Mercedes uses either direct TPMS (most C/E/S/GLE) or indirect TPMS (older A/B/CLA). Reset is through COMAND/MBUX after inflating to the placard.
Why the Mercedes-Benz tyre pressure light is on
Mercedes split the system between trim and model year. C-Class W205/W206, E-Class W213/W214 and S-Class typically have direct sensors; older A-Class W176, B-Class W246 use indirect ABS-based monitoring. Both can throw a warning from a real low tyre, cold weather, or — on direct systems — a failed sensor.
Mercedes-Benz tyre pressure light reset — step by step
- Inflate all four tyres cold to the placard pressures (inside the fuel filler flap on most Mercs).
- Switch ignition to position 2 (or press start without foot on brake).
- On COMAND (W205, W213, etc.): Vehicle → Service → Tyre Pressure → Continue/Restart.
- On MBUX (newer W206, W213 facelift, EQ models): touchscreen → Vehicle → Tyre Pressure Monitoring → Restart.
- On older A/B-Class with the small cluster screen: use the steering wheel rollers — Service → Tyre Pressure → Reset → Yes.
- The light clears within 1–2 minutes on direct systems. Indirect systems need 5–10 minutes of driving over 20mph.
Models covered
A-Class W176/W177, B-Class W246/W247, C-Class W204/W205/W206, CLA, E-Class W212/W213/W214, GLA, GLC, GLE, S-Class W222/W223, Vito, Sprinter
If the light won't go off
If the warning specifically says 'TPM not available' or 'Sensor fault', you have a dead direct sensor. A Mercedes-specific scan tool (Star Diagnosis / Xentry, or a quality aftermarket like Autel) will identify which wheel. Note Mercedes sensors are coded to the car — generic ones need programming.
What it costs
Reset is free. Sensor replacement: £55–£110 per sensor fitted at an independent specialist. Main dealer £140–£220 per sensor. The programming/coding adds £20–£40 at an indie.
Bob's workshop tip
If you've had your tyres swapped at a high-street fitter and the TPMS light came on after, ring them — 9 times out of 10 they've fitted new tyres without doing the sensor service kits, and the old rubber valve seal is leaking. They should fix it under their workmanship guarantee.
Mercedes-Benz TPMS FAQs
Why is my Mercedes-Benz tyre pressure light on?
Mercedes split the system between trim and model year. C-Class W205/W206, E-Class W213/W214 and S-Class typically have direct sensors; older A-Class W176, B-Class W246 use indirect ABS-based monitoring. Both can throw a warning from a real low tyre, cold weather, or — on direct systems — a failed sensor.
How do I reset the tyre pressure light on a Mercedes-Benz?
Inflate all four tyres cold to the placard pressures (inside the fuel filler flap on most Mercs). Switch ignition to position 2 (or press start without foot on brake). On COMAND (W205, W213, etc.): Vehicle → Service → Tyre Pressure → Continue/Restart. On MBUX (newer W206, W213 facelift, EQ models): touchscreen → Vehicle → Tyre Pressure Monitoring → Restart. On older A/B-Class with the small cluster screen: use the steering wheel rollers — Service → Tyre Pressure → Reset → Yes. The light clears within 1–2 minutes on direct systems. Indirect systems need 5–10 minutes of driving over 20mph.
My Mercedes-Benz TPMS light won't go off — what now?
If the warning specifically says 'TPM not available' or 'Sensor fault', you have a dead direct sensor. A Mercedes-specific scan tool (Star Diagnosis / Xentry, or a quality aftermarket like Autel) will identify which wheel. Note Mercedes sensors are coded to the car — generic ones need programming.
How much does it cost to fix a Mercedes-Benz TPMS fault?
Reset is free. Sensor replacement: £55–£110 per sensor fitted at an independent specialist. Main dealer £140–£220 per sensor. The programming/coding adds £20–£40 at an indie.
What Bob keeps in the boot
A pump puts air back in, but it will not seal the hole. For a nail or a screw in the tread, the repair itself is the Emergency Puncture Repair Kit — £9.99 with free UK delivery: rubber rope plugs, reamer, T-handle tool and rubber solution, posted from the workshop in Birnam, Dunkeld. If you would rather not take a wheel off at the roadside, the quick-fix tyre repair spray is the no-tools option. Keeping the pressures right in the first place is covered in tyre pressures by registration and resetting the tyre pressure warning light, and the pump itself in Bob's electric tyre pump picks.
Be straight about what a plug is: a get-you-home repair for small punctures in the central three-quarters of the tread. Never plug sidewall or shoulder damage, drive gently afterwards, and have the tyre inspected or replaced by a tyre specialist as soon as you can.