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 com-
ing loose from the wheel rim.
SidewallThe 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
the weight of the accessories.
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 iden-
tify 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
capacity 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 á in (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 weightNominal load and goods/luggage load plus
68 kg (150 lbs) multiplied by the number of
seats in the vehicle. Changing wheels
Rotating the wheels
! 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"
(Y page
298).
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
available, 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 rotated. 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
hydroplaning. You will only gain these benefits
if the correct direction of rotation is observed. Changing wheels
297
Wheels and tires Z
Mounting a new wheel
G
WARNING
Oiled or greased wheel bolts or damaged
wheel bolts/hub threads can cause the
wheel bolts to come loose. As a result, you
could lose a wheel while driving. There is a
risk of accident.
Never oil or grease wheel bolts. In the event
of damage to the threads, contact a quali-
fied specialist workshop immediately. Have
the damaged wheel bolts or hub threads
replaced/renewed. Do not continue driving. G
WARNING
If you tighten the wheel bolts or wheel nuts
when the vehicle is raised, the jack could tip
over. There is a risk of injury.
Only tighten the wheel bolts or wheel nuts
when the vehicle is on the ground.
Always observe the instructions and safety
notes on "Changing a wheel"
(Y page 297).
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. X
Clean the wheel and wheel hub contact sur-
faces.
X Slide the new wheel onto the wheel hub and
push it on.
X Screw in the wheel bolts and tighten them
lightly.
Lowering the vehicle G
WARNING
The wheels could come loose if the wheel
bolts or wheel nuts are not tightened to the
prescribed tightening torque. There is a risk
of an accident.
Ensure that the wheel bolts or wheel nuts
are tightened to the prescribed tightening
torque.
If you are not sure, do not move the vehicle.
Contact a qualified specialist workshop and
have the tightening torque checked immedi-
ately. :—A
Wheel bolts
X Place the adapter and the ratchet on the
hexagon head nut of the jack such that the
lettering AB/DOWN is visible.
X Turn the ratchet in the AB/DOWN direction
until the vehicle is once again standing
firmly on the ground.
X Put the jack aside.
X Tighten the wheel bolts evenly in a cross-
wise pattern in the sequence indicated (:
to A).
Tighten the wheel bolts to the following
tightening torques:
R Steel wheel 147 lb-ft (200 Nm)
R Alloy wheel 133 lb-ft (180 Nm)300
Changing wheels
Wheels and tires
X
Turn the jack back to its out-of-use position.
X Stow the jack and the rest of the tire-
change tool kit in the vehicle again.
X Wheel with hub cap: position the opening
for the tire valve in the hub cap over the tire
valve.
X Push 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.
X If included in the vehicle equipment, secure
the faulty wheel in the spare wheel bracket
(Y page
303). Otherwise, transport the
faulty wheel in the cargo compartment.
X Check the tire pressure of the newly moun-
ted wheel and adjust it if necessary.
Observe the recommended tire pressure
( Y page
282).
Vehicles with the tire pressure monitor sys-
tem: all mounted wheels must be equipped
with functioning sensors.
X Retighten the wheel bolts or wheel nuts to
the specified tightening torque after the
vehicle has been driven for
30 miles
(50 km).
When using a wheel/spare wheel with a new
or newly painted wheel rim, have the wheel
bolts/nuts retightened again after approx-
imately
600 to 3,000 miles (1,000 to
5,000 km). Observe the specified tightening
torque. Wheel and tire combinations
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 previ-
ous usage.
! For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use tires, wheels and accessories which have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz specifically 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 var-
iations could cause the tires to come into
contact with the bodywork and axle compo-
nents. This could result in damage to the
tires or the vehicle.
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 a 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 com-
fort 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"
(Y page 289). You can
find further information under "Tire pressure"
( Y page 282).
Check tire pressures regularly and only when
the tires are cold.
Notes on the vehicle equipment – always
equip the vehicle:
R with tires of the same size across an axle
(left/right)
R with the same type of tires on all wheels at
a given time (summer tires, winter tires)
i Not all wheel/tire combinations can be
installed at the factory in all countries. Wheel and tire combinations
301
Wheels and tires Z
Tires
R 17 Tires Steel wheels
225/55 R17 RF (XL) 101V 6.5 J x 17 H2 ET 50
225/55 R17 RF (XL) 101H 6.5 J x 17 H2 ET 50
R 17
Tires Alloy wheels
225/55 R17 RF (XL) 101V 7 J x 17 H2 ET 51
225/55 R17 RF (XL) 101H 7 J x 17 H2 ET 51
Spare wheel
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
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 charac-
teristics may be severely affected. There is a
risk of an accident.
In order to reduce risks:
R you should therefore adapt your driving
style and drive carefully.
R never mount more than one spare wheel
that differs from the wheel to be replaced.
R only use a spare wheel that differs from
the wheel to be replaced for a short time.
R do not deactivate ESP ®
.
R have 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"
(Y page 298).
The following should be checked regularly,
particularly prior to long journeys:
R the tire pressure of the spare wheel, which
should then be corrected if necessary
(Y page 282)
R the 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
continue 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
function reliably. Only restart the tire pressure
monitor when the defective wheel has been
replaced with a new wheel and sensor.
More Information can be found under "Tire
pressure monitor" (Y page 285). 302
Spare wheel
Wheels and tires
The following components of the different
vehicle versions influence fuel consumption:
R tire sizes, tire tread, tire pressure, tire condi-
tion
R transmission ratios for the drive assemblies
R additional equipment (e.g. air-conditioning
system, auxiliary heating system)
For these reasons, the actual consumption fig-
ures for your vehicle may deviate from the
consumption figures determined according to
EU Directive
80/1268/EEC.
Details on fuel consumption can be called up
in the on-board computer:
R on vehicles without steering wheel buttons
(Y page 177)
R on vehicles with steering wheel buttons
(Y page 184) Engine oil
General notes When handling engine oil, observe the impor-
tant safety notes on operating fluids
(Y page
305).
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:
R from any Mercedes-Benz Commercial Van
Center
R on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com
by enter-
ing the designation, e.g. 229.5.
Mercedes-Benz approval is indicated on the oil
container by the inscription „MB-Freigabe“ or
„MB Approval“ and the corresponding designa-
tion, e.g. MB-Freigabe or MB Approval 229.5.
Designations of the approved engine oils for
your vehicle MB-Freigabe or MB
Approval
229.5,
229.62 Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use
approved multigrade engine oils of the SAE
classes
SAE 0W-30 and SAE 0W-40 or
SAE 5W-30 and SAE 5W-40. These engine oils
ensure optimum lubrication even at very low
outside temperatures (Y page 309).
To achieve the lowest possible fuel consump-
tion, it is recommended to use the engine oil
specifications marked in the table for the low-
est SAE viscosity class. Observe possible
restrictions of the released SAE classifications.
When refilling, we recommend that you only
use engine oil of the same grade (MB-Freigabe
or MB Approvaldesignation) and SAE class as
the oil filled at the last oil change.
i If the engine oils listed in the table are not
available, you may add the following engine
oils until the next oil change:
R MB-Freigabe or MB Approval 229.1, or
ACEA A3
This must only be added once and the
amount must not be greater than 1 qt
(1.0 l).
Subsequently have the engine oil changed
at the earliest possible opportunity.
! Using engine oils of another grade quality
is not permitted.
2 Recommended for the lowest possible fuel consumption (lowest viscosity class in each case taking into
account possible restrictions of the approved SAE classifications). 308
Service products and capacities
Technical data