160Driving and operating
The permissible trailer loads are
vehicle and engine-dependent
maximum values which must not be
exceeded. The actual trailer load is the difference between the actual
gross weight of the trailer and the
actual coupling socket load with the
trailer coupled.
The permissible trailer loads are
specified in the vehicle documents. In general, they are valid for gradients
up to max. 12 %.
The permitted trailer load applies up to the specified incline and up to an
altitude of 1000 metres above sea
level. Since engine power decreases
as altitude increases due to the air becoming thinner, therefore reducing
climbing ability, the permissible gross
train weight also decreases by 10 %
for every 1000 metres of additional
altitude. The gross train weight does
not have to be reduced when driving
on roads with slight inclines (less than
8 %, e.g. motorways).The permissible gross train weight
must not be exceeded. This weight is specified on the identification plate
3 211.
Vertical coupling load
The vertical coupling load is the load
exerted by the trailer on the coupling
ball. It can be varied by changing the
weight distribution when loading the
trailer.
The maximum permissible vertical
coupling load (75 kg) is specified on
the towing equipment identification
plate and in the vehicle documents
Always aim for the maximum load,
especially in the case of heavy
trailers. The vertical coupling load
should never fall below 25 kg.Rear axle load
When the trailer is coupled and the
towing vehicle fully loaded, the
permissible rear axle load (see
identification plate or vehicle
documents) may be exceeded by
80 kg (vehicles with LPG system:
110 kg), the gross vehicle weight
rating may be exceeded by 70 kg
(vehicles with LPG system: 95 kg). If
the permissible rear axle load is
exceeded, a maximum speed of
60 mph applies.
Towing equipmentCaution
When operating without a trailer,
remove the coupling ball bar.
182Vehicle care
3. Rotate the bulb holder clockwiseand remove.
4. Pull the bulb out of the bulb holder
and replace it.
5. Insert the bulb holder into the housing and turn it anticlockwise.
6. Plug in the connector.
7. Attach the housing.
Instrument panel
illumination
Have bulbs replaced by a workshop.
Electrical system
Fuses
Data on the replacement fuse must
match the data on the defective fuse.
There are three fuse boxes in the
vehicle:
■ in the front left of the engine compartment,
■ In left-hand drive vehicles, in the interior behind the storage
compartment, or, in right-hand
drive vehicles, behind the
glovebox,
■ behind a cover on the left side of the
load compartment.
Before replacing a fuse, turn off the
respective switch and the ignition.
A blown fuse can be recognized by its
melted wire. Do not replace the fuse
until the cause of the fault has been
remedied.
Some functions are protected by
several fuses.
Fuses may also be inserted without
existence of a function.
Fuse extractor
A fuse extractor may be located in the fuse box in the engine compartment.
190Vehicle care
Tyre pressures differ depending onvarious options. For the correct tyre
pressure value, follow the procedure
below:
1. Identify the engine identifier code.
Engine data 3 215.
2. Identify the respective tyre.
The tyre pressure tables show all possible tyre combinations 3 224.
For the tyres approved for your
vehicle, refer to the EEC Certificate of
Conformity provided with your vehicle or other national registration
documents.
The driver is responsible for correct
adjustment of tyre pressure.9 Warning
If the pressure is too low, this can
result in considerable tyre warm-
up and internal damage, leading to tread separation and even to tyre
blow-out at high speeds.
If the tyre pressure must be reduced
or increased on a vehicle with tyre
pressure monitoring system, switch
off ignition.
Tyre deflation detection system The tyre deflation detection system
continually checks the rotation speed
of all four tyres.
If a tyre loses pressure the control
indicator w illuminates yellow and a
warning message is displayed in the
Driver Information Centre with
Uplevel-Display. Stop immediately
and check tyre pressure.
Control indicator w 3 97.
System initialisation After tyre pressure correction or
wheel change, the system must be
initiated:
1. Apply electrical parking brake.
2. Press the MENU button to select
the Vehicle Information Menu .3. Turn the adjuster wheel to select
Tire Pressure System .
4. Press the SET/CLR button to
select the reset of the system.
On vehicles with Midlevel- Display, make a longer press on
the SET/CLR button to start the
initialisation of the system.
5. On vehicles with Uplevel-Display, the selection is confirmed by a
pop-up indication. Confirm to start
the initialisation of the system.
Selection and indication can be
different between Midlevel-Display
and Uplevel-Display.
Vehicle care191
If the system is ready again, a
message is displayed in the Driver
Information Centre with
Uplevel-Display.
Tread depth
Check tread depth at regular
intervals.
Tyres should be replaced for safety
reasons at a tread depth of 2-3 mm
(4 mm for winter tyres).
For safety reasons it is recommended
that the tread depth of the tyres on
one axle should not vary by more than 2 mm.The legally permissible minimum
tread depth (1.6 mm) has been
reached when the tread has worn
down as far as one of the tread wear
indicators (TWI). Their position is
indicated by markings on the
sidewall.
If there is more wear at the front than
the rear, swap round front wheels and rear wheels periodically. Ensure that
the direction of rotation of the wheels
remains the same.
Tyres age, even if they are not used.
We recommend tyre replacement
every 6 years.
Changing tyre and wheel
size If tyres of a different size than those
fitted at the factory are used, it may be necessary to reprogramme the
speedometer as well as the nominal
tyre pressure and make other vehicle
modifications.
After converting to a different tyre
size, have the label with tyre
pressures replaced.9 Warning
Use of unsuitable tyres or wheels
may lead to accidents and will
invalidate the vehicle type
approval.
Wheel covers
Wheel covers and tyres that are
factory approved for the respective
vehicle and comply with all of the
relevant wheel and tyre combination requirements must be used.
If the wheel covers and tyres used are
not factory approved, the tyres must
not have a rim protection ridge.
Wheel covers must not impair brake
cooling.
9 Warning
Use of unsuitable tyres or wheel
covers could lead to sudden
pressure loss and thereby
accidents.
200Vehicle care9Warning
Storing a jack, a wheel or other
equipment in the load
compartment could cause injury if they are not fixed properly. During a sudden stop or a collision, looseequipment could strike someone.
Store jack and tools always in the
respective storage compartments
and secure them by fixing.
Place the damaged wheel always
in the load compartment secured
by the strap or in the spare wheel
well secured by the wing nut.
Temporary spare wheel
The use of the temporary spare wheel could affect driveability. Have thedefective tyre renewed or repaired as soon as possible.
Only mount one temporary spare
wheel. Do not drive faster than
50 mph. Take curves slowly. Do not
use for a long period of time.
If your vehicle gets a flat tyre in the
rear while towing another vehicle,
mount the temporary spare wheel in
the front and the full tyre in the rear.
Tyre chains 3 192.
Directional tyres
Fit directional tyres such that they roll in the direction of travel. The rolling
direction is indicated by a symbol
(e.g. an arrow) on the sidewall.
The following applies to tyres fitted
opposing the rolling direction:
■ Driveability may be affected. Have the defective tyre renewed or
repaired as soon as possible.
■ Drive particularly carefully on wet and snow-covered road surfaces.Jump starting
Do not start with quick charger.
A vehicle with a discharged vehicle
battery can be started using jump leads and the vehicle battery of
another vehicle.9 Warning
Be extremely careful when starting
with jump leads. Any deviation
from the following instructions can
lead to injuries or damage caused
by vehicle battery explosion or
damage to the electrical systems
of both vehicles.
9 Warning
Avoid contact of the vehicle
battery with eyes, skin, fabrics and painted surfaces. The fluid
contains sulphuric acid which can
cause injuries and damage in the
event of direct contact.
206Vehicle care
Liquid gas system9Danger
Liquid gas is heavier than air and
can collect in sink points.
Take care when performing work
at the underbody in a pit.
For painting work and when using a
drying booth at a temperature above
60 °C, the liquid gas tank must be
removed.
Do not make any modifications to the
liquid gas system.
Towing equipment Do not clean the coupling ball bar with
a steam-jet or high-pressure jet
cleaner.
Rear carrier system Clean the rear carrier system with a
steam-jet or high-pressure jet cleaner
at least once a year.
Operate the rear carrier system
periodically if not in regular use, in
particular during winter.
Interior care
Interior and upholstery Only clean the vehicle interior,
including the instrument panel fascia
and panelling, with a dry cloth or
interior cleaner.
Clean the leather upholstery with
clear water and a soft cloth. In case of heavy soiling, use leather care.
The instrument cluster and the
displays should only be cleaned using
a soft damp cloth. If necessary use a
weak soap solution.
Clean fabric upholstery with a
vacuum cleaner and brush. Remove
stains with an upholstery cleaner.
Clothing fabrics may not be
colourfast. This could cause visible
discolourations, especially on light- coloured upholstery. Removable
stains and discolourations should be
cleaned as soon as possible.
Clean seat belts with lukewarm water or interior cleaner.Caution
Close Velcro fasteners as open
Velcro fasteners on clothing could damage seat upholstery.
The same applies to clothing with
sharp-edged objects, like zips or
belts or studded jeans.
Plastic and rubber parts
Plastic and rubber parts can be
cleaned with the same cleaner as
used to clean the body. Use interior cleaner if necessary. Do not use any
other agent. Avoid solvents and petrol in particular. Do not use high-
pressure jet cleaners.
Technical data211Identification plate
The identification plate is located on
the rear right-hand door frame.
Information on identification label:1=Manufacturer2=Type approval number3=Vehicle Identification Number4=Permissible gross vehicle
weight rating in kg5=Permissible gross train weight
in kg6=Maximum permissible front axle load in kg7=Maximum permissible rear axle
load in kg8=Vehicle-specific or country-
specific data
The combined total of front and rear
axle loads must not exceed the
permissible gross vehicle weight. For
example, if the front axle is bearing its
maximum permissible load, the rear
axle can only bear a load that is equal
to the gross vehicle weight minus the front axle load.
The technical data is determined in
accordance with European
Community standards. We reserve
the right to make modifications.
Specifications in the vehicle
documents always have priority over
those given in this manual.
Engine identification
The technical data tables show the
engine identifier code. Engine data
3 215.
To identify the respective engine,
refer to the engine power in the EEC
Certificate of Conformity provided
with your vehicle or other national
registration documents.
212Technical dataVehicle dataRecommended fluids and lubricantsEuropean service schedule
Required engine oil qualityAll European countries
(except Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Serbia, Turkey)
Only Israel
Engine oil qualityPetrol engines
(including CNG, LPG, E85)Diesel enginesPetrol engines
(including CNG, LPG, E85)Diesel enginesdexos 1––✔–dexos 2✔✔–✔
In case dexos quality is unavailable you may use max. 1 litre engine oil quality ACEA C3 for topping up once between each oil change.
Engine oil viscosity grades
All European countries and Israel
(except Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Serbia, Turkey)Ambient temperaturePetrol and diesel enginesdown to -25 °CSAE 5W-30 or SAE 5W-40below -25 °CSAE 0W-30 or SAE 0W-40