
Driving and operating161If the trailer starts snaking, drive more
slowly, do not attempt to correct the
steering and brake sharply if
necessary.
When driving downhill, drive in the
same gear as if driving uphill and
drive at a similar speed.
Adjust tyre pressure to the value
specified for full load 3 217.
Trailer towing Trailer loads
The permissible trailer loads are
vehicle and engine-dependent
maximum values which must not be exceeded. The actual trailer load is
the difference between the actual
gross weight of the trailer and the
actual coupling socket load with the
trailer coupled.
The permissible trailer loads are
specified in the vehicle documents. In
general, they are valid for gradients
up to max. 12%.
The permitted trailer load applies up
to the specified incline and up to an
altitude of 1000 metres above sealevel. Since engine power decreases
as altitude increases due to the air
becoming thinner, therefore reducing
climbing ability, the permissible gross
train weight also decreases by 10% for every 1000 metres of additional
altitude. The gross train weight does
not have to be reduced when driving
on roads with slight inclines (less than 8%, e.g. motorways).
The permissible gross train weight
must not be exceeded. This weight is
specified on the identification plate
3 205.
Vertical coupling load
The vertical coupling load is the load
exerted by the trailer on the coupling
ball. It can be varied by changing the
weight distribution when loading the
trailer.
The maximum permissible vertical
coupling load 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.In the case of trailer loads of
1200 kg or more, the vertical coupling load should not be less than 50 kg.
Rear axle load When the trailer is coupled and the
towing vehicle fully loaded (including all occupants), the permissible rear
axle load (see identification plate or
vehicle documents) must not be
exceeded.
Trailer stability assist If the system detects snaking
movements, engine power is reduced
and the vehicle/trailer combination is
selectively braked until the snaking ceases. While the system is working,keep steering wheel as still as
possible.
Trailer stability assist (TSA) is a
function of the Electronic Stability
Program (ESP® Plus
) 3 148.

166Vehicle careWhen the engine oil level has
dropped to the MIN mark, top-up
engine oil.Caution
Do not allow the engine oil level to drop below the minimum level!
We recommend the use of the same
grade of engine oil that was used at
the last change.
The engine oil level must not exceed the maximum mark MAX on the
dipstick.
Caution
Overfilled engine oil must be
drained or suctioned out.
To prevent spillage when
replenishing the engine oil, we
recommend using a funnel to top-up the engine oil. Ensure funnel is
securely located onto the filler pipe.
After topping-up, put the funnel into a
plastic bag and stow it securely.
A stabilization of the engine oil
consumption will not take place until the vehicle has been driven several
thousand miles. Only then can the
actual degree of consumption be
established.
If consumption exceeds more than
0.6 litres every 600 miles after this
running-in period, consult a
workshop.
Capacities 3 216.
Fit the cap on straight and tighten it.
Engine air filter
Engine air flow indicator
On certain models, an indicator is
located in the engine induction
system and indicates if the air-intake
to the engine is restricted.
Clear:No restrictionRed tell-tale:Restricted
If the red tell-tale is displayed when
the engine is running, consult a
workshop.

184Vehicle careWheels and tyres
Tyre condition, wheel condition Drive over edges slowly and at right
angles if possible. Driving over sharp
edges can cause tyre and wheel
damage. Do not trap tyres on the kerb when parking.
Regularly check the wheels for
damage. Seek the assistance of a
workshop in the event of damage or
unusual wear.
We recommend not swapping the
front wheels with the rear wheels and
vice versa, as this can affect vehicle
stability. Always use less worn tyres
on the rear axle.
Tyres
Factory-fitted tyres are matched to
the chassis and offer optimum driving comfort and safety.Winter tyres
Winter tyres improve driving safety at temperatures below 7 °C and should
therefore be fitted on all wheels.
In accordance with country-specific
regulations, a notice indicating the
maximum permissible speed for the
tyres must be affixed within the
driver's field of vision.
Tyre designations
E.g. 195/65 R 16 C 88 Q195:Tyre width, mm65:Cross-section ratio (tyre height
to tyre width), %R:Belt type: RadialRF:Type: RunFlat16:Wheel diameter, inchesC:Cargo or commercial use88:Load index e.g. 88 is
equivalent to 567 kgQ:Speed code letter
Speed code letter:
Q:up to 100 mphS:up to 112 mphT:up to 118 mphH:up to 130 mphV:up to 150 mphW:up to 168 mph
Choose a tyre appropriate for the
maximum speed of your vehicle.
The maximum speed is achievable at kerb weight with driver (75 kg) plus
125 kg payload. Optional equipment
could reduce the maximum speed of
the vehicle.
Directional tyres
Fit directional tyres such that they roll in the direction of travel. The rolling
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.

Vehicle care185
The tyre pressure information label
on the driver's door frame indicates
the original equipment tyres and the
correspondent tyre pressures.
Always inflate tyres to the pressures
shown on the label.
Tyre pressures 3 217.
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 3 207.
2. Identify the respective tyre.
The tyre pressure tables show all
possible tyre combinations 3 217.
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 pressure.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.
Temperature dependency
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 1.5 psi for a
10 °C temperature increase. This
must be considered when warm tyres
are checked.

186Vehicle careTrailer towing
When towing a trailer with a fully
laden vehicle, the tyre pressure must
be increased by 20 kPa/0.2 bar
(3.0 psi) and the maximum speed
limited to 60 mph.
Trailer towing 3 161.
Tyre pressure monitoring
system
The tyre pressure monitoring system
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.
All wheels must be equipped with pressure sensors and the tyres must
have the prescribed pressure.
Notice
In countries where the tyre pressure
monitoring system is legally
required, the use of wheels without
pressure sensors will invalidate the
vehicle operating permit.
The tyre pressure monitoring system
sensors monitor the air pressure in
the tyres and transmit tyre pressure
readings to a receiver located in the
vehicle.
Tyre pressure chart 3 217.
Low tyre pressure conditionA detected low tyre pressure
condition is indicated by illumination
of control indicator w 3 98 and a
corresponding message appears in
the Driver Information Centre.
If w illuminates, stop as soon as
possible and inflate the tyres as
recommended 3 217.
After inflating, some 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 w flashes for
several seconds then illuminates
continuously together with control
indicator F 3 96 and a corresponding
message appears in the Driver
Information Centre.

Vehicle care187A spare wheel or temporary spare
wheel is not equipped with pressure
sensors. The tyre pressure
monitoring system is not operational
for these wheels. For the further three
wheels, the tyre pressure monitoring
system remains operational.
Control indicator w and the
corresponding message appears at
each ignition cycle until the tyres are
inflated to the correct tyre pressure.
Driver Information Centre 3 100.
Vehicle messages 3 101.
Puncture
A puncture or severely under-inflated
tyre is indicated by illumination of
control indicator w together with C
3 96 and a corresponding message
appears in the Driver Information
Centre. Stop vehicle and switch off
engine.
Tyre pressure 3 217.
Tyre repair kit 3 189.
Spare wheel 3 193.
Wheel changing 3 192.Relearn function
After a puncture has been repaired
and the driver has inflated the tyres to
the correct tyre pressure, the tyre
pressure monitoring system needs to recalculate.
Tyre pressure 3 217.
Tyre repair kit 3 189.
During driving, select the tyre
pressure menu in the Driver
Information Centre by pressing button
on end of wiper lever. Press and hold button for approx. five seconds to
initialise recalculation. A
corresponding message appears in
the Driver Information Centre.
Several minutes of driving at a speed above 25 mph may be required to
complete the relearn process. The system can only provide limited
information during this time.
If problems occur during the relearn
process, control indicator w remains
illuminated and a warning message is displayed in the Driver Information
Centre.
Driver Information Centre 3 100.
Vehicle messages 3 101.
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 3 189.
Tyre chains 3 189.
External high-power radio equipment
could disrupt the tyre pressure
monitoring system.
Each time the tyres are replaced, the
tyre pressure monitoring system
sensors must be dismounted and
serviced by a workshop.

Vehicle care197Caution
Do not tow the vehicle from the
rear. The front towing eye must
only be used for towing and not
recovering a vehicle.
Caution
Activate the child locks in the rear
doors if the rear seats are
occupied. Child locks 3 30.
Switch on ignition to permit operation
of brake lights, horn and windscreen
wipers, and move the steering wheel
slightly to release the steering wheel
lock.
Notice
Depending on version, it may be
necessary to switch on the engine to
permit operation of brake lights.
Move the selector lever to neutral.
Release the parking brake.
Caution
Drive slowly. Do not drive jerkily.
Excessive tractive force can
damage the vehicle.
When the engine is not running,
considerably more force is needed to
brake and steer.
Switch on hazard warning flashers
3 109.
To prevent the entry of exhaust fumes
from the towing vehicle, switch on the air recirculation system 3 115 and
close the windows.
Seek the assistance of a workshop.
After towing, unscrew the towing eye
and replace cap.
Towing another vehicle
The fixed towing eye is located under the rear bumper, on the left vehicle
side.
Attach a tow rope - or better still a tow
rod - to the rear towing eye, never to
the rear axle and suspension units.
The rear towing eye must only be
used for towing and not recovering a
vehicle.

198Vehicle careCaution
Drive slowly. Do not drive jerkily.
Excessive tractive force can
damage the vehicle.
Trailer hitch 3 160.
Appearance care
Exterior care
Locks The locks are lubricated at the factoryusing a high quality lock cylinder
grease. Use de-icing agent only when absolutely necessary, as this has adegreasing effect and impairs lockfunction. After using a de-icing agent,
have the locks regreased by a
workshop.
Washing
The paintwork of your vehicle is
exposed to environmental influences, therefore wash your vehicle regularly.
When using automatic vehicle
washes, we recommend one with
textile brushes and a programme
without wax additives. Restrictions for
filmed or matt painted body parts or
decor tapes, see "Polishing and
waxing".
Never use a steam-jet or high-
pressure jet cleaner for the engine
compartment.Wax painted parts of the vehicle
regularly.
Bird droppings, dead insects, resin,
pollen and the like should be cleaned off immediately, as they contain
aggressive constituents which can
cause paint damage.
If using a vehicle wash, comply with
the vehicle wash manufacturer's
instructions. The windscreen wipers
and rear window wiper must be
switched off and the exterior mirrors
must be folded in. Remove antenna
and external accessories such as roof
racks etc.
If you wash your vehicle by hand,
make sure that the insides of the
wheel housings are also thoroughly
rinsed out.
Clean edges and folds on opened
doors and the bonnet as well as the
areas they cover.
Clean bright metal mouldings with a
cleaning solution approved for
aluminium, to avoid damage.