The essentials
the wheel condition and hub mounting surfa-
c e
s.
These surfaces must be clean before fit-
ting the wheel.
Tyres with compulsory direction of ro-
tation A directional tread pattern can be identified
by
the arr
ows on the sidewall that point in
the direction of rotation. Always observe the
direction of rotation indicated when fitting
the wheel to guarantee optimum properties
of this type of tyres with regard to grip,
noises, wear and aquaplaning.
If it is absolutely necessary to fit the spare
tyre* against the direction of rotation, drive
with care as this means the tyre does not of-
fer optimum driving properties. This is of par-
ticular importance when the road surface is
wet.
To return to directional tread tires, replace
the punctured tyre as soon as possible and
restore the obligatory direction of rotation of
all tyres.
Subsequent work ●
Alloy wheels: rep
l
ace the wheel bolt caps.
● Plate wheels: fit the centr
al wheel rim again
››› page 64. ●
Return al
l tools to their proper storing loca-
tion.
● If the replaced wheel does not fit in the
spar
e wheel housing, store it safely in the
luggage compartment ›››
page 162.
● Check the tyre pressure of the newly moun-
ted tyr
e as soon as possible.
● In vehicles fitted with a tyre pressure indi-
cator
, adjust the pressure and store the read-
ing in the radio/Easy Connect system*
››› page 311.
● Have the tightening torque of the wheel
bolts c
hecked as soon as possible with a tor-
que wrench (it should be 140 Nm). Mean-
while, drive carefully.
● Have the flat tyre replaced as quickly as
poss
ible.
Snow chains Use Snow chains should only be used on the
fr
ont
wheel
s.
Check that they are correctly seated after
driving for a few yards; correct the position if
necessary, in accordance with the manufac-
turer's fitting instructions. Keep your speed
below 50 km/h (30 mph). If there is a danger of being trapped despite
havin
g mounted the chains, it is best to disa-
ble the driving wheels (ASR) in the ESC
››› page 191, Switching on/off the ESC
and ASR.
Snow chains will improve braking ability as
well as traction in winter conditions.
For technical reasons snow chains may only
be used with the following wheel rim/tyre
combination.
215/60 R16Chains with links of maximum 15 mm
215/55 R17Chains with links of maximum 15 mm
215/50 R18Chains with links of maximum 15 mm
Other dimensions do not allow chains Remove any central wheel trims and the rim
rin
g bef
or
e fitting snow chains.
Remove the chains when roads are free of
snow. Driving characteristics worsen, and the
wheels become damaged quickly and may
even be rendered unusable. 67
