Driving and operating159Driving characteristics and
towing tips
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
and caravan trailers with a permitted
gross vehicle weight of more than
1000 kg a speed of 50 mph must not
be exceeded; the use of a stabiliser is
recommended.
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 3 218.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 loads apply 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 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 plate3 208.
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) 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.
Rear axle load The permissible axle loads (see
identification plate or vehicle
documents) must not be exceeded.
Vehicle care163Vehicle careGeneral Information...................164
Accessories and vehicle modifications .......................... 164
Vehicle storage ........................164
End-of-life vehicle recovery .....164
Vehicle checks ........................... 165
Performing work ......................165
Bonnet ..................................... 165
Engine oil ................................. 166
Engine coolant ......................... 167
Power steering fluid .................168
Washer fluid ............................ 168
Brakes ..................................... 169
Brake fluid ............................... 169
Vehicle battery ......................... 169
Diesel fuel system bleeding .....171
Wiper blade replacement ........171
Bulb replacement .......................172
Halogen headlights ..................172
Xenon headlights .....................174
Fog lights ................................. 175
Front turn signal lights .............175
Tail lights ................................. 176
Side turn signal lights ..............177Centre high-mounted brake
light ......................................... 177
Number plate light ...................178
Interior lights ............................ 178
Electrical system ........................179
Fuses ....................................... 179
Engine compartment fuse box . 179
Instrument panel fuse box .......181
Load compartment fuse box ....182
Vehicle tools .............................. 184
Tools ........................................ 184
Wheels and tyres .......................184
Winter tyres ............................. 184
Tyre designations ....................185
Tyre pressure .......................... 185
Tyre pressure monitoring system .................................... 186
Tread depth ............................. 189
Changing tyre and wheel size . 190 Wheel covers ........................... 190
Tyre chains .............................. 190
Tyre repair kit .......................... 191
Wheel changing .......................194
Spare wheel ............................ 196
Jump starting ............................. 198
Towing ....................................... 200
Towing the vehicle ...................200
Towing another vehicle ...........201Appearance care .......................202
Exterior care ............................ 202
Interior care ............................. 204
164Vehicle careGeneral 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 the 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 the vehicle in a dry, well ventilated place. Engage first or
reverse gear or set selector lever
to P. Prevent the vehicle from
rolling.
● Do not apply the parking brake.● Open the bonnet, close all doors and lock the vehicle.
● Disconnect the clamp from the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery. Beware that all systems
are not functional, e.g. anti-theft
alarm system.
Putting back into operation
When the vehicle is to be put back into
operation:
● Connect the clamp to the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery. Activate the electronics
of the power windows.
● Check tyre pressure.
● Fill up the washer fluid reservoir.
● Check the engine oil level.
● Check the coolant level.
● Fit the number plate if necessary.
End-of-life vehicle recovery
Information on end-of-life vehicle
recovery centres and the recycling of
end-of-life vehicles is available on our
Vehicle care169BrakesIn the event of minimum thickness ofthe brake lining, a squealing noise
sounds during braking.
Continued driving is possible but
have the brake lining replaced as
soon as possible.
Once new brake linings are installed,
do not brake unnecessarily hard for
the first few journeys.
Brake fluid9 Warning
Brake fluid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, fabrics and painted surfaces.
The brake fluid level must be betweenthe MIN and the MAX marks.
If fluid level is below MIN seek the
assistance of a workshop.
Brake and clutch fluid 3 206.
Vehicle battery
The vehicle battery is maintenance-
free provided that the driving profile
allows sufficient charging of the
battery. Short-distance-driving and
frequent engine starts can discharge
the battery. Avoid the use of
unnecessary electrical consumers.
Batteries do not belong in household
waste. They must be disposed of at
an appropriate recycling collection
point.
Laying up the vehicle for more than
four weeks can lead to battery
discharge. Disconnect the clamp from the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery.
Ensure the ignition is switched off
before connecting or disconnecting
the vehicle battery.
The anti-theft alarm siren must be
deactivated as follows: Switch the ignition on then off, disconnect the
vehicle's battery within 15 seconds.
Vehicle battery discharge protection
3 116.
Vehicle care177
4. Remove bulb holder. Removeand renew bulb.
5. Insert bulb holder into the tail light
assembly. Install tail light
assembly in body and tighten.
Close covers and engage.
6. Switch on ignition, operate and check all lights.
Side turn signal lights
If the lights do not operate, have themchecked by a workshop.
Centre high-mounted brake
light
If the centre high-mounted brake light does not operate, have it checked by
a workshop.
180Vehicle careNo.Circuit1Sunroof2Exterior mirrors3–4–5Electrical brake control module6Intelligent battery sensor7–8Transmission control module9–10Headlight levelling11Rear window wiper12Heated rear window13Headlight actuator (left hand)14Heated exterior mirrors15–16Seat heating17Transmission control moduleNo.Circuit18Engine control module19Fuel pump20–21Cooling fan22–23Ignition coil/Engine control
module24Washer pump25Headlamp actuator (right hand)26Engine control sensors27–28Ignition29Ignition30Exhaust system31Left-hand high beam32Right-hand high beam33Engine control module34HornNo.Circuit35Air conditioning system36Front fog lamp
J-cases Fuses
No.Circuit1Electrical brake control module2Front wiper3Power module4Power terminal of instrument
panel fuse box5–6Fuel heater7–8Cooling fan9Cooling fan10Engine control module/Glow
plug11Starter
188Vehicle careEach time the tyres are replaced, tyrepressure monitoring system sensors
must be dismounted and serviced. For the screwed sensor, replace
valve core and sealing ring. For
clipped sensor, replace complete
valve stem.
Vehicle loading status
Adjust tyre pressure to load condition according to tyre information label or
tyre pressure chart 3 218, and select
the relevant setting in the menu Tyre
Load in the Driver Information Centre,
Vehicle Information Menu 3 88. This
setting is the reference for the tyre
pressure warnings.
The Tyre Load menu only appears if
the vehicle is in a standstill and the
parking brake is applied. On vehicles
with automatic transmission the
selector lever has to be in P.
Select:
● Light for comfort pressure up to
3 people
● Eco for Eco pressure up to
3 people
● Max for full loading
Tyre pressure sensor matching
process
Each tyre pressure sensor has a
unique identification code. The
identification code must be matched
to a new wheel position after rotating the wheels or exchanging the
complete wheel set and if one or more tyre pressure sensors were replaced.
The tyre pressure sensor matching
process should also be performed
after replacing a spare wheel with a
road wheel containing the tyre
pressure sensor.
The malfunction light w and the
warning message or code should go
off at the next ignition cycle. The
sensors are matched to the wheel
positions, using a relearn tool, in the following order: left side front wheel,
right side front wheel, right side rear
wheel and left side rear wheel. The
turn signal light at the current active
position is illuminated until sensor is
matched.
Consult a workshop for service or
purchase a relearn tool. There are
two minutes to match the first wheel
position, and five minutes overall to
match all four wheel positions. If it
takes longer, the matching process stops and must be restarted.
The tyre pressure sensor matching
process is:
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition on.
190Vehicle careIf there is more wear at the front than
the rear, swap round front wheels and rear wheels. Ensure that the direction of rotation of the wheels is the same
as before.
Tyres age, even if they are not used.
We recommend tyre replacement
every six years.
Changing tyre and wheel size
If tyres of a different size than those
fitted at the factory are used, it may be
necessary to reprogramme the
speedometer as well as the nominal
tyre pressure and make other vehicle modifications.
After converting to a different tyre
size, have the label with tyre
pressures replaced.9 Warning
Use of unsuitable tyres or wheels
may lead to accidents and will
invalidate the vehicle type
approval.
Wheel covers
Wheel covers and tyres that are
factory-approved for the respective
vehicle and comply with all of the
relevant wheel and tyre combination
requirements must be used.
If the wheel covers and tyres used are
not factory-approved, the tyres must
not have a rim protection ridge.
Wheel covers must not impair brake
cooling.9 Warning
Use of unsuitable tyres or wheel
covers could lead to sudden
pressure loss and thereby
accidents.
Vehicles with alloy wheels: When
mounting steel wheels with alloy
wheel nuts, e.g. when changing to
winter tyres, the wheel covers cannot
be attached to the steel wheels.
Tyre chains
Use tyre chains only on front wheels.
9 Warning
Damage may lead to tyre blowout.
Tyre chains are permitted on tyres of
size 205/70 R16, 215/60 R17,
215/55 R18 and 225/45 R19.
Always use fine mesh chains suitable
for sport utility vehicles that add no
more than 12 mm to the tyre tread and the inboard sides (including chain
lock).