Also observe the safety information in the load-
ing directions (Ypage 242).
XFill spaces between the load and the cargo
compartment walls or wheel housings (form-
locking). Use rigid load securing aids, such as
wedges, wooden fixings or padding.
XAttach secured and stabilized loads in all
directions to the cargo tie-down rings and the
guide rails in the rear.
Only use tie downs, such as lashing nets and
lashing straps, that have been tested in
accordance with current standards.
When securing a load, always use the closest cargo tie-down rings and pad sharp edges for
protection.
Cargo tie-down points (example: Cargo Van)
Fixed cargo tie-down points on the floor
:
Guide/load rails
;Cargo tie-down rings
If your vehicle is equipped with guide/loading
rails :in the floor, you can place lashing rods
directly in front of and behind the load. The lash-
ing rods directly absorb the potential shifting
forces.
Securing loads on the cargo compartment floor
by lashing them down is only recommended for lightweight loads. Place non-slip mats (anti-slip
mats) under the load to increase load security.
Lashing straps
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you attach the tie-down incorrectly when
securing the load, the following may occur in
the event of abrupt changes in direction, brak- ing maneuvers or an accident:
Rthe cargo tie-down rings may become
detached or the tie-down may tear if the
permissible load is exceeded
Rthe load may not be restrained.
This may cause the load to slip, tip over or be
tossed about, striking vehicle occupants.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always tension the tie-downs in the proper
manner and only between the described
cargo tie-down rings. Always use tie-downs
designed specifically for the loads.
!Observe the information on the maximum
loading capacity of the individual cargo tie-
down points.
If you use several cargo tie-down points to
secure a load, you must always take the max-
imum loading capacity of the weakest cargo
tie-down point into account.
If you brake hard, for example, the forces act-
ing could be up to several times the weight
force of the load. Always use multiple cargo
tie-down points in order to distribute the force absorption. Load the anchorages evenly.
Always observe the operating instructions or the
notes of the la shing strap ma
nufacturer for the
operation of the lashing strap.
Securing loads on the cargo compartment floor
by lashing them down is only recommended for
lightweight loads. Place non-slip mats (anti-slip
mats) under the load to increase load security.
Lashing straps245
Transporting loads
Z
GWARNING
If vehicle occupants are seated behind a load
protection net, they may be squeezed up
against the load protection net. There is a risk
of injury, particularly in the event of braking
maneuvers or abrupt changes in direction.
Never allow vehicle occupants to sit behind
the load protection net.
The load protection net borders the cargo com- partment. It protects vehicle occupants from
light objects and/or luggage slipping or tipping
over. Always observe the notes on securing
loads (
Ypage 244).
You can install the load protection net at an
angle behind the front seats or behind the first
row of back seats.
Upper retainer
Anchorage (example: fixed cargo tie-down ring)
Installing
XClip the load protection net into upper retain-
ers :in such a way that tensioning straps =
face the rear of the vehicle.
XPull tensioning straps =of the load protec-
tion net tightly.
XClip hook ?on tensioning straps =into
cargo tie-down rings A.
XFold tensioning element ;up.
XPull the loose ends of tensioning straps =
down in the direction of the arrow until ten-
sioning straps =are tight.
XFold tensioning element ;down to achieve
the final tension on the straps.
XAfter traveling a short distance, check that
the load protection net is taut.
XRetighten, if necessary.
Removing
XFold tensioning element ;up.
Tensioning straps =are slack.
XUnclip hook ?of tensioning straps =from
cargo tie-down rings Aat the bottom.
XUnclip the load protection net from upper
retainers :.
XRoll up the load protection net and fasten it,
still rolled up, using the Velcro fasteners.
Adjusting the front seat with the load pro-
tection net installed
XFold tensioning element ;on straps =
upwards.
The load protection net slackens.
XCorrectly adjust the front seat.
XRe-tension the load protection net.
Carrier systems
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.
248Carrier systems
Transporting loads
XHold support strut?and lift the hood
slightly.
XGuide support strut ?towards retainer =
and apply slight pressure to make it engage.
XLower the hood and allow it to fall with
momentum from a height of approximately
1 ft (30 cm).
The hood locks audibly.
XCheck that the hood is correctly locked.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. If the hood is not correctly
engaged, open the hood again. Let the hood
fall with a little more momentum.
Overview of the engine compartment
Engine compartment (example)
:
Engine oil filler neck cap (Ypage 252)
;Brake fluid reservoir cap (Ypage 255)
=Coolant expansion tank cap (Ypage 253)
?Washer fluid reservoir cap (Ypage 256)
Regularly check the fluid level and the assembly
for leaks. If you detect fluid loss, e.g. oil stains
on the vehicle parking space, consult a qualified
specialist workshop immediately.
Engine oil
General notes
!Engine oil gets dirty in the course of opera-
tion and its quality and volume are gradually
diminished. Regularly check the oil level, and
top up or have it replaced as needed.
Observe the information on approved engine
oils and oil consumption under "Service prod-
ucts and capacities" (
Ypage 307). You can check the oil level in the engine:
Rwith the oil dipstick
Checking the oil level using the oil dip-
stick
GWARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is over-
heated or when there is a fire in the engine
compartment could expose you to hot gases
or other service products. There is a risk of
injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department.
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the
following.
Oil dipstick and engine oil filler neck
Only check the oil level when the engine is at
normal operating temperature.
XStop your vehicle as far away from traffic as
possible on level ground.
XSecure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
XSwitch off the engine.
XWait for five minutes.
252Engine compartment
Maintenance and care
Rfrequent operation in mountainous terrain or
on poor road surfaces
Rleaving the engine idling for long periods on a
frequent basis
In these or similar operating conditions, have
the air filter, engine oil and oil filter, for example,
replaced more frequently. Under more arduous
operating conditions, the tires must be checked more often. Further information can be obtained
at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Commercial Van
Center.
Hiding service messages
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons
XPress the 3button on the instrument clus-
ter.
Vehicles with steering wheel buttons
XPress the aor% button on the steering
wheel.
Calling up the service due date
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons
The vehicle must be stationary. Use the buttons
in the instrument cluster.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock.
XPress Èto select the service display.
The display shows a possible service mes-
sage.
Vehicles with steering wheel buttons
Using the steering wheel buttons
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock.
XPress =or; to select the Servicemenu.
XPress9or: to select the ASSYSTPLUSsubmenu and press ato confirm.
The display shows the service due date.
Battery
Important safety notes
Work on the battery, e.g. removing or installing,
requires specialist knowledge and the use of
special tools. Therefore, always have work on the battery carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop.
GWARNING
Work carried out incorrectly on the battery
can lead, for example, to a short circuit and
thus damage the vehicle electronics. This can
lead to function restrictions applying to
safety-relevant systems, e.g the lighting sys-
tem, the ABS (anti-lock braking system) or the
ESP
®(Electronic Stability Program). The oper-
ating safety of your vehicle may be restricted.
You could lose control of the vehicle, for
example:
Rwhen braking
Rin the event of abrupt steering maneuvers
and/or when the vehicle's speed is not
adapted to the road conditions
There is a risk of an accident.
In the event of a short circuit or a similar inci-
dent, contact a qualified specialist workshop
immediately. Do not drive any further. You
should have all work involving the battery car- ried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Further information can be found under "ABS"
(
Ypage 64) and under "ESP®" (Ypage 65).
GWARNING
Electrostatic build-up can lead to the creation of sparks, which could ignite the highly explo-
sive gases of a battery. There is a risk of an
explosion.
Before handling the battery, touch the vehicle
body to remove any existing electrostatic
build-up.
The flammable gas mix is produced when the
battery is charged or when the vehicle is jump-
started.
Always make sure that neither you nor the bat-
tery are electro statically charged. Electrostatic
charging results, for example, from:
Rwearing synthetic clothing
Rfriction between clothing and the seat
Rdragging or pushing the battery across carpet
flooring or any other synthetic materials
Rrubbing the battery with cloths or towels.
258Battery
Maintenance and care
RIt is important that you observe the descri-
bed order of the battery terminals when
connecting and disconnecting a battery.
RWhen jump-starting, make sure that the
battery poles with identical polarity are
connected.
RIt is particularly important to observe the
described order when connecting and dis-
connecting the jumper cables.
RNever connect or disconnect the battery
terminals while the engine is running.
GWARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do
not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over
the battery. Keep children away from batter-
ies. Wash away battery acid immediately with
plenty of clean water and seek medical atten-
tion.
!You should have all work involving the bat-
tery carried out at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
If, in exceptional circumstances, you need to
disconnect the battery yourself, please make
sure that:
RSecure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
RYou have switched off the engine and
removed the key. Make sure the ignition is
switched off. Check to see that there are no
indicator lamps lighting in the instrument
cluster. Electronic components such as the
alternator may otherwise be damaged.
RAfter the battery has been disconnected,
the parking brake is automatically
engaged. You can then no longer move the
vehicle.
RFor vehicles with automatic transmission,
the transmission is locked in position P
after disconnecting the battery. You can
then no longer move the vehicle.
RYou have first removed the negative termi- nal and then the positive terminal. Never
mix up the terminal clamp disconnection/
connection order and never mix up the ter-
minal clamps. The vehicle's electronics
may otherwise be damaged. The battery and the cover of the positive ter-
minal clamp must be installed securely during
operation.
Seat base (example: right-hand front seat)
The following description on disconnecting and
removing the battery is based upon the example
of the starter battery in the seat base of the
driver's seat. The additional battery is discon-
nected and removed in the same way as the
starter battery. The auxiliary battery is located in the seat base of the left-hand front seat.
XSwitch off all electrical consumers.
XSwitch off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition lock.
XOpen the front door on the right-hand side.
iTo disconnect or remove the additional bat-
tery, open the left-hand front door. The auxil-
iary battery is located in the seat base of the
left-hand front seat.
XPress both latching springs :down and
remove cover ;upwards from the seat base.
XRemove cover ;by pulling upwards at an
angle from the seat base.
Open seat base (example: right-hand front seat)
XRemove screws Afrom holder B.
XRemove holder B.
260Battery
Maintenance and care
the side of the battery housing in the connec-
tion area.
XPlace the positive clamp cover on positive
terminal:.
XFold both handles =down onto the battery.
XPush the battery into the seat base until the
negative terminal can be connected.
XConnect the negative clamp to negative ter-
minal ?.
XPush the battery into the seat base as far as it
will go.
Open seat base with installed battery (example:
right-hand front seat)
XPush breather hose Aonto the battery con-
nection at the top.
XGuide holder Cover the lower side of the
battery housing and the threads for screws
B.
XScrew on holder Cwith screws B.
The battery is secured to prevent slipping.
Seat base (example: right-hand front seat)
XInsert cover Edown in front of the battery
compartment into the seat base and close it.
Latching springs Dof cover Eshould
engage audibly. Carry out the following work after connecting
the battery:
XReset the side window (Ypage 83).
XReset the electric sliding doors (Ypage 78).
Charging
GWARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at tempera-
tures below freezing point. When jump-start-
ing the vehicle or charging the battery, gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of
an explosion.
Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before
charging it or jump-starting.
If the indicator/warning lamps do not light up in the instrument cluster when temperatures are
low, it is probably because the discharged bat-
tery has frozen. Should this be the case, do not
jump-start the vehicle or charge the battery. The
service life of a thawed battery may be shorter. Start-up behavior may deteriorate, in particular
at low temperatures. Have the thawed battery
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
GWARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive
gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient
ventilation while charging and jump-starting.
Do not lean over a battery.
GWARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do
not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over
the battery. Keep children away from batter-
ies. Wash away battery acid immediately with
plenty of clean water and seek medical atten-
tion.
!Only charge the installed battery with a bat-
tery charger that has been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. This device
allows the battery to be charged when it is
262Battery
Maintenance and care
installed in the vehicle. The vehicle's elec-
tronics system may otherwise be damaged.
!Only charge the battery using the jump-
starting connection point.
A battery charger unit specially adapted for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles and tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz is available as an
accessory. Only this device permits the charging
of the battery in its installed position. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Commercial Van
Center for information and availability. Read the
operating instructions for your charger before
charging the battery.
Recharge the battery more frequently if you use the vehicle mainly for short trips and/or drive at
low outside temperatures.
Only charge the installed battery with a battery
charger that has been tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz, using the jump-start connec-
tion point in the engine compartment.
XConnect the battery charger to the positive
terminal and ground terminal in the same
order as when connecting the donor battery in
the jump-starting procedure (
Ypage 272).
iIf a battery is not installed and not in service,
you should charge it every three months. This
will counter self-discharging and prevent bat-
tery damage.
Care
!
Dirty battery clamps and battery surfaces
cause leak currents which lead to the batter-
ies discharging.
!Do not use cleaning agents containing fuel.
Cleaning agents containing fuel corrode the
battery housing.
!If dirt gets into the battery cell, battery self-
discharge will increase and the battery may
be damaged.
The following points on battery care must be
observed:
XRegularly check the battery terminals and the
fastening of the negative cable to the chassis
to ensure that they are firmly seated.
XAlways keep the battery terminals and battery
surfaces clean and dry.
XLightly grease the undersides of the battery
terminals with acid-resistant grease.
XOnly clean the battery casing with a commer-
cially available cleaning product.
Care
Notes on care
GWARNING
If you use openings in the bodywork or
detachable parts as steps, you could:
Rslip and/or fall
Rdamage the vehicle and cause yourself to
fall.
There is a risk of injury.
Always use secure climbing aids, e.g. a suita-
ble ladder.
!Do not use the lower sliding door guide (car-
riage) as a step. Otherwise, you could damage
the paneling and/or the sliding door mecha-
nism.
!For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any of
the following:
Rdry, rough or hard cloths
Rabrasive cleaning agents
Rsolvents
Rcleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective films
with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice scraper.
You could otherwise scratch or damage the
surfaces and protective film.
!Do not park your vehicle for a long period of
time directly after cleaning, particularly after
cleaning the wheel rim with wheel cleaner.
Wheel cleaner can lead to the increased cor-
rosion of the brake discs and pads. Therefore,
drive for a few minutes after cleaning. By
heating up the brakes, the brake discs and
pads dry. The vehicle can then be parked for a
long period of time.
HEnvironmental note
Only clean your vehicle at specially designed
wash bays. Dispose of empty containers and
Care263
Maintenance and care
Z
used cleaning productsinan environmentally
responsible manner.
HEnvironmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths inan environmentally responsible man-
ner.
Regular care of your veh icle isa condition for
retaining the qualityin the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents recom-
mended and approved byMercedes-Benz.
Washing the vehicle and cleaning the
paintwork
Automatic car wash
GWAR NING
Braking eff iciency isreduced after washing
the veh icle. There isa risk of an acc ident.
After the veh iclehas been washed, brake
carefully whilepaying attention to the traff ic
conditions unt ilfull braking power isrestored.
!Make sure that the automat iccar wash is
suitable for the size of the veh icle.
Before washing the veh icle inan automat ic
car wash, fold inthe exterior mirrors and
remove any additional antennas. Otherwise,
the exterior mirror, antenna or the veh icle
itself could bedamaged.
Make sure that the exterior mirrors are fully
folded out again and that any additional
antennas are re-installed when you leave the
automat iccar wash.
!Make sure that:
Rthe side wind ows and the roof are com-
plet ely closed
Rthe clim ate control blower is swit ched off
Rthewind shield wiper swit chisat position 0
The veh iclecould otherwise be damaged.
You can wash the veh icle inan automat iccar
wash from the very start.
Wash off excess dirtbefore cleaning the veh icle
in an automat iccar wash. After putting the vehicle through an automat
ic
car wash, wipeoff wax from:
Rthe windshield
Rthewind shield wiperblades
This will prevent smears and reduce wiping
noises caused byresidue on the windshield.
Ron vehicles with rear doors, from the rear view
c
amera lens inthe top of the license plate
molding (
Ypage 267)
Washing by hand
In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements of the country
you are currently in when washing by hand.
XDo not use hot water and donot wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
XUse a soft car sponge.
XUse a mildcleaning agent, e.g. a Mercedes-
Benz approved car shampoo.
XThoroughly hose down the vehicle with a gen-
tle jet of water.
XDo not point the water jet directly towards the
air inlet grilles.
XUse plenty of water and rinse out the sponge
frequently.
XRinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
XDo not let the cleaning agents dry on the
paintwork.
When using the vehicle inwinter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
Power washers
GWARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozz le(dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage
to the tires or chassis components. Compo-
nents damaged in this way may fail unexpect-
edly. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced imme-
diat ely.
!Under no circumstances use power washers
in the vehicle interior. The pressurized water
264Care
Maintenance and care