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Vehicle care159
twin rear wheels), 264 Nm (Rear-wheel drive with single rear
wheels).
9. Refit wheel cover.
10. Stow the replaced wheel 3 159
and the vehicle tools 3 150.
11. Have the new wheel balanced on the vehicle. Check the tyre
pressure of the installed tyre
3 189 and also the wheel bolt/nut
torque as soon as possible.
Have the defective tyre renewed or
repaired.
Spare wheel
Some vehicles are equipped with a tyre repair kit instead of a spare wheel 3 154.Caution
The use of a spare wheel that is
smaller than the other wheels or in combination with winter tyres
could affect driveability. Have thedefective tyre replaced as soon as
possible.
The spare wheel is held under the
vehicle frame using a winch and
secured by tightening a cable using
the wheel wrench and adapter.
It may be necessary to jack the
vehicle up to gain access to the spare
wheel on a fully loaded vehicle with a flat rear tyre.
To release the spare wheel, loosen
cable using the wheel wrench and
adapter and lower the wheel fully.
Caution
Only use the wheel wrench and
adapter to lower the spare wheel.
The use of pneumatic tools is
prohibited. This may result in
damage to the winch cable and
equipment.
Place wheel upright, remove pin from retainer and release the wheel from
the cable.
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160Vehicle care
Twin rear wheel vehicles have an
additional mounting plate attached to
the spare wheel. Before using the
wheel, undo the nut and remove the
mounting plate.
When reinstalling a spare wheel,
attach the mounting plate and secure with the nut.
When installing a spare wheel, route
the cable from the back and through
the centre of the wheel. Attach the
retainer and pin, ensuring it is
correctly positioned and that the front
of the wheel will be facing
downwards. Tighten cable using the
wheel wrench and adapter until the wheel is secured.
Summer and winter tyres If you use winter tyres, the spare
wheel may still be fitted with a
summer tyre.
If you use the spare wheel when it is
fitted with a summer tyre the vehicle's driveability may be affected,
especially on slippery road surfaces.
Directional tyres Fit directional tyres such that they rollin 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.
■ Do not drive faster than 50 mph.
■ Drive particularly carefully on wet and snow-covered road surfaces.Jump starting
Do not start with a quick charger.
A vehicle with a discharged battery
can be started using jump leads and
the 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 battery explosion or damage to the electrical systems of both
vehicles.
9 Warning
Avoid contact with eyes, skin,
fabrics, and painted surfaces. The fluid contains sulphuric acid which can cause injuries and damage in
the event of direct contact.
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Vehicle care161Caution
The air suspension system must
be switched off prior to jump
starting.
9 Warning
Avoid contact of the 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.
■ Never expose the vehicle battery to
naked flames or sparks.
■ A discharged vehicle battery can already freeze at a temperature of
0 °C. Defrost the frozen vehicle
battery before connecting jump
leads.
■ Wear eye protection and protective
clothing when handling a vehicle
battery.
■ Use a booster battery with the same voltage (12 volts). Its capacity(Ah) must not be much less than
that of the discharged vehicle
battery.
■ Use jump leads with insulated terminals and a cross section of at
least 25 mm 2
.
■ Do not disconnect the discharged battery from the vehicle.
■ Switch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers.
■ Switch off the air suspension system.
■ Do not lean over the vehicle battery
during jump starting.
■ Do not allow the terminals of one lead to touch those of the other
lead.
■ The vehicles must not come into contact with each other during the
jump starting process.
■ Apply the parking brake, transmission in neutral.Jump start terminal
In the event of a discharged vehicle
battery, the jump start terminal
enables the vehicle to be started
without the need to access the battery inside the vehicle.
The jump start terminal is located in
the engine compartment and
identified by a " <" sign on the red
insulating cover. Lift the red insulating
cover to access the terminal
connector.
Ensure the red insulating cover is
latched back into position when not in
use.
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162Vehicle care
Jump starting procedure
Lead connection order:1. Connect the red lead to the positive terminal of the booster
battery.
2. Connect the other end of the red lead to the jump start terminal of
the vehicle with the discharged
vehicle battery.
3. Connect the black lead to the negative terminal of the booster
battery.
4. Connect the other end of the black
lead to a vehicle grounding point,
such as the engine block or an
engine mounting bolt. Connect as far away from the discharged
vehicle battery as possible,
however at least 60 cm.
Route the leads so that they cannot
catch on rotating parts in the engine
compartment.
To start the engine: 1. Start the engine of the vehicle providing the jump start.
2. After 5 minutes, start the other engine. Start attempts should be
made for no longer than
15 seconds at an interval of
1 minute.
3. Allow both engines to idle for approx. 3 minutes with the leads
connected.
4. Switch on electrical consumers (e.g. headlights, heated rear
window) of the vehicle receiving
the jump start.
5. Reverse above sequence exactly when removing leads.Towing
Towing the vehicle The towing eye is stowed with thevehicle tools 3 150.
Disengage the cover using a suitable
tool and remove.
Screw the towing eye clockwise into
the front towing point and tighten fully using the wheel wrench.
Attach a tow rope - or better still a tow
rod - to the towing eye, never to the
bumper or front suspension units.
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Vehicle care163Caution
Do not tow the vehicle from the
rear. The front towing eye must
only be used for towing and not
recovering a vehicle.
Switch on ignition to release steering
wheel lock and to permit operation of
brake lights, horn and windscreen
wipers.
Switch off the air suspension system
3 110.
Transmission in neutral.
If neutral cannot be selected on
vehicles with MTA transmission, the vehicle must only be towed with the
drive wheels raised off the ground.
Caution
Drive slowly. Do not drive jerkily.
Excessive tractive force can
damage the vehicle.
When the engine is not running,
considerably more force is needed to
brake and steer.
To prevent the entry of exhaust fumes
from the towing vehicle, switch on the air recirculation system and close the
windows.
Seek the assistance of a workshop.
After towing, unscrew the towing eye
and refit the cover.
Towing another vehicle
Attach a tow rope - or better still a tow
rod - to the rear towing eye, never to
the rear axle and suspension units.
The rear towing eye must only be
used for towing and not recovering a
vehicle.
Caution
Drive slowly. Do not drive jerkily.
Excessive tractive force can
damage the vehicle.
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164Vehicle careAppearance care
Exterior care Locks
The locks are lubricated at the factory using a high quality lock cylinder
grease. Use de-icing agent only when absolutely necessary, as this has adegreasing effect and impairs lockfunction. After using a de-icing agent,
have the locks regreased by a
workshop.
Washing The paintwork of your vehicle is
exposed to environmental influences.
Wash and wax your vehicle regularly.
When using automatic vehicle
washes, select a programme that
includes waxing.
Bird droppings, dead insects, resin,
pollen and the like should be cleaned
off immediately, as they contain
aggressive constituents which can
cause paint damage.If using a vehicle wash, comply with
the vehicle wash manufacturer's
instructions. The windscreen wipers
must be switched off. Remove
antenna and external accessories
such as roof racks etc..
If you wash your vehicle by hand, make sure that the insides of the
wheel housings are also thoroughly
rinsed out.
Clean edges and folds on opened
doors and the bonnet as well as the
areas they cover.Caution
Always use a cleaning agent with
a pH value of 4 to 9.
Do not use cleaning agents on hot surfaces.
Have the door hinges of all doors
greased by a workshop.
Do not clean the engine compartment with a steam-jet or high-pressure jet
cleaner.
Thoroughly rinse and leather-off the vehicle. Rinse leather frequently. Use
separate leathers for painted and
glass surfaces: remnants of wax on
the windows will impair vision.
Exterior lights
Headlight and other light covers are
made of plastic. Do not use any
abrasive or caustic agents, do not use an ice scraper, and do not clean them
dry.
Polishing and waxing Wax the vehicle regularly (at the
latest when water no longer beads).
Otherwise, the paintwork will dry out.
Polishing is necessary only if the paint
has become dull or if solid deposits
have become attached to it.
Paintwork polish with silicone forms a
protective film, making waxing
unnecessary.
Plastic body parts must not be treated with wax or polishing agents.
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Vehicle care165
Windows and windscreen wiperblades
Use a soft lint-free cloth or chamois
leather together with window cleaner
and insect remover.
When cleaning the rear window from
inside, always wipe in parallel to the
heating element to prevent damage.
For mechanical removal of ice, use a
sharp-edged ice scraper. Press the
scraper firmly against the glass so
that no dirt can get under it and
scratch the glass.
Clean smearing wiper blades with a
soft cloth and window cleaner.
Wheels and tyres
Do not use high-pressure jet
cleaners.
Clean rims with a pH-neutral wheel
cleaner.
Rims are painted and can be treated
with the same agents as the body.Paintwork damage
Rectify minor paintwork damage with
a touch-up pen before rust forms.
Have more extensive damage or rust areas repaired by a workshop.
Underbody Some areas of the vehicle underbody
have a PVC undercoating while other
critical areas have a durable
protective wax coating.
After the underbody is washed, check the underbody and have it waxed if
necessary.
Bitumen/rubber materials could
damage the PVC coating. Have
underbody work carried out by a
workshop.
Before and after winter, wash the
underbody and have the protective
wax coating checked.
Towing equipment Do not clean the coupling ball bar with
a steam-jet or high-pressure jet
cleaner.Interior care
Interior and upholsteryOnly clean the vehicle interior,
including the instrument panel fascia
and panelling, with a dry cloth or
interior cleaner.
Clean 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.
Page 168 of 201
166Vehicle careCaution
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.