Display message ............................ 268
Distribution of the vehicle occu-
pants (definition) ............................ 372
DOT (Department of Transporta-
tion) (definition) ............................. 370
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 370
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) .................................... .371
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) (defi-
nition) ............................................ 371
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) (def-
inition) .......................................... .371
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ing) (definition) .............................. 371
Important safety notes .................. 352
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ...... 371
Information on driving .................... 352
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ........... 371
Labeling (overview )........................ 367
Load bearing index (definition) ...... 372
Load index ..................................... 369
Load index (definition) ................... 371
M+S tire s....................................... 354
Maximum load on a tire (defini-
tion) ............................................... 371
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 371
Maximum permissible tire pres-
sure (definition) ............................. 371
Maximum tire load ......................... 369
Maximum tire load (definition) ....... 371
MOExtended tire s.......................... 353
Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 372
PSI (pounds per square inch) (def-
inition) ........................................... 372
Replacing ....................................... 372
Service life ..................................... 353
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 372
Snow chains .................................. 354
Speed rating (definition) ................ 371
Storing ........................................... 373
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 370
Summer tires in winter .................. 354
Temperature .................................. 366 TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 372
Tire bead (definition) ...................... 372
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 372
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 371
Tire size (data) ............................... 377
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 367
Tire tread ....................................... 353
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 372
Total load limit (definition) ............. 372
Traction ......................................... 366
Traction (definition) ....................... 372
Tread wear ..................................... 366
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................. 372
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 366
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 370
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 372
Wheel and tire combination ........... 377
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 371
see Flat tire
Tool
see Vehicle tool kit
Top Tether ............................................ 63
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 349
Important safety notes .................. 346
Towing
Permitted towing methods ............ 347
Towing a trailer
Axle load, permissibl e.................... 392
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 331
Coupling up a traile r...................... 224
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 226
Driving tip s.................................... 222
Important safety notes .................. 221
Installing the ball coupling ............. 223
Lights display message .................. 257
Mounting dimensions .................... 392
Parking Assist PARKTRONIC .......... 189
Power supply ................................. 227
Pulling away with a traile r.............. 143
Removing the ball coupling ............ 226
Trailer load s................................... 392 22
Index
wards, e.g. when braking suddenly or in the
event of an accident.
R The vehicle occupant would thereby be
pushed into the seat belt by the rear bench
seat/rear seat or by the seat backrest. The
seat belt can no longer offer the intended
level of protection and could even cause
injuries.
R Objects or loads in the trunk/cargo com-
partment cannot be restrained by the seat
backrest.
There is an increased risk of injury.
Before every trip, make sure that the seat
backrests and the rear bench seat/rear seat
are engaged.
Make sure that the seat backrest and the seat
cushion are correctly engaged in position. To do so, pull firmly on the seat backrest.
! Release and fold the seat cushion upwards
before folding the rear bench seat forward.
Otherwise, the backrests may be damaged.
When the backrest is folded forwards, the
front seats cannot be moved to their rearmost position. Otherwise, the front seats and the
rear bench seat could be damaged.
! The backrest is heavy. Therefore, take care
when folding it down. Make sure that the head restraints are pushed all the way in so that the
backrests and seat cushions are not dam-
aged.
Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 295).
The left-hand and right-hand backrests in the
second row of seats can be folded forward sep-
arately to increase the cargo compartment
capacity.
On vehicles with a third row of seats, you must
fold down the third row of seats beforehand
(Y page 101) to obtain maximum cargo com-
partment enlargement. Folding the rear bench seat forward If the driver's or front-passenger seat is set for a
larger person, it may not be possible to fold the
rear bench seat forward. In this case, move the front seats as far forward as possible.
X Move the head restraints to the lowest posi-
tion (Y page 100).
X Pull release loop 0043of seat cushion 0044.
X Fold seat cushion 0044up. X
Pull release handle 0087in the direction of the
arrow.
The backrest is released.
X Fold the backrest forward until it reaches the
cargo compartment position. Stowage areas
299Stowage and features Z
X
Stop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground, as far away as possible from
traffic.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away
(Y page 158).
X If possible, bring the front wheels into the
straight-ahead position.
X Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
make sure that the normal vehicle level is
selected (Y page 187).
X Vehicles with the Off-Road Engineering
package:
make sure that the normal level is
selected (Y page 180).
X Switch off the engine.
X Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the driv-
er's door.
The vehicle electronics are now in position
0092. This means no SmartKey is in the ignition
lock.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
(Y page 140).
X Make sure that the passengers are not endan-
gered as they do so. Make sure that no one is
near the danger area while a wheel is being
changed. Anyone who is not directly assisting in the wheel change should, for example,
stand behind the barrier.
X Get out of the vehicle. Pay attention to traffic
conditions when doing so.
X Close the driver's door.
X Unload heavy luggage.
i Only operate the tire inflation compressor
using a 12 V socket, even if the ignition is
turned off (Y page 307).
An emergency cut-out ensures that the on-
board voltage does not drop too low. If the on-
board voltage is too low, the power to the
sockets is automatically cut. This ensures
that there is sufficient power to start the
engine. MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties)
General notes With MOExtended tires (tires with run flat char-
acteristics), you can continue to drive your vehi- cle even if there is a total loss of pressure in one
or more tires. The affected tire must not show
any clearly visible damage.
You can recognize an MOExtended tire by the
MOExtended marking which appears on the
sidewall of the tire. You will find this marking
next to the tire size designation, the load-bear-
ing capacity and the speed index (Y page 367).
MOExtended tires may only be used in conjunc-
tion with an active tire pressure loss warning
system or with an active tire pressure monitor.
If a pressure loss warning message appears in the multifunction display:
R observe the instructions in the display mes-
sages (Y page 268).
R check the tire for damage
R if driving on, observe the following notes
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode is approximately 50 miles (80 km) when the vehi-
cle is partially laden and approximately 18 miles
(30 km) when the vehicle is fully laden.
In addition to the vehicle load, the driving dis-
tance possible depends upon:
R Vehicle speed
R Road condition
R Outside temperature
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode
may be reduced by extreme driving conditions
or maneuvers, or it can be increased through a
moderate style of driving.
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode is counted from the moment the tire pressure loss warning appears in the multifunction display.
You must not exceed a maximum permissible
speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
i When replacing one or all tires, please
observe the following specifications for your
vehicle's tires:
R Size
R Type and
R The "MOExtended" mark
If a tire has gone flat and cannot be replaced with an MOExtended tire, a standard tire may 336
Flat tireBreakdown assistance
i
The specifications shown on the Tire and
Loading Information placard in the illustration
are examples. The number of seats is vehicle- specific and can differ from the details shown.
The number of seats in your vehicle can be
found on the Tire and Loading Information
placard. Determining the correct load limit
Step-by-step instructions The following steps have been developed as
required of all manufacturers under Title 49,
Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575 pur- suant to the "National Traffic and Motor Vehicle
Safety Act of 1966".
X Step 1: Locate the statement "The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on your vehicle’s
Tire and Loading Information placard.
X Step 2: Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
X Step 3: Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or
XXX lbs.
X Step 4: The resulting figure equals the avail-
able amount of cargo and luggage load capa-
city. For example, if the "XXX" amount equals 1400 lbs and there will be five 150-lb pas-
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs (1400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
X Step 5: Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehi-
cle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity cal- culated in step 4. Example: steps 1 to 3
The following table shows examples on how to calculate total and cargo load capacities with varying seating configurations and number and size of occupants. The following examples use a load limit of
1500 lbs (680 kg). This is for illustration purposes only. Make sure you are using the actual load
limit for your vehicle stated on your vehicle's Tire and Loading Information placard (Y page 362).
The greater the combined weight of the occupants, the lower the maximum luggage load.
Additional information when towing a trailer (Y page 222).
Step 1 Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Combined maximum
weight of occupants
and cargo (data from
the Tire and Loading
Information placard)
1500 lbs (680 kg) 1500 lbs (680 kg) 1500 lbs (680 kg)
Step 2
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Number of people in
the vehicle (driver and
occupants)
5 3 1
Distribution of the
occupants
Front: 2
Rear: 3 Front: 1
Rear: 2 Front: 1364
Loading the vehicleWheels and tires
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
(Y page 370)
0044 Department of Transportation, Tire Identifi-
cation Number (Y page 370)
0087 Maximum load rating (Y page 369)
0085 Maximum tire pressures (Y page 358)
0083 Manufacturer
0084 Tire material (Y page 370)
006B Tire size designation, load-bearing capacity
and speed rating (Y page 367)
006C Load index (Y page 369)
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. All about wheels and tires
367Wheels and tires Z
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 362).
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 369).
For further information on the load bearing
index, see "Load index" (Y page 369).
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. 368
All about wheels and tiresWheels and tires
Recommended tire pressures
The recommended tire pressure applies to the
tires mounted at the factory.
The Tire and Loading Information placard con-
tains the recommended tire pressures for cold
tires on a fully loaded vehicle and for the maxi-
mum permissible vehicle speed.
The tire pressure table contains the recommen- ded pressures for cold tires for various operat-
ing conditions, i.e. differing load and speed con- ditions.
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.
Rim This is the part of the wheel on which the tire is
mounted.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
The GAWR is the maximum gross axle weight
rating. The actual load on an axle must never
exceed the gross axle weight rating. The gross
axle weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side.
Speed rating
The speed rating is part of the tire identification. It specifies the speed range for which the tire isapproved.
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
The GTW is the weight of a trailer including the
weight of the load, luggage, accessories etc. on the trailer.
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. All about wheels and tires
371Wheels and tires Z
R
Do not use wooden blocks or similar objects
as a jack underlay. Otherwise, the jack will not be able to achieve its load-bearing capacity
due to the restricted height.
R Make sure that the distance between the
underside of the tires and the ground does not
exceed 1.2 in (3 cm).
R Do not place your hands or feet under the
raised vehicle.
R Do not lie under the vehicle.
R Do not start the engine when the vehicle is
raised.
R Never open or close a door or the tailgate
when the vehicle is raised.
R Make sure that no persons are present in the
vehicle when the vehicle is raised. X
Using lug wrench 0043, loosen the bolts on the
wheel you wish to change by about one full
turn. Do not unscrew the bolts completely. The jacking points are located just behind the
front wheel housings and just in front of the rear wheel housings (arrows).
X Take the ratchet wrench out of the vehicle
tool kit and place it on the hexagon nut of the
jack so that the letters AUFare visible. X
Position jack 0087at jacking point 0044.
The alignment bolt on the jack must be inser- ted into the intended opening on the jacking
point. X
Make sure the foot of the jack is directly
beneath the jacking point.
X Turn ratchet wrench 0085until jack 0087sits
completely on jacking point 0044and the base
of the jack lies evenly on the ground.
X Turn ratchet wrench 0085until the tire is raised
a maximum of 1.2 in (3 cm) from the ground.
Removing a wheel !
Do not place wheel bolts in sand or on a dirty
surface. The bolt and wheel hub threads could
otherwise be damaged when you screw them
in.
When mounting/removing wheels, and for as
long as the wheels are removed, avoid applying any external force on the brake disks. This could impair the level of comfort when braking. Changing a
wheel
375Wheels an d tires Z