2009 Mercedes-benz CLS Class Owners Manual

mally be found on the fuel pump. Please

Operation

At the gas station

contact gas station personnel in case labels on the pump cannot be found. For more information on gasoline, see “Pre- mium unleaded gasoline” (Y page 346), see “Fuel requirements” (Y page 347), or contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen- ter, or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).

The fuel filler flap is located on the right-hand side of the vehicle towards the rear. Locking/unlocking the vehicle with the SmartKey automatically locks/unlocks the fuel filler flap. i In case that the central locking system does not release the fuel filler flap, or the opening mechanism is clamping, contact Roadside Assistance or an authorized Mer- cedes-Benz Center.

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Operation

At the gas station

1 Fuel filler flap 2 Fuel filler cap 3 Holder X Turn off the engine.

i Leaving the engine running and the fuel filler cap open can cause the yellow fuel tank reserve warning lamp to flash and the malfunction indicator lamp ú (USA only) or ± (Canada only) to illuminate. For more information, see also “Practical hints” (Y page 298).

X Remove the SmartKey from the starter

switch. KEYLESS-GO: Open the driver’s door (this puts the starter switch in position 0, same as with the SmartKey removed from the

198

Check regularly and before a long trip For information on quantities and require- ments of operating agents, see “Fuels, cool- ants, lubricants, etc.” (Y page 343). Check the following: REngine oil level (Y page 200) RTire inflation pressure (Y page 212) RCoolant level (Y page 202) RVehicle lighting (Y page 94), (Y page 308) RWasher system and headlamp cleaning sys-

tem (Y page 203)

RBrake fluid (Y page 234), (Y page 271) and

(Y page 291)

starter switch). The driver’s door then can be closed again.

X Opening: Push fuel filler flap 1 at the

point indicated by the arrow.

X Turn fuel filler cap 2 counterclockwise. X Take off fuel filler cap 2. X Place fuel filler cap 2 in direction of arrow into holder 3 located on the inside of fuel filler flap.

X Fully insert filler nozzle unit and refuel. X Only fill your tank until the filler nozzle unit

cuts out – do not top off or overfill.

X Closing: Turn fuel filler cap 2 clockwise

until it audibly engages.

i Make sure to close the fuel filler flap

before locking your vehicle as the flap lock- ing pin prevents closing after you have locked the vehicle.

X Close fuel filler flap 1.

Engine compartment Hood G Warning! Do not pull the release lever while the vehi- cle is in motion. Otherwise the hood could be forced open by passing air flow. This could cause the hood to come loose and injure you and/or others.

Opening G Warning! If you see flames or smoke coming from the engine compartment, or if the coolant tem- perature indicator indicates that the engine is overheated, do not open the hood. Move away from vehicle and do not open the hood until the engine has cooled. If neces- sary, call the fire department. G Warning! You could be injured when the hood is open – even when the engine is turned off. Parts of the engine can become very hot. To prevent burns, let the engine cool off completely before touching any compo-

nents on the vehicle. Comply with all rele- vant safety precautions. G Warning! To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of moving parts when the hood is open and the engine is running. The radiator fan may continue to run for approximately 30 seconds or may even restart after the engine has been turned off. Stay clear of fan blades. G Warning! The engine is equipped with a transistorized ignition system. Because of the high volt- age it is dangerous to touch any compo- nents (ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic socket) of the ignition system Rwith the engine running Rwhile starting the engine Rwhen the ignition is switched on and the

engine is turned manually

Operation

Engine compartment

1 Hood lock release lever X Pull release lever 1. The hood is unlocked.

! To avoid damage to the windshield wipers or hood, never open the hood if the wiper arms are folded forward away from the windshield.

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Operation

Engine compartment

2 Handle for opening the hood X Push handle 2 under the hood upwards. X Pull up on the hood and then release it.

The hood will be automatically held open at shoulder height by gas-filled struts.

Closing G Warning! When closing the hood, use extreme cau- tion not to catch hands or fingers. Be care- ful that you do not close the hood on anyone. Make sure the hood is securely engaged before driving off. Do not continue driving if the hood can no longer engage after an accident, for example. The hood could oth-

200

erwise come loose while the vehicle is in motion and injure you and/or others.

For further information contact an author- ized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Notes on checking engine oil level When checking the oil level Rthe vehicle must be parked on level ground Rwith the engine at operating temperature, the vehicle must have been stationary for at least 5 minutes with the engine turned off

Rwith the engine not at operating tempera- ture, the vehicle must have been stationary for at least 30 minutes with the engine turned off

X Let the hood drop from a height of approx-

imately 1 ft (30 cm).

X Check to make sure the hood is fully

closed. If you can raise the hood at a point above the headlamps, then it is not properly closed. Open it again and let it drop with somewhat greater force.

Engine oil The amount of oil your engine needs will depend on a number of factors, including driv- ing style. Increased oil consumption can occur when the vehicle is new or the vehicle is driven frequently at higher engine speeds. Engine oil consumption checks should only be made after the vehicle break-in period. ! Do not use any special lubricant additives, as these may damage the drive assemblies. Using special additives not approved by Mercedes-Benz may cause damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Checking engine oil level X Open the hood (Y page 199).

1 Oil dipstick 2 Upper (max) mark 3 Lower (min) mark X Pull out oil dipstick 1. X Wipe oil dipstick 1 clean. X Fully insert oil dipstick 1 into the dipstick

guide tube.

X Pull out oil dipstick 1 again after approxi- mately 3 seconds to obtain accurate read- ing. The oil level is correct when it is between lower (min) mark 3 and upper (max) mark 2 of oil dipstick 1.

i CLS 550:

The filling quantity between the upper and lower marks on the oil dipstick is approxi- mately 2.1 US qt. (2.0 l).

i CLS 63 AMG:

The filling quantity between the upper and lower marks on the oil dipstick is approxi- mately 1.6 US qt. (1.5 l).

X If necessary, add engine oil. For more information on engine oil, see “Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.” (Y page 343). For information on messages in the multi- function display concerning engine oil, see the “Practical hints” section (Y page 282).

Adding engine oil ! Only use approved engine oils and oil fil- ters required for vehicles with Maintenance System. For a listing of approved engine oils and oil filters, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only). Using engine oils and oil filters of specifi- cation other than those expressly required for the Maintenance System, or changing

Operation

Engine compartment of oil and oil filter at change intervals longer than those called for by the Maintenance System will result in engine or emission control system damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

CLS 550
1 Filler cap

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Operation

Engine compartment

CLS 63 AMG 1 Filler cap X Unscrew filler cap 1 from filler neck. X Add engine oil as required. Be careful not

to overfill with oil.

Be careful not to spill any oil when adding. Avoid environmental damage caused by oil entering the ground or water. ! Excess oil must be siphoned or drained off. It could cause damage to the engine and emission control system not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

X Screw filler cap 1 back on filler neck. For more information on engine oil, see the “Technical data” section (Y page 343) and (Y page 345).

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Transmission fluid level The transmission fluid level does not need to be checked. If you notice transmission fluid loss or gearshifting malfunctions, have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check the transmission.

Coolant level The engine coolant is a mixture of water and anticorrosion/antifreeze. When checking the coolant level, the vehicle must be parked on level ground, and the cool- ant temperature must be below 158‡ (70†). G Warning! In order to avoid any potentially serious burns: RUse extreme caution when opening the hood if there are any signs of steam or coolant leaking from the cooling system, or if the coolant temperature indicator indicates that the coolant is overheated. RDo not remove pressure cap on coolant reservoir if coolant temperature is above 158‡ (70†). Allow engine to cool down before removing cap. The coolant reser-

voir contains hot fluid and is under pres- sure.

RUsing a rag, slowly open the cap approx- imately 1/2 turn to relieve excess pres- sure. If opened immediately, scalding hot fluid and steam will be blown out under pressure.

RDo not spill antifreeze on hot engine

parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene gly- col which may burn if it comes into con- tact with hot engine parts.

1 Cap 2 Coolant expansion tank 3 Marking bar in the expansion tank

X Using a rag, turn cap 1 slowly approxi-

mately 1/2 counterclockwise to release any excess pressure.

X Continue turning cap 1 counterclockwise

and remove it. The coolant level is correct if the level Rfor cold coolant: reaches marking bar

3 in expansion tank 2

Rfor warm coolant: is approximately 0.6 in

(1.5 cm) higher

X Add coolant as required. X Replace and tighten cap 1. For more information on coolant, see the “Technical data” section (Y page 347).

Washer system and headlamp clean- ing system G Warning! Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly flam- mable. Do not spill washer solvent/anti- freeze on hot engine parts, because it may ignite and burn. You could be seriously burned.

! Always use washer solvent/antifreeze

where temperatures may fall below freez- ing point. Failure to do so could result in damage to the washer system/fluid reser- voir.

! Only use washer fluid which is suitable for plastic lenses. Improper washer fluid can damage the plastic lenses of the head- lamps.

! Do not use distilled or de-ionized water in the washer fluid reservoir. Otherwise, the washer fluid level sensor could be dam- aged.

Operation

Engine compartment

1 Cap for washer fluid reservoir Fluid for the washer system and the headlamp cleaning system is supplied from the washer fluid reservoir. During all seasons, add MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “MB SummerFit” to water. Premix the washer fluid in a suitable container. X Opening washer fluid reservoir: Pull tab

of cap 1 upwards.

X Refill the washer fluid reservoir with MB

Windshield Washer Concentrate “MB Sum- merFit” and water (or commercially availa- ble premixed washer solvent/antifreeze,

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Operation

Tires and wheels

depending on ambient temperatures) (Y page 350).

X Closing washer fluid reservoir: Press cap

1 onto filler hole until it engages.

For more information, see “Washer system and headlamp cleaning sys- tem” (Y page 345).

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Tires and wheels Safety notes Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for information on tested and recommended rims and tires for summer and winter opera- tion. They can also offer advice concerning tire service and purchase. G Warning! Replace rims or tires with the same desig- nation, manufacturer and type as shown on the original part. For further information contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen- ter. If incorrectly sized rims and tires are mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension components can be damaged. Also, the correct operating clearance of the wheels and the tires may no longer be correct. G Warning! Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if the tires have sustained damage, replace them. When replacing rims, only use genuine Mer- cedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the particular rim type. Failure to do so can

result in the bolts loosening and possibly an accident. Retreaded tires are not tested or recom- mended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous damage cannot always be recognized on retreads. The operating safety of the vehi- cle cannot be assured when such tires are used. G Warning! If you feel a sudden significant vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect that pos- sible damage to your vehicle has occurred, you should turn on the hazard warning flashers, carefully slow down, and drive with caution to an area which is a safe dis- tance from the road. Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or tire dealer for repairs. G Warning! Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You could lose control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire or driving at high

speed with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up and possibly a fire.

Important guidelines ROnly use sets of tires and rims of the same

type and make.

RTires must be of the correct size for the rim. RBreak in new tires for approximately

60 miles (100 km) at moderate speeds.

RRegularly check the tires and rims for dam-

age. Dented or bent rims can cause tire inflation pressure loss and damage to the tire beads.

RIf vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire infla-

tion pressure and correct as required.

RDo not allow your tires to wear down too far. Adhesion properties on wet roads are sharply reduced at tread depths of less than 1/8 in (3 mm).

RWhen replacing individual tires, you should mount new tires on the front wheels first (on vehicles with same-sized wheels all around).

Tire care and maintenance G Warning! Regularly check the tires for damage. Dam- aged tires can cause tire inflation pressure loss. As a result, you could lose control of your vehicle. Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if the tires have sustained damage, replace them. Check the tire inflation pressure at least every other week. For more information on check- ing tire inflation pressure, see “Recom- mended tire inflation pres- sure” (Y page 210).

Tire inspection Every time you check the tire inflation pres- sure, you should also inspect your tires for the following: Rexcessive treadwear (Y page 205) Rcord or fabric showing through the tire’s

rubber

Rbumps, bulges, cuts, cracks or splits in the

tread or side of the tire

Operation

Tires and wheels Replace the tire if you find any of the above conditions. Make sure you also inspect the spare tire periodically for condition and inflation. Spare tires will age and become worn over time even if never used, and thus should be inspected and replaced when necessary.

Life of tire G Warning! Tires and spare tire should be replaced after 6 years, regardless of the remaining tread. The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying factors including but not limited to: RDriving style RTire inflation pressure RDistance driven

Tread depth G Warning! Although the applicable federal motor vehi- cle safety laws consider a tire to be worn when the treadwear indicators (TWI) become visible at approximately 1/16 in

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Operation

Tires and wheels (1.6 mm), we recommend that you do not allow your tires to wear down to that level. As tread depth approaches 1/8 in (3 mm), the adhesion properties on a wet road are sharply reduced. Depending upon the weather and/or road surface (conditions), the tire traction varies widely. Do not allow your tires to wear down too far. Adhesion properties on wet roads are sharply reduced at tread depths of less than 1/8 in (3 mm). Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by law. These indicators are located in six places on the tread circumference and become visi- ble at a tread depth of approximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), at which point the tire is considered worn and should be replaced. The recommended minimum tire tread depth for summer tires is 1/8 in (3 mm). The rec- ommended minimum tire tread depth for win- ter tires is 1/6 in (4 mm).

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Direction of rotation Unidirectional tires offer added advantages, such as better hydroplaning performance. To benefit, however, you must make sure the tires rotate in the direction specified. An arrow on the sidewall indicates the intended direction of rotation (spinning) of the tire. Spare wheels may be mounted against the direction of rotation (spinning) even with a unidirectional tire for temporary use only until the regular drive wheel has been repaired or replaced. Always observe and follow applica- ble temporary use restrictions and speed lim- itations indicated on the spare wheel.

Loading the vehicle Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry. (1) The Tire and Loading Information placard

can be found on the driver’s door B-pillar. This placard tells you important information about the number of people that can be in the vehicle and the total weight that can be carried in the vehicle. It also contains information on the proper size and recommended tire inflation pres-

1 TWI (Tread Wear Indicator) The treadwear indicator appears as a solid band across the tread.

Storing tires ! Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact with oil, grease and fuels.

Cleaning tires ! Never use a round nozzle to power wash tires. The intense jet of water can result in damage to the tire. Always replace a damaged tire.

sures for the original equipment tires on your vehicle.

(2) The certification label, also found on the driver’s door B-pillar. It tells you about the gross weight capacity of your vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo. The certification label also tells you about the front and rear axle weight capacity, called the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The GAWR is the total allowable weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear). Never exceed the GVWR or GAWR for either the front axle or rear axle.

Following is a discussion on how to work with the information contained on the Tire and Loading Information placard with regards to loading your vehicle.

Tire and Loading Information G Warning! Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified load limit as indicated on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar. Overloading the tires can overheat them, possibly causing a blowout. Overloading the tires can also result in handling or steering problems, or brake failure.

Tire and Loading Information placard i Data shown on Tire and Loading Informa-

tion placard example are for illustration purposes only. Load limit data are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in the following illustration. Refer to Tire and Loading Information placard on vehicle for actual data specific to your vehi- cle.

1 Driver’s door B-pillar

Operation

Tires and wheels

1 Load limit information on the Tire and

Loading Information placard

The Tire and Loading Information placard showing the load limit information is located on the driver’s door B-pillar (Y page 206). X Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kilograms or XXX lbs.” on the Tire and Loading Information plac- ard.

The combined weight of all occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer tongue load (if applicable) should never exceed the weight referenced in that statement.

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Operation

Tires and wheels Seating capacity The seating capacity gives you important information on the number of occupants that can be in the vehicle. Observe front and rear seating capacity. The Tire and Loading Infor- mation placard showing the seating capacity is located on the driver’s door B-pillar (Y page 206). i Data shown on Tire and Loading Informa-

tion placard example are for illustration purposes only. Seating capacity data are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in the following illustration. Refer to Tire and Loading Information plac- ard on vehicle for actual data specific to your vehicle.

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X Step 3: Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilo- grams or XXX lbs.

X Step 4: The resulting figure equals the

available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1 400 lbs and there will be five 150 lbs passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs (1 400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).

X Step 5: Determine the combined weight of

luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.

X Step 6 (if applicable): If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle (Y page 210).

The following table shows examples on how to calculate total and cargo load capacities with varying seating configurations and num- ber and size of occupants. The following examples use a load limit of 1 500 lbs. This is for illustration purposes only. Make sure

1 Seating capacity information on the Tire

and Loading Information placard

Steps for determining correct load limit The following steps have been developed as required of all manufacturers under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575
pursuant to the “National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966”. X Step 1: Locate the statement “The com-

bined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s Tire and Loading Informa- tion placard.

X Step 2: Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.

you are using the actual load limit for your vehicle stated on the vehicle’s Tire and Load- Example Combined weight limit of occupants and cargo from Tire and Loading Infor- mation placard

Number of occupants (driver and passengers)

ing Information placard (Y page 208).

Seating con- figuration

Occupants weight

Combined weight of all occupants

Operation

Tires and wheels

Available cargo/luggage and trailer tongue weight (total load limit from Tire and Loading Information placard minus combined weight of all occupants)

1 500 lbs

1 500 lbs

1 500 lbs

front: 2
rear: 3

front: 1
rear: 2

Occupant 1: 150 lbs Occupant 2: 180 lbs Occupant 3: 160 lbs Occupant 4: 140 lbs Occupant 5: 120 lbs

Occupant 1: 200 lbs Occupant 2: 190 lbs Occupant 3: 150 lbs

750 lbs

1 500 lbs - 750 lbs = 750 lbs

540 lbs

1 500 lbs - 540 lbs = 960 lbs

front: 1

Occupant 1: 150 lbs

150 lbs

1 500 lbs - 150 lbs = 1 350 lbs

The higher the weight of all occupants, the less cargo and luggage load capacity is avail- able. For more information, see “Trailer tongue load” (Y page 210).

Certification label Even after careful determination of the com- bined weight of all occupants, cargo and the trailer tongue load (if applicable) (Y page 210) as to not exceed the permissi- ble load limit, you must make sure your vehi- cle never exceeds the Gross Vehicle Weight

Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or rear axle. You can obtain the GVWR and GAWR from the certification label. The certification label can be found on the driver’s door B-pillar, see the “Technical data” section (Y page 333).

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Operation

Tires and wheels Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, all cargo, and the trailer tongue load must never exceed the GVWR. Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): The total allowable weight that can be carried by a sin- gle axle (front or rear). To assure that your vehicle does not exceed the maximum permissible weight limits (GVWR and GAWR for front and rear axle), have the loaded vehicle (including driver, pas- sengers and all cargo and, if applicable, trailer fully loaded) weighed on a suitable commer- cial scale.

Trailer tongue load The tongue load of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects the load you can carry in your vehicle. If a trailer is towed, the tongue load must be added to the weight of all occupants riding and any cargo you are carrying in the vehicle. The tongue load typically is 10% of the trailer weight and everything loaded in it. Your Mercedes-Benz has been designed pri- marily to carry passengers and their cargo. Mercedes-Benz does not recommend trailer towing with your vehicle.

210

Recommended tire inflation pressure G Warning! Follow recommended tire inflation pres- sures. Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel econ- omy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated. Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride com- fort, wear unevenly, increase stopping dis- tance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc. Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified load limit as indicated on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar. Overloading the tires can overheat them, possibly causing a blowout. Overloading the tires can also result in handling or steering problems, or brake failure. Your vehicle is equipped with the Tire and Loading Information placard located on the driver’s door B-pillar (Y page 206).

The tire inflation pressure should be checked regularly and should only be adjusted on cold tires. The tires can be considered cold if the vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). Follow recommended cold tire inflation pres- sures listed on Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar. Keeping the tires properly inflated provides the best handling, tread life and riding com- fort. In addition to the Tire and Loading Informa- tion placard on the driver’s door B-pillar, also consult the tire inflation pressure label (if available) on the inside of the filler flap for any additional information pertaining to special driving situations. For more information, see “Important notes on tire inflation pres- sure” (Y page 211). i Data shown on Tire and Loading Informa-

tion placard example are for illustration purposes only. Tire data are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in the following illustration. Refer to Tire and Loading Information placard on vehicle for actual data specific to your vehicle.

Tire temperature and tire inflation pressure are also increased while driving, depending on the driving speed and the tire load. If you will be driving your vehicle at high speeds of 100 mph (160 km/h) or higher, where it is legal and conditions allow, consult the tire inflation pressure label on the inside of the fuel filler flap (if available) on how to adjust the cold tire inflation pressure. If you do not adjust the tire inflation pressure, excessive heat can build up and result in sud- den tire failure. If your vehicle is not equipped with the tire inflation pressure label on the inside of the fuel filler flap, contact an authorized Mer- cedes-Benz Center for proper tire inflation pressure. i Driving comfort may be reduced when the

tire inflation pressure is adjusted to the value for speeds above 100 mph (160 km/h) as specified on the tire inflation pressure label located on the inside of the fuel filler flap.

Make sure to readjust the tire inflation pres- sure for normal driving speeds. You should wait until the tires are cold before adjusting the tire inflation pressure. Some vehicles may have supplemental tire inflation pressure information for vehicle

Operation

Tires and wheels loads less than the maximum loaded vehicle condition. If such information is provided, it can be found on the tire inflation pressure label located on the inside of the fuel filler flap (Y page 197). Tire inflation pressure changes by approxi- mately 1.5 psi (0.1 bar) per 18‡ (10†) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind when checking tire inflation pressure where the temperature is different from the outside temperature.

Potential problems associated with underinflated and overinflated tires Underinflated tires G Warning! Follow recommended tire inflation pres- sures. Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel econ- omy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated. Underinflated tires can Rcause excessive and uneven tire wear Radversely affect fuel economy

211

1 Tire and Loading Information placard with

recommended cold tire inflation pres- sures

The Tire and Loading Information placard lists the recommended cold tire inflation pres- sures for maximum loaded vehicle weight. The tire inflation pressures listed apply to the tires installed as original equipment.

Important notes on tire inflation pres- sure G Warning! If the tire inflation pressure drops repeat- edly, check the tires for punctures from foreign objects and/or whether air is leak- ing from the valves or from around the rim.

Operation

Tires and wheels Rlead to tire failure from being overheated Radversely affect handling characteristics

Overinflated tires G Warning! Follow recommended tire inflation pres- sures. Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride com- fort, wear unevenly, increase stopping dis- tance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc. Overinflated tires can Radversely affect handling characteristics Rcause uneven tire wear Rbe more prone to damage from road haz-

ards

Radversely affect ride comfort Rincrease stopping distance

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Checking tire inflation pressure

Safety notes G Warning! Follow recommended tire inflation pres- sures. Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel econ- omy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated. Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride com- fort, wear unevenly, increase stopping dis- tance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc. Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified load limit as indicated on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar. Overloading the tires can overheat them, possibly causing a blowout. Overloading the tires can also result in handling or steering problems, or brake failure. Check the tire inflation pressure at least every other week.

Check and adjust the tire inflation pressure when the tires are cold. The tires can be con- sidered cold if the vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). If you check the tire inflation pressure when the tires are warm (the vehicle has been driven for several miles or sitting less than 3 hours), the reading will be approximately 4 psi (0.3 bar) higher than the cold reading. This is normal. Do not let air out to match the specified cold tire inflation pressure. Other- wise, the tire will be underinflated.

Checking tire inflation pressure man- ually Follow the steps below to achieve correct tire inflation pressure: X Remove the cap from the valve on one tire. X Firmly press a tire gauge onto the valve. X Read the tire inflation pressure on the tire

gauge and check against the recom- mended tire inflation pressure on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar (Y page 206). If nec- essary, add air to achieve the recom- mended tire inflation pressure.

X If you have overfilled the tire, release tire

inflation pressure by pushing the metal stem of the valve with e.g. a tip of a pen. Then recheck the tire inflation pressure with the tire gauge. X Install the valve cap. X Repeat this procedure for each tire.

Run Flat Indicator (Canada only) While the vehicle is being driven, the Run Flat Indicator monitors the set tire inflation pres- sures by evaluating each wheel’s rotational speed. This allows the system to detect a sig- nificant loss of pressure in a tire. If a wheel’s rotational speed changes due to falling tire inflation pressure, you will see a correspond- ing warning message in the multifunction dis- play. The Run Flat Indicator may function in a restricted manner or with a delay Rwhen snow chains are mounted to the vehi-

cle

Rin the presence of ice and snow Rwhen you are driving on a loose surface

(e.g. sand or gravel)

Rwhen you are driving in a very sporty man-

ner (involving rapid acceleration or high speeds in curves)

Rwhen you are driving with a loaded roof

rack or heavily laden vehicle G Warning! When the multifunction display shows the message Tire Pressure Check Tires, one or more of your tires is significantly underinflated. You should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper tire inflation pressure as indicated on the vehicle’s Tire and Loading Information placard or, if available, on the tire inflation pressure label. Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability. Each tire, including the spare, should be checked every other week when cold and set to the recommended tire inflation pres- sure as specified on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar or, if available, on the tire inflation pressure label located on the inside of the fuel filler flap.

Operation

Tires and wheels i The recommended tire inflation pressures

for your vehicle can be found on the Tire and Loading Information placard located on the driver’s door B-pillar (Y page 206) or, if available, on the tire inflation pressure label on the on the inside of the fuel filler flap (Y page 197). The tire inflation pres- sures are not listed in the Operator's Man- ual. G Warning! The Run Flat Indicator does not provide a warning for wrongly selected tire inflation pressures. Always adjust tire inflation pres- sure according to the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar or, if available, on the tire inflation pressure label located on the inside of the fuel filler flap. The Run Flat Indicator does not replace reg- ular checks of the tire inflation pressures since a gradual pressure loss in more than one tire cannot be detected by the Run Flat Indicator. The Run Flat Indicator is not able to issue a warning due to a sudden dramatic loss of tire inflation pressure (e.g. tire blowout caused by a foreign object). In this case bring the vehicle to a halt by carefully apply-

213

Operation

Tires and wheels ing the brakes and avoiding abrupt steering maneuvers.

Restarting the Run Flat Indicator The Run Flat Indicator must be restarted in the following situations: Rafter you have changed the tire inflation

pressure

Rafter you have replaced the wheels or tires Rafter you have installed new wheels or tires X Using the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar or, if available, the tire inflation pressure label on the inside of the fuel filler flap, make sure the tire inflation pressure of all four tires is correct. G Warning! The Run Flat Indicator can only warn you in a reliable manner if you have set the correct tire inflation pressures for each tire. If an incorrect tire inflation pressure was set, the system will monitor the pressure according to the incorrect value.

214

X Switch on the ignition. X Make sure the standard display appears in

the multifunction display (Y page 126). X Press button k or j on the multi-

function steering wheel repeatedly until the following message appears in the multi- function display: Run Flat Indicator Active Menu: R-Button

X Press the reset button (Y page 120).

The following message will appear in the multifunction display: Restart Run Flat Indicator?

X If you wish to confirm: Press button

æ. The following message will appear in the multifunction display: Run Flat Indicator Restarted After a certain “learning phase”, the Run Flat Indicator checks the set pressure val- ues for all four tires.

X If you wish to cancel: Press button

ç.

or X Wait until the message

Restart Run Flat Indicator? disappears.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), (USA only) i The Tire Pressure Monitoring System

(TPMS) is equipped with a combination low tire pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale in the instrument cluster. Depending on how the telltale illuminates, it indicates a low tire pressure condition or a malfunction in the TPMS system itself: RIf the telltale illuminates continuously,

one or more of your tires is significantly underinflated. There is no malfunction in the TPMS.

RIf the telltale flashes for 60 seconds and then stays illuminated, the TPMS system itself is not operating properly.

i This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol- lowing two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful

2.

interference, and this device must accept any interfer- ence received, including interference that may cause undesired.

Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

The TPMS only functions on wheels that are equipped with the proper electronic sensors. It monitors the tire inflation pressure, as selected by the driver, in all four tires. A warn- ing is issued to alert you to a decrease in pressure in one or more of the tires. G Warning! The TPMS does not indicate a warning for wrongly selected inflation pressures. Always adjust tire inflation pressure according to the Tire and Loading Informa- tion placard or, if available, on the supple- mental tire inflation pressure information on the inside of the fuel filler flap. The TPMS is not able to issue a warning due to a sudden dramatic loss of pressure (e.g.

tire blowout caused by a foreign object). In this case bring the vehicle to a halt by care- fully applying the brakes and avoiding abrupt steering maneuvers. G Warning! Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked every other week when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar or, if available, the tire inflation pressure label on the inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the Tire and Loading Information placard or, if available, the tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire infla- tion pressure for those tires. As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure moni- toring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires are significantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes

Operation

Tires and wheels the tire to overheat and can lead to tire fail- ure. Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehi- cle’s handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale. Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is com- bined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately 1 minute and then remain continuously illu- minated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of incompatible replacement or alternate tires

215

Operation

Tires and wheels or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.

i If a condition causing the TPMS to mal-

function develops, it may take up to 10 minutes for the system to signal a mal- function using the TPMS telltale flashing and illumination sequence. The telltale extinguishes after a few minutes driving if the malfunction has been corrected.

i Operating radio transmission equipment (e.g. wireless headsets, two-way radios) in or near the vehicle could cause the TPMS to malfunction.

Tire inflation pressure warnings If the system detects a significant loss of tire inflation pressure in one or more than one tire, a message appears in the multifunction display.

216

Example illustration In addition, a warning signal sounds.

Restarting the TPMS G Warning! It is the driver’s responsibility to calibrate the TPMS on the recommended cold infla- tion pressure. Underinflated tires affect the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You might lose control over the vehicle. The TPMS must be restarted when you have adjusted the tire inflation pressure to a new level (e.g. because of different load or driving conditions). The TPMS is then recalibrated to the current tire inflation pressures. X Using the Tire and Loading Information

placard on the driver’s door B-pillar (Y page 206) or, if available, the supple- mental tire inflation pressure information on the inside of the fuel filler flap

(Y page 197), make sure the tire inflation pressure of all four tires is correct.

i Restart the TPMS after adjusting the tire inflation pressure to the inflation pressure recommended for the vehicle operating condition. Tire pressure should only be adjusted on cold tires. Observe the recom- mended tire inflation pressure on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar. Some vehicles may have supplemental tire pressure informa- tion for driving at high speeds or for vehicle loads less than the maximum loaded vehi- cle condition. If such information is pro- vided, it can be found on the inside of the fuel filler flap.

X Switch on the ignition. X Press button è or ÿ on the multi-

function steering wheel repeatedly until the standard display appears in the multifunc- tion display (Y page 126).

X Press button j or k repeatedly until you see the current inflation pressures for each tire appear in the display or the fol- lowing message appears in the display Tire Pressure Monitor Active Menu: R-Button

X Press the reset button (Y page 120).

The following message will appear in the multifunction display: Restart tire pressure monitor?

X If you wish to confirm: Press button

æ. The following message will appear in the multifunction display: Tire Pressure Monitor Restarted After driving a few minutes the system veri- fies that the current tire inflation pressures are within the system’s specified range. Afterwards the current tire inflation pres- sures are accepted as reference values and then monitored.

X If you wish to cancel: Press button

ç.

Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring Sys- tem (Advanced TPMS), (Canada only) i This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference,

2.

and this device must accept any interfer- ence received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

The TPMS only functions on wheels that are equipped with the proper electronic sensors. It monitors the tire inflation pressure, as selected by the driver, in all four tires. A warn- ing is issued to alert you to a decrease in pressure in one or more of the tires. G Warning! The TPMS does not indicate a warning for wrongly selected inflation pressures. Always adjust tire inflation pressure according to the Tire and Loading Informa- tion placard or, if available, on the supple-

Operation

Tires and wheels

mental tire inflation pressure information on the inside of the fuel filler flap. The TPMS is not able to issue a warning due to a sudden dramatic loss of pressure (e.g. tire blowout caused by a foreign object). In this case bring the vehicle to a halt by care- fully applying the brakes and avoiding abrupt steering maneuvers. G Warning! Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked every other week when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar or, if available, the tire inflation pressure label on the inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the Tire and Loading Information placard or, if available, the tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire infla- tion pressure for those tires. As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure moni- toring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires are significantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure

217

Operation

Tires and wheels telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible. Driv- ing on a significantly underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehi- cle’s handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale. Tire pressure inquiries are made using the multifunction display. The present inflation pressures are displayed only after a few minutes’ travel time. i Possible differences between the read-

ings of a tire pressure gauge of an air hose, e.g. gas station equipment, and the vehi- cle’s control system can occur. Usually the readings issued by the control system are more precise.

X Switch on the ignition. X Press button è or ÿ on the multi-

function steering wheel repeatedly until the

218

standard display appears in the multifunc- tion display (Y page 126).

X Press button j or k until the current inflation pressures for each tire appear in the multifunction display.

i When the vehicle has been parked for lon- ger than 20 minutes, the message appears in the multifunction display. G Warning! It is the driver’s responsibility to calibrate the TPMS on the recommended cold infla- tion pressure. Underinflated tires affect the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You might lose control over the vehicle.

i With a spare wheel mounted, the system may still indicate the tire inflation pressure of the removed road wheel for some minutes. If this happens, keep in mind that the indicated value where the spare wheel

is mounted does not reflect the actual spare tire inflation pressure.

i Operating radio transmission equipment (e.g. wireless headsets, two-way radios) in or near the vehicle could cause the TPMS to malfunction.

Tire inflation pressure warnings If the system detects a significant loss of tire inflation pressure in one or more than one tire, a message appears in the multifunction display.

Example illustration The respective tire is indicated by a red rec- tangle. In addition, a warning signal sounds.

Restarting Advanced TPMS G Warning! It is the driver’s responsibility to calibrate the TPMS on the recommended cold infla-

tion pressure. Underinflated tires affect the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You might lose control over the vehicle. The TPMS usually recognizes new reference values automatically, for example when you have Radjusted the tire inflation pressure Rchanged wheels or tires Rmounted new wheels or tires If you want to set new reference values man- ually: X Using the Tire and Loading Information

placard on the driver’s door B-pillar (Y page 206) or, if available, the supple- mental tire inflation pressure information on the inside of the fuel filler flap (Y page 197), make sure the tire inflation pressure of all four tires is correct.

i Restart the TPMS after adjusting the tire inflation pressure to the inflation pressure recommended for the vehicle operating condition. Tire pressure should only be adjusted on cold tires. Observe the recom- mended tire inflation pressure on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar. Some vehicles may

have supplemental tire pressure informa- tion for driving at high speeds or for vehicle loads less than the maximum loaded vehi- cle condition. If such information is pro- vided, it can be found on the inside of the fuel filler flap.

X Switch on the ignition. X Press button è or ÿ on the multi-

function steering wheel repeatedly until the standard display appears in the multifunc- tion display (Y page 126).

X Press button j or k repeatedly until you see the current inflation pressures for each tire appear in the display or the fol- lowing message appears in the multifunc- tion display Tire pressure is only displayed after driving for a few minutes

X Press the reset button (Y page 120).

The following message will appear in the multifunction display: Restart tire pressure monitor?

Operation

Tires and wheels

X If you wish to confirm: Press button

æ. The following message will appear in the multifunction display: Tire Pressure Monitor Restarted After driving a few minutes the system veri- fies that the current tire inflation pressures are within the system’s specified range. Afterwards the current tire inflation pres- sures are accepted as reference values and then monitored.

or X If you wish to cancel: Press button

ç.

i When the wheel positions have been

changed, the air pressure of a tire may be displayed for the wrong position tempora- rily. After driving for a few minutes, the air pressure will be shown for the correct posi- tion.

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Operation

Tires and wheels MOExtended system The MOExtended system allows you to con- tinue driving your vehicle even if there is a total loss of pressure in one or more tires. You may only use the MOExtended system in conjunction with the Run Flat Indicator (Y page 213), the TPMS (Y page 214), or the Advanced TPMS (Y page 217). For information on driving in case of pressure loss in one or more tires (emergency mode), see the “Practical Hints” section (Y page 321).

Tire labeling Besides tire name (sales designation) and manufacturer name, a number of markings can be found on a tire.

220

Following are some explanations for the markings on your vehicle’s tires:

8 Load identification (Y page 223) 9 Tire name

i For illustration purposes only. Actual data

on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illus- tration. For more information, see “Rims and tires” (Y page 336).

Tire size designation, load and speed rating

1 Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards

2 DOT, Tire Identification Number

(Y page 226)

(Y page 224)

3 Maximum tire load (Y page 224) 4 Maximum tire inflation pressure

(Y page 225) 5 Manufacturer 6 Tire ply material (Y page 227) 7 Tire size designation, load and speed rat-

ing (Y page 220)

1 Tire width 2 Aspect ratio in % 3 Radial tire code 4 Rim diameter

5 Tire load rating 6 Tire speed rating

i For illustration purposes only. Actual data

on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illus- tration.

General: Depending on the design standards used, the tire size molded into the sidewall may have no letter or a letter preceding the tire size designation. No letter preceding the size designation (as illustrated above): Passenger car tire based on European design standards. Letter “P” preceding the size designation: Passenger car tire based on U.S. design standards. Letter “LT” preceding the size designation: Light Truck tire based on U.S. design stand- ards. Letter “T” preceding the size designation: Temporary spare tires which are high pres- sure compact spares designed for temporary emergency use only. Tire width Tire width 1 indicates the nominal tire width in millimeters.

Aspect ratio Aspect ratio 2 is the dimensional relation- ship between tire section height and section width and is expressed in percentage. The aspect ratio is arrived at by dividing section height by section width.

Tire code Tire code 3 indicates the tire construction type. The “R” stands for radial tire type. Letter “D” means diagonal or bias ply construction; letter “B” means belted-bias ply construction. At the tire manufacturer’s option, any tire with a speed capability above 149 mph (240 km/h) can include a “ZR” in the size designation (for example: 245/40 ZR 18). For additional information, see “Tire speed rat- ing” (Y page 222). Rim diameter Rim diameter 4 is the diameter of the bead seat, not the diameter of the rim edge. The rim diameter is indicated in inches (in).

Tire load rating G Warning! The tire load rating must always be at least half of the GAWR of your vehicle. Other-

Operation

Tires and wheels

wise, tire failure may be the result which may cause an accident and/or serious injury to you or others. Always replace rims and tires with the same designation, manufacturer and type as shown on the original part. G Warning! Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified load limit as indicated on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar. Overloading the tires can overheat them, possibly causing a blowout. Overloading the tires can also result in handling or steering problems, or brake failure. Tire load rating 5 is a numerical code asso- ciated with the maximum load a tire can sup- port. For example, a load rating of 91 corresponds to a maximum load of 1356 lb (615 kg) the tire is designed to support. See also “Maxi- mum tire load” (Y page 224) where the max- imum load associated with the load index is indicated in kilograms and lbs. For additional information on tire load rating, see “Load identification” (Y page 223).

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Operation

Tires and wheels Tire speed rating G Warning! Even when permitted by law, never operate a vehicle at speeds greater than the maxi- mum speed rating of the tires. Exceeding the maximum speed for which tires are rated can lead to sudden tire fail- ure, causing loss of vehicle control and possibly resulting in an accident and/or serious personal injury and possible death, for you and for others. Regardless of the tire speed rating, local speed limits should be obeyed. Use prudent driving speeds appropriate to prevailing con- ditions. Tire speed rating 6 indicates the approved maximum speed for the tire. Summer tires Index

Speed rating

up to 100 mph (160 km/h)

up to 106 mph (170 km/h)

up to 112 mph (180 km/h)

8 or M+S.for winter tires 222

Index

Speed rating

up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

up to 149 mph (240 km/h)

up to 168 mph (270 km/h)

up to 186 mph (300 km/h)

ZR...Y

up to 186 mph (300 km/h)

ZR...(..Y)

above 186 mph (300 km/h)

ZR

above 149 mph (240 km/h)

RAt the tire manufacturer’s option, any tire

with a speed capability above 149 mph (240 km/h) can include a “ZR” in the size designation (for example: 245/40 ZR18). To determine the maximum speed capabil- ity of the tire, the service description for the tire must be referred to. The service description is comprised of tire load rating 5 and tire speed rating 6. If your tire includes “ZR” in the size desig- nation and no service description is given,

the tire manufacturer must be consulted for the maximum speed capability. If a service description is given, the speed capability is limited by the speed symbol in the service description. Example: 245/40 ZR18 97Y. In this example, “97Y” is the service description. The letter “Y” designates the speed rating and the speed capability of the tire is limited to 186 mph (300 km/h).

RAny tire with a speed capability above

186 mph (300 km/h) must include a “ZR” in the size designation AND the service description must be placed in parenthesis. Example: 275/40 ZR 18 (99Y). The “(Y)” speed rating in parenthesis designates the maximum speed capability of the tire as being above 186 mph (300 km/h). Consult the tire manufacturer for the actual maxi- mum permissible speed of the tire.

All-season and winter tires Index Speed rating

Q M+S8

T M+S8

up to 100 mph (160 km/h)

up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

Index

Speed rating

H M+S8

V M+S8

up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

up to 149 mph (240 km/h)

i Not all M+S rated tires provide special winter performance. Make sure the tires you use show M+S and the mountain/ snowflake.marking on the tire side- wall. These tires meet specific snow trac- tion performance requirements of the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) and have been designed specifically for use in snow conditions.

An electronic speed limiter prevents your vehicle from exceeding a speed of: R130 mph (210 km/h):

CLS 550
CLS 550 (Sport Package)

R155 mph (250 km/h):

CLS 63 AMG

R186 mph (300 km/h):

CLS 63 AMG (Performance Package)

8 or M+S.for winter tires

The factory equipped tires on your vehicle may have a tire speed rating above the max- imum speed permitted by the electronic speed limiter. Make sure your tires have the required tire speed rating as specified for your vehicle in the “Technical data” section (Y page 336), for example when purchasing new tires. If you are uncertain about the correct reading of the information given on a tire’s sidewall, any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to assist you.

Load identification

Operation

Tires and wheels i For illustration purposes only. Actual data

on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illus- tration.

In addition to tire load rating, special load identification 1 may be molded into the tire sidewall following the letter designating the tire speed rating 6 (Y page 220). RNo specification given: absence of any text (like in above example) indicates a stand- ard load (SL) tire.

RXL or Extra Load: designates an extra load

(or reinforced) tire.

RLight Load: designates a light load tire. RC, D, E: designates load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure.

1 Load identification

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Operation

Tires and wheels DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN) U.S. tire regulations require each new tire manufacturer or tire retreader to mold a TIN into or onto a sidewall of each tire produced. The TIN is a unique identifier which facilitates efforts by tire manufactures to notify pur- chasers in recall situations or other safety matters concerning tires and gives purchas- ers the means to easily identify such tires. The TIN is comprised of “Manufacturer’s iden- tification mark”, “Tire size”, “Tire type code” and “Date of manufacture”.

1 DOT 2 Manufacturer’s identification mark 3 Tire size 4 Tire type code (at the option of the tire

manufacturer)

224

5 Date of manufacture

i For illustration purposes only. Actual data

on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illus- tration.

DOT (Department of Transportation) Tire branding symbol 1 denotes that the tire meets requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Manufacturer’s identification mark Manufacturer’s identification mark 2
denotes the tire manufacturer. New tires have a mark with two symbols. Retreaded tires have a mark with four sym- bols. For more information on retreaded tires, see (Y page 204).

Tire size Code 3 indicates the tire size.

Tire type code Tire type code 4 may, at the option of the manufacturer, be used as a descriptive code

for identifying significant characteristics of the tire.

Date of manufacture The date of manufacture 5 identifies the week and year of manufacture. The first two figures identify the week, start- ing with “01” to represent the first full week of the calendar year. The second two figures represent the year. For example, “3202” represents the 32nd week of 2002.

Maximum tire load G Warning! Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified load limit as indicated on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar. Overloading the tires can overheat them, possibly causing a blowout. Overloading the tires can also result in handling or steering problems, or brake failure.

Maximum tire inflation pressure G Warning! Never exceed the maximum tire inflation pressure. Follow recommended tire infla- tion pressures. Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel econ- omy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated. Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride com- fort, wear unevenly, increase stopping dis- tance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.

1 Maximum tire load rating

i For illustration purposes only. Actual data

on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illus- tration.

The maximum tire load is the maximum weight the tires are designed to support. For more information on tire load rating, see (Y page 221). For information on calculating total and cargo load capacities, see (Y page 208).

Operation

Tires and wheels

1 Maximum permissible tire inflation pres-

sure

i For illustration purposes only. Actual data

on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illus- tration.

This is the maximum permissible tire inflation pressure for the tire. Always follow the recommended tire inflation pressure (Y page 210) for proper tire infla- tion.

225

Operation

Tires and wheels Uniform Tire Quality Grading Stand- ards The Uniform Tire Quality Grading is a U.S. Government requirement designed to give drivers consistent and reliable information regarding tire performance. Tire manufactur- ers are required to grade tires based on three performance factors: treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance. Although not a Government of Canada requirement, all tires made for sale in North America have these grades branded on the sidewall.

1 Treadwear 2 Traction 3 Temperature resistance

i For illustration purposes only. Actual data

on tires are specific to each vehicle and

226

may vary from data shown in above illus- tration.

Quality grades can be found, where applica- ble, on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example: Treadwear

Temperature

Traction

200

AA

All passenger car tires must conform to fed- eral safety requirements in addition to these grades.

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 test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) 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, how- ever, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, serv- ice practices and differences in road charac- teristics and climate.

Traction G Warning! The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics. 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 measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance. G Warning! If ice has formed on the road, tire traction will be substantially reduced. Under such weather conditions, drive, steer and brake with extreme caution. The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy road is always lower than on a dry road. You should pay particular attention to the condition of the road whenever the outside temperature is close to the freezing point. Mercedes-Benz recommends winter tires (Y page 231) with a minimum tread depth of approximately 1/6 in (4 mm) on all four wheels

for the winter season to ensure normal bal- anced handling characteristics. On packed snow, they can reduce your stopping distance compared to summer tires. Stopping dis- tance, however, is still considerably greater than when the road is not covered with snow or ice. Exercise appropriate caution. ! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel. This may

cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Temperature G Warning! The temperature grade for this tire is estab- lished for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underin- flation, or excessive loading, either sepa- rately or in combination, can cause exces- sive 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 dissi- pate heat when tested under controlled con- ditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained 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 ply material

1 Plies in sidewall 2 Plies under tread

Operation