Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2011 Operator's Manual page 500

Tire labeling
498
The service specifications consists of load
bearing index A and speed index B.
If the size description of your tire includes
R
"ZR" and there are no service
specifications, ask the tire manufacturer in
order to find out the maximum speed.
If a service specification is available, the
maximum speed is limited according to the
speed index in the service specification.
Example: 245/40 ZR18 97 Y. In this
example, "97 Y" is the service specification.
The letter "Y" represents the speed index
and the maximum speed of the tire is
limited to 186 mph (300 km/h).
Every tire that has a maximum speed above
R
186 mph (300 km/h) must have "ZR" in the
size description and the service
specification must be given in brackets.
Example: 275/40 ZR 18 (99 Y). The speed
index "(Y)" shows that the maximum speed
of the tire is above 186 mph (300 km/h).
Ask the tire manufacturer to find out the
maximum speed.
All-weather tires and winter tires
Index Speed rating
up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
35
Q M+S
35 up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
T M+S
up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
35
H M+S
35 up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
V M+S
i Not all tires that have the M+S
identification offer the driving
characteristics of winter tires. Winter tires
have, in addition to the M+S identification,
the i snow flake symbol on the tire
sidewall. Tires with this identification fulfill
the requirements of the Rubber
Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the
Rubber Association of Canada (RAC)
regarding the tire traction on snow and
35 or M+Si for winter tires.
have been especially developed for driving
on snow.
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding the following speeds:
130 mph(210 km/h):
R
All vehicles (except AMG vehicles)
-
155 mph(250 km/h):
R
S 63 AMG
-
S 65 AMG
-
186 mph(300 km/h):
R
S 63 AMG (Performance Package)
-
S 63 AMG with raised maximum speed
-
S 65 AMG with raised maximum speed
-
The speed index of tires installed at the
factory may be higher than the maximum
speed that the electronic speed limiter
permits.
Make sure that your tires have the required
speed index as specified in the "Tires" section
( Y page 503) for your vehicle, e.g. when
buying new tires.
More information on reading the tire data can
be obtained at any qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Load index
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.