inflation pressure MERCEDES-BENZ S600 2010 W221 Owner's Guide

Tire type code
Tire type code ? 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 A identifies the
week and year of manufacture.
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, “3208” represents the 32nd
week of 2008.
Tire ply material
iFor illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and
may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
This marking tells you about the type of cord
and number of plies in the sidewall : and
under the tread ;.
Tire and loading terminology
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats,
radio, and heater, to the extent that these
items are available as factory-installed
equipment (whether installed or not).
Air pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air
pressure is expressed in pounds per square
inch (psi), kilopascal (kPa), or bar.
Aspect ratio
Dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width expressed
in percentage.
Bar
Metric unit for air pressure. There are
14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi) to
1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa) to 1 bar.
Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Cold tire inflation pressure
Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle has
been sitting for at least 3 hours or driven no
more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity
of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped,
air conditioning and additional optional
equipment, but without passengers and
cargo.
DOT (Department of Transportation)
A tire branding symbol which denotes the tire
meets requirements of the U.S. Department
of Transportation.
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GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible axle
weight. The gross vehicle weight on each axle
must never exceed the GAWR for the front
and rear axle indicated on the certification
label located on the driver’s door B-pillar.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
The GVW comprises the weight of the vehicle
including fuel, tools, spare wheel, installed
accessories, passengers and cargo and, if
applicable, trailer tongue load. The GVW must
never exceed the GVWR indicated on the
certification label located on the driver’s door
B-pillar.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
This is the maximum permissible vehicle
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (weight of
the vehicle including all options, passengers,
fuel, and cargo and, if applicable, trailer
tongue load). It is indicated on the
certification label located on the driver’s door
B-pillar.
Kilopascal (kPa)
Metric unit for air pressure. There are 6.9 kPa
to 1 psi; another metric unit for air pressure
is bar. There are 100 kilopascals (kPa) to
1 bar.
Load index
Numerical code associated with the
maximum load a tire can support.
Maximum load rating
The maximum load in kilograms and pounds
that can be carried by the tire.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory weight,
total load limit, and production options
weight.
Maximum permissible tire inflation
pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should ever be put in the tire.
Normal occupant weight
The number of occupants the vehicle is
designed to seat, multiplied by 68 kilograms
(150 lb).
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle at
their designated seating positions.
Production options weight
The combined weight of those installed
regular production options weighing over
5 lbs (2.3 kilograms) in excess of those
standard items which they replace, not
previously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty
battery, and special trim.
PSI (Pounds per square inch)
A standard unit of measure for air pressure.
Recommended tire inflation pressure
The recommended tire inflation pressure for
normal driving conditions is listed on the Tire
and Loading Information placard located on
the driver’s door B-pillar. It provides best
handling, tread life and riding comfort.
Supplemental information pertaining to
special driving situations can be found on the
tire inflation pressure label on the inside of
the fuel filler flap.
Rim
A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube
assembly upon which the tire beads are
seated.
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Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45‡ (7†) and whenever wintry road
conditions prevail. Not all M+S rated tires
provide special winter performance. Make
sure the tires you use show the mountain/
snowflake imarking on the tire sidewall.
These tires meet specific snow traction
performance requirements of the Rubber
Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the
Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) and
have been designed specifically for use in
snow conditions. Use of winter tires is the
only way to achieve the maximum
effectiveness of your vehicle’s driving safety
systems such as the ABS and the ESC in
winter operation.
For safe handling, make sure all mounted
winter tires are of the same make and have
the same tread design.
For information on winter tires for your
vehicle model, see the “Technical data”
section ( Y page 532).
Always observe the speed rating of the winter
tires installed on your vehicle.
After installing winter tires:XCheck the tire inflation pressure and adjust
it if necessary ( Y page 413).XRestart the Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System ( Y page 414).
Snow chains
! When driving with snow chains, always
select the raised level of the vehicle level
control. Other settings may result in
damage to your vehicle.
! Some tire sizes do not leave adequate
clearance for snow chains. To help avoid
serious damage to your vehicle or tires,
make sure the use of snow chains is
permissible as specified in the “Technical
data” section of this Operator’s Manual.
Snow chains should only be driven on snow-
covered roads at speeds not to exceed
30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains as soon
as possible when driving on roads without
snow.
Observe the following guidelines when using
snow chains:
R Use of snow chains is not permissible with
all wheel/tire combinations ( Y page 532).
R Use snow chains in pairs and on rear
wheels only. Follow the manufacturer’s
mounting instructions.
! If snow chains are mounted to the front
wheels, they may scrape against the body
or axle components. The tires or the vehicle
could be damaged as a result.
R Only use snow chains that are approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center will be glad to advise you on
this subject.
R Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check local
and state laws before installing snow
chains.
R Do not use snow chains on the spare wheel.
i When driving with snow chains, you may
wish to switch off the ESC ( Y page 232)
before setting the vehicle in motion. This
will improve the vehicle’s traction.
Winter driving instructions
GWarning!
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) gases may enter vehicle interior
resulting in unconsciousness and death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
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GWarning!
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
GWarning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt
acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control or
DISTRONIC PLUS system under such
conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, shift
the automatic transmission to neutral
position N. Try to keep the vehicle under
control by corrective steering action.
i For information on driving with snow
chains, see “Snow chains” ( Y page 433).
Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce the
normal brake effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically when
traveling at length on salt-strewn roads can
bring road-salt-impaired braking efficiency
back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven on
salt-treated roads, the braking efficiency
should be tested as soon as possible after
driving is resumed.
GWarning!
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
To save fuel you should:
R Keep tires at the recommended inflation
pressures.
R Remove unnecessary loads.
R Remove roof rack when not in use.
R Allow engine to warm up under low load
use.
R Avoid frequent acceleration and
deceleration.
R Have all maintenance work performed at
the intervals specified in the Maintenance
Booklet and as required by the
Maintenance system. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Fuel consumption is also increased by driving
in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic, on
short trips and in mountainous areas.
Drinking and driving
GWarning!
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Pedals
GWarning!
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsNext
Service Xin ...
days
in ...
mls (km)The specified maintenance service must be carried out within
the remaining time range or driving distance ( Y page 439).XHave the maintenance service carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.Service XDueThe specified maintenance service must be carried out
( Y page 439).XHave the maintenance service carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.Service X
Exceededby X days
by XXX
mls (km)The specified maintenance service term has been exceeded
( Y page 439).XHave the maintenance service carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.! Failure to have the vehicle maintained in
accordance with the Maintenance Booklet
and maintenance service indicator at thedesignated times/mileage will result in
vehicle damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Tires
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsTire
PressuresDisplayed
After
Driving A
Few
MinutesThe tire inflation pressure is being checked by the Advanced
TPMS.XDrive the vehicle for a few minutes.Tire
Pressure
MonitorInoperativ
eThe Advanced TPMS is malfunctioning.XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.Tire
Pressure
MonitorInoperativ
e No
Wheel
SensorsThere are wheels without appropriate wheel sensors mounted
(e.g. winter tires).XHave the appropriate wheel sensors installed at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.464Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsWheel
Sensor(s)MissingAt least one sensor is defect (e.g. battery is empty).
The respective tire is indicated by – – instead of the tire
inflation pressure in the multifunction display.XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.XHave the wheel sensors installed at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.At least one wheel without appropriate wheel sensors is
mounted (e.g. spare wheel).
The respective tire is indicated by – – instead of the tire
inflation pressure in the multifunction display.XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.XHave the wheel sensors installed at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.Tire
Pressure
MonitorCurrently
Unavailabl
eThe Advanced TPMS cannot monitor the tire inflation pressure
due to a nearby radio interference source or insufficient
power supply.
As soon as the causes of the malfunction have been rectified,
the Advanced TPMS becomes active again automatically after
a few minutes of driving.Tire
Pressure
Please
RectifyThe tire inflation pressure is too low in at least one tire.
or
The tire inflation pressures of the individual tires differ from
each other significantly.
The tire inflation pressure values are shown in the
multifunction display.XCheck and correct tire inflation pressure as required
( Y page 413).XRestart the Advanced TMPS ( Y page 416).Caution
Tire
DefectAt least one tire is deflating.
The respective tire is indicated in the multifunction display.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 508).Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display465Practical hints221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 465Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsCheck
TiresThe tire inflation pressure in at least one tire is significantly
below the reference value.
The respective tire is indicated in the multifunction display.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers.XCheck and adjust tire inflation pressure as required.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 508).GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may
lose control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up
and possibly a fire.
GWarning!
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.
Symbol messages
Brake
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions#Check
Brake Pad
WearThe brake pads have reached their wear limit.XHave the brake pads replaced as soon as possible at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
! Brake pad thickness must be visually inspected by a qualified technician at the intervals
specified in the Maintenance Booklet.
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TiresDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionshTire
Press.
Warning
Caution
Tire
Malfunctio
nAt least one tire is deflating.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 508).hCheck
Tire
PressureThe tire inflation pressure in at least one tire is significantly
below the reference value.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers.XCheck and adjust tire inflation pressure as required.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 508).GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may
lose control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up
and possibly a fire.
GWarning!
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.
What to do if …
Lamps in instrument cluster
Notes
If any of the following lamps in the instrument
cluster fails to come on during the bulb self-
check when switching on the ignition, have
the respective bulb checked and replaced if
necessary.
When you switch on the ignition, all lamps in
the instrument cluster come on. The high-
beam headlamp indicator lamp and turn
signal indicator lamps will only come on if
activated. If a lamp in the instrument cluster
fails to come on when the ignition is switched
on, have it checked and replaced if necessary.GWarning!
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all
necessary safety information and warning for
the operation of your vehicle.
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TiresProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionshUSA only:
Combination
low tire pressure
telltale/TPMS
malfunction
telltale for the
Advanced TPMS
illuminates
continuously.
Canada only:
Low tire
pressure telltale
for the
Advanced TPMS
illuminates
continuously.The Advanced TPMS detects a loss of pressure in at least one tire.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt steering and
braking maneuvers. Observe the traffic situation around you.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display
( Y page 452).
If the tire inflation pressure in the respective tire(s) has (have) been
corrected, the combination low tire pressure/TPMS malfunction
telltale goes out after a few minutes of driving.
hUSA only:
Combination
low tire pressure
telltale/TPMS
malfunction
telltale for the
Advanced TPMS
flashes 60
seconds and
then stays
illuminated.There is a malfunction in the Advanced TPMS.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display
( Y page 452).XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
After the malfunction has been remedied, the combination low tire
pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale goes out after a few minutes
of driving.
GWarning!
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked at least once a month
when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door B-
pillar or the tire inflation pressure label on the
inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the Tire and Loading Information placard
or the tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation 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.What to do if …497Practical hints221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 497Z

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 1 minute and thenremain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups 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
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.
Lamp in center console
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions42
The front passenger
front air bag off
indicator lamp
illuminates and
remains illuminated
with the weight of a
typical adult or
someone larger than a
small individual on the
front passenger seat.The system is malfunctioning.XHave the system checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display and
follow corrective steps ( Y page 452).GWarning!
If the 42 indicator lamp
illuminates and remains illuminated with the
weight of a typical adult or someone larger
than a small individual on the front passenger
seat, do not have any passenger use the front
passenger seat until the system has been
repaired.498What to do if …Practical hints
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