Mercedes C280 owner's manual: Windshield washer system and headlamp cleaning system*

Operation

Engine compartment

Warning!

If you see flames or smoke coming from the engine compartment, or if the coolant temperature gauge indicates that the engine is overheated, do not open the hood. Move away from vehicle and do not open the hood until the engine has cooled. If necessary, call the fire department.

Warning!

The engine is equipped with a transistorized ignition system. Because of the high voltage it is dangerous to touch any components (ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic socket) of the ignition system

• with the engine running
• while starting the engine
• if ignition is "on" and the engine is turned manually

Closing

Warning!

Be careful that you do not close the hood on anyone.

▶ Let the hood drop from a height of approximately 1 ft (30 cm).

The hood will lock audibly.

▶ Check to make sure the hood is fully closed.

If you can raise the hood at a point above the headlamps, then it is not properly closed. Open it again and let it drop with somewhat greater force.

Engine oil

The amount of oil your engine needs will depend on a number of factors, including driving style. Higher oil consumption can occur when

• the vehicle is new
• the vehicle is driven frequently at higher engine speeds

Engine oil consumption checks should only be made after the vehicle break-in period.

Do not use any special lubricant additives, as these may damage the drive assemblies. Using special additives not approved by Mercedes-Benz may cause damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. More information on this subject is available at any Mercedes-Benz Center.

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Operation

Engine compartment

Checking engine oil level with the oil dipstick

When checking the oil level

• the vehicle must be parked on level ground
• with the engine at operating temperature, the vehicle must have been stationary for at least 5 minutes with the engine turned off
• with the engine not at operating temperature yet, the vehicle must have been stationary for at least 30 minutes with the engine turned off

① Oil dipstick ② Upper (max) mark ③ Lower (min) mark

To check the engine oil level with the oil dipstick, do the following: ▶ Open the hood (▷ page 297). ▶ Pull out oil dipstick ①. ▶ Wipe oil dipstick ① clean. ▶ Fully insert oil dipstick ① into the dipstick guide tube.

▶ Pull out oil dipstick ① again after approximately 3 seconds to obtain accurate reading.

The oil level is correct when it is between the lower (min) mark ③ and upper (max) mark ② of oil dipstick ①.

The filling quantity between the upper and lower marks on the oil dipstick is approximately 2.1 US qt. (2.0 l).

▶ If necessary, add engine oil. For adding engine oil, see "Adding engine oil" (▷ page 300).

For more information on engine oil, see "Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc." (▷ page 440).

For more information on messages in the multifunction display concerning engine oil, see the "Practical hints" section (▷ page 375).

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Operation

Engine compartment

Adding engine oil

! Only use approved engine oils and oil filters required for vehicles with Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada vehicles). For a listing of approved engine oils and oil filters, refer to the Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet in your vehicle literature portfolio, or contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Using engine oils and oil filters of specification other than those expressly required for the Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada vehicles), or changing of oil and oil filter at change intervals longer than those called for by the Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada Vehicles) will result in engine damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

① Filler cap

▶ Unscrew filler cap ① from filler neck.

▶ Add engine oil as required. Be careful not to overfill with oil.

Be careful not to spill any oil when adding. Avoid environmental damage caused by oil entering the ground or water.

! Excess oil must be siphoned or drained off. It could cause damage to the engine and catalytic converter not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

▶ Screw filler cap ① back on filler neck.

For more information on engine oil, see the "Technical data" section (▷ page 440) and (▷ page 442).

Transmission fluid level

The transmission fluid level does not need to be checked. If you notice transmission fluid loss or gear shifting malfunctions, have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check the transmission.

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Operation

Engine compartment

Coolant level

The engine coolant is a mixture of water and anticorrosion/antifreeze. To check the coolant level, the vehicle must be parked on level ground and the engine must be cool.

Warning!

In order to avoid any possibly serious burns:

• Use extreme caution when opening the hood if there are any signs of steam or coolant leaking from the cooling system, or if the coolant temperature gauge indicates that the coolant is overheated.

• Do not remove pressure cap on coolant reservoir if coolant temperature is above 158°F (70°C). Allow engine to cool down before removing cap. The coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and is under pressure.

• Using a rag, slowly open the cap approximately 1/2 turn to relieve excess pressure. If opened immediately, scalding hot fluid and steam will be blown out under pressure.

• Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn if it comes into contact with hot engine parts.

The coolant expansion tank is located on the passenger side of the engine compartment.

① Coolant expansion tank ② Cap

▶ Using a rag, turn cap ② slowly approximately one half turn to the left to release any excess pressure.

▶ Continue turning the cap to the left and remove it.

The coolant level is correct if the level

• for cold coolant: reaches the black top part of the reservoir
• for warm coolant: is approx. 0.6 in (1.5 cm) higher

▶ Add coolant as required.

▶ Replace and tighten cap.

For more information on coolant, see "Coolants" (▷ page 444).

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Operation

Engine compartment

Battery

Your vehicle’s battery is located in the engine compartment on the right hand side (▷ page 412).

The battery should always be sufficiently charged in order to achieve its rated service life. Refer to Maintenance Booklet for battery maintenance intervals.

If you use your vehicle mostly for short-distance trips, you will need to have the battery charge checked more frequently.

When replacing the battery, always use batteries approved by Mercedes-Benz.

If you do not intend to operate your vehicle for an extended period of time, consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center about steps you need to observe.

Observe all safety instructions and precautions when handling automotive batteries.

Risk of explosion.

Keep flames or sparks away from battery. Do not smoke.

Battery acid is caustic. Do not allow it to come into contact with skin, eyes or clothing.

In case it does, immediately flush affected area with clear water and seek medical help if necessary.

Wear eye protection.

Keep children away.

Follow the instructions in this Operator’s Manual.

Batteries contain materials that can harm the environment if disposed of improperly. Recycling of batteries is the preferred method of disposal. Many states require sellers of batteries to accept old batteries for recycling.

302

Windshield washer system and headlamp cleaning system*

The windshield washer reservoir is located in the engine compartment.

① Washer fluid reservoir

Fluid for the windshield washer system and the headlamp cleaning system* is supplied from the windshield washer reservoir. It has a capacity of:

• 3.2 US qt (3.0 l) in vehicles without headlamp cleaning system
• 6.4 US qt (6.0 l) in vehicles with headlamp cleaning system

During all seasons, add MB Windshield Washer Concentrate "S" to water. Premix the windshield washer fluid in a suitable container.

Warning!

Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/antifreeze on hot engine parts, because it may ignite and burn. You could be seriously burned.

▶ Refill the reservoir with MB Windshield Washer Concentrate and water (or commercially available premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze, depending on ambient temperatures).

Always use washer solvent/antifreeze where temperatures may fall below the freezing point. Failure to do so could result in damage to the washer system/reservoir.

Operation

Engine compartment

! Only use washer fluid which is suitable for plastic lenses. Improper washer fluid can damage the plastic lenses of the headlamps.

For more information, see “Windshield washer and headlamp cleaning system*” (▷ page 448).

303

Operation

Tires and wheels

See 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.

Warning! Replace rims or tires with the same designation, manufacturer and type as shown on the original part. See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further information. 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! 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.

Retreaded tires are not tested or recommended 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 1/8 in (3 mm).
• When replacing individual tires, you should mount new tires on the front wheels first (on vehicles with same-sized wheels all around).

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Operation

Tires and wheels

Tire care and maintenance

Warning!

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 badly worn, or if the tires have sustained damage, replace them.

Regularly check your tire inflation pressure at least once a month. For more information on checking tire inflation pressure see “Recommended tire inflation pressure” (▷ page 314).

Tire inspection

Every time you check your tire inflation pressure, you should also inspect your tires for wear and damage for the following:

• excessive treadwear (▷ page 306)
• cord or fabric showing through the tire’s rubber
• 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 tire inflation pressure. 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

The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying factors including but not limited to:

• Driving style
• Tire inflation pressure
• Distance driven

Warning!

Tires and spare tire should be replaced after 6 years, regardless of the remaining tread.

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Operation

Tires and wheels

Tread depth

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

Recommended minimum tire tread depth:

• Summer tires $1/8$ in ($3$ mm)
• Winter tires $1/6$ in ($4$ mm)

Warning! Although the applicable federal motor 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.

P40.10-3136-31 ① TWI (Tread Wear Indicator) The treadwear indicator appears as a solid band across the tread.

Storing tires

! Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact with oil, grease and gasoline.

Cleaning tires

! Never use a round nozzle to power wash tires. The intense jet of water can result in damage to the tire.

Always replace a damaged tire.

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Operation

Tires and wheels

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 (spinning) 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.

Loading the vehicle

Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry.

• The Tire and Loading Information placard (Example A) or the Vehicle Tire Information placard (Example B) 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.

• The Certification label, also found on the driver’s door B-pillar 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.

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Operation

Tires and wheels

① Driver’s door B-pillar

Following is a discussion on how to work with the information contained on the two placards with regards to loading your vehicle.

Tire and Loading Information

Warning!

Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified load limit or vehicle capacity weight as indicated on the 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.

Your vehicle is equipped with either the Tire and Loading Information placard (Example A) or the Vehicle Tire Information placard (Example B).

Data shown on placard examples are for illustration purposes only. Load limit data are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in the illustrations below. Refer to placard on vehicle for actual data specific to your vehicle.

Placard (Example A)

① Load limit information on the Tire and Loading Information placard

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Operation

Tires and wheels

The placard showing the load limit information is located on the driver’s door B-pillar. If your vehicle is equipped with the Tire and Loading Information placard (Example A), locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kilograms or XXX lbs.” on this placard. The combined weight of all occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer tongue load (if applicable) should never exceed the weight referenced in that statement.

The placard showing the load limit information is located on the driver’s door B-pillar. If your vehicle is equipped with the Vehicle Tire Information placard (Example B), locate the heading “Vehicle Capacity Weight” on this placard. The combined weight of all occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer tongue (if applicable) should never exceed the weight listed next to vehicle capacity weight.

Seating capacity

The seating capacity gives you important information on the number of occupants that can be in the vehicle. Observe front and rear seating capacity. Your vehicle is equipped with either placard Example A or placard Example B located on the driver’s door B-pillar (▷ page 308).

Data shown on placard examples are for illustration purposes only. Load limit data are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in the illustrations below. Refer to placard on vehicle for actual data specific to your vehicle.

Placard (Example B)

① Load limit information on the Vehicle Tire Information placard

309

Operation

Tires and wheels

P40.00-2063-31

Placard (Example A) ① Seating capacity

P40.00-2056-31

Placard (Example B) ① Seating capacity

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”.

Step 1 (Vehicles equipped with placard Example A) ► Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.

Step 1 (Vehicles equipped with placard Example B) ► Locate the heading “Vehicle Capacity Weight” on your vehicle’s placard.

Step 2 ► Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.

Step 3 ► Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX lbs.

Step 4 ► The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs and there will be five 150 lbs passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs (1400-750 (5 x150) = 650 lbs).

Step 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.

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Operation

Tires and wheels

Step 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 (▷ page 313).

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 1500 lbs. This is for illustration purposes only. Make sure you are using the actual load limit for your vehicle stated on the vehicle's placard (▷ page 308).

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Operation

Tires and wheels

The higher the weight of all occupants, the less cargo and luggage load capacity is available.

For more information, see “Trailer tongue load” (▷ page 313).

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Operation

Tires and wheels

Certification label Even after careful determination of the combined weight of all occupants, cargo and the trailer tongue load (if applicable) (> page 313) as to not exceed the permissible load limit, you must make sure that 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 GAWR from the Certification Label. The Certification Label can be found on the driver's door B-pillar, see "Technical data" (> page 428).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, all cargo, and the trailer tongue load (> page 313) 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 ten percent 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.

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Operation

Tires and wheels

Recommended tire inflation pressure

Warning!

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.

Your vehicle is equipped with either the Tire and Loading Information placard (Example A) or the Vehicle Tire Information placard (Example B) located on the driver’s door B-pillar (▷ page 308).

The tire inflation pressure should be checked regularly and should only be adjusted on cold tires. The tires can be considered cold if the vehicle has been parked for at least three hours or driven less than one mile (1.6 km).

Follow recommended cold tire inflation pressures listed on placard.

Keeping the tires properly inflated provides the best handling, tread life and riding comfort.

In addition to the tire placard on the driver’s door B-pillar, also consult the fuel filler flap for any additional information pertaining to special driving situations. For more information, see “Important notes on tire inflation pressure” (▷ page 315).

Data shown on placard examples are for illustration purposes only. Tire data are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in the illustrations below. Refer to placard on vehicle for actual data specific to your vehicle.

Placard (Example A)

① Tire and Loading Information placard with recommended cold tire inflation pressures

Placard (Example A) lists the recommended cold tire inflation pressures for maximum loaded vehicle weight. The tire inflation pressures listed apply to the tires installed as original equipment.

Operation

Tires and wheels

Placard (Example B)

① Vehicle Tire Information placard with recommended cold tire inflation pressures

Placard (Example B) lists the recommended cold tire inflation pressures for maximum loaded vehicle weight. The tire inflation pressures listed apply to the tires installed as original equipment.

i Placard (Example B) may list recommended cold tire inflation pressures for different vehicle loads.

Important notes on tire inflation pressure

Warning!

If the tire inflation pressure repeatedly drops:

• Check the tires for punctures from foreign objects.
• Check to see whether air is leaking from the valves or from around the rim.

Tire temperature and tire inflation pressure are also increased while driving, depending on the driving speed and the tire load.

If you will be driving your vehicle at high speeds of 100 mph (160 km/h) or higher, where it is legal and conditions allow, consult the placard on the inside of the fuel filler flap on how to adjust the cold tire inflation pressure. If you do not adjust the tire inflation pressure, excessive heat can build up and result in sudden tire failure.

Be sure to readjust the tire inflation pressure for normal driving speeds. You should wait until the tires are cold before adjusting the tire inflation pressure.

Some vehicles may have supplemental tire inflation pressure information for vehicle loads less than the maximum loaded vehicle condition. If such information is provided, it can be found on the placard located on the inside of the fuel filler flap.

Tire inflation pressure changes by approximately 1.5 psi (0.1 bar) per 18°F (10°C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind when checking tire inflation pressure where the temperature is different from the outside temperature.

315

Operation

Tires and wheels

Checking tire inflation pressure

Regularly check your tire inflation pressure at least once a month.

Check and adjust the tire inflation pressure when the tires are cold. The tires can be considered cold if the vehicle has been parked for at least three hours or driven less than one mile (1.6 km).

If you check the tire inflation pressure when the tires are warm (the vehicle has been driven for several miles or sitting less than three hours), the reading will be approximately 4 psi (0.3 bar) higher than the cold reading. This is normal. Do not let air out to match the specified cold tire inflation pressure. Otherwise, the tire will be underinflated.

Warning! Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.

Do not overinflate tires. Overinflating tires can result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes, etc.

Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.

Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified load limit or vehicle capacity weight as indicated on the placard on the driver's door B-pillar. Overloading the tires can overheat them, possibly causing a blowout.

Checking tire inflation pressure manually

Follow the steps below to achieve correct tire inflation pressure:

▶ Remove the cap from the valve on one tire.

▶ Firmly press a tire gauge onto the valve.

▶ Read tire inflation pressure on tire gauge and check against the recommended tire inflation pressure on the placard on the driver's door B-pillar (> page 314). If necessary, add air to achieve the recommended tire inflation pressure.

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Operation

Tires and wheels

i If 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.

► Install the valve cap. ► Repeat this procedure for each tire.

Run Flat Indicator* (Canada only)

While the vehicle is being driven, the Run Flat Indicator monitors the set tire inflation pressures by evaluating each wheel’s rotational speed. This allows the system to detect a significant loss of pressure in a tire. If a wheel’s rotational speed changes due to falling tire inflation pressure, you will see a corresponding warning message in the multifunction display.

The Run Flat Indicator* may function in a restricted manner or with a delay if:

• snow chains are mounted to the vehicle • winter road conditions prevail in presence of ice and snow • you are driving on a loose surface (e.g. sand or gravel) • you are driving in a very sporty manner (involving rapid acceleration or high speeds in curves)

Warning! When the multifunction display shows the message Tire pressure Check tires, one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. You should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper tire inflation pressure as indicated on the vehicle’s tire information placard. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability. Each tire, including the spare, should be checked monthly when cold and set to the recommended tire inflation pressure as specified in the vehicle placard and owner’s manual.

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Operation

Tires and wheels

The recommended tire inflation pressures for your vehicle can be found on the tire placard located on the driver's door B-pillar ( page 314). The tire inflation pressures are not listed in the owner's manual.

Warning!

The Run Flat Indicator* does not provide a warning for wrongly selected tire inflation pressures. Always adjust tire inflation pressure according to the placard on the driver's door B-pillar or fuel filler flap.

The Run Flat Indicator* does not replace regular checks of the tire inflation pressures since a gradual pressure loss in all four tires cannot be detected by the Run Flat Indicator*.

The Run Flat Indicator* is not able to issue a warning due to a sudden dramatic loss of tire inflation 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.

Reactivating the Run Flat Indicator*

The tire inflation pressure monitor must be reactivated in the following situations:

• If you have changed the tire inflation pressure
• If you have replaced the wheels or tires
• If you have installed new wheels or tires

Using the tire placard on the driver's door B-pillar or, if available, the inside of the fuel filler flap, make sure the tire inflation pressure of all four tires is correct.

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Operation

Tires and wheels

Warning!

The Run Flat Indicator* can only warn you in a reliable manner if you have set the correct tire inflation pressures for each tire.

If an incorrect tire inflation pressure was set, the system will monitor the pressure according to the incorrect value.

• Switch on the ignition (▷ page 33). The standard display menu appears in the multifunction display (▷ page 135).
• Press button or repeatedly until the following message appears in the multifunction display: Run Flat Indicator active Reactivation possible: +
• Press button . The following message will appear in the multifunction display: Tire pres. OK now?

If you wish to confirm activation:

• Press button . The following message will appear in the multifunction display: Run Flat Indicator Reactivated

After a certain "learning phase", the Run Flat Indicator checks the set pressure values for all four tires.

If you wish to cancel activation:

• Press button . or
• Wait until the message Tire pres. OK now? disappears.

Potential problems associated with underinflated and overinflated tires

Underinflated tire inflation pressure

Underinflated tires can:

• cause excessive and uneven tire wear
• adversely affect fuel economy
• lead to tire failure from being overheated
• adversely affect handling characteristics

Warning!

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.

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Operation

Tires and wheels

Overinflated tire inflation pressure

Overinflated tires can:

• adversely affect handling characteristics
• cause uneven tire wear
• be more prone to damage from road hazards
• adversely affect ride comfort
• increase stopping distance

Warning!

Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.

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.

MOExtended system* (Canada only)

The MOExtended system allows you to continue driving your vehicle even if there is a total loss of pressure in one or more tires.

You may only use the MOExtended system in conjunction with the Run Flat Indicator* (▷ page 317).

For information on driving in case of pressure loss in one or more tires (emergency mode), see the "Practical Hints" section (▷ page 411).

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Tire labeling

Besides tire name (sales designation) and manufacturer name, a number of markings can be found on a tire.

Following are some explanations for the markings on your vehicle's tires:

• @ Uniform Quality Grading Standards (> page 328)
• @ DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN) (> page 326)
• @® Maximum tire load (> page 327)
• @ Maximum tire inflation pressure (> page 328)
• © Manufacturer
• © Tire ply material (> page 330)
• @ Tire size designation, load and speed rating (> page 321)
• Load identification (> page 325)
• @ Tire name

For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires is specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illustration.

For more information, see "Rims and Tires" (> page 432).

Operation

Tires and wheels

Tire size designation, load and speed rating

• @ Tire width
• @ Aspect ratio in
• %
• @ Radial tire code
• @ Rim diameter
• © Tire load rating
• © Tire speed rating

For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires is specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illustration.