2008 MERCEDES-BENZ R350 belt

296 Controls in detail
Loading
Folding third-row seats
Completely lower the head restraints of
the third-row seats.
1Seat belt holder
2Release handle
3Seat backrest
Place seat belt in seat belt holder 1.
Pull release handle 2 on seat
backrest3 in direction of arrow.
Seat backrest 3 is released.
Slowly move seat backrest 3 forward.
Seat cushion 7 is released and folds
forward automatically.
3Seat backrest (third-row seat)
4Recess (on second-row seat backrest)
5Guide pin (on third-row seat cushion)
6Seat backrest (second-row seat)
7Seat cushion (third-row seat)
8StrapFold seat cushion 7 to a horizontal
position.
Guide pin 5 must engage in recess 4
of seat backrest 6.
Fold seat backrest 3 to a horizontal
position.
iThe third-row head restraints are adjusted in
the same manner as the head restraints of the
second-row seats (
page 135).
iStrap 8 serves to pull up the seat backrest
when bringing the third-row seats back to their
original position (
page 297).
iThe outboard second-row seats must be in
their rearmost position (
page 134).

297 Controls in detail
Loading
Returning seats to their original posi-
tion
Third-row seats
Reach into strap 8 (page 296) and
pull seat backrest 3 (
page 296) into
a vertical position.
Pull release handle 2 (page 296)
and adjust seat backrest 3
(
page 296) to the desired position.
Move seat cushion 7 (page 296) to
a vertical position.
Fold seat cushion 7 (page 296)
towards the seat backrest until it
audibly engages.Outboard second-row seats
Pull release lever 3 past the
resistance point as far as it will go
(
page 295) and move up the seat
backrest to an angle of approximately
45 degrees.
Install the head restraint (page 137).
Adjust the seat backrest to the desired
position (
page 134).
Check whether the seat is properly
locked, see “Lock status indicators
(outboard second-row seats)”
(
page 298).
Adjust the seat fore or aft to the
desired position (
page 134).
Warning!G
Make sure

the seats are properly locked

the seat backrests are in an upright
position and are properly locked
An outboard second-row seat is properly
locked only when lock status indicator 1 is
in hinged position and red marking 2 is
barely visible, see “Lock status indicators
(outboard second-row seats)”
(
page 298).
If a seat and seat backrest are not properly
locked, the seat could move forward and the
seat backrest could fold. You could slide
under the seat belt during braking, vehicle
maneuvers, or in an accident. If you slide
under it, the belt would apply force at the
abdomen or neck. That could cause serious
or even fatal injuries.
!When returning the seats to their original
position, it is important to proceed in the
following order:

third-row seats

outboard second-row seats

second-row middle seat*
Otherwise, you could damage the seats.
!Do not fold up seat cushion 7 before fold-
ing seat backrest 3, see “Folding third-row
seats” (
page 296), as this could damage the
upholstery.

301 Controls in detail
Loading
When not in use, you can attach the cover
blind extensions to the cover blind.
5Extension guide rail
6Mounting
With the cargo compartment cover
installed behind third-row seats, insert
extension guide rail 5 into
mounting6.
Push extension into mounting6 as far
as it will go.
Cargo net*Use of the cargo net is a particularly
important safety factor when the vehicle is
loaded higher than the top of the seat
backrests with smaller objects. For your
safety, always use the cargo net when
transporting cargo.
The cargo net can be installed in two
locations:
1Holder behind B-pillar
2Holder behind C-pillar
Warning!G
Make sure the cargo net is properly engaged
at top and bottom position and the tighten-
ing belts are securely fastened.
Never use a damaged cargo net.
To help avoid personal injury from smaller
objects being thrown around in the occu-
pant compartment during a collision or
sudden maneuver, always use cargo net
when transporting cargo.
The cargo net cannot prevent the movement
of large, heavier objects into the passenger
compartment in an accident. Such items
must be properly secured using the cargo
tie-down rings in the cargo compartment
floor (
page 290).
Passenger use of seats behind installed
cargo net is restricted because of the foot-
well being taken up by the net.

302 Controls in detail
Loading

With the cargo compartment expanded
in part (
page 292), use holders
behind C-pillars 2 and the cargo
tie-down rings in the third-row footwell
(
page 291).

With the cargo compartment fully
expanded (
page 293), use holders
behind B-pillars 1 and the cargo
tie-down rings in the second-row
footwell (
page 291).
Open the hook and loop fasteners on
the cargo net package.
Roll out the cargo net.
Unfold the cargo net.
The cargo net bars must audibly
engage.Installing the cargo net
Cargo net installed behind the B-pillar
1Holder
2Cargo net bar
Hang cargo net bar2 on holder1 as
indicated by the arrow.
Push cargo net bar2 forward into
holder1 in direction of arrow.Pulling the cargo net tight
Belt hook attached in the second-row
footwell
1Belt hook
2Cargo tie-down ring
3Tightening belt
Hook belt hook1 into cargo tie-down
ring2 in direction of arrow.
Pull tightening belt3 by the loose end
in direction of arrow until the cargo net
is pulled tight.
After driving a short distance, make
sure the cargo net is still tight and, if
necessary, pull it tight again.

303 Controls in detail
Loading
Loosening the cargo net
Belt hook attached in the second-row
footwell
1Buckle
2Belt hook
3Cargo tie-down ring
Loosen the tightening belt by pulling
buckle1 upward in direction of arrow.
Remove belt hook2 from cargo
tie-down ring3.Removing and storing the cargo net
Take cargo net bar2 out of holder1,
see “Installing the cargo net”
(
page 302).
Press the red button on the upper and
lower cargo net bar.
Fold the cargo net.
Roll up the cargo net.
Close the hook and loop fasteners on
cargo net package.

385 Operation
Tires and wheels
General:
Depending on the design standards used,
the tire size molded into the sidewall may
have no letter or a letter preceding the tire
size designation.
No letter preceding the size designation
(as illustrated above): Passenger car tire
based on European design standards.
Letter “P” preceding the size designation:
Passenger car tire based on U.S. design
standards.
Letter “LT” preceding the size designation:
Light Truck tire based on U.S. design
standards.
Letter “T” preceding the size designation:
Temporary spare tires which are high
pressure compact spares designed for
temporary emergency use only. Tire width
The tire width1 (
page 384) indicates
the nominal tire width in mm.
Aspect ratio
The aspect ratio2 (
page 384) is the
dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width and is
expressed in percentage. The aspect ratio
is arrived at by dividing section height by
section width.
Tire code
The tire code3 (
page 384) indicates
the tire construction type. The “R” stands
for radial tire type. Letter “D” means diag-
onal or bias ply construction; letter “B”
means belted-bias ply construction.
At the tire manufacturer’s option, any tire
with a speed capability above 149 mph
(240 km/h) can include a “ZR” in the size
designation (for example: 245/40 ZR 18).
For additional information, see “Tire speed
rating” (
page 386).Rim diameter
The rim diameter4 (
page 384) is the
diameter of the bead seat, not the
diameter of the rim edge. Rim diameter is
indicated in inches (in).
Tire load rating
The tire load rating5 (
page 384) is a
numerical code associated with the
maximum load a tire can support.
For example, a load rating of 91 corre-
sponds to a maximum load of 1356 lbs
(615 kg) the tire is designed to support.
See also “Maximum tire load”
(
page 390) where the maximum load as-
sociated with the load index is indicated in
kilograms and lbs.

405 Operation
Vehicle care
Engine cleaning
Prior to cleaning the engine compartment
make sure to protect electrical compo-
nents and connectors from the intrusion of
water and cleaning agents.
Corrosion protection, such as
MB Anticorrosion Wax, should be applied
to the engine compartment after every
engine cleaning. Before applying, all con-
trol linkage bushings and joints should be
lubricated. The poly-V-belt and all pulleys
should be protected from any wax.
Vehicle washing
In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces
of road salt as soon as possible.
When washing the vehicle underbody, do
not forget to clean the inner sides of the
wheels.Hand-wash
Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle
in direct sunlight.
Only use a mild car wash detergent,
such as Mercedes-Benz approved Car
Shampoo.
Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a dif-
fused jet of water.
Direct only a very weak spray towards
the ventilation intake.
Use plenty of water and rinse the
sponge and chamois frequently.
Rinse with clean water and thoroughly
dry with a chamois.
Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on
the finish.Automatic car wash
You can have your car washed in an auto-
matic car wash from the start. Automatic
car washes without brushes are prefera-
ble.
To protect the filter system, switch the
climate control system (
page 208) or
the automatic climate control system*
(
page 222) to air recirculation mode.
If the vehicle is very dirty, prewash it
before running it through the automatic
car wash.
iVehicles with KEYLESS-GO*:
If a door handle is hit by a strong jet of water, and
a SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* is in close
proximity, i.e. within approximately
3 ft (approximately 1 m), the vehicle could be
inadvertently locked or unlocked.
!Do not use scouring agents on these parts.
Never apply strong force and only use a soft,
non-scratching cloth when cleaning the vehicle.
Do not attempt to wipe the surface with a dry
cloth or sponge.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the paint.
!Do not clean your vehicle in an automatic
touchless car wash which uses caustic spray.
Otherwise the caustic spray will damage the
paint or ornamental moldings.
!Make sure that the windshield wiper switch
is set to0 (
page 60). Otherwise, the rain
sensor could activate and cause the wipers to
move unintentionally. This may lead to vehicle
damage.
Due to the width of the vehicle, fold in exterior
rear view mirrors prior to running the vehicle
through an automatic car wash to prevent
damage to the mirrors.

411 Operation
Vehicle care
Hard plastic trim items
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Interior
Care, a soft, lint-free cloth and apply
with light pressure.
Steering wheel
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thor-
oughly or clean with Mercedes-Benz
approved Leather Care.Carpets
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Carpet
and Fabric Care for cleaning the
carpets.
Headliner
Use a soft bristle brush or a
dry-shampoo cleaner in case of
excessive dirt.
Seat belts
Only use clear, lukewarm water and
soap.Upholstery
Using aftermarket seat covers or wearing
clothing that have the tendency to give off
coloring (e.g. when wet, etc.) may cause
the upholstery to become permanently dis-
colored. By lining the seats with a proper
intermediate cover, contact-discoloration
will be prevented.
!Never apply strong force and only use a soft,
non-scratching cloth when cleaning the surface.
Do not attempt to wipe the surface with a dry
cloth or sponge.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the
surface.
!The seat belts must not be treated with
chemical cleaning agents. Do not dry the seat
belts at temperatures above 176°F (80°C) or in
direct sunlight.
Warning!G
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
Warning!G
Only use seat or head restraint covers which
have been tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model.
Using other seat or head restraint covers
may interfere with or prevent

deployment of the front side impact air
bags

deployment of the rear side impact air
bags*

activation of the active head restraints
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center for availability.