2013 MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class Cargo

brake using the brake controller, and check
the brakes for correct function.
R Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
R If you couple up a trailer, regularly check
the cargo for secure fastening and make
sure that the trailer lamps and (if
applicable) the trailer brakes are
functioning correctly.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when
driving without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
R If possible, avoid abrupt braking. Depress
the brake pedal moderately at first, so that
the trailer can activate its own brakes. Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission continues to
shift back and forth between two gears
when driving up or downhill, restrict the
shift range. Select shift range 4, 3, 2,or1.
Al ower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
R When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
to utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases
dramatically while the air-conditioning
system is switched on, switch off the air-
conditioning system.
Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated
by opening the windows and by setting the blower fan and the interior temperature to
maximum.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination, you will have to travel an
additional distance beyond the vehicle you
are overtaking before returning to the
previous lane. Decoupling
atrailer G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overru nbrake
is engaged. G
WARNING
Vehicles with level control:
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you
disconnect the trailer cable. This could result
in yourl imbs or those of other people that are
betwee nthe vehicle body and tires or
underneath the vehicle being trapped. There
is a risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel housings or under the
vehicle when you disconnectt he trailer cable.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the
rebounding of the overrun brake.
X Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Close all doors and the tailgate.
X Apply the trailer's parking brake. 258
Towing
atrailerDriving an d parking

X
Detach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
X Switch off the engine. Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
loads
Weight specifications Maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight rating
The gross trailer weight is calculated by
adding the weight of the trailer to the weight
of the load and equipment on the trailer.
Permissible gross weight (all models except
the ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY): 7,198 lbs
(3,265 kg).
Permissible gross weight
(ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY): 6,613 lbs
(3,000 kg).
Permissible noseweight
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar
noseweigh tis the maximum weight with
which the trailer drawbarc an be loaded.
All models (excep tthe
ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY: 575 lbs (261 kg).
ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY: 529 lbs (240 kg).
Limit for Mercedes-Benz-approved trailer
couplings.
Loading atrailer R
When loading the trailer, make sure that
neithe rthe permissible gross weight of the
trailer nor the gross vehicle weight is
exceeded. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle.
You can find the maximum permissible
values on the type plates of your vehicle
and the trailer. When calculating how much
weight the vehicle and trailer may carry, pay attention to the respective lowest
values.
R The trailer drawbarl oad on the ball coupling
must be added to the rear axle load to avoid
exceeding the permissible gross axle
weight. The permissible gross vehicle
weight is indicated on the identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side of
the vehicle.
i Mercedes-Benz recommends atrailer
load where the trailer drawbar noseweight
accounts for 8% to 15% of the trailer's
permissible gross weight.
i The weight of additional accessories,
passengers, and cargo reduces the
permissible trailer load and drawbar load
for yourv ehicle.
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight R
To chec kthat the weights of the towing
vehicle and the trailer comply with the
maximum permissible values, have the
vehicle/trailer combination (including the
driver, passengers, and cargo with a fully
laden trailer) weighed on a calibrated
weighbridge.
R Check the gross axle weight rating of the
front and rear axles, the gross weight of the
trailer and trailer drawbarl oad. Removing the ball coupling
X Remove the spring cotter.
X Remove the bolt from the ball coupling
recess.
X Remove the ball coupling from the ball
coupling recess.
X Clean the ball coupling if it is dirty.
Information on cleaning and care of the trailer
tow hitch can be found at (Y page 374). Towing
atrailer
259Driving an d parking Z

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Y page 27).Stowage areas
Loading guidelines
G
WARNING
If objects, luggage or loads are not secured or
not secured sufficiently, they could slip, tip
over or be flung around and thereby hit vehicle
occupants. There is a risk of injury,
particularly in the even tofsudden braking or
a sudde nchange in direction.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping before the
journey. G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the tailgate
is open when the engine is running,
particularly if the vehicle is moving, exhaust
fumes could enter the passenger
compartment. There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the
tailgate. Never drive with the tailgate open.
The gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the vehicle
weight including fuel, vehicle tool kit, spare
wheel, installed accessories, vehicle
occupants and luggage/cargo.
The gross load limit and the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) for your vehicle must never be exceeded. The gross load limit and
the GVWR are specified on the vehicle
identification plate on the B-pillar of the
driver's door (Y
page 410).
The load must also be distributed so that the
weight on each axle never exceeds the gross
axle weight rating (GAWR) for the front and
rear axles. The specifications for GVWR and
GAWR are on the vehicle identification plate
on the B-pillar of the driver's door
(Y page 410).
Observe the notes on the loading the vehicle
(Y page 410).
The handling characteristics of a laden
vehicle 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 Never exceed the maximum permissible
gross vehicle weight or the gross axle
weight rating of the vehicle (including
occupants).
R The cargo compartment is the preferred
place to carry objects.
R Position heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the cargo
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 Use the cargo tie down rings and the parcel
nets to transport loads and luggage.
R Use cargo tie-down rings and fastening
materials appropriate for the weight and
size of the load.
R Hook in the cargo net when loading.
R Secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie-downs. pad sharp edges
for protection. 332
Stowage areasStowage and features

Stowage space
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If objects in the passenger compartment are
stowed incorrectly, they can slide or be
thrown around and hit vehicle occupants.
There is a risk of injury, particularly in the
event of sudden braking or a sudden change
in direction.
R Always stow objects so that they cannot be
thrown around in such situations.
R Always make sure that objects do not
protrude from stowage spaces, parcel nets
or stowage nets.
R Close the lockable stowage spaces while
driving.
R Stow and secure objects that are heavy,
hard, pointy, sharp-edged, fragile or too
large in the cargo compartment.
Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 332).
Glove box X
To open: pull handle 0002and open glove box
flap 0003.
X To close: fold glove box flap 0003upwards
until it engages.
i The glove box can be cooled
(Y page 152). 0005
Glove box unlocked
0006 Glove box locked
The glove box can be locked and unlocked
using the mechanical key. Partition
0002for stowing flat objects is located
in the upper section of the glove box. It can
be removed to increase the stowage space in
the glove box.
X To remove: pull partition 0002forwards and
out
X To install: insert partition 0002and push it
back until it engages. Stowage areas
333Stowage and features Z

i
Depending on the vehicle's equipment,
there may be open stowage spaces above
and below the stowage compartment. Stowage net
G
WARNING
Vehicles with the Occupant Classification
Syste m(OCS):
If the gross weight of the objects in the
stowage net on the back of the front-
passenger seat is greater than 4.4 lb (2 kg),
OCS cannot correctly assess the occupant's
weight category. The front-passenger front air
bag could deploy without cause, or may fail to
deploy in the event of an accident. This poses
an increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Never exceed the permissibleg ross weight of
4.4 lb (2 kg). Stow and secure heavy objects
in the cargo compartment.
Stowage nets are located in the front-
passenger footwell and on the back of the
driver's and the front-passenge rseat.
Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 332)
and the safety notes regarding stowage
spaces (Y page 333). Through-loading facility in the rear
If objects or loads are not secured when being
transported in the through-loading facility,
they could slip or be thrown around and
thereby hit vehicle occupants.
Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 332)
and the safety notes regarding stowage
spaces (Y page 333). The through-loading facility is opened from
the cargo compartment.
X
Release the seat backrests in the second
row of seats and tilt them in the cargo/load
position (Y page 106).
X Fold down the rear seat armrest.
X Pull the center head restraint on the rear
bench seat into the uppermost position
(Y page 104).
X Slide release catch 0002to the left and swing
flap 0003to the left until it is lying on the rear
side of the rear bench seat. X
Push cover 001Fforward until it is lying on the
rear seat armrest. Cargo compartment enlargement
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If the rear bench seat/rear seat and seat
backrest are not engaged they could fold Stowage areas
335Stowage and features
Z

forwards, e.g. when braking suddenly or in the
event of an accident.
R
The vehicle occupant would thereby be
pushed into the sea tbelt by the rear bench
seat/rear seat or by the seat backrest. The
seat belt can no longer offer the intended
level of protection and could even cause
injuries.
R Objects or loads in the trunk/cargo
compartment cannot be restrained by the
seat backrest.
There is an increased risk of injury.
Before every trip, make sure that the seat
backrests and the rear bench seat/rear seat
are engaged.
! Fold the seat cushion upwards before
folding the rear bench seat forward.
Otherwise, the backrests may be damaged.
When the backrest is folded forwards, the
fron tseats should not be moved to their
rearmost position .Otherwise, the front
seats and the rea rbench seat could be
damaged.
Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 332).
The left-hand and right-hand rear seat
backrests can be folded forwards separately
to increase the cargo compartment capacity.
Folding the rear bench seat forwards !
The backrest is heavy. Therefore, take
care when folding it down. Make sure that
the head restraints are pushed all the way
in so that the backrests and seat cushions
are not damaged. i
If the driver's or front-passenger seat is
set for a larger person, it may not be
possible to fold the rear bench seat
forwards. In this case, move the fron tseats
as far forward as possible.
X Move the head restraints to the lowest
position (Y page 106).
X Fold seat cushion 0002upwards. X
Pull release handle 0003upwards in the
direction of the arrow until the backrest is
fully released.
X Fold the backrest forwards until it reaches
the cargo compartment position. X
Guide seat belts 0003under respective
clips 0002. 336
Stowage areasStowage and features

Folding the rea
rbench seat back X
Fold seat backrest 0003back until it engages.
Make sure no tto trap the seat belt while
doing so.
X Swing seat cushion 0002back.
X Pull up and adjust the head restraints if
necessary (Y page 106). Securing cargo
Cargo tie-down rings General notes
G
WARNING
The Top Tether anchorages cannot secure a
load. If you secure a load with the Top Tether
anchorages, the Top Tether anchorages could
be pulled out during braking, abrupt changes
in direction or in the event of an accident .The
load could slip, tip over or be flung around and
thereby hit vehicle occupants. There is a risk
of injury.
Only use the cargo tie down rings when
securing a load.
Observe the following notes on securing
loads:
R Secure the load using the cargo tie-down
rings.
R Distribute the load on the cargo tie down
rings evenly.
R Do not use elastic straps or nets to secure
a load, as these are only intended as an
anti-slip protection for light loads. R
Do not route tie-downs across sharp edges
or corners.
R Pad sharp edges for protection.
Cargo compartment There are four cargo tie-down rings
0002in the
cargo compartment.
Before using the cargo tie-down rings on the
front right-hand side of the cargo
compartment, the stowage net must be
pushed down.
Bag hook G
WARNING
The bag hooks cannot restrain heavy objects
or items of luggage. Objects or items of
luggage could be flung around and thereby hit
vehicle occupants when braking or abruptly
changing directions. There is a risk of injury.
Only hang light objects on the bag hooks.
Never hang hard, sharp-edged or fragile
objects on the bag hooks.
! The bag hook can bear a maximum load
of 6.6lbs (3kg) and should not be used to
secure a load. Stowage areas
337Stowage and features Z

There is a bag hook in the cargo compartment
on the left-hand side.
X
Press bag hook marking 0002.
X Turn bag hook 0002until it engages.
Securing hooks There are two securing hooks
0002on each side
of the cargo compartment.
Only secure lightweight luggage items on the
mounting hooks to a maximum of 9 lbs
(4 kg). Cargo compartment cover
Important safety notes G
WARNING
On its own, the cargo compartment cover
cannot secure or restrain heavy objects,
items of luggage and heavy loads. You could
be hit by an unsecured load during sudden
changes in direction, braking or in the event of an accident. There is an increased risk of
injury or even fatal injury.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping over, e.g. by
using tie downs, even if you are using the
cargo compartment cover.
! When loading the vehicle, make sure that
you do not stack the load in the cargo
compartment higher than the lower edge of
the side windows. Do not place heavy
objects on top of the cargo compartment
cover.
A cargo compartment cover or a combined
cargo cover and net (cargo compartment
cover with cargo net) is installed, depending
on equipment, behind the rear bench seat
backrest.
Extending/retracting the cargo
compartment cover X
To extend: pull the cargo compartment
cover back by grab handle 0002and clip it
into retainers 0003on the left and right.
X To retract: unhook the cargo compartment
cover from left-hand and right-hand
retainers 0003.
X Guide cargo compartment cover forwards
by grab handle 0002until it is completely
rolled up. 338
Stowage areasStowage and features