Information on tires / rims - AH40.10-P-9411-01A

Tires 

• For service conversions, the tire/disk wheel specifications and dimensions should be compared with the entries in the registration papers.
• Damaged and defective tires must always be replaced. The repair methods employed in the tire trade are not approved by DaimlerChrysler. Small nicks (<0.8 mm) on the side wall of the tire do not usually pose a cause for concern, and continued use of such tires is approved.
• Only use tires listed in the valid Service Information bulletins and repair instructions.
• Always replace the rubber valve.
• When mounting tires, the tires and rims must be carefully matched in order to guarantee the concentricity of the wheel.

  Identification of matching points:

  • on tires by means of a colored dot on the outboard side of the tire
  • on sheet steel disk wheels by means of a colored dot or punch mark on the outboard side of the wheel
  • on light alloy disk wheels generally at the valve hole

  Additionally on model 140, colored dot or countersink in the rim well.

• If a single tire is replaced, always mount the new tire on the front axle. This does not apply to vehicles with different tires of varying specifications on the front and rear wheels.
• Always provide all disk wheels with tires of the same construction, same make and same design.
• If the maximum permissible speed of an M+S tire is lower than the maximum speed of the vehicle, an appropriate warning sticker must be affixed within the driver's field of view.
• Tires approved for higher speeds may be used.
• Run in new tires for approx. 100 km at moderate speed.
• Handed tires must be installed according to the arrow on the side wall of the tire.
• Tires are subject to an aging process with negative effects on the properties of the tire. In order to ensure optimum effectiveness in winter, M&S tires should not be used for longer than 3 years.

Tire pressure 

(For specified values, see the tire pressure chart inside the fuel filler flap; on Vaneo model 414, see the B-pillar in the passenger side) Too low tire pressure increases the rolling resistance and increases the flexing energy of the tire. This causes the critical temperature limit to be exceeded (carcass detachment) and destroys the tire. Respond to loss of tire pressure by determining the source and replacing the tire as indicated.

Cleaning 

Using a spray wand with high-pressure nozzles to clean the wheel can lead to tire damage. Such damage occurs especially on the tire side walls. When using flat jet nozzles, observe the following instructions:

• Maintain a distance of at least 300 mm
• Do not direct the water jet at a single point on the surface of the tire for any length of time

Bearing system 

Before putting into storage, clean tires thoroughly and check for damage and adequate tread depth. Mark the position and running direction of the tires with chalk. Do not store tires outdoors. The effects of sunlight, heat, moving air and ozone cause the rubber to lose its elasticity and strength, it ages faster and cracks. Storage areas should be dry, cool and dark. Avoid drafts by keeping doors and windows closed as much as possible. Do not allow tires to come into contact with gasoline, oil or greases as these can dissolve the rubber.

Disposal 

Collection, storage and disposal should be performed in accordance with the legal requirements and the company's own regulations.

Rims 

For safety reasons, damaged or deformed rims must not be repaired

• When changing wheels, e.g. from light-alloy to steel rims, ensure that the necessary wheel bolts for the spare tire are provided in an easily visible location.
• As of December 1994, the spare tire provided in models 124 and 202 with optional light alloy disk wheels is made of steel instead of light alloy. The necessary wheel bolts are included with the steel spare tire.
• Only use approved DaimlerChrysler rims of the same version.
• Reinforced steel rims are identified by a sticker on the wheel disc.
• The wheel bolts on steel and light-alloy rims should always be tightened to the specified tightening torque using a torque wrench.

  Retightening of the wheel bolts after approx. 100 to 500 km is not required.

• The seat for the tire bead must display no corrosion pits.
• Before installing a new rubber valve, clean the contact surfaces on the rim.

  Wheel caps must be mounted to support the rubber valve on steel rims.

Vehicles with tire pressure monitor 

• Before replacing a tire, check the manufacture date of the wheel sensor. Wheel sensors which are older than 5 or 7 years must be replaced.
• Use STAR DIAGNOSIS to read out the actual values for the tire pressure monitoring system. Check the remaining life of the wheel sensor battery, replace the wheel sensor if necessary.