
Order num-
ber
(A 000 ...)
970 12 00 970 17 00
Automatic
child seat
recognition
Yes No
Manufac-
turer
Britax Römer Britax Römer
Type
KIDFIX KIDFIX
Approval
number
(E1 ...)
04 301198 04 301198
Order num-
ber
(A 000 ...)
970 18 00 970 19 00
Automatic
child seat
recognition
Yes No
Suggested "Universal" category ISOFIX
child restraint systems:
Carry-cot weight category
Size categories
F, G
Manufacturer
–
Type
–
Approval number
(E1 ...)
–
Order number
–
Automatic child
seat recognition
–
Category 0: up to 10 kg
Size category
E
Manufacturer
–
Type
– Approval number
(E1 ...)
–
Order number
–
Automatic child
seat recognition
–
Category 0+: up to 13 kg
Size catego-
ries
E D, C
Manufac-
turer
Britax Römer –
Type
BABY SAFE
ISOFIX PLUS –
Approval
number
(E1 ...)
04 301146 –
Order num-
ber
B6 6 86
8224 –
Automatic
child seat
recognition
No –
Category I: 9 to 18 kg
Size categories
D, C, B, A
Manufacturer
–
Type
–
Approval number
(E1 ...)
–
Order number
–
Automatic child
seat recognition
–
Size category
B1
Manufacturer
Britax Römer
Type
DUO PLUS68
Children in the vehicleSafety

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all mod-
els, series and optional equipment for your
vehicle that were available at the time of
going to press. National variations are pos-
sible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the functions descri-
bed. This is also the case for systems and
functions relevant to safety.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops: (Y page 25). Key
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Only for the United Kingdom: if the vehicle
has been locked with the key or with KEY-
LESS-GO, the double lock function is activa-
ted as standard. It is then not possible to open
the doors from inside the vehicle.
Therefore, do not leave any people behind in
the vehicle, particularly children, elderly peo-
ple or people requiring special assistance. As
a result, they may not be able to free them-
selves in the event of an emergency. They
could be seriously or even fatally injured by
prolonged exposure to extremely high or low
temperatures, for example. In this case, res-
cuing people from outside the vehicle is diffi-
cult.
Deactivate the interior motion sensor before
you lock the vehicle. The doors can then be
opened from the inside after the vehicle has
been locked from the outside. G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could: R
open a door from inside the vehicle at any
time, even if it has been locked
R start the vehicle using akey which has been
left in the vehicle
R release the parking brake
They could thereby endanger themselves and
others. Never leave children unsupervised in
the vehicle. Always take the key with you
when leaving the vehicle, even if you are only
leaving it for a short time. G
WARNING
If a key ring is too heavy or too large, the
weight acting on the key could cause it to turn
in the ignition lock or catch on the steering
wheel. This could cause the engine to be
switched off suddenly. You may lose control
of the vehicle and cause an accident. Do not
attach any heavy or large key rings to the key
that is inserted in the ignition.
R Do not keep the key:
-with electronic devices, e.g. a mobile
phone or another key
- with metallic objects, e.g. coins or metal
foil
- inside metallic objects, e.g. a metal case
This can affect the key's functionality.
Keep the key away from strong magnetic
fields. Otherwise, the remote control function
could be affected. 82
KeyOpening and closing

The maximum permissible weight may be
reduced by:
R
extensive optional extras
R vehicle load
R towing a trailer
The combined luggage cover and net must be
fitted if you are using the folding bench seat
(Y page 320).
Folding out the folding bench seat X
Make sure that the backrests of the rear
bench seat are locked in the upright posi-
tion.
X Move the handle for the combined luggage
cover and net upwards (Y page 320).
X Pull release handle :and fold the back-
rest of the folding bench seat upwards. X
Hook the seat belts into retainers =.
X Pull release handle ;and fold the folding
bench seat cushion into the sitting posi-
tion. X
Push down the seat cushion until the back-
rest engages fully.
X Fold the head restraints upwards.
Fitting and removing the seat cushion You must remove the seat cushion if you wish
to lift the luggage compartment floor, e.g. if
the vehicle has a flat tyre.
X
To remove: fold seat cushion ;upwards
and remove it from seat cushion
guides :. X
To fit: push seat cushion ;into seat cush-
ion guides :at a slight angle from the rear
=.
X Fold seat cushion ;back into its original
position ?until it engages. 114
SeatsSeats, steering wheel and mirrors

Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Do
not simultaneously depress both the brake
pedal and the accelerator pedal while driving. G
WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle/trailer
combination if it begins to swerve. The vehi-
cle/trailer combination could even overturn.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten out the vehicle/trailer combina-
tion by increasing speed. Decrease your
speed and do not countersteer. Brake if nec-
essary. G
WARNING
If you exceed the permissible noseweight
while carrying a load, the carrier system could
detach from the vehicle and fall on the road.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always maintain the permissible noseweight
when carrying loads. G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly engaged, it
could detach while driving and fall on the road.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Engage the ball coupling as described. G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly engaged,
the trailer can detach. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always engage the ball coupling as described.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wearto
the brake pads.
You can use carrier systems, e.g .bicycle
racks or load-bearing implements, on the ball
coupling. The maximum noseweight of
75 kg applies when using carrier systems on
the ball coupling.
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 followin gvalues are not
exceeded:
R the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weigh tofboth the towing vehicle and the
trailer
You will find the applicable permissible val-
ues, which must not be exceeded, in the vehi-
cle documents.
You will find the values approved by the man-
ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle in the "Tech-
nical data" section (Y page 448).
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 has a larger turning circle
This could impair the handling characteris-
tics. Adapt your style of driving accordingly.
Maintain a safe distance. Drive carefully.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather con-
ditions. Do not exceed the maximum permis-
sible speed for your vehicle/trailer combina-
tion. Towing
atrailer
235Driving an d parking Z

Notes on towing
atrailer
General notes !
Use a drawbar noseweigh tas close as
possible to the maximum permissible nose-
weight. Do not use a noseweight of less
than 50kg, otherwise the trailer may come
loose.
Note that the payload and the rear axle load
are reduced by the actual payload.
i When towing a trailer, set the tyre pres-
sure on the rear axle of the towing vehicle
for a maximum load; see the tyre pressure
table in the fuel filler flap (Y page 383).
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 447).
The maximum noseweight of the trailer draw-
bar on the ball coupling is 84 kg. The actual
noseweight may however not be higher than
the value which is given on the trailer tow
hitch or trailer identification plates. The low-
est weight applies.
Missing values for the E300 model were not
available at the time of going to print.
Please note that whe ntowing a trailer, PARK-
TRONIC (Y page 211), Parking Guidance
(Y page 215) and Blind Spot Assist
(Y page 225) are only available with limita-
tions, or not at all.
i On vehicles without level control, the
height of the ball coupling will alter accord-
ing to the load placed on the vehicle. If nec-
essary, use a trailer with a height-adjusta-
ble drawbar.
Driving tips i
Observe the notes on ESP ®
trailer stabi-
lisation (Y page 75).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents to see what the max-
imum permitted speed is. Observe the legally prescribed maximum speed in the relevant
country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the max-
imum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. Refer to the "Technical
data" section to find out whether this applies
to your vehicle. If you utilise any of the added
maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer,
the vehicle/trailer combination may not
exceed a maximum speed of 100 km/h for
reasons concerning the operating permit.
This also applies in countries in which the
permissible maximum speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations is above 100 km/h.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer and it will
consume more fuel.
Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients.
On long and steep downhill gradients, espe-
cially if the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer,
you must select shift range
1,2or 3.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, SPEEDTRONIC or DIS-
TRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to prevent the
vehicle from gaining 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.
Driving tips If the trailer swings from side to side:
X
Do not accelerate.
X Do not countersteer.
X Brake if necessary. 236
Towing
atrailerDriving an d parking

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all mod-
els, series and optional equipment for your
vehicle that were available at the time of
going to press. National variations are pos-
sible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the functions descri-
bed. This is also the case for systems and
functions relevant to safety.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops: (Y page 25). Stowage areas
Loading guidelines
G
WARNING
Secure and position the load as described in
the loading guidelines.
Otherwise, vehicle occupants could
be injured by the load being thrown around in
the even tofsharp braking, a sudden change
in direction or an accident.
You will find further information in the "Secur-
ing a load" section.
Even if you follow all the loading guidelines,
the load will increase the risk of injury in the
event of an accident. G
WARNING
Keep the boot lid/tailgate closed while the
vehicle is in operation. Otherwise, exhaust
fumes could enter the vehicle interior and poi-
son you.
The handling characteristics of a laden vehi-
cle are dependent on the distribution of the
load within the vehicle. For this reason, you
should observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R when transporting a load, never exceed the
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight or the permissible axle loads for the vehicle
(including occupants).
R position heavy loads as far forwards as pos-
sible and as low down in the boot/luggage
compartmenta s possible.
R the load must not protrude above the upper
edge of the seat backrests.
R always place the load against the rear or
front seat backrests. Make sure that the
seat backrests are securely locked into
place.
R always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant lashing material. pad sharp
edges for protection.
i Load restraints are available at any quali-
fied specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-
Benz Service Centre. Stowage compartments
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The stowage compartments must be closed
when items are stored in them. Luggage nets
are not designed to secure heavy items of
luggage.
You or other vehicle occupants could be
injured by objects being thrown around if you:
R brake sharply
R change direction suddenly
R are involved in an accident
Sharp-edged and fragile objects must not be
placed in the luggage net.
Do not place hard objects in the map pockets.
Objects must not protrude from the map
pockets. 310
Stowage areasStowing and features

X
To open: pull handle :up and fold
cover ;forwards.
i On vehicles with a fire extinguisher, the
fire extinguisher is located in the stowage
compartment under the driver's seat.
Stowage compartmen tin the rear com-
partment Vehicles with a rear bench seat
X
To open: fold down seat armrest ;.
X Fold cover :of the armrest upwards. Vehicles with luxury single seats in the rear com-
partment X
Pull handle :upwards.
The armrest folds out.
Stowage net in the rear compartment Vehicles with a rear bench seat
:
Stowage net Vehicles with luxury single seats in the rear com-
partment
:
Handle strip
; Stowage net
X Pull handle strip :on the upper edge of
the cover forwards until it is released from
its anchorage.
X Fold down the cover in the direction of the
arrow. Stowage nets
G
WARNING
Only place lightweight items in the luggage
net. Do not use it to transport heavy, bulky,
sharp-edged or fragile objects. In the event of Stowage areas
313Stowing and features
Z

X
Insert bracket :into the centre of loading
rail ?.
X Press release button ;and push
bracket :into the desired positio ninload-
ing rail ?.
X Let go of release button ;.
X Press locking button =.
Bracket :is locked in loading rail ?.
X If necessary, fold lashing eyelet A
upwards.
Luggage holder !
Only use the luggage holder to secure
loads with a maximum weight of 7kg and
with dimensions that allow the loads to be
safely and securely retained by the luggage
holder. The luggage holder can be used to secure
light loads against the side wall of the luggage
compartment to prevent them from moving
around. X
To install: insert two brackets Ainto the
left or right loading rail (Y page 323).
X Press release button :of the luggage
holder and pull the strap out slightly.
X Insert luggage holder ;into brackets A
and, while doing so, press release button
= and push the luggage holder downwards
until it engages.
X Press release button :of the luggage
holder and pull the strap out in the direction
of the arrow.
X Place the load between the strap and the
luggage compartment side wall.
X Using one hand, press locking button :of
the luggage holder.
X With your other hand, let the strap go slowly
until the load is secured.
X Make sure that locking button ?on brack-
ets Ais pressed.
This keeps brackets Ain place on the
loading rail.
X To remove: press release button =on
respective bracket Aand remove luggage
holder ;by pulling upwards and out.
Telescopic rod The telescopic rod can be used to secure the
load against the rear seats to prevent it from
moving around.324
Stowage areasStowing and features