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216Driving and operatingDriving characteristics and
towing tips Before attaching a trailer, lubricatethe 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
and caravan trailers with a permitted
gross vehicle weight of more than
1300 kg the use of a stabiliser is
strongly recommended when driving
above 50 mph.
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 3 285.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 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 doesnot 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
3 270.
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) 2)
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.2) Engines B16DTH, B16DTJ, B20DTH and B20DTJ: Depending on the equipment the maximum permissible vertical coupling load can
be 75 kg or 60 kg.
Page 224 of 299

222Vehicle care9Danger
The ignition system and Xenon
headlights use extremely high
voltage. Do not touch.
Bonnet
Opening
Pull the release lever and return it to
its original position.
Move the safety catch sideways to the left vehicle side and open the bonnet.
The bonnet is held open
automatically by a lifter.
If the bonnet is opened during an
Autostop, the engine will be restarted automatically for safety reasons.
Closing
Before closing the bonnet, press the
support into the holder.
Lower the bonnet and allow it to fall
into the latch from a low height
(20-25 cm). Check that the bonnet is
engaged.
Caution
Do not press the bonnet into the
latch, to avoid dents.
Engine oil
Check the engine oil level manuallyon a regular basis to prevent damage
to the engine. Ensure that the correct specification of oil is used.
Recommended fluids and lubricants
3 268.
Check with the vehicle on a level
surface. The engine must be at
operating temperature and switched
off for at least 5 minutes.
Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean,
insert it to the stop on the handle, pull
out and read the engine oil level.
Caution
It is the owner's responsibility to
maintain the proper level of an
appropriate quality oil in the
engine.
Page 230 of 299
228Vehicle careDiesel fuel system
bleeding
If the tank has been run dry, the diesel fuel system must be bled. Switch on
the ignition three times for
15 seconds at a time. Then crank the
engine for a maximum of
40 seconds. Repeat this process after
no less than 5 seconds. If the engine fails to start, seek the assistance of a
workshop.
Wiper blade replacementLift the wiper arm until it stays in the
raised position, press button to
disengage the wiper blade and
remove.
Attach the wiper blade slightly angled
to the wiper arm and push until it
engages.
Lower wiper arm carefully.
Wiper blade on the rear window
Lift wiper arm. Disengage wiper blade as shown in illustration and remove.
Attach the wiper blade slightly angled
to the wiper arm and push until it
engages.
Lower wiper arm carefully.
Page 231 of 299
Vehicle care229Bulb replacement
Switch off the ignition and switch off
the relevant switch or close the doors.
Only hold a new bulb at the base. Do
not touch the bulb glass with bare
hands.
Use only the same bulb type for
replacement.
Replace headlight bulbs from within
the engine compartment.
Halogen headlightsBi-Halogen headlight (1) with one
bulb for low and high beam.
Front turn signal (2) .
Sidelight/Daytime running light (3) .
Low/High beam (1) 1. Rotate the cap (1) anticlockwise and remove it.
2. Rotate the bulb holder anticlockwise to disengage.
Withdraw the bulb holder from the
reflector.
3. Disengage the bulb holder from the plug connector by pressing
the retaining lug.
4. Replace the bulb and connect bulb holder to the plug connector.
5. Insert the bulb holder, engaging the two lugs into the reflector androtate clockwise to secure.
6. Fit the cap and rotate clockwise.
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230Vehicle care
Front turn signal (2)
1. Rotate bulb socket (2)anticlockwise to disengage.
Withdraw the bulb socket from the
reflector.
2. Remove the bulb from the socket by turning anticlockwise.
3. Replace and insert new bulb into socket by turning clockwise.
4. Insert the bulb socket into the reflector and turn clockwise.
Sidelight/Daytime running light
(3)
1. Rotate bulb socket (3) anticlockwise to disengage.
Withdraw the bulb socket from the
reflector.
Page 233 of 299
Vehicle care231
2. Remove the bulb from the socketby pulling.
3. Replace and insert new bulb into socket.
4. Insert the bulb socket into the reflector and turn clockwise.
Adaptive forward lighting9 Danger
Adaptive forward lighting system
uses Xenon headlights.
Xenon headlights work under
extremely high electrical voltage.
Do not touch. Have bulbs replaced by a workshop.
Bulbs for front turn signal and
corner lighting can be replaced.
Corner lighting (1) .
Front turn signal (2) .
Sidelight/Daytime running lights are
designed as Light Emitting Diodes
(LEDs) and cannot be replaced.
Corner lighting (1) 1. Rotate the cap (1) anticlockwise and remove it.
2. Rotate the bulb holder anticlockwise to disengage.
Withdraw the bulb holder from the
reflector.
Page 234 of 299
232Vehicle care
3. Disengage the bulb from the plugconnector by pulling.
4. Replace the bulb and connect bulb holder to the plug connector.
5. Insert the bulb holder, engaging the two lugs into the reflector and
rotate clockwise to secure.
6. Fit the cap and rotate clockwise.
Front turn signal (2)
1. Rotate bulb socket (2) anticlockwise to disengage.
Withdraw the bulb socket from the
reflector.
2. Remove the bulb from the socket by turning anticlockwise.
3. Replace and insert new bulb into socket by turning clockwise.
4. Insert the bulb socket into the reflector and turn clockwise.
Fog lights The bulbs are accessible from
beneath the vehicle.
Page 235 of 299
Vehicle care233
1. Remove the outer screws of thecover, marked by the arrows.
2. Hinge away the cover.
Turn the bulb socket
anticlockwise and remove it from
the reflector.
3. Disengage the bulb socket from the plug connector by pressing
the retaining lug.
4. Remove and replace the bulb socket with bulb and attach to the
plug connector.
5. Insert the bulb socket into the reflector, turn clockwise and
engage.
6. Mount the cover with the screws.
Tail lights
1. Hinge out the screw cover.