air suspension MERCEDES-BENZ B-CLASS HATCHBACK 2011 Owners Manual

Snow chains
! If snow chains are fitted to the rear
wheels, they may rub against the bodywork
or parts of the suspension. This may cause
damage to the vehicle or the tyres.
! Vehicles with steel wheels: if you wish
to fit snow chains to steel wheels, make
sure that you remove the respective
wheels' hubcaps first. The hubcaps may
otherwise be damaged.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use snow chains that
have been specially approved for your vehicle
by Mercedes-Benz, or that are of a corre-
sponding standard of quality.
If you intend to fit snow chains, please bear
the following points in mind:
R snow chains cannot be fitted to all wheel-
tyre combinations. Permissible wheel-tyre
combinations (Y page 302).
R snow chains must not be fitted to the emer-
gency spare wheel, e.g. a Minispare emer-
gency spare wheel.
R fit snow chains only in pairs and only to the
front wheels. Observe the manufacturer's
installation instructions.
If snow chains are fitted, you cannot use
Active Parking Assist (Y page 166).
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed of 50 km/h.
i You may wish to deactivate
ESP ®
(Y page 66) when pulling away with
snow chains fitted. This way you can allow
the wheels to spin in a controlled manner,
achieving an increased driving force (cut-
ting action). Tyre pressure
Tyre pressure specifications
G
WARNING
Tyres with too low or too high tyre pressure
contain the following hazards:
R they can burst, in particular if the vehicle is
heavily laden or when driven at high
speeds.
R the tyres can wear excessively and/or
unevenly, which can severely impair tyre
traction.
R the driving, steering and braking character-
istics may be severely impaired.
There is a risk of accident.
Follow recommended tyre inflation pressures
and check the pressure of all the tyres includ-
ing the spare wheel:
R at least every two weeks
R if the load changes
R before beginning a long journey
R for changed operating conditions, e.g. off-
road driving
If necessary, correct the tyre pressure. G
WARNING
If you fit unsuitable accessories onto tyre
valves, the tyre valves may be overloaded and
malfunction, which can cause tyre pressure
loss. Due to their design, retrofitted tyre pres-
sure monitors keep the tyre valve open. This
can also result in tyre pressure loss. There is
a risk of accident.
Only screw standard valve caps or valve caps
specifically provided by Mercedes-Benz for
your vehicle onto the tyre valve. G
WARNING
If the tyre pressure drops repeatedly, the
wheel, valve or tyre may be damaged. Tyre
pressure that is too low may result in a tyre
blow-out. There is a risk of accident. Tyre pressure
295Wheels and tyres
Z

Changing
awheel Flat tyre
You can find information on wha tto do in the
event of flat tyre in the "Flat tyre" section
(Y page 276). Instructions for driving with
MOExtended tyres in the event of a flat tyre
are also provided there. Interchanging the wheels
G
WARNING
Interchanging the front and rear wheels may
severely impair the driving characteristics if
the wheels or tyres have different dimensions.
The wheel brakes or suspension components
may also be damaged. There is a risk of acci-
dent.
Interchange front and rear wheels only if the
wheels and tyres are of the same dimensions.
Interchanging the front and rear wheels of
differing dimensions can render the general
operating permit invalid.
Always pay attention to the instructions and
safety warnings in the "Fitting a wheel" sec-
tion (Y page 298).
The wear patterns on the front and rear tyres
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Interchange the wheels before a clear wear
pattern has formed on the tyres. Front tyres
typically wear more on the shoulders and the
rear tyres in the centre.
On vehicles that have the same size front and
rear wheels, you can interchange the wheels
every 5,000km to 10,000 km depending on
the degree of tyre wear. Maintain the direc-
tion of tyre rotation.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is interchanged. Check the tyre pressure and,
if necessary, restart the tyre pressure loss
warning system. Direction of rotation
Tyres with a specified direction of rotation
have additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk
of aquaplaning. You will only gain these ben-
efits if the correct direction of rotation is
observed.
An arrow on the sidewall of the tyre indicates
its correct direction of rotation. Storing wheels
Store wheels that are not being used in a cool,
dry and preferably dark place. Protec tthe
tyres against oil, grease, petrol and diesel. Cleaning the wheels
G
WARNING
Do not use high-pressure cleaners with circu-
lar-jet nozzles (dirt grinders) to clean your
vehicle, in particular the tyres. You could oth-
erwise damage the tyres and cause an acci-
dent. Fitting
awheel
Preparing the vehicle X
Park the vehicle on firm, non-slippery and
level ground.
X Apply the electric parking brake manually
(Y page 145).
X Bring the front wheels into the straight-
ahead position.
X Vehicles with manual transmission:
engage first or reverse gear.
X Vehicles with automatic transmission:
move the DIRECT SELECT lever to P.
X Switch off the engine.
X Remove the key from the ignition lock.
X If a trailer is coupled to the vehicle, uncou-
ple it.
X If included in the vehicle equipment, take
the tyre-change tool kit out of the vehicle. 298
Changing
awheelWheels and tyres