R
tears in the tires
R bulges on tires
R deformation or severe corrosion on wheels
Regularly check the tire tread depth and the
condition of the tread across the whole width of
all tires (Y page 328). If necessary, turn the
front wheels to full lock in order to inspect the
inner side of the tire surface.
All wheels must have a valve cap to protect the
valve against dirt and moisture. Do not mount
anything onto the valve other than the standard valve cap or other valve caps approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle. Do not use anyother valve caps or systems, e.g. tire pressure
monitoring systems.
Regularly check the pressure of all the tires par- ticularly prior to long trips. Adjust the tire pres-
sure as necessary (Y page 330).
Observe the notes on the emergency spare
wheel (Y page 353).
The service life of tires depends, among other
things, on the following factors:
R Driving style
R Tire pressure
R Distance covered Notes on tire tread
G
WARNING
If there is insufficient tire tread, the tire trac-
tion decreases. The tire tread is no longer able to dissipate water. This increases the risk of
hydroplaning when the road surface is wet,
particularly when the vehicle's speed is not
adapted to the road conditions. There is a risk
of an accident.
When the tire pressure is too high or too low,
tires may wear differently at different points
on the tire tread. Therefore, regularly check
the tire tread depth and the condition of the
tread across the whole width of all tires.
Minimum tire tread depth on:
R Summer tires: 00CEin (3 mm)
R M+S tires: 00CFin (4 mm)
For safety reasons, have the tires replaced
before they reach the legally prescribed min-
imum tire tread depth. Marking
0043shows where the bar indicator
(arrow) for tread wear is integrated into the tire
tread.
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by law. Six indicators are positioned on the tire tread.
They are visible once a tread depth of approx-
imately 00CDin (1.6 mm) has been reached. If this
is the case, the tire is so worn that it must be
replaced. Selecting, mounting and replacing
tires
R Only mount tires and wheels of the same type
and make.
Exception: it is permissible to mount a differ-
ent type or make in the event of a flat tire.
Observe here the "MOExtended tires (tires
with run-flat characteristics)" section
(Y page 311).
R Only mount tires of the correct size onto the
wheels.
R Break in new tires at moderate speeds for the
first 60 miles (100 km). The new tires only
reach their full performance after this dis-
tance.
R Do not drive with tires which have too little
tread depth. This significantly reduces the
traction on wet roads (hydroplaning).
R Replace the tires after six years at the latest,
regardless of wear.
Observe the notes on the emergency spare
wheel (Y page 353). MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties)
With MOExtended tires (tires with run flat char- acteristics), you can continue to drive your vehi- 328
OperationWheels and tires
All about wheels and tires
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Stand-
ards
Overview of Tire Quality Grading Stand- ards Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards are U.S.
government specifications. Their purpose is to
provide drivers with uniform reliable information on tire performance data. Tire manufacturers
have to grade tires using three performance fac-
tors: 0043tread wear grade, 0044traction grade and
0087 temperature grade. These regulations do not
apply to Canada. Nevertheless, all tires sold in
North America are provided with the corre-
sponding quality grading markings on the side-
wall of the tire.
Quality grades can be found, where applicable,
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width.
Example:
R Treadwear grade: 200
R Traction grade: AA
R Temperature grade: A
All passenger car tires must conform to the stat-
utory safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
i The actual values for tires are vehicle-spe-
cific and may deviate from the values in the
illustration.
Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified U.S.
government course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half times as well
on the government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices
and differences in road characteristics and cli-
mate.
Traction G
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor- nering, hydroplaning, or peak traction char-
acteristics.
! Avoid wheelspin. This can lead to damage to
the drive train.
The traction grades – from highest to lowest –
are AA, A, B and C. Those grades represent the
tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as meas-
ured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy
road is always lower than on dry road surfaces.
You should pay special attention to road condi-
tions when temperatures are around freezing
point.
Mercedes-Benz recommends a minimum tread
depth of 00CFin (4 mm) on all four winter tires.
Observe the legally required minimum tire tread
depth (Y page 328). Winter tires can reduce the
braking distance on snow-covered surfaces in
comparison with summer tires. The braking dis-
tance is still much further than on surfaces that
are not icy or covered with snow. Take appro-
priate care when driving.
Further information on winter tires (M+S tires)
(Y page 329).
Temperature G
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is estab-
lished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla-
tion, or excessive loading, either separately or All about wheels and tires
341Wheels and tires
Z
in combination, can cause excessive heat
build-up and possible tire failure.
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus- tained high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum required by law. Tire labeling
Overview 0043
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards
(Ypage 345)
0044 Department of Transportation, Tire Identifi-
cation Number (Y page 345)
0087 Maximum load rating (Y page 344)
0085 Maximum tire pressures (Y page 333)
0083 Manufacturer
0084 Tire material (Y page 345)
006B Tire size designation, load-bearing capacity
and speed rating (Y page 342)
006C Load index (Y page 344)
006D Tire name The markings described above are on the tire in
addition to the tire name (sales designation) and the manufacturer's name.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may deviate
from the data in the example.
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed rating G
WARNING
Exceeding the stated tire load-bearing capa-
city and the approved maximum speed could
lead to tire damage or the tire bursting. There is a risk of accident.
Therefore, only use tire types and sizes
approved for your vehicle model. Observe the
tire load rating and speed rating required for
your vehicle. 0043
Tire width
0044 Nominal aspect ratio in %
0087 Tire code
0085 Rim diameter
0083 Load bearing index
0084 Speed rating
General: depending on the manufacturer's
standards, the size imprinted in the tire wall may not contain any letters or may contain one letterthat precedes the size description.
If there is no letter preceding the size descrip-
tion (as shown above): these are passenger
vehicle tires according to European manufac-
turing standards.
If "P" precedes the size description: these are
passenger vehicle tires according to U.S. man-
ufacturing standards. 342
All about wheels and tiresWheels and tires
If "LT" precedes the size description: these are
light truck tires according to U.S. manufacturing standards.
If "T" precedes the size description: compact
emergency wheels with high tire pressure that
are only designed for temporary use in an emer-
gency.
Tire width: tire width0043shows the nominal tire
width in millimeters.
Height-width ratio: aspect ratio0044is the size
ratio between the tire height and tire width and is shown in percent. The aspect ratio is calcula-ted by dividing the tire width by the tire height.
Tire code: tire code0087specifies the tire type.
"R" represents radial tires; "D" represents diag-
onal tires; "B" represents diagonal radial tires.
Optionally, tires with a maximum speed of over
149 mph (240 km/h) may have "ZR" in the size description, depending on the manufacturer
(e.g. 245/40 ZR 18).
Rim diameter: rim diameter0085is the diameter
of the bead seat, not the diameter of the rim
flange. The rim diameter is specified in
inches (in).
Load-bearing index: load-bearing index0083is a
numerical code that specifies the maximum
load-bearing capacity of a tire.
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 (Y page 337).
Example:
Load-bearing index 91 indicates a maximum
load of 1,356 lb (615 kg) that the tires can bear.
For further information on the maximum tire
load in kilograms and lbs, see (Y page 344).
For further information on the load bearing
index, see "Load index" (Y page 344).
Speed rating: speed rating0084specifies the
approved maximum speed of the tire.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may deviate
from the data in the example.
Regardless of the speed rating, always observe
the speed limits. Drive carefully and adapt your
driving style to the traffic conditions. Summer tires Index Speed rating
Q up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
R up to 106 mph (170 km/h)
S up to 112 mph (180 km/h)
T up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
W up to 168 mph (270 km/h)
Y up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR...Y up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR...(..Y) over 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR over 149 mph (240 km/h)
R
Optionally, tires with a maximum speed of
over 149 mph (240 km/h) may have "ZR" in
the size description, depending on the man-
ufacturer (e.g. 245/40 ZR18).
The service specification is made up of load-
bearing index 0083and speed rating 0084.
R If the size description of your tire includes
"ZR" and there are no service specifications,
ask the tire manufacturer in order to find out
the maximum speed.
If a service specification is available, the max-
imum speed is limited according to the speed rating in the service specification. Example:
245/40 ZR18 97 Y.In this example, "97 Y" is
the service specification. The letter "Y" rep-
resents the speed rating. The maximum
speed of the tire is limited to 186 mph
(300 km/h).
R The size description for all tires with maxi-
mum speeds of over 186 mph (300 km/h)
must include "ZR", andthe service specifica-
tion must be given in parentheses. Example:
275/40 ZR 18 (99 Y). Speed rating "(Y)" indi- cates that the maximum speed of the tire is
over 186 mph (300 km/h). Ask the tire man-
ufacturer about the maximum speed. All about wheels and tires
343Wheels and tires Z
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
This is pressure inside the tire applying an out-
ward force to each square inch of the tire's sur-
face. 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.
BeadThe 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.
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, level control, a roof rack or a high-per-
formance battery, are not included in the curb
weight and the weight of the accessories.
TIN (Tire Identification Number) This is a unique identifier which can be used by
a tire manufacturer to identify tires, for example for a product recall, and thus identify the pur-
chasers. The TIN is made up of the manufactur-
er's identity code, tire size, tire type code and
the 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 (Tongue Weight Rating)
The TWR specifies the maximum permissible
weight that the ball coupling of the trailer tow
hitch can support.
Treadwear indicators 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 00CDin (1.6 mm)
has been reached.
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle at their designated seating positions.
Total load limit Nominal load and luggage load plus 68 kg
(150 lbs) multiplied by the number of seats in
the vehicle. Changing a wheel
Flat tire
The "Breakdown assistance" section
(Y page 310) contains information and notes on
how to deal with a flat tire. Information on driv-
ing with MOExtended tires in the event of a flat
tire can be found under "MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat characteristics" (Y page 311).
Vehicles with an emergency spare wheel: in
the event of a flat tire, mount the emergency
spare wheel according to the description under "Mounting a wheel" (Y page 348). Rotating the wheels
G
WARNING
Rotating the front and rear wheels if the
wheels or tires have different dimensions may severely impair the driving characteristics.
The service brake or wheel suspension com- Changing a wheel
347Wheels and tires
Z
All other mod-
els with:
0043 0043
Height when
opened 0044
0044
Max.
headroom Steel suspen-
sion
90.4 in
(2296 mm) 78.2 in
(1986 mm) AIRMATIC
Package
89.3 in -
91.8 in
(2267 mm - 2332 mm) 76.7 in -
79.6 in
(1947 mm - 2022 mm) Merc
edes-
AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC
Coupe Vehicle length
193.6 in
(4918 mm) Vehicle height
67.6 in
(1718 mm) Vehicle width including
exterior mirrors
83.8 in
(2129 mm) Wheelbase
114.8 in
(2915 mm) Minimum ground clear-
ance
8.0 in
(202 mm) Turning radius
38.7 ft
(11.80 m) Maximum roof load
165.3 lb
(75 kg) All other models
Vehicle length, Mercedes-
AMG GLE 43 4MATIC Coupe
192.6 in
(4891 mm) Vehicle length, all other
models
192.9 in
(4900 mm) Vehicle width including
exterior mirrors
83.8 in
(2129 mm) Maximum vehicle height
(steel suspension)
68.1 in
(1731 mm) Maximum vehicle height
(AIRMATIC package)
69.6 in
(1769 mm) All other models
Minimum vehicle height
(AIRMATIC package)
67.7 in
(1719 mm) Wheelbase
114.8 in
(2915 mm) Maximum ground clear-
ance (steel suspension)
8.1 in
(206 mm) Maximum ground clear-
ance (AIRMATIC package)
9.8 in
(248 mm) Minimum ground clear-
ance (AIRMATIC package)
6.8 in
(173 mm) Turning radius
38.7 ft
(11.80 m) Maximum roof load
165.3 lb
(75 kg) Vehicle width to the outer tire side-
walls
Missing values were not available at time of
going to print.
0043 0043
Vehicle width to the outer tire
sidewalls (rear axle) All-round tires
Mixed size tires Vehicle data
365Technical data Z
The vehicle widths specified may differ depend-
ing on:
R Tires
R Load
R Condition of the suspension Vehicle data for off-road driving
Maximum water depth
! The water depth must not exceed the speci-
fied value. Note that the permissible water
depth is less in flowing water. Maximum water depth
0043consult the following
table.
On vehicles with the AIRMATIC package, loads
up to the maximum permissible load have no
influence on the maximum water depth. Model Maximum
water depth All models
19.7 in
(50 cm) For more information about off-road fording, see
(Y page 151). Approach/departure angle
0043
Angle of approach
0044 Angle of departure
You can find the angles of approach and depar-
ture in the following table.
On vehicles with the AIRMATIC package, loads
up to the maximum permissible load have no
influence on approach and departure angles.
All vehicles (except vehicles with AMG body- styling) Model
0043 0043 0044
0044
Steel-sprung vehi-
cles
22° 24°
Vehicles with the
AIRMATIC package
Normal level 22° 24°
Raised level 26° 27°
Mercedes-AMG
vehicles
Raised level 22° 24°
Vehicles with AMG bodystyling
Model
0043 0043 0044
0044
Steel-sprung vehi-
cles
23° 24°
Vehicles with the
AIRMATIC package
Normal level 23° 24°
Raised level 26° 27°
For further information about approach/depar-
ture angles, see (Y
page 155).366
Vehicle data for off-road drivingTechnical data