XTo open:briefly press cover of spectacles
compartment :.
The eyeglasses compartment opens down-
wards.
XTo close: press the cover of spectacles com-
partment :into the overhead control panel
until it engages.
Make sure that the eyeglasses compartment is
always closed while the vehicle is in motion.
Stowage net
You can use the stowage nets on the back of the
seat backrests to store small, lightweight items.
Observe the loading directions (
Ypage 244)
and the safety information about the stowage
spaces (
Ypage 240).
Sun visors
Overview
GWARNING
If the mirror cover of the vanity mirror is folded
up when the vehicle is in motion, you could be
blinded by incident light. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always keep the mirror cover folded down
while driving.
Sun visor (example with illuminated vanity mirror)
:
Mirror light
;Retainer
=Retaining clip, e.g. for a car park ticket
?Vanity mirror
AMirror cover
Vanity mirror in the sun visor
XFold up mirror cover A.
XTurn the key to position 1or 2in the ignition
lock.
Mirror lamp :lights up.
Glare from the side
XFold the sun visor down.
XPull the sun visor out of bracket ;.
XSwing the sun visor to the side.
Cup holder
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The cup holder cannot hold a container secure
whilst traveling. If you use a cup holder whilst
traveling, the container may be flung around
and liquid may be spilled. The vehicle occu-
pants may come into contact with the liquid
and if it is hot, they may be scalded. You may
be distracted from the traffic conditions and
you could lose control of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Only use the cup holder when the vehicle is
stationary. Only use the cup holder for con-
tainers of the right size. Always close the con-
tainer, particularly if the liquid is hot.
!Only use the cup holders for containers of
the right size and which have lids. The drinks could otherwise spill.
Observe the loading guidelines (
Ypage 244).
Cup holder241
Stowing an d features
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 31).
Loading guidelines
Important safety notes
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
Rseats which have been removed and are
being transported in the vehicle in an
exceptional case.
There is a risk of injury, particularly in the
event of a braking maneuver or abrupt change
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
seat, store it preferably outside the vehicle.
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 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).
!If you are using a roof carrier, observe the
maximum roof load and maximum roof carrier
load.
RDo not stack luggage or loads higher than the
backrests.
RObjects to be transported should preferably
be stowed in the cargo compartment.
RWhen transporting luggage, always use the
cargo tie-down rings for securing loads and a
cargo net, if installed.
RUse cargo tie-down rings and fasteners which
are suitable for the weight and size of the
load.
When using suitable load securing aids and tie
downs, always follow the manufacturer's oper-
ating instructions, in particular the notes on dis-
card criteria contained therein.
Load securing aids or tie downs must not be
used if:
Ridentification marks are missing or illegible
Rthere are yarn breakages, damage to bearing seams or other signs of tearing
Rthere are signs of shearing, deformation,
pinching or other damage
Rthere is damage to clamping or connecting
elements
Load securing aids and tie downs in this condi-
tion are ready for discard and must be replaced.
If you use load securing aids or tie downs which are worn out, the load may not be sufficiently
secured and could cause damage to property.
244Loading guidelines
Transporting loads
In the event of an accident, have a damaged
cargo compartment floor or loading area, the
cargo tie-down rings and the tie down checked
at a specialist workshop. Otherwise, the load
may not be correctly secured the next time any-
thing is stowed.
Even if you follow all loading guidelines, the load
increases the risk of injury in the event of an
accident. Observe the information in the "Secur-ing a load" (
Ypage 246) and "Load distribution"
(Ypage 245) sections.
You will find information about the maximum
roof load under "Cargo tie-down points and car-
rier systems" (
Ypage 314). You will find infor-
mation about roof carriers under "Carrier sys-
tems" (
Ypage 250).
Before loading
!
The anti-slip mats cannot be used for secur-
ing goods and must be replaced when they
show signs of:
RPermanent deformation and crushing
RCrack formation
RCuts
XTire pressure: check the tire pressure and
correct if necessary (Ypage 282).
XCargo compartment floor: clean the cargo
compartment floor.
The cargo compartment floor must be free
from oil and dust, dry and swept clean to pre-
vent the load from slipping.
XPlace non-slip mats (anti-slip mats) on the
cargo compartment floor if necessary.
During loading
XObserve the gross axle weight rating and per-
missible gross vehicle weight for your vehicle.
Take into account that your vehicle's curb
weight is increased if accessories or optional equipment are installed. The maximum pay-
load is thus reduced.
XObserve the notes on load distribution
(Ypage 245).
The overall center of gravity of the load should
always be as low as possible, centered and
between the axles near the rear axle.
XSecure the load (Ypage 246).
Observe the legal requirements of the country
in which you are currently driving.
Checks after loading
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the tail-
gate/rear door is open when the engine is
running, particularly if the vehicle is moving,
exhaust fumes could enter the passenger
compartment. There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the tail-
gate/rear door. Never drive off with the tail-
gate/rear door open.
XSecuring luggage/loads: make sure that
the luggage and/or load is secure before
every journey and at regular intervals during a
long journey, and correct it if necessary.
XDoors/tailgate: close the sliding doors and
tailgate/door.
XTire pressure: adjust the tire pressure
according to the vehicle load (Ypage 282).
XDriving style: adapt your driving style
according to the vehicle load.
Load distribution
General notes
!
Excessive loads on individual points of the
cargo floor or on the load surface impair vehi-
cle handling characteristics and could cause
damage to the floor covering.
The overall center of gravity of the load should
always be as low as possible, centered and
between the axles near the rear axle.
Load distribution245
Transporting loads
Z
XAlways transport loads in the cargo compart-
ment and with the seat backrests folded up
and properly locked in position.
XAlways place the load against the backrests ofthe front or rear seats.
XMove large and heavy loads as far towards thefront of the vehicle as possible against the
front or rear seats. Stow the load flush with
the rear or front seats.
XAlways additionally secure the load with suit-
able load-securing aids or tie downs.
Observe the following notes:
RDo not stack loads higher than the upper edge
of the backrests.
RTransport loads behind seats that are not
occupied.
RIf the rear bench seat is not occupied, insert
the seat belts crosswise into the buckle of the
opposite seat belt.
Cargo compartment variations
You can vary the cargo compartment according
to your transportation requirements as follows:
Rby folding the seat backrests forward to the
table position.
Rby removing the rear bench seat.
You will find information about rear bench seats in the "Rear bench seats" section (
Ypage 87).
Securing loads
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.
Spread the load evenly across the cargo tie-
down points/cargo tie-down rings. You will find information on the maximum loading capacity of
the cargo tie-down points under "Cargo tie-
down points and carrier systems" (
Ypage 314).
Do not attempt to modify or repair the cargo tie-
down points/cargo tie-down rings or tie downs.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops: (
Ypage 31).
As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring
that:
RThe load is secured against slipping, tipping,
rolling or falling off in normal traffic condi-
tions, should the vehicle swerve to avoid an
obstacle, in the event of full brake application
and on poor road surfaces.
RThe applicable requirements and guidelines
relating to load-securing practices must be
met.
If this is not the case, this may constitute a
punishable offense, depending on local legis-
lation and any ensuing consequences.
Always observe the legal requirements for the country you are currently in.
Make sure that the load is secure before every
journey and at regular intervals during a long
journey. Correct an incorrectly or inadequately
secured load if necessary.
Always observe the operating instructions or the
notes of the lashing strap manufacturer for the
operation of the lashing strap.
You can obtain information about securing the
load correctly from the manufacturer of the load
securing aids or tie down for securing the load.
246Securing loads
Transporting loads
Also observe the safety information in the load-
ing directions (Ypage 244).
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 straps247
Transporting loads
Z
You will find information about the maximum
roof load under "Cargo tie-down points and car-
rier systems" (
Ypage 314).
!Make sure that:
Rthe screws of the roof carrier are tightened
to a maximum torque of 7.4 lb-ft(10 Nm) in
the threaded holes provided and
Rthere is a minimum bolt penetration of
4 turns.
Only install roof carriers and rear racks that
have been approved or recommended for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles. This will help avoid
damage to the vehicle.
You can install a roof carrier on the roof and, for
example, a rear-mounted cycle rack on the tail-
gate.
Install the protective caps on the securing
threads after you have removed the roof carrier.
If you have installed a rear rack on the tailgate,
the additional weight reduces the assistance
provided by the gas pressure springs when the
tailgate is opened. You will then need more force
to open the tailgate. At low outside tempera-
tures below freezing you will need to provide
extra support for the tailgate to prevent it from
sinking unintentionally.
Carrier systems251
Transporting loads
Z
and associated spray produced by the power
washer could cause extensive damage to thevehicle.
!When using high-pressure cleaning equip-
ment, maintain a minimum distance of
approx. 1 ft (30 cm)betwee nthe spra ynozzle
and th evehicl eparts. Do no tuse apowe r
washer wit h around-jet nozzle. You could
damage th evehicl eor engin eparts.
!Kee pth ewater je tmovin gconstantl ywhile
cleaning .This will avoid causin gdamage to
th evehicle.
Do no tpoin tth ewater je tat:
Rdoo rjoints
Rrear vie wcamera
Rair bellows
Rbrak ehoses
Rwhee lbalance weights
Relectrica lcomponent s
Relectricalconnection s
Rseals
Rdrive train ,especially no tat th eintermedi-
ate bearin gof th epropelle rshaf t
Cleaning the engine
!Water mus tno tente rintak eor ventilation
openings. Whe ncleaning wit hhigh pressur e
water or steam cleaners ,th espray mus tno t
be aime ddirectl yat electrica lcomponent sor
th eterminals of electrica llines.
Preserve th eengin eafter th eengin ehas been
cleaned. Protect th ebelt drive system from
exposure to th epreservative agent.
Also observ eth einformation under "Powe r
washers " (
Ypage 266).
Cleaning the paintwork
!Do notaffix:
Rstickers
Rfilm s
Rmagneti cplates or similar items
to painte dsurfaces. You could otherwise
damage th epaintwork .
Scratches, corrosiv edeposits, area saffecte dby
corrosio nand damage caused by inadequate
car ecanno talways be completely repaired. In
suc hcases, visit aqualified specialist workshop .
XRemove impurities immediately, wher epos -
sible, whils tavoidin grubbin gto ohard.
XSoak insec tremain swit hinsec tremove rand
rinse off th etreated area safterwards .
XSoak birddroppings wit hwater and rinse off
th etreated area safterwards .
XRemove coolant, brak efluid, tree resin ,oils ,
fuel sand greases by rubbin ggentl ywit h a
cloth soaked in petroleum ether or lighte r
fluid.
XUse tar remove rto remove tar stains.
XUse silicon eremove rto remove wax .
Cleaning the windows
GWARNING
You could become trapped by th ewindshield
wiper sif they start movin gwhile cleaning th e
windshield or wiper blades. There is aris kof
injury.
Always switch off th ewindshield wiper sand
th eignition before cleaning th ewindshield or
wiper blades.
!Do no tfol dth ewindshield wiper saway from
th ewindshield unless th ehoo dis closed .Oth-
erwise, you could damage th ehood.
!Hold th ewiper arm securel ywhen foldin g
back. The windshield could be damaged if th e
wiper arm smack sagainst it suddenly.
!Do no tuse dry cloths, abrasiv eproducts ,
solvents or cleaning agents containin gsol-
vents to clean th einside of th ewindows .Do
no ttouch th einside sof th ewindows wit h
har dobjects ,e.g. an ice scrape ror ring. There
is otherwise aris kof damagin gth ewindows .
!Clean thewater drainag echannels of th e
windshield and th erear window at regular
intervals. Deposit ssuc has leaves, petals and
pollen may under certain circumstances pre -
ven twater from draining away. This can lead
to corrosio ndamage and damage to elec -
tronic components.
XClean th einside and outside of th ewindows
wit h a damp cloth and acleaning agen tthat is
recommended and approve dby Mercedes -
Benz .
Care267
Maintenance and care
Z
Exterior
Cleaning the wheels
!Do not use any acidic or alkaline cleaning
agents. They can cause corrosion on the
wheel bolts or the retainer springs for the
wheel-balancing weights.
!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.
If you clean the wheels with a power washer,
observe the safety notes for the power washer
(
Ypage 266). You could otherwise damage the
tires.
Cleaning the wiper blades
GWARNING
You could become trapped by the windshield wipers if they start moving while cleaning the
windshield or wiper blades. There is a risk of
injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before cleaning the windshield or
wiper blades.
!Do not fold the windshield wipers away from
the windshield unless the hood is closed. Oth-
erwise, you could damage the hood.
!Do not pull the wiper blade. Otherwise, the
wiper blade could be damaged.
!Do not clean wiper blades too often and do
not rub them too hard. Otherwise, the graph-
ite coating could be damaged. This could
cause wiper noise.
!Hold the wiper arm securely when folding
back. The windshield could be damaged if the
wiper arm smacks against it suddenly.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 0in the ignition
lock or remove the SmartKey.
XFold the windshield wiper arms away from the
windshield until you feel them engage.
XCarefully clean the wiper blades with a damp
cloth.
XFold back the wiper arms before switching on
the ignition.
Cleaning the exterior lighting
!Only use cleaning agents or cleaning cloths
which are suitable for plastic light lenses.
Unsuitable cleaning agents or cleaning cloths
could scratch or damage the plastic light len- ses.
XClean the plastic covers of the exterior light-
ing with a damp sponge and a mild cleaning
agent, e.g. Mercedes-Benz car shampoo, or
with cleaning cloths.
Cleaning the sensors
!Do not use dry, coarse or hard cloths and do
not scrub. You will otherwise scratch or dam-
age the sensors.
If you clean the sensors with a power washer
or steam cleaner, observe the information
provided by the manufacturer regarding the
distance to be maintained between the vehi-
cle and the nozzle of the power washer.
XClean drive system sensors :with water, car
shampoo and a soft cloth.
268Care
Maintenance and care