2018 MERCEDES-BENZ METRIS weight

Problems with the Occupant Classification System (OCS)
Be sure to observe the notes on "System self-test" (Ypage 55).
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator lamp
lights up and remains lit,
even though the front-
passenger seat is occu-
pied by an adult or a per-
son of a stature corre-
sponding to that of an
adult.The classification of the person on the front-passenger seat is incor-
rect.
XMake sure the conditions for a correct classification of the person
on the front-passenger seat are met (Ypage 52).
XIf the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp remains lit, the front-
passenger seat may not be used.
XHave OCS checked as soon as possible at a Mercedes-Benz Com-
mercial Van Center.
The PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator lamp
does not light up and/or
does not stay on.
The front-passenger seat
is:
Runoccupied
Roccupied by the
weight of a child up to
twelve months old in a
child restraint system
OCS is malfunctioning.
XMake sure there is nothing between the seat cushion and the child
seat.
XMake sure that the entire base of the child restraint system rests on
the seat cushion of the front-passenger seat. The backrest of the
forward-facing child restraint system must lie as flat as possible
against the backrest of the front-passenger seat. If necessary,
adjust the position of the front-passenger seat.
XWhen installing the child restraint system, make sure that the seat belt is tight. Do not pull the seat belt tight using the front-passenger
seat adjustment. This could result in the seat belt and the child
restraint system being pulled too tightly.
XCheck for correct installation of the child restraint system.
Make sure that the head restraint does not apply a load to the child
restraint system. If necessary, adjust the head restraint accord-
ingly.
XMake sure that no objects are applying additional weight onto the
seat.
XIf the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp remains off, do not
install a child restraint system on the front-passenger seat. It is
recommended that you install the child restraint system on a suit-
able rear seat.
XHave OCS checked as soon as possible at a Mercedes-Benz Com-
mercial Van Center.
Deployment of Emergency Tensioning
Devices and air bags
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The air bag parts are hot after an air bag has
been deployed. There is a risk of injury.
Do not touch the air bag parts. Have a
deployed air bag replaced at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop as soon as possible.
GWARNING
A deployed air bag no longer offers any pro-
tection and cannot provide the intended pro-
tection in an accident. There is an increased
risk of injury.
56Occupant safety
Safety

they provide an indication of air bag deploy-
ment.
The vehicle can be deformed considerably, with-
out an air bag being deployed. This is the case if
only parts which are relatively easily deformed
are affected and the rate of deceleration is not
high. Conversely, air bags may be deployed eventhough the vehicle suffers only minor deforma-
tion. This is the case if, for example, very rigid
vehicle parts such as longitudinal body mem-
bers are hit, and sufficient deceleration occurs
as a result.
If the restraint system control unit detects a side
impact or if the vehicle rolls over, the applicable
components of the restraint system are
deployed independently of each other depend-
ing on the apparent type of accident.
RSide impact air bag and pelvis air bag on the
side on which an impact occurs, independent
from the Emergency Tensioning Device and
seat belt usage
The side impact air bag on the front-
passenger side deploys under the following
conditions:
-the OCS system detects that the front-
passenger seat is occupied or
-the seat belt buckle tongue is engaged in
the belt buckle of the front-passenger seat
RWindow curtain air bag on the side of impact,
independently of the use of the seat belt and
independently of whether the front-
passenger seat is occupied
REmergency Tensioning Devices, if the system
determines that deployment can offer addi-
tional protection in this situation
RWindow curtain air bags on the driver's and
front-passenger side in certain situations
when the vehicle rolls over, if the system
determines that deployment can offer addi-
tional protection to that provided by the seat
belt
iNot all air bags are deployed in an accident.
The different air bag systems work independ- ently of each other.
How the air bag system works is determined
by the severity of the accident detected,
especially the vehicle deceleration or accel-
eration and the apparent type of accident:
RFrontal collision
RSide impact
RRollover
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent
Immediately after an accident, the following
measures are implemented, depending on the
type and severity of the impact:
Rthe hazard warning lamps are activated
Rthe emergency lighting in the interior is acti-
vated
Rthe vehicle doors are unlocked
Rthe front side windows are lowered
Rair-recirculation mode is activated
Rclimate control is switched off
Rthe engine is switched off and the fuel supply
is cut off
Children in the vehicle
Important safety notes
Accident statistics show that children secured
in the rear seats are safer than children secured
in the front-passenger seat. For this reason,
Mercedes-Benz strongly advises that you install
a child restraint system on a rear seat. Children
are generally better protected there.
If a child younger than twelve years old and
under 5 ft (1.50 m) in height istraveling in the
vehicle:
Ralways secure the child in a child restraint
system suitable for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
The child restraint system must be appropri-
ate to the age, weight and size of the child.
Rbe sure to observe the instructions and safety
notes in this section in addition to the child
restraint system manufacturer's installation
instructions.
Ralways observe the instructions and safety
notes on the "Occupant classification system (OCS)". (
Ypage 52)
GWARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example:
Rrelease the parking brake.
Rshift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P.
Rstart the engine.
58Children in the vehicle
Safety

LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat secur-
ing system
GWARNING
For LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint sys-
tems in which the child is secured using the
safety belt integrated in the child restraint
system, the maximum permissible weight of
the child and child restraint system together
is 73 lbs (33 kg).
If the child and the child restraint system
together weigh more than 73 lbs (33 kg), the
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint system
with integrated safety belt no longer offers
sufficient protection. The LATCH-type (ISO-
FIX) child seat securing system may be over-
loaded, and the child may not be restrained in
an accident, for example. This poses an
increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
If the child and the child restraint system
together weigh more than 73 lbs (33 kg),use
only a LATCH-type (ISOFIX) ch ildrestraint sys-
tem in whic h the ch ild isalso secured with the
veh icle seat belt. Also secure the ch ild
restraint system with the Top Tether belt,if
available.
Regularly check that the permis siblegross
weight of the ch ildtogether with the ch ild
restraint system isstill maintained.
Alwa ys co mply wit h the manufacturer's instal-
lation and operating instructions for the ch ild
restraint system used.
Before installing a ch ildseat, move the rear seat
backrest to an upright position. Do not adjust
the backrest of a seatw
it h a LATCH-type (ISO-
FIX) ch ildrestraint system installed.
Before every tr ip,make sure that the LATCH-
type (ISOFIX) ch ildrestraint system isengaged
correct ly inboth LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing
rings
!When fitting the ch ildrestraint system in
veh icleswit h a rear bench seat, make sure
that the seat beltfor the center seat does not
get tr apped. Otherwise, the seat beltcould be
damaged.
:LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing rings (basic
illustration)
XIn stall the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint
system on both LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing
rings :.
ISOFIX isa standardized securing system for
specially designed child restraint systems on
certain rear seats. LATCH-type (ISOFIX) secur-
ing rings :for a LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child
restraint system are installed between the seat
cushion and the seat backrest.
Non-LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seats may also
be used and can beinstalled using the vehicle's
seat belt system. Install the child seat according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Top Tether
Introduction
Top Tether pro vides an additional connection
between the child restraint system secured with
a LATCH-type (ISOFIX) system and the vehicle.
This helps reduce the risk of injury even further.
If the child restraint system isequipped with a
Top Tether belt, this should always be used.
Children in the vehicle61
Safety
Z

put is also modified to keep the vehicle on the
desired course within physical limits. ESP®can
also stabilize the vehicle during braking.
ESP
®also monitors traction, i.e. power trans-
mission between the tires and the road surface.
The integrated traction control supports you
when pulling away or accelerating on wet, slip-
pery or slick roads. Should the drive wheels spin,
traction control brakes them individually. In
addition, greater drive torque is transmitted to
the wheel or wheels with traction. If traction on
the road surface is not sufficient, even ESP
®will
not allow you to pull away without difficulty. The
type of tires and total weight of the vehicle as
well as the gradient of the road also play a cru-
cial role. Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP
®.
If the h warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter goes out before beginning the journey, ESP
®
is automatically active.
The h warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes when ESP
®intervenes:
XDo not deactivate ESP®under any circum-
stances.
Xwhen driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
Xadapt your speed and driving style to the pre-
vailing road conditions.
Important safety notes
Observe the important safety guidelines for the
driving safety system (Ypage 64).
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 ESP
®is malfunctioning, the hwarning
lamp (Ypage 224) lights up continuously while the engine is running and the display shows a
message.
Ron vehicles without steering wheel buttons
(Ypage 196)
Ron vehicles with steering wheel buttons
(Ypage 210)
ESP®is deactivated if the åwarning lamp in
the instrument cluster is lit when the engine is
running.
Only use wheels with the recommended tire
sizes. Only then will ESP
®function properly.
Deactivating or activating ESP®
GWARNING
If you deactivate ESP
®, ESP®no longer sta-
bilizes the vehicle. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP
®in the situations descri-
bed in the following.
It may be best to deactivate ESP
®in the follow-
ing situations:
Rwhen using snow chains
Rin deep snow
Ron sand or gravel
Activate ESP®as soon as the situations descri-
bed above no longer apply. Otherwise, ESP®
assistance for stabilizing the vehicle will remain significantly reduced, even if the vehicle starts
to skid.
If you deactivate ESP
®:
Rthe å warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter lights up
Rthe ÷ warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter flashes if the wheels are spinning
RESP®assistance for stabilizing the vehicle in
the lower speed range up to approximately
37 mph (60 km/h) is significantly reduced
Rengine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels are able to spin. The spinning of
the wheels results in a cutting action for bet-
ter traction on loose surfaces
Rtraction control is still activated
RESP®still provides support when you brake
66Driving safety systems
Safety

Information on the audio system control knob
can be found in the separate operating
instructions.
Symbol=is highlighted. The distance spec-
ifications now only apply to objects that are at
the same level as the ball coupling.
XBack up carefully, making sure that trailer
drawbar locating aid ;points approximately
in the direction of trailer drawbar :.
XBack up carefully until trailer drawbar :rea-
ches red guide line A.
The distance between trailer drawbar :and
ball coupling ?is now approximately 12 in
(0.30 m).
XCouple the trailer (Ypage 165).
Towing a trailer
Notes on trailer towing
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Installing an unsuitable ball coupling may
result in overloading of the trailer tow hitch
and the rear axle. This applies especially if the ball coupling in question is longer or angled
differently. This could seriously impair the
driving characteristics and the trailer can
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
You should only ever install a ball coupling
that has the permissible dimensions and that
is designed to meet your trailer-towing
requirements. Do not modify the ball coupling
or the trailer tow hitch.
GWARNING
If you install a ball coupling other than the one
delivered with the vehicle, the trailer tow hitch
and the rear axle may be overloaded. This
applies especially if the ball coupling in ques-
tion is longer or angled differently. This could
seriously impair the driving characteristics
and the trailer can come loose. There is a risk
of an accident.
Only install the ball coupling delivered with
the vehicle or a ball coupling that is designed
to meet your trailer towing requirements. Do
not modify the ball coupling or the trailer tow
hitch.
GWARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly installed
and secured, it could come loose while driving and endanger other road users. There is a risk
of an accident and injury.
Install and secure the ball coupling as descri-
bed in the ball coupling manufacturer's instal-
lation instructions. Make sure that the ball
coupling is correctly installed and secured
before every journey.
GWARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The vehi- cle/trailer combination could even rollover.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combination
by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
You can attach carrier systems such as bicycle
racks or load-bearing implements on the ball
coupling. The maximum load-bearing capacity
of 165 lb (75 kg) applies when using carrier sys-
tems on the ball coupling.
Always observe the operating instructions pro-
vided by the manufacturers of the trailer cou-
pling and the ball coupling.
Couple and decouple the trailer carefully. When
backing up the towing vehicle, make sure
nobody is standing between the vehicle and the trailer.
A trailer which is incorrectly coupled to the tow-
ing vehicle could break away. A correctly cou-
pled trailer must be positioned horizontally
behind the towing vehicle.
Ensure that the following weights are not excee-
ded:
Rthe permissible noseweight
Rthe permissible trailer load
Rthe permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
Towing a trailer165
Driving and parking
Z

Rthe maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
Rthe maximum permissible gross weight of
vehicle/trailer combination
The applicable permissible values that may not
be exceeded can be found:
Rin your vehicle documents
Ron the type plates for the trailer tow hitch
Ron the type plates for the trailer
Ron the vehicle identification plate
(Ypage 305)
Where the values differ, the lowest is valid.
You will find the values approved by the manu-
facturer on the vehicle identification plates and
those for the towing vehicle in the "Technical
data" section (
Ypage 316).
Your vehicle behaves differently with a trailer
than without one.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
Ris heavier
Ris restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
climbing capability
Rhas an increased braking distance
Ris more susceptible to strong crosswinds
Rrequires more sensitive steering
Rhas a larger turning circle
This may impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your speed
to suit the road and weather conditions. Drive
carefully. Maintain a safe dista nce.
If y

ou require any further explanation regarding
the information contained in the Operating
Instructions, please contact a Mercedes-Benz
Commercial Van Center.
General notes
RObserve the legally permitted maximum
speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in the
relevant country, state or Canadian province.
Before beginning the journey, check the trail-
er's documents for the maximum permitted
speed of your trailer.
This reduces the risk of accidents.
RInstall only an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle. Only use a ball coupling for your Metris trailer tow hitch if it has been approved
for your vehicle. More information on the
availability, mounting and installation of the trailer electrics is available at any qualified
specialist workshop.
RThe trailer coupling is one of the most impor-
tant vehicle parts with regard to road safety.
Observe the notes on operation, care and
maintenance of the trailer tow hitch (see the
manufacturer's operating instructions).
RThe bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
for installing detachable trailer couplings.
RDo not attach rented trailer tow hitches or
other detachable trailer tow hitches to the
bumper.
RMinimize the risk of damage to the ball cou-
pling. If you do not require the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess.
Yo u w
ill find weight information under "Techni-
cal data" (Ypage 316).
The height of the ball neck changes according to
the load on the vehicle. If this is case, use a
trailer with a height-adjustable trailer drawbar.
Driving tips
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combination depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check the
trailer's documents for the maximum permitted
speed of your trailer. Observe the legally per-
mitted maximum speed in the relevant country, state or Canadian province.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to
when driving without a trailer and it will con-
sume more fuel.
On long and steep downhill gradients, select a
lower gear.
iThis also applies if cruise control is activa-
ted.
This enables you to utilize the engine's braking
effect and you do not need to brake so heavily to keep the correct speed. This relieves the load on
the brake system and prevents the brakes from overheating and wearing too quickly. If you need
to brake additionally, to not depress the brake
pedal constantly, but periodically.
Observe the notes on ESP
®trailer stabilization
(Ypage 67).
166Towing a trailer
Driving an d parking

Drivingtips
If th etrailer begin sto swin gfrom sid eto side:
XDo no taccelerate.
XDo no tcounter-steer .
XBrakeif necessary.
iYou can reduce th eris kof th etrailer swing-
in gand rockin gby retrofitting anti-roll bar sor
trailer stability programs .Further information
is available at your authorized Mercedes-Ben z
Van Dealer .
RMaintainagreater distanc ethan you would
when drivin gwithout towin g atrailer .
RAvoid sudden braking .Apply th ebrake sgen -
tl y at first to allow th etrailer brake to overrun.
Then, increase th ebrake forc equickly.
RThe figure sfo rth egradient climbin gcapabil-
ities from astandstill refer to sea level. Whe n
drivin gin mountainous areas, note that th e
powe routput of th eengine, and wit hit it s
gradient climbin gcapability, decrease wit h
increasing altitude.
Coupling up atrailer
Trailer couple dready fo ruse
XMak esur ethat th eselecto rlever of th eauto-
matic transmissio nis in position P.
XOn vehicles wit han automatic transmission,
ensur ethat th etransmissio nis in position P.
XEngage thevehicle' sparking brake .
XCloseall doors .
XPosition th etrailer horizontally behin dyour
vehicle.
XCoupl eth etrailer .
XEstablis hall electrical and other connection s
to th etrailer .Whe ndoin gso, hoo kth ebreak -
away cable of th etrailer into th eeyele ton th e
ball coupling.
XRemov eth eobjects that are preventing th e
trailer from rolling, e.g. whee lchocks .
XRelease th etrailer parking brake .
Observ eth emaximum permissible trailer
dimensions (widt hand length).
Mos tfederal states and all Canadian province s
require by law:
Rsafet ychain sbetween th etowin gvehicle and
th etrailer .The chain sshould be cross-woun d
under th etrailer drawbar .The ymus tbe fas -
tene dto th evehicle' strailer coupling, no tto
th ebumper or th eaxle.
Leave enough slac kin th echains. Thi sallow s
you to drive round tight corners .
Raseparat ebrake syste mforcertain types of
tra
iler .
Rasafet yshut-of ffo rbrake dtrailers. Fin dout
th especific requirements accordin gto th e
applicable laws.
If th etrailer becomes detached from th etow-
in g vehicle, th esafet yshut-of fapplies th e
trailer brakes.
Towing atrailer
There are numerous lega lrequirements con-
cernin gth etowin gof atrailer ,e.g. speed restric -
tions. Man ystates require aseparat efunctional
braking system fo ryour trailer once acertain
weight limit is exceeded. Fo rreason sof safety,
it is recommended that all trailer suse asepa-
rat efunctional braking system. Mak esur eyour
vehicle/trailer combination complies wit hlocal
laws. Thi sno tonly means wher eyou live, but
also anywher eyou are drivin gto .Information on
this can be obtained from th epolice and local
authorities .
Observ eth efollowin gwhen towin g atrailer :
RPractic edrivin garound bends, stoppin gand
backing up at aplac ewher ethere is no traffic .
Towing a trailer167
Driving and parking
Z

Permissible trailer loads and trailer
drawbar noseweights
Weight information
!For vehicles with a permissible gross vehicle
weight of 6724 lbs (3050 kg), the permissible gross combination weight is less than the sum
of the permissible gross vehicle weight plus
the permissible trailer load. Exceeding the
permitted gross combination weight could
damage the powertrain, transmission or
trailer tow hitch.
If either the vehicle or the trailer is fully laden,
the permitted gross vehicle weight or the per- mitted trailer load values are reduced accord-
ingly. In this case, you may only partially load
the trailer or the vehicle.
The gross trailer weight (GTW) is calculated by
adding the weight of the trailer to the weight of
the load and equipment. If the trailer is installed
with a separate functional braking system, then
the maximum gross trailer weight is 5000 lbs
(2268 kg).
GWARNING
If you tow a trailer without a separate func-
tional braking system and a gross trailer
weight (GTW) of more than 1635 lbs (750 kg),
then the vehicle brake system may overheat.
This increases the braking distance and the
brake system may even fail. There is an
increased risk of accident and injury, possibly
even fatal.
Always use a trailer with a separate functional
braking system when towing a trailer with a
gross trailer weight (GTW) of more than
1635 lbs (750 kg).
The maximum noseweight of the trailer drawbar
on the ball coupling is 500 lbs (227 kg). The
actual noseweight may not exceed the value
given on the identification plates of the trailer
tow hitch or the trailer. If the values vary, the
lowest value always applies.
The gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is
calculated by adding the gross weight of the
trailer to the gross vehicle weight including a
driver's weight of approximately 150 lbs (68 kg).
The permissible Gross Combination Weight Rat-
ing is vehicle-specific and depends on the equip-
ment level. When driving with a trailer, you should not
exceed the permitted Gross Combination
Weight Rating (GCWR).
The permissible values, which must not be
exceeded, can be found in your vehicle docu-
ments and on the trailer tow hitch type plates for
the trailer and the vehicle (
Ypage 305). The
basic values approved by the manufacturer can
also be found in the "Technical data" section
(
Ypage 315). If the values vary, the lowest
value always applies.
Loading a trailer
!Utilize the maximum permissible nose-
weight as fully as possible. Do not allow the
weight to fall below the minimum permissible
noseweight, otherwise the trailer may come
loose.
RThe load must be distributed over the vehicle
and the trailer so as not to exceed either the
maximum permissible values for the gross
vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and gross trailer
weight (GTW), the gross combination weight
rating (GCWR), nor the maximum permissible
gross axle weight rating (GAWR) and trailer
drawbar noseweight rating of your vehicle.
RAdd the drawbar noseweight on the ball cou-
pling (TWR) to the rear axle load. This will pre- vent you from exceeding the permissible
gross axle weight (GAWR).
RAdd the drawbar noseweight on the ball cou-
pling (TWR) to the vehicle payload. This will
ensure that you do not exceed the permissi-
ble gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight
RMake sure the weights of the towing vehicle
and the trailer comply with the maximum per-
missible values. Have the vehicle/trailer com-
bination weighed on a calibrated weigh-
bridge. The vehicle/trailer combination con-
sists of the towing vehicle including the driver,
passengers and load, as well as the loaded
trailer.
RCheck the maximum permissible gross axle
weight rating of the front and rear axles
(GAWR), the gross trailer weight (GTW), the
gross combination weight rating (GCWR) and the noseweight of the trailer drawbar (TWR).
Towing a trailer169
Driving and parking
Z