Service information: It is not permissible to use lead balancing weights

Modification notes

 As part of the European used vehicle directive (2000/53/EC) and the respective national implementations in the EU member states (e.g. German used vehicle directive) a ban on the use of balancing weights containing lead has been introduced. When applying the ban a distinction is made between two groups of vehicles:

Group 1: Model series which were sample tested for the first time after 01. July 2003 (model 164, 169, 171, 221 and successors)

These model series had to be to equipped with lead-free balancing weights as of the start of production. Only lead-free weights may be used even in the service area.

Group 2: Model series which were sample tested before 01. July 2003 (model 124, 140, 163, 168, 201, 202, 203, 210, 211, 220 and predecessors)

As of 01. July 2005 the ban on wheel balancing weights containing lead also came into effect for this group of vehicles

Please note: Old stocks can still also be used after 01. July 2005 for group 2 vehicles (sample tested before July 2003), i.e. old stocks do not have to be scrapped.

For details see below: Use of old stocks of balancing weights containing lead.

Scope

This ban only applies in member states of the European Union or in markets which have implemented this directive or similar bans, e.g. Norway.

Only passenger cars and light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 t permissible gross vehicle weight are affected by the ban.

Alternatives

Lead-free zinc balancing weights are available as alternatives. The zinc balancing weights differ slightly in the shape (see pictures) and are also marked by the abbreviation "Zn".

P40.10-3556-10

Adhesive weights

1 Lead balancing weight

2 Zinc balancing weight

3 Zinc identification (Zn)

P40.10-3557-11

Clamping weights

1 Lead balancing weight

2 Zinc balancing weight

3 Zinc identification (Zn)

Implementation at Daimler

The changeover to lead-free balancing weights for new vehicles takes place from the plant for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars starting with model 171 and all subsequent model series. Also for all other model series still in production since July 2005 at the latest.

Use of old stocks of balancing weights containing lead in the service area

Wheel balancing weights containing lead sold before July 2005 (produced and passed on to sales) ("old stocks") may be used for the maintenance/repair of sample-tested vehicles before July 2003. These are the following model series amongst others:

 Models 124, 140, 163, 168, 201, 202, 203, 210, 211, 220 and predecessors

The old stocks must not be used for vehicles sample tested after July 2003. Only lead-free balancing weights may be used for these vehicle:

 Models 164, 169, 171 and successors

All balancing weights containing lead sold after July 2005 via GLC, LC ELC and RLC were sold before July 2005 (produced and passed on to sales) and consequently may be fitted to the models mentioned.

Note on sourcing of balancing weights from suppliers

If you are ordering balancing weights containing lead from suppliers excluding GLC, LC, ELC, RLC) after July 2005, then to be on the legal safe side you must have confirmation from these suppliers that the balancing weights containing lead affected were sold before July 2005.