2002 MERCEDES-BENZ ML320 Driving

148 Interior equipment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Storage of cargo floor plates
To store cargo floor plates, open hook and loop strip (6)
at bottom of backrest of the split rear seat bench and
insert floor plates (7, arrow).Note:
Before storing the left cargo floor plate, fold it together
in direction of arrow.

149 Interior equipment
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data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Enlarged cargo area
The cargo area can be enlarged by moving the rear seat
bench forward. Also, the left, the right or both sections
may be folded according to need.
For folding and resetting seating to standard positions,
see page 139.
Wa r n i n g !
Always lock backrest in its upright position when
rear seat bench is occupied by passengers, or cargo
is being carried behind the seat bench.To help avoid personal injury from smaller objects
flying in the occupant area during a collision or
sudden maneuver, always use partition net when
transporting cargo, see page 151.

150 Interior equipment
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data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Cargo tie-down ringsCarefully secure cargo by applying even load on all
rings with rope of sufficient strength to hold down the
cargo. The cargo area is provided with four tie-down
anchors. Additional two rings are located at the rear of
front seats.
Caution!
While the partition net will help protect you from
smaller objects, it cannot prevent the movement of
large, heavier objects into the passenger area in an
accident. Such items must be properly secured using
the cargo tie-down rings in the cargo area floor.

151 Interior equipment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Hooks
Four hooks, located on the rear compartment trim
panels can be used to secure light weight items
(maximum permissible weight per hook: 9 lbs. [4 kg]).Partition net (MB Accessory)
Use of the partition net is a particularly important safety
factor when the vehicle is loaded higher than the top of
the seat backrests with smaller objects.
The partition net can be installed behind the backrests
of the front or rear seats.
Note:
Passenger use of seats behind installed partition net is
restricted because of the footwell being taken up by the
net.

152 Interior equipment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Installation:
1. Engage partition net in holders (1).2. Insert tie down hooks (2) in rings (3) behind the
front seats.
3. Pull on loose ends of tie downs until net is tight.
For installation behind the rear seats, see next page.
P68.50-2147-26

153 Interior equipment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Installation behind rear seats
1. Insert tie down hooks (2) in rings (3) behind the
rear seats.
2. Pull on loose ends of tie downs until net is tight.Removal:
1. Lift tensioner (4) upward to a horizontal position to
release tensioning of the strap.
2. Disengage tie down hooks (2) from rings (3).
3. Remove partition net from holders (1) and close the
covers.
Storage:
1. Roll up and close partition net.
2. Store partition net behind rear seat bench.
Caution!
While the partition net will help protect you from
smaller objects, it cannot prevent the movement of
large, heavier objects into the passenger area in an
accident. Such items must be properly secured using
the cargo tie-down rings in the cargo area floor, see
page 150.

154 Interior equipment
Te ch n i c a l
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 against front or rear seat backrest
since it influences the handling characteristics of the
vehicle.
For additional safety when transporting cargo while the
rear seats are unoccupied, fasten the outer seat belts
crosswise into the opposite side buckles.

155 Interior equipment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 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.Cargo area cover blind
(except vehicles with third row seats)
Closing blind:
Pull blind (visual protection) across luggage / cargo area,
and guide into holders (1) next to liftgate.
Opening blind:
To roll up blind, disengage blind and guide retraction by
its handle.
Wa r n i n g !
Always fasten items being carried as securely as
possible using cargo tie-down rings and fastening
materials appropriate for the weight and size of the
load.In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle, and can cause injury to vehicle
occupants unless the items are securely fastened in
the vehicle.To help avoid personal injury during a collision or
sudden maneuver, always use partition net when
transporting cargo.
Never drive vehicle with the liftgate open. Deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle
interior resulting in unconsciousness and death.