2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER load capacity

DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............
269
Flat tire .......................................... 221
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 269
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 269
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................269
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ...... 269
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ........... 270
Labeling (overview) ........................ 266
Load bearing index (definition) ...... 271
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 270
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 270
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 270
Maximum tire load ......................... 265
Maximum tire load (definition) .......270
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 270
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 270
Replacing ....................................... 271
Service life ..................................... 254
Sidewall (definition) .......................270
Speed index (definition) ................. 269
Storing ........................................... 273
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 268
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 271
Tire bead (definition) ......................270
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 270
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 269
Tire size (data) ............................... 280
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed index .................... 266
Tire tread ....................................... 253
Tire tread (definition) .....................270
Total load limit (definition) ............. 271
Traction (definition) ....................... 271
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 269
Unladen weight (definition) ............ 270valve, Snap-In ................................
252
Wear indicator (definition) .............271
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 269
Tires
and wheels (important safety
information) ....................................... 252
tire sealant Storage location ............................ 184
Using ............................................. 222
Tools
see Vehicle tool kit ........................ 182
Top speed
Technical data ............................... 280
Top Tether ............................................ 44
Touchshift .......................................... 114
Tow-away protection .......................... 62
Towing ................................................ 248
Towing a trailer Driving tips .................................... 150
Towing eye ......................................... 249
Tow-starting ....................................... 248
Trailer Brake force booster malfunction ... 188
Coupling up ................................... 150
Decoupling ..................................... 152
Power supply ................................. 153
Towing ........................................... 151
Towing with PARKTRONIC .............122
Trailer tow hitch ............................. 284
Trailer coupling
Permitted weights and loads ......... 285
Trailer hitch ....................................... 284
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 152
Transmission oil ................................ 158
Transport by rail ................................ 140
Transporting Load distribution ...................146, 152
Loading .......................................... 144
Securing a load .............................. 146
Trip computer (vehicles with
steering wheel buttons) .....................85
Trip meter ............................................ 73
see Trip odometer
Trip odometer
Resetting ......................................... 7214
Index

Modifying the engine power output
Having the engine power output of your
vehicle increased by tampering with the
electronic engine management system will
invalidate the vehicle's general operating
permit and insurance coverage, as well as
your New Vehicle Limited Warranty and
warranty entitlement.
Modifications to the output of the engine
must be reported to the insurance provider
and require the vehicle to be recertified. The
tires, chassis, brake and cooling systems
must be adapted to the increased engine
power output.
Tampering with the electronic engine
management system modifies emission
values and it
will not be possible to guarantee
the operating safety of the engine in every
case. Increases in performance may lead to
malfunctions and consequential damage to
other assemblies.
If you sell the vehicle, failing to inform the
buyer of the modified engine power output
could constitute an offense punishable by
law, depending on the country concerned. Diesel particle filter
! If the vehicle is predominantly used for
short-distance driving, this could lead to a
malfunction in the automatic cleaning
function for the diesel particle filter. As a
result, fuel may accumulate in the engine
oil and cause engine failure.
Therefore, if you mainly drive short
distances, you should

drive on a highway or
on rural roads for 20 minutes every
310 miles (500 km). This ensures sufficient
regeneration of the diesel particle filter. Vehicle alterations
We recommend the use of genuine Sprinter
parts and conversion parts as well as accessories that have been expressly
approved for your vehicle model.
These parts have been subjected to special
tests in order to determine their safety,
reliability and suitability.
!
For safety reasons, have add-on
equipment prepared and installed
according to the

Sprinter body/equipment
mounting directives in force. These body/
equipment mounting directives guarantee
that the chassis and add-on equipment
form a cohesive whole and that the highest
possible level of operating and driving
safety is reached.
We recommend for safety reasons that:
R you carry out no other modifications to
the vehicle.
R you obtain the agreement of the
distributor named on the inside of the
front cover for any deviations from the
approved body/equipment mounting
directives.
Approval by official testing centers or
permission given by authorities do not
eliminate safety risks.
! The wooden or plastic cargo area floor
fitted at the factory is an integral
component of the vehicle structure. The
vehicle body could be damaged if you have
the load area floor removed. This then
affects the securing of loads and the
maximum loading capacity of the lashing
points is no longer guaranteed.
Therefore, do not have the load area floor
removed.
Even seemingly small changes to the vehicle,
such as attaching a radiator cover for winter
driving or as protection against insects, are
not allowed. These could cause the engine
diagnostics to register incorrect data. The
recording of engine diagnostic data is a legal
requirement, and must always be verifiable
and accurate. 18
Introduction

A navigation system does not supply
information on the load-bearing capacity of
bridges or the overhead clearance of
underpasses.
The driver remains responsible for the safety
of the vehicle at all times.
Observe legal requirements.
Telephones, two-way
radios
and fax machines
without an exterior antenna could interfere
with the vehicle electronics and thus
compromise the operational safety of the
vehicle. There is an increased risk of accident.
Do not use this equipment while the vehicle
is in motion.
Failure to observe the Sprinter installation
specifications can result in the invalidation of
your vehicle's operating permit.
You will find information on retrofitting
electrical or electronic equipment in the
"Technical data" section ( Y page 277).Telephone
G
Warning
A driver's attention to the road must always
be his/her primary focus when driving. For
your safety and the safety of others, we
recommend that you pull over to a safe
location and stop before placing or taking a
telephone call. If you choose to use the
telephone while driving,

please use the hands-
free device and only use the telephone when
weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
Some jurisdictions prohibit the driver from
using a mobile phone while driving a vehicle.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h ), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second. G
Warning
Excessive electromagnetic radiation may
constitute a health hazard to yourself and
others. Use of an exterior antenna gives consideration to scientific discussion
surrounding the
possible

health risk posed by
electromagnetic fields.
The exterior antenna should only be installed
at a qualified specialist workshop which has
the necessary specialist knowledge and tools
to carry out the work required. We
recommend that you use an authorized
Sprinter Dealer for this purpose. In particular,
work relevant to safety or on safety-related
systems must be carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
We recommend the use of an approved
exterior antenna for operating the mobile
phone. Only in this way can optimal mobile
phone reception quality in the vehicle be
ensured and mutual interference between the
vehicle electronics and mobile phones
minimized.
Observe the legal requirements for each
individual country.
The mobile phone fitting includes a hands-
free system integrated into the vehicle. The
microphone for the hands-free system is
installed in the overhead control panel or in
the overhead stowage compartment together
with the front interior light.
In order to use the hands-free system, you will
need a special bracket. The Sprinter range of
accessories includes brackets for various
mobile phone models.
i Mobile phone brackets which are
available from various manufacturers on
the open market are not compatible with
the Sprinter telephone system. You can
recognize suitable phone brackets for your
mobile, by the printed star and the B6 in the
part number on the rear of the phone
bracket.
Detailed instructions for use can be found in
the operating instructions for the mobile
phone bracket and in the separate operating
instructions for the mobile phone fittings.
i The mobile phone battery is charged
depending on the condition of charge 134
Communications
Controls

G
Warning
Do not attempt to modify or repair the lashing
points, cargo tie-down

rings or tie downs. The
load or the cargo tie-down rings could work
loose and cause serious injury to you and
other people as well as material damage.
Spread the load evenly between the lashing
points or cargo tie-down rings.
Observe the loading guidelines.
i Secure loose loads with a tested lashing
net or a tarpaulin.
X Always fasten the lashing net or tarpaulin
to all available

cargo tie-down points. Make
sure that the retaining hooks are secured
against accidental opening.
! Observe the information

on the maximum
loading capacity of the lashing points.
If you use multiple lashing points to secure
a load, you should observe the maximum
loading capacity of the weakest lashing
point.
When you brake hard, for example, forces
apply that can be far higher than the weight
force of the transported load. Always use
multiple lashing points to distribute these
forces, and distribute the load equally
among them.
Information about the maximum loading
capacity of the cargo tie-down points can be
found in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 283).
i If your vehicle is equipped with loading
rails in the cargo floor, you should place
lashing rods directly in front of and behind
the load. The lashing rods directly absorb
the potential shifting forces. G
Warning
If you
tension the lashing straps between the
side walls, or between a side wall and the
cargo floor, the

maximum permissible load for
the loading rails or lashing points or eyelets
could be exceeded if the brakes are applied suddenly, if
the vehicle's direction is changed
abruptly or in the event of an accident.
The load would no longer be secured,
resulting in a risk of serious injury being
caused by the load slipping.
For this reason,

do not tension a lashing strap
between the side walls or between a side wall
and the cargo floor.
Only lashing rods are to be used between the
loading rails on the side walls. Observe the
operating instructions of the lashing rod
manufacturer.
i Securing loads on the cargo floor by
lashing them down is only recommended
for lightweight loads. Place non-slip mats
(anti-slip mats) on the cargo floor to
increase load security. G
Warning
Before releasing
the lashing straps, you must
make sure that

the load is standing firmly and
that it cannot tip over once the straps have
been removed. Otherwise, you or others could
be injured by the load slipping.
Installing/removing cargo tie-down
points for the loading rails X
To install: slide the cargo tie-down ring
through a recess

in the loading rail close to
the load until locking mechanism 0046
engages in the recess.
i When you pull locking mechanism 0046 up
and out of the recess, the cargo tie-down
ring is able to move within the loading rail. 148
Transporting loads with the vehicle
Operation

R
Grab handles
R Wheels, tires and wheel arches
R License plates
X Remove any trapped foreign objects, e.g.
stones.
X Check the wheel suspension for damage. G
Warning
Dirty brake discs and brake pads/linings can
impair braking performance (up to the point
of total failure).
This could lead to an accident.
Check the brake system for operating safety
by testing the brakes before driving the
vehicle on public roads.
In the event of impaired braking, stop the
vehicle while paying attention to the traffic
conditions and contact a qualified specialist
workshop which has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools for the work required.
For this, we recommend an authorized
Sprinter Dealer. In particular, work relevant to
safety or on safety-related systems must be
carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
After driving in mud, sand, water or in similar
conditions:
R check the brake system for operating
safety.
R clean the wheels, chassis and brake
system.
R check the wheels, chassis and brake
system for damage. Have any damage
repaired at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. an authorized Sprinter Dealer. Maintenance
General notes
The scope and regularity of the maintenance
work primarily depend on the often diverse
operating conditions.
The vehicle Maintenance Booklet describes
the scope and frequency of maintenance
work and contains additional notes on the New Vehicle Limited Warranty and on service
products.
Specialist knowledge beyond the scope of
these Operating
Instructions

is required when
carrying out testing and maintenance work.
Have this work carried out by trained
personnel.
i Maintenance services must be carried out
in accordance with the provisions and
recommendations in the Maintenance
Booklet.
Not doing so could void the warranty claim
and lead to refusal of goodwill gestures
after the manufacturer has submitted a
damage report. G
Warning
Before carrying out maintenance operations
and repairs, you must read the sections
referring to maintenance operations and
repairs:
R this includes relevant sections of the
technical documentation, such as the
operating instructions and workshop
information.
R you should also

familiarize yourself with the
legal requirements, such as work safety
regulations and accident prevention
measures.
You could otherwise fail to recognize dangers
and thereby injure yourself or others.
You must secure the vehicle on axle stands of
sufficient load bearing capacity if work is
being carried out beneath it.
Never use the vehicle jack instead of stands.
The jack could slip and the vehicle could drop.
This could result in serious injury to yourself
or others.
The vehicle jack is intended only to raise the
vehicle for a short time.
Always have maintenance work carried out at
a qualified specialist workshop. The workshop
must have the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required. For this, we recommend an 166
Maintenance
Operation

0046
Maximum number of seats
0047 Maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight rating
Maximum number of seats 0046 determines the
maximum number of occupants allowed to
travel in the vehicle. This information can be
found on the Tire and Loading Information
placard.
Determining the maximum load Individual steps
The following steps have been developed as
required of all manufacturers under Title 49,
Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575
pursuant to the "National Traffic and Motor
Vehicle Safety Act of 1966".
X
Step 1: Locate the statement "The
combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX lbs." on
your vehicle's Tire and Loading Information
placard.
X Step 2: Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
traveling in your vehicle.
X Step 3: Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from XXX
kilograms or XXX lbs.
X Step 4: The resulting figure equals the
available amount of

cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the "XXX" amount
equals 1400 lbs and there will be five
150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs (1400 - 750 (5 x 150) =
650 lbs).
X Step 5: Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. For reasons of safety, that weight
must not exceed the available cargo and
luggage cargo capacity calculated in step
4.
X Step 6

(if applicable): If you
intend to tow
a trailer behind your vehicle, the load on the
trailer is transferred to your vehicle.
Consult this Operator's Manual to
determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle ( Y page 265). Loading the vehicle
263
Wheels and tires Z

i
The actual values for tires are specific to
each vehicle and may deviate from the
values in the illustration.
Maximum tire load 0046 is the maximum
permitted weight for which the tire is
approved.
Further information on tire loads
(Y page 266). Tire labeling
Overview of tire labeling
The following markings are on the tire in
addition to the tire name (sales designation)
and the manufacturer's name: 0046
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(Y page 268)
0047 Maximum tire load ( Y page 265)
008A Maximum tire pressure (Y page 257)
0088 Manufacturer
0086 Tire material ( Y page 268)
0087 Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed index (
Y page 266)
006E Tire name
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example. Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed index
0046
Design standard
0047 Tire width
008A Nominal aspect ration in %
0088 Tire code
0086 Rim diameter
0087 Load bearing index
006E Speed index
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
Instructions for tires can be found under
"Tires and wheels" in the "Technical data"
section ( Y page 280).
General: depending on the manufacturer's
standards, the size imprinted in the tire wall
may not contain any letters or may contain
one letter 0046 that precedes the size
description.
If "LT" precedes the size description (as
shown above): these are light truck tires
according to U.S. manufacturing standards.
If "C"
precedes
the size description: these are
commercial motor vehicle tires according to
European manufacturing standards.
Tire width: tire width 0047 shows the nominal
tire width in millimeters.
Nominal aspect ratio: aspect ratio 008A is the
size ratio between the tire height and the tire
width and is shown in percent. The aspect
ratio is calculated by dividing the tire width by
the tire height. 266
Tire labeling
Wheels and tires

Tire code:
tire code 0088 specifies the tire type.
"R" represents radial tires. "D" represents
diagonal tires, "B" represents diagonal radial
tires.
Rim diameter: rim diameter 0086 is the
diameter of the bead seat, not the diameter
of the rim flange. The rim diameter is
specified in inches (in).
Load bearing index: load bearing index 0087
is a numerical code which specifies the
maximum load-bearing capacity of a tire. G
Warning
The tire load rating must always be at least
half of the GAWR of your vehicle. Otherwise,
sudden tire failure may be the result which
could cause an

accident and/or serious injury
to you or others.
Always replace rims and tires with rims and
tires having the same specifications
(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.
Example:
The load bearing index 120 is equivalent to a
maximum load of 3042 lbs (1380 kg) that the
tire can carry. If two load-bearing capacity
indices are specified (as shown above), the
first number states the load-bearing capacity
for single tires, the second number the load-
bearing capacity for twin tires. For further
information on the maximum tire load in
kilograms and pounds, see ( Y page 265).
Speed index: speed index 006E specifies the
approved maximum speed of the tire. G
Warning
Even when permitted by law, never operate a
vehicle at speeds greater than the maximum
speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum

speed for which tires
are rated can lead to sudden tire failure,
causing loss of vehicle control and possibly
resulting in an accident and/or serious
personal injury and possible death, for you
and for others.
Regardless of the speed index always observe
the speed limits. Drive carefully and adapt
your driving style to the traffic conditions. Index Speed rating
F up to 50 mph (80 km/h)
G up to 56 mph (90 km/h)
J up to 62 mph (100 km/h)
K up to 68 mph (110 km/h)
L up to 74 mph (120 km/h)
M up to 80 mph (130 km/h)
N up to 87 mph (140 km/h)
P up to 93 mph (150 km/h)
Q up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
R above 106 mph (170 km/h)
i
Not all tires that have the M+S
identification offer the driving
characteristics of winter tires. Winter tires
have, in addition

to the M+S identification,
the 004D snow flake symbol on the tire
sidewall. Tires with this identification fulfill
the requirements of the Rubber
Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the
Rubber Association of Canada (RAC)
regarding the tire traction on snow and
have been especially developed for driving
on snow.
More information on reading the tire data can
be obtained at any qualified specialist Tire labeling
267
Wheels and tires Z