2003 MERCEDES-BENZ C32AMG controls

196 Controls in detailLoading
LoadingRoof rack*
Only mount the approved roof rack to the
fastening bolts (see arrows) located under
the door weatherstrips.
Ski sack*
Unfolding and loading
Fold armrest down (arrow).

Swing cover1 down.
Warning!
G
Use only those roof racks approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model to
avoid damage to the vehicle. Follow manu-
facturer’s installation instructions.
!Be sure to stack a load on the roof rack
so that the vehicle cannot be damaged
while driving.
Make sure that

you can fully raise the
sliding/pop-up roof*.


you can fully open the trunk.


197 Controls in detail
Loading

Open hook and loop strap2.

Pull ski sack into passenger compart-
ment and unfold.

Open flap in trunk by pulling handle3.

From trunk, slide skis into ski sack.Warning!
G
The ski sack is designed for up to four pairs
of skis. Do not load the ski sack with other
objects.
Always fasten the ski sack securely. In an
accident, an unfastened ski sack can cause
injury to vehicle occupants.


198 Controls in detailLoading
Wrap strap4 around ski sack and arm-
rest.

Close clasp5 (arrows) and pull strap
tight to immobilize skis.

Connect snap hook6 of front strap to
eye7 located on center tunnel in front
of rear seat bench.Unloading and folding

Loosen strap, open clasp by pressing
tabs8 together (arrows).

Unload skis.

Close flap in trunk.

Disconnect snap hook6 from eye7.

Fold and flatten ski sack lengthwise
and place folded ski sack inside recess
of backrest.


199 Controls in detail
Loading

Close ski sack compartment cover1.
Removal of ski sack
For removal of the ski sack we recommend
that you contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Split rear bench seat*
The two sections can be folded down sep-
arately to enlarge the cargo area.
Warning!
G
Never drive vehicle with trunk lid open while
the ski sack is removed. Deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle in-
terior, resulting in unconsciousness and
death.iTo prevent unauthorized persons from
access to the trunk, always close the
cover.
Warning!
G
When expanding the luggage area, always
fold the seat cushions fully forward.
Unless you are transporting cargo, the back-
rests must remain properly locked in the up-
right position.
In an accident, during hard braking or sud-
den maneuvers, loose items will be thrown
around inside the vehicle, and cause injury
to vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.

200 Controls in detailLoadingFolding the backrest forward
The release handle1 is located in the
trunk.
Pull release handle1.

Retract head restraints fully and fold
rearward (
page 36).

Pull release handle2 on the left or
right* backrest as required.

Fold seat cushion3 forward.

Fold backrest4 forward.Setting up rear seat bench

Fold the backrest4 rearward until it
engages.

Fold the seat cushions3 rearward until
they lock into position.


201 Controls in detail
Loading
If the backrest is not locked into position,
a red indicator5 will be visible.
Check for secure locking by pushing
and pulling on the backrest.
Warning!
G
If a red indicator is visible with the backrest
up, then the backrest is not properly locked
into position.
Always lock backrest in its upright position
when rear seat bench is occupied, cargo is
being carried in the trunk, or the extended
cargo compartment is not in use. Check for
secure locking by pushing and pulling on the
backrest.
In an accident, during hard braking or sud-
den maneuvers, loose items will be thrown
around inside the vehicle, and cause injury
to vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a colli-
sion or sudden maneuver, exercise care
when transporting cargo.
iTo prevent unauthorized persons from
access to the trunk, always lock back-
rest in its upright position.

202 Controls in detailLoadingLoading instructions
The total load weight including vehicle oc-
cupants and luggage/cargo should not ex-
ceed the vehicle capacity weight indicated
on the certification tag which can be found
on the left door pillar.
The handling characteristics of a fully load-
ed vehicle depend greatly on the load dis-
tribution. It is therefore recommended to
load the vehicle according to the illustra-
tions 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 al-
ways be kept as low as possible since it in-
fluences the handling characteristics of
the vehicle.
Warning!
G
Always fasten items being carried as secure-
ly as possible.
In an accident, during hard braking or sud-
den maneuvers, loose items will be thrown
around inside the vehicle and can cause in-
jury to vehicle occupants unless the items
are securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a colli-
sion or sudden maneuver, exercise care
when transporting cargo.
Never drive vehicle with trunk open. Deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter ve-
hicle interior resulting in unconsciousness
and death.iThe 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.

203 Controls in detail
Useful features
Useful features
Interior storage spaces Glove box
1Glove box lid release
2Glove box
Opening the glove box

Pull lid release1.
The glove box lid opens downward.
Closing the glove box

Push lid up to close.Locking the glove box

Insert mechanical key (
page 285)
into the glove box lock and turn it to
position2.
Unlocking the glove box

Turn mechanical key (
page 285) in
the glove box lock to position1.
Warning!
G
To help avoid personal injury during a colli-
sion or sudden maneuver, exercise care
when stowing objects in the vehicle. Put lug-
g a g e o r c a r g o i n t h e t r u n k i f p o s s i b l e . D o n o t
pile luggage or cargo higher than the seat
backs. Do not place anything on the shelf
below the rear window.
Luggage nets cannot secure hard or heavy
objects.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during
an accident.
iPrior to closing the glove box, close the
compartment for glasses first.