Cargo tie down rings, cargo compartment
Cargo tie down rings, second-row footwell
Cargo tie-down rings, third-row footwell
Hooks
Two hooks are located on the rear
compartment trim panels, one on each side.
Use the hooks to secure light-weight items
only. The maximum permissible weight per
hook is 9 lbs (4 kg). Expanding cargo volume
You can fold each seat of the rear passenger
compartment separately to expand the cargo
volume.
You can expand the cargo volume
R in part, i.e. folding third-row seats
(Y page 190)
R fully, i.e. folding second-row and third-row
seats (Y page 190) G
Warning!
When expanding the cargo volume, always
fully fold the corresponding seats and, if so
equipped, always use the cargo net when
transporting cargo.
Unless you are transporting cargo, the seat
backrests must remain properly locked in the
upright position.
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.
Always use the cargo tie-down rings. G
Warning!
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death. Loading and storing
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Expanding cargo volume in part
Folding third-row seats
X
Lower the head restraints of the third-row
seats completely ( Y page 88).X
Place seat belt in seat belt holder :.
X Pull release handle ; on seat backrest
= in direction of arrow.
Seat backrest = is released. X
Move seat backrest = slightly forward.
Seat cushion ? is released and folds
forward automatically.
X Fold seat backrest = to a horizontal
position.
i Strap A serves to pull up the seat
backrest when bringing the third-row seats
back to their original position
(Y page 192). Expanding cargo volume fully G
Warning!
Folded second-row seats are intended to
serve as a cargo volume expansion in
conjunction with folded third-row seats only.
Do not fold the second-row seats and allow
third-row seat occupants to use folded
second-row seats as a footrest while driving.
Third-row seat occupants must, like all vehicle
occupants, keep both feet on the floor in front
of their seat. Otherwise, occupants could
slide under their seat belt in a collision. If
occupants slide under the seat belt, it would
apply force at the abdomen or neck. That
could cause serious or even fatal injuries. Do
not fold the second-row seats and allow third-
row seat occupants to use folded second-row
seats as a table while driving. Objects placed
on folded second-row seats may come loose
during braking, vehicle maneuvers, or an
accident and be thrown around the vehicle
interior. Objects thrown around the vehicle
interior may cause an accident and/or
serious personal injury.
! When folding both seat rows, it is
important that you fold the seats in the
following order:
R second-row middle seat (7-seat vehicles)
R outboard second-row seats
R third-row seats
Otherwise, you could damage the seats.
Folding second-row middle seat
! Close the cup holder in front of the
second-row seats before folding the
second-row middle seat. Otherwise you
could damage the cup holder and the
second-row middle seat.
X Lower the head restraint of the second-row
middle seat completely ( Y page 88).190
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X
Removing ashtray insert: Push on
ashtray insert ; and pull it out upwards.
X Reinstalling ashtray insert: Insert
ashtray insert ; into opening.
X Push down ashtray insert ; until it
engages.
X Close cover :. Cigarette lighter
G
Observe Safety notes, see page 55. G
Warning!
Never touch the heating element or sides of
the lighter; they are extremely hot. Hold the
knob only.
Make sure any children traveling with you do
not injure themselves or start a fire with the
hot cigarette lighter.
If the engine is off and the cigarette lighter is
being used extensively, the vehicle battery
may become discharged.
X Open cover : (Y page 198). X
Switch on the ignition.
X Push in cigarette lighter ;.
Cigarette lighter ; will pop out
automatically when hot.
X Take out cigarette lighter ;.
X Reinsert cigarette lighter ; in its socket
after use.
! The lighter socket can be used to
accommodate 12V DC electrical
accessories (up to a maximum of 85 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.
! The cigarette lighter is not designed for
use with the electric air pump. Use the
power outlet in the second-row footwell for
electric air pump operation. Power outlets
i You can use the power outlets even if the
ignition is switched off.
An emergency shut-off feature is designed
to prevent the vehicle’s on-board voltage
from dropping below a minimum level. If
the on-board voltage drops to this Useful features
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i
Leaving the engine running and the fuel
filler cap open can cause the yellow fuel
tank
reserve warning lamp to flash and the
malfunction indicator lamp ! (USA
only) or ; (Canada only) to illuminate.
For more information, see also “Practical
hints” (Y page 305).
X Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
KEYLESS-GO: Open the driver’s door (this
puts the starter switch in position 0, same
as with the SmartKey removed from the
starter switch). The driver’s door then can
be closed again.
X Opening: Press fuel filler flap : at the
point indicated by the arrow.
X Turn fuel filler cap ; counterclockwise.
X Take off fuel filler cap ;.
! The fuel filler cap is tethered to the fuel
filler neck. Do not drop the cap. It could
damage the vehicle paint finish.
X Set fuel filler cap ; on fuel filler flap :.
X Fully insert filler nozzle unit and refuel.
X Only fill your tank until the filler nozzle unit
cuts out – do not top off or overfill .
X Closing: Turn fuel filler cap ; clockwise
until it audibly engages.
X Close fuel filler flap :.
Low outside temperatures (diesel
engine) !
Do not fill the tank with gasoline. Do not
blend
diesel fuel with gasoline or kerosene.
The fuel system and engine will otherwise
be damaged, which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
To prevent malfunctions, diesel fuel with
improved cold flow characteristics is offered
in the winter months. Check with your fuel
retailer. Check regularly and before a long trip
For information on quantities and
requirements
of operating agents, see “Fuels,
coolants, lubricants, etc.” (Y page 350).
Check the following:
R Engine oil level ( Y page 224)
R Tire inflation pressure ( Y page 230)
R Coolant level ( Y page 225)
R Vehicle lighting ( Y page 313)
R Washer system and headlamp cleaning
system (Y page 226)
R Brake fluid ( Y page 227) Engine compartment
Hood
G
Warning!
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This
could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/or others.
Opening G
Warning!
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature display to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away from the vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department. G
Warning!
You could be injured when the hood is open –
even when the engine is turned off.
Parts of the engine can become very hot. To
prevent
burns, let the engine cool completely
before touching any components on the 222
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recommended minimum tire tread depth for
winter tires is
1
/ 6 in (4 mm). Treadwear indicator
: appears as a solid
band across the tread.
Storing tires !
Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry place
with as little exposure to light as possible.
Protect tires from contact with oil, grease
and fuels.
Cleaning tires !
Never use a round nozzle to power wash
tires. The intense jet of water can result in
damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire. Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading is a U.S.
Government requirement designed to give
drivers consistent and reliable information regarding tire performance. Tire
manufacturers are required to grade tires
based on three performance factors:
treadwear
:, traction ;, and temperature
resistance =. Although not a Government of
Canada requirement, all tires made for sale in
North America have these grades branded on
the sidewall.
i For illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and
may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
Quality grades can be found, where
applicable, on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example: Treadwear Traction Temperature
200 AA A
All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to
these grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
U.S. Government test course. For example, a
tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
(1
1
/ 2) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction G
Warning!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction 242
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Tire size designation, load and speed
rating
:
Tire width
; Aspect ratio in %
= Radial tire code
? Rim diameter
A Load index
B Speed symbol
i For illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and
may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
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
Tire width : indicates the nominal tire width
in millimeters. Aspect ratio
Aspect ratio
; 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
Tire code = indicates the tire construction
type. The “R” stands for radial tire type. Letter
“D” means diagonal 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” (Y page 246).
Rim diameter
Rim diameter ? is the diameter of the bead
seat, not the diameter of the rim edge. The
rim diameter is indicated in inches (in).
Load index G
Warning!
The tire load rating must always be at least
half of the GAWR of your vehicle. Otherwise,
tire failure may be the result which may cause
an accident and/or serious injury to you or
others.
Always replace rims and tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as shown
on the original part. G
Warning!
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information placard on the
driver’s door B-pillar. Overloading the tires
can overheat them, possibly causing a
blowout. Overloading the tires can also result
in handling or steering problems, or brake
failure.
Load index A is a numerical code associated
with the maximum load a tire can support. Tires and wheels
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Snow chains
! Vehicles with Adaptive Damping System
(ADS):
When driving with snow chains, do not
select SPORT mode as this may result in
damage to your vehicle.
! Some tire sizes do not leave adequate
clearance for snow chains. To help avoid
serious damage to your vehicle or tires,
make sure the use of snow chains is
permissible as specified in the “Technical
data” section of this Operator’s Manual.
Snow chains should only be driven on snow-
covered roads at speeds not to exceed
30 mph (50 km/h)
. Remove chains as soon
as possible when driving on roads without
snow.
Observe the following guidelines when using
snow chains:
R Use of snow chains is not permissible with
all wheel/tire combinations ( Y page 347).
R Use snow chains in pairs and on rear
wheels only. Follow the manufacturer’s
mounting instructions.
! If snow chains are mounted to the front
wheels, they may scrape against the body
or axle components. The tires or the vehicle
could be damaged as a result.
R Only use snow chains that are approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center will be glad to advise you on
this subject.
R Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check local
and state laws before installing snow
chains.
R Do not use snow chains on the spare wheel.
i When driving with snow chains, you may
wish to switch off the ESP ®
(Y page 65)
before setting the vehicle in motion. This
will improve the vehicle’s traction. Winter driving instructions
G
Warning!
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) gases may enter vehicle interior
resulting in unconsciousness and death.
To
assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind. G
Warning!
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing
point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges. G
Warning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result
in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt
acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, shift
the automatic transmission to neutral
position N. Try to keep the vehicle under
control by corrective steering action.
i For information on driving with snow
chains, see “Snow chains” ( Y page 252).
Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce the
normal brake effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically when
traveling at length on salt-strewn roads can 252
Winter driving
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!
Only conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system or the transfer case which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
! Because the ESP ®
operates
automatically, the engine and ignition must
be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button in position 0 or 1) when the parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer. Such testing should be no
longer than 10 seconds.
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
If your brake system is only subjected to
moderate loads, you should occasionally test
the effectiveness of the brakes by applying
above-normal braking pressure at higher
speeds. This will also enhance the grip of the
brake pads. G
Warning!
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Refer to the description of the Brake Assist
System (BAS) ( Y page 64).
Parking brake When driving on wet roads or dirt covered
surfaces, road salt and/or dirt can get into
the parking brake. To prevent corrosion and a reduction in the
braking power of the parking brake, observe
the following:
X
From time to time, lightly engage the
parking brake before driving off.
X Drive a distance of approximately 110 yds
(100 m) at a maximum speed of 12 mph
(20 km/h). G
Warning!
While performing this procedure please
assure that the vehicle is stopped before
applying the parking brake. Otherwise the
rear wheels could lock up. You could lose
control of the vehicle and cause an accident.
In addition, the vehicle’s brake lights do not
light up when the parking brake is engaged.
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when you engage the parking brake. Driving off
Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not place
full load on the engine until the operating
temperature has been reached.
! When
driving off on a slippery surface, do
not allow a drive wheel to spin for an
extended period with the ESP ®
switched
off. Doing so may cause serious damage to
the drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Simultaneously depressing the
accelerator pedal and applying the brakes
reduces engine performance and causes
premature brake and drivetrain wear which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty. Hydroplaning
Depending
on the depth of the water layer on
the road, hydroplaning may occur, even at low
speeds and with new tires. In heavy rain or
when conditions indicate possible
hydroplaning: Driving instructions
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