavy. When the spare
wheel is removed, the center of gravity
changes due to the heavy weight of the wheel.
The spare wheel may slip down or tip over.
Installing
XCarefully place the spare wheel onto spare
wheel bracket A.
The spare wheel is heavy. When you place the
spare wheel onto spare wheel bracket A, the
center of gravity changes due to the weight of
the wheel. The spare wheel may slip down or
tip over.
XSlide the pump lever for the jack into
sleeve ?on spare wheel bracket A.
XRaise spare wheel bracket Awith the pump
lever and attach right-hand retaining hook =.
XSlightly raise spare wheel bracketAand
attach left-hand retaining hook =.
XPull the pump lever out of sleeve ?.
XUsing the lug wrench, tighten the retaining
hook bolts by turning them clockwise.
XReplace and engage covers:.
XClose the rear doors.
Cab Chassis version
Removing
XLoosen fender nuts=manually and then
remove them.
XLoosen nuts ;as far as the thread end.
XSlightly raise spare wheel bracket ?and
unhook left-hand retaining hook :.
XAssemble the pump lever for the jack and
slide it into the sleeve on the right-hand side
of spare wheel bracket?.
XRaise spare wheel bracket ?with the pump
lever and unhook right-hand retaining
hook :.
XSlowly lower spare wheel bracket ?down to
the ground.
XLift spare wheel bracket ?slightly and pull
the pump lever out of the sleeve.
XUse the pump lever to lift the spare wheel
beyond the rear edge of spare wheel
bracket ?.
XCarefully remove the spare wheel from the
bracket.
The spare wheel is heavy. When the spare
wheel is removed, the center of gravity
changes due to the heavy weight of the wheel.
The spare wheel may slip down or tip over.
Installing
XCarefully place the spare wheel onto spare
wheel bracket ?.
The spare wheel is heavy. When you place the
spare wheel onto spare wheel bracket ?, the
center of gravity changes due to the weight of
the wheel. The spare wheel may slip down or
tip over.
XRaise spare wheel bracket ?with the pump
lever and attach right-hand retaining hook :.
XSlightly raise spare wheel bracket?and
attach left-hand retaining hook :.
XPull the pump lever out.
XTighten nuts;.
XPut fender nuts =in place and tighten them.
274Spare wheel
Wheels and tires

Fuel additives
!Do not add gasoline or kerosene todiesel
fuel to improve its flow characteristics. Gas-
olin e or kerosene impairs the lubricating
properties of the diesel fuel. This can result in
damage to the fuel injection system, for
example.
Information on fuel consumption
HEnvironmental note
CO
2(carbon dioxide) is the gaswhich scien-
tists believe to be prin cipally responsible for
global warming (the greenhouse effect). Your veh icle'sCO
2emissions are directly related to
fuel consumption and therefore depend on:
Reff icie nt use of the fuel bythe engine
Rdriv ing style
Rother non-technical factors, such as envi-
ronmental influences, road conditions or
traff icflow
You can min imize your veh icle'sCO
2emis-
sions by driv ing carefully and having itserv-
iced regularly.
Fuel consumption depends on:
Rthe vehicleversion
Rthe style of driving
Rthe operating conditions
Rthe type or quality of the fuel used
The veh icle will use more fuel than usual inthe
fol lowin g situations:
Rat very low outside temperatures
Rincity traff ic
Rduring short journeys
Ron mountainous terrain
Rwhen to winga trailer
To keep fuel consumption low,observe the
advice inthe "Protection of the environment"
section (
Ypage 24).
The fol lowing components of the different veh i-
cle versions influence fuel consumption:
Rtire sizes, tire tread, tire pressure, tire cond i-
tion
Rbody
Rtransmission ratios for the drive assemblies
Radditional equipment (e.g. air-conditioning
system, auxil iary heating system)
For these reasons, the actual consumption fig-
ures for your vehicle may deviate from the con-
sumption figures determined according to EU
Directive 80 /1268/EE C.
Data concerning fuel consumption are recorded
in the on-board computer; use the steering
wheel buttons to call up the Trip computer
menu (
Ypage 174).
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
General notes
HEnvironmental note
Dispose of DEF in an environmentally respon-
sible manner.
When opening the DEF tank filler cap at high
outside temperatures, ammonia vapors may
escape.
Ammonia vapors have a pungent smell and pri-
marily cause irritation of the:
Rskin
Rmucous membranes
Reyes
You may experience a burning sensation in your
eyes, nose and throat, as well as coughing and
watering of the eyes.
Do not inhale ammonia vapors. Avoid contact
with DEF.
Do not allow DEF to come into direct contact
with your skin; it is hazardous to your health.
Rinse any affected areas off with plenty of clean water. Consult a doctor if necessary.
If DEF heats up, e.g. in direct sunlight, in the DEF
supply reservoir for some time to over 122 ‡
(50 †), ammonia vapor will develop.
To conform to emission regulations, you must
operate the vehicle with DEF and refill the supply
regularly. The engine management recognizes
attempts to operate the vehicle without DEF,
with thinned DEF or with another reducing
agent. After previous warning messages, the
engine management then prevents a further
engine start.
When the number of remaining engine starts is 0
the engine management prevents the vehicle
from being driven at a speed exceeding 5 mph
Service products and capacities279
Technical data
Z