MERCEDES-BENZ SLK350 2012 R172 Owner's Manual

represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
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: 0002
Uniform tire Quality Grading Standard
(Ypage 313)
0003 DOT, Tire Identification Number
(Ypage 311)
0023 Maximu mtire load (Y page 307)
0022 Maximum tire pressure (Y page 300)
0020 Manufacturer
0021 Tire material (Y page 312)
0014 Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed rating (Y page 309)
0015 Load index (Y page 311)
0016 Tire name
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate fro mthe data in the example. Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed rating
0002
Tire width
0003 Nominal aspect ratio in %
0023 Tire code
0022 Rim diameter
0020 Load bearing index
0021 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 width0002shows the nominal
tire width in millimeters.
Height-width ratio: aspect ratio0003is the
size ratio between the tire height and tire
width and is shown in percent.T he aspect Tire labeling
309Wheels and tires Z

ratio is calculated by dividing the tire width by
the tire height.
Tire code:
tire code0023specifies the tire type.
"R" represents radial tires; "D" represents
diagonal tires; "B" represents diagonal radial
tires.
Optionally, tires with a maximu mspeed of
over 149mph (240km/h) may have "ZR" in
the size description, depending on the
manufacturer (e.g. 245/40 ZR 18).
Rim diameter: rim diameter0022is 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 index0020
is a numerical code that specifies the
maximum load-bearing capacity of a tire.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit. The maximum
permissible load can be found on the
vehicle's Tire and Loading Information
placard on the B-pillar on the driver's side
(Y page 304).
Example:
Al oad-bearing index of 91 indicates a
maximum load of 1,356lb (615kg) that can be
carried by the tires. For further information on
the maximum tire load in kilograms and
pounds, see (Y page 307).
For further information on the load-bearing
index, see Load index (Y page 311).
Speed rating: speed rating0021specifies the
approved maximum speed of the tire. G
WARNING
Exceeding the stated tire load-bearing
capacity and the approved maximum speed
could lead to tire damage or the tire bursting.
There is a risk of accident.
Therefore, only use tire types and sizes
approved for your vehicle model. Observe the
tire load rating and speed rating required for
your vehicle.
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
Q up to 100mph (160 km/h)
R up to 106mph (170 km/h)
S up to 112mph (180 km/h)
T up to 118mph (190 km/h)
H up to 130mph (210 km/h)
V up to 149mph (240 km/h)
W up to 168mph (270 km/h)
Y up to 186mph (300 km/h)
ZR...Y up to 186mph (300 km/h)
ZR...(..Y) over 186mph (300 km/h)
ZR over 149mph (240 km/h)
R
Optionally, tires with a maximum speed of
over 149 mph (240km/h) may have "ZR" in
the size description, depending on the
manufacturer (e.g. 245/40 ZR 18).
The service specification is made up of
load-bearing index 0020and speed rating
0021.
R If the size description of you rtire 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 (300km/h).
R The size description for all tires with
maximum speeds of over 186mph
(300km/h) must include "ZR", andthe
service specification must be given in 310
Tire labelingWheels and tires

brackets. Example: 275/40 ZR 18 (99 Y).
The speed rating "(Y)" indicates that the
maximum speed of the tire is over 186mph
(300km/h). Ask the tire manufacturer
about the maximum speed. All-weather tires and winter tires
Index Speed rating
Q M+S
20 up to 100mph (160 km/h)
T M+S
20 up to 118mph (190 km/h)
H M+S
20 up to 130mph (210 km/h)
V M+S
20 up to 149mph (240 km/h)
i
Not all tires with the M+S marking provide
the driving characteristics of winter tires.
In addition to the M+S marking, winter tires
also have the 0003snowflake symbol on
the tire wall. Tires with this marking fulfill
the requirements of the Rubber
Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the
Rubber Association of Canada (RAC)
regarding snow traction, and were specially
developed for driving on snow.
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding the following speeds:
R all vehicles (except AMG vehicles):
130 mph (210 km/h)
R AMG vehicles: 155 mph (250 km/h)
R AMG vehicles with Handling Package:
174 mph (280 km/h)
The speed rating of tires mounted at the
factory may be higher than the maximum
speed that the electronic speed limiter
permits.
Make sure that your tires have the required
speed rating for your vehicle as specified in
the "Tires" section (Y page 316), e.g. if you
buy new tires.
Further information about reading tire data
can be obtained from any qualified specialist
workshop. Load index
i
Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
In addition to the load bearing index, load
index 0002may be imprinted after the letters
that identify speed rating 0021(Ypage 309) on
the sidewall of the tire.
R If no specification is given: no tex t(as in the
example above), represents astandard
load (SL) tire
R XL or Extra Load: represents a reinforced
tire
R Ligh tload: represents a light load tire
R C, D, E: represents a load range that
depends on the maximum load that the tire
can carry at a certain pressure DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)
U.S. tire regulations prescribe that every
manufacturer of new tires or retreader has to
imprint a TIN in or on the sidewall of each tire
produced.
20 Or M+S0003 for winter tires. Tire labeling
311Wheels and tires Z

The TIN is a unique identification number. The
TIN enables the tire manufacturers to inform
purchasers of recalls and other safety-
relevant matters. It makes it possible for the
purchaser to easily identify the affected tires.
The TIN is made up of manufacturer
identification code 0003, tire size0023, tire type
code 0022and manufacturing date 0020.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
DOT (Department of Transportation): tire
symbol 0002indicates that the tire complies
with the requirements of the U.S.D epartment
of Transportation.
Manufacturer identification code:
manufacturer identification code 0003provides
details on the tire manufacturer. New tires
have a code with two symbols. Retreaded
tires have a code with four symbols.
Further information about retreaded tires
(Y page 294).
Tire size: identifier0023describes the tire size.
Tire type code: tire type code0022can be
used by the manufacturer as a code to
describe specific characteristics of the tire.
Date of manufacture: date of manufacture
0020 provides information about the age of a
tire. The first and second positions represent
the week of manufacture, starting with "01"
for the first calendar week. Positions three
and four represent the year of manufacture.
For example, a tire that is marked with
"3208", was manufactured in week 32 in
2008. Tire characteristics
i
Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
This information describes the tire cord and
the number of layers in sidewall 0002and under
the tread 0003. Definition of terms for tires and
loading
Tire ply composition and material
used
Describes the number of plies or the number
of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire
tread and sidewall. These are made of steel,
nylon, polyester and other materials. Bar
Metric unit for tire pressure.
14.5038p ounds per square inch (psi) and
100 kilopascals (kPa) are the equivalent of
1 bar. DOT (Department of Transportation)
DOT marked tires fulfill the requirements of
the United States Department of
Transportation. 312
Definition of terms for tires and loadingWheels and tires

Normal occupant weight
The numbe rofoccupants the vehicle is
designed to seat, multiplied by 68 kilograms
(150 lb). Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards
Au niform standard to grade the quality of
tires with regards to tread quality, tire traction
and temperature characteristics. Ratings are
determined by tire manufacturers using U.S.
government testing procedures. The ratings
are molded into the sidewall of the tire. Recommended tire pressure
The recommended tire pressure applies to
the tires mounted at the factory.
The Tire and Loading Informatio nplacard
contains the recommended tire pressures for
cold tires on a fully loaded vehicle and for the
maximum permissible vehicle speed.
The tire pressure table contains the
recommended pressures for cold tires for
various operating conditions, i.e. differing
load and speed conditions. Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment
This is the combined weight of all standard
and optional equipmen tavailable for the
vehicle, regardless of whethe ritis actually
installed on the vehicle or not. Rim
This is the part of the wheel on which the tire
is mounted. GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible axle
load. The actual load on an axle must never
exceed the gross axle weight rating. The
gross axle weight rating can be found on the
vehicle identification plate on the B-pillar on
the driver's side. Speed rating
The speed rating is part of the tire
identification. It specifies the speed range for
which the tire is approved. GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
The gross vehicle weight includes the weight
of the vehicle including fuel, tools, the spare
wheel, accessories installed, occupants,
luggage and the drawbarn oseweight, if
applicable. The gross vehicle weight must not
exceed the gross vehicle weight rating GVWR
as specified on the vehicle identification plate
on the B-pillar on the driver's side. GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
The GVWR is the maximum permissible gross
weight of a fully loaded vehicle (the weight of
the vehicle including all accessories,
occupants, fuel, luggage and the drawbar
noseweight, if applicable). The gross vehicle
weight rating is specified on the vehicle
identification plate on the B-pillar on the
driver's side. Maximu
mloaded vehicle weight
The maximum weight is the sum of the curb
weight of the vehicle, the weight of the
accessories, the total load limit and the
weight of the optional equipment installed at
the factory. Definition of terms for tires and loading
313Wheels and tires Z

Kilopascal (kPa)
Metric unit for tire pressure. 6.9 kPa
corresponds to 1 psi. Another unit for tire
pressure is bar. There are 10 0kilopascals
(kPa) to 1bar. Load index
In addition to the load-bearing index, the load
index may also be imprinted on the sidewall
of the tire. This specifie sthe load-bearing
capacity more precisely. Curb weight
The weight of a vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity
of fuel, oil and coolant. It also includes the air-
conditioning system and optional equipment
if these are installed in the vehicle, but does
not include passengers or luggage. Maximum load rating
The maximum load rating in kilograms or
pounds is the maximum weight for which a
tire is approved. Maximum permissible tire pressure
Maximum permissible tire pressure for one
tire. Maximum load on one tire
Maximum load on one tire. This is calculated
by dividing the maximum axle load of one axle
by two. PSI (pounds per square inch)
As tandard uni tofmeasure for tire pressure. Aspect ratio
Relationship between tire height and tire
width in percent. Tire pressure
This is pressure inside the tire applying an
outward force to each square inch of the tire's
surface. The tire pressure is specified in
pounds per square inch (psi), in kilopascal
(kPa) or in bar. The tire pressure should only
be corrected when the tires are cold. Tire pressure of cold tires
The tires are cold:
R if the vehicle has been parked without
direct sunlight on the tires for at least three
hours and
R if the vehicle has not been driven more than
1 mile (1.6 km). Tread
The part of the tire that comes into contact
with the road. Bead
The tire bead ensures that the tire sits
securely on the wheel. There are several steel
wires in the bead to prevent the tire from
coming loose from the wheel rim. Sidewall
The part of the tire between the tread and the
bead. Weight of optional extras
The combined weight of those optional extras
that weigh more than the replaced standard
part and more than 2.3 kg (5 lb). These 314
Definition of terms for tires and loadingWheels and tires

optional extras, such as high-performance
brakes, level control, a roof rack or a high-
performance battery, are not included in the
curb weight and the weight of the
accessories. TIN (Tire Identification Number)
This is a unique identifier which can be used
by a tire manufacturer to identify tires, for
example for a product recall, and thus identify
the purchasers. The TIN is made up of the
manufacturer's identification code, tire size,
tire type code and the manufacturing date. Load bearing index
The load bearing index (also load index) is a
code that contains the maximum load bearing
capacity of a tire. Traction
Traction is the result of friction between the
tires and the road surface. Treadwear indicators
Narrow bars (tread wear bars) that are
distributed over the tire tread. If the tire tread
is level with the bars, the wear limit of 0008in
(1.6 mm) has been reached. Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupant sinavehicle at
their designated seating positions. Total load limit
Rated cargo and luggage load plus
68 kilograms (150 lb), multiplied by the
vehicle's designated seating capacity. Changing
awheel Flat tire
The "Breakdown assistance" section
(Y page 275) contains information and notes
on how to deal with a fla ttire. It also provides
instructions on changing a wheel or mounting
the spare wheel/emergency spare wheel. Interchanging the wheels
G
WARNING
Interchanging the front and rear wheels may
severely impair the drivin gcharacteristics if
the wheels or tires have different dimensions.
The wheel brakes or suspension components
may also be damaged. There is a risk of
accident.
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the wheels
and tires are of the same dimensions.
Always pay attention to the instructions and
safety notes in the "Changing tires and
mounting the spare wheel" section
(Y page 276).
The wear patterns on the front and rear tires
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Rotate the wheels before a clear wear pattern
has formed on the tires. Front tires typically
wear more on the shoulders and the rear tires
in the center.
If your vehicle's tire configuration allows, you
can rotate the wheels according to the
intervals in the tire manufacturer's warranty
book in your vehicle documents. If this is not
available, the tires should then be replaced
every 3000 to 6000 miles (5000 to
10,000 km), or earlier if the tire wear requires
this. Do not change the direction of wheel
rotation.
Cleant he contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is interchanged. Check the tire pressures.
For information on changing tires and
mounting the spare wheel, see (Y page 276). Changing
awheel
315Wheels and tires Z

!
On vehicles equipped with a tire pressure
monitor, electronic components are
located in the wheel.
Tire-mounting tools should not be used
near the valve. This could damage the
electronic components.
Only have tires changed at a qualified
specialist workshop. Direction of rotation
Tires with a specified direction of rotation
have additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk
of hydroplaning. You will only gain these
benefits if the correct direction of rotation is
maintained.
An arrow on the sidewall of the tire indicates
its correct direction of rotation.
You may mount a spare wheel/emergency
spare wheel against the direction of rotation.
Observe the time restriction on use as well as
the speed limit specified on the spare wheel/
emergency spare wheel. Storing wheels
Store wheels that are not being used in a cool,
dry and preferably dark place. Protect the
tires from oil, grease, gasoline and diesel. Cleaning the wheels
G
WARNING
Do not use power washers with circular-jet
nozzles (dirt grinders) to clean your vehicle, in
particular the tires. You could otherwise
damage the tires and cause an accident. Wheel and tire combinations
Please bear the following in mind
! For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use tires and
wheels which have been approved by Mercedes-Benz specifically for your
vehicle.
These tires have been specially adapted for
use with the control systems, such as ABS
or ESP ®
, and are marked as follows:
R MO =Mercedes-BenzO riginal
R MOE =Mercedes-BenzO riginal Extended
(tires featuring run-flat characteristics)
R MO1 =Mercedes-BenzO riginal (only
certain AMG tires)
Mercedes-Benz Original Extended tires
may only be used on wheels that have been
specifically approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Only use tires, wheels or accessories
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Certain characteristics, e.g. handling,
vehicle noise emissions or fuel
consumption, may otherwise be adversely
affected. In addition, when driving with a
load, tire dimension variations could cause
the tires to come into contact with the
bodywork and axle components. This could
resul tind amage to the tires or the vehicle.
Mercedes-Ben zaccepts no liability for
damage resulting from the use of tires,
wheels or accessories othe rthan those
tested and approved.
Information on tires, wheels and approved
combinations can be obtained from any
qualified specialist workshop.
i The recommended pressures for various
operating conditions can be found:
R on the Tire and Loading Information
placard with the recommended tire
pressures on the B-pillar on the driver's
side
R in the tire pressure table on the inside of
the fuel filler flap
Observe the notes on recommended tire
pressures under various operating
conditions (Y page 297).
Check tire pressures regularly, and only
when the tires are cold. Comply with the
maintenance recommendations of the tire 316
Wheel and tire combinationsWheels and tires

manufacturer in the vehicle document
wallet.
i Notes on the vehicle equipment –always
equip the vehicle with:
R tires of the same size on a given axle
(left/right)
R the same type of tires at a given time
(summer tires, winter tires, MOExtended
tires)
i On the following pages, you can find
information on approved wheel rims and
tire sizes for equipping your vehicle with
winter tires. Winter tires are not available
at the factory as standard equipmen tor
optional extras.
If you would like to equip your vehicle with
approved winter tires, you may also, in
certain circumstances, require rims of the
appropriate size. The sizes of the approved
winter tires may deviate from that of the
standard tires. This is dependent on the
model and the equipment installed at the
factory.
The tires and wheel rims, as well as further
information, can be obtained at a qualified
specialist workshop.
i Overview of abbreviations used in the
following tire tables:
R BA: both axles
R FA: front axle
R RA: rear axle
In the following table, the wheel/tire
combinations are assigned to the vehicle
models through variants, e.g. V1, V2 etc.: V1 SLK 250
V2 SLK 350
V3 SLK 55 AMG
i
Not all wheel and tire combinations are
available at the factory for all countries. Wheel and tire combinations
317Wheels and tires Z

Tires
Summer tires Allo
ywheels V1 V2 V3
FA
RA 225/45 R17 91 W
245/40 R17 91 W
21 7.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.65 in (42 mm)
8.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.42 in (36 mm) 001D 001D
—
FA
RA
225/45 R17 91 W MOExtended
22
245/40 R17 91 W
MOExtended 21, 22 7.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.65 in (42 mm)
8.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.42 in (36 mm) 001D 001D
—
FA
RA 225/40 R18 92 Y XL
245/35 R18 92 Y XL
21 7.5 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.65 in (42 mm)
8.5 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.42 in (36 mm) 001D 001D
—
FA
RA 235/40 ZR18 95
YXL
255/35 ZR18 94 YXL21 8.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.69 in (43 mm)
9.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.65 in (42 mm) — — 001D
Winter tires Alloy wheels V1 V2 V3
BA 225/45 R17 91 H M+S
0003 7.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.65 in (42 mm) 001D 001D
—
BA 225/45 R17 91 H
M+S0003MOExtended
22 7.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.65 in (42 mm) 001D 001D
—
BA 235/40 R18 95 V XL M+S
0003 8.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.69 in (43 mm) — — 001D
FA
RA 235/40 R18 95 V XL M+S
0003
255/35 R18 94 V XL M+S 000321 8.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.69 in (43 mm)
9.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.65 in (42 mm) — — 001D
21
Use of snow chains is not permitted .Observe the notes in the "Snow chains" section.
22 MOExtended tires (tires featuring run-flat characteristics) only in combination with an activated tire pressure
monitor. 318
Wheel and tire combinationsWheels and tires