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.
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 (permissible trailer drawbar load)
The TWR is the maximum permissible weight
that may act on the ball coupling of the trailer
tow hitch.
Wear indicator
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.
Distribution of the vehicle occupants
The distribution of vehicle occupants over des-
ignated seat positions in a vehicle.
Maximum permissible payload weight
Nominal load and goods/luggage load plus
68 kg (150 lb s)multiplied by the number of
seats in the vehicle.
Changing wheels
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.
Always observe the instructions and safety
notes under "Mounting a wheel" (
Ypage 297).
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 tires 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 rotation.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and the
brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel is rota-
ted. Avoid oily or greasy cleaning agents.
Check the tire pressure and reactivate the tire
pressure monitor 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 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.
296Changing wheels
Wheels and tires
Rear axle
Operating fluid: transmission oil
Product name/numberMaintenanceinterval
Mobilube FE 75W-85
Mobilube FE Plus NG
75W-85
MB Sheet No. 235.7—
More information can be obtained at any quali-
fied specialist workshop.
Brake fluid
GWARNING
The brake fluid constantly absorbs moisture
from the air. This lowers the boiling point of
the brake fluid. If the boiling point of the brake
fluid is too low, vapor pockets may form in the
brake system when the brakes are applied
hard. This would impair braking efficiency.
There is a risk of an accident.
You should have the brake fluid renewed at
the specified intervals.
!Brake fluid corrodes paint, plastic and rub-
ber. If paint, plastic or rubber has come into
contact with brake fluid, rinse with water
immediately.
When handling, storing and disposing of brake
fluid, please observe the relevant regulations
and the important safety notes for service prod-
ucts (
Ypage 304).
Over a period of time, the brake fluid absorbs
moisture from the air. This reduces its boiling
point.
Have the brake fluid replaced at specified inter-
vals by a qualified specialist workshop.
iThere is usually a notice in the engine com-
partment to remind you when the next brake
fluid change is due.
Use only approved brake fluids that comply with the Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service
Products. Always check for the identification
DOT 4 plus. Information about approved brake fluids can be
obtained:
Ron the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.co m.
Coolant
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If antifreeze comes into contact with hot com- ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Let the engine cool down before you add anti-
freeze. Make sure that antifreeze is not spilled
next to the filler neck. Thoroughly clean the
antifreeze from components before starting
the engine.
!Take care not to spill any coolant on painted
surfaces. You could otherwise damage the
paintwork.
When handling, storing and disposing of coolant
and antifreeze, please observe the relevant reg-
ulations and the important safety notes for oper-
ating fluids (
Ypage 304).
Coolant additive with corrosion and
antifreeze protection
!Use only approved antifreeze/corrosion
inhibitor that complies with MB Specification for Service Products, Sheet Number 325.
Using other, non-approved antifreeze/corro-
sion inhibitors may cause damage to the cool-
ant system and reduce the engine's service
life.
The coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze
and corrosion inhibitor. It performs the following
tasks:
RAnti-corrosion protection
RAntifreeze protection
RRaises the boiling point
When the vehicle is first delivered, it is filled with
a coolant mixture that ensures adequate anti-
freeze/corrosion protection. Coolant must
remain in the engine cooling system all year
round to ensure anti-corrosion protection and a
higher boiling point, even in countries with high
outside temperatures.
Service products and capacities309
Technical data
Z