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Driving and operating193reduced 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
3 244.
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 (70 kg) is specified on
the towing equipment identification
plate and in the vehicle documents.
Always aim for the maximum vertical
coupling load, especially in the case
of heavy trailers. The vertical coupling load should never fall below 25 kg.Rear axle load
When the trailer is coupled and the
towing vehicle fully loaded, the
permissible rear axle load (see
identification plate or vehicle
documents) may be exceeded by
60 kg , the gross vehicle weight rating
must not be exceeded. If the
permissible rear axle load is
exceeded, a maximum speed of
100 km/h applies.
Towing equipmentCaution
When operating without a trailer,
remove the coupling ball bar.
Fitting the coupling ball bar
Disengage and fold down the socket. Remove the sealing plug from the
opening for the coupling ball bar and
stow it.
Page 220 of 273

218Vehicle careTyre designationsE.g. 225/55 R 18 98 V225:tyre width, mm55:cross-section ratio (tyre height
to tyre width), %R:belt type: RadialRF:type: RunFlat18:wheel diameter, inches98:load index e.g. 98 is equivalent
to 750 kgV:speed code letter
Speed code letter:
Q:up to 160 km/hS:up to 180 km/hT:up to 190 km/hH:up to 210 km/hV:up to 240 km/hW:up to 270 km/h
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.
Performance 3 250.
Directional tyres
Directional tyres should 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.
Tyre pressure 3 253.
The tyre pressure information label
on the left door frame 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 3 248.
2. Identify the respective tyre.
The tyre pressure tables show all
possible tyre combinations 3 253.
For the tyres approved for your
vehicle, refer to the EEC Certificate of Conformity provided with your vehicle
or other national registration
documents.
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Technical data245Information on identification label:1:manufacturer2:type approval number3:vehicle identification number4:permissible gross vehicle weightrating in kg5:permissible gross train weight
in kg6:maximum permissible front axle
load in kg7:maximum permissible rear axle
load in kg8:vehicle-specific or country-
specific data
The combined total of front and rear
axle loads must not exceed the
permissible gross vehicle weight.
Vehicle's kerb weight depends on the
specification of the vehicle, e.g.
optional equipment and accessories. Refer to the EEC Certificate of
Conformity provided with your vehicle
or other national registration
documents.
The technical data is determined in
accordance with European
Community standards. We reserve
the right to make modifications.
Specifications in the vehicle
documents always have priority over
those given in this manual.
Engine identification
The technical data tables show the
engine identifier code.
Engine data 3 248.
To identify the respective engine,
refer to the engine power in the EEC
Certificate of Conformity provided
with your vehicle or other national
registration documents.