the year of manufacture. For example, a tire that
is marked with "3208" was manufactured in
week 32 in 2008.
iTire data is vehicle-specific and may deviate
from the data in the example.
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.
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 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
United States Department of Transportation.
Average weight of vehicle occupants
The number of occupants for which the vehicle
is designed multiplied by 68 kilograms (150 lbs).
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards
A uniform standard to grade the quality of tires
with regard to tread quality, traction and tem-
perature characteristics. The quality grading
assessment is made by the manufacturer fol-
lowing specifications from the U.S government.
The quality grade of a tire is imprinted on the
sidewall of the tire.
Recommended tire pressure
The recommended tire pressures are the pres-
sures specified for the tires mounted on the
vehicle at the factory.
The tire and load information table
1contains the
recommended tire pressures for cold tires, the
maximum permissible load and the maximu
m
permissible vehicle speed.
The tire pressure table contains the recommen-
ded tire pressure for cold tires under various
operating conditions, i.e. loading and/or speed
of the vehicle.
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.
Wheel rim
The part of the wheel on which the tire is moun-
ted.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
GAWR is the maximum gross axle weight rating.
The actual load on an axle must never exceed
the gross axle weight rating. You can find the
maximum gross axle weight rating on the B-pillar
on the driver's side (
Ypage 303).
Speed index
The speed index is part of the tire identification. It specifies the speed range for which the tire is
approved.
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
GTW is the total of weight of a trailer and the
weight of the load, accessories etc. on the
trailer.
1Only for vehicles with a gross weight of less than 10,000 lbs (4536 kg).
294What you should know about wheels and tires
Wheels and tires
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
The gross vehicle weight includes the weight of
the vehicle including fuel, tools, spare wheel,
accessories installed, occupants, luggage and
the drawbar noseweight if applicable. The gross
vehicle weight must never exceed the permissi-
ble gross weight (GVWR) specified on the
B-pillar on the driver's side (
Ypage 303).
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 permissible gross weight is
specified on the vehicle identification plate on
the B-pillar on the driver's side (
Ypage 303).
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 equipment if 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 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
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 theweight of the accessories.
What you should know about wheels and tires295
Wheels and tires
Z
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
Only use wheel bolts that have been designed
for the wheel and the vehicle. For safety rea-
sons, Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
only use wheel bolts which have been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and the respective
wheel.
!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.
XClean the wheel and wheel hub contact sur-
faces.
XSlide the new wheel onto the wheel hub and
push it on.
XScrew in the wheel bolts and tighten them
lightly.
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.
:—AWheel bolts
XPlace the adapter and the ratchet on the hex-
agon head nut of the jack such that the let-
tering AB/DOWN is visible.
XTurn the ratchet in the AB/DOWNdirection
until the vehicle is once again standing firmly
on the ground.
XPut the jack aside.
XTighten the wheel bolts evenly in a crosswise
pattern in the sequence indicated (: toA).
Tighten the wheel bolts to the following tight-
ening torques:
RSteel wheel 147 lb-ft(200 Nm)
RAlloy wheel 133 lb-ft(180 Nm)
XTurn the jack back to its out-of-use position.
XStow the jack and the rest of the tire-change
tool kit in the vehicle again.
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.
Make sure the hub cap retaining catches
engage on the steel wheel.
XIf included in the vehicle equipment, secure
the faulty wheel in the spare wheel bracket
(
Ypage 301). Otherwise, transport the faulty
wheel in the cargo compartment.
XCheck the tire pressure of the newly mounted
wheel and adjust it if necessary.
Observe the recommended tire pressure
(
Ypage 280).
Vehicles with the tire pressure monitor sys-
tem: all mounted wheels must be equipped
with functioning sensors.
XRetighten the wheel bolts or wheel nuts to the
specified tightening torque after the vehicle
has been driven for 30 miles (50 km).
Changing wheels299
Wheels and tires
Z
When using a wheel/spare wheel with a new or
newly painted wheel rim, have the wheel bolts/
nuts retightened again after approximately 600
to 3,000 miles (1,000 to 5,000 km). Observe the
specified tightening torque.
Wheel and tire combination
General notes
!
Retreaded tires are neither tested nor rec-
ommended by Mercedes-Benz, since previ-
ous damage cannot always be detected on
retreaded tires. As a result, Mercedes-Benz
cannot guarantee vehicle safety if retreaded
tires are mounted. Do not mount used tires if you have no information about their previous
usage.
!For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use tires, wheels and
accessories which have been specially
approved by Mercedes-Benz 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 on wheels, tires and
approved combinations can be obtained from
any qualified specialist workshop.
!Large wheels: the lower the section width
for a certain wheel size, the lower the ride
comfort is on poor road surfaces. Roll comfort and suspension comfort are reduced and the
risk of damage to the wheels and tires as a
result of driving over obstacles increases.
You will find a table with the recommended tire
pressures for various vehicle loads on the inside
of your vehicle's fuel filler flap or under "Tire
pressure tables" (
Ypage 288). You can find fur-
ther information under "Tire pressure"
(
Ypage 280).
Check tire pressures regularly and only when
the tires are cold.
Notes on the vehicle equipment – always equip
the vehicle:
Rwith tires of the same size across an axle
(left/right)
Rwith the same type of tires on all wheels at a
given time (summer tires, winter tires)
iNot all wheel/tire combinations can be
installed at the factory in all countries.
Tires
R 17
TiresSteel wheels
225/55 R17 RF (XL) 101V6.5 J x 17 H2 ET 50
225/55 R17 RF (XL) 101H6.5 J x 17 H2 ET 50
R 17
TiresAlloy wheels
225/55 R17 RF (XL) 101V7 J x 17 H2 ET 51
225/55 R17 RF (XL) 101H7 J x 17 H2 ET 51
300Wheel and tire combination
Wheels and tires
Spare wheel
Important safety notes
GWARNING
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:
Ryou should therefore adapt your driving
style and drive carefully.
Rnever mount more than one spare wheel
that differs from the wheel to be replaced.
Ronly use a spare wheel that differs from the
wheel to be replaced for a short time.
Rdo not deactivate ESP®.
Rhave 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 permissible speed of
50 mph (80 km/h).
General notes
The procedure for mounting the spare wheel is
described in "Mounting a wheel" (Ypage 297).
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 280)
Rthe fastenings of the spare wheel bracket
The spare wheel is located either in the left rear
compartment or in a spare wheel bracket under
the vehicle.
Replace the tires after six years at the latest,
regardless of wear. This also applies to the spare
wheel.
Vehicles with tire pressure monitor: the
spare wheel is not equipped with a sensor for
monitoring tire pressure. If you have installed a spare wheel, the tire pressure monitor will not
function for this wheel. The system may con-
tinue to show the tire pressure of the wheel that
has been removed for a few minutes. The value
displayed for the position where the spare wheel
is installed is not the same as the current tire
pressure of the spare wheel.
When you are driving with the spare wheel
mounted, the tire pressure monitor cannot func-
tion reliably. Only restart the tire pressure mon- itor when the defective wheel has been replaced
with a new wheel and sensor.
More Information can be found under "Tire pres-
sure monitor" (
Ypage 284).
Removing and installing the spare
wheel
Spare wheel under the rear of the vehi-
cle
Removing
XTake the lug wrench and auxiliary tool for the
spare wheel lifter out of the vehicle tool kit
(
Ypage 270).
XOpen the tailgate/rear door.
XCarefully pry off protective cap :with a suit-
able tool, e.g. a screwdriver. Be careful not to
damage the paintwork or the covering cap
when doing so.
Spare wheel301
Wheels and tires
Z
The following components of the different vehi-
cle versions influence fuel consumption:
Rtire sizes, tire tread, tire pressure, tire condi-
tion
Rtransmission ratios for the drive assemblies
Radditional equipment (e.g. air-conditioning
system, auxiliary 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.
Details on fuel consumption can be called up in
the on-board computer:
Ron vehicles without steering wheel buttons
(Ypage 172)
Ron vehicles with steering wheel buttons
(Ypage 179)
Engine oil
General notes
When handling engine oil, observe the important
safety notes on operating fluids (Ypage 304).
The quality of the engine oil used is of decisive
importance for the engine's functionality and
operating life. Mercedes-Benz continually
approves engine oils based on complex experi-
ments according to the current state of the art. Therefore, only Mercedes-Benz approved
engine oils may be used in Mercedes-Benz
engines. Mercedes-Benz recommends having
the oil changed at a qualified specialist work-
shop. Information about engine oils approved by
Mercedes-Benz can be obtained:
Rfrom any Mercedes-Benz Commercial Van
Center
Ron the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.co
mbyenterin g
th edesignation ,e.g. 229.5.
Mercedes-Ben zapprova lis indicate don th eoil
container by th einscription „MB-Freigabe “or
„MB Approval“ and th ecorrespondin gdesigna-
tion ,e.g. MB-Freigabe or MB Approval 229.5.
Designation sof th eapprove dengin eoils for
your vehicl e
MB-Freigabe or MB
Approval229.5
Mercedes-Ben zrecommends that you only use
approve dmultigrade engin eoils of th eSA E
classe sSA E0W-30 and SA E0W-40 or
SA E5W-30 and SA E5W-40. These engin eoils
ensur eoptimum lubrication eve nat ver ylow
outside temperatures (
Ypage 308).
Whe ntoppin gup, we recommen dthat you only
use engin eoil of th esam egrade (MB-Freigabe
or MB Approvaldesignation )and SA Eclass as
th eoil filled at th elast oil change.
iIf th eengin eoils listed in th etable are no t
available, you may add th efollowin gengin e
oils until th enext oil change:
RMB-Freigabe or MB Approval 229.1, or
ACE AA3
This mus tonly be added once and th eamount
mus tno tbe greate rthan 1qt (1. 0l).
Subsequentl yhav eth eengin eoil changed at
th eearliest possibl eopportunity.
!Using engin eoils of another grade qualit yis
no tpermitted.
Capacities
!Do no tadd to omuc hoil. addin gto omuc h
engin eoil can result in damage to th eengin e
or to th ecatalytic converter. Hav eexcess
engin eoil siphoned off .
Oil change includin goil filter
Engin eoilApprox. 2US gal
(7.75 l)
Service products and capacities307
Technical data
Z