136Driving and operatingThe maximum permissible vertical
coupling load (60 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 care151Electrical system
Fuses Data on the replacement fuse must
match the data on the defective fuse.
There are two fuse boxes in the
vehicle:
● on the right of the engine compartment, next to the vehicle
battery
● behind a cover on the lower part of the instrument panel, on the
driver's side
Before replacing a fuse, turn off the
respective switch and the ignition.
There are different types of fuses in the vehicle.
Depending on the type of fuse, a
blown fuse can be recognised by its
melted wire. Do not replace the fuse until the cause of the fault has been
remedied.
It is advisable to carry a full set of
fuses.
Some functions are protected by
several fuses. Fuses may also be
inserted without existence of a
function.
Note
Not all fuse box descriptions in this
Owner's Manual may apply to your
vehicle. Refer to the fuse box label,
where fitted.
Fuse extractor
Use a fuse extractor to remove fuses.
156Vehicle careDirectional tyres
Directional tyres must be mounted so that they rotate in the correct
direction. The proper rotation
direction is indicated by a symbol
(e.g. an arrow) on the sidewall.
Tyre pressure
Check the pressure of cold tyres at
least every 14 days and before any
long journey. Do not forget the spare
wheel. This also applies to vehicles
with tyre pressure monitoring system.
Unscrew the valve cap.
Tyre pressure 3 185.
The tyre pressure information label
on the door frame (if fitted) indicates
the original equipment tyres and the
correspondent tyre pressures.
The tyre pressure data refers to cold
tyres. It applies to summer and winter tyres.
Always inflate the spare tyre to the
pressure specified for full load.Incorrect tyre pressures will impair
safety, vehicle handling, comfort and
fuel economy and will increase tyre
wear.
Tyre pressures differ depending on
various options. For the correct tyre
pressure value, follow the procedure
below:
1. Identify the engine identifier code.
Engine data 3 178.
2. Identify the respective tyre.
The tyre pressure tables show all
possible tyre combinations 3 185.
For the tyres approved for your
vehicle, refer to the EEC Certificate of Conformity provided with your vehicle
or other national registration
documents.
The driver is responsible for correct
adjustment of tyre pressures.9 Warning
If the pressure is too low, this can
result in considerable tyre warm-
up and internal damage, leading to tread separation and even to tyre
blow-out at high speeds.
9 Warning
For specific tyres the
recommended tyre pressure as
shown in the tyre pressure table may exceed the maximum tyre
pressure as indicated on the tyre.
Never exceed the maximum tyre
pressure as indicated on the tyre.
If the tyre pressure must be reduced
or increased on a vehicle with tyre
pressure monitoring system, switch
off ignition.
Temperature dependency
The tyre pressure depends on the
temperature of the tyre. During
driving, tyre temperature and
pressure increase. Tyre pressure
values provided on the tyre
information label and tyre pressure
chart are valid for cold tyres, which means at 20 °C.
The pressure increases by nearly
10 kPa (0.1 bar) for a 10 °C
temperature increase. This must be
considered when warm tyres are
checked.
Vehicle care157Tyre pressure monitoringsystem
The Tyre Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) uses radio and
sensor technology to check tyre
pressure levels.Caution
Tyre pressure monitoring system
warns only about low tyre pressure condition and does not replace
regular tyre maintenance by the
driver.
The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in the tyres and transmit tyre
pressure readings to a receiver
located in the vehicle.
All wheels must be equipped with
pressure sensors and the tyres must
have the prescribed pressure.
Tyre pressure chart 3 185.
Note
In countries where the tyre pressure monitoring system is legally
required, the use of wheels without
pressure sensors will invalidate the
vehicle type approval.
Low tyre pressure condition
A detected low tyre pressure
condition is indicated by illumination
of control indicator w 3 86 together
with a warning chime. In vehicles with Multifunction version of the Driver
Information Centre, a corresponding message is also displayed.
If w illuminates, stop as soon as
possible and inflate the tyres as
recommended 3 185.
After inflating, driving may be
required to update the tyre pressure
values in the system. During this time
w may illuminate.
If w illuminates at lower temperatures
and extinguishes after some driving,
this could be an indicator for
approaching a low tyre pressure
condition. Check tyre pressure of all
four tyres.
If the tyre pressure must be reduced
or increased, switch off ignition.
Only mount wheels with pressure
sensors, otherwise the tyre pressure
value cannot be recognised by the
system and w flashes for several
seconds then illuminates
continuously. In vehicles with
Multifunction version of the Driver Information Centre, a corresponding
message is also displayed.
158Vehicle careA spare wheel or temporary spare
wheel is not equipped with pressure
sensors. TPMS is not operational for
these wheels. For the further three
wheels, TPMS remains operational.
Spare wheel 3 163, Wheel changing
3 162.
Control indicator w and (depending
on version) a corresponding message appears at each ignition cycle untilthe tyres are inflated to the correct
tyre pressure.
Driver Information Centre 3 89.
Relearn function
After changing wheels, TPMS needs
to recalculate. The relearn process
takes up to 20 minutes of driving with
a minimum speed of 20 km/h.
If problems occur during the relearn
process, control indicator w flashes
for several seconds then illuminates
continuously and (depending on
version) a warning message is
displayed in the Driver Information
Centre.
Driver Information Centre 3 89.General information
The use of tyre chains or
commercially available liquid tyre
repair kits can impair the function of
the system. Factory-approved tyre
repair kits can be used.
Tyre repair kit 3 159, Tyre chains
3 159.
Operating electronic devices or being
close to facilities using similar wave
frequencies could disrupt the tyre
pressure monitoring system.
Each time the tyres are replaced, TPMS sensors must be dismounted
and serviced by a workshop.
Tread depth Check tread depth at regular
intervals.
Tyres should be replaced for safety
reasons at a tread depth of 2-3 mm
(4 mm for winter tyres).
For safety reasons, it is
recommended that the tread depth of
the tyres on one axle should not vary
by more than 2 mm.
The legally permissible minimum
tread depth (1.6 mm) has been
reached when the tread has worn
down as far as one of the tread wear
indicators (TWI). Their position is
indicated by markings on the
sidewall.
If there is more wear at the front than
the rear, swap round front wheels and
rear wheels periodically. 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.
Vehicle care159Changing tyre and wheelsize
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.
Tyre chains
Tyre chains are only permitted on the
front wheels.
Always use fine mesh chains that add no more than 10 mm to the tyre tread
and the inboard sides (including chain lock).
Do not exceed 50 km/h when tyre
chains are fitted.9 Warning
Damage may lead to tyre blowout.
Tyre repair kit
Minor damage to the tyre tread can be
repaired with the tyre repair kit.
Do not remove foreign bodies from
the tyres.
Tyre damage exceeding 4 mm or that is at tyre's sidewall cannot be repairedwith the tyre repair kit.
9 Warning
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h.
Do not use for a lengthy period.
Steering and handling may be
affected.
If you have a flat tyre:
Vehicle care163
3.Vehicle jacking points are located
at the front and rear.
4. Set the jack to the necessary height. Position it directly below
the jacking point in a manner that
prevents it from slipping.
With the jack correctly aligned,
rotate until wheel is clear of the
ground.
5. Unscrew the wheel nuts. 6. Change the wheel. Spare wheel 3 163.
7. Screw on the wheel nuts.
8. Lower vehicle.
9. Install the wheel wrench ensuring that it locates securely and tighten
each nut in a crosswise
sequence. Tightening torque is
85 Nm (steel wheel) or 120 Nm
(alloy wheel).
10. Align the valve hole in the wheel cover with the tyre valve before
installing.
Install wheel nut caps.
11. Stow the replaced wheel 3 163
and the vehicle tools 3 154.
12. Check the tyre pressure of the installed tyre and the wheel nut
torque as soon as possible.
Have the defective tyre renewed or
repaired as soon as possible.
Spare wheel Some vehicles are equipped with atyre repair kit 3 159 instead of a spare
wheel.
If mounting a spare wheel which is
different from the other wheels, this
wheel might be classified as a
temporary spare wheel and the
corresponding speed limits apply,
even though no label indicates this.
Seek the assistance of a workshop to
check the applicable speed limit.
Vehicle care171Towing equipmentDo not clean the coupling ball bar with
a steam-jet or high-pressure jet
cleaner.
Interior care
Interior and upholstery Only clean the vehicle interior,
including the instrument panel fascia
and panelling, with a dry cloth or
interior cleaner.
Clean the leather upholstery with
clear water and a soft cloth. In case of
heavy soiling, use leather care.
The instrument cluster and the
displays should only be cleaned using
a soft damp cloth. If necessary, use a weak soap solution.
Clean fabric upholstery with a
vacuum cleaner and brush. Remove
stains with an upholstery cleaner.
Clothing fabrics may not be
colourfast. This could cause visible
discolourations, especially on light-coloured upholstery. Removable
stains and discolourations should be
cleaned as soon as possible.
Clean seat belts with lukewarm water or interior cleaner.Caution
Close Velcro fasteners as open
Velcro fasteners on clothing could
damage seat upholstery.
The same applies to clothing with
sharp-edged objects, like zips or
belts or studded jeans.
Plastic and rubber parts
Plastic and rubber parts can be
cleaned with the same cleaner as
used to clean the body. Use interior cleaner if necessary. Do not use any
other agent. Avoid solvents and petrol in particular. Do not use high-
pressure jet cleaners.