2014 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER load capacity

Bar (definition)
............................... 304
Changing a wheel .......................... 307
Characteristics .............................. 304
Checking ........................................ 287
Definition of terms .........................304
Direction of rotatio n...................... 308
Distribution of the vehicle occu-
pants (definition) ............................ 307
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) .............................................. .304
DOT (Department of Transporta-
tion) (definition) ............................. 305
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 305
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) (defi-
nition) ............................................ 305
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) (def-
inition) ........................................... 305
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ing) (definition) .............................. 305
Important safety notes ..................286
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......305
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........305
Labeling (overview )........................ 301
Load bearing index (definition) ......306
Load index ..................................... 303
Load index (definition) ...................306
M+S tires ....................................... 288
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 305
Maximum load on a tire (defini-
tion) ............................................... 306
Maximum permissible tire pres-
sure (definition) ............................. 306
Maximum tire loa d......................... 303
Maximum tire load (definition) .......306
Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 306
PSI (pounds per square inch) (def-
inition) ........................................... 306
Replacing ....................................... 307
Service life ..................................... 288
Sidewall (definition) .......................306
Speed rating (definition) ................305
Storing ........................................... 308
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 304Summer tires
................................. 288
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 306
Tire bead (definition) ......................306
Tire pressure (definition) ................306
Tire pressures (recommended )...... 305
Tire size (data) ............................... 297
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 302
Tire tread ....................................... 287
Tire tread (definition) .....................306
Total load limit (definition) .............307
Traction (definition) .......................307
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) .................307
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................305
Unladen weight (definition) ............306
valve, Snap-In ................................ 292
Wear indicator (definition) .............307
Wheel rim (definition) ....................305
Top Tether ............................................ 53
Touchshift (automatic transmis-
sion) .................................................... 145
Tow-away alarm Arming/deactivating ........................63
Deactivating .................................... .63
Operation ........................................ .63
Towing
If the vehicle is stuck .....................282
Important safety guidelines ...........279
Installing/removing the towing
eye ................................................ .280
In the event of malfunctions ..........281
With a raised front or rear axle ......281
Towing a trailer
Axle load, permissible ....................333
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 271
Coupling up a trailer ......................176
Decoupling a trailer .......................177
Driving tips .................................... 173
Important safety notes ..................173
Installing and removing the ball
coupling ......................................... 175
Notes on retrofitting ......................332
Power supply ................................. 179
Trailer loads ................................... 333 Index
19

These parts have been specially tested to
establish their safety, reliability and suitabil-
ity.
Further information can be obtained at any
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Notes on the radiator Even seemingly small changes to the vehicle,
such as attaching a radiator trim for winter
driving, is not permitted. Do not cover up the
radiator. Do not use thermal mats, insect pro-
tection covers or anything similar.
Otherwise, the values of the diagnostic sys-
tem may be affected. Some of these values
are legally prescribed and must always be
correct.
Information on the cargo compartment
floor !
The wooden or plastic cargo area floor fit-
ted 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 secur-
ing of loads and the maximum loading
capacity of the lashing points is no longer
guaranteed.
Therefore, do not have the load area floor
removed.
Sprinter body/equipment mounting
directives G
WARNING
The function of systems or components can
be affected by conversions or modifications
to the vehicle. They might not function prop-
erly any more and/or jeopardize the opera-
tional safety of the vehicle. There is an
increased risk of an accident and injury.
Conversions or modifications should always
be carried out at qualified specialist work-
shop.
If you intend to make modifications to your
vehicle, we strongly recommend that you contact the distributor named on the inside
of the front cover. There you will receive all
the necessary information and a charge may
be levied.
You alone accept the responsibility if body
manufacturers or dealers make modifications
that affect the final certification of the engine,
the vehicle or the equipment. This also
applies to the identification and documenta-
tion of modifications to the affected vehicle
components.
You are responsible for certification and con-
firmation that:
R all the applicable standards and regulations
that are affected by the vehicle modifica-
tion are met
R the modified vehicle fulfills the vehicle
safety standards and emissions laws and
regulations
R the modifications or installation of acces-
sories does not affect the safety of the
vehicle
We are not responsible for the final certifica-
tion, product liability or warranty claims
which result from the modifications. This
applies to:
R the modified components, assemblies or
systems
R any resulting noncompliance with any of
the emissions laws and regulations or the
motor vehicle safety standards
R any consequences arising from the
changes that make the vehicle less safe or
even render it defective
We do not assume responsibility as the final-
stage manufacturer or for the consequential
product liability. Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to con-
tact an authorized Sprinter Dealer immedi- 28
Introduction

Only operate this equipment when the vehicle
is stationary.
You must observe the legal requirements for
the country in which you are currently driving
when operating mobile communication
equipment.
Please remember, a navigation system does
not supply information on the load-bearing
capacity of bridges or the overhead clearance
of underpasses. The driver remains responsi-
ble for safety at all times.
You and others can suffer health-related dam-
age through electromagnetic radiation. By
using an exterior antenna, a possible health
risk caused by electromagnetic fields, as dis-
cussed in scientific circles, is taken into
account. Only have the exterior antenna
installed by a qualified specialist workshop.
You will find information on retrofitting elec-
trical or electronic equipment in the “Vehicle
electronics” section (Y page 318).Installation for PND mobile navigation
devices
You can secure a personal navigation device
(Personal Navigation Device PND) using a
commercially available adapter. PND connector (on the side behind the instrument
cluster)
0087 USB port
0085 3.5 mm audio jack for the PND audio sig-
nal (voice announcements) X
Connecting the PND: connect the PND
ports to the appropriate jacks in the vehi-
cle.
i You can also use USB port 0087and 3.5 mm
audio jack 0085for external audio sources.
The voice announcements are heard through
the radio speakers when you start navigation.
The audio source played until this point is
then muted for the duration of the voice
announcements.
i If you use audio devices or personal nav-
igation devices which have been recom-
mended by Mercedes-Benz, you can use all
of the functions available, such as the mute
function.
You can obtain further information from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. 240
Additional communications equipmentStowing and features

Always switch off the engine before opening
the sliding door or rear door. Never drive the
vehicle when the sliding door or rear door is
open.
X Securing loads: check that the load is
secure before every journey and at regular
intervals during a long journey, and correct
if necessary.
X Doors: close the sliding doors and rear
doors.
X Tire pressure: adjust the tire pressures
according to the vehicle load
(Y page 290).
X Driving style: adapt your driving style
according to the vehicle load. Load distribution
General notes
! Excessive loads on individual points of the
cargo floor or on the load surface impair
vehicle handling characteristics and could
cause damage to the floor covering.
The overall center of gravity of the load should
always be as low as possible, centered and
between the axles near the rear axle.
On Cargo Vans/Passenger Vans:
X Always transport loads in the cargo com-
partment.
X Always place the load against the backrests
of the rear bench seat.
X Move large and heavy loads as far towards
the front of the vehicle as possible against
the rear bench seat. Stow the load flush
with the rear bench seat.
X Always additionally secure the load with
suitable load-securing aids or tie downs. Observe the following notes:
R
Do not stack loads higher than the upper
edge of the backrests.
R Transport loads behind seats that are not
occupied.
R If the rear bench seat is not occupied, insert
the seat belts crosswise into the buckle of
the opposite seat belt. Securing loads
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you attach the tie-down incorrectly when
securing the load, the following may occur in
the event of abrupt changes in direction, brak-
ing maneuvers or an accident:
R the cargo tie-down rings may become
detached or the tie-down may tear if the
permissible load is exceeded
R the load may not be restrained.
This may cause the load to slip, tip over or be
tossed about, striking vehicle occupants.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always tension the tie-downs in the proper
manner and only between the described
cargo tie-down rings. Always use tie-downs
designed specifically for the loads. G
WARNING
You may not transport anyone in the cargo
compartment or on the load surface. Never
let more people ride in the vehicle than there
are seat belts available. Make sure everyone
riding in the vehicle is correctly restrained
with a separate seat belt. Never use a seat
belt for more than one person at a time.
! 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 244
Securing loadsTransporting loads

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 multi-
ple cargo tie-down points in order to dis-
tribute 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 about qualified
specialist workshops (Y page 26).
Always observe the operating instructions or
the notes of the lashing strap manufacturer
for the operation of the lashing strap.
Information about the maximum loading
capacity of the cargo tie-down points can be
found in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 331).
As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring
that:
R The applicable requirements and guide-
lines relating to load-securing practices
must be met.
If this is not the case, this may constitute a
punishable offense, depending on local leg-
islation and any ensuing consequences.
You should therefore observe the respec-
tive 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 inade-
quately 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
compartment walls or wheel housings
(form-locking). Use rigid load securing aids,
such as wedges, wooden fixings or pad-
ding.
X Attach secured and stabilized loads in all
directions. Use the cargo tie-down points or cargo tie-down rings and the loading rails
in the cargo compartment or on the cargo
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 cur-
rent standards (e.g. DIN EN) are available
at any qualified specialist workshop. Cargo tie-down point (example: Passenger Van)
0043
Cargo tie-down rings Securing loads
245Transporting loads Z

responsible manner. Comply with the instruc-
tions for use of the care products.
Do not run the engine for longer than neces-
sary when the vehicle is stationary.
Before having maintenance and repairs per-
formed, it is essential to read the materials
related to the maintenance and repairs:
R the applicable sections of the technical
documentation, e.g. the Operator's Manual
and workshop information.
R regulations such as industrial safety regu-
lations and accident prevention regula-
tions.
While working under the vehicle, you must
secure the vehicle on jack stands with suffi-
cient load capacity.
Never use the jack as a substitute. the vehi-
cle's jack is intended only to raise the vehicle
for a short time when changing a wheel. It is
not suited for performing maintenance work
under the vehicle.
Please also refer to the notes about qualified
specialist workshops (Y page 26).
The scope and regularity of the inspection
and maintenance work primarily depend on
the often diverse operating conditions. Spe-
cialist knowledge beyond the scope of this
Operator's Manual is required when carrying
out testing and maintenance work. This work
should only be carried out by trained staff.
The vehicle's Maintenance Booklet describes
the extent and frequency of the maintenance
work and contains additional information on
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty and on the
service products.
i Maintenance services must be carried out
in accordance with the provisions and rec-
ommendations in the Maintenance Book-
let.
Not doing so could void the warranty claim
and lead to refusal of goodwill gestures
after the manufacturer has submitted a
damage report. i
Observe the information on Sprinter orig-
inal parts in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 318). Service interval display
General notes A service that is due is displayed in the service
interval display about 1 month in advance. A
message is then displayed while the vehicle
is in motion or when the ignition is switched
on.
i
The service interval display does not pro-
vide information about the oil level. The
service interval display should therefore
not be confused with the 00B3engine oil
level display.
The service due date is displayed in days or
miles (kilometers), depending on the total
distance driven.
The symbols or letters on the service display
show the type of service that is due.
0099 orA
A for a minor service
009A orB B for a major service
Service due date display Vehicles with steering wheel buttons:
the
following messages may be displayed.
R 0099 Service A due in ... days
Service A due in ... days
R 0099 Service A due in ... mi Service A due in ... mi (kmkm)
R 0099 Service A Carry out now
Service A Carry out now
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons:
the following messages may be displayed.
R 0099 for service A
R 009A for Service B
Additionally, you will see the remaining dis-
tance in miles (mi mi) or kilometers (km km) or the
remaining time in days (d d). Maintenance
259Maintenance and care Z

example. The maximum permissible gross
vehicle weight rating is vehicle-specific and
may differ from that which is illustrated.
You can find the valid maximum permissi-
ble gross vehicle weight rating for your
vehicle on the Tire and Loading Information
placard.
Number of seats 0043
Maximum number of seats
0044 Maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight rating
Maximum number of seats 0043determines the
maximum number of occupants allowed to
travel in the vehicle. This information can be
found on the Tire and Loading Information
placard.
i The details on the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation placard illustration are only an
example. The number of seats is vehicle-
specific and can differ from the details
shown. The number of seats in your vehicle
can be found on the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation 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 in
accordance with the "National Traffic and
Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966".
X Step 1: Locate the statement "The com-
bined 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 trav-
eling in your vehicle.
X Step 3: Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from XXX kilo-
grams 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 pound passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs (1400 00F8750 (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. Please
consult the Tire and Loading Information
placard, to determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage load capacity
of your vehicle. Loading the vehicle
299Wheels and tires Z

0087
Maximum tire pressure (Y page 292)
0085 Manufacturer
0083 Tire material (Y page 304)
0084 Tire size designation, load-bearing capa-
city and speed index (Y page 302)
006B Tire name
The markings described above are on the tire
in addition to the tire name (sales designa-
tion) and the manufacturer's name.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may devi-
ate from the data in the example.
Tire size designation, load bearing index
and speed index G
WARNING
Exceeding the stated tire load-bearing capa-
city and the approved maximum speed could
lead to tire damage or the tire bursting. There
is a risk of accident.
Therefore, only use tire types and sizes
approved for your vehicle model. Observe the
tire load rating and speed rating required for
your vehicle. 0043
Design standard
0044 Tire width
0087 Nominal aspect ratio in %
0085 Tire code
0083 Rim diameter
0084 Load bearing index
006B Speed index General:
depending on the manufacturer's
standards, the size imprinted in the tire wall
may not contain any letters or may contain
one letter 0043that precedes the size descrip-
tion
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 width0044shows the nominal
tire width in millimeters.
Aspect ratio: aspect ratio0087is the size ratio
between the tire height and tire width and is
shown in percent. The aspect ratio is calcu-
lated by dividing the tire width by the tire
height.
Tire code: tire code0085specifies the tire type.
"R" represents radial tires. "D" represents
diagonal tires, "B" represents diagonal radial
tires.
Rim diameter: rim diameter0083is the diam-
eter of the bead seat, not the diameter of the
rim flange. The rim diameter is specified in
inches (in).
Load-bearing index: load-bearing index0084
is a numerical code that specifies the maxi-
mum load-bearing capacity of a tire.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit. The maximum permissi-
ble load can be found on the vehicle's Tire and
Loading Information placard on the B-pillar on
the driver's side (Y page 298).
Example:
The load-bearing index 120 indicates a max-
imum load of 3,042 lb (1,380 kg) for the tire.
If two load-bearing capacity indices are speci-
fied (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 max-
imum tire load in kilograms and pounds, see
(Y page 303). 302
What you should know about wheels and tiresWheels and tires