MERCEDES-BENZ SLS 2011 C197 Owner's Manual

punctured or damaged by road debris,
potholes etc.
Overinflated tires can
R adversely affect handling characteristics
R cause uneven tire wear
R be more prone to damage from road
hazards
R adversely affect ride comfort
R increase stopping distance
Checking tire inflation pressure
Safety notes
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.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information placard 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.
Check the tire inflation pressure at least once
a month.
Check and adjust the tire inflation pressure
when the tires are cold.
Checking tire inflation pressure
manually
Follow the steps below to achieve correct tire
inflation pressure:
XRemove the cap from the valve on one tire.XFirmly press a tire gauge onto the valve.XRead the tire inflation pressure on the tire
gauge and check against the
recommended tire inflation pressure on the
Tire and Loading Information placard on the
driver’s door B-pillar ( Y page 334). If
necessary, add air to achieve the
recommended tire inflation pressure.XIf you have overfilled the tire, release tire
inflation pressure by pushing the metal
stem of the valve with e.g. a tip of a pen.
Then recheck the tire inflation pressure
with the tire gauge.XInstall the valve cap.XRepeat this procedure for each tire.
Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (Advanced TPMS)
Your vehicle is equipped with the Advanced
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS). It measures the tire inflation pressure
in the vehicle’s tires and issues warnings in
case of pressure loss in one or more of the
tires.
The TPMS is equipped with a combination low
tire pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale
(USA) or a low tire pressure telltale (Canada)
in the instrument cluster. Depending on how
the telltale illuminates, it indicates a low tire
pressure condition or a malfunction in the
TPMS system itself:
R If the telltale illuminates continuously, one
or more of your tires is significantly
underinflated. There is no malfunction in
the TPMS.
R USA only: If the telltale flashes for 60
seconds and then stays illuminated, the
TPMS system itself is not operating
properly.
Tires and wheels329OperationBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 329Z

The TPMS only functions on wheels that are
equipped with the proper electronic sensors.GWarning!
The TPMS does not indicate a warning for
wrongly selected inflation pressures. Always
adjust tire inflation pressure according to the
Tire and Loading Information placard or the
supplemental tire inflation pressure
information on the inside of the fuel filler flap.
The TPMS is not able to issue a warning due
to a sudden dramatic loss of pressure (e.g. tire
blowout caused by a foreign object). In this
case bring the vehicle to a halt by carefully
applying the brakes and avoiding abrupt
steering maneuvers.
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.
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 then
remain 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.
i USA only:
If a condition causing the TPMS to
malfunction develops, it may take up to
10 minutes for the system to signal a
malfunction using the TPMS telltale
flashing and illumination sequence.
The telltale extinguishes after a few
minutes driving if the malfunction has been
corrected.
Tire pressure inquiries are made using the
multifunction display. The current tire
inflation pressure for each tire appears in the
multifunction display after a few minutes of
driving.
i Possible differences between the
readings of a tire pressure gauge of an air
hose, e.g. gas station equipment, and the330Tires and wheelsOperation
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 330

vehicle’s control system can occur. The tire
pressure displayed by the control system
apply to sea level. In high-altitude
locations, the reading on a tire pressure
gauge will be higher than the reading issued
by the vehicle’s control system. Do not
reduce the tire inflation pressure under
such circumstances.XSwitch on the ignition.XPress button = or ; on the
multifunction steering wheel to select the
Service menu (Y page 281).XPress button 9 or : to select Tire
Pressure .XPress button a.
The current inflation pressure for each tire
appears in the multifunction display.
Example illustration
When the vehicle has been parked for longer
than 20 minutes, the message Tire
pressures will be displayed after
driving a few minutes appears in the
multifunction display.
The TPMS recognizes new wheels or sensors
automatically after the learn-in phase. As long
as the tire inflation pressure values cannot be
allocated to the individual wheels, the
message Tire Pressure Monitor Active
appears. Despite this message, the tire
inflation pressure values are monitored
already.
i Operating radio transmission equipment
(e.g. wireless headsets, two-way radios) in
or near the vehicle could cause the TPMS
to malfunction.
i USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Tire inflation pressure warnings
If the system detects a significant loss of tire
inflation pressure in one or more than one
tire, a message appears in the multifunction
display. In addition, an acoustic warning
sounds and the low tire pressure telltale in the
instrument cluster comes on.
Example illustration
The respective tire is indicated by a red
rectangle.
Tires and wheels331OperationBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 331Z

Restarting Advanced TPMSGWarning!
It is the driver’s responsibility to set the tire
inflation pressure to the recommended cold
tire inflation pressure. Underinflated tires
affect the ability to steer or brake the vehicle.
You might lose control over the vehicle.
When you restart the TPMS, the system sets
new reference values for each tire.
The TPMS must be restarted when you have
adjusted the tire inflation pressure to a new
level (e.g. because of different load or driving
conditions). The TPMS is then recalibrated to
the current tire inflation pressures.
i Canada only:
The TPMS usually recognizes tire pressure
adjustments and sets new reference values
automatically. You can, however, restart
the TPMS manually as described.
Restart the TPMS after adjusting the tire
inflation pressure to the inflation pressure
recommended for the vehicle operating
condition. Tire inflation pressure should only
be adjusted on cold tires. Observe the
recommended tire inflation pressure on the
Tire and Loading Information placard on the
driver’s door B-pillar. Some vehicles may have
supplemental tire inflation pressure
information for driving at high speeds or for
vehicle loads less than the maximum loaded
vehicle condition. If such information is
provided, it can be found on the inside of the
fuel filler flap.
XUsing the Tire and Loading Information
placard on the driver’s door B-pillar
( Y page 334) or the supplemental tire
inflation pressure information on the inside
of the fuel filler flap, make sure the tire
inflation pressure of all four tires is correct.XSwitch on the ignition.XPress button = or ; on the
multifunction steering wheel to select the
Service menu.XPress button 9 or : on the
multifunction steering wheel to select
Tire Pressure .XPress button a.
The current inflation pressure for each tire
appears in the multifunction display or the
following message appears in the
multifunction display:
Tire pressures
will be displayed
after driving
a few minutesXPress button :.
The following message appears in the
multifunction display:
Use Current
Pressures as New
Reference Values
Press 'OK' to ConfirmXPress button a.
The following message appears in the
multifunction display:
Tire Press. Monitor
Restarted
After driving a few minutes the system
verifies that the current tire inflation
pressures are within the system’s specified
range. Afterwards the current tire inflation
pressures are accepted as reference values
and then monitored.XIf you wish to cancel: Press button %.
or
XPress button 9 to exit the menu screen.
i
When the wheel positions have been
changed, the inflation pressure of a tire
may be displayed for the wrong position
temporarily. After driving for a few minutes,
the inflation pressure will be shown for the
correct position.
332Tires and wheelsOperation
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 332

Maximum tire inflation pressureGWarning!
Never exceed the maximum tire inflation
pressure. 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.
i For illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and
may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
This is the maximum permissible tire inflation
pressure : for the tire.
Always follow the recommended tire inflation
pressure ( Y page 327) for proper tire
inflation.
Tires and wheels333OperationBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 333Z

Loading the vehicle
Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry.
(1)The Tire and Loading Information placard can be found on the driver’s door B-pillar. This
placard tells you important information about the number of people that can be in the
vehicle and the total weight that can be carried in the vehicle. It also contains information
on the proper size and recommended tire inflation pressures for the original equipment
tires on your vehicle.(2)The certification label, also found on the driver’s door B-pillar. It tells you about the gross
weight capacity of your vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR
includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo. The certification label
also tells you about the front and rear axle weight capacity, called the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR).
The GAWR is the total allowable weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear).
Never exceed the GVWR or GAWR for either the front axle or rear axle.:Driver’s door B-pillar
Following is a discussion on how to work with the information contained on the Tire and
Loading Information placard with regards to loading your vehicle.
Tire and Loading Information
GWarning!
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified load limit as indicated on the Tire and Loading
Information placard 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.
Tire and Loading Information placard
i Data shown on Tire and Loading Information placard example are for illustration purposes
only. Load limit data are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in the
following illustration. Refer to Tire and Loading Information placard on vehicle for actual
data specific to your vehicle.
334Tires and wheelsOperation
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 334

The Tire and Loading Information placard showing load limit information : is located on the
driver’s door B-pillar ( Y page 334).
XLocate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed
XXX kilograms or XXX lbs.” on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
The combined weight of all occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer tongue load (if applicable)
should never exceed the weight referenced in that statement.
Seating capacity
i Data shown on Tire and Loading Information placard example are for illustration purposes
only. Seating capacity data are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in
the following illustration. Refer to Tire and Loading Information placard on vehicle for actual
data specific to your vehicle.
The seating capacity gives you important information on the number of occupants that can
be in the vehicle. The Tire and Loading Information placard showing seating capacity : is
located on the driver’s door B-pillar ( Y page 334).
Steps for determining correct load limit
The following steps have been developed as required of all manufacturers under Title 49, Code
of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the “National Traffic and Motor Vehicle
Safety Act of 1966”.
XStep 1: Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never
exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s Tire and Loading Information placard.XStep 2: Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.Tires and wheels335OperationBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 335Z

XStep 3: Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or
XXX lbs.XStep 4: The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1 400 lbs and there will be five 150 lbs passengers
in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs
(1 400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).XStep 5: Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in step 4.XStep 6 (if applicable): If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle ( Y page 337).
The following table shows examples on how to calculate total and cargo load capacities with
varying seating configurations and number and size of occupants. The following examples use
a load limit of 1 500 lbs. This is for illustration purposes only. Make sure you are using the
actual load limit for your vehicle stated on the vehicle’s Tire and Loading Information placard
( Y page 335).
Example 1Example 2Step 1Combined weight limit of
occupants and cargo from
Tire and Loading Information
placard1 500 lbs1 500 lbsStep 2Number of occupants (driver
and passengers)12Occupants weightOccupant 1: 175 lbsOccupant 1: 175 lbs
Occupant 2: 195 lbsCombined weight of all
occupants175 lbs370 lbsStep 3Available cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (total
load limit from Tire and
Loading Information placard
minus combined weight of all
occupants)1 500 lbs - 175 lbs =
1 325 lbs1 500 lbs - 370 lbs =
1 130 lbs
The higher the weight of all occupants, the less cargo and luggage load capacity is available.
For more information, see “Trailer tongue load” ( Y page 337).
Certification label
Even after careful determination of the combined weight of all occupants, cargo and the trailer
tongue load (if applicable) (Y page 337) as to not exceed the permissible load limit, you must
make sure your vehicle never exceeds the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or rear axle. You can obtain the GVWR and
336Tires and wheelsOperation
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 336

GAWR from the certification label. The certification label can be found on the driver’s door
B-pillar, see the “Technical data” section ( Y page 421).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, all cargo,
and the trailer tongue load (if applicable) must never exceed the GVWR.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): The total allowable weight that can be carried by a single
axle (front or rear).
To assure that your vehicle does not exceed the maximum permissible weight limits (GVWR
and GAWR for front and rear axle), have the loaded vehicle (including driver, passengers and
all cargo and, if applicable, trailer fully loaded) weighed on a suitable commercial scale.
Trailer tongue load
The tongue load of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects the load
you can carry in your vehicle. If a trailer is towed, the tongue load must be added to the weight
of all occupants riding and any cargo you are carrying in the vehicle. The tongue load typically
is 10% of the trailer weight and everything loaded in it.
Your Mercedes-Benz has been designed primarily to carry passengers and their cargo.
Mercedes-Benz does not recommend trailer towing with your vehicle.Maximum tire loadGWarning!
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information placard 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.
i For illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and
may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
The maximum tire load rating : is the
maximum weight the tires are designed to
support.
For more information on tire load rating, see
( Y page 341).
For information on calculating total and cargo
load capacities, see ( Y page 335).
Direction of rotation
Unidirectional tires offer added advantages,
such as better hydroplaning performance. To
benefit, however, you must make sure the
tires rotate in the direction specified.
An arrow on the sidewall indicates the
intended direction of rotation of the tire.
Spare wheels may be mounted against the
direction of rotation (spinning) even with a
unidirectional tire for temporary use only until
the regular drive wheel has been repaired or
replaced. Always observe and follow
applicable temporary use restrictions and
speed limitations indicated on the spare
wheel.
Tires and wheels337OperationBA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 337Z

Tire care and maintenanceGWarning!
Regularly check the tires for damage.
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
Check the tire inflation pressure at least once
a month. For more information on checking
tire inflation pressure, see “Recommended
tire inflation pressure” ( Y page 327).
Tire inspection
Every time you check the tire inflation
pressure, you should also inspect your tires
for the following:
R excessive treadwear ( Y page 338)
R cord or fabric showing through the tire’s
rubber
R bumps, bulges, cuts, cracks or splits in the
tread or side of the tire
Replace the tire if you find any of the above
conditions.
Make sure you also inspect the spare tire
periodically for condition and inflation. Spare
tires will age and become worn over time even
if never used, and thus should be inspected
and replaced when necessary.
Life of tire
GWarning!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after
6 years, regardless of the remaining tread.
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including but not limited to:
R Driving style
R Tire inflation pressure
R Distance driven
Tread depth GWarning!
Although the applicable federal motor vehicle
safety laws consider a tire to be worn when
the treadwear indicators (TWI) become visible
at approximately 1
/ 16 in (1.6 mm), we
recommend that you do not allow your tires
to wear down to that level. As tread depth
approaches 1
/ 8 in (3 mm), the adhesion
properties on a wet road are sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely.
Do not allow your tires to wear down too far.
Adhesion properties on wet roads are sharply
reduced at tread depths of less than 1
/ 8 in
(3 mm).
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. These indicators are located in six places
on the tread circumference and become
visible at a tread depth of approximately 1
/ 16
in (1.6 mm), at which point the tire is
considered worn and should be replaced.
The recommended minimum tire tread depth
for summer tires is 1
/ 8 in (3 mm). The
recommended minimum tire tread depth for
winter tires is 1
/ 6 in (4 mm).
Treadwear indicator
: appears as a solid
band across the tread.
338Tires and wheelsOperation
BA 197 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 27, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-03-24T15:31:10+01:00 - Seite 338