2011 Mercedes-benz C Class Coupe Owners Manual

finger-tight.

Lowering the vehicle X Turn the crank of the jack counter-

clockwise until the vehicle is once again standing firmly on the ground.

X Place the jack to one side.

X Tighten the wheel bolts evenly in a crosswise pattern in the sequence indicated (: to A). The tightening torque must be 96 lb-ft (130 Nm). G WARNING Have the tightening torque checked immediately after a wheel is changed. The wheels could come loose if they are not tightened to a torque of 96 lb/ft (130 Nm).

X Turn the jack back to its initial position and

store it together with the rest of the tire- change tool kit in the stowage well under the trunk floor.

X Transport the defective wheel in the trunk. or X Depending on the size of the wheel, you may also be able to secure the defective wheel in the spare wheel well. In this case, you will have to remove the stowage tray from the spare wheel well and stow it securely in the trunk.

i USA only: when you are driving with the emergency spare wheel mounted, the tire pressure monitoring system cannot

Flat tire 283

function reliably. Only restart the tire pressure monitoring system when the defective wheel has been replaced with a new wheel. All wheels mounted must be equipped with functioning sensors. The defective wheel should no longer be in the vehicle.

MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat properties) MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat properties) allow you to continue driving your vehicle even if one or more tires are entirely deflated. MOExtended tires may only be used in conjunction with the activated tire pressure loss warning system or with the activated tire pressure monitoring system. The maximum permissible distance which can be driven in run-flat mode depends on the load in the vehicle. You can drive 50 miles (80 km) if the vehicle is partially laden and 18 miles (30 km) if it is fully laden. The maximum permissible distance which can be driven in run-flat mode is counted from the moment the tire pressure loss warning appears in the multifunction display. You must not exceed a maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). G WARNING The handling characteristics of your vehicle deteriorate in run-flat mode, for example: Rwhen cornering Rwhen braking Rwhen accelerating rapidly Adapt your driving style accordingly and avoid sudden changes in direction and sudden acceleration, as well as driving over obstacles (i.e. curbs, potholes), and driving off-road. This is particularly the case when the vehicle is heavily laden. The maximum permissible distance that can be driven in run-flat mode depends to a large

284 Battery

extent on the loads placed on the vehicle. It can be shorter due to high speeds, a heavy load, sudden changes in direction, the road surface condition, outside temperature, etc., or further if you drive carefully and conservatively. Do not continue to drive in run-flat mode if: Ryou hear banging noises. Rthe vehicle starts to shake. Ryou see smoke and smell rubber. RESP® is intervening constantly. Rthere are tears in the sidewalls of the tire. After driving in run-flat mode, you must have the wheel(s) checked for damage at a qualified specialist workshop which has the necessary specialist knowledge and tools to carry out the work required. The defective tire must be replaced in every case. Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety or on safety-related systems must be carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.

i When replacing one or all tires, make sure

that you only use tires marked MOExtended and of the specified size for the vehicle.

Battery Important safety notes In order for the battery to achieve the maximum possible service life, it must always be sufficiently charged. ! Have the battery checked regularly at a qualified specialist workshop, such as an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Adhere to the service intervals indicated in the service booklet or ask a qualified specialist workshop, such as an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Have the battery charge checked more frequently if you use the vehicle mainly for

short trips or if you leave it standing idle for a lengthy period. Only replace a battery with a battery that has been recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center if you wish to leave your vehicle parked for a long period of time. G WARNING Comply with safety precautions and take protective measures when handling batteries.

Risk of explosion

Fire, naked flames and smoking are prohibited when handling the battery. Avoid creating sparks. Battery acid is caustic. Avoid contact with the skin, eyes or clothing. Wear suitable protective clothing, in particular gloves, an apron and a face mask. Immediately rinse acid splashes off with clean water. Consult a doctor if necessary. Wear eye protection.

Keep children away.

Observe this Operator's Manual.

H Environmental note

Batteries contain dangerous substances. It is against the law to dispose of them with the household rubbish. They

must be collected separately and recycled to protect the environment. Dispose of batteries in an environmentally friendly manner. Return discharged batteries to a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, or to a special collection point for old batteries.

G WARNING Failure to follow these instructions can result in severe injury or death. Never lean over batteries while connecting. You might get injured. Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected area with water and seek medical help if necessary. A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive. Keep flames or sparks away from battery, avoid improper connection of jumper cables, smoking etc. G WARNING Do not place any metal objects on the battery as this could result in a short circuit. Use leak-proof batteries only to avoid the risk of acid burns in the event of an accident. Take care that you do not become statically charged, e.g. by wearing synthetic clothing or rubbing against textiles. For this reason, you also should not pull or push the battery over carpets or other synthetic materials. Never touch the battery first. First, touch the outside body of the vehicle in order to release any possible electrostatic charges. Do not rub the battery with rags or cloths. The battery could explode if touched due to

17 This function is only available in vehicles for Canada.

Battery

285

electrostatic charge or due to spark formation.

! Before working on the battery, e.g.

loosening the battery terminals, switch off the engine and remove the SmartKey from the ignition. On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, make sure that the ignition is switched off. Check that all the indicator lamps in the instrument cluster are off. You may otherwise destroy electronic components, such as the alternator.

! Like other batteries, the vehicle battery may discharge over time if you do not use the vehicle. In this case have the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop, such as an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. You can also charge the battery with a charger recommended by Mercedes- Benz. Contact an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center for more information. The battery and the cover of the positive terminal clamp must be installed securely during operation.

i Remove the SmartKey if you park the vehicle and do not require any electrical consumers. The vehicle will then use very little energy, thus conserving battery power.

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you do not carry out work on batteries yourself, e.g. removing or charging. Always have this work performed at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. i If the power supply has been interrupted,

e.g. if the battery has been reconnected, you must carry out the following tasks: Rset the clock; see the separate operating

instructions.

Rreset the function for automatically

folding the exterior mirrors in/out by folding the mirrors out once (Y page 96)17

the jump-starting procedure (Y page 287).

X Read the battery charger's operating

instructions before charging the battery.

286 Battery

Charging the battery G WARNING Never charge a battery still installed in the vehicle unless a battery charger unit approved by Mercedes-Benz is being used. Gases may escape during charging and cause explosions that may result in paint damage, corrosion or personal injury. A battery charger unit specially adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz is available as an accessory. It permits the charging of the battery in its installed position. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further information and availability. Charge the battery in accordance with the separate instructions for the battery charger. G WARNING There is a risk of acid burns during the charging process due to the gases which escape from the battery. Do not lean over the battery during the charging process. G WARNING Battery acid is caustic. Avoid contact with the skin, eyes or clothing.

! Only charge the installed battery with a battery charger which has been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz. These battery chargers allow the battery to be charged while still installed.

! Only use battery chargers with a

maximum charging voltage of 14.8 V.

! Only charge the battery using the jump-

starting connection point.

The jump-starting connection point is in the engine compartment (Y page 287). X Open the hood (Y page 264). X Connect the battery charger to the positive terminal and earth point in the same order as when connecting the donor battery in

Jump-starting 287

Jump-starting

G WARNING Failure to follow these directions will cause damage to the electronic components, and can lead to a battery explosion and severe injury or death. Never lean over batteries while connecting or jump starting. You might get injured. Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected area with water, and seek medical help if necessary. A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive. Keep flames or sparks away from battery, avoid improper connection of jumper cables, smoking, etc. Attempting to jump start a frozen battery can result in it exploding, causing personal injury. Read all instructions before proceeding.

! Avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts. Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may

damage the catalytic converter18 and create a risk of fire. Do not use a rapid-charging device to start the engine. Make sure the jumper cables are not damaged. Make sure the jumper cables are not touching any other metal objects when they are connected to the battery.

If your vehicle's battery is discharged, the engine can be jump-started from another vehicle or from a second battery using jumper cables. Observe the following points: X The battery is not accessible in all vehicles. If the other vehicle's battery is not accessible,

jump-start the vehicle using a second battery or a jump-starting device.

X Only jump-start the vehicle when the engine is cold and the catalytic converter system has

cooled down19.

X Do not start the engine if the battery is frozen. Let the battery thaw first. X Jump-starting may only be performed from batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 V. X Only use jumper cables which have a sufficient cross-section and insulated terminal clamps. X Make sure that the jumper cables cannot come into contact with parts, such as the pulley

or the fan. These parts move when the engine is started and while it is running.

X If the battery is fully discharged, leave the battery that is being used to jump-start connected

for a few minutes before attempting to start. This charges the empty battery a little.

i Jumper cables and further information about jump-starting can be obtained from any

authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, for example. X Make sure that the two vehicles do not touch. X Apply the parking brake firmly. X Move the selector lever to P.

18 Only vehicles with a gasoline engine. 19 Only vehicles with a gasoline engine.

288 Towing and tow-starting

X Switch off all electrical consumers (e.g. radio, blower, etc.). X Open the hood (Y page 264).

Position number B identifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump- starting device. X Slide cover : of positive terminal ; in the direction of the arrow. X Connect positive terminal ; on your vehicle to positive terminal = of donor battery B

using the jumper cable, beginning with your own battery.

X Start the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed. X Connect negative terminal ? of donor battery B to earth point A of your vehicle using

the jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to donor battery B first.

X Start the engine. X Allow the engine to run for a few minutes before disconnecting the jumper cable. X First, remove the jumper cable from earth point A and negative terminal ?, then from positive terminal ; and positive terminal =, each time disconnecting from the contacts on your own vehicle first.

X After removing the jumper cable, close cover : on positive terminal ;. X Have the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center. The jump-starting procedure is not a standard operating state; therefore, have the battery checked.

Towing and tow-starting Important safety notes G WARNING If you tow the vehicle, you must use a rigid towing bar if:

Rthe engine is not running. Rthere is a brake system malfunction. Rthere is a malfunction in the power supply

or the vehicle's electrical system.

The power assistance for the steering and the brake force booster do not work when the

engine is not running. You will need more force to steer and brake, you may have to depress the brake pedal with maximum force. Before towing away, make sure that the steering can be moved and is not locked. If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its weight must not exceed the maximum permissible gross vehicle weight of your vehicle. G WARNING The vehicle is braked when the HOLD function or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Therefore, deactivate HOLD and DISTRONIC PLUS if the vehicle is to be towed.

It is better to have the vehicle transported than to have it towed. ! You may only tow the vehicle a maximum

distance of 30 miles (50 km). A towing speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) must not be exceeded. For towing distances over 30 miles (50 km), the vehicle must loaded onto a transporter.

! Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged.

! Do not use the towing eye for recovery,

as this could damage the vehicle. If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.

! When towing, pull away slowly and

smoothly. If the tractive power is too high, the vehicles could be damaged.

! Do not tow with sling-type equipment.

This could damage the vehicle.

! On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the

SmartKey instead of the Start/Stop button. Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock and shift the automatic transmission to N. Then, turn the SmartKey back to 0 and leave it in the ignition lock.

The automatic transmission must be in position N when the vehicle is being towed.

Towing and tow-starting 289

The battery must be connected and charged. Otherwise, you: Rcannot turn the SmartKey to position 2 in

the ignition lock

Rcannot shift the automatic transmission to

position N

Release the selector lever lock manually to move it out of position P (Y page 137). i Before the vehicle is towed, switch off the automatic locking feature (Y page 76). You could otherwise be locked out when pushing or towing the vehicle.

Installing/removing the towing eye Installing the towing eye X Remove the towing eye from the vehicle

tool kit (Y page 278). G WARNING The exhaust tail pipe may be hot. You could burn yourself if you touch the tail pipe. Be particularly careful when removing the rear cover.

The mountings for the removable towing eyes are located in the bumpers. They are at the front and at the rear, under the covers.

290 Towing and tow-starting

X Take cover : off the opening. X Screw the towing eye in clockwise to the

stop and tighten it.

Removing the towing eye X Loosen the towing eye and unscrew it. X Attach cover : to the bumper and press

until it engages.

X Place the towing eye in the vehicle tool kit.

Towing the vehicle with the rear axle raised When towing your vehicle with the rear axle raised, it is important that you observe the safety instructions (Y page 288). ! The ignition must be switched off if you are towing the vehicle with the rear axle raised. Intervention by ESP® could otherwise damage the brake system. X Switch on the hazard warning lamps

(Y page 103).

X Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the ignition lock and remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.

X When leaving the vehicle, take the

SmartKey or the KEYLESS-GO key with you.

Towing a vehicle with both axles on the ground When having your vehicle towed, observe the important safety notes (Y page 288). G WARNING The power assistance for the steering and the brake force booster do not work when the engine is not running. You will then need much more effort to brake and steer the vehicle. Adapt your style of driving accordingly.

X Switch on the hazard warning lamps

(Y page 103).

i When towing with the hazard warning lamps switched on, use the combination switch as usual to signal a change of direction. In this case, only the turn signals for the desired direction flash. When the combination switch is reset, the hazard warning lamps start flashing again.

X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the

ignition lock.

X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the

brake pedal and keep it depressed. X Shift the automatic transmission to

position N.

X Release the brake pedal. X Release the parking brake.

Transporting the vehicle The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle onto a trailer or transporter for transporting purposes. X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the

ignition lock.

X Shift the automatic transmission to

position N.

As soon as the vehicle is loaded: X Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by

applying the parking brake. X Move the selector lever to P. X Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the ignition lock and remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.

X Secure the vehicle. ! Only lash the vehicle down by the wheels or wheel rims, not by parts of the vehicle such as axle or steering components. Otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged.

Tow-starting (emergency starting) ! Vehicles with automatic transmission

must not be started by tow-starting. This could otherwise damage the transmission.

Fuses Important safety notes The fuses in your vehicle serve to close down faulty circuits. If a fuse blows, all the components on the circuit and their functions stop operating. G WARNING Only use fuses approved by Mercedes-Benz with the specified amperage for the system in question and do not attempt to repair or bridge a blown fuse. Using other than approved fuses or using repaired or bridged fuses may cause an overload leading to a fire, and/or cause damage to electrical components and/or systems. Have the cause determined and remedied by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of the same rating, which you can recognize by the color and value. The fuse ratings are listed in the fuse allocation chart. An authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be happy to advise you. i If a fuse has blown, contact a breakdown

service or an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

If the newly inserted fuse also blows, have the cause traced and rectified at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. ! Only use fuses that have been approved

for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and which have the correct fuse rating for the system concerned. Otherwise, components or systems could be damaged.

Fuses

291

Before changing a fuse X Park the vehicle and apply the parking

brake.

X Switch off all electrical consumers. X Remove the SmartKey from the ignition

lock.

The fuses are located in various fuse boxes: Rfuse box in the engine compartment on the left-hand side of the vehicle, when viewed in the direction of travel

Rfuse box in the trunk on the right-hand side of the vehicle, when viewed in the direction of travel

The fuse allocation chart is located in the vehicle tool kit (Y page 278) in the stowage compartment under the trunk floor.

Fuse box in the engine compartment X Make sure that the windshield wipers are

turned off. G WARNING Make sure that the windshield wipers are switched off and that the SmartKey is removed from the ignition lock before you open the cover of the fuse box. Otherwise, the windshield wipers and the wiper rods above the cover could be set in motion. This could lead to you or others being injured by the wiper rods.

X Open the hood (Y page 264).

292 Fuses

X Remove any existing moisture from the

fuse box using a dry cloth.

X Take lines ; from the guides. X To open: open clamps :. X Remove the fuse box cover forwards. ! Make sure that no moisture can enter the

fuse box when the cover is open.

X To close: check whether the rubber seal is

lying correctly in the cover.

X Insert the cover at the rear of the fuse box

into the retainer.

X Fold down the cover and close clamps :. X Secure lines ; in the guides. ! The cover must be seated properly,

otherwise moisture or dirt could impair the function of the fuses.

X Close the hood (Y page 265).

Fuse box in the trunk X Open the trunk lid (Y page 78).

X To open: release cover : at the top and open it downwards in the direction of the arrow.

Useful information ............................ 294
Important safety notes .................... 294
Operation ........................................... 294
Winter operation ............................... 296
Tire pressure ..................................... 297
Loading the vehicle .......................... 306
Maximum load rating ....................... 309
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards .......................................... 310
Tire labeling ....................................... 311
Definition of terms for tires and loading ............................................... 315
Changing a wheel ............................. 318
Wheel and tire combinations ........... 319

293

294 Operation

Useful information

i This Operator's Manual describes all models and all standard and optional equipment of your vehicle available at the time of publication of the Operator's Manual. Country-specific differences are possible. Please note that your vehicle may not be equipped with all features described. This also applies to safety- related systems and functions.

i Please read the information on qualified

specialist workshops (Y page 23).

Important safety notes

Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center if you require information on approved and recommended tires and wheels for summer and winter operation. Advice on purchasing and caring for tires is also available there. G WARNING Replace rims or tires with the same designation, manufacturer and type as shown on the original part. For further information contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. If incorrectly sized rims and tires are mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension components can be damaged. Also, the 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 Mercedes-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 recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous damage cannot always be

recognized on retreads. The operating safety of the vehicle cannot be assured when such tires are used. G WARNING If you feel a sudden significant vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible 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 distance from the road. Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody for possible damage. If the vehicle appears 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 might 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.

i Further information about Tires and

wheels can be obtained from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Operation Notes on driving RIf the vehicle is heavily laden, check the tire pressures and correct them if necessary. RWhen parking your vehicle, make sure that the tires do not get deformed by the curb or other obstacles. If it is necessary to drive over curbs, speed humps or similar elevations, try to do so slowly and at an obtuse angle. Otherwise, the tires, particularly the sidewalls, can get damaged.

Notes on regularly inspecting wheels and tires G WARNING Regularly check the tires for damage. Damaged 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.

RRegularly check the wheels and tires of

your vehicle for damage (e.g. cuts, punctures, tears, bulges on tires and deformation or cracks or severe corrosion on wheels) at least once a month, as well as after driving off-road or on rough roads. Damaged wheels can cause a loss of tire pressure.

RRegularly check the tire tread depth and

the condition of the tread across the whole width of the tire (Y page 295). If necessary, turn the front wheels to full lock in order to inspect the inner side of the tire surface.

RAll wheels must have a valve cap to protect the valve against dirt and moisture. Do not mount anything onto the valve (such as tire pressure monitoring systems) other than the standard valve cap or other valve caps approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle.

RRegularly check the pressure of all the tires including the emergency spare wheel or the spare wheel, particularly prior to long trips, and correct the pressure as necessary (Y page 297).

Tire tread G WARNING Although the applicable federal motor vehicle safety laws consider a tire to be worn when the tread wear indicators (TWI) become visible at approximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), we

Operation 295

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 use tires that are excessively worn as the tire traction on wet road surfaces decreases significantly when the tread depth is less than 1/8 inch (3 mm). Tread wear indicators (TWI) are required by law. Six indicators are positioned on the tire tread. They become visible as soon as a tread depth of approximately 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) has been reached. If this is the case, the tire is so worn that it must be replaced. The recommended tread depth for summer tires is at least 1/8 inch (3 mm). The recommended tread depth for winter tires is at least 1/6 inch (4 mm).

Bar marking : for tread wear is integrated into the tire tread.

Notes on selecting, mounting and replacing tires ROnly mount tires and wheels of the same

type and make.

ROnly mount tires of the correct size onto

the wheels.

RAfter mounting new tires, run them in at

moderate speeds for the first 60 miles

296 Winter operation

(100 km) as they only reach their full performance after this distance.

RDo not use tires that are excessively worn

as the tire traction on wet road surfaces decreases significantly when the tread depth is less than 1/8 inch (3 mm).

RReplace the tires after six years at the

latest, regardless of wear. This also applies to the spare wheel/emergency spare wheel.

The service life of tires depends on the following factors amongst other things: Rdriving style Rtire pressure Rmileage

MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat properties) MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat properties) allow you to continue driving your vehicle even if one or more tires are entirely deflated. MOExtended tires may be used only in conjunction with the activated tire pressure loss warning system or the activated tire pressure monitoring system and only on wheels specifically tested by Mercedes-Benz. You will find notes on driving with MOExtended tires in the "Breakdown assistance" section (Y page 283).

Winter operation Please bear the following in mind At the onset of winter, have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center. Observe the notes in the "Changing a wheel" section (Y page 318).

Driving with summer tires At temperatures below 45 ‡ (+7 †), the elasticity of summer tires and therefore also traction and braking capability are reduced considerably — equip your vehicle with M+S tires. Using summer tires at very cold temperatures could cause tears to form, thereby damaging the tires permanently. Mercedes-Benz cannot accept responsibility for this type of damage.

M+S tires At temperatures below 45 ‡(+7 †), use winter tires or all-season tires. Both types of tire are identified by the M+S marking. Only winter tires bearing the i snowflake symbol in addition to the M+S marking provide the best possible grip in wintry road conditions. Only these tires will allow driving safety systems such as ABS and ESP® to function optimally in winter. These tires have been developed specifically for driving in snow. Use M+S tires of the same make and tread on all wheels to maintain safe handling characteristics. G WARNING M+S tires with a tread depth of less than 1/6 inch (4 mm) must be replaced immediately. They are no longer suitable for use in winter.

Always observe the maximum permissible speed specified for the M+S tires you have mounted. When you have mounted M+S tires: X Check the tire pressures (Y page 301). X Vehicles for Canada: restart the tire

pressure loss warning system (Y page 301).

X Restart the tire pressure monitor

(Y page 303).

G WARNING If you use your spare wheel when M+S tires are mounted on the other wheels, be aware that the difference in tire characteristics impairs cornering ability and reduces driving stability. Adapt your driving style accordingly. Have the spare wheel replaced by a normal wheel with an M+S tire at the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center.

Snow chains For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use snow chains which have been specially approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or are of a corresponding standard of quality. ! There is not enough space for snow

chains on some wheel sizes. Observe the information under "Tires and wheels" in the "Technical Data" section to avoid damage to the vehicle or the wheels.

ROnly use snow chains when driving on

roads completely covered by snow. Do not exceed the maximum permissible speed of 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove the snow chains as soon as possible when you are no longer driving on snow-covered roads.

RLocal regulations may restrict the use of snow chains. Applicable regulations must be observed if you wish to mount snow chains.

RSnow chains must not be mounted on

emergency spare wheels.

If you intend to mount snow chains, please bear the following points in mind: Ryou may not attach snow chains to all

wheel-tire combinations; see the information under "Wheel and tire combinations" in the "Wheels and tires" section.

Rmount snow chains only in pairs and only

to the rear wheels. Observe the manufacturer's installation instructions.

Tire pressure 297

! If snow chains are mounted on the front

wheels, the snow chains could grind against the bodywork or components of the chassis. This could result in damage to the vehicle or the tires.

! Vehicles with steel wheels: if you wish

to mount snow chains on steel wheels, make sure that you remove the respective wheels' hubcaps first. The hubcaps may otherwise be damaged.

i You may wish to deactivate

ESP®(Y page 59) when pulling away with snow chains mounted. This way you can allow the wheels to spin in a controlled manner, achieving an increased driving force (cutting action).

Tire pressure Tire pressure specifications G 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. 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 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.

The recommended tire pressures for the tires mounted at the factory can be found on the labels described here.

298 Tire pressure

Option 1) Tire and Loading Information placard on the B-pillar on the driver's side of the vehicle (Y page 306). The Tire and Loading Information placard contains the recommended tire pressures for cold tires on a fully loaded vehicle and for the maximum permissible vehicle speed. i The specifications given on the following Tire and Loading Information placard are examples. Tire pressure specifications are vehicle-specific and may deviate from the data shown here. The tire pressures applicable to your vehicle can be found on the Tire and Loading Information placard on your vehicle.

: Recommended tire pressures Option 2) Tire pressure table on the inside of the fuel filler flap. The tire pressure table contains the recommended pressures for cold tires for various operating conditions, i.e. differing load and speed conditions. i Specifications shown in the examples of

tire pressure tables are for illustration purposes only. Tire pressure specifications are vehicle-specific and may deviate from the data shown here. Tire pressure specifications applicable to your vehicle are located in your vehicle's tire pressure table.

Example: tire pressure table for all tires approved ex-works for this vehicle If a tire size precedes a tire pressure, the tire pressure information following is only valid for that tire size. The load conditions "partially laden" and "fully laden" are defined in the table for different numbers of passengers and amounts of luggage. The actual number of seats may differ.

Example: tire pressure table with tire dimensions Some tire pressure tables show only the rim diameters instead of the full tire size, e.g. R18. The rim diameter is part of the tire size and can be found on the tire sidewall (Y page 312).

If the tire pressures have been set to the lower values for lighter loads and/or lower road speeds, the pressures should be reset to the higher values: Rif you want to drive with an increased load

and/or

Rif you want to drive at higher road speeds. i The tire pressures for increased loads

and/or higher road speeds, shown in the tire pressure table, may have a negative effect on driving comfort.

Option 3) The tire pressure for the emergency/collapsible spare wheel (depending on vehicle equipment) can be found: Rprinted in yellow on the rim of the

emergency/collapsible spare wheel Rin the "Wheel and tire combinations" section (Y page 319) in this manual

Ron the Tire and Loading Information placard

on the B-pillar on the driver's side.

If the tire pressure is not set correctly, this can lead to an excessive build up of heat and a sudden loss of pressure. For further information, consult a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Tire pressure 299

Important notes on tire pressure G WARNING Should the tire pressure drop repeatedly: Rcheck the tire for foreign bodies. Rcheck whether the wheel is losing air or the

valve is leaking.

Rmake sure that only a valve cap approved by Mercedes-Benz is used on the tire valve.

Tire pressures that are too low have a negative effect on vehicle safety, which could lead you to cause an accident.

To test tire pressure, use a suitable tire pressure gauge. The outer appearance of a tire does not permit any reliable conclusion about the tire pressure. On vehicles equipped with the electronic tire pressure monitoring system, the tire pressure can be checked using the on-board computer. The tire temperature and pressure increase when the vehicle is in motion. This is dependent on the driving speed and the load. Therefore, you should only correct tire pressures when the tires are cold. The tires are cold: Rif the vehicle has been parked without

direct sunlight on the tires for at least three hours and

Rif the vehicle has not been driven more than

1 mile (1.6 km).

The tire temperature changes depending on the outside temperature, the vehicle speed and the tire load. If the tire temperature changes by 18 ‡ (10 † ), the tire pressure changes by approximately 10 kPa (0.1 bar/ 1.5 psi). Take this into account when checking the pressure of warm tires and only correct the tire pressure if it is too low for the current operating conditions. If you check the tire pressure when the tires are warm, the resulting value will be higher than if the tires were cold. This is normal. Do not reduce the tire pressure to the value specified for cold tires. The tire pressure would otherwise be too low.

300 Tire pressure

Observe the recommended tire pressures for cold tires Ron the Tire and Loading Information placard

on the B-pillar on the driver's side,

Rin the tire pressure table on the inside of

the fuel filler flap,

Rprinted in yellow on the rim of the

emergency/collapsible spare wheel (depending on vehicle equipment).

Underinflated or overinflated tires Underinflated tires G 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.

Underinflated tires can: Rwear excessively and/or unevenly Radversely affect fuel economy Rfail from being overheated Radversely affect handling

Overinflated tires G 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.

Overinflated tires can: Radversely affect handling Rwear excessively and/or unevenly Rbe more likely to become damaged

Radversely affect ride comfort Rincrease stopping distance

Maximum tire pressure G WARNING Never exceed the maximum tire inflation pressure. 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. 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.

: Maximum permitted tire pressure

(example)

i The actual values for tires are specific to

each vehicle and may deviate from the values in the illustration.

When adjusting the tire pressures always observe the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle (Y page 297).

Checking the tire pressures Important safety notes G 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. 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 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 pressure at least once a month. Only check and correct tire pressures when the tires are cold (Y page 297).

Checking tire pressure manually To determine and set the correct tire pressure, proceed as follows: X Remove the valve cap of the tire that is to

be checked.

X Press the tire pressure gauge securely onto

the valve.

X Read the tire pressure and compare it with

the recommended value on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the B-pillar on the driver's side of your vehicle. X If necessary, increase the tire pressure to

the recommended value (Y page 297).

X If the tire pressure is too high, release air by pressing down the metal pin in the valve using the tip of a pen, for example. Then

Tire pressure 301

check the tire pressure again using the tire pressure gauge.

X Screw the valve cap onto the valve. X Repeat these steps for the other tires.

Tire pressure loss warning system (Canada only) Important safety notes While the vehicle is in motion, the tire pressure loss warning system monitors the set tire pressure using the rotational speed of the wheels. This enables the system to detect significant pressure loss in a tire. If the speed of rotation of a wheel changes as a result of a loss of pressure, a corresponding warning message will appear in the multifunction display. G WARNING If the Check Tire Pressure Soon message appears in the multifunction display, one or more tires are significantly underinflated. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and inflate the tires to the pressure specified on the vehicle's Tire and Loading Information placard or (where available) in the tire pressure table. 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. Check all tires when cold, including the spare tire, at least once a month. The tires should be inflated to the recommended pressure. This information can be found: Ron the Tire and Loading Information placard

on the B-pillar on the driver's side or

Rin the table for the tire pressure on the

inside of the fuel filler flap

302 Tire pressure

G WARNING The tire pressure loss warning system does not provide a warning for wrongly selected tire inflation pressures. Always adjust tire inflation pressure according to the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver's door B-pillar or on the tire inflation pressure label located on the inside of the fuel filler flap. The tire pressure loss warning system does not replace regular checks of the tire inflation pressures since a gradual pressure loss in more than one tire cannot be detected by the tire pressure loss warning system. The tire pressure loss warning system 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 applying the brakes and avoiding abrupt steering maneuvers.

The function of the tire pressure loss warning system is limited or delayed if: Rsnow chains are mounted to your vehicle's

tires.

Rroad conditions are wintry. Ryou are driving on sand or gravel. Ryou adopt a very sporty driving style

(cornering at high speeds or driving with high rates of acceleration).

Ryou are driving with a heavy load (in the

vehicle or on the roof).

Restarting the tire pressure loss warning system Restart the tire pressure loss warning system if you have: Rchanged the tire pressure Rchanged the wheels or tires Rmount new wheels or tires X Before restarting, consult the Tire and

Loading Information placard on the B-pillar on the driver's side or the tire pressure table on the inside of the fuel filler flap to ensure the tire pressure in all four

tires is set correctly for the current operating conditions.

X Observe the notes in the section on tire

pressures (Y page 297). G WARNING The tire pressure loss warning system can only give reliable warnings if you have set the correct tire pressure. If an incorrect tire pressure is set, these incorrect values will be monitored. A tire with insufficient pressure results in vehicle instability when driving, thus increasing the risk of an accident.

X Make sure that the SmartKey is in

position 2 (Y page 125) in the ignition lock. X Press the = or ; button to select the Service menu. X Press the 9 or : button to select Tire Pressure. X Press the a button. The Run Flat Indicator Active Press 'OK' to Restart message appears in the multifunction display.

If you wish to confirm the restart: X Press the a button. The Tire Pressure Now OK? message appears in the multifunction display. X Press 9 or : to select Yes. X Press the a button. The Run Flat Indicator Restarted message appears in the multifunction display. After a teach-in period, the tire pressure loss warning system will monitor the set tire pressures of all four tires.

If you wish to cancel the restart: X Press the % button. or X If the Tire Pressure Now OK? message appears, press 9 or : to select Cancel.

X Press the a button.

The tire pressure values stored at the last restart will continue to be monitored.

Tire pressure monitor Important safety notes If a tire pressure monitor system is installed, the vehicle's wheels have sensors that monitor the tire pressures in all four tires. The tire pressure monitor warns you if the pressure drops in one or more of the tires. The tire pressure monitor only functions if the correct wheel electronics units are installed on all wheels. The tire pressure monitor has a yellow warning lamp in the instrument cluster for indicating pressure loss/malfunctions (USA) or pressure loss (Canada). Whether the warning lamp flashes or lights up indicates whether a tire pressure is too low or the tire pressure monitoring system is malfunctioning: Rif the warning lamp is lit continuously, the

tire pressure on one or more tires is significantly too low. The tire pressure monitor is not malfunctioning.

RUSA only: if the warning lamp flashes for

60 seconds and then remains lit constantly, the tire pressure monitor is malfunctioning. G WARNING Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked at least once a month when cold and inflated to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver's door B-pillar or the tire 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 the tire pressure label, you should determine the proper tire pressure for those tires.

Tire pressure 303

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring 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 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. 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. USA only: 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 combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will be repeated every time the vehicle is started 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 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 USA only:

304 Tire pressure

If the tire pressure monitor is malfunctioning, it may take more than 10 minutes for the tire pressure warning lamp to inform you of the malfunction by flashing for 60 seconds and then remaining lit. When the malfunction has been rectified, the tire pressure warning lamp goes out after driving for a few minutes.

Information on tire pressures is displayed in the multifunction display. After a few minutes of driving, the current tire pressure of each tire is shown in the multifunction display. i The tire pressure values indicated by the on-board computer may differ from those measured at a gas station with a pressure gauge. The tire pressures shown by the on- board computer refer to those measured at sea level. At high altitudes, the tire pressure values indicated by a pressure gauge are higher than those shown by the on-board computer. In this case, do not reduce the tire pressures.

i The operation of the tire pressure monitor can be affected by interference from radio transmitting equipment (e.g. radio headphones, two-way radios) that may be being operated in or near the vehicle.

i USA only:

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference, and 2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

i Canada only:

This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference, and 2. this device must accept any interference 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.

Checking tire pressure electronically X Make sure that the SmartKey is in position

2 (Y page 125) in the ignition lock. X Press the = or ; button on the steering wheel to select the Service menu. X Press the 9 or : button to select Tire Pressure. X Press the a button.

The current tire pressure for each wheel will be displayed in the multifunction display. If the vehicle has been parked for longer than 20 minutes, the Tire pressures will be displayed after driving a few minutes message appears in the display. After a teach-in period, the tire pressure monitor automatically recognizes new wheels or new sensors. If a clear allocation of the tire pressure values to the individual wheels is not possible, the Tire Pressure Monitor Active message is shown instead of the tire pressure display. The tire pressures are already being monitored. i If a spare wheel/emergency spare wheel

is mounted, the system may continue to show the tire pressure of the wheel that has been removed for a few minutes. If this occurs, note that the value displayed for the position where the spare tire is mounted is not the same as the spare wheel/emergency spare wheel's current tire pressure.

Tire pressure monitor warning messages If the tire pressure monitor detects a significant pressure loss on one or more tires, a warning message is shown in the multifunction display. A warning tone also sounds and the tire pressure warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster. Each tire that is affected by a significant loss of pressure is highlighted with a color. If the Correct Tire Pressure message appears in the multifunction display: X Check the tire pressure on all four wheels

and correct it if necessary.

i If the wheel positions on the vehicle are interchanged, the tire pressures may be displayed for the wrong positions for a short time. This is rectified after a few minutes of driving, and the tire pressures are displayed for the correct positions.

Restarting the tire pressure monitor G WARNING It is the driver's responsibility to set the tire pressure to the recommended cold tire pressure. Underinflated tires affect the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You might lose control over the vehicle.

When you restart the tire pressure monitor, all existing warning messages are deleted and the warning lamps go out. The monitor uses the currently set tire pressures as the reference values for monitoring. In most cases, the tire pressure monitoring system recognizes the new reference values automatically. However, you can also define reference values manually as described here: X Set the tire pressure (Y page 297) to the value recommended for the corresponding driving situation on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver's side B-pillar.

Tire pressure 305

Additional tire pressure values for driving at high speeds or with heavy loads can be found in the tire pressure table on the inside of the fuel filler flap.

X Make sure that the tire pressure is correct

on all four wheels.

X Make sure that the SmartKey is in position

2 in the ignition lock. X Press the = or ; button on the steering wheel to select the Service menu. X Press the 9 or : button to select Tire Pressure. X Press the a button.

The multifunction display shows the current tire pressure of the individual tires or the Tire pressures will be displayed after driving a few minutes message. X Press the : button. The Use Current Pressures as New Reference Values message appears in the multifunction display.

If you wish to confirm the restart: X Press the a button. The Tire Press. Monitor Restarted message appears in the multifunction display. After driving for a few minutes, the system checks whether the current tire pressures are within the specified range. The new tire pressures are then accepted as reference values and monitored.

If you wish to cancel the restart: X Press the % button.

The tire pressure values stored at the last restart will continue to be monitored.

306 Loading the vehicle

Loading the vehicle Instruction labels for tires and loads 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.

Two instruction labels on your vehicle show the maximum possible load. (1) The Tire and Loading Information placard

on the B-pillar on the driver's side. The Tire and Loading Information placard shows the maximum permissible number of occupants and the maximum permissible vehicle load. It also contains details of the tire sizes and corresponding pressures for tires mounted at the factory.

(2) The vehicle identification plate is on the B-pillar on the driver's side. The vehicle identification plate informs you of the gross vehicle weight rating. It is made up of the vehicle weight, all vehicle occupants, the fuel and the cargo. You can also find information about the maximum gross axle weight rating on the front and rear axle. The maximum gross axle weight rating is the maximum weight that can be carried by one axle (front or rear axle). Never exceed the maximum load or the maximum gross axle weight rating for the front or rear axle.

: B-pillar, driver's side

Maximum permissible gross vehicle weight rating i The specifications shown on the Tire and

Loading Information placard in the illustration are examples. The maximum permissible gross vehicle weight rating is vehicle-specific and may differ from that in the illustration. You can find the valid maximum permissible gross vehicle weight rating for your vehicle on the Tire and Loading Information placard.

X The Tire and Loading Information placard gives you details on maximum permissible gross vehicle weight rating :: "The gross weight of occupants and luggage must never exceed XXX kilograms or XXX pounds."

The gross weight of all vehicle occupants, cargo, luggage and trailer load/noseweight (if applicable) must not exceed the specified value.

Number of seats i The specifications shown on the Tire and

Loading Information placard in the illustration are examples. The number of seats is vehicle-specific and can differ from the details shown. The number of seats in your vehicle can be found on the Tire and Loading Information placard.

Maximum number of seats : determines the maximum number of occupants allowed to travel in the vehicle. This information can be found on the Tire and Loading Information placard.

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

combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on your vehicle’s Tire and Loading Information placard.

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

X Step 3: Subtract the combined weight of

the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX lbs.

Loading the vehicle 307

X Step 4: The resulting figure equals the

available 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).

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 309).

308 Loading the vehicle

Example: step 1 to 3
The following table shows examples on how to calculate total and cargo load capacities with varying seating configurations and number and size of occupants. The following examples use