MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class SEDAN 2012 W204 Owner's Manual

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 325).
For further information on the load bearing
index, see Load index ( Y page 330).
Speed rating: speed rating B specifies the
approved maximum speed of the tire.GWARNING
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 tiresIndexSpeed ratingQUp to 100 mph (160 km/h)RUp to 106 mph (170 km/h)SUp to 112 mph (180 km/h)TUp to 118 mph (190 km/h)HUp to 130 mph (210 km/h)VUp to 149 mph (240 km/h)WUp to 168 mph (270 km/h)YUp to 186 mph (300 km/h)ZR...YUp to 186 mph (300 km/h)Summer tiresIndexSpeed ratingZR...(..Y)Above 186 mph (300 km/h)ZRAbove 149 mph (240 km/h)
R 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).
The service specifications consist of load
bearing index A and speed rating B.
R If 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).
R Every 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 tiresIndexSpeed ratingQ M+S 26Up to 100 mph (160 km/h)T M+S26Up to 118 mph (190 km/h)H M+S 26Up to 130 mph (210 km/h)V M+S26Up to 149 mph (240 km/h)26
Or M+S i for winter tires.Tire labeling329Wheels and tiresZ

iNot all tires that have the M+S
identification offer the driving
characteristics of winter tires. Winter tires
have, in addition to the M+S identification,
the i snow flake symbol on the tire
sidewall. Tires with this identification fulfill
the requirements of the Rubber
Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the
Rubber Association of Canada (RAC)
regarding the tire traction on snow and
have been especially 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 increased top speed:
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 as specified in the "Tires"
section ( Y page 335), e.g. if you buy new
tires.
Further information about reading tire data
can be obtained from any qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
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 : may be imprinted after the letters
that identify speed rating B (Y page 328) on
the sidewall of the tire.
R If no specification is given: no text (as in the
example above), represents a standard
load (SL) tire
R XL or Extra Load: represents a reinforced
tire
R Light load: 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.
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 ;, tire size =, tire type
code ? and manufacturing date A.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
330Tire labelingWheels and tires

DOT (Department of Transportation): tire
symbol : indicates that the tire complies
with the requirements of the U.S. Department
of Transportation.
Manufacturer identification code:
manufacturer identification code ; provides
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 310).
Tire size: identifier = describes the tire size.
Tire type code: tire type code ? can be
used by the manufacturer as a code to
describe specific characteristics of the tire.
Date of manufacture: date of manufacture
A 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 : and under
the tread ;.
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. There are
14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi) to
1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa) to
1 bar.
DOT (Department of Transportation)
DOT marked tires fulfill the requirements of
the United States Department of
Transportation.
Normal occupant weight
The number of occupants the vehicle is
designed to seat, multiplied by 68 kilograms
(150 lbs).
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards
A uniform 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 Information placard
contains the recommended tire pressures for
Definition of terms for tires and loading331Wheels and tiresZ

cold tires on a fully loaded vehicle and for the
maximum permissible vehicle speed.
The tire pressure table contains the
recommended tire pressures for cold tires
under 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 equipment available for the
vehicle, regardless of whether it is 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
weight. 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 comprises the
weight of the vehicle including fuel, tools, the
spare wheel, accessories installed,
occupants, luggage and the drawbar
noseweight, 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.
Maximum loaded 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.
Kilopascal (kPa)
Metric unit for tire pressure. 6.9 kPa is the
equivalent of 1 psi. Another unit for tire
pressure is bar. There are 100 kilopascals
(kPa) to 1 bar.
Load index
In addition to the load bearing index, the load
index may also be imprinted on the sidewall
of the tire. This specifies the 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.
332Definition of terms for tires and loadingWheels and tires

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)
A standard unit of measure 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 kilograms (5 lbs).
These 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 accessory
weight.
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 identity 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.
Definition of terms for tires and loading333Wheels and tiresZ

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 1
/ 16 in
(1.6 mm) has been reached.
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle at
their designated seating positions.
Total load limit
Rated cargo and luggage load plus
68 kilograms (150 lbs) times the vehicle's
designated seating capacity.
Changing a wheel
Flat tire
The "Breakdown assistance" section
( Y page 293) contains information and notes
on how to deal with a flat tire. It also provides
instructions on changing a wheel or mounting
the spare wheel/emergency spare wheel.
Interchanging the wheels
GWARNING
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the tires
are of the same dimension.
If your vehicle is equipped with mixed-size
tires (different tire dimensions front vs. rear),
tire rotation is not possible.
GWARNING
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. Wheels could become
loose if not tightened with a torque of
96 lb-ft (130 Nm).
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts
specified for your vehicle's rims.
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.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is interchanged. Check the tire pressures.
Information on changing a wheel and
mounting the spare wheel ( Y page 293).
! 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.
Always have the tires changed at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
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.
334Changing a wheelWheels and tires

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
GWARNING
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-Benz Original
R MOE = Mercedes-Benz Original Extended
(tires featuring run-flat characteristics)
R MO1 = Mercedes-Benz Original (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
result in damage to the tires or the vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz accepts no liability for
damage resulting from the use of tires,
wheels or accessories other than those
tested and approved.
Further information about tires, wheels and
approved combinations can be obtained
from any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
i The recommended tire 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 instructions about the
recommended tire pressure and the
various operating conditions (Y page 313).
Check tire pressures regularly, and only
when the tires are cold. Comply with the
maintenance recommendations of the tire
manufacturer in the vehicle document
wallet.
i Notes on the vehicle equipment – always
equip the vehicle:
R with tires of the same size on a given axle
(left/right)
R with 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
ex factory as standard equipment or
optional extras.
If you wish to mount approved winter tires
on your vehicle, you may, in certainWheel and tire combinations335Wheels and tiresZ

circumstances, require wheel rims of the
appropriate size. The sizes of the approved
winter tires may differ from those of the
original 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, e.g. at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
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 allocated to the vehicle
models through variants, e.g. V1, V2 etc.:V1C 250, C 250 4MATICV2C 300 4MATICV3C 350, C 350 4MATICV4C 63 AMG
i Not all wheel and tire combinations are
available ex factory for all countries.
336Wheel and tire combinationsWheels and tires

TiresSummer tiresAlloy wheelsV1V2V3V4BA225/45 R17 91 W
MOExtended 27, 287.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.85 in (47 mm)###—FA

RA225/45 R17 91 W
MOExtended 27
245/40 R17 91 W
MOExtended 27, 297.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.85 in (47 mm)
8.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 2.28 in (58 mm)###—FA

RA225/40 R18 92 Y XL

255/35 R18 94 Y XL 297.5 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.85 in (47 mm)
8.5 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.13 in (54 mm)###—FA

RA225/40 R18 92 Y XL

255/35 R18 94 Y XL 298.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.97 in (50 mm)
8.5 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.13 in (54 mm)###—FA

RA225/40 ZR18 92 Y XL

255/35 ZR18 94 Y XL 298.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.97 in (50 mm)
8.5 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.13 in (54 mm)###—FA

RA235/40 ZR18 95 Y XL

255/35 ZR18 94 Y XL 298.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.77 in (45 mm)
9.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.13 in (54 mm)———#FA

RA235/35 ZR19 XL

255/30 ZR19 XL 298.0 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 1.77 in (45 mm)
9.0 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.13 in (54 mm)———#27 MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat characteristics) only in combination with an activated tire pressure loss
warning system or tire pressure monitor.
28 Not in combination with sports suspension code 486, dynamic handling package code 483 or Sports package
code 950/952.
29 Use of snow chains is not permitted. Observe the notes in the "Snow chains" section.Wheel and tire combinations337Wheels and tiresZ

All-weather tiresAlloy wheelsV1V2V3V4BA205/55 R16 91 H M+S307 J x 16 H2
Wheel offset: 1.69 in (43 mm)#———BA225/45 R17 91 H M+S 287.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.85 in (47 mm)##——FA

RA225/45 R17 91 H M+S

245/40 R17 91 H M+S 297.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.85 in (47 mm)
8.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 2.28 in (58 mm)###—Winter tiresAlloy wheelsV1V2V3V4BA205/55 R1 6 91 H
M+S i 307 J x 16 H2
Wheel offset: 1.69 in (43 mm)#———BA225/45 R17 91 H M+S i7.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.85 in (47 mm)###—BA225/45 R17 91 H
M+S i MOExtended 277.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.85 in (47 mm)###—BA225/40 R18 92 V XL
M+S i8.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.77 in (45 mm)———#BA235/40 R18 95 V XL
M+S i 298.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.77 in (45 mm)———#FA

RA235/40 R18 95 V XL
M+S i
255/35 R18 94 V XL
M+S i 298.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.77 in (45 mm)
9.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.13 in (54 mm)———#30 Not in combination with Sports package code 950/952.
28 Not in combination with sports suspension code 486, dynamic handling package code 483 or Sports package
code 950/952.
29 Use of snow chains is not permitted. Observe the notes in the "Snow chains" section.
27 MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat characteristics) only in combination with an activated tire pressure loss
warning system or tire pressure monitor.338Wheel and tire combinationsWheels and tires