Load bearing index (definition) ...... 261
Load index .....................................258
Load index (definition) ................... 260
M+S tires ....................................... 245
Maximum load on a tire (defini-
tion) ............................................... 261
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 260
Maximum permissible tire pres-
sure (definition) .............................2 61
Maximum tire load ......................... 259
Maximum tire load (definition) ....... 261
Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 261
PSI (pounds per square inch) (def-
inition) ...........................................2 61
Replacing ....................................... 262
Service life ..................................... 244
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 261
Snow chains .................................. 246
Speed rating (definition) ................ 260
Storing ...........................................2 62
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 259
Summer tires ................................. 245
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 261
Tire bead (definition) ......................2 61
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 261
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 260
Tire size (data) ....................... 252, 268
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 257
Tire tread ....................................... 244
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 261
Total load limit (definition) ............. 261
Traction (definition) ....................... 261
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................. 261
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 260
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 261
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 260
Top Tether ............................................ 50
To
uchshift (automatic transmis-
sion) .................................................... 122
Tow-away alarm
Arming/deactivating ........................ 57 Deactivating ..................................... 57
Operation ......................................... 57
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 242
Important safety notes .................. 239
Towing
If the vehicle is stuck ..................... 241
Installing/removing the towing
eye ................................................. 240
With a raised front or rear axle ...... 241
Towing a trailer
Axle load, permissible .................... 283
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 233
Coupling up a trailer ......................1 54
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 156
Driving tips ....................................1 52
Important safety notes .................. 152
Notes on retrofitting ......................2 82
Trailer loads ................................... 283
Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 239
In the event of malfunctions .......... 240
With both axles on the ground ....... 241
Trailer
Brake force booster malfunction ... 192
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer loads and drawbar nose-
weights ............................................... 156
Trailer towing
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 143
PARKTRONIC ................................. 150
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights ..................... 156
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission oil ................................ 279
Transport
Loading guidelines ......................... 208
Vehicle ...........................................2 42
Transport by rail ................................ 132
Transportation
Rail ................................................ 132
Transporting
Load distribution ............................ 210
Securing a load .............................. 210
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) ..................................................2 34
20Index
Reservefuel .................................. .196
Tire pressure monitor .................... 197
Water separator .............................1 98
Windshield washer fluid ................. 198
Warranty .............................................. 23
Washer fluid
Adding ...........................................2 20
Capacities ...................................... 281
Display message ............................ 189
Indicator lamp ................................ 198
Notes ............................................. 281
Wiping with ...................................... 94
Wheels
Changing a wheel .......................... 262
Checking ........................................ 244
Cleaning ......................................... 231
Important safety notes .................. 243
Installing the adapter (spare
wheel) ............................................ 265
Interchanging/changing ................ 262
Mounting a new wheel ................... 266
Mounting a wheel .......................... 263
Removing a wheel .......................... 265
Removing and mounting the spare
wheel ............................................. 269
Snow chains .................................. 246
Storing ...........................................2 62
Tightening torque ........................... 267
Wheel size/tire size ....................... 268
Window curtain air bag ....................... 46
Windows
see Side windows
Windshield
Cleaning ......................................... 231
Defrosting ...................................... 102
Windshield heating
Problem (malfunction) ................... 103
Switching on/off ........................... 103
Windshield washer fluid
Adding ...........................................2 20
Indicator lamp ................................ 198
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 96
Rain and light sensor ....................... 94
Rear window wiper .......................... 95
Replacing the wiper blades .............. 95 Setting the sensiti
vity (vehicles
with steering wheel buttons and
rain/light sensor) ........................... 170
Switching on/off .............................. 94
Wiping with windshield washer
fluid ................................................. 94
Winter diesel ..................................... 274
Winter driving
Slippery road surfaces ................... 134
Snow chains .................................. 246
Winter operation
General notes ................................ 245
Radiator cover ................................. 29
Winter tires
M+S tires ....................................... 245
Setting a limit speed ......................1 31
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 231
Replacing ......................................... 95
Workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop
22Index
In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels from locking.
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons: if the
BAS driving safety system is malfunctioning,
the : warning lamp lights up while the
engine is running (
Ypage 191).
BAS operates in emergency braking situations.
If you depress the brake quickly, BAS automat-
ically increases the brake pressure, thereby
reducing the stopping distance.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
EBD (electronic brake force distribu-
tion)
GWARNING
If EBD is malfunctioning, the rear wheels can
lock, e.g. under full braking. This increases the
risk of skidding and an accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
to the different handling characteristics. Have
the brake system checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
EBD monitors and controls the brake pressure
to the rear wheels. This enables EBD to improve
handling during braking.
Observe the information on warning and indica-
tor lamps (
Ypage 191).
ESP®(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If ESP
®is malfunctioning it will not provide
any vehicle stabilization. There is an increased
risk of skidding or of an accident.
Exercise caution when continuing to drive.
Have ESP
®checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
!Do not run the vehicle on a roller dynamom-
eter (e.g. for performance tests). If you must
operate the vehicle on a roller dynamometer, 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 190).
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 145).
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 246). 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 hydroplaning.
Rto large and sudden steering movements by
the driver.
Driving safety systems55
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 permitted for 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 246).
You can permanently limit the speed of your
vehicle to 65 mph (105 km/h) or 75 mph
(120 km/h).
We recommend that you have the speed limit
programmed at an authorized Sprinter dealer.
Before overtaking, take into consideration that
the engine speed limiter prevents the speed
increasing beyond the programmed speed limit.
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 273).
Driving tips131
Driving and parking
Z
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 27).
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 282) and information about roof carri-
ers in the "Carrier systems" section
(
Ypage 212).
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.
208Loading 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 27).
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 252).
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 a spacer and brake
dust shields is not permitted. This invalidates
the general operating permit for the vehicle.
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 246).
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.
Operation243
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 244). 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 246).
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).
244Operation
Wheels and tires
Radversely affect ride comfort
Rbe more susceptible to damage
Maximum tire pressures
:Maximum permitted tire pressure (example)
Never exceed the maximum permissible tire
inflation pressure. When adjusting the tire pres-
sures always observe the recommended tire
pressure for your vehicle (
Ypage 246).
iThe actual values for tires are specific to
each vehicle and may deviate from the values in the illustration.
Tire valve
GWARNING
Tire valve that are not approved for your vehi-
cle by the distributor named on the inside
cover page may result in a loss of tire pres-
sure. This may affect road safety. There is a
risk of an accident.
Only use tire valve that are approved for your
vehicle by the distributor named on the inside
cover page. Always make sure you have the
correct tire valve type for the tires on your
vehicle.
!Do not screw additional weights (check
valves, etc.) onto the tire valves. The elec-
tronic components could thus be damaged.
Only for vehicles without a tire pressure moni-
tor:
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use tire valves that have
been tested for use on your vehicle.
Checking the tire pressure manually
In order to determine and adjust the tire pres-
sures, proceed as follows:
XRemove the valve cap of the tire you wish to
check.
XPress the tire pressure gauge securely onto
the valve.
XRead the tire pressure and compare it with the
recommended value on the loading informa-
tion table or the tire pressure table
(
Ypage 246).
XIf the tire pressure is too low, increase it to the
recommended value.
XIf the tire pressure is too high, release air by
pressing down the metal pin in the valve. Use
the tip of a pen, for example. Then, check the
tire pressure again using the tire pressure
gauge.
XScrew the valve cap onto the valve.
XRepeat the steps for the other tires.
Tire pressure monitor
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked at least once a month
when cold and inflated to the pressure rec-
ommended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the Tire and Loading Information placard on
the driver's door B-pillar or the tire pressure
label on the inside of the fuel filler flap. If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the
size indicated on the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation placard or the tire pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire pressure for
those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pres-
sure telltale when one or more of your tires
are significantly underinflated. Accordingly,
when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates,
you should stop and check your tires as soon
as possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a significantly underin-
Tire pressure249
Wheels and tires
Z