
drive over obstacles, have the front
passenger direct you.
iWe recommend that you additionally carry a
shovel and a recovery rope with shackle in the
vehicle.
REnsure that loads and items of luggage are
securely stowed or lashed down
(
Ypage 244).
RBefore driving off-road, stop the vehicle and
shift to a low gear.
RIf the surface requires, temporarily deactivate
ESP®when pulling away (Ypage 66).
ROnly drive off-road with the engine running
and a gear engaged.
RDrive slowly and smoothly. Walking pace is
necessary in many situations.
RAvoid spinning the drive wheels.
RMake sure that the wheels always remain in
contact with the ground.
RDrive with extreme care over unknown terrain
where you can only see for a short distance.
As a precaution, get out of the vehicle to take
a look at the route to be taken in advance.
RCheck the water depth before fording.
RWatch out for obstacles (e.g. rocks, holes,
tree stumps and ruts).
RAvoid edges where the surface could crumble
or break away.
Checklist after driving off-road
!If you detect damage to the vehicle after
driving off-road, have the vehicle checked
immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Off-road driving places a higher demand on your
vehicle than normal road operation. Check your
vehicle after driving on rough terrain. By doing
so you will notice any damage in good time and
reduce the risk of an accident for yourself and
other road users. Clean your vehicle thoroughly
before driving on public roads.
Observe the following points after driving off-
road, on construction sites and before driving on
public roads:
XActivate ESP®(Ypage 66).
XClean the headlamps and tail lamps and
check them for damage.
XClean the front and rear license plates.
XClean the windshield, windows and exterior
mirrors.
XClean the steps, door sills and grab handles.
This increases safety of footing.
XClean the wheels/tires, wheel housings and
the underbody of the vehicle with a water jet. This increases road grip, especially on wet
road surfaces.
XCheck the wheels/tires and wheel housings
for trapped foreign objects and remove them.
Trapped foreign objects can damage the
wheels/tires and may be flung out from the
vehicle when you continue driving.
XCheck the underbody for trapped branches or
other parts of plants and remove them.
Trapped branches or other parts of plants
increase the risk of fire and can cause dam-
age to fuel lines, brake hoses and the rubber
bellows of axle joints and drive shafts.
XClean the brake disks, brake pads and axle
joints, particularly after operation in sand,
mud, grit/gravel, water or similarly dirty con-
ditions.
XCheck the entire floor assembly, the tires,
wheels, bodywork structure, brakes, steering,
chassis and exhaust system for any damage.
XCheck the service brake for operating safety,
e.g. carry out a brake test.
XIf you notice strong vibrations after driving off-
road, check the wheels and drive train for for- eign objects again. Remove any foreign
objects which can lead to imbalances and
thus cause vibrations.
Driving in mountainous areas
When driving in mountainous areas, note that
the power output of the engine, and with it its
gradient climbing capability, decrease with
increasing altitude. Please take note of this par-
ticularly when driving with a trailer in mountain-ous areas.
The maximum permissible trailer loads are valid
for journeys at altitudes up to 1100 yds
(1000 m) above sea level with gradients up to
12%.
Information on maximum permissible trailer
loads can be found in your vehicle registration
papers and on the vehicle identification plate
(
Ypage 305) or under "Trailer loads"
(Ypage 316).
Driving tips143
Driving and parking
Z

For vehicles with a trailer coupling installed, the
minimum length for parking spaces will be
slightly increased.
If you have attached a trailer to your vehicle, you
should not use Active Parking Assist. Once the
electrical connection is established between
your vehicle and the trailer, Active Parking
Assist is no longer available. PARKTRONIC is
then deactivated for the rear area.
GWARNING
While parking or pulling out of a parking
space, the vehicle swings out and can drive
onto areas of the oncoming lane. This could
result in a collision with another road user.
There is a risk of an accident.
Pay attention to other road users. Stop the
vehicle if necessary or cancel the Active Park- ing Assist parking procedure.
!If unavoidable, you should drive over obsta-
cles such as curbs slowly and not at a sharp
angle. Otherwise, you may damage the
wheels or tires.
Active Parking Assist may also display spaces
not suitable for parking, e.g.:
Rin a zone where parking or stopping is pro-
hibited
Rin front of driveways or entrances and exits
Ron unsuitable surfaces
Parking tips:
Ron narrow roads, drive as closely as possible
past the parking space.
Rparking spaces that are littered or overgrown
might be identified or measured incorrectly.
Rparking spaces that are partially occupied by
trailer drawbars might not be identified as
such or be measured incorrectly.
Rsnowfall or heavy rain may lead to a parking
space being measured inaccurately.
Rwhen transporting a load which protrudes
from your vehicle, you should not use Active
Parking Assist.
Rnever use Active Parking Assist when snow
chains are installed.
Ralways ensure that the tire pressure is correct
This has a direct influence on the parking
characteristics of the vehicle.
Rif you mount w heels with a different wheel
size, this will have a direct influence on the
parking result.
Rif you mount tires from another manufacturer,
this may have an influence on the parking
result.
Rif you drive slowly past the parking space, a
better parking result is achieved.
Rpay attention to the PARKTRONIC warning
messages (Ypage 155) during the parking
procedure.
Ryou can intervene in the steering procedure to
correct it at any time. Parking assistance will
then be canceled and Active Parking Assist
stopped.
Use Active Parking Assist for parking spaces
that are:
Rparallel or at right angles to the direction of
travel.
Ron straight roads, not bends.
Ron the same level as the road, e.g. not on the
pavement.
Detecting parking spaces
GWARNING
If there are objects above the detection range:
RActive Park Assist may steer too early
Rthe vehicle may not stop in front of these
objects
You may cause a collision as a result. There is
a risk of an accident.
If objects are located above the detection
range, stop and deactivate Active Parking
Assist.
Objects located above the height range of Active
Parking Assist will not be detected when the
parking space is measured. These are not taken
into account when the parking procedure is cal-
culated, e.g. overhanging loads, overhangs or
truck loading ramps.
For further information on the detection range
(
Ypage 154).
Driving systems157
Driving and parking
Z

XTo activate:make sure that the key is in
position 2in the ignition lock.
XShift the transmission to position k.
On vehicles with a tailgate, the rear view cam-
era flap opens. The audio display shows the
area behind the vehicle. The rear area shown
is divided by guide lines.
In vehicles with a trailer coupling installed, the
function mode of the rear view camera can be
switched over when the trailer is reached. The
rear view camera then changes the viewing
angle and shows a locating aid for the ball cou-
pling of the trailer tow hitch to help reach the
drawbar.
XTo switch function mode: select and con-
firm "Reverse parking" function :or "Cou-
pling up a trailer“ function ;using the audio
system control knob.
Information on the audio system control knob
can be found in the separate operating
instructions.
The symbol of the selected function is high-
lighted.
XTo switch off: shift the transmission to posi-
tion iorh.
The dynamic guide lines are hidden and after
about 15 seconds the rear view camera
switches itself off.
or
XDrive forwards more than about 30 ft (10 m).
or
XDrive forwards faster than 6 mph (10 km/h) .
or
XShift the automatic transmission to position
j.
In vehicles wit
h Active Parking Assist, the rear
view camera remains switched on after the ini-
tial shift to reverse gear for the whole duration of
active parking assistance. You can find informa-
tion on active parking assistance under "Active
Parking Assist“ (
Ypage 156).
Messages in the multimedia system dis-
play
:Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 13 ft (4.0 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
;White guide line without turning the steering
wheel, vehicle width including the exterior
mirrors (static)
=Yellow guide line for the vehicle width
including the exterior mirrors, at the current
steering angle (dynamic)
?Yellow lane marking the course the tires will
take at the current steering angle (dynamic)
AYellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 3 ft (1.0 m) from the rear of the vehi-
cle
BRed guide line at a distance of approximately
12 in (0.30 m) from the rear of the vehicle
CBumper
DVehicle center axis (locating aid)
The guide lines are shown when the transmis-
sion is in position k.
The distance specifications only apply to
objects that are at ground level.
162Driving systems
Driving and parking

Tires
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
Correct Tire Pres‐sureThe tire pressure is too low in at least one of the tires, or the tire
pressure difference between the wheels is too great.
XCheck the tire pressure at the next opportunity (Ypage 286).
XIf necessary, correct the tire pressure.
XRestart the tire pressure monitor (Ypage 289).
CheckTirePressureSoonAn additional warning tone sounds.
The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped significantly.
GWARNING
Tire pressure that are too low pose the following hazards:
RThe tires may burst, especially as the load and vehicle speed
increase.
RThe tires may wear excessively and/or unevenly, which may greatly
impair tire traction.
RThe handling as well as steering and braking characteristics may be severely affected.
There is a risk of an accident.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions while doing so.
XSecure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away (Ypage 135).
XCheck the tires and, if necessary, change the wheel (Ypage 298).
XCheck the tire pressure (Ypage 286).
XIf necessary, correct the tire pressure.
Caution! Tire Mal‐func.
The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped suddenly.
GWARNING
Driving with a flat tire poses a risk of the following hazards:
RA flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle.
RYou could then lose control of the vehicle.
RContinued driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up
and possibly a fire.
There is a risk of an accident.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions while doing so.
XSecure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away (Ypage 135).
XCheck the tires and, if necessary, change the wheel (Ypage 298).
Displa y messages (vehicles without steering wheelbu ttons)203
On-board computer and displays
Z

Tires
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
AdjustTirePressureThe tire pressure is too low in at least one of the tires, or the tire
pressure difference between the wheels is too great.
XCheck the tire pressure at the next opportunity (Ypage 286).
XIf necessary, correct the tire pressure.
XRestart the tire pressure monitor (Ypage 289).
Check TiresAn additional warning tone sounds.
The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped significantly. The
display shows the wheel position.
GWARNING
Underinflated tires pose the following risks:
RThe tires may burst, especially as the load and vehicle speed
increase.
RThe tires may wear excessively and/or unevenly, which may greatly
impair tire traction.
RThe handling as well as steering and braking characteristics may be
severely affected.
There is a risk of an accident.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions while doing so.
XSecure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away (Ypage 135).
XCheck the tires and, if necessary, change the wheel (Ypage 298).
XCheck the tire pressure (Ypage 286).
XIf necessary, correct the tire pressure.
Warning Tire Mal‐functionThe tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped suddenly. The dis-
play shows the wheel position.
GWARNING
Driving with a flat tire poses a risk of the following hazards:
RA flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle.
RYou could then lose control of the vehicle.
RContinued driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up
and possibly a fire.
There is a risk of an accident.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions while doing so.
XSecure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away (Ypage 135).
XCheck the tires and, if necessary, change the wheel (Ypage 298).
Tire Pressure Moni‐tor CurrentlyUnavailable
Due to a source of radio interference, no signals can be received from
the wheel sensors. The tire pressure monitor is temporarily malfunc-
tioning.
The tire pressure monitor restarts automatically as soon as the prob-
lem has been solved.
Displa y messages (vehicles withsteering whee lbu ttons)219
On-board computer and displays
Z

Tires
Warning/
indicator
lampNSignal type
Possible causes/consequences and M
Solutions
hNThe yellow tire pressure monitor warning lamp (pressure loss/malfunction) is lit.
The tire pressure monitor has detected a loss of pressure in at least one of the tires.
GWARNING
Underinflated tires pose the following risks:
RThe tires may burst, especially as the load and vehicle speed increase.
RThe tires may wear excessively and/or unevenly, which may greatly impair tire traction.
RThe handling as well as steering and braking characteristics may be severely
affected.
There is a risk of an accident.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking maneuvers. Pay
attention to the traffic conditions while doing so.
XSecure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away (Ypage 135).
XObserve the display messages.
XCheck the tires and, if necessary, change the wheel (Ypage 298).
XCheck the tire pressure.
You can check the tire pressure electronically on vehicles with steering wheel
buttons (
Ypage 286).
XIf necessary, correct the tire pressure.
hN The yellow tire pressure monitor (pressure loss/malfunction) warning lamp
flashes for approximately one minute and then remains lit.
The tire pressure monitor is malfunctioning.
GWARNING
The system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
There is a risk of an accident.
XObserve the display messages.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
230Indicator and warninglamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

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

Rfrequent operation in mountainous terrain or
on poor road surfaces
Rleaving the engine idling for long periods on a
frequent basis
In these or similar operating conditions, have
the air filter, engine oil and oil filter, for example,
replaced more frequently. Under more arduous
operating conditions, the tires must be checked more often. Further information can be obtained
at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Commercial Van
Center.
Hiding service messages
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons
XPress the 3button on the instrument clus-
ter.
Vehicles with steering wheel buttons
XPress the aor% button on the steering
wheel.
Calling up the service due date
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons
The vehicle must be stationary. Use the buttons
in the instrument cluster.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock.
XPress Èto select the service display.
The display shows a possible service mes-
sage.
Vehicles with steering wheel buttons
Using the steering wheel buttons
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock.
XPress =or; to select the Servicemenu.
XPress9or: to select the ASSYSTPLUSsubmenu and press ato confirm.
The display shows the service due date.
Battery
Important safety notes
Work on the battery, e.g. removing or installing,
requires specialist knowledge and the use of
special tools. Therefore, always have work on the battery carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop.
GWARNING
Work carried out incorrectly on the battery
can lead, for example, to a short circuit and
thus damage the vehicle electronics. This can
lead to function restrictions applying to
safety-relevant systems, e.g. the lighting sys-
tem, the ABS (anti-lock braking system) or the
ESP
®(Electronic Stability Program). The oper-
ating safety of your vehicle may be restricted.
You could lose control of the vehicle, for
example:
Rwhen braking
Rin the event of abrupt steering maneuvers
and/or when the vehicle's speed is not
adapted to the road conditions
There is a risk of an accident.
In the event of a short circuit or a similar inci-
dent, contact a qualified specialist workshop
immediately. Do not drive any further. You
should have all work involving the battery car- ried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Further information can be found under "ABS"
(
Ypage 64) and under "ESP®" (Ypage 65).
GWARNING
Electrostatic build-up can lead to the creation of sparks, which could ignite the highly explo-
sive gases of a battery. There is a risk of an
explosion.
Before handling the battery, touch the vehicle
body to remove any existing electrostatic
build-up.
The flammable gas mix is produced when the
battery is charged or when the vehicle is jump-
started.
Always make sure that neither you nor the bat-
tery are electro statically charged. Electrostatic
charging results, for example, from:
Rwearing synthetic clothing
Rfriction between clothing and the seat
Rdragging or pushing the battery across carpet
flooring or any other synthetic materials
Rrubbing the battery with cloths or towels.
260Battery
Maintenance and care