Wheels and tires

Wheel-tyre combinations. General notes

~3min read

The "Good to know" section on snow chains for the Mercedes E-Class (4th generation, W212, 2009–2016) explains important restrictions and recommendations for their use. This helps maintain driving safety even in extreme conditions and prevents damage to the vehicle.

Note For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recommends using only tyres, wheels and accessories that Mercedes-Benz has specifically approved for your vehicle.

These tires are specially matched to control systems such as ABS or ESP and are marked as follows:

  • MO = Mercedes-Benz Original
  • MOE = Mercedes-Benz Original Extended (tires with emergency running properties)
  • MO1 = Mercedes-Benz Original (only certain AMG tires)
Mercedes-Benz Original Extended tyres may only be used on wheels specifically tested by Mercedes-Benz.

Use only tires, wheels or accessories approved and recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Otherwise, certain characteristics, such as handling, road noise, fuel consumption, etc., may be adversely affected. In addition, other tire sizes may rub against the body and axle components under load. This can result in damage to the tire or the vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz is not liable for damage resulting from the use of tyres, wheels or accessories other than those tested and recommended.

For information on tires, wheels and permitted combinations, contact any qualified specialist workshop.

Retreaded tires are not approved or recommended by Mercedes-Benz, because pre-existing damage is not always detected during retreading. Mercedes-Benz therefore cannot guarantee driving safety. Do not use used tires whose history you do not know.

Large wheels: For a given wheel size, the lower the tire cross-section, the poorer the ride comfort on rough roads. Rolling and damping comfort decrease, and the risk of damage to wheels and tires when driving over obstacles increases.

Abbreviations used in the following "Tires" tables:

  • BA: both axles
  • VA: front axle
  • HA: rear axle
A table with the recommended tire pressures for different operating conditions can be found on the inside of the fuel filler flap of your vehicle. For further information on tire pressure, see the tire pressure section. Check the tire pressure regularly and only when the tires are cold.

Notes on vehicle equipment: The vehicle

  • must always be fitted with wheels of the same size on one axle (left/right)
  • must always be fitted with the same type (summer tires, MOExtended tires, winter tires).

    Exception: In an emergency, this may be deviated from. See the section "MOExtended tires (run-flat tires)" for details.

Vehicles with MOExtended tires are not equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the factory. If you retrofit your vehicle with tires without run-flat properties, e.g. winter tires, you should also equip the vehicle with a TIREFIT kit. You can obtain a TIREFIT kit from a qualified workshop.

Info

Not all wheel and tire combinations are available ex works for all countries.

The emergency spare wheel of the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) provides a practical solution in the event of a tire puncture. It allows you to continue driving to the nearest workshop, with the speed limited to a maximum of 80 km/h. The clear fitting instructions make the wheel change easier, even under difficult conditions.

Mercedes combines everyday practicality with safety and underlines the premium character of the vehicle in every situation.

Question: Where is the emergency spare wheel stored in the E-Class?

Answer: In the storage compartment under the luggage compartment floor.

Question: Why should an emergency spare wheel only be used temporarily?

Answer: Because it is not designed for continuous operation and driving stability may be limited.

Test yourself

A quick Mercedes-Benz E-Class quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.