2012 Mercedes-benz M Class Owners Manual

Dashboard fuse box

! Do not use a pointed object such as a

screwdriver to open the cover in the dashboard. You could damage the dashboard or the cover.

X To open: pull cover : outwards in the

direction of the arrow and remove it.

X To close: clip in cover : at the front of the

dashboard.

X Fold cover : inwards until it engages.

Fuse box in the engine compartment

X Open the hood (Y page 312).

X Remove any existing moisture from the

fuse box using a dry cloth. X To open: open clamps ;. X Fold cover : upwards in the direction of

the arrow and remove it.

! Make sure that no moisture can enter the

fuse box when the cover is open.

X To close: check whether the seal is lying

correctly in cover :.

X Insert cover : into the retainers at the side

of the fuse box.

X Fold down cover : and close clamps ;.

Fuses

347

! The cover must be positioned properly.

X To close: insert cover = at the side of the

Moisture or dirt could otherwise impair the operation of the fuses.

fuse box into the retainers.

X Fold down cover = until clamps ; engage

X Close the hood (Y page 313).

audibly.

X Fold the right-hand rear bench seat back.

(Y page 287).

Fuse box under the rear bench seat

X Fold the right-hand rear bench seat forward

(Y page 287).

X To open: lift and fold back carpet : in the

direction of the arrow.

X Release clamps ; by pressing them in the

direction of the arrow.

X Fold cover = up in the direction of the

arrow and remove it.

i The fuse allocation chart is located under

cover =.

! Make sure that no moisture can enter the

fuse box when the cover is open.

348

Useful information ............................ 350

Important safety notes .................... 350

Operation ........................................... 350

Winter operation ............................... 352

Tire pressure ..................................... 353

Loading the vehicle .......................... 362

Maximum load rating ....................... 365

Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards .......................................... 366

Tire labeling ....................................... 367

Definition of terms for tires and loading ............................................... 371

Changing a wheel ............................. 374

Wheel and tire combinations ........... 375

349

350 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 25).

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 351). 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 353).

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 351

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

352 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 338).

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 374).

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, as these tires have been designed specifically for driving on 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. They are no longer suitable for winter operation.

Always observe the maximum permissible speed specified for the M+S tires you have mounted.

Once you have mounted the winter tires:

X Check the tire pressures (Y page 357).

X Restart the tire pressure loss warning

system (Y page 357).

G WARNING If you mount the spare wheel when driving with M+S tires, bear in mind that driving stability will be impaired due to unstable

cornering characteristics caused by the different tire characteristics. Adapt your style of driving 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 that have been specially approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or are of a corresponding standard of quality.

! Vehicles with the Adaptive Damping

System (ADS): do not drive in ADS SPORT mode if snow chains have been mounted. The vehicle may otherwise be damaged.

! 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

Tire pressure 353

combinations" in the "Wheels and tires" section.

Rmount snow chains only in pairs and only

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

! 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 63) 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

354 Tire pressure

in handling or steering problems, or brake failure.

are located in your vehicle's tire pressure table.

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

Option 1) Tire and Loading Information placard on the B-pillar on the driver's side of the vehicle (Y page 362).

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

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 368).

Tire pressure 355

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.

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.

i For trailer towing, adjust the tire pressure

of the rear tires to the maximum tire pressure value stated on the table inside the fuel filler flap.

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 375) 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.

356 Tire pressure

Observe the recommended tire pressures for cold tires

Radversely affect ride comfort

Rincrease stopping distance

Ron the Tire and Loading Information placard

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

Maximum tire pressure

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

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 353).

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 353).

Checking tire pressures 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 353).

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 357

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

358 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.

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 353).

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 139) in the ignition lock. X Press the= or; button to select the

Serv. menu.

The function of the tire pressure loss warning system is limited or delayed if:

X Press the 9 or : button to select

Tire Pressure.

Rsnow chains are mounted to your vehicle's

X Press the a button.

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 towing a very heavy or large trailer.

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

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

Tire pressure 359

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.

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

360 Tire pressure

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:

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 139) in the ignition lock.

X Press the = or ; button on the

steering wheel to select the Serv. 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 pressure 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

Tire pressure 361

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.

However, you can also define reference values manually as described here:

X Set the tire pressure (Y page 353) to the

value recommended for the corresponding driving situation on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver's side B-pillar.

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 Serv. 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 pressure will be displayed after driving a few minutes message.

Restarting the tire pressure monitor

X Press the : button.

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.

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.

362 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

: B-pillar, driver's side

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.

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."

Loading the vehicle 363

your vehicle’s Tire and Loading Information placard.

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

X Step 3: Subtract the combined weight of

the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX lbs.

X Step 4: The resulting figure equals the

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 365).

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

364 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 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 Tire and Loading Information placard (Y page 363).

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

1500 lbs (680 kg)

1500 lbs (680 kg)

1500 lbs (680 kg)

Step 1

Combined maximum

weight of occupants

and cargo (data from

the Tire and Loading

Information placard)

Step 2

Number of people in

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

the vehicle (driver

and occupants)

Distribution of the

occupants

Front: 2

Rear: 3

Front: 1

Rear: 2

Front: 1

Weight of the

occupants

Occupant 1: 150 lbs (68 kg)

Occupant 1: 200 lbs (91 kg)

Occupant 1: 150 lbs (68 kg)

Occupant 2: 180 lbs (82 kg)

Occupant 2: 190 lbs (86 kg)

Occupant 3: 160 lbs (73 kg)

Occupant 3: 150 lbs (68 kg)

Occupant 4: 140 lbs (63 kg)

Occupant 5: 120 lbs (54 kg)

Gross weight of all

750 lbs (340 kg) 540 lbs (245 kg) 150 lbs (68 kg)

occupants

Maximum load rating 365

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

1500 lbs (680 kg) - 750 lbs (340 kg) = 750 lbs (340 kg)

1500 lbs (680 kg) - 540 lbs (245 kg) = 960 lbs (435 kg)

1500 lbs (680 kg) - 150 lbs (68 kg) = 1350 lbs (612 kg)

Step 3

Permissible cargo

and trailer load/

noseweight

(maximum gross

vehicle weight rating

from the Tire and

Loading Information

placard minus the

gross weight of all

occupants)

The higher the weight of all the occupants, the smaller the maximum load for luggage.

Further information can be found under "Towing a trailer" (Y page 365).

Vehicle identification plate

Even if you have calculated the total load carefully, you should still make sure that the gross vehicle weight rating and the gross axle weight rating are not exceeded. Details can be found on the vehicle identification plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side (Y page 362).

Gross vehicle weight: the gross weight of the vehicle, all passengers, cargo and trailer load/noseweight (if applicable) must not exceed the permissible gross vehicle weight.

Gross axle weight rating: the maximum permissible load that can be carried by one axle (front or rear axle).

To ensure that your vehicle does not exceed the maximum permissible values (gross vehicle weight and maximum gross axle weight rating), have your loaded vehicle (including driver, occupants, cargo, and full trailer load if applicable) weighed on a suitable vehicle weighbridge.

Trailer load/noseweight

The trailer load/noseweight affects the gross weight of the vehicle. If a trailer is attached, the trailer load/noseweight is included in the load along with occupants and luggage. The trailer load/noseweight is usually

approximately 8% of the gross weight of the trailer and its load.

Maximum load rating

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.

i The actual values for tires are specific to

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

366 Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards

Maximum tire load : is the maximum permitted weight for which the tire is approved.

Further information on tire loads (Y page 367).

Uniform Tire Quality Grading

Standards

Overview of Tire Quality Grading

Standards

The Uniform Tire Quality Grading is a U.S. Government requirement. Their purpose is to provide drivers with consistent and reliable information regarding tire performance. Tire manufacturers are required to grade tires using three performance factors: tread wear :, tire traction ;, and temperature resistance =. Although not a Government of Canada requirement, all tires made for sale in North America have these grades branded on the sidewall.

i The actual values for tires are vehicle-

specific and may deviate from the values in the illustration.

Where applicable, the tire grading information can be found on the tire sidewall between the tread shoulder and maximum tire width.

For example:

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

Tread wear

The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified U.S. government course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half 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 conditions.

Traction

G WARNING The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.

The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop on a wet surface as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.

G WARNING If ice has formed on the road, tire traction will be substantially reduced. Under such weather conditions, drive, steer and brake with extreme caution.

Tread wear Traction

Temperature

200

AA

The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy road is always lower than on dry road surfaces.

You should pay special attention to road conditions when temperatures are around the freezing point.

Mercedes-Benz recommends a minimum tire tread depth of 1/6 in (4 mm) for all four winter tires (Y page 352) to maintain normal driving characteristics in winter. Winter tires can reduce the braking distance on snow covered surfaces in comparison to summer tires. Stopping distance, however, is still considerably greater than when the road is not covered with ice or snow. Take appropriate care when driving.

! Avoid wheelspin. This can lead to damage

to the drive train.

Temperature

G WARNING The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause excessive heat build-up and possible tire failure.

The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C. These represent the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

Tire labeling 367

Tire labeling

Tire labeling overview

The following markings are on the tire in addition to the tire name (sales designation) and the manufacturer's name:

: Uniform tire Quality Grading Standard

(Y page 371)

; DOT, Tire Identification Number

(Y page 370)

= Maximum tire load (Y page 365)

? Maximum tire pressure (Y page 356)

A Manufacturer

B Tire material (Y page 371)

C Tire size designation, load-bearing

capacity and speed rating (Y page 368)

D Load index (Y page 370)

E Tire name

i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may deviate from the data in the example.

368 Tire labeling

Tire size designation, load-bearing

capacity and speed rating

: Tire width

; Nominal aspect ratio in %

= Tire code

? Rim diameter

A Load bearing index

B Speed rating

i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may deviate from the data in the example.

General: depending on the manufacturer's standards, the size imprinted in the tire wall may not contain any letters or may contain one letter that precedes the size description.

If there is no letter preceding the size description (as shown above): these are passenger vehicle tires according to European manufacturing standards.

If "P" precedes the size description: these are passenger vehicle tires according to U.S. manufacturing standards.

If "LT" precedes the size description: these are light truck tires according to U.S. manufacturing standards.

If "T" precedes the size description: these are compact emergency spare wheels at high tire pressure, to be used only temporarily in an emergency. Tire width: tire width : shows the nominal tire width in millimeters. Nominal aspect ratio: aspect ratio ; is the size ratio between the tire height and the tire width and is shown in percent. The aspect

ratio is calculated by dividing the tire width by the tire height. Tire code: tire code = specifies the tire type. "R" represents radial tires. "D" represents diagonal tires, "B" represents diagonal radial tires.

Optionally, tires with a maximum speed of over 149 mph(240 km/h) may have "ZR" in the size description depending on the manufacturer (e.g. 245/40 ZR 18). Rim diameter: rim diameter ? is the diameter of the bead seat, not the diameter of the rim flange. The rim diameter is specified in inches (in). Load bearing index: load bearing index A is a numerical code which specifies the maximum load-bearing capacity of a tire.

G WARNING The tire load rating must always be at least half of the GAWR of your vehicle. Otherwise, sudden tire failure may be the result which could cause an accident and/or serious injury to you or others.

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

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

Example:

The load bearing index 91 is equivalent to a maximum load of 1356 lbs (615 kg) that the tire can carry. For further information on the maximum tire load in kilograms and pounds, see (Y page 365).

For further information on the load bearing index, see Load index (Ypage 370). Speed rating: speed rating B specifies the approved maximum speed of the tire.

G 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 serious personal injury and possible death, for you and for others.

Regardless of the speed rating always observe the speed limits. Drive carefully and adapt your driving style to the traffic conditions.

Summer tires

Index

Speed rating

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)

Tire labeling 369

The service specifications consist of load bearing index A and speed rating B.

RIf the size description of your tire includes

"ZR" and there are no service specifications, ask the tire manufacturer in order to find out the maximum speed.

If a service specification is available, the maximum speed is limited according to the speed rating in the service specification. Example: 245/40 ZR 18 97 Y. In this example, "97 Y" is the service specification. The letter "Y" represents the speed rating and the maximum speed of the tire is limited to 186 mph (300 km/h).

REvery tire that has a maximum speed above 186 mph (300 km/h) must have "ZR" in the size description and the service specification must be given in brackets. Example: 275/40 ZR 18 (99 Y). The speed rating "(Y)" shows that the maximum speed of the tire is above 186 mph (300 km/h). Ask the tire manufacturer to find out the maximum speed.

All-weather tires and winter tires

Index

Speed rating

Q M+S29 Up to 100 mph (160 km/h)

T M+S29 Up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

H M+S29 Up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

V M+S29 Up to 149 mph (240 km/h)