Tires/Snow Chains - Factory Approved Specifications
Date: September, 2000Order No.: P-SI-40.10/20P
Supersedes: P-SI-MBNA-40.10/20N
Group: 40
Revision:
Updated approved tire list for all Model Years through 1999
SUBJECT:
ALL MODELS, MODEL YEARS 1986-1999
FACTORY-APPROVED SUMMER/ALL-SEASON/WINTER TIRES,
FACTORY-APPROVED SUMMER TIRES FOR ACCESSORY WHEELS
AND STEEL WHEELS FOR WINTER TIRES
This following is a list of summer/winter tires, steel wheels and snow chains currently approved by DaimlerChysler AG for all Mercedes-Benz models sold in the USA/Canada by MBUSA/MBC starting 1986 through 1999. A chart showing the maximum speed ratings is also included.
We recommend that only DaimlerChrysler AG approved tires be used on any Mercedes-Benz vehicle.
Note:
Some of the approved tires listed may not be factory installed on USA or Canadian Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and may not be available in the USA or Canada, or their production may be discontinued by the manufacturer. If the original tire is no longer available for replacement purposes, a replacement tire from the same manufacturer with the same size, speed and load rating but with a different sidewall and/or tread pattern may be substituted.
For those models where the Operator's Manual indicates there is sufficient clearance for snow chains, approved snow chains can be purchased directly from:
RUD Chain Inc.
P.O. Box 8145
Cedar Rapids, IA 52408
Phone: (319) 390~040
The approved snow chain model is the Euromatic S.
^ Speed and load ratings for the previous VR tires can be confirmed by the individual tire manufacturer.
^ The tire speed rating symbol "W" has been added to the familiar speed symbols "Q/R/S/T/H/V/VR/ZR". This new symbol is used to designate tires approved for a top speed of 162 mph. When installing new tires, these tires can be used to replace VR and ZR tires, because the affected vehicles have a limited top speed of 150 mph.
Tire Speed Rating
CAUTION!
All tires on the vehicle must be in the same speed rating category. Clients should be made aware of the maximum speed ratings (refer to table). This is especially important if winter tires are installed which have a lower speed rating than the summer tires normally used.
^ In case of a wheel change (e.g., light alloy wheels for steel wheels), be certain that the proper spare lug bolts are kept conspicuously near the spare wheel. Ensure the proper bolts are used with each set of wheels.
^ Retightening of the lug bolts after approx. 100-500 miles as previously specified is no longer necessary.
^ Before mounting the wheels, clean all dirt and corrosion from the contact surfaces of the wheels and axle flanges.
^ Some tires have a direction of rotation embossed in the sidewall. Please be certain to mount the tire on the wheel rim in the proper direction of rotation as required by the direction indication of the arrow.
^ Asymmetric tires will have the word "Outer"and may have an arrow embossed in the sidewall. Please be certain to mount the tire on the wheel rim with the correct side out and in the correct direction of rotation.
^ On models equipped with COMAND, the navigation system must be calibrated each time new tires are installed on the vehicle.
^ In general, use only tires and wheels with tire/wheel match points when replacing tires. Match points are designed to cancel out tire/wheel out-of-round dimensions.
Match point identification regarding winter tires
^ Tires with color dot on outside sidewall
^ Steel wheels via a color dot or center punch mark on the outside wheel rim.
^ Light-alloy wheels via valve stem hole in wheel. Additionally on Model 140 use of color dot or notch in the tire bead area of the wheel rim.
Note:
Due to improved wheel and tire manufacturing tolerances, the match point marks were phased out on original equipment alloy wheels during model year 1994 (except on model 140). As a result, some model year 1994 vehicles already have the tires mounted with no regard for the match point that is present on the wheel. This condition is not considered a production error.
Mercedes-Benz clip on wheel weights cannot be installed on the outside of some Mercedes-Benz and AMG accessory wheels light alloy wheels. These wheels require stick on wheel weights (43c, Figure 2), part no. B 6 6 40 8121.
CAUTION!
Non-Mercedes Benz stick-on wheel weights must not be used for clearance reasons. Contact with brake/suspension components may result, causing the wheel to go out of balance. As previously indicated, clip-on wheel weights (43a) can be installed on the inside of the accessory wheel.
Mercedes-Benz clip-on wheel weights cannot be installed on the inside of the original equipment wheel on model 201.034. Damage to the outer ball joint of the tie rod will result. Use adhesive balancing weights as listed.
When attaching adhesive balancing weights, make sure the wheel surface is free of dirt and grease. Adhesive residue from old balancing weights should be removed.
Approved Tires, Wheels and Hubcaps
All Models, 1986-1999
APPROVED TIRES
MERCEDES-BENZ AND AMG ACCESSORY WHEELS