2006 Mercedes-benz R Class Owners Manual

Example B) 왘 Locate the heading “Vehicle Capacity

Weight” on your vehicle’s placard.

Step 2
왘 Determine the combined weight of the

driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.

Step 3
왘 Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX lbs.

Step 4
왘 The resulting figure equals the avail-

able amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lbs. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)

Step 5
왘 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.

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Placard (Example A) 1 Seating capacity

Placard (Example B) 1 Seating capacity

Operation Tires and wheels

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Step 6 (if applicable) 왘 If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,

load from your trailer will be trans- ferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle (컄 page 362).

The following table shows examples on how to calculate total and cargo load capacities with varying seating configura- tions and number and size of occupants. The following examples use a load limit of 1500 lbs. This is for illustration purposes only. Make sure you are using the actual load limit for your vehicle stated on the vehicle’s placard (컄 page 357).

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Operation Tires and wheels

Example Combined

weight limit of occu- pants and cargo from placard 1500 lbs

1500 lbs

1500 lbs

Number of occupants (driver and passengers)

Seating configura- tion

Occupants weight

Combined weight of all occupants

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

front: 2

rear: 3

front: 1
rear: 2

front:1

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 Occupant 1: 150 lbs

750 lbs

1500 lbs - 750 lbs = 750 lbs

540 lbs

1500 lbs - 540 lbs = 960 lbs

150 lbs

1500 lbs - 150 lbs = 1350 lbs

The higher the weight of all occupants, the less cargo and luggage load capacity is available. For more information, see “Trailer tongue load” (컄 page 362).

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Operation Tires and wheels

Certification label Even after careful determination of the combined weight of all occupants, cargo and the trailer tongue load (if applicable) (컄 page 362) as to not exceed the permis- sible load limit, you must make sure that your vehicle never exceeds the Gross Vehi- cle 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 la- bel. The Certification Label can be found on the driver’s door B-pillar, see “Technical data” (컄 page 510).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, all cargo, and the trailer tongue load (컄 page 362) must never exceed the GVWR. Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): The to- tal allowable weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear). To assure that your vehicle does not ex- ceed the maximum permissible weight limits (GVWR and GAWR for front and rear axle), have the loaded vehicle (including driver, passengers and all cargo and, if ap- plicable, trailer fully loaded) weighed on a suitable commercial scale.

Trailer tongue load The tongue load of any trailer is an impor- tant 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 between 10% and 15% of the trailer weight and everything loaded in it.

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Recommended tire inflation pressure

Warning!

Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.

Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being over- heated.

Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear unevenly, increase stopping distance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.

Your vehicle is equipped with either the Tire and Loading Information placard (Ex- ample A) or the Vehicle Tire Information Placard (Example B) located on the driver's door B-pillar (컄 page 357). The tire inflation pressure should be checked regularly and should only be ad- justed on cold tires. 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). Follow recommended cold tire inflation pressures listed on placard. Keeping the tires properly inflated provides the best handling, tread life and riding comfort. In addition to the tire placard on the driver’s door B-pillar, also consult the fuel filler flap for any additional information pertaining to special driving situations. For more information, see “Important notes on tire inflation pressure” (컄 page 364).

Operation Tires and wheels

Data shown on placard examples are for illustration purposes only. Tire data are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in the illustra- tions below. Refer to placard on vehicle for actual data specific to your vehicle.

Placard (Example A)

1 Tire and Loading Information placard with recommended cold tire inflation pressures

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Operation Tires and wheels

Placard (Example A) lists the recommend- ed cold tire inflation pressures for maxi- mum loaded vehicle weight. The tire inflation pressures listed apply to the tires installed as original equipment.

Placard (Example B)

1 Vehicle Tire Information placard with recommended tire inflation pressures Placard (Example B) lists the recommend- ed cold tire inflation pressures for maxi- mum loaded vehicle weight. The tire inflation pressures listed apply to the tires installed as original equipment.

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Be sure to readjust the tire inflation pressure 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 loads less than the maximum loaded vehi- cle condition. If such information is provid- ed, it can be found on the placard located on the inside of the fuel filler flap. Tire inflation pressure changes by approxi- mately 1.5 psi (0.1 bar) per 18°F (10°C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind when checking tire inflation pressure where the temperature is different from the outside temperature.

Important notes on tire inflation pressure

Warning!

If the tire inflation pressure drops repeated- ly: 앫 Check the tires for punctures from

foreign objects.

앫 Check to see whether air is leaking from

the valves or from around the rim.

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 placard on the inside of the fuel filler flap on how to adjust the cold tire in- flation pressure. If you do not adjust the tire inflation pressure, excessive heat can build up and result in sudden tire failure.

Checking tire inflation pressure

Regularly check your tire inflation pressure at least once a month. Check and adjust the tire inflation pressure when the tires are cold. 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). 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. Otherwise, the tire will be underinflated.

Warning!

Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.

Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being over- heated.

Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear unevenly, increase stopping distance, 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 plac- ard on the driver’s door B-pillar. Overloading the tires can overheat them, possibly caus- ing a blowout.

Operation Tires and wheels

Checking tire inflation pressure manually Follow the steps below to achieve correct tire inflation pressure: 왘 Remove the cap from the valve on one

tire.

왘 Firmly press a tire gauge onto the

valve.

왘 Read tire inflation pressure on tire gauge and check against the recom- mended tire inflation pressure on the placard on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 357) or, if available, the inside of the fuel filler flap. If necessary, add air to achieve the recommended tire in- flation pressure.

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Operation Tires and wheels

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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.

왘 Install the valve cap. 왘 Repeat this procedure for each tire.

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Run Flat Indicator (Canada only) While the vehicle is being driven, the Run Flat Indicator monitors the set tire inflation pressures by evaluating each wheel’s rota- tional speed. This allows the system to de- tect a significant loss of pressure in a tire. If a wheel’s rotational speed changes due to falling tire inflation pressure, you will see a corresponding warning message in the multifunction display. The Run Flat Indicator may function in a re- stricted manner or with a delay if: 앫 snow chains are mounted to the

vehicle

앫 winter road conditions prevail 앫 you are driving on a loose surface (e.g.

sand or gravel)

앫 you are driving in a very sporty manner

(involving rapid acceleration or high speeds in curves)

Warning!

When the multifunction display shows the message Tire pressure Check tires, one or more of your tires is significantly un- der-inflated. 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 information placard. Driving on a significantly under-in- flated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation 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 monthly when cold and set to the recommended tire infla- tion pressure as specified in the vehicle placard and owner’s manual.

i The recommended tire inflation pres- sures for your vehicle can be found on the tire placard located on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 357). The tire in- flation pressures are not listed in the owner’s manual.

Warning!

The Run Flat Indicator does not indicate a warning for wrongly selected tire inflation pressures. Always adjust tire inflation pres- sure according to the placard on the driver’s door B-pillar or fuel filler flap.

The Run Flat Indicator does not replace reg- ular checks of the tire inflation pressures since a gradual pressure loss in all four tires 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- ing the brakes and avoiding abrupt steering maneuvers.

Operation Tires and wheels

Reactivating the Run Flat Indicator The tire inflation pressure monitor must be reactivated in the following situations: 앫 If you have changed the tire inflation

pressure

앫 If you have replaced the wheels or tires 앫 If you have installed new wheels or

tires

왘 Using the tire placard on the driver’s door B-pillar or, if available, the inside of the fuel filler flap, make sure the tire inflation pressure of all four tires is cor- rect.

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 ac- cording to the incorrect value.

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Operation Tires and wheels

왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 38).

Make sure the standard display menu appears in the multifunction display (컄 page 168).

왘 Press button k or j repeatedly until the following message appears in the multifunction display:

왘 Press button æ.

The following message will appear in the multifunction display: Tire pressure now OK?

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If you wish to confirm activation: 왘 Press button æ.

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

After a certain “learning phase”, the Run Flat Indicator checks the set pressure values for all four tires. If you wish to cancel activation: 왘 Press button ç. or 왘 Wait until the message Tire pressure now OK? disappears.

Checking tire pressure electronically with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), (USA only)

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is equipped with a combination low tire pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale in the instrument cluster (컄 page 24). Depending on how the telltale illuminates, it indicates a low tire pressure condition or a malfunction in the TPMS system itself: 앫 If the telltale illuminates continu- ously, one or more of your tires is significantly underinflated. There is no malfunction in the TPMS.

앫 If the telltale flashes for 60 seconds

and then stays illuminated, the TPMS system itself is not operating properly.

Operation Tires and wheels

The TPMS only functions on wheels that are equipped with the proper electronic sensors. It monitors the tire inflation pres- sure, as selected by the driver, in all four tires. A warning is issued to alert you to a decrease in pressure in one or more of the tires.

Warning!

The TPMS does not indicate a warning for wrongly selected inflation pressures. Always adjust tire inflation pressure according to the placard on the driver’s door B-pillar or, if available, the supplemental tire pressure in- formation 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.

Warning!

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recom- mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or the tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or 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 monitor- ing system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly underinflated. Accord- ingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illu- minates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significant- ly underinflated tire causes the tire to over- heat 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.

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 illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subse- quent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal- function exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.

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Operation Tires and wheels

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TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of in- compatible replacement or alternate tires 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.

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

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

Reactivating the TPMS The TPMS must be reactivated 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.

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.

왘 Using the tire placard on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 357) or, if avail- able, the supplemental tire pressure information on the inside of the fuel filler flap (컄 page 342), make sure the tire inflation pressure of all four tires is correct.

Operation Tires and wheels

Reactivate the TPMS after adjusting the tire inflation pressure to the infla- tion pressure recommended for the vehicle operating condition. Tire pres- sure should only be adjusted on cold tires. Observe the recommended tire inflation pressure on the placard on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 357). Some vehicles may have supplemental tire pressure information for driving at high speeds (컄 page 364) or for vehicle loads less than the maximum loaded vehicle condition (컄 page 364). If such information is provided, it can be found on the inside of the fuel filler flap.

왘 Press button è or ÿ on the mul-

tifunction steering wheel repeatedly until the standard display menu appears in the multifunction display (컄 page 168).

왘 Press the j or k button repeat-

edly until you see the following message: Tire pressure monitor active Reactivation possible: R-button

왘 Press the reset button (컄 page 158). The following message will appear in the multifunction display: Check current tire pressure?

왘 Press the æ button.

The following message will appear in the multifunction display: Tire pressure monitor reactivated The TPMS will now monitor the tire in- flation pressure values of all four tires.

If you wish to cancel activation: 왘 Press the ç button.

Checking tire pressure electronically with the Advanced Tire Pressure Moni- toring System* (Advanced TPMS*), (Canada only)

The Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System* (Advanced TPMS*) is equipped with a combination low tire pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale in the instrument cluster (컄 page 24). De- pending on how the telltale illuminates, it indicates a low tire pressure condi- tion or a malfunction in the TPMS sys- tem itself: 앫 If the telltale illuminates continu- ously, one or more of your tires is significantly underinflated. There is no malfunction in the TPMS.

앫 If the telltale flashes for 60 seconds

and then stays illuminated, the TPMS system itself is not operating properly.

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Operation Tires and wheels

The TPMS only functions on wheels that are equipped with the proper electronic sensors. It monitors the tire inflation pres- sure, as selected by the driver, in all four tires. A warning is issued to alert you to a decrease in pressure in one or more of the tires. Tire pressure inquiries are made using the multifunction display. The present inflation pressures are displayed only after a few minutes’ travel time.

Possible differences between the read- ings of a tire pressure gauge of an air hose, e.g. gas station equipment, and the vehicle’s control system can occur. Usually the readings issued by the con- trol system are more precise.

왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 38). 왘 Press the j or k button until

the current inflation pressures for each tire appear in the multifunction display.

372

When the message Tire pressure displayed only after driving a few minutes appears in the multifunction display, the individual inflation pres- sure values are matched with the tires. The individual values are displayed af- ter a few minutes driving.

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.

With a spare wheel without wheel sen- sor mounted, the system may still indi- cate the tire inflation pressure of the removed wheel for some minutes. If this happens, keep in mind that the in- dicated value where the spare wheel is mounted does not reflect the actual spare tire inflation pressure.

Warning!

The TPMS does not indicate a warning for wrongly selected inflation pressures. Always adjust tire inflation pressure according to the placard on the driver’s door B-pillar or, if available, the supplemental tire pressure in- formation 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.

Warning!

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recom- mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or the tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or 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 monitor- ing system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires are significantly underinflated. Accord- ingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illu- minates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible. Driving on a signif- icantly underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.

Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may effect 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 driv- er’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 illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subse- quent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal- function exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.

Operation Tires and wheels

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

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

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Operation Tires and wheels

Reactivating Advanced TPMS* The TPMS must be reactivated 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.

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.

왘 Using the tire placard on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 357) or, if avail- able, the supplemental tire pressure information on the inside of the fuel filler flap (컄 page 342), make sure the tire inflation pressure of all four tires is correct.

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Reactivate the TPMS after adjusting the tire inflation pressure to the infla- tion pressure recommended for the vehicle operating condition. Tire pres- sure should only be adjusted on cold tires. Observe the recommended tire inflation pressure on the placard on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 357). Some vehicles may have supplemental tire pressure information for driving at high speeds (컄 page 364) or for vehicle loads less than the maximum loaded vehicle condition (컄 page 364). If such information is provided, it can be found on the inside of the fuel filler flap.

왘 Press button è or ÿ on the mul-

tifunction steering wheel repeatedly until the standard display menu appears in the multifunction display (컄 page 168).

왘 Press the j or k button repeat- edly until you see the current inflation pressures for each tire appear in the display or the following message appears in the multifunction display: Tire pressure displayed only after driving a few minutes

왘 Press the reset button (컄 page 158). The following message will appear in the multifunction display: Check current tire pressure?

왘 Press the æ button.

The following message will appear in the multifunction display: Tire pressure monitor reactivated The TPMS will now monitor the tire in- flation pressure values of all four tires.

If you wish to cancel activation: 왘 Press the ç button.

Potential problems associated with underinflated and overinflated tires

Underinflated tire inflation pressure Underinflated tires can 앫 cause excessive and uneven tire wear 앫 adversely affect fuel economy 앫 lead to tire failure from being

overheated

앫 adversely affect handling

characteristics

Warning!

Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.

Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.

Overinflated tire inflation pressure Overinflated tires can: 앫 adversely affect handling

characteristics

앫 cause uneven tire wear 앫 be more prone to damage from road

hazards

앫 adversely affect ride comfort 앫 increase stopping distance

Warning!

Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.

Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear unevenly, increase stopping distance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.

Operation Tires and wheels

Tire labeling

Besides tire name (sales designation) and manufacturer name, a number of markings can be found on a tire. Following are some explanations for the markings on your vehicle’s tires:

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Operation Tires and wheels

1 Uniform Quality Grading Standards

(컄 page 383)

Tire size designation, load and speed rating

2 DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)

(컄 page 380)

3 Maximum tire load (컄 page 382) 4 Maximum tire inflation pressure

(컄 page 382) 5 Manufacturer 6 Tire ply material (컄 page 385) 7 Tire size designation, load and speed

rating (컄 page 376)

8 Load identification (컄 page 380) 9 Tire name

For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehi- cle and may vary from data shown in above illustration. For more information, see “Rims and tires” (컄 page 514).

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1 Tire width 2 Aspect ratio in % 3 Radial tire code 4 Rim diameter 5 Tire load rating 6 Tire speed rating

For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehi- cle and may vary from data shown in above illustration.

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 standards. Letter “T” preceding the size designation: Temporary spare tires which are high pressure compact spares designed for temporary emergency use only.

Tire width The tire width 1 (컄 page 376) indicates the nominal tire width in mm.

Aspect ratio The aspect ratio 2 (컄 page 376) is the dimensional relationship 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 The tire code 3 (컄 page 376) indicates the tire construction type. The “R” stands for radial tire type. Letter “D” means diag- onal 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 rating” (컄 page 378).

Rim diameter The rim diameter 4 (컄 page 376) is the diameter of the bead seat, not the diameter of the rim edge. Rim diameter is indicated in inches (in).

Tire load rating The tire load rating 5 (컄 page 376) is a numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can support. For example, a load rating of 91 corre- sponds to a maximum load of 1356 lbs (615 kg) the tire is designed to support. See also “Maximum tire load” (컄 page 382) where the maximum load as- sociated with the load index is indicated in kilograms and lbs.

Operation Tires and wheels

Warning!

The tire load rating must always be at least half of the GAWR (컄 page 386) of your vehi- cle. Otherwise, tire failure may be the result which may cause an accident and/or seri- ous personal injury to you or others.

Always replace rims and tires with the same designation, manufacturer and type as shown on the original part.

Warning!

Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified load limit as indicated on the plac- ard located 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.

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Operation Tires and wheels

For additional information on tire load rating, see “Load identification” (컄 page 380).

Tire load rating 5 (컄 page 376) and tire speed rating 6 (컄 page 376) are also referred to as “service descrip- tion”.

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Tire speed rating The tire speed rating 6 (컄 page 376) indicates the approved maximum speed for the tire.

Warning!

Even when permitted by law, never operate a vehicle at speeds greater than the maximum speed rating of the tires.

Exceeding the maximum speed for which tires are rated can lead to sudden tire failure, causing loss of vehicle control and possibly resulting in an accident and/or personal injury and possible death, for you and for others.

Tire load rating 5 (컄 page 376) and tire speed rating 6 (컄 page 376) are also referred to as “service descrip- tion”.

Summer tires

Index (Y) ZR

Speed rating up to 100 mph (160 km/h) up to 106 mph (170 km/h) up to 112 mph (180 km/h) 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) above 186 mph (300 km/h) above 149 mph (240 km/h)

앫 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 exam- ple: 245/40 ZR18). To determine the maximum speed capability of the tire, the service description for the tire must be referred to. The service description

앫 Any 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 paren- thesis designates the maximum speed capability of the tire as being above 186 mph (300 km/h). Consult the tire manufacturer for the actual maximum permissible speed of the tire.

is comprised of the tire load rating 5 (컄 page 376) and the tire speed rating 6 (컄 page 376). If your tire includes “ZR” in the size designation and no service description 5 and 6 (컄 page 376) is given, the tire manufacturer must be consulted for the maximum speed ca- pability. If a service description 5 and 6 (컄 page 376) is given, the speed capa- bility 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 capabil- ity of the tire is limited to 186 mph (300 km/h).

Operation Tires and wheels

All-season and winter tires

Speed rating Index Q M+S1
up to 100 mph (160 km/h) T M+S1 up to 118 mph (190 km/h) H M+S1 up to 130 mph (210 km/h) V M+S1 up to 149 mph (240 km/h) 1 or M+S. for winter tires

Not all M+S rated radial-ply tires pro- vide special winter performance. Make sure the tires you use show M+S and the mountain/snowflake marking .on the tire sidewall. These tires meet specific snow traction performance requirements of the Rub- ber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) and have been designed specifi- cally for use in snow conditions.

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In addition to tire load rating, special load information may be molded into the tire sidewall following the letter designating the tire speed rating 1 (컄 page 380). No specification given: absence of any text (like in above example) indicates a standard load (SL) tire. XL (Extra Load): designates an extra load (or reinforced) tire. Light Load: designates a light load tire. C, D, E: designates load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure.

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 facili- tates efforts by tire manufactures to notify purchasers in recall situations or other safety matters concerning tires and gives purchasers the means to easily identify such tires. The TIN is comprised of “Manufacturer’s identification mark”, “Tire size”, “Tire type code” and “Date of manufacture”.

Operation Tires and wheels

Load identification

1 Load identification

For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehi- cle and may vary from data shown in above illustration.

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Operation Tires and wheels

DOT (Department of Transportation) A tire branding symbol 1 (컄 page 381) which denotes the tire meets require- ments of the U.S. Department of Transpor- tation.

Tire type code The code 4 (컄 page 381) may, at the option of the manufacturer, be used as a descriptive code for identifying significant characteristics of the tire.

Manufacturer’s identification mark The manufacturer’s identification mark 2 (컄 page 381) 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 (컄 page 353).

Tire size The code 3 (컄 page 381) indicates the tire size.

Date of manufacture The date of manufacture 5 (컄 page 381) identifies the week and year of manufac- ture. The first two figures identify the week, starting 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.

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

manufacturer)

5 Date of manufacture

For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehi- cle and may vary from data shown in above illustration.

Operation Tires and wheels

Maximum tire load

Warning!

Maximum tire inflation pressure

Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified load limit as indicated on the plac- ard located 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.

For more information on tire load rating (컄 page 377). For information on calculating total and cargo load capacities (컄 page 359).

1 Maximum permissible tire inflation

pressure

For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehi- cle and may vary from data shown in above illustration.

This is the maximum permissible tire inflation pressure for the tire.

1 Maximum tire load rating

For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehi- cle and may vary from data shown in above illustration.

The maximum tire load is the maximum weight the tires are designed to support.

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Always follow the recommended tire inflation pressure (컄 page 363) for proper tire inflation.

Warning!

Never exceed the max. tire inflation pressure. Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.

Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adverse- ly affect handling and fuel economy, 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 de- bris, potholes etc.

Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards (U.S. vehicles)

Tire manufacturers are required to grade tires based on three performance factors: treadwear, traction and temperature resistance.

1 Treadwear 2 Traction 3 Temperature resistance

For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehi- cle and may vary from data shown in above illustration.

Operation Tires and wheels

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

Treadwear Traction Temperature 200

AA

All passenger car tires must conform to federal safety requirements in addition to these grades.

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Traction The traction grades, from highest to low- est, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades rep- resent 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 perfor- mance.

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.

Temperature The temperature grades are A (the high- est), B, and C, representing the tire’s resis- tance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tem- perature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and ex- cessive 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.

Operation Tires and wheels

Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rat- ing based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For ex- ample, 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, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.

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Warning!

Tire ply material

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 excessive heat build-up and possible tire failure.

1 Plies in sidewall 2 Plies under tread

For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehi- cle and may vary from data shown in above illustration.

This marking tells you about the type of cord and number of plies in the sidewall and under the tread.

Operation Tires and wheels

Tire and loading terminology

Accessory weight The combined weight (in excess of those standard items which may be replaced) of automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that these items are available as factory-installed equipment (whether installed or not).

Air pressure The amount of air inside the tire pressing outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi), or kilopascal (kPa) or bars.

Aspect ratio Dimensional relationship between tire section height and section width expressed in percentage.

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Operation Tires and wheels

Bar Another metric unit for air pressure. There are 14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi) to 1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa) to 1 bar.

Bead The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.

Cold tire inflation pressure Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle has been sitting for at least 3 hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).

Curb weight The weight of a motor vehicle with stan- dard equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped, air conditioning and additional optional equipment, but without passen- gers and cargo.

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DOT (Department of Transportation) A tire branding symbol which denotes the tire meets requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) The GAWR is the maximum permissible axle weight. The gross vehicle weight on each axle must never exceed the GAWR for the front and rear axle indicated on the Certification label located on the driver’s door B-pillar.

GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all cargo, equipment, luggage etc. loaded on the trailer.

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) The GVW comprises the weight of the vehicle including fuel, tools, spare wheel, installed accessories, passengers and cargo and, if applicable, trailer tongue load. The GWV must never exceed the GWVR indicated on the Certification label located on the driver’s door B-pillar.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) This is the maximum permissible vehicle weight of the fully loaded vehicle (weight of the vehicle including all options, passen- gers, fuel, and cargo and, if applicable, trailer tongue load). It is indicated on Certification label located on the driver’s door B-pillar.

Kilopascal (kPa) The metric unit for air pressure. There are 6.9 kPa to 1 psi; another metric unit for air pressure is bars. There are 100 kilopascals (kPa) to 1 bar.

Maximum load rating The maximum load in kilograms and pounds that can be carried by the tire.

Maximum loaded vehicle weight The sum of curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity weight and production options weight.

Maximum tire inflation pressure This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire under normal driving conditions.

Normal occupant weight The number of occupants the vehicle is designed to seat, multiplied by 68 kilograms (150 lbs).

Occupant distribution The distribution of occupants in a vehicle at their designated seating positions.

Production options weight The combined weight of those installed regular production options weighing over 5 lbs (2.3 kilograms) in excess of those standard items which they replace, not previously considered in curb weight or accessory weight, including heavy duty brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim.

PSI (Pounds per square inch) A standard unit of measure for air pressure -> bar, kilopascal (kPa).

Recommended tire inflation pressure Recommended tire inflation pressure listed on placard located on driver’s door B-pillar for normal driving conditions. Provides best handling, tread life and riding comfort.

Operation Tires and wheels

Rim A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire beads are seated.

Sidewall The portion of a tire between the tread and the bead.

TIN (Tire Identification Number) Unique identifier which facilitates efforts by tire manufacturers to notify purchasers in recall situations or other safety matters concerning tires and gives purchases the means to easily identify such tires. The TIN is comprised of “Manufacturer’s identifica- tion mark”, “Tire size”, “Tire type code” and “Date of manufacture”.

Tire load rating Numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can support.

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Operation Tires and wheels

Tire ply composition and material used This indicates the number of plies or the number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire tread and sidewall. Tire manufac- turers also must indicate the ply materials in the tire and sidewall, which include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.

Tire speed rating Part of tire designation; indicates the speed range for which a tire is approved.

Traction Force exerted by the vehicle on the road via the tires. The amount of grip provided.

Tread The portion of a tire that comes into contact with the road.

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Treadwear indicators Narrow bands, sometimes called “wear bars” that show across the tread of a tire when only 1/16 in (1.6 mm) of tread remains.

Vehicle maximum load on the tire Load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each axle its share of the maximum loaded vehicle weight and dividing it by two.

TWR (Tongue Weight Rating) Maximum permissible weight on trailer tongue.

Rotating tires

Warning!

Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards A tire information system that provides consumers with ratings for a tire’s traction, temperature and treadwear. Ratings are determined by tire manufacturers using government testing procedures. The ratings are molded into the sidewall of the tire.

Vehicle capacity weight Rated cargo and luggage load plus 68 kilograms (150 lbs) times the vehicle’s designated seating capacity.

Rotate front and rear wheels only if the tires are of the same dimension.

If your vehicle is equipped with mixed-size tires (different tire dimensions front vs. rear), tire rotation is not possible.

Tire rotation can be performed on vehicles with tires of the same dimension all around. If your vehicle is equipped with tires of the same dimension all around, tires can be rotated, observing a a front-to-rear rotation pattern that will maintain the intended rotation (spinning) direction of the tire (컄 page 356).

Warning!

Have the tightening torque checked after changing a wheel. Wheels could become loose if not tightened with a torque of 110 lb-ft (150 Nm).

Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for your vehicle’s rims.

For information on wheel change, see “Flat tire” (컄 page 478).

In some cases, such as when your vehicle is equipped with mixed-size tires (different tire dimension front vs. rear), tire rotation is not possible. If applicable to your vehicle's tire configu- ration, tires can be rotated according to the tire manufacturer’s recommended in- tervals in the tire manufacturer’s warranty pamphlet located in your vehicle literature portfolio. If none is available, tires should be rotated every 3000 to 6000 miles (5000 to 10000 km), or sooner if neces- sary, according to the degree of tire wear. The same rotation (spinning) direction must be maintained (컄 page 356). Rotate tires before the characteristic tire wear pattern becomes visible (shoulder wear on front tires and tread center wear on rear tires). Thoroughly clean the mounting face of wheels and brake disks, i.e. the inner side of the wheels/tires, during each rotation. Check for and ensure proper tire inflation pressure.

Operation Tires and wheels

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Operation Winter driving

Before the onset of winter, have your vehi- cle winterized at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. This service includes: 앫 Check of anticorrosion and antifreeze

concentration.

앫 Addition of cleaning concentrate to the water of the windshield and headlamp cleaning system. Add MB Concentrate “S” to a premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze which is formulated for temperatures below freezing point (컄 page 528).

앫 Battery test. Battery capacity drops

with decreasing ambient temperature. A well charged battery helps to make sure that the engine can be started even at low ambient temperatures. 앫 Tire change. Mercedes-Benz recom-

mends M+S rated radial-ply tires with a minimum tread depth of approximately 1/6 in (4 mm) on all four wheels for the winter season.

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Winter tires

Always use winter tires at temperatures below 45°F (7°C) and whenever wintry road conditions prevail. Not all M+S rated radial-ply tires provide special winter per- formance. Make sure the tires you use show M+S and the mountain/snowflake marking.on the tire sidewall. These tires meet specific snow traction perfor- mance requirements of the Rubber Manu- facturers Association (RMA) and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) and have been designed specifically for use in snow conditions. Use of winter tires is the only way to achieve the maximum effec- tiveness of the ABS, ESP®, 4-ETS, and EBP in winter operation. For safe handling, make sure all winter tires mounted are of the same make and have the same tread design.

Warning!

Winter tires with a tread depth under 1/6 in (4 mm) must be replaced. They are no long- er suitable for winter operation.

Always observe the speed rating of the winter tires installed on your vehicle. If the maximum speed for which your tires are rated is below the speed rating of your ve- hicle, you must place a notice to this effect where it will be seen by the driver. Such no- tices are available at your tire dealer or any authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Warning!

Snow chains

If you use your spare tire when winter tires are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that the difference in tire characteristics may very well impair turning stability and that overall driving stability may be reduced. Adapt your driving style accordingly.

Have the spare tire replaced with a winter tire at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Block heater (Canada only)

The engine is equipped with a block heater. The electrical cable may be installed at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Snow chains should only be driven on snow-covered roads at speeds not to ex- ceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains as soon as possible when driving on roads without snow.

Even on vehicles with all-wheel-drive, use snow chains on rear tires only. Some tire sizes do not leave adequate clearance for snow chains. To help avoid serious damage to your vehicle or tires, use of snow chains is not permis- sible with the spare wheel.

When driving with snow chains, you may wish to deactivate the ESP® (컄 page 101) before setting the vehicle in motion. This will improve the vehicle’s traction.

Operation Winter driving

Please observe the following guidelines when using snow chains: 앫 Use of snow chains is not permissible

with all wheel/tire combinations.

앫 Snow chains should only be used on all four wheels. With only two chains avail- able, they should be mounted on the rear wheels. Follow the manufacturer’s mounting instructions.

앫 Only use snow chains that are ap-

proved by Mercedes-Benz. Your autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center will be glad to advise you on this subject.

앫 Use of snow chains may be prohibited depending on location. Always check local and state laws before installing snow chains.

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Operation Maintenance

We strongly recommend that you have your vehicle serviced by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center, in accordance with the Maintenance Booklet at the times called for by the maintenance service indicator display. Failure to have the vehicle maintained in accordance with the Maintenance Booklet and maintenance service indicator at the designated times/mileage will result in ve- hicle damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. The maintenance service indicator will no- tify you when your next maintenance ser- vice is due.

392

Starting approximately 1 month before maintenance service is due, one of the fol- lowing messages will appear in the multi- function display while you are driving or when you switch on the ignition (example service A):

Service A in XXXXX miles (km) Service A in XXX days Service A in X day Carry out Service A The maintenance services will be indicated by showing a service type A through type H in the multifunction display. Types A through H are classified based on estimat- ed time needed to perform the mainte- nance service, ranging: from

Service A (approx. 1 hour)

to

Service H (approx. 8 hours)

Refer to Maintenance Booklet for a listing of maintenance services and intervals they need to be performed at.

Vehicles equipped with FSS PLUS (Flexible Service System PLUS) only (Canada vehicles): The interval be- tween maintenance services depends on your driving habits. A gentle driving style, moderate engine speeds and the avoidance of short-distance trips will lengthen the interval between services.

Clearing the maintenance service indicator

The maintenance service indicator is auto- matically cleared after 10 seconds when you switch on the ignition or when reach- ing the service threshold while driving. You can also clear it yourself. 왘 Press reset button on the instrument

cluster (컄 page 158).

Maintenance service term exceeded

If you have exceeded the suggested main- tenance service term, you will see the fol- lowing message in the multifunction display:

Service A exceeded by XXXXX miles (km) Service A exceeded by XXX days Service A exceeded by X day In addition, a signal sounds when the mes- sage appears. Any authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center will reset the maintenance service indicator following a completed mainte- nance service.

Operation Maintenance

Calling up the maintenance service indicator

왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 38).

The standard display of the control sys- tem appears (컄 page 168).

왘 Press button k or j on the mul-

tifunction steering wheel until the maintenance service indicator with the service symbol 9 and the service deadline appears in the multifunction display.

If the battery is disconnected, the days of disconnection will not be included in the count shown by the maintenance service indicator. To arrive at the true maintenance service deadline, you will need to subtract these days from the days shown in the maintenance service indicator. Do not confuse the maintenance ser- vice indicator with the engine oil level indicator N.

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Operation Maintenance

Resetting the maintenance service indicator

In the event that the maintenance service on your vehicle is not carried out by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center, you can have the maintenance service indicator reset. The automotive maintenance facility carrying out the main- tenance service will find the information for resetting the maintenance service indi- cator in the maintenance-relevant informa- tion for your vehicle. Such information is available either from either an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center or directly from Mercedes-Benz.

If the maintenance service indicator was inadvertently reset, have an autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Cen- ter correct it. Only reset if the proper maintenance service has been performed. Resetting the system without performing the proper service as called for by the maintenance service indicator will result in engine damage and/or other vehicle damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

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왔 Vehicle care Cleaning and care of the vehicle

Warning!

Many cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are poisonous, others are flammable. Always follow the instructions on the partic- ular container. Always open your vehicle’s doors or windows when cleaning the inside.

Never use fluids or solvents that are not de- signed for cleaning your vehicle.

Always lock away cleaning products and keep them out of reach of children.

While in operation, even while parked, your vehicle is subjected to varying external in- fluences which, if gone unchecked, can at- tack the paintwork as well as the underbody and cause lasting damage.

Such damage is caused not only by ex- treme and varying climatic conditions, but also by: 앫 Air pollution 앫 Road salt 앫 Tar 앫 Gravel and stone chipping To avoid paint damage, you should imme- diately remove: 앫 Grease and oil 앫 Fuel 앫 Coolant 앫 Brake fluid 앫 Bird droppings 앫 Insects 앫 Tree resins, etc. Frequent washing reduces and/or elimi- nates the aggressiveness and potency of the above adverse influences.

Operation Vehicle care

More frequent washings are necessary to deal with unfavorable conditions: 앫 near the ocean 앫 in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust

emissions)

앫 during winter operation You should check your vehicle from time to time for stone chipping or other damage. Any damage should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent corrosion. In doing so, do not neglect the underbody of the vehicle. A prerequisite for a thor- ough check is a washing of the underbody followed by a thorough inspection. Dam- aged areas need to be re-undercoated. Your vehicle has been treated at the facto- ry with a wax-base rustproofing in the body cavities which will last for the lifetime of the vehicle. Post-production treatment is neither necessary nor recommended by Mercedes-Benz because of the possibility of incompatibility between materials used in the production process and others ap- plied later.

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Power washer

Follow the instructions provided by the power washer manufacturer on main- taining a distance between the vehicle and the nozzle of the power washer. 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. Always keep the jet of water moving across the surface. Do not aim directly at electrical parts, electrical connec- tors, seals, or other rubber parts.

Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*: If a door handle is hit by a strong jet of water, and a SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* is in close proximity, i.e. within approximately 3 ft (approxi- mately 1 m), the vehicle could be inadvertently locked or unlocked.

Tar stains Quickly remove tar stains before they dry and become more difficult to remove. A tar remover is recommended.

Operation Vehicle care

We have selected car-care products and compiled recommendations which are specially matched to our vehicles and which always reflect the latest technology. You can obtain Mercedes-Benz approved car-care products at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or damage due to negligent or incorrect care cannot always be removed or repaired with the car-care products recommended here. In such cases it is best to seek aid at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. The following topics deal with the cleaning and care of your vehicle and give important “how-to” information as well as references to Mercedes-Benz approved car-care products.

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Operation Vehicle care

Engine cleaning Prior to cleaning the engine compartment make sure to protect electrical compo- nents and connectors from the intrusion of water and cleaning agents. Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticor- rosion Wax, should be applied to the en- gine compartment after every engine cleaning. Before applying, all control link- age bushings and joints should be lubricat- ed. The poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from any wax.

Vehicle washing In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces of road salt as soon as possible. When washing the underbody, do not for- get to clean the inner sides of the wheels.

Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*: If a door handle is hit by a strong jet of water, and a SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* is in close proximity, i.e. within approximately 3 ft (approxi- mately 1 m), the vehicle could be inadvertently locked or unlocked.

Paintwork, painted body components

Affixing stickers, adhesive tape or sim- ilar materials to painted body compo- nents may damage the paintwork.

Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should be applied when water drops on the paint surface do not “bead up”. This should normally be done every 3 to 5 months, de- pending on the climate and washing deter- gent used. Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner should be applied if the paint surface shows signs of dirt embedding (i.e. loss of gloss). Do not apply any of these products or wax