Mercedes-Benz E-Class: How to Change a Tire

September 26, 2023

THIS ARTICLE APPLIES TO THE MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS W211/W212 (2002-PRESENT).

Even under the best outdoor conditions, a flat tire is never fun to have. But knowing how to replace it can go a long way toward making the best of a bad situation, particularly at night when there's no "tire changer" professional to do it for you. Replacing a flat tire is simple and something even the most novice DIY'ers can do. When shopping for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class or if you already drive one, make sure there is a spare tire and tire changing kit in the trunk. You'll be glad you did.

A periodic visual inspection is the best way to determine if your brake lines are problem-free. If rust, kinks, or brake fluid from a leak is found, do not wait to repair them! If you choose to complete the repair yourself, be aware that brake fluid is corrosive.

MATERIALS NEEDED

Tire changing kit (included in car)
Wheel chocks
Alignment bolt
Spare tire
Jack
Lug wrench

Step 1 – Stabilize the vehicle

Park on a flat, leveled surface, and engage the parking brake.
Remove the tire changing kit and wheel chocks from the trunk.
To engage the wheel chock, lift the middle hinge until the face of the metal plate is inclined and locked.
Position the wheel chocks under the front and rear side of one tire, diagonally opposite to the tire you are changing.

Step 2 – Lift the vehicle

With the lug wrench, loosen each of the five lug nuts while the vehicle is grounded. This will allow you easily remove the lug nuts when the vehicle is lifted.
Position the saddle of the jack directly beneath the jacking point. The jacking points of the frame rails are located on the side of each wheel closer to the center of the vehicle.
Attach the lever to the hinged end of the jack, and rotate it clockwise to lift the saddle.
Make sure the saddle is secure tightly to the jacking point, and lift the wheel about one to two inches off the ground.

Step 3 – Remove the wheel

Rotate the wheel until one lug nut is positioned at the top center.
Loosen the lug nuts, rotating the lug wrench counterclockwise, and then remove them by hand. Save the top lug nut for last.
Remove the remaining lug nut, and screw an alignment bolt into its slot.
Place your hands firmly under two sides of the wheel and pull it toward you.
Roll the wheel to a safe area, and set it down on its side.

Step 4 – Install the spare tire

Lift the spare tire and place it directly onto the rotors. Make sure the wheel is pushed in all the way and the wheel studs are through the holes of the wheel.
Replace the lug nuts, and tighten them by hand. Rotate clockwise to properly attach them to the wheel studs.
Unscrew and remove alignment bolt before installing the last lug nut.
Use the lug wrench to tighten each lug nut, but do not tighten them all the way.

Step 5 – Tighten the lug nuts

Rotate the jack lever counterclockwise until the vehicle is on the ground, and the jack is fully retracted.
Use the lug wrench to tighten each lug nut to a very snug fit. Start with the lug nut #1.
In a star pattern, tighten the remaining lug nuts. Refer to Figure 8 for the correct order.