
162 Interior equipment
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Loading instructions
The total load weight including vehicle occupants and 
luggage/cargo should not exceed the vehicle capacity 
weight indicated on the certification label which can be 
found on the left door pillar.The handling characteristics of a fully loaded vehicle 
depend greatly on the load distribution. It is therefore 
recommended to load the vehicle according to the 
illustrations shown, with the heaviest items being 
placed towards the front of the vehicle.
Always place items being carried against front or rear 
seat backrests, and fasten them as securely as possible.
The heaviest portion of the cargo should always be kept 
as low as possible since it influences the handling 
characteristics of the vehicle.
Notes:
The trunk is the preferred place to carry objects.
The enlarged cargo area should only be used for items 
which do not fit in the trunk alone.
P82.55-2002-26
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261 Tires, Wheels
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Spare wheel
Important!
The spare wheel rim size is 7
1/2J x 17 H 2.
The spare wheel rim is mounted with a full size tire of 
the same type as on the vehicle’s front axle, and is fully 
functional. However, that spare wheel rim is weight 
optimized and has a limited service life of 12 000 miles 
(20 000 km) use before a standard wheel rim must 
replace it.
In the case of a rear axle flat tire, you may temporarily 
use the spare wheel, when observing the following 
restrictions:
•Do not exceed vehicle speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
•Drive to the nearest tire repair facility to have the 
flat tire repaired or replaced as appropriate.
•Do not operate vehicle with more than one spare 
wheel mounted.
If the arrow on tire side wall does not point in direction 
of vehicle forward movement when using the spare 
wheel, observe the following restriction:Unidirectional tires must always be mounted with arrow 
on tire sidewall pointing in direction of vehicle forward 
movement.
For rim and tire specifications, refer to “Technical Data”.
Wa r n i n g !
The spare wheel rim is for temporary use only. Use 
for over a total of 12 000 miles (20 000 km) 
(aggregate of all uses) may cause wheel rim failure 
leading to an accident and possible injuries.The dimensions of the spare wheel are different 
from those of the road wheels of the rear axle. As a 
result, the vehicle handling characteristics change 
when driving with a spare wheel mounted on the 
rear axle.The spare wheel should only be used temporarily, 
and replaced with a regular road wheel as quick as 
possible.
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268 Battery
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
If a tire constantly loses air, it should be inspected for 
damage.
The spare tire should be checked periodically for 
condition and inflation. Spare tire will age and become 
worn over time even if never used, and thus should be 
inspected and replaced when necessary.Battery
Important!
Battery replacement information:
The maintenance-free battery is located in the trunk 
under the trunk floor. 
The service life of the battery is dependent on its 
condition of charge. The battery should always be kept 
sufficiently charged, in order to last an optimum length 
of time.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflating tires can 
result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they 
are more likely to become punctured or damaged 
by road debris, potholes etc.. Follow recommended 
inflation pressures.Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified 
vehicle capacity weight (as indicated by the label 
on the driver’s door latch post). Overloading the 
tires can overheat them, possibly causing a 
blowout.
Wa r n i n g !
Failure to follow these instructions can result in 
severe injury or death.Never lean over batteries while connecting, you 
might get injured.Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow 
this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or 
clot hin g. In  cas e i t d oes , i mm ed ia tely  f lus h a f fected  
area with water and seek medical help if necessary.A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is 
flammable and explosive. Keep flames or sparks 
away from battery, avoid improper connection of 
jumper cables, smoking etc..
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322 Index
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Selective locking
See Central locking system  ....................................... 29
Service indicator
See flexible service system (FSS) ............................ 111
Setting the audio volume ...............................................110
Shelf below rear window  ..............................................248
Side marker lamp  ..........................................................279
Ski sack  ........................................................................... 170
Sliding/pop-up roof  ....................................................... 149
Emergency operation  ...............................................286
Express opening  ....................................................... 150
Opening and closing  .................................................. 31
Synchronizing  ........................................................... 150
Snow chains .................................................................... 209
SOS-call
See Tele Aid  ............................................................... 180
Spare parts service  ........................................................ 298
Spare wheel  ............................................................257, 261
Special settings (Automatic climate control)  ............ 125
SRS indicator lamp  ........................................................ 228
SRS malfunction  .............................................................. 69
Start lock-out  .................................................................... 26
Starting and turning off the engine  ............................ 192
STEER. WHEEL ADJUST. - malfunction 
and warning messages  ............................................ 241
Steering column, adjustable ........................................... 79Steering lock  ................................................................... 190
Storage compartment
Trunk floor  ................................................................ 257
Storage compartments
Center console  ........................................................... 154
Glove box  .................................................................... 154
Storage compartments, armrest and cup holder  ....... 153
Stowing things in the vehicle  ..................................... 248
Sun visors ........................................................................ 152
Supplemental restraint system (SRS)  ........................... 66
Synchronizing remote control  .................................... 285
TTachometer ........................................................................ 89
Technical data  .................................................................301
Electrical system  ...................................................... 303
Main dimensions  ..................................................... 304
Rims and tires  .......................................................... 302
Weights  ...................................................................... 304
Tele Aid  ............................................................................ 180
Emergency calls  ........................................................ 181
Information  ................................................................ 185
Initiating an emergency call manually .................. 183
Roadside Assistance  ................................................. 184
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