tire pressure MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2012 MY12 Operator’s Manual

i
The actual values for tires are specific to
each vehicle and may deviate from the
values in the illustration.
Maximum tire load 0046 is the maximum
permitted weight for which the tire is
approved.
Further information on tire loads
(Y page 266). Tire labeling
Overview of tire labeling
The following markings are on the tire in
addition to the tire name (sales designation)
and the manufacturer's name: 0046
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(Y page 268)
0047 Maximum tire load ( Y page 265)
008A Maximum tire pressure (Y page 257)
0088 Manufacturer
0086 Tire material ( Y page 268)
0087 Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed index (
Y page 266)
006E Tire name
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example. Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed index
0046
Design standard
0047 Tire width
008A Nominal aspect ration in %
0088 Tire code
0086 Rim diameter
0087 Load bearing index
006E Speed index
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
Instructions for tires can be found under
"Tires and wheels" in the "Technical data"
section ( Y page 280).
General: depending on the manufacturer's
standards, the size imprinted in the tire wall
may not contain any letters or may contain
one letter 0046 that precedes the size
description.
If "LT" precedes the size description (as
shown above): these are light truck tires
according to U.S. manufacturing standards.
If "C"
precedes
the size description: these are
commercial motor vehicle tires according to
European manufacturing standards.
Tire width: tire width 0047 shows the nominal
tire width in millimeters.
Nominal aspect ratio: aspect ratio 008A is the
size ratio between the tire height and the tire
width and is shown in percent. The aspect
ratio is calculated by dividing the tire width by
the tire height. 266
Tire labeling
Wheels and tires

workshop, e.g. at an authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)
U.S. tire regulations
prescribe that every new
tire manufacturer 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 0047, tire size 008A, tire type
code 0088 and date of manufacture 0086.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
DOT (Department of Transportation): tire
symbol 0046 marks that the tire complies with
the requirements of the U.S. Department of
Transportation.
Manufacturer identification code:
manufacturer identification code 0047 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 252).
Tire size: identifier 008A describes the tire size.
Tire type code: tire type code 0088 can be
used by the manufacturer as a code to
describe specific characteristics of the tire. Date of manufacture:
date of manufacture
0086 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 0046 and under
tire tread 0047. Definition for tires and loading
Tire structure and characteristics
Describes the number

of layers or the number
of rubber-coated belts in the tire tread and
the tire wall. These consist of steel, nylon,
polyester, and other materials. Bar
Metric unit for

tire pressure. 14.5038 pounds
per square inch (psi) and 100 kilopascal (kPa)
correspond to one bar. 268
Definition for tires and loading
Wheels and tires

DOT (Department of Transportation)
Tires with the DOT label fulfill the
requirements of the U.S. Department of
Transportation. Average weight of vehicle occupants
The number of occupants for which the
vehicle is designed
multiplied by 68 kilograms
(150 lb). Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards
A uniform standard to grade the quality of
tires with regard

to tread quality, traction and
temperature characteristics. The quality
grading assessment is made by the
manufacturer following specifications from
the U.S. government. The quality grade of a
tire is imprinted on the sidewall of the tire. Recommended tire pressure F
The tire pressure recommended for your
vehicle for normal driving situations. The
recommendation can be found on the Tire &
Loading Information placard 13
or on the tire
pressure plate on the B-pillar on the driver's
side of the vehicle. The recommended tire
pressure provides the best balance between
handling characteristics, ride comfort and
wear. Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment
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. Wheel rim
The part of the wheel on which the tire is
mounted. GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
The GAWR is

the maximum gross axle weight
rating. 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 driver seat
frame (Y page 277). Speed index
The speed index 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 includes the weight
of the vehicle including fuel, tools, spare
wheel, accessories installed, occupants,
luggage and the drawbar noseweight if
applicable. The gross

vehicle weight may not
exceed the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) specified on the vehicle identification
plate on the driver seat frame ( Y page 277). 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 driver seat frame
(Y page 277).
13 Only for vehicles with a gross weight of less than 10,000 lbs(4536 kg). Definition for tires and loading
269
Wheels and tires Z

Maximum weight of the laden vehicle
The maximum weight is the sum of the
unladen weight of the vehicle, the weight of
the accessories, the maximum load and the
weight of the

optional equipment installed at
the factory. Kilopascal (kPa)
Metric unit for tire pressure. 6.9 kPa is
equivalent to

1 psi. Another tire pressure unit
is bar. 100 kilopascal (kPa) is equivalent to
1 bar. Unladen weight
The weight of a vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum filling
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant. It also
includes the air-conditioning system and
optional equipment if these are installed on
the vehicle, but does not include passengers
or luggage. Maximum tire load
The maximum tire load 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)
Standard unit of measurement for tire
pressure. Aspect ratio
Relationship between tire

height and width in
percent. Tire pressure
Pressure inside the tire applying an outward
force to every square inch of the tire's
surface. Tire pressure is specified in pounds
per square inch

(psi), in kilopascal (kPa) or in
bar. Tire pressure should only be corrected
when the tires are cold. For this, the vehicle
must have been stationary for at least three
hours or not have traveled more than 1.6 km
(1 mile) in this time. Tire tread
The part of the tire that comes into contact
with the road. Tire 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
tire 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 a roof rack or 270
Definition for tires and loading
Wheels and tires

a high-capacity battery, are not included in
the unladen weight and the weight of the
accessories.
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
A unique identification number 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 composed
of the manufacturer identification code, tire
size, tire model code and 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. Traction
Traction is the result of friction between the
tires and the road surface. Wear indicator
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. Distribution of the vehicle occupants
The distribution of vehicle occupants over
designated seat positions in a vehicle. Maximum permissible payload
weight
Nominal load and cargo/luggage load plus
68 kilograms (150 lb) multiplied by the
number of seats in the vehicle. Changing wheels
Flat tire
The "Flat tire"

section in the "Practical advice"
chapter (Y page 221) 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. Replacing wheels
G
Warning
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. G
Warning
After changing a wheel, for safety reasons you
must:
R have the tightening torque checked. For
wheel bolts, the tightening torque is
177 lb-ft (240 Nm) (steel wheel)/ 133 lb-ft
(180

Nm) (alloy wheel). For wheel nuts, the
tightening torque is 133 lb-ft (180 Nm). The
wheels could otherwise work loose.
R check the tire pressure and correct it if
necessary.
R have the wheel bolts/wheel nuts
retightened after driving a distance of 30
miles (50 km). The tightening torque for
wheel bolts is 177 lb-ft (240 Nm)(steel
wheel)/133 lb-ft (180 Nm) (alloy wheel).
The tightening torque for wheel nuts is
133 lb-ft (180 Nm).
R if using new or painted rims, have the wheel
bolts and wheel nuts retightened at the
specified tightening torque after the vehicle
has been driven for approximately 600 to
3000 miles (1000 to 5000 km).
R have the direction of rotation corrected, if
reversed, as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Sprinter Dealer. The vehicle handling Changing wheels
271
Wheels and tires
Z

characteristics could otherwise be
affected.
Otherwise, the operating reliability and road
safety of the vehicle could be jeopardized.
This could cause you to lose control of your
vehicle, resulting in an accident and injuring
yourself or others.
The vehicle tires
are an essential component
in the overall performance and stability of the
vehicle. The service life of tires is dependent
upon and proportional to tire type, speed
rating, environmental conditions, tire load,
tire pressure, road quality and individual
driving style.
For this reason, we recommend regularly
checking wear and correct tire pressure as
well as – according to the appropriate tire
configuration of the vehicle – regularly
rotating the tires.
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 no
warranty book is available, the tires should be
rotated every 3000 to 6000 miles
(5000 to 10000 km), or earlier if tire wear
requires. Do not change the direction of
rotation.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is rotated. Check the tire pressures.
! If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitor, each wheel has an
electronic component.
Tire-mounting tools should not be applied
in the area of the valve. Otherwise, the
electronic components could be damaged. Only have the tires changed at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
Diagram for rotating single tires and twin tires
Single tires
If the tires have identical dimensions, you
may rotate
the

tires at the front and rear axles
in pairs so that the tires' original direction of
rotation remains the same. On unidirectional
tires, an arrow on the sidewall shows the
prescribed direction of rotation of the tire.
Twin rear tires If the tires have identical dimensions, you
may rotate the tires at the front axle and the
inner wheels at the rear axle in pairs so that
the tires' original direction of rotation
remains the same. With nondirectional tires,
you may
rotate

the outside wheels at the rear
axle sideways.
Information on changing wheels
(Y page 229). 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
observed.
An arrow on the sidewall of the tire indicates
its correct direction of rotation. 272
Changing wheels
Wheels and tires

Engine compartment
0088
VIN (stamped on the rear wall of the
engine compartment)
0086 Engine number (stamped on the
crankcase)
0087 Emission Control Information and engine
oil14
label Example: Emission Control Information label
i
The data shown in the pictures is for the
purposes of illustration. Such data is
vehicle-specific and can differ from that
shown. Always observe the specifications
on your vehicle's identification plate. Tire plates
The Tire and Loading Information label 15
or
the Tire Pressure
label is on the B-pillar on the
driver's side. You will find the required tire
pressure values for the vehicle's original tires
on the relevant tire labels. The Tire and Loading Information label also
specifies the number of seats and the
permissible load.
0046
Tire and Loading Information label or Tire
Pressure label Tire and Loading Information label
Tire Pressure label
0047
Number of seats
008A Permissible load
0088 Recommended pressure for cold tires
14 Note also the

engine oil information for diesel engines under "Service products" in the "Operation" section.
15 Vehicles with a permissible gross weight of up to 10,000 lbs(4536 kg) only. Vehicle identification plates
279
Technical data Z

i
The data shown in the pictures is for the
purposes of illustration. Such data is
vehicle-specific and can differ from that
shown. Always observe the specifications
on your vehicle's tire label.
The tire pressure information applies to all
load levels up
to the permissible gross weight
and is only valid for original tires in their cold
state. Operating data
General notes
The "Technical data" section contains
important technical data for your vehicle.
You can find

vehicle-specific and equipment-
dependent technical data in your vehicle
registration papers, such as:
R engine power output data
R speeds
R vehicle dimensions
R vehicle weights Tires and wheels
! Only use tire and rim sizes approved for
your type of vehicle. These have been
specially adapted for use with the control
systems, such as ABS or ESP ®
.
Take note of

the operating safety information
on tires and wheels in the "Tires and wheels"
section ( Y page 252).
i In particular, please also observe the
permissible tire specifications in your
country.
These specifications may stipulate a
certain tire type for your vehicle and/or
prohibit the use of certain tire types
permitted in other countries.
Observe the required tire load-bearing
capacity and the speed index for your
vehicle. Information about wheels and tires can be
obtained from any authorized Sprinter
Dealer.
You
will

find details about the original
tires on the tire data label on the B-pillar on
the driver's side of your vehicle
(Y page 279). 280
Operating data
Technical data

Overview
Vehicle type 2500 3500
Rim size (pressed-steel rim) 6.5 J x 16 5.5 J x 16
Rim size (alloy rim) 6.5 J x 16 —
Offset 2.13 in (54 mm) —
Half distance from center to
center — 4.82 in (122.5 mm)
Wheel attachment Wheel bolts Wheel nuts
Tightening torques (pressed-
steel rim) 177 lb-ft (240 Nm) 133 lb-ft (180 Nm)
Tightening torques (alloy rim) 133 lb-ft (180 Nm) —
Summer tires — —
All-weather tires
16 LT 245/75 R16 120/116N LT 215/85 R16 115/112N
LT 215/85 R16 115/112Q
Winter tires
16 LT 245/75 R16 120/116N
M+S 004D LT 215/85 R16 115/112N
M+S 004D
Tire pressure
Take note of the information on tire pressure
in the "Wheels and tires" section
(Y page 255).
G
Warning
Underinflated tires:
R jeopardize driving safety
R damage or destroy the tires
R lead to overheating of tires, even to the
point of catching fire
You could thereby lose control of the vehicle
and injure yourself and others.
For this reason, check the tire pressure
regularly before starting
a journey and correct
it if necessary.
Correct the tire pressure before loading. If the
vehicle is loaded, check the tire pressure, and
correct it if necessary. While driving, dependent on driving speeds
and
load, the

tire temperature and with it, the
tire pressure rise.
You should thus only correct tire pressures
when the tires are cold. If the tires are warm,
you may only correct tire pressures when:
R taking the respective tire temperatures into
consideration with the vehicle laden, the
values apparent from the tire pressure
table are not exceeded.
R taking the respective tire temperatures into
consideration with the vehicle unladen, the
values apparent from the tire pressure
table are not met.
The tires are considered cold if the vehicle has
been parked for at least 3 hours or been
driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) with an
outside temperature of about 68 ‡ (20 †).
i The tire pressure changes by
approximately 10 kPa (0.1 bar/1.5 psi) per
16 Radial tires. Operating data
281
Technical data Z

18 ‡ (10 †) in air temperature. This must
be observed when checking tire pressure
inside a building – especially in winter.
Example:
Room temperature = approximately 68 ‡
(20 †)
Outside
temperature
= approximately 32 ‡
(0 †)
Tire pressure to be set: prescribed tire
pressure +20 kPa (+0.2 bar/+3 psi).
! The difference in pressures in the tires of
an axle must not be greater than
10 kPa (0.1 bar/1.5 psi).
A tire pressure less than 300 kPa (3.0 bar/
43.6 psi) is not permissible.
The tire pressure values in the following table
apply to all load conditions up to the
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight
and only to the specified original tires in cold
condition. The values are determined by the
permissible axle loads found on the vehicle
identification plate on the driver seat frame
(Y page 277).
i Additionally, you will find the stipulated
tire pressure values on the tire data label
on the B-pillar on the driver's side of your
vehicle ( Y page 279).282
Operating data
Technical data