120Driving and operatingBrakes
The brake system comprises two
independent brake circuits.
If a brake circuit fails, the vehicle can
still be braked using the other brake
circuit. However, braking effect is
achieved only when you depress the
brake pedal firmly. You need to use
considerably more force for this. The
braking distance is extended. Seek
the assistance of a workshop before
continuing your journey.
When the engine is not running, the
support of the brake servo unit
disappears once the brake pedal has been depressed once or twice.
Braking effect is not reduced, but
braking requires significantly greater
force. It is especially important to bear this in mind when being towed.
If control indicator R illuminates in
the instrument cluster while driving and a corresponding message
appears in the Driver Information
Centre, there is a fault in the braking
system. Seek the assistance of a
workshop immediately.Control indicator R 3 85.
Vehicle messages 3 89.
Antilock brake system
Antilock brake system (ABS)
prevents the wheels from locking.
ABS starts to regulate brake pressure as soon as a wheel shows a tendency to lock. The vehicle remains
steerable, even during hard braking.
ABS control is made apparent
through a pulse in the brake pedal
and the noise of the regulation
process.
For optimum braking, keep the brake
pedal fully depressed throughout the
braking process, despite the fact that the pedal is pulsating. Do not reduce
the pressure on the pedal.
Control indicator u 3 85.
Fault
If control indicator u does not go out
a few seconds after the ignition is
switched on, or if it illuminates while driving, there is a fault in the ABS.
Control indicator F 3 84 may alsoilluminate in the instrument cluster
together with a corresponding
message in the Driver Information
Centre. The brake system remains
operational but without ABS
regulation.9 Warning
If there is a fault in the ABS, the
wheels may be liable to lock due
to braking that is heavier than
normal. The advantages of ABS are no longer available. During
hard braking, the vehicle can no longer be steered and may
swerve.
If control indicators u, F , R 3 85
and C 3 84 illuminate, there is a fault
in the braking system. A
corresponding message also
appears in the Driver Information
Centre 3 88. Have the cause of the
fault remedied by a workshop.
Vehicle messages 3 89.
134Driving and operatingTrailer hitch
General information
Entrust retrofitting of towing
equipment to a workshop. It may be
necessary to make changes that
affect the cooling system, heat
shields or other equipment. Only use
towing equipment that has been
approved for your vehicle.
Driving characteristics and
towing tips In the case of trailers with brakes,
attach the breakaway stopping cable.
Before attaching a trailer, lubricate
the coupling ball. However, do not do
so if a stabiliser, which acts on the coupling ball, is being used to reduce snaking movements. For trailers with
low driving stability the use of a
stabiliser is recommended.
A maximum speed of 50 mph must
not be exceeded, even in countries
where higher speeds are permitted.If the trailer starts snaking, drive more slowly, do not attempt to correct the
steering and brake sharply if
necessary.
When driving downhill, drive in the
same gear as if driving uphill and
drive at a similar speed.
Adjust tyre pressure to the value
specified for full load 3 190.
Trailer towing Trailer loads
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 sealevel. 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
3 177.
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 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.
Driving and operating135
In the case of trailer loads of
1200 kg or more, the vertical coupling load should not be less than 50 kg.
Rear axle load
When the trailer is coupled and the
towing vehicle fully loaded (including all occupants), the permissible rear
axle load (see identification plate or
vehicle documents) must not be
exceeded.
Trailer stability assist If the system detects snaking
movements, engine power is reduced
and the vehicle/trailer combination is selectively braked until the snaking
ceases. While the system is working, keep steering wheel as still as
possible.
Trailer stability assist (TSA) is a
function of the Electronic Stability
Program 3 123.
136Vehicle careVehicle careGeneral Information...................136
Vehicle checks ........................... 137
Bulb replacement .......................145
Electrical system ........................150
Vehicle tools .............................. 155
Wheels and tyres .......................156
Jump starting ............................. 167
Towing ....................................... 168
Appearance care .......................170General Information
Accessories and vehicle
modifications
We recommend the use of Genuine Parts and Accessories and factory
approved parts specific for your
vehicle type. We cannot assess or guarantee reliability of other products
- even if they have a regulatory or
otherwise granted approval.
Do not make any modifications to the electrical system, e.g. changes of
electronic control units (chip tuning).Caution
When transporting the vehicle on
a train or on a recovery vehicle, the
mud flaps might be damaged.
Vehicle storage
Storage for a long period of time
If the vehicle is to be stored for several months:
■ Wash and wax the vehicle.
■ Have the wax in the engine compartment and underbody
checked.
■ Clean and preserve rubber seals.
■ Fill up fuel tank completely.
■ Change the engine oil.
■ Drain the washer fluid reservoir.
■ Check the coolant antifreeze and corrosion protection.
■ Adjust tyre pressure to the value specified for full load.
■ Park vehicle in a dry, well ventilated
place. Engage first or reverse gear.
Prevent the vehicle from rolling.
■ Do not apply the parking brake.
Vehicle care155
No.Circuit39Warning chimes40Load compartment power outlet41Driver power window42Rear power outlet43Starting, body control module44Heated seats45Heating, air conditioning46Windscreen wiper47TachographVehicle toolsTools
The jack, wheel wrench, wheel bolt
sleeve, torx key, adapters, wheel
cover hook, towing eye are contained
in a unit, stowed under the driver's
seat.
Slide seat forwards and fold the
backrest forwards 3 43 to access the
tool box. The tool box may be secured
in position with a wing nut.
Wheel changing 3 164, Spare wheel
3 165.
Vehicles with tyre repair kit: The
wheel cover hook and torx key are
stored within the tyre repair kit case,
stowed under the driver's seat.
Tyre repair kit 3 161.
Vehicle care163
damaged. Seek the assistance of
a workshop.
Drain excess tyre pressure with
the button beside the pressure
indicator.
Do not run the compressor for
longer than 15 minutes.
13. Detach the tyre repair kit.
14. Remove any excess sealant using a cloth.
15. Take the label indicating maximum permitted speed from
the tyre repair kit and affix in the driver's field of view.
16. Store the sealant bottle in the plastic bag. Return tyre repair kit
to case and stow under the driver's seat.
17. Continue driving immediately so that the sealant is evenly
distributed throughout the tyre.
After driving approx. 6 miles, but
no more than 10 minutes, stop
and check tyre pressure using the
compressor. Screw air hose from
compressor directly onto tyre
valve when doing this.
18. If the tyre pressure is more than 2.2 bar (220 kPa/31 psi), set it to
the correct value. Repeat the
procedure until there is no more
loss of pressure.
If the tyre pressure has fallen
below 2.2 bar (220 kPa/31 psi),
the vehicle must not be driven.
Seek the assistance of a
workshop.
19. Detach the tyre repair kit, return to
case and stow under the driver's
seat.9 Warning
Do not allow the sealant to contact
skin, eyes or clothing. If swallowed seek medical assistance
immediately.
Notice
The driving characteristics of the
repaired tyre is severely affected,
therefore have this tyre replaced.
If unusual noise is heard or the
compressor becomes hot, turn
compressor off for at least
30 minutes.
Pay attention to storage information
and expiry date on sealant bottle. Its
sealing capability is not guaranteed
after this time.
Vehicle care165
5. Unscrew wheel bolts completelyby turning anticlockwise and wipe
clean with a cloth.
Put wheel bolts somewhere
where the threads will not be
soiled.
6. Change the wheel. Spare wheel 3 165.
7. Screw in the wheel bolts.
8. Lower the vehicle and remove jack.
9. Tighten each of the wheel bolts in
a crosswise sequence using the
wheel wrench. Ensure the wrench locates securely. The wrench
should turn clockwise to tighten
the bolts. Invert the wrench if
necessary.
Tightening torque is 160 Nm.
10. Replace the wheel cover, ensuring that the valve hole in thewheel cover is aligned with the
tyre valve before installing.Notice
If applicable, fit anti-theft bolts
nearest the tyre valve (otherwise it
may not be possible to refit the wheel
cover).
11. Stow the replaced wheel 3 165
and the vehicle tools 3 155.
12. Have the new wheel balanced on the vehicle.
Check the tyre pressure of the
installed tyre 3 190.
Check the wheel bolt torque.
Have the defective tyre renewed or
repaired as soon as possible.
Spare wheel
Some vehicles are equipped with a
tyre repair kit instead of a spare wheel 3 161.
If mounting a spare wheel which is
different from the other wheels, this
wheel might be classified as a
temporary spare wheel and the
corresponding speed limits apply,even though no label indicates this.
Seek the assistance of a workshop to
check the applicable speed limit.Caution
The use of a spare wheel that is smaller than the other wheels or in combination with winter tyres
could affect driveability. Have the defective tyre replaced as soon as
possible.
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.
Wheel changing 3 164.
168Vehicle care
Lead connection order:1. Connect the red lead to the positive terminal (1) of the booster
battery.
2. Connect the other end of the red lead to the positive terminal (2) of
the discharged battery.
3. Connect the black lead to the negative terminal (3) of the
booster battery.
4. Connect the other end of the black
lead to a vehicle grounding point
(4), 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 3 155.
Release cap using a suitable tool.
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.