Page 129 of 264

vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
Load distribution
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) which is the
weight of the vehicle includingRfuel
Rtools
Rspare wheel
Rinstalled accessories
Rpassengers
Rluggage/cargo
It must never exceed the load limit and the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for your
vehicle. The load limit and the GVWR are
specified on the placard located on the
driver’s door B-pillar (Y page 246).
In addition, the load must be distributed so
that the weight on each axle never exceeds
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the
front and rear axle. The GVWR and GAWR for
your vehicle are indicated on the certification
label located on the driver’s door B-pillar
(Y page 246).
For more information, see “Tire and Loading
Information” (Y page 161).
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 illustration
shown. The heaviest items are to be placed
towards the front of the vehicle.
i The cargo compartment is the preferred
place to carry objects. The expanded cargo
volume (Y page 128) should only be used
for items which do not fit in the cargo
compartment alone.
Please pay attention to and comply with the
following instructions when loading the
vehicle and transporting cargo:
RAlways pad off sharp edges.
RAlways place items being carried against
front or rear seat backrests, and fasten
them as securely as possible.
RThe heaviest portion of the cargo should
always be kept as low as possible against
front or rear seat backrests.
For additional safety when transporting cargo
while the rear seats are unoccupied, fasten
the outer seat belts crosswise into the
opposite side buckles :.
Loading and storing127Controls in detail463_AKB; 2; 52, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.7.12008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 127Z
Page 130 of 264

Roof rack
This vehicle is not intended to carry items on
its roof. Thus roof rails and any roof-mounted
devices must not be used.
GWarning!
Do not load items on the roof. It may cause
instability during some maneuvers which
could result in an accident.
Parcel net
GWarning!
Parcel nets are intended for storing light-
weight items only, such as road maps, mail,
etc.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges, or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
parcel nets. In an accident, during hard
braking, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Parcel nets cannot protect transported goods
in the event of an accident.
A parcel net is located in the front passenger
footwell.
Cargo tie-down rings
Your vehicle is equipped with four cargo tie-
down rings.
Always follow loading instructions
(Y page 126).
Carefully secure cargo by applying even load
on all cargo tie-down rings with rope of
sufficient strength to hold down the cargo.
Expanding cargo volume
To expand the cargo volume, you can fold the
left and right rear seat backrests and the rear
seat bench forward.
GWarning!
Always lock seat backrest in its upright
position when the rear seat bench is
occupied, or the extended cargo volume is not
in use.
Check for secure locking by pushing and
pulling on the seat backrest.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This 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, exercise care when
transporting cargo.
GWarning!
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
GWarning!
Failure to assure that the seat bench and seat
backrests are locked into place could result
in an increased chance of injury in an
accident.
128Loading and storingControls in detail
463_AKB; 2; 52, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.7.12008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 128
Page 131 of 264

Never place hands under seat or near any
moving parts while a seat is being adjusted.
For safety reasons, the rear seat bench must
only be adjusted when the vehicle is
stationary.
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
! Before folding the rear seat backrest and
the rear seat bench forward, make sure
that all containers in the rear cup holder are
removed.
XFolding rear seat backrest: Pull release
lever : in direction of arrow and fold the
rear seat backrest forward until it locks into
place.
XFolding rear seat bench: Remove the
middle rear seat head restraint
(Y page 65).
XIf necessary, pull the driver’s and/or front
passenger seat forward.
XFold the rear seat backrests forward.XPull release lever ; in direction of arrow.XFold the rear seat bench forward.XAdjust front seats to desired position.XReturning rear seat bench to original
position: Fold the rear seat bench together
with the rear seat backrest rearward until
it locks into place.
XInstall the middle rear seat head restraint
(Y page 65).
XReturning rear seat backrest to original
position: Relieve the tension on the rear
seat backrest and pull release lever :.
XRaise the rear seat backrest until it locks
into place.
! Make sure that the seat belt is not
pinched when folding rear seat backrest.
XCheck for secure locking by pushing and
pulling on the rear seat backrest.
Cargo compartment cover blind
The cargo compartment cover blind can be
installed behind the rear seat bench.
! With the cargo compartment cover blind
installed, do not pile luggage higher than
the lower edges of the rear side windows.
XRolling out: Grip the blind strap and pull
cargo compartment cover blind :
rearward across the cargo compartment.
XEngage cargo compartment cover
blind : into the mounts to the left and
right of the tailgate.
XRolling up: Disengage cargo compartment
cover blind : from the mounts and guide
retraction.
Loading and storing129Controls in detail463_AKB; 2; 52, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.7.12008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 129Z
Page 132 of 264

XRemoving: Roll up cargo compartment
cover blind =.
XOpen latch ; on the right and left side of
cargo compartment cover blind = in
direction of the arrow.
XPull cargo compartment cover blind = out
upwards.
XInstalling: Open latch ; on the right and
left side.
XPlace cargo compartment cover blind =
into recesses.
XPress the right and left side of cargo
compartment cover blind = down until it
locks into place.
XClose latch ; on the right and left side.XMake sure the blind is securely fastened.
Storage compartments
GWarning!
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or
cargo in the cargo compartment if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
Parcel 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
Rbraking
Rvehicle maneuvers
Ran accident
GWarning!
Do not load items on the roof. It may cause
instability during some maneuvers which
could result in an accident.
Front storage compartments
Glove box
An media interface is located in the glove box.
For information on media interface, see
separate COMAND system operating
instructions.
XOpening: Pull glove box lid release :.XClosing: Push glove box lid ; upwards
until it engages.
Locking and unlocking the glove box
You can lock the glove box, e.g. when the
vehicle is in the shop for service.
The glove box can only be locked or unlocked
with the mechanical key.
130Loading and storingControls in detail
463_AKB; 2; 52, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.7.12008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 130
Page 133 of 264

1Glove box unlocked2Glove box locked
Storage compartment/storage tray
below armrest
XOpening storage tray: Press button :
and lift up armrest cover.
XClosing storage tray: Lower armrest
cover until it engages in lock.
XOpening storage compartment: Press
button ; and lift up armrest cover.
XClosing storage compartment: Lower
armrest cover until it engages in lock.
iLocated in the cover of the storage tray is
a storage area for small items.
iThe Roadside Assistance button º
(Y page 137) and the Information button
E (Y page 138) are located in the
storage tray.
Storage box in front of armrestXOpening storage box: Slide storage box
cover : upward.
XClosing storage box: Slide storage box
cover : downward.
Rear storage compartments
Storage bags
GWarning!
Storage bags are intended for storing light-
weight items only.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
storage bag. In an accident, during hard
braking, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Storage bags cannot protect transported
goods in the event of an accident.
Storage bags are located on the back of the
front seats.
Useful features
Cup holders
GWarning!
In order to help prevent spilling liquids on
vehicle occupants and/or vehicle equipment,
only use containers that fit into the cup
holder. Use lids on open containers and do
Useful features131Controls in detail463_AKB; 2; 52, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.7.12008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 131Z
Page 134 of 264

not fill containers to a height where the
contents, especially hot liquids, could spill
during braking, vehicle maneuvers, or in an
accident. Liquids spilled on vehicle occupants
may cause serious personal injury. Liquids
spilled on vehicle equipment may cause
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
When not in use, keep the cup holder closed.
An open cup holder may cause injury to you
or others when contacted during braking,
vehicle maneuvers, or in an accident.
Keep in mind that objects placed in the cup
holder may come loose during braking,
vehicle maneuvers, or in an accident and be
thrown around in the vehicle interior. Objects
thrown around in the vehicle interior may
cause an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
Cup holder next to armrest
XPlace bracket of cup holder : into recess
indicated by arrow of cup holder base ;.
If the cup holder is no longer in use, it can for
example, be stored in the glove box or storage
compartment below the armrest.
Cup holder in front passenger footwellXSwing cup holder : upwards until it clicks
into place.
! Fold the cup holder closed before moving
the front passenger seat fully forward.
Cup holder in rear passenger footwell
! Before folding the rear seat backrest and
the rear seat bench forward, make sure
that all containers in the rear cup holder are
removed.
Sun visors
GWarning!
Do not use the vanity mirror while driving.
Keep the vanity mirrors in the sun visors
closed while vehicle is in motion. Reflected
glare can endanger you and others.
132Useful featuresControls in detail
463_AKB; 2; 52, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.7.12008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 132
Page 135 of 264

:Sun visor;Mounting=Vanity mirror cover?Vanity mirror lamps
Glare through the windshield
XFlip sun visor : down when you
experience glare.
Glare through a door window
XClose vanity mirror cover = if opened.XDisengage sun visor : from
mounting ;.
XPivot sun visor : to the side.
Vanity mirror
The mirror lamp only functions when the sun
visor is engaged in mounting.
XFlip sun visor : down.XLift up vanity mirror cover =.
Vanity mirror lamps ? comes on.
Ashtrays
Center console ashtray
GWarning!
Remove front ashtray insert only with vehicle
standing still.
XOpening: Briefly touch at top of cover :.XRemoving ashtray insert: Secure vehicle
from movement by engaging the parking
brake.
XShift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N.
XPush sliding knob ; to the right.XRemove ashtray insert = from ashtray
frame.
XReinstalling ashtray insert: Push ashtray
insert = down into the ashtray frame until
it engages.
XClosing: Push at top of cover plate : to
close ashtray.
Rear door ashtray
XOpening: Pull at top of cover ;XRemoving ashtray insert: Push down on
catch :.
XPull out ashtray insert =.Useful features133Controls in detail463_AKB; 2; 52, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.7.12008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 133Z
Page 136 of 264

XReinstalling ashtray insert: Position
ashtray insert =.
XClosing: Push at top of cover ;.
Cigarette lighter
GObserve Safety notes, see page 44.GWarning!
Never touch the heating element or sides of
the cigarette lighter; they are extremely hot.
Hold the knob only.
Make sure that any children traveling with you
do not injure themselves or start a fire with
the hot cigarette lighter.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with
you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. A child’s
unsupervised access to a vehicle could result
in an accident and/or serious personal injury.
If the engine is off and the cigarette lighter is
being used extensively, the vehicle battery
may become discharged.
XSwitch on the ignition.XOpen the ashtray (Y page 133).XPush in cigarette lighter :.
Cigarette lighter : will pop out
automatically when hot.
! The lighter socket can be used to
accommodate 12V DC electrical
accessories (up to a maximum of 180 W)
designed for use with the standard
“cigarette lighter” plug type. Keep in mind,
however, that connecting accessories to
the lighter socket (for example extensive
connecting and disconnecting, or using
plugs that do not fit properly) can damage
the lighter socket. With the socket
damaged, the lighter may not function
properly any longer.
Power outlets
The power outlets can be used to
accommodate 12V DC electrical accessories
(e.g. auxiliary lamps, mobile phone chargers)
up to a maximum of 15 A (180 W).
XSwitch on the ignition.
Power outlet in front passenger
footwell
Power outlet in rear center console
134Useful featuresControls in detail
463_AKB; 2; 52, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.7.12008-12-02T10:52:11+01:00 - Seite 134