Maintaining the wheels and tires of your Mercedes-Benz R107 is crucial for safety, performance, and longevity. This guide covers tire replacement, rotation, inflation, and wheel-changing procedures to ensure optimal handling and durability.
Tire Replacement & Selection
When replacing wheels or tires, always use the same designation, manufacturer, and type as the original parts. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer can provide tested and recommended wheels and tires for both summer and winter use.
Important Guidelines
✅ Do not mix different tire construction types (radial, bias, and bias-belted), as this may lead to handling issues and potential loss of control.
✅ Replace front tires in sets to maintain balance and grip.
✅ Use the spare tire on the rear wheels when possible.
✅ Break in new tires for approximately 100 km (60 miles) at moderate speeds.
✅ Retighten wheel mounting bolts after 800 km (500 miles) to ensure they remain secure.
⚠️ Warning!
- The use of retread tires is not recommended as they may compromise safety and handling.
- Always use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts, identified by the Mercedes star.
Tire Rotation
To ensure even tire wear and maximize tire lifespan, rotate your wheels based on tire wear patterns.
🔹 Rotate before shoulder wear on front tires and tread center wear on rear tires becomes visible, ideally at 5,000–10,000 km (3,000–6,000 miles).
🔹 Ensure the tires retain the same direction of travel when rotating.
Checking Tire Pressure
Maintaining proper tire pressure is critical for fuel efficiency, handling, and preventing damage.
✅ Check tire pressure (including the spare) every 14 days.
✅ Keep in mind that hot tires have higher pressure than cold tires.
✅ Refer to the tire pressure chart on the fuel filler door or in the owner’s manual.
📌 Temperature Effects on Tire Pressure
- Tire pressure changes by 0.1 bar (1.5 psi) per 10°C (18°F) temperature difference.
- Example: If you check tire pressure inside a 20°C (68°F) garage, but it’s 0°C (32°F) outside, the pressure should be set +0.2 bar (+3 psi) higher than the listed value.
Wheel Changing Procedure
If you need to change a wheel, follow these steps carefully:
Preparation
1️⃣ Move the vehicle to a safe location, away from traffic.
2️⃣ Engage the parking brake and turn on the hazard warning lights.
3️⃣ Place the gear selector in “P” (Park).
4️⃣ Prevent vehicle movement by blocking wheels with chocks or a solid object.
Removing the Wheel
5️⃣ Loosen the wheel bolts slightly with the wrench (do not remove them yet).
6️⃣ Clean the jack support area.
7️⃣ Insert the jack arm fully into the jack tube located behind the front wheels or in front of the rear wheels.
8️⃣ Jack up the vehicle until the wheel is off the ground.
9️⃣ Remove the wheel bolts completely, holding the wheel in place to prevent damage.
🔟 Remove the wheel.
⚠️ Safety Warning!
- The jack is for wheel changes only – never work under the vehicle without jack stands.
- Keep hands and feet away from the lifted wheel area.
Installing the Spare Wheel
1️⃣1️⃣ Insert the alignment stud (provided with the spare tire) into the upper threaded hole.
1️⃣2️⃣ Adjust the jack height so the wheel can be easily mounted.
1️⃣3️⃣ Install the spare wheel, insert wheel bolts, and tighten them slightly.
1️⃣4️⃣ Remove the alignment stud and install the final bolt.
1️⃣5️⃣ Lower the vehicle and remove the jack.
1️⃣6️⃣ Tighten the wheel bolts evenly in a star pattern, applying 110 Nm (80 lb-ft) torque.
1️⃣7️⃣ Check and adjust tire pressure as needed.
1️⃣8️⃣ Retighten wheel bolts after 800 km (500 miles).
Key Takeaways
✅ Always use Mercedes-Benz recommended tires and wheels.
✅ Rotate tires before wear patterns become visible.
✅ Regularly check tire pressure, adjusting for temperature changes.
✅ Follow proper procedures for wheel changes and always tighten bolts correctly.
By maintaining your R107’s wheels and tires, you can ensure smooth handling, better safety, and an extended lifespan for your classic Mercedes-Benz. 🚗🔧
