2008 MERCEDES-BENZ R-CLASS MPV tow bar

Driving sys
tems 156Side view
Top view
Front sensors
Centre Approximately 100 cm
Corners Approximately 60 cm Rear sensors
Centre Approximately 120 cm
Corners Approximately 80 cm
!
When parking, pay particular attention to
objects above or below the sensors, such
as flower pots or trailer towbars. Parktronic
does not detect such objects when they are
in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. You
could damage the vehicle or the objects.
Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic
car wash, a lorry's compressed-air brakes
or a pneumatic drill could cause Parktronic
to malfunction.
Minimum distance Centre Approximately 20 cm
Corners Approximately 15 cm
If there is an obstacle within this range, all
warning displays light up and a tone sounds.
If the distance falls below the minimum clear-
ance, it may no longer be shown.Warning displays The warning displays show the distance
between the sensors and the obstacle. The
warning display for the front area is located
on the dashboard above the centre air vents.
The warning display for the rear area is in the
roof trim at the rear.
Front area warning display
1
Left-hand side of the vehicle
2 Right-hand side of the vehicle
3 Indicator segments
The warning display for each side of the vehi-
cle is divided into five yellow and two red
segments. Parktronic is operational if yellow
indicator segments 3light up. Controls
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Loading and stowing
1931
Backrest release handle
2 Retainer for the seat belt
3 Backrest
X Clamp the seat belt behind retainer 2.
X Pull release handle 1of backrest 3
upwards in the direction of the arrow.
Backrest 3is released.
X Fold backrest 3slowly forwards.
Seat cushion 7(3rd row of seats) is
released and moves automatically to a ver-
tical position. 3
Backrest (3rd row of seats)
4 Recess (on backrest in 2nd row of seats)
5 Guide pin (on backrest in 3rd row of seats)
6 Backrest (2nd row of seats)
7 Seat cushion (3rd row of seats)
8 Loop
i Loop 8can be used to pull the backrests
of the 3rd row of seats upright when the
seats are moved into the original position
(Y page 81).
X After it has been moved to a vertical posi-
tion automatically, fold seat cushion 7
further forwards until it reaches a horizon-
tal position. Make sure that guide pin 5of seat cushion
7(3rd row of seats) catches
fully in recess 4of backrest 6.
X Fold backrest 3forwards into a horizontal
position.
Moving the seats back into the driving
position G
Risk of injury
Ensure that the seats are locked and the
backrests are in the upright position before
driving.
The outer seats in the 2nd row are only
locked if the lock verification indicator is
folded in and the indicator area is barely
visible.
If the backrests are not locked, they could
fold forwards in case of sudden braking, a
sudden change of direction or an accident.
This means that they cannot provide the
intended level of restraint, and could cause
additional serious or even fatal injury.
Make absolutely sure that you reset the seats
to the driving position in the specified order.
Resetting seats in the 3rd row of seats
! Make absolutely sure that you reset the
seats to the driving position in the specified Controls
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Loading and stowing
195Seat locked
1
Lock verification indicator
2 Indicator area
When the seat is locked, locking display 1is
folded in and indicator area 2is barely visi-
ble. Resetting the middle seat in the 2nd row
of seats Armrest position
1
Release loop
2 Seat
X Pull release loop 1of seat 2in the direc-
tion of the arrow and hold it securely.
The seat is released and folds up.
X Press seat 2further down until the back
of the seat engages in the armrest position.
X Pull release loop 1of the backrest in the
direction of the arrow and hold it securely.
X Fold the backrest back until it is heard to
engage in the driving position. Centre console for the 2nd row of
seats*
The centre console contains a stowage com-
partment (Y page 203) and a cup holder
(Y page 183).
If you are using the fully extended luggage
compartment and want an even loading area
(Y page 190), you must remove the centre
console.
Removing the centre console G
Risk of injury
Before removing the centre console, take
out all containers from the centre console
cup holder. Liquids could otherwise spill
onto the passengers and /or the vehicle
interior. Hot liquids could scald passen-
gers. Liquids spilt on the vehicle interior
could damage it.
! To avoid damage to the centre console or
to its components, make sure that the
stowage compartment is closed before
removing the centre console.
i Remove all objects from the stowage
compartment (Y page 203) to reduce the
weight of the centre console. Controls
* optional
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Trailer towing*
238
Vehicles with rear axle level control* G
Risk of injury
Never lock, unlock, open or close a vehicle
door or tailgate when coupling up or decou-
pling a trailer. The vehicle level could
change and you could endanger yourself or
others.
Never press the ADS button* or operate the
level control* while you are coupling up or
decoupling a trailer.
X Make sure the selector lever is set to P.
X Depress the parking brake.
X Close the doors and tailgate.
X Position the trailer level behind the vehicle.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish the electrical connection
between the vehicle and the trailer.
X Start the engine.
Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package* G
Risk of injury
Never lock, unlock, open or close a vehicle
door or tailgate when coupling up or decou-
pling a trailer. The vehicle level could
change and you could endanger yourself or
others. Never press the ADS button* or operate the
level control* while you are coupling up or
decoupling a trailer.
X Make sure the selector lever is set to P.
X Depress the parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Set the vehicle to highway level
(Y page 152).
X Switch off the engine.
X Close the doors and tailgate.
X Position the trailer level behind the vehicle.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish the electrical connection
between the vehicle and the trailer.
i If you have coupled a trailer, the vehicle
will remain at highway level.
The vehicle automatically lowers to high-
way level if you drive faster than 8 km/h
with a trailer. The vehicle is not lowered to
the high-speed level even if you are travel-
ling at higher speeds.
This also applies when using accessories
that are plugged into the socket of the
trailer coupling (e.g. a bicycle rack). Decoupling a trailer G
Risk of injury
Do not connect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your hand could
become trapped between the bumper and
drawbar.
! Do not uncouple a trailer with overrun
brake between the bumper and drawbar,
otherwise your vehicle could be damaged
by the spring action of the overrun brake.
Steel-spring vehicles
X Make sure the selector lever is set to P.
X Depress the parking brake.
X Secure the trailer against rolling away.
X Remove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
Vehicles with rear axle level control*
X Make sure the selector lever is set to P.
X Depress the parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Close the doors and tailgate.
X Secure the trailer against rolling away.
X Remove the trailer cable. Operation
* optional
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Trailer towing*
239G
Risk of injury
As soon as you raise the trailer drawbar, the
unladen vehicle rises slightly. The vehicle
then lowers to driving level.
Make sure that nobody is in the vicinity of
the wheel arch or the underbody. You could
otherwise trap yourself or others.
X Lift up the trailer drawbar and decouple the
trailer.
X Switch off the engine.
Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package*
X Make sure the selector lever is set to P.
X Depress the parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Close the doors and tailgate.
X Secure the trailer against rolling away. G
Risk of injury
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you dis-
connect the trailer cable. Make sure that
nobody is in the vicinity of the wheel arch
or the underbody. You could otherwise trap
yourself or others.
As soon as you decouple the trailer, the
unladen vehicle rises slightly. Make sure that you or others are not injured in the
process.
X Remove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
X Switch off the engine. Notes on towing a trailer
G
Risk of accident
When reversing the vehicle towards the
trailer, make sure there is nobody between
the trailer and the vehicle.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If
you do not couple the trailer to the towing
vehicle correctly, the trailer could become
detached.
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
R The permitted trailer drawbar nose-
weight
R The permitted trailer load R
The permitted rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R The maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
You will find the applicable permissible val-
ues which must not be exceeded in the
vehicle documents.
You will find the values approved by the
manufacturer on the vehicle identification
plates and those for the towing vehicle in
the "Technical data" section.
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 354).
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight on the ball coupling is 85 kg.
However, the actual noseweight must not
exceed the value given on the trailer coupling
and trailer identification plates. The lowest
weight applies.
! Use a noseweight as close as possible to
the maximum permissible noseweight. Do
not use a noseweight of less than 50 kg,
otherwise the trailer may come loose. Operation
* optional
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Trailer towing*
240Bear in mind that the payload and the rear
axle load are reduced by the actual nose-
weight.
i On vehicles without level control, the
height of the ball coupling will alter accord-
ing to the load placed on the vehicle. In this
case, you should use a trailer with a height-
adjustable drawbar.
Driving tips i
Observe the notes on ESP ®
trailer stabi-
lisation (Y page 60).
In Germany, the maximum permitted speed
for vehicle/trailer combinations is 80 km/h.
! A maximum speed of 80 km/h should not
be exceeded, even in countries where
higher speeds are permitted for vehicle/
trailer combinations.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance R
is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R consumes more fuel
On long and steep downhill gradients you
must select the shift range 1,2or 3in good
time.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, Distronic* or Speedtronic.
This uses the braking effect of the engine and
you will not have to brake to such an extent
to maintain the same speed. This relieves the
load on the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly. If you need additional braking,
depress the brake pedal repeatedly rather
than continuously. G
Risk of accident
Never depress the brake pedal continu-
ously while the vehicle is in motion, e.g.
never cause the brakes to rub by applying
constant slight pedal pressure. This causes
the brake system to overheat, increases
the braking distance and can lead to the
brakes failing completely. Driving tips
R
Maintain a greater distance from the vehi-
cle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine,
and consequently the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decrease with increas-
ing altitude.
If the trailer swings from side to side:
X Do not accelerate.
X Do not counter-steer.
X Brake if necessary. G
Risk of accident
On no account should you attempt to draw
the vehicle/trailer combination out by
increasing speed. Operation
* optional
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Flat tyre
316
If a pressure of 1.8 bar is not reached after
five minutes:
X Switch off and disconnect the electric air
pump and drive the vehicle forwards or
backwards approximately 10 m.
This distributes the TIREFIT more evenly.
X Remove TIREFIT sealant filler bottle 1
from the electric pump.
X Pump up the tyre again. G
Risk of accident
If a pressure of 1.8 bar is not achieved after
five minutes, the tyre is too badly damaged.
Do not drive any further. Consult a qualified
specialist workshop which has the neces-
sary specialist knowledge and tools to carry
out the work required. Mercedes-Benz rec-
ommends that you use a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre for this purpose. In particu-
lar, work relevant to safety or on safety-
related systems must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
If a tyre pressure of 1.8 bar is reached:
X Press on/off switch 4on the electric air
pump to 0.
The electric air pump is switched off.
X Disconnect the electric air pump and stow
it away. X
Fold up the warning triangle and stow it
away.
X Pull away immediately.
This distributes the TIREFIT more evenly
around the tyre.
X Stop after driving for approximately ten
minutes and check the tyre pressure with
the electric air pump. G
Risk of accident
If the tyre pressure is now lower than
1.3 bar, the tyre is too badly damaged. Do
not drive any further. Consult a qualified
specialist workshop which has the neces-
sary specialist knowledge and tools to carry
out the work required. Mercedes-Benz rec-
ommends that you use a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre for this purpose. In particu-
lar, work relevant to safety or on safety-
related systems must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
X If the tyre pressure is still at least 1.3 bar,
correct it (see fuel filler flap for values).
To increase the tyre pressure: switch on
the electric air pump. To reduce the tyre pressure:
open pres-
sure release screw aon pressure
gauge b.
X Drive to the nearest workshop and have the
tyre changed there.
X Have the TIREFIT kit replaced as soon as
possible at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. at a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. G
Risk of accident
Do not exceed the maximum speed of
80 km/h.
The "max. 80 km/h" sticker must be affixed
within the driver's field of vision.
The vehicle's handling characteristics may
be affected. H
Environmental note
Have the used TIREFIT kit disposed of pro-
fessionally, e.g. at a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre.
X Have the TIREFIT kit replaced every four
years at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. Practical advice
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Flat tyre
322The air pump can be operated again once
it has cooled down.
If the tyre pressure is higher than 3.0 bar:
X Version 1: open pressure release
screw 4on the pressure gauge until the
tyre pressure is correct.
X Version 2: press pressure release button
6 until the tyre pressure is correct.
X Switch off the electric air pump with on/off
switch 2, remove from the tyre valve and
stow it away.
Lowering the vehicle X
Place the ratchet ring spanner onto the
hexagon nut of the jack so that the lettering
AB is visible.
X Lower the vehicle by turning the ratchet
ring spanner until the vehicle is once again
standing firmly on the ground.
X Place the jack to one side. 1
–5 Wheel bolts
X Tighten the wheel bolts evenly in a cross-
wise pattern in the sequence indica-
ted (1 to5). The tightening torque is
150 Nm . G
Risk of accident
Have the tightening torque checked imme-
diately after a wheel is changed. The wheels
could work loose if they are not tightened
to a torque of 150 Nm.
X Turn the jack back to its initial position and
stow it and the rest of the vehicle tool kit in
the luggage compartment. X
Transport the faulty wheel in the boot.
or
X Depending on the size of the wheel, you
may also be able to secure the faulty wheel
in the emergency spare wheel well. In this
case, you will have to remove the stowage
tray from the emergency spare wheel well
and stow it securely in the luggage com-
partment.
i Do not activate the tyre pressure moni-
tor* until the deflated tyre has been
removed from the vehicle. MOExtended run-flat system*
The MOExtended run-flat system must only
be used in conjunction with the tyre pressure
loss warning system*.
! The maximum permissible distance which
can be driven in run-flat mode depends on
the load in the vehicle. It is 50 km if the
vehicle is partially laden and 30 km if fully
laden.
The maximum range that can be driven in
emergency operation is measured from the
point at which the pressure loss warning
message appears in the multi-function dis-
play. Practical advice
* optional
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