2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter — Tire Size & Pressure (Repairius)

Quick answer

• OEM tire size:
  • Sprinter 2500 (SRW): LT245/75R16 E (most common)
  • Sprinter 3500 (DRW): LT215/85R16 E duals (most common)
• Recommended cold tire pressure (door placard):
  • 2500 SRW: front ~47–55 psi, rear ~61–70 psi (varies by GVWR/trim)
  • 3500 DRW: front ~55–61 psi, rear ~61–70 psi (some cab/chassis up to 80 psi when fully loaded)
• Bolt pattern:
  • 2500: 6x130 mm
  • 3500 (dually): 6x205 mm
• Wheel size and typical offset:
  • 2500: 16x6.5J, high positive offset (approx. ET50–ET62)
  • 3500 DRW: 16-inch dually-specific inner/outer wheels with deep positive offset (use OE-spec only)
• Load index/speed rating (typical):
  • 2500: 120/116R (Load Range E)
  • 3500: 115/112R (Load Range E, dual use)
• Spare tire size:
  • 2500: full-size LT245/75R16 E
  • 3500: full-size LT215/85R16 E (dually compatible)
• TPMS frequency: 433 MHz

Tire sizes by trim

Note: Exact placard pressures vary by GVWR, axle rating, and upfit. Always confirm on your driver-door label.

Recommended replacement tires

• Premium all-season highway (commercial): Michelin Agilis CrossClimate (LT245/75R16 E, LT215/85R16 E). Excellent wet/snow traction, reinforced casing for vans.
• Premium touring/commercial: Continental VanContact A/S Ultra or VancoFourSeason 2. Strong load capacity, quiet ride for passenger vans and shuttles.
• Mid-range highway: Firestone Transforce HT2 or General Grabber HD. Good value and durability for fleet use.
• All-terrain (4x4/rough roads): BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 (LT245/75R16 E) or Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT. Prefer on 2500/4x4; check fender/tie-rod clearance and load rating before use on 3500.

Tip: Choose Load Range E with correct dual/single service rating that meets or exceeds your van’s GAWR/GVWR. For 3500 duals, use “C/A” marked commercial/LT tires approved for dual use.

When to inflate to max load psi (HD vans)

Use the sidewall “Max Load at Max PSI” (commonly 80 psi for LT Load Range E) only when:

• The vehicle is at or near GVWR, or a specific axle is near GAWR (e.g., fully loaded cargo, towing, or camper conversions with heavy rear bias).
• You’ve weighed the van (CAT scale) and tire load tables indicate the need for higher pressure.

For everyday lightly loaded driving, use the door placard pressures. Over-inflating to max psi when empty can reduce traction and ride quality and promote center wear.

Lug nut torque & pattern

• Fastener style: Mercedes uses wheel bolts (not studs) on Sprinter. Thread commonly M14x1.5.
• Torque spec: 133 lb-ft (180 Nm) is typical for 2017 Sprinter steel/alloy wheels. Re-torque after 50–100 miles.
• Bolt pattern:
  • 2500: 6x130 mm; center bore and offsets are Mercedes-specific.
  • 3500 DRW: 6x205 mm; use only OE-spec dually wheels/bolts due to unique offsets.

Always confirm torque and hardware type for your exact wheel before service.

Common tire issues for this vehicle

• Underinflation on dual rears: Inner duals run hot and wear shoulders/cupping if pressures are not checked regularly. Use a dual-foot gauge and metal valve stems.
• Rear axle sag/overload: Camper and delivery upfits can overload rear tires—verify actual axle weights and adjust pressures per load tables.
• Inner edge wear or cupping: Often tied to worn shocks/struts or misalignment, especially on high-mileage vans and those driven on rough roads.
• TPMS faults after rotations: 433 MHz sensors may need relearn; dead batteries are common around the 7–10 year mark.
• Corrosion/leaks at steel wheels: Inspect bead seats and valve stems; consider alloys or anti-corrosion prep in rust-belt regions.
• Fitment rub with upsized A/T tires (2500/4x4): 245/75R16 generally fits; larger sizes may contact at full lock or with snow chains.

Need new tires? Find a trusted shop on Repairius.