Mercedes-Benz 1998 SL 500 Operator's Manual page 112

Tire Replacement
Front tires should be replaced in sets.
Furthermore - in the event of tire
replacement - the spare wheel (except
Sport Package version), if possible,
should be used on the rear axle. Rims
and tires must be of the correct size and
type. For dimensions, see "Technical
Data".
We recommend that you break in new
tires for approx. 60 miles (100 km) at
moderate speed.
It is imperative that the wheel
mounting bolts be fastened to a
tightening torque of 80 ft. lb. (110 Nm)
whenever wheels are mounted.
For rim and tire specifications, refer to
"Technical Data".
Warning!
Worn, old tires can cause accidents.
If the tire tread is badly worn, or if
the tires have sustained damage,
replace them.
When replacing rims, use only
genuine MERCEDES-BENZ wheel
bolts (identified by Mercedes star)
specified for the rim type. Failure to
do so can result in the bolts loosening
and possibly an accident
Rotating Wheels
Rotation of wheels does not apply to
Sport Package version.
The wheels can be rotated according to
the degree of tire wear while retaining
the same direction of travel.
Rotating, however, should be carried
out at the scheduled service intervals,
before the characteristic tire wear
pattern (shoulder wear on front wheels
and tread center wear on rear wheels)
becomes visible, as otherwise the
driving properties deteriorate.
Important!
Unidirectional snow tires must always
be mounted with arrow on tire sidewall
pointing in direction of vehicle forward
movement.
Note:
Thoroughly clean the inner side of the
wheels any time you rotate the wheels
or wash the vehicle underside.
The use of retread tires is not
recommended. Retread tires may
adversely affect the handling
characteristics and safety of the
vehicle.
Dented or bent rims cause tire pressure
loss and damage to the tire beads. For
this reason, check rims for damage at
regular intervals.
The rim flanges must be checked for
wear before a tire is mounted.
Remove burrs, if any.
Check and correct tire inflation
pressure after rotating the wheels. For
Tire Inflation Pressure refer to Index
112