tire type MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS COUPE 2005 Owners Manual

300 OperationTires and wheelsSee an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for information on tested and
recommended rims and tires for summer
and winter operation. They can also offer
advice concerning tire service and
purchase.Retreaded tires are not tested or recom-
mended 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.
Important guidelines

Only use sets of tires and rims of the
same type and make.


Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.


Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate
speeds.


Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can
cause tire inflation pressure loss and
damage to the tire beads.


If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
inflation pressure and correct as
required.


Do not allow your tires to wear down
too far. Adhesion properties on wet
roads are sharply reduced at tread
depths under
1/8in (3 mm).


When replacing individual tires, you
should mount new tires on the front
wheels first (on vehicles with
same-sized wheels all around).
Warning!
G
Replace rims or tires with the same designa-
tion, manufacturer and type as shown on the
original part. See an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for further informa-
tion. If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted:

The wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged.


The operating clearance of the wheels
and the tires may no longer be correct.
Warning!
G
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, 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.

314 OperationTires and wheelsTire size designation, load and speed
rating1 Tire width
2 Aspect ratio in %
3 Radial tire code
4 Rim diameter
5 Tire load rating
6 Tire speed rating General:
Depending on the design standards used,
the tire size molded into the sidewall may
have no letter or a letter preceding the tire
size designation.
No letter preceding the size designation
(as illustrated above): Passenger car tire
based on European design standards.
Letter “P” preceding the size designation:
Passenger car tire based on U.S. design
standards.
Letter “LT” preceding the size designation:
Light Truck tire based on U.S. design
standards.
Letter “T” preceding the size designation:
Temporary spare tires which are high
pressure compact spares designed for
temporary emergency use only. Tire width
The tire width
1 (
page 314) indicates
the nominal tire width in mm.
Aspect ratio
The aspect ratio 2 (page 314) is the
dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width and is
expressed in percentage. The aspect ratio
is arrived at by dividing section height by
section width.
Tire code
The tire code 3 (
page 314) indicates
the tire construction type. The “R” stands
for radial tire type. Letter “D” means diag-
onal or bias ply construction; letter “B”
means belted-bias ply construction.
At the tire manufacturer’s option, any tire
with a speed capability above 149 mph
(240 km/h) can include a “ZR” in the size
designation (for example: 245/40 ZR 18).
For additional information, see “Tire speed
rating” (
page 316).
iFor illustration purposes only. Actual
data on tires is specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.

315
Operation
Tires and wheels
Rim diameter
The rim diameter
4 (
page 314) is the
diameter of the bead seat, not the
diameter of the rim edge. Rim diameter is
indicated in inches (in).
Tire load rating
The tire load rating 5 (page 314) is a
numerical code associated with the
maximum load a tire can support.
For example, a load rating of 91 corre-
sponds to a maximum load of 1 356 lbs
(615 kg) the tire is designed to support.
See also “Maximum tire load”
(
page 319) where the maximum load as-
sociated with the load index is indicated in
kilograms and lbs. For additional information on tire load
rating, see “Load identification”
(
page 317).
Warning
G
The tire load rating must always be at least
half of the GAWR (
page 323) of your vehi-
cle. Otherwise, tire failure may be the result
which may cause an accident and/or seri-
ous personal injury to you or others.
Always replace rims and tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as
shown on the original part.
Warning!
G
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit or vehicle capacity
weight as indicated on the placard located
on the driver's door B-pillar. Overloading the
tires can overheat them, possibly causing a
blowout. Overloading the tires can also
result in handling or steering problems, or
brake failure.
iTire load rating 5 (
page 314) and
tire speed rating 6 (page 314) are
also referred to as “service descrip-
tion”.

318 OperationTires and wheelsDOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)
U.S. tire regulations require each new tire
manufacturer or tire retreader to mold a
TIN into or onto a sidewall of each tire
produced.
The TIN is a unique identifier which facili-
tates efforts by tire manufactures to notify
purchasers in recall situations or other
safety matters concerning tires and gives
purchasers the means to easily identify
such tires.
The TIN is comprised of “Manufacturer’s
identification mark”, “Tire size”, “Tire type
code” and “Date of manufacture”.1
DOT
2 Manufacturer’s identification mark
3 Tire size
4 Tire type code (at the option of the tire
manufacturer)
5 Date of manufacture DOT (D
epartment o
f T
ransportation)
A tire branding symbol 1 (
page 318)
which denotes the tire meets require-
ments of the U.S. Department of Transpor-
tation.
Manufacturer’s identification mark
The manufacturer’s identification mark 2
(
page 318) denotes the tire
manufacturer.
New tires have a mark with two symbols.
Retreaded tires have a mark with four sym-
bols. For more information on retreaded
tires, see (
page 300).
Tire size
The code 3 (page 318) indicates the
tire size.
iFor illustration purposes only. Actual
data on tires is specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.

319
Operation
Tires and wheels
Tire type code
The code
4 (
page 318) may, at the
option of the manufacturer, be used as a
descriptive code for identifying significant
characteristics of the tire.
Date of manufacture
The date of manufacture 5 (
page 318)
identifies the week and year of manufac-
ture.
The first two figures identify the week,
starting with “01” to represent the first full
week of the calendar year. The second two
figures represent the year.
For example, “3202” represents the 32nd
week of 2002.
Maximum tire load
1 Maximum tire load rating
The maximum tire load is the maximum
weight the tires are designed to support. For more information on tire load rating
(
page 315).
For information on calculating total and
cargo load capacities (
page 306).
iFor illustration purposes only. Actual
data on tires is specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
Warning!
G
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit or vehicle capacity
weight as indicated on the placard located
on the driver’s door B-pillar. Overloading the
tires can overheat them, possibly causing a
blowout. Overloading the tires can also
result in handling or steering problems, or
brake failure.

322 OperationTires and wheelsTemperature
The temperature grades are A (the high-
est), B, and C, representing the tire’s resis-
tance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tem-
perature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and ex-
cessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the Federal Mo-
tor 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 ply material1 Plies in sidewall
2 Plies under tread
This marking tells you about the type of
cord and number of plies in the sidewall
and under the tread.
Warning!
G
The temperature grade for this tire is estab-
lished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underin-
flation, or excessive loading, either sepa-
rately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
iFor illustration purposes only. Actual
data on tires is specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.

325
Operation
Tires and wheels
PSI (P
ounds per s
quare i
nch)
A standard unit of measure for air pressure
-> bar, kilopascal (kPa).
Recommended tire inflation pressure
Recommended tire inflation pressure
listed on placard located on driver's door
B-pillar for normal driving conditions.
Provides best handling, tread life and
riding comfort.
Rim
A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube
assembly upon which the tire beads are
seated.
Sidewall
The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead. TIN (T
ire I
dentification N
umber)
Unique identifier which facilitates efforts
by tire manufacturers to notify purchasers
in recall situations or other safety matters
concerning tires and gives purchases the
means to easily identify such tires. The TIN
is comprised of “Manufacturer’s identifica-
tion mark”, “Tire size”, “Tire type code”
and “Date of manufacture”.
Tire load rating
Numerical code associated with the
maximum load a tire can support.
Tire ply composition and material used
This indicates the number of plies or the
number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in
the tire tread and sidewall. Tire manufac-
turers also must indicate the ply materials
in the tire and sidewall, which include
steel, nylon, polyester, and others. Tire speed rating
Part of tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is approved.
Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the road
via the tires. The amount of grip provided.
Tread
The portion of a tire that comes into
contact with the road.
Treadwear indicators
Narrow bands, sometimes called
“wear bars” that show across the tread of
a tire when only
1/6in (1.6 mm) of tread
remains.

441
Technical terms
Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock
prevents the gear selector lever from
being moved out of position P without
SmartKey turned and brake pedal de-
pressed.
Sidewall (
page 325)
SRS (Supplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Air bags, air bag control unit (with
crash sensor), emergency tensioning
device. Though independent systems,
they are closely interfaced to provide
effective occupant protection. Tele Aid* System
(T
elematic A
larm I
dentification on D
e-
mand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, roadside assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially
activated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
vided that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.
Tightening torque Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.
TIN (T
ire I
dentification N
umber)
(
page 325)
Tire load rating (page 325) Tire ply composition and material used
(
page 325)
Tire speed rating (page 325)
Traction (page 325)
Tread (page 325)
Treadwear indicators (page 325)
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards (page 326)
Vehicle capacity weight (page 326)
Vehicle maximum load on the tire (page 326)
VIN (Vehicle I
dentification N
umber)
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the body to uniquely
identify each vehicle produced.

451
Index
Engine oil 292, 428
Adding 294
Additives 428
Checking level 292
Consumption 292
Display messages 363–364
Filler neck 295
Messages in display 293, 363–364
Viscosity 438
Engine oil level see Oil level
ESP 25, 83, 438 Messages in display 355–356
Switching off 84
Switching on 85
Warning lamp 343
ETD 438 Safety guidelines 64
ETD (Emergency tensioning device) 69
Ethanol fuel At the gas station 288
Switching fuels 431
Exterior lamp switch 110
Exterior lamps Delayed shut-off 146
Exterior rear view mirror
Parking position* for 150 Exterior rear view mirrors
Adjusting 42
F
Fahrenheit Setting temperature units 137
Fastening the seat belts 44
Fine adjustment Cruise control 249
First aid kit 373
Flat tire 394 Inflating the spare tire 398
Lowering the vehicle 400
Mounting the spare wheel 394
Preparing the vehicle 394
Spare wheel 375
Tighten wheel bolts 400
Flexible fuel vehicles 431 At the gas station 288
Switching fuels 431
Flexible Service System (Canada vehicles) 330, 438
Fog lamp, rear Message in display 368
Switching on 113 Fog lamps, front
Messages in display 366
Replacing bulbs 385, 386
Switching on 113
Front air bags 65
Front lamps Bi-Xenon* type 388
Halogen-type 386
Messages in display 366–370
Replacing bulbs 385, 386
Switching on 110
Front passenger front air bag off indicator lamp 27, 76, 345
Front seat backrest Folding backrest back 40
Folding backrest forward 39
Front seat head restraints Installing 102 Power seat* 103
Manual seat 102
Power seat* 103
Removing 102 Power seat* 103
Front seats Heating* 106

453
Index
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating see GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight see GVW
GVW 324
GVWR 324
H
Halogen-type
Front lamp bulbs 386
Hands-free microphone* 29
Hard plastic trim items Cleaning 337
Hazard warning flasher 116 Switching off 116
Switching on 116
Head restraints Front seats 37, 102Manual seat 102
Power seat* 103
Manual seat 37, 102
Power seat* 38, 102
Rear seats 103
Headlamp cleaning fluid Checking 290
Headlamp cleaning system* Refilling 299 Headlamps
Automatic control 111
Bi-Xenon* 437
Bi-Xenon* typeReplacing bulbs 388
Cleaning system* 167
Halogen-type Replacing bulbs 386
Refilling washer fluid 299
Switching off 57
Switching on 51
Washer fluid* 435
Washer system* 435
Headliner Cleaning 337
Heated seats* 106
Height adjustment Head restraints 37, 38
Rear seat head restraints 103
Seat belts 46
High beam flasher 114
High beam headlamps Messages in display 367
Replacing bulbs 385, 387Bi-Xenon-type 389
Switching on 114 High mounted brake lamp 385
Hood 291
Closing 292
Message in display 365
Opening 291
Hydroplaning see Aquaplaning 281
I
Identification labels 416
Ignition 33 Switching on 48, 49
Immobilizer 86 Activating 86
Deactivating 86
Indicator lamps see Lamps, indicator and warning
Infant and child restraint systems 70 Installing 77
LATCH child seat anchors 78
Inflating Spare tire 398
Information Button for Tele Aid* 266
Installing Infant and child restraint systems 77
Towing eye bolt 409
Wiper blades 393