2003 MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS warning

217 Controls in detail
Loading

Open hook and loop strap1.

Pull ski sack into passenger compart-
ment and unfold.

From trunk, slide skis into ski sack.

Wrap strap around ski sack and arm-
rest.

Close clasp (arrows) and pull strap
tight to immobilize skis.
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.
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219 Controls in detail
Loading
Removal of ski sack
For removal of the ski sack we recommend
that you contact an authorized Mer-
cedes-Benz Center.
Split rear bench seat*
To expand the trunk, you can fold down the
left and right rear seat backrests.
The two sections can be folded down sep-
arately to enlarge the trunk.
When transporting long items, the folding
front passenger seat* can be folded for-
ward, and you can remove the rear seat
cushions.
Warning!
G
Never drive vehicle with trunk 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 compartment,
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.
Always use the cargo tie down rings
(page 225).
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221 Controls in detail
Loading
Returning seat backrest to original po-
sition
1Seat cushion
2Seat backrest
Swing seat backrest2 to the rear until
it engages.

Swing seat cushion1 to the rear and
press the center front of the cushion
until it audibly engages.

Swing the head restraint forward by
hand until it engages.
Warning!
G
Always lock backrest in its upright position
when rear seat bench is occupied, or the ex-
tended trunk 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.
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222 Controls in detailLoadingFolding front passenger seat*
Folding front passenger seat forward
1Release handle
Press the right-hand side of release
handle1.
The handle folds out.

Pull the left-hand side of the release
handle.
The front passenger seat backrest is
released and can be folded forward.

Fold the backrest all the way forward.

Press the backrest lightly downward
until it is resting on the seat cushion.Folding front passenger seat back
1Release handle

Using release handle1, pull the back-
rest to its original position. Pull the
handle until the backrest has reached
an angle of approximatley 45°.
Warning!
G
Make sure that the backrest engages and
locks when folding it back into place.
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224 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. Put luggage or car-
go in the trunk if possible. Do not pile lug-
gage or cargo higher than the seat backs.
Do not place anything on the shelf below the
rear windows.
Never drive vehicle with trunk open. Deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter ve-
hicle interior resulting in unconsciousness
and death.
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226 Controls in detailUseful features
Useful featuresInterior storage spaces Parcel net in front passenger footwell
A small convenience parcel net is located
in the front passenger footwell. It is for
small and light items, such as road maps,
mail, etc.Glove box
1Glove box lid release
2Compartment for mobile phone/glass-
es
Opening the glove box

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

Push lid up to close.
Warning!
G
To help avoid personal injury during a colli-
sion or sudden maneuver, exercise care
when stowing objects in the vehicle. Put lug-
gage or cargo in the trunk if possible. Do not
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.
Warning!
G
The parcel net is intended for storing
light-weight items only.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
parcel net.
The parcel net cannot protect transported
goods in the event of an accident.
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228 Controls in detailUseful features1Left cup holder
2Right cup holderStorage space under armrest
1Storage compartment
2Storage tray
Opening storage tray

Pull handle2.
Opening storage compartment

Pull handle1.
iThe cup holder can be removed for
cleaning. Clean the cup holder only
with clear, lukewarm water.
Make sure to insert the cup holder in
the guides when reinstalling it.
Warning!
G
When not in use, keep the cup holder closed
while traveling. Place only containers that fit
into the cup holder to prevent spills. Use lids
on open containers and do not fill containers
to a height where the contents, especially
hot liquids, could spill during vehicle maneu-
vers.
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230 Controls in detailUseful featuresRuffled storage bags
Ruffled storage bags are located on the
back of the front seats.Storage compartment in the rear arm-
rest

Press the handle upward and fold the
armrest up.Rear cup holder

Briefly press the front of the center
armrest.
The cup holder extends automatically.
Warning!
G
Do not transport hard objects in the storage
bags.
Warning!
G
When not in use, keep the cup holder closed
while traveling. Place only containers that fit
into the cup holder to prevent spills. Use lids
on open containers and do not fill containers
to a height where the contents, especially
hot liquids, could spill during vehicle maneu-
vers.
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