2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris — Tire Size & Pressure

As an ASE-certified master technician, I’ve serviced countless commercial and passenger vans. The 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris is a robust, mid-size workhorse that demands specific tire specifications to handle heavy payloads safely while maintaining a smooth ride. Whether you drive the Cargo or Passenger configuration, keeping the right rubber on your Metris is critical for proper handling, braking, and fuel economy.

Here is your comprehensive guide to the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris tire sizes, pressures, and wheel specifications.

Quick Answer

If you just need the numbers before heading into the shop, here are the essential tire and wheel specs for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris:

• OEM Tire Size: 225/55R17 (Extra Load / XL rating required)
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure: 44 PSI (Front) / 48 PSI (Rear) — Check your specific door placard as cargo variations may alter this slightly.
• Bolt Pattern: 5x112 mm
• Wheel Size & Offset: 17x7J, +51mm offset
• Load Index / Speed Rating: 101 V (1,819 lbs per tire capacity)
• Spare Tire Size: Full-size spare matching OEM (225/55R17)
• TPMS Sensor Frequency: 433 MHz

Tire Sizes by Trim

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris keeps things relatively simple. Unlike many passenger vehicles with staggered wheel sizes or larger wheel options on higher trims, both the Cargo and Passenger versions of the Metris use the same reinforced 17-inch setup to accommodate the van's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).

Note: Always ensure replacement tires carry the "XL" (Extra Load) designation. Standard load tires in this size will not safely support the weight of a loaded Metris.

Recommended Replacement Tires

When outfitting a working van like the Metris, durability and load-carrying capacity take priority. Here are a few top-tier replacement options I frequently recommend to my fleet and individual customers, broken down by price tier:

• Premium / Best Overall: Michelin Defender T+H Michelin offers incredible tread life and all-season reliability. While slightly pricier, the cost-per-mile is excellent for high-mileage drivers.
• Mid-Range / Best Value: Continental TrueContact Tour An excellent balance of ride comfort, wet traction, and durability. Continental is an OEM supplier for Mercedes-Benz, so this tire feels right at home on the Metris.
• Budget-Friendly: Kumho Solus TA71 If you need a reliable tire on a tighter budget, the Kumho Solus provides solid all-season performance and meets the necessary XL load requirements without breaking the bank.

Lug Nut Torque & Pattern

Proper wheel installation is a matter of safety. Mercedes-Benz uses lug bolts rather than traditional lug nuts on studs.

• Bolt Pattern: 5x112 mm
• Thread Pitch: M14 x 1.5
• Lug Bolt Torque: 111 ft-lbs (150 Nm)

Always use a calibrated torque wrench when tightening your lug bolts. I recommend tightening them in a star (crisscross) pattern to ensure the wheel sits flush against the rotor hub. Re-torque the bolts after 50 miles of driving following a wheel installation.

Common Tire Issues for this Vehicle

While the Metris is exceptionally well-engineered, there are a few tire-related quirks owners should watch for:

1. Inner Edge Wear: The Metris has independent front suspension that can easily fall out of alignment if you frequently hit potholes or curb the van on job sites. Keep a close eye on the inner shoulder of your front tires; if it wears faster than the rest of the tread, you likely have excessive negative camber or toe-out. Get an alignment immediately.
2. Ignoring the XL Rating: One of the most common mistakes I see at the shop is an owner installing standard passenger car tires on their Metris because 225/55R17 is a common sedan size. Standard load tires will suffer from rapid tread wear, sidewall bulging, and even catastrophic blowouts when the van is loaded. Always verify the 101 Load Index and XL stamp on the sidewall.
3. TPMS Sensor Battery Failure: The 433 MHz TPMS sensors rely on internal batteries that typically last 5 to 7 years. Because this is a 2016 model, many original sensors are currently reaching the end of their lifespan. If your TPMS light flashes for 60-90 seconds upon startup before going solid, you have a dead sensor, not just low pressure.

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