2004 Mercedes E-Class Owner's Manual - Page 272

Operation Driving instructions Tire traction The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy road is always lower than on a dry road. You should pay particular attention to the condition of the road whenever the outside temperatures are close to the freezing point. Warning! considerably greater than when the road is not covered with snow or ice. Exercise appropriate caution. Tire speed rating Regardless of the tire speed rating, local speed limits should be obeyed. Use prudent driving speeds appropriate to prevailing conditions. Warning! E 320, E 320 4MATIC, E 500, E 500 4MATIC Your vehicle is factory equipped with "H"-rated tires, which have a speed rating of 130 mph (210 km/h). E 320 4MATIC (Sport Package*), E 500 4MATIC (Sport Package*) Your vehicle is factory equipped with "H"-rated tires, which have a speed rating of 130 mph (210 km/h). E 320 (Sport Package*), E 500 (Sport Package*) Your vehicle is factory equipped with "W"-rated tires, which have a speed rating of 168 mph (270 km/h). An electronic speed limiter prevents your vehicle from exceeding a speed of 130 mph (210 km/h). G If ice has formed on the road, tire traction will be substantially reduced. Under such weather conditions, drive, steer and brake with extreme caution. G Even when permitted by law, never operate a vehicle at speeds greater than the maximum speed rating of the tires. Exceeding the maximum speed for which tires are rated can lead to sudden tire failure, causing loss of vehicle control and possibly resulting in an accident and/or personal injury and possible death, for you and for others. Mercedes-Benz recommends M+S rated radial-ply tires with a minimum tread depth of approximately 1/6 in (4 mm) on all four wheels for the winter season to ensure normal balanced handling characteristics. On packed snow, they can reduce your stopping distance compared to summer tires. Stopping distance, however, is still 272