Speed rating The speed rating is part of the tire identification.
It specifies the speed range for which the tire is
approved.
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
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 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 B-pillar on the driver's side.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight The maximum weight is the sum of: R
the curb weight of the vehicle R
the weight of the accessories R
the load limit R
the 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 kilopascals (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 tire load is the maximum permis-
sible 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 Pressure inside the tire applying an outward
force to every 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.
Cold tire pressure The tires are cold: R
if the vehicle has been parked with the tires
out of direct sunlight 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.All about wheels and tires 311
Wheels and tires Z
Vehicles with a tire pressure control sys-
tem: all installed wheels must be equipped with
functioning sensors.
Wheel and tire combinations You can ask for information regarding permitted
wheel-tire combinations at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
! For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use tires and wheels
which have been approved by Mercedes-Benz
specifically for your vehicle.
These tires have been specially adapted for
use with the control systems, such as ABS or
ESP ®
, and are marked as follows: R
MO = Mercedes-Benz Original R
MOE = Mercedes-Benz Original Extended
(tires featuring run-flat characteristics) R
MO1 = Mercedes-Benz Original (only cer-
tain AMG tires)
Mercedes-Benz Original Extended tires may
only be used on wheels that have been spe-
cifically approved by Mercedes-Benz.
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.
Informati on o n tires, wheels and approved
combi
nations can be obtained from any quali-
fied specialist workshop.
! 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. The recommended pressures for various oper-
ating conditions can be found: R
on the Tire and Loading Information placard
on the B-pillar on the driver's side R
in the tire pressure table in the fuel filler flap
Observe the notes on recommended tire pres-
sures under various operating conditions
( Y
page 295).
Check tire pressures regularly, and only when
the tires are cold. Comply with the maintenance
recommendations of the tire manufacturer in
the vehicle document wallet.
Notes on the vehicle equipment – always equip
the vehicle with: R
with tires of the same size on a given axle (left
and right) R
the same type of tires at a given time (summer
tires, winter tires, MOExtended tires)
Exception: it is permissible to install a differ-
ent type or make in the event of a flat tire.
Observe the "MOExtended tires (tires with
run-flat characteristics" section ( Y
page 278).
Vehi cles equipped with MOExtended tires are
not equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the factory. It
is therefore recommended that you additionally
equip your vehicle with a TIREFIT kit if you mount
tires that do not feature run-flat properties, e.g.
winter tires. A TIREFIT kit may be obtained from
a qualified specialist workshop.
Emergency spare wheel
Important safety notes
G WARNING
The wheel or tire size as well as the tire type of
the spare wheel or emergency spare wheel
and the wheel to be replaced may differ.
Mounting an emergency spare wheel may
severely impair the driving characteristics.
There is a risk of an accident.
To avoid hazardous situations: R
adapt your driving style accordingly and
drive carefully. R
never mount more than one spare wheel or
emergency spare wheel that differs in size. R
only use a spare wheel or emergency spare
wheel of a different size briefly.Emergency spare wheel 317
Wheels and tires Z
R
do not switch ESP ®
off.R
have a spare wheel or emergency spare
wheel of a different size replaced at the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
Observe that the wheel and tire dimensions
as well as the tire type must be correct.
When using an emergency spare wheel or spare
wheel of a different size, you must not exceed
the maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
Snow chains must not be mounted on emer-
gency spare wheels.
General notes You can ask for information regarding permitted
emergency spare wheels at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
You should regularly check the pressure of the
emergency spare wheel, particularly prior to
long trips, and correct the pressure as neces-
sary ( Y
page 295). The value on the wheel is
valid.
An emergency spare wheel may also be moun-
ted against the direction of rotation. Observe
the time restriction on use as well as the speed
limitation specified on the emergency spare
wheel.
Replace the tires after six years at the latest,
regardless of wear. This also applies to the
emergency spare wheel.
i When you are driving with the collapsible
spare wheel mounted, the tire pressure loss
warning system or the tire pressure monitor
cannot function reliably. Only restart the tire
pressure loss warning system or tire pressure
monitor when the defective wheel has been
replaced with a new wheel.
Vehicles with tire pressure monitor: after
mounting an emergency spare wheel, the sys-
tem may still display the tire pressure of the
removed wheel for a few minutes. The value
displayed for the mounted emergency spare
wheel is not the same as the current tire pres-
sure of the emergency spare wheel. "Minispare" emergency spare wheel/
collapsible spare wheel
Opening the stowage well
The emergency spare wheel can be found in the
stowage well under the trunk floor. X
Lift the trunk floor upwards ( Y
page 247).X
Remove stowage space C .
Removing the "Minispare" emergency
spare wheel
X
Turn stowage well D counter-clockwise and
remove it together with vehicle tool kit
tray C . X
Remove "Minispare" emergency spare wheel