
Useful information
This Operator's Manual describes all models
as well as standard and optional equipment
of your vehicle that were available at the time
of going to print. Country-specific variations
are possible. Note that your vehicle may not
be equipped with all of the described
functions. This also applies to systems and
functions relevant to safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (Y page 26). Loading guidelines
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
As a result of improperly placed or unevenly
distributed loads, the center of gravity of the
load being transported may be too high or too
far back. This can significantly impair handling
as well as steering and braking
characteristics. There is a risk of an accident.
Always make sure that the center of gravity of
the load is:
R between the axles
and
R as low as possible, near the rear axle. G
WARNING
When objects are unsecured or inadequately
secured, they can slip, turn over or be thrown
about, striking vehicle occupants .This also
applies to:
R luggage or loads
R a rear bench seat which has been removed
and is being transported in the vehicle in an
exceptional case.
There is a risk of injury, particularly in the
event of braking maneuvers or abrupt
changes in direction.
Always stow objects in such a way that they
cannot be tossed about. Before traveling,
secure objects, luggage or loads to prevent them slipping or tipping over. If you remove a
rear bench seat, it is advisable to store it
outside the vehicle. G
WARNING
When the permissible wheel loads, axle loads
and/or the maximum permissible gross
vehicle weight are exceeded, driving safety is
compromised. The handling as well as
steering and braking characteristics may be
significantly impaired. Overloaded tires may
overheat, causing them to burst. There is a
risk of an accident.
When transporting a load, always observe the
permissible wheel loads, axle loads and the
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight
for the vehicle (including occupants). G
WARNING
When you load the roof, the center of gravity
of the vehicle rises and the driving
characteristics change. If you exceed the
maximum roof load, the driving
characteristics, as well as steering and
braking, will be greatly impaired. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never exceed the maximum roof load and
adjust your driving style.
! If you are using a roof carrier, observe the
maximum roof load and maximum roof
carrier load.
You will find information about the maximum
roof load in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 327) and information about roof
carriers in the "Carrier systems" section
(Y page 236).
R Do not stack luggage or loads higher than
the backrests.
R Objects to be transported should
preferably be stowed in the cargo
compartment. 232
Loading guidelinesTransporting loads

R
When transporting luggage, always use the
cargo tie-down rings and a parcel net, if
present.
R Use cargo tie-down rings and fasteners
which are suitable for the weight and size
of the load.
Always observe the operating instructions of
the respective manufacturer when using
suitable load securing aids or tie downs. In
particular, the information on the end of
service life.
Load securing aids and tie downs may not be
used, for example, if:
R identification marks are missing or illegible
R there are yarn breakages, damage to
bearing seams or other signs of tearing
R there are signs of shearing, deformation,
pinching or other damage
R there is damage to clamping or connecting
elements
Load securing aids and tie downs in this
condition are ready for discard and must be
replaced. If you use load securing aids or tie
downs which are worn out, the load may not
be sufficiently secured and could cause
damage to property.
After an accident, the following must be
checked at a specialist workshop:
R a damaged cargo compartment floor
R a damaged loading area
R the cargo tie-down rings
R the tie downs
Otherwise, the load may not be correctly
secured the nextt ime anything is stowed.
Even if you follow all loading guidelines, the
load increases the risk of injury in the event
of an accident. Observe the tips in the
"Securing a load" (Y page 234) and "Load
distribution" (Y page 234) sections. Before loading
! The anti-slip mats cannot be used for
securing goods and must be replaced when
they show signs of:
R Permanent deformation and crushing
R Crack formation
R Cuts
X Tire pressure: checkthe tire pressure and
correct if necessary (Y page 278).
X Cargo compartment floor: clean the
cargo compartment floor.
The cargo compartmentf loor must be free
fro mo il and dust, dry and swept clean to
prevent the load fro mslipping.
X Place non-slip mats (anti-slip mats) on the
cargo compartment floor if necessary. During loading
! On passenger van versions with
maximum seating layout, the permissible
rear axle load would be exceeded if the full
payload were to be loaded in the cargo
compartment.
X Observe the gross axle weight rating and
permissible gross vehicle weight for your
vehicle.
Take into account that your vehicle's curb
weight is increased if accessories or
optional equipmen tare installed. The
maximu mpayload is thus reduced.
X Observe the notes on load distribution
(Y page 234).
The overall cente rofgravity of the load
should always be as low as possible,
centered and between the axles near the
rear axle.
X Secure the load (Y page 234).
Always observe the relevant country-
specific legal requirements, laws and
regulations. Loading guidelines
233Transporting loads Z

!
Observe the information on the maximum
loading capacity of the individual cargo tie-
down points.
If you use several cargo tie-down points to
secure a load, you must always take the
maximum loading capacity of the weakest
cargo tie-down point into account.
If you brake hard, for example, the forces
acting could be up to several times the
weight force of the load. Always use
multiple cargo tie-down points in order to
distribute the force absorption. Load the
anchorages evenly.
Spread the load evenly between the cargo tie-
down points or tie-down rings.
Please also refer to the notes aboutq ualified
specialist workshops (Y page 26).
Always observe the operating instructions or
the notes of the lashing strap manufacturer
for the operation of th elashing strap.
Information about the maximum loading
capacity of the cargo tie-down points can be
found in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 327).
As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring
that:
R The applicable requirements and
guidelines relating to load-securing
practices must be met.
If this is no tthe case, this may constitute a
punishable offense, depending on local
legislation and any ensuing consequences.
You should therefore observe the
respective legal requirements for the
relevant country.
Make sure that the load is secure before every
journey and at regular intervals during a long
journey. Correct an incorrectly or
inadequately secured load if necessary.
You can obtain information about securing
the load correctly from the manufacturer of
the load securing aids or tie down for securing
the load.
X Fill spaces between the load and the cargo
compartmentw alls or wheel housings (form-locking). Use rigid load securing aids,
such as wedges, woode
nfixings or
padding.
X Attach secured and stabilized loads in all
directions. Use the carg otie-down points
or cargo tie-down rings and the loading rails
in the cargo compartmen toronthe loading
area.
Only use tie downs, such as lashing rods or
lashing nets and lashing straps, that have
been tested in accordance with current
standards (e.g. DIN EN).
Always use the cargo tie-down rings closest
to the load to secure it and pad sharp edges
for protection.
Loads, and heavy loads in particular, should
preferably be secured using the cargo tie-
down rings.
i Tie downs tested in accordance with
current standards (e.g. DIN EN) are
available at any qualified specialist
workshop. Cargo tie-down points (example: Passenger Van)
0005
Cargo tie-down rings Securing loads
235Transporting loads Z

Cargo tie-down points (example
:Cargo Van)
0005 Cargo tie-down rings
0006 Load rails
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.
If your vehicle is equipped with loading
rails 0006in the floor, you can place lashing rods
directly in fron tofand behind the load .The
lashing rods directly absorb the potential
shifting forces.
Securing loads on the cargo compartment
floor by lashing them down is only
recommended for lightweight loads. Place
non-slip mats (anti-slip mats) under the load
to increase load security. Installing/removing cargo tie down
rings for the load rails
G
WARNING
If the cargo tie-down ring is not properly
installed, it may slip or become detached in
the event of abrupt changes in direction,
braking maneuvers or an accident. This may
cause objects, luggage or the load to slip, tip over or be tossed about, striking vehicle
occupants. There is a risk of injury.
Before using the cargo tie-down rings, always
make sure they are properly installed and
cannot be moved.
X
To install: slide the cargo tie-down ring
through a recess in the loading rail close to
the load until locking mechanism 0005
engages in the recess.
i When you pull locking mechanism 0005up
and out of the recess, the cargo tie-down
ring is able to move within the loading rail.
Make sure that locking mechanism 0005is
always engaged in a recess.
X Check the cargo tie-down ring for firm
seating.
X To remove: pull locking mechanism 0005up
and pull the cargo tie-down ring towards
the locking mechanism and out of the
loading rail through a recess. Carrier systems
G
WARNING
When you load the roof, the center of gravity
of the vehicle rises and the driving
characteristics change. If you exceed the
maximum roof load, the driving
characteristics, as well as steering and
braking, will be greatly impaired. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never exceed the maximum roof load and
adjust your driving style. 236
Carrier systemsTransporting loads

!
Do not fold the windshield wipers away
from the windshield unless the hood is
closed. Otherwise, you could damage the
hood.
! Hold the wiper arm securely when folding
back. The windshield could be damaged if
the wiper arm smacks against it suddenly.
! Do not use dry cloths, abrasive products,
solvents or cleaning agents containing
solvents to clean the inside of the windows.
Do not touch the insides of the windows
with hard objects, e.g. an ice scraper or
ring. There is otherwise a risk of damaging
the windows.
Before cleaning the windshield
X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition
lock or remove it.
X Fold the windshield wiper arms away from
the windshield until you feel them engage.
Before switching the ignition on again, fold
the windshield wipers back into position.
Cleaning the windows
X Cleant he inside and outside of the
windows with a damp cloth and a cleaning
agent that is recommended and approved
for Sprinter vehicles. Exterior
Cleaning the wheels !
Do not use any acidic or alkaline cleaning
agents. They can cause corrosion on the
wheel bolts (wheel nuts) or the retainer
springs for the wheel-balancing weights.
! Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after
cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and the brake pads/linings, thus drying them.
The vehicle can then be parked.
If you clean the wheels with a power washer,
observe the safety notes for the power
washer (Y page 257). You could otherwise
damage the tires.
Cleaning the wiper blades G
WARNING
You could become trapped by the windshield
wipers if they start moving while cleaning the
windshield or wiper blades. There is a risk of
injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before cleaning the windshield or
wiper blades.
! Do not fold the windshield wipers away
from the windshield unless the hood is
closed. Otherwise, you could damage the
hood.
! Do not pull the wiper blade. Otherwise,
the wiper blade could be damaged.
! Do not clean wiper blades too often and
do not rub them too hard. Otherwise, the
graphite coating could be damaged. This
could cause wiper noise.
! Hold the wiper arm securely when folding
back. The windshield could be damaged if
the wiper arm smacks against it suddenly.
X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition
lock or remove it.
X Fold the windshield wiper arms away from
the windshield until you feel them engage.
X Carefully clean the wiper blades with a
damp cloth.
X Fold back the wiper arms before switching
on the ignition.
Cleaning the exterior lighting !
Only use cleaning agents or cleaning
cloths which are suitable for plastic light
lenses. Unsuitable cleaning agents or 258
CareMaintenance and care

Tow-starting and towing away
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longe ravailable if:
R the engine is not running.
R the brake system or the powe rsteering is
malfunctioning.
R there is a malfunctio ninthe voltage supply
or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely. G
WARNING
You can no longer steer the vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged. There
is a risk of an accident.
Always switch off the ignition when towing the
vehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar. G
WARNING
If the weight of the vehicle to be towed or tow-
started is greater than the permissible gross
weight of your vehicle:
R the towing eye could detach itself
R the vehicle/trailer combination could
rollover.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the
permissible gross weight of your vehicle.
Information on your vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate (Y page 315).
! Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could
be damaged. !
Observe the following points when towing
with a tow rope:
R Secure the tow rope on the same side on
both vehicles.
R Ensure that the tow cable is not longer
than legally permitted. Mark the tow
cable in the middle, e.g. with a white
cloth (30 x 30 cm). This will make other
road users aware that the vehicle is being
towed.
R Only secure the tow cable to the towing
eye.
R Observe the brake lamps of the towing
vehicle while driving. Always maintain a
distance so that the tow rope does not
sag.
R Do not use steel cables or chains to tow
your vehicle. You could otherwise
damage the vehicle.
! Do not use the towing eye for recovery,
this could damage the vehicle. If in doubt,
recover the vehicle with acrane.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly .Ifthe tractive power is too high,
the vehicles could be damaged.
Observe the legal requirements for the
relevant country when towing.
It is preferable to have the vehicle
transported on a transporter or trailer instead
of towing it.
The automatic transmission selector lever
must be in the Nposition when towing the
vehicle.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
R cannot turn the key in the ignition lock to
position 2
R cannot move the selector lever to position
Non vehicles with automatic transmission.
i Switch off the automatic locking feature
before the vehicle is towed (Y page 69). You
could otherwise lock yourself out of the
vehicle when pushing or towing away the
vehicle. 268
Tow-starting and towing awayBreakdown assistance

Tire pressure
Tire pressure specifications
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Underinflated or overinflated tires pose the
following risks:
R the tires may burst, especially as the load
and vehicle speed increase.
R the tires may wear excessively and/or
unevenly, which may greatly impai rtire
traction.
R the driving characteristics, as well as
steering and braking, may be greatly
impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures
and chec kthe pressure of all the tires
including the spare wheel:
R monthly, at least
R if the load changes
R before beginning a long journey
R under different operating conditions, e.g.
off-road driving
If necessary, correct the tire pressure.
i The specifications shown on the sample
Tire and Loading Information placard and
tire pressure table are examples. Tire
pressure data are vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data illustrated here. The
tire pressure data applicable to your
vehicle can be found on the Tire &Loading
Information placard or tire pressure plate
of your vehicle. H
Environmental note
Check the tire pressure regularly, at least
every 14 days. General notes You will find information on tire pressure for
the vehicle's factory-mounted tires on the
plates described here.
You will find a table of recommended tire
pressures on the Tire and Loading
Information placard
5
or on the tire pressure
table on the B-pillar on the driver's side of the
vehicle.
Further information on tire pressure can be
obtained at a qualified specialist workshop.
Tire and Loading Information placard Tire and Loading Information placard
561011
The Tire and Loading Information placard is
on the B-pillar on the driver's side of the
vehicle (Y page 286).
The Tire and Loading Information placard
contains recommended tire pressures 0005for
cold tires. Recommended tire pressures 0005
are valid for the maximum permissible load
and up to the maximum permissible speed of
the vehicle.
5 Only for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of less than 10,000 lbs(4,536 kg).
6 Only for vehicles with a gross weight of less than 10,000 lbs(4,536 kg).
10 Only for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of less than 10,000 lbs(4,536 kg).
11 Only for vehicles with a gross weight of less than 10,000 lbs(4,536 kg). 278
Tire pressureWheels and tires

Tire pressure plate
Tire pressure plate
The tire pressure table is located on the
B-pillar on the driver's side of the vehicle
(Y page 286).
The tire pressure table contains
recommended tire pressures 0005for cold
tires. Recommended tire pressures 0005apply
to the maximum permissible load and up to
the maximum permissible speed of the
vehicle. Important notes on tire pressure
G
WARNING
If the tire pressure drops repeatedly, the
wheel, valve or tire ma ybe damaged. Tire
pressure that is too low may result in a tire
blow-out. There is a risk of an accident.
R Check the tire for foreign objects.
R Check whether the wheel is losing air or the
valve is leaking.
If you are unable to rectify the damage,
contact a qualified specialist workshop.
Use a suitable pressure gauge to chec kthe
tire pressure. The outer appearance of a tire
does not permit any reliable conclusion about
the tire pressure. On vehicles equipped with
the electronic tire pressure monitor, the tire
pressure can be checked using the on-board
computer. The tire temperature and pressure increase
when the vehicle is in motion. This is
dependent on the driving speed and the load.
Therefore, you should only correct tire
pressure when the tires are cold.
The tires are cold:
R
if the vehicle has been parked for at least
three hours without direct sunlight on the
tires, and
R if the vehicle has not been driven further
than 1 mile (1.6 km)
Tire temperature changes depending on the
ambient temperature, driving speed and tire
load. If the tire temperature changes by
18 ‡(10 †), the tire pressure changes by
approximately 10 kPa (0. 1bar/1. 5psi). Take
this into account when checking the pressure
of warm tires. Only correct the tire pressure
if it is too low for the current operating
conditions. If you check the tire pressure
when the tires are warm, it results in a higher
value than when the tires are cold. This is
normal. Do not under any circumstances
release the air in order to adjust the pressure
to the prescribed value for cold tires. The tire
pressure would otherwise be too low.
Observe the recommended tire pressures for
cold tires:
R on the Tire and Loading Information
placard 6
on the B-pillar on the driver's side
or
R on the tire pressure table on the B-pillar on
the driver's side of the vehicle Underinflated or overinflated tires
Underinflated tires: G
WARNING
Tires with pressure that is too low can
overheat and burst as a consequence. In
addition, they also suffer from excessive and/
or irregularw ear, which can severely impair
6 Only for vehicles with a gross weight of less than 10,00 0lbs(4,536 kg). Tire pressure
279Wheels and tires
Z