Sidewall (definition) ....................... 265
Snow chains .................................. 249
Speed rating (definition) ................ 264
Storing ........................................... 267
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 264
Summer tires ................................. 249
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 265
Tire bead (definition) ...................... 265
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 265
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 264
Tire size (data) ....................... 257, 272
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 261
Tire tread ....................................... 248
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 265
Total load limit (definition) ............. 266
Traction (definition) ....................... 266
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................. 266
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 264
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 266
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 264
Top Tether ............................................ 50
Touchshift (automatic transmis-
sion) .................................................... 125
Tow-away alarm
Arming/deactivating ........................ 57
Deactivating ..................................... 57
Operation ......................................... 57
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 246
Important safety notes .................. 243
Towing
If the vehicle is stuck ..................... 245
Installing/removing the towing
eye ................................................. 244
With a raised front or rear axle ...... 245
Towing a trailer
Axle load, permissible .................... 287
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 237
Coupling up a trailer ...................... 157
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 159
Driving tips .................................... 155
Important safety notes .................. 155
Notes on retrofitting ...................... 286 Trailer loads ................................... 287
Tow ing aw
ay
Important safety guidelines ........... 243
In the event of malfunctions .......... 244
With both axles on the ground ....... 245
Trailer
Brake force booster malfunction ... 195
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer loads and drawbar nose-
weights ............................................... 159
Trailer towing
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 146
PARKTRONIC ................................. 153
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights ..................... 159
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission oil ................................ 282
Transport
Loading guidelines ......................... 212
Vehicle ........................................... 246
Transport by rail ................................ 135
Transportation
Rail ................................................ 135
Transporting
Load distribution ............................ 214
Securing a load .............................. 214
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 238
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 174
Trip meter
see Trip odometer
Trip odometer
Display (vehicles with steering
wheel buttons) ............................... 167
Display (vehicles without steering
wheel buttons) ............................... 163
Resetting ....................................... 162
see Trip computer (on-board computer)
Turn signals
Replacing bulbs (front) ..................... 88
Replacing bulbs (rear) ...................... 89
Switching on/off .............................. 81
Turn signals (Chassis Cab)
Replacing bulbs (rear) ...................... 90
Index19
WheelsChanging a wheel .......................... 266
Checking ........................................ 248
Cleaning ......................................... 235
Important safety notes .................. 247
Installing the adapter (spare
wheel) ............................................ 269
Interchanging/changing ................ 266
Mounting a new wheel ...................2 70
Mounting a wheel .......................... 267
Removing a wheel .......................... 269
Removing and mounting the spare
wheel ............................................. 273
Snow chains .................................. 249
Storing ...........................................2 67
Tightening torque ........................... 271
Wheel size/tire size ....................... 272
Window curtain air bag ....................... 45
Windows
see Side windows
Windshield
Cleaning ......................................... 235
Defrosting ...................................... 103
Windshield heating
Problem (malfunction) ................... 104
Switching on/off ........................... 104
Windshield washer fluid
Adding ...........................................2 24
Indicator lamp ................................ 202
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 96
Rain and light sensor ....................... 93
Rear window wiper .......................... 94
Replacing the wiper blades .............. 94
Setting the sensitivity (vehicles
with steering wheel buttons and
rain/light sensor) ........................... 173
Switching on/off .............................. 93
Wiping with windshield washer
fluid ................................................. 93
Winter diesel ..................................... 278
Winter driving
Slippery road surfaces ................... 137
Snow chains .................................. 249
Winter operation
General notes ................................ 249
Radiator cover ................................. 28 Winter tires
M+S tires ................................... .... 249
Setti
ng a limit speed ......................1 34
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 235
Replacing ......................................... 94
Workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop
Index21
poses an increased risk of injury or even fatalinjury.
Adjust the seat properly before beginning
your journey. Always ensure that the backrest
is in an almost vertical position and that the
shoulder section of your seat belt is routed
across the center of your shoulder.
GWARNING
Persons under 5 ft (1.50 m) in height cannot
fasten the seat belt correctly without an addi- tional suitable restraint system. If the seat
belt is incorrectly fastened, it cannot protect
as intended. Furthermore, an incorrectly fas-
tened seat belt can cause additional injury, for
example, in an accident, during braking or an
abrupt change of direction. This poses an
increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
For this reason, always secure persons under
5 ft (1.50 m) in height in suitable restraint
systems.
If a child younger than twelve years old and
under 5 ft (1.50 m)in height is traveling in the
vehicle:
Ralways secure the child in a child restraint
system suitable for this vehicle. The child
restraint system must be appropriate to the
age, weight and size of the child
Ralways observe the instructions and safety
notes in the "Children in the vehicle" section
of this Operator's Manual (
Ypage 47) in
addition to the child restraint system manu-
facturer's installation instructions
GWARNING
The seat belts may not perform their intended protective function if:
Rthey are damaged, modified, extremely
dirty, bleach or dyed
Rthe seat belt buckle is damaged or
extremely dirty
Rthe Emergency Tensioning Devices, belt
anchorages or inertia reels have been modi-
fied
Seat belts may sustain non-visible damage in an accident, e.g. due to glass splinters. Modi-
fied or damaged seat belts may tear or fail,
e.g. in an accident. Modified Emergency Ten-
sioning Devices could accidentally trigger or
fail to deploy when necessary. This poses an
increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Never modify the seat belts, Emergency Ten-
sioning Devices, belt anchorages or inertia
reels. Make sure that the seat belts are
undamaged, not worn out and clean. Follow-
ing an accident, have the seat belts checked
immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Only use seat belts that have been approved for
your vehicle by the sales organization named on
the inside cover.
Proper use of the seat belts
Pay attention to the safety notes about the seat
belt (Ypage 40).
All vehicle occupants must fasten the seat belt
correctly before setting off. Make sure that all
occupants are wearing their seat belts correctly
for the entire journey.
When fastening the seat belt, make sure that:
RThe seat belt tongue is inserted into the belt
buckle that belongs to the seat.
RThe seat belt is tightened across your body.
Avoid wearing bulky clothing, e.g. a winter
coat.
RThe seat belt is not twisted.
Only then can the forces produced in the
event of an accident be evenly distributed
across the belt.
RThe shoulder section of the belt must always
be routed across the center of the shoulder.
The shoulder section of the belt should not
come into contact with your neck and must
not be routed under the arm. Where possible,
adjust the seat belt to the appropriate height.
RThe lap belt must be taut and as low as pos-
sible over your lap.
The lap belt must always pass across your hip
joints and never across your stomach or
abdomen. Pregnant women must take partic-
ular care. If necessary, the lap belt can be
pushed down across the hip joints and pulled
tight using the shoulder section.
Occupant safety41
Safety
Z
please consult a qualified specialist workshop
in advance. You could otherwise damage the
drive train or the brake system.
If you activate or deactivate the all-wheel drive
in a vehicle with this option, ESP
®will be deac-
tivated for the duration of the activation/deac-
tivation process.
If ESP
®is malfunctioning, the hindicator
lamp lights up while the engine is running and
the engine power may be reduced
(
Ypage 194).
iOnly use wheels with the recommended tire
sizes. Only then will ESP®function properly.
4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
!A function or performance test should only
be carried out on a two-axle dynamometer.
Before you operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult a qualified
workshop. You could otherwise damage the
drive train or the brake system.
4ETS is only active when all-wheel drive is acti-
vated (
Ypage 148).
4ETS ensures permanent drive for all four
wheels, and together with ESP
®it improves the
vehicle's traction.
If a driven wheel spins due to lack of traction:
RWhen pulling away, make use of the traction
control integrated in ESP®. Depress the
accelerator pedal as far as necessary.
RWhile driving, slowly take your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
In wintry driving conditions, always use winter
tires (M+S tires) and if necessary, snow chains
(
Ypage 249). This is the only way to get the full
benefit from the all-wheel drive system.
Crosswind Assist
Crosswind Assist does not work if ESP®is deac-
tivated or disabled because of a malfunction.
Crosswind Assist does not react:
Rin the event of severe jolts and vibrations, e.g.
as a result of uneven surfaces or potholes
Rif the vehicle loses traction, e.g. on snow or
ice or when aquaplaning
Rto large and sudden steering movements by
the driver Crosswind Assist is operational again as soon as
the driving conditions return to normal.
Crosswind Assist detects strong crosswind
gusts that can impair the road holding of your
vehicle when driving straight ahead. Crosswind
Assist intervenes depending on the direction
and strength of the crosswind.
A stabilizing brake application helps you to keep
the vehicle on track.
Information appears in the instrument cluster In the event that Crosswind Assist intervenes
noticeably.
On vehicles without steering wheel buttons:
the d indicator lamp in the instrument clus-
ter flashes.
On vehicles with steering wheel buttons: the
d indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes and the message Crosswind Assist
Activeappears in the multifunction display.
Crosswind Assist is active above a vehicle speed
of 50 mph (80 km/h) when the vehicle is driving
straight ahead or cornering gently.
Emergency exit
Emergency exit window
GWARNING
The emergency exit window cannot be locked in place. You risk injury if you exit the vehicle
through the emergency exit window.
RMake sure that nobody becomes trapped,
both when closing and when opening the
emergency exit window.
RThe opened emergency exit window must
be held in place by another person.
Pay attention to traffic conditions.
GWARNING
If the emergency exit window is unlocked
while driving, it could open and slam shut and consequently fall down. There is a risk of an
accident and injury.
Before starting off, make sure that the emer-
gency exit window is locked and the locking
pins are undamaged.
!Make sure there is sufficient clearance
when opening the emergency exit window.
Emergency exit55
Safety
Z
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or tak-ing drugs.
Emission control
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces with-
out sufficient ventilation.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous substances in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work optimally if they are
maintained exactly in accordance with the man-
ufacturer's specifications. Any work on the
engine should therefore be carried out by quali-
fied and authorized technicians at a Sprinter
dealer.
The engine settings must not be changed under any circumstances. In addition, all specific
maintenance work must be carried out at regu-
lar intervals and in accordance with the service
requirements of the dealer listed here on the
inside title page. Details can be found in the
Maintenance Booklet.
Short journey
!
If the vehicle is predominantly used for
short-distance driving or is stationary for long
periods, this could lead to a malfunction in the automatic cleaning function for the diesel par-
ticle filter. This can lead to blockage of the
diesel particle filter. This can also result in fuel
collecting in the engine oil and cause engine
failure.
Therefore, if you mainly drive short distances,
drive on a highway or an inter-urban road for
20 minute severy 300 miles (500 km). This facil-
itates the diesel particle filter's burn-off proc-
ess.
Speed limiter
GWARNING
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.
As the driver, you must find out about the max-
imum speed of the vehicle and the resulting per-
missible maximum speed of the tires (tire and
tire pressure). In particular, also observe the tire
approval regulations for each country.
You must not exceed the speed limit for the tires
listed in the tire pressure tables. You can find
information on tire pressures in the "Wheels and
tires" section (
Ypage 250).
You can permanently limit the maximum speed
of your vehicle to 65 mph (105 km/h) or 75 mph (120 km/h).
We recommend that you have the maximum
speed programmed by an authorized Sprinter
dealer.
Before overtaking, take into consideration that
the engine speed limiter prevents the speed
increasing beyond the programmed maximum
speed.
Driving abroad
Service
An extensive network of authorized Sprinter
Dealers is also at your disposal when you are
traveling abroad. Nevertheless, please bear in
mind that service facilities or replacement parts
may not always be immediately available. You
can obtain a list of workshops at any authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
Fuel
In some countries, only fuels with a higher sulfur
content are available.
Unsuitable fuel can cause engine damage. Infor-
mation on fuel (
Ypage 277).
134Driving tips
Driving and parking
Useful information
This Operator's Manual describes all models as
well as standard and optional equipment of your
vehicle that were available at the time of going
to print. Country-specific variations are possi-
ble. Note that your vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the described functions. This also
applies to systems and functions relevant to
safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (
Ypage 26).
Loading guidelines
Important safety notes
GWARNING
As a result of improperly placed or unevenly
distributed loads, the center of gravity of the
load being transported may be too high or too
far back. This can significantly impair handling
as well as steering and braking characteris-
tics. There is a risk of an accident.
Always make sure that the center of gravity of
the load is:
Rbetween the axles
and
Ras low as possible, near the rear axle.
GWARNING
When objects are unsecured or inadequately
secured, they can slip, turn over or be thrown
about, striking vehicle occupants. This also
applies to:
Rluggage or loads
Ra rear bench seat which has been removed
and is being transported in the vehicle in an
exceptional case.
There is a risk of injury, particularly in the
event of braking maneuvers or abrupt
changes in direction.
Always stow objects in such a way that they
cannot be tossed about. Before traveling,
secure objects, luggage or loads to prevent
them slipping or tipping over. If you remove a
rear bench seat, it is advisable to store it out- side the vehicle.
GWARNING
When the permissible wheel loads, axle loads
and/or the maximum permissible gross vehi-
cle weight are exceeded, driving safety is
compromised. The handling as well as steer-
ing and braking characteristics may be signif-
icantly impaired. Overloaded tires may over-
heat, causing them to burst. There is a risk of
an accident.
When transporting a load, always observe the
permissible wheel loads, axle loads and the
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight
for the vehicle (including occupants).
GWARNING
When you load the roof, the center of gravity
of the vehicle rises and the driving character-
istics change. If you exceed the maximum roof
load, the driving characteristics, as well as
steering and braking, will be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
Never exceed the maximum roof load and
adjust your driving style.
!If you are using a roof carrier, observe the
maximum roof load and maximum roof carrier
load.
You will find information about the maximum
roof load in the "Technical data" section
(
Ypage 286) and information about roof carri-
ers in the "Carrier systems" section
(
Ypage 216).
RDo not stack luggage or loads higher than the
backrests.
RStow objects preferably in the cargo com-
partment.
RWhen transporting luggage, always use the
cargo tie-down rings and a parcel net, if pres-
ent.
RUse cargo tie-down rings and fasteners which
are suitable for the weight and size of the
load.
Always observe the operating instructions of the respective manufacturer when using suitable
load securing aids or tie downs. In particular, the
information on service life.
212Loading guidelines
Transporting loads
Useful information
This Operator's Manual describes all models as
well as standard and optional equipment of your
vehicle that were available at the time of going
to print. Country-specific variations are possi-
ble. Note that your vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the described functions. This also
applies to systems and functions relevant to
safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (
Ypage 26).
Important safety notes
GWarning
A flat tire severely impairs the driving, steer-
ing and braking characteristics of the vehicle.
There is a risk of an accident.
do not drive with a flat tire. Immediately
replace the flat tire with your spare wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
GWARNING
If wheels and tires of the wrong size are used, the wheel brakes or suspension components
may be damaged. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
Always replace wheels and tires with those
that fulfill the specifications of the original
part.
When replacing wheels, make sure to use the
correct:
Rdesignation
Rmodel
When replacing tires, make sure to use the
correct:
Rdesignation
Rmanufacturer
Rmodel
Accessories that are not approved for your vehi-
cle by Mercedes-Benz or are not being used cor-
rectly can impair operating safety. Before purchasing and using non-approved
accessories, visit a qualified specialist work-
shop and inquire about:
Rsuitability
Rlegal stipulations
Rfactory recommendations
Contact an authorized Sprinter dealer if you
require information on tested and recommen-
ded wheels and tires for summer and winter
driving. Advice on purchasing and caring for
tires is also available there.
Information on tire and wheel dimensions and
types as well as the recommended tire pressure
for your vehicle can be found in the "Tire pres-
sure" section (
Ypage 257).
This data can also be found on the Tire and
Loading Information placard on the B-pillar.
Modifications to the brake system or wheels are
not permitted. The use of wheel spacers or
brake dust shields is not permitted. This inva-
lidates the general operating permit for the vehi-
cle.
iFurther information on wheels and tires can
be obtained at any qualified specialist work-
shop.
Operation
Information for a journey
If the vehicle is heavily laden, check the tire
pressures, and correct them, if necessary
(
Ypage 250).
While driving, pay attention to vibrations, noises and unusual handling characteristics, e.g. pull-
ing to one side. This may indicate that the
wheels or tires are damaged. If you suspect that
a tire is defective, reduce your speed immedi-
ately. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible to
check the wheels and tires for damage. Hidden
tire damage could also be causing the unusual
handling characteristics. If you find no signs of
damage, have the tires and wheels checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
When parking your vehicle, make sure that the
tires do not get deformed by the curb or other
obstacles. If it is necessary to drive over curbs,
speed humps or similar elevations, try to do so
slowly and not at a sharp angle. Otherwise, the
tires, particularly the sidewalls, can get dam-
aged.
Operation247
Wheels and tires
Z
Regular wheel and tire checks
GWARNING
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation pres-
sure loss. As a result, you could lose control of
your vehicle. There is a risk of accident.
Check the tires regularly for signs of damage
and replace any damaged tires immediately.
Check the wheels and tires of your vehicle for
damage regularly, i.e. at least every two weeks,
as well as after driving off-road or on rough
roads. Damaged wheels can cause a loss of tire
pressure. Pay particular attention to damage
such as:
Rcuts in the tires
Rpunctures
Rtears in the tires
Rbulges on tires
Rdeformation or severe corrosion on wheels
Regularly check the tire tread depth and the
condition of the tread across the whole width of
the tire (
Ypage 248). If necessary, turn the
front wheels to full lock in order to inspect the
inner side of the tire surface.
All wheels must have a valve cap to protect the valve against dirt and moisture. Do not install
anything onto the valve other than the standard
valve cap or other valve caps approved for your vehicle by dealers listed on the inside of the
front cover. Do not install any other valve caps
or systems, e.g. tire pressure monitor systems.
Regularly check the pressure of all the tires,
particularly prior to long trips. Adjust the tire
pressure if ne
cessary (Ypage 250).
The service life of tires depends on various fac-
tors, including the following:
Rdriving style
Rtire pressure
Rmileage
Tire tread
GWARNING
Insufficient tire tread will reduce tire traction.
The tire is no longer able to dissipate water.
This means that on wet road surfaces, the risk
of hydroplaning increases, in particular where
speed is not adapted to suit the driving con-
ditions. There is a risk of accident.
If the tire pressure is too high or too low, tires may exhibit different levels of wear at differ-
ent locations on the tire tread. Thus, you
should regularly check the tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the entire
width of all tires.
Minimum tire tread depth for:
RSummer tires: âin (3 mm)
RM+S tires: ãin (4 mm)
For safety reasons, replace the tires before
the legally prescribed limit for the minimum
tire tread depth is reached.
Bar marking :for tread wear is integrated into
the tire tread.
Tread wear indicators (TWIs) are required by
law. Six indicators are positioned over the tire
tread. They are visible once the tread depth is
approximately áin (1.6 mm). If this is the case,
the tire is so worn that it must be replaced.
Selecting, mounting and renewing
tires
ROnly mount tires and wheels of the same type
and make.
ROnly mount tires of the correct size onto the
wheels.
RBreak in new tires at moderate speeds for the first 65 miles (100 km).
248Operation
Wheels and tires