Tire tread
The part of the tire that comes into contact
with the road.
Tire bead
The tire bead ensures that the tire sits
securely on the wheel. There are several steel
wires in the bead to prevent the tire from com-
ing loose from the wheel rim.
SidewallThe part of the tire between the tread and the
tire bead.
Weight of optional extras The combined weight of those optional extras
that weigh more than the replaced standard
parts and more than 2.3 kg
(5 lbs). These
optional extras, such as high-performance
brakes, a roof rack or a high-performance bat-
tery, are not included in the curb weight and
the weight of the accessories.
TIN (Tire Identification Number) A unique identification number which can be
used by a tire manufacturer to identify tires,
for example for a product recall, and thus iden-
tify the purchasers. The TIN is composed of
the manufacturer identification code, tire size,
tire model code and manufacturing date.
Load bearing index
The load bearing index (also load index) is a
code that contains the maximum load bearing
capacity of a tire.
Traction
Traction is the result of friction between the
tires and the road surface.
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar load)
The TWR is the maximum permissible weight
that may act on the ball coupling of the trailer
tow hitch.
Wear indicator Narrow bars (tread wear bars) that are distrib-
uted over the tire tread. If the tire tread is level
with the bars, the wear limit of á in (1.6 mm)
has been reached. Distribution of the vehicle occupants
The distribution of vehicle occupants over des-
ignated seat positions in a vehicle.
Maximum permissible payload weightNominal load and goods/luggage load plus
68 kg (150 lbs) multiplied by the number of
seats in the vehicle. Changing wheels
Rotating the wheels
! On vehicles equipped with a tire pressure
monitor, electronic components are located
in the wheel.
Tire-mounting tools should not be used near
the valve. This could damage the electronic
components.
Only have tires changed at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Always observe the instructions and safety
notes under "Mounting a wheel"
(Y page
298).
The wear patterns on the front and rear tires
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Rotate the wheels before a clear wear pattern
has formed on the tires. Front tires typically
wear more on the shoulders and the rear tires
in the center.
If your vehicle's tire configuration allows, you
can rotate the tires according to the intervals
in the tire manufacturer's warranty book in
your vehicle documents. If no warranty book is
available, the tires should be rotated every
3,000 to 6,000 miles (5,000 to 10,000 km) or
earlier if tire wear requires. Do not change the
direction of rotation.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is rotated. Avoid oily or greasy cleaning
agents.
Check the tire pressure and reactivate the tire
pressure monitor if necessary. Direction of rotation
Tires with a specified direction of rotation have
additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk of
hydroplaning. You will only gain these benefits
if the correct direction of rotation is observed. Changing wheels
297
Wheels and tires Z
An arrow on the sidewall of the tire indicates
its correct direction of rotation.
You may mount a spare wheel against the
direction of rotation. Observe the time restric-
tion on use as well as the speed limitation
specified on the spare wheel. Storing wheels
Store wheels that are not being used in a cool,
dry and preferably dark place. Protect the tires
from contact with oil, grease and fuel. Mounting a wheel
Vehicle preparation X
Stop the vehicle as far away as possible
from traffic and on a level, firm and non-slip
surface.
X If your vehicle poses a risk to approaching
traffic, switch on the hazard warning lamps.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Turn the front wheels to the straight-ahead
position.
X Shift the transmission to position j.
X Switch off the engine.
X Passengers should leave the vehicle. Make
sure that the passengers are not endan-
gered as they do so.
X Make sure that no one is near the danger
area while the wheel is being changed. Any-
one who is not directly assisting in the
wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier.
X Place the warning triangle or warning lamp
at a suitable distance.
Observe the legal requirements on the cor-
rect use of the warning triangle or warning
lamp for the country in which you are cur-
rently driving
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
Observe the safety notes on parking under
"Driving and parking"
(Y page 138)
X On level terrain: place chocks or other suit-
able objects under the front and rear of the
wheel that is diagonally opposite the wheel
to be changed. X
On slight inclines: place chocks or other
suitable objects under the wheels on the
front and rear axles opposite the wheel to
be changed.
X If included in the vehicle equipment, take
the tire-changing tool kit out of the vehicle
tool kit (Y page
270).
Apart from some country-specific variants,
vehicles are not equipped with tire-changing
tools. Some tools for changing a wheel are
specific to the vehicle. Consult a qualified
specialist workshop for more information on
which tools are required to perform a wheel
change on your vehicle.
X If included in the vehicle equipment, remove
the spare wheel from the spare wheel
bracket
(Y page 303). Observe the safety
notes listed under "Spare wheel"
(Y page 302).
X Carefully remove the hub caps. X
Using lug wrench :, loosen the wheel bolts
on the wheel to be changed counter-clock-
wise by about one full turn. Do not remove
the wheel bolts.
Raising the vehicle G
WARNING
If you do not position the jack correctly at
the appropriate jacking point of the vehicle,
the jack could tip over with the vehicle
raised. There is a risk of injury.
Only position the jack at the appropriate
jacking point of the vehicle. The base of the
jack must be positioned vertically, directly
under the jacking point of the vehicle. 298
Changing wheels
Wheels and tires
G
WARNING
On uphill and downhill slopes, the jack could
tip over with the vehicle raised. There is a
risk of injury.
Do not change wheels on uphill or downhill
gradients. Notify a qualified specialist work-
shop.
! Only position the jack on the jacking
points intended for this purpose. You could
otherwise damage the vehicle.
Observe the following when raising the vehi-
cle:
R To raise the vehicle, only use the vehicle-
specific jack that has been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. If the jack is
used incorrectly, it could tip over while the
vehicle is raised.
R The vehicle's jack is intended only to raise
the vehicle for a short time when changing a
wheel. It is not suited for performing mainte-
nance work under the vehicle.
R Avoid changing the wheel on uphill and
downhill slopes.
R Before raising the vehicle, secure it from
rolling away by applying the parking brake
and inserting wheel chocks. Never disen-
gage the parking brake while the vehicle is
raised.
R The jack must be placed on a firm, flat and
non-slip surface. On a loose surface, a large,
load-bearing underlay must be used. On a
slippery surface, a non-slip underlay must
be used, e.g. rubber mats.
R Make sure that the distance between the
underside of the tires and the ground does
not exceed
1.2 in(3 cm).
R Never place your hands or feet under the
raised vehicle.
R Never lie under the raised vehicle.
R Never start the engine when the vehicle is
raised.
R Never open or close a door or the tailgate/
door when the vehicle is raised.
R Make sure that no persons are present in
the vehicle when the vehicle is raised. Jacking points : (rubber stoppers) are loca-
ted just behind the front wheel arches and just
in front of the rear wheel arches.
X Place jack ; beneath corresponding jack-
ing points :.
X Turn handwheel = until jack plate ; sits
securely on jacking point :.
X Make sure the base of jack ; is positioned
vertically beneath jacking point :.
X Assemble adapter ? and ratchet A from
the vehicle tool kit.
X Place adapter ? and ratchet A on the hex-
agon nut of jack ; so that the lettering
AB/DOWN is visible.
X Turn ratchet A in the AUF/UP direction
until the tire is a maximum of 3 cm off the
ground.
When doing so, jack ; may move to one of
the side support surfaces.
Removing a wheel !
Do not place wheel bolts in sand or on a
dirty surface. The bolt and wheel hub
threads could otherwise be damaged when
you screw them in.
X Unscrew the wheel bolts.
X Remove the wheel. Changing wheels
299
Wheels and tires Z
Example: vehicle identification plate (US vehicles)
Example: vehicle identification plate (vehicles for
Canada)
; VIN
= Paint code
i The data shown on the vehicle identifica-
tion plate is sample data. This data differs
for every vehicle and may deviate from what
is shown here. The data valid for your vehi-
cle can be found on the identification plate
of your vehicle. Vehicle identification number (VIN)
VIN in the engine compartment The VIN can be found on the vehicle identifica-
tion plate (Y page
304).
VIN : is also stamped into the longitudinal
member in the engine compartment next to
the fuse box. Engine number
The engine number is stamped on the crank-
case. More information may be obtained at
any qualified specialist workshop. Service products and capacities
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Service products may be poisonous and haz-
ardous to health. There is a risk of injury.
Comply with instructions on the use, storage
and disposal of service products on the
labels of the respective original containers.
Always store service products sealed in their
original containers. Always keep service
products out of the reach of children. H
Environmental note
Dispose of service products in an environ-
mentally responsible manner.
When handling, storing and disposing of any
operating fluids, please observe the relevant
regulations.
Operating fluids include the following:
R Fuels, e.g. gasoline
R Lubricants, e.g. engine oil, transmission oil
R Coolant
R Brake fluid
R Washer fluid
R Climate control system refrigerants
Approved operating fluids comply with the
highest quality standards and are listed in the
Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Operating
Fluids. Only use operating fluids approved for
the vehicle. This is an important condition for
the Limited Warranty.
You will recognize the operating fluids
approved by Mercedes-Benz by the following Service products and capacities
305
Technical data Z
Transmission oil
Automatic transmission Operating fluid: automatic transmission
fluid Product name/number Maintenance
interval Mobil ATF 134 FE
Valvoline ATF Pro 236.15
MB Sheet No. 236.15 —
More information can be obtained at any quali-
fied specialist workshop.
Rear axle Operating fluid: transmission oil
Product name/number Maintenance
interval Mobilube FE 75W-85
Mobilube FE Plus NG
75W-85
MB Sheet No. 235.7 —
More information can be obtained at any quali-
fied specialist workshop.
Brake fluid
G
WARNING
The brake fluid constantly absorbs moisture
from the air. This lowers the boiling point of
the brake fluid. If the boiling point of the
brake fluid is too low, vapor pockets may
form in the brake system when the brakes
are applied hard. This would impair braking
efficiency. There is a risk of an accident.
You should have the brake fluid renewed at
the specified intervals.
! Brake fluid corrodes paint, plastic and rub-
ber. If paint, plastic or rubber has come into
contact with brake fluid, rinse with water
immediately.
When handling, storing and disposing of brake
fluid, please observe the relevant regulations and the important safety notes for service
products (Y page
305).
Over a period of time, the brake fluid absorbs
moisture from the air. This reduces its boiling
point.
Have the brake fluid replaced at specified
intervals by a qualified specialist workshop.
i There is usually a notice in the engine
compartment to remind you when the next
brake fluid change is due.
Use only approved brake fluids that comply
with the Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Ser-
vice Products. Always check for the identifica-
tion DOT 4 plus.
Information about approved brake fluids can
be obtained:
R on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com. Coolant
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If antifreeze comes into contact with hot
components in the engine compartment, it
may ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Let the engine cool down before you add
antifreeze. Make sure that antifreeze is not
spilled next to the filler neck. Thoroughly
clean the antifreeze from components
before starting the engine.
! Take care not to spill any coolant on pain-
ted surfaces. You could otherwise damage
the paintwork.
When handling, storing and disposing of cool-
ant and antifreeze, please observe the relevant
regulations and the important safety notes for
operating fluids
(Y page 305).
Coolant additive with corrosion and
antifreeze protection !
Use only approved antifreeze/corrosion
inhibitor that complies with MB Specifica-
tion for Service Products, Sheet Number
325. Using other, non-approved antifreeze/
corrosion inhibitors may cause damage to 310
Service products and capacities
Technical data
If you brake hard, for example, the forces
acting could be up to several times the
weight force of the load. Always use multi-
ple cargo tie-down points in order to distrib-
ute the force absorption. Load the ancho-
rages evenly.
You will find additional information about
cargo tie-down points and cargo tie-down rings
in the "Securing loads" section
(Y page 244).
Cargo tie-down rings
The maximum tensile load of the cargo tie-
down rings is: Cargo tie-down
rings Permissible nomi-
nal tensile load Passenger Vans 786.5 lbf
(350 daN) Cargo Van 1124.0 lbf
(500 daN) Guide/load rails
The maximum tensile load for the cargo tie-
down points on a guide/load rail is: Cargo tie-down
point Permissible nomi-
nal tensile load Guide rail 786.5 lbf
(350 daN) Load rails on cargo
compartment floor 1124.0 lbf
(500 daN) Load rail on sidewall 225.0 lbf
(100 daN) The values specified apply only to loads placed
on the cargo compartment floor if:
R the load is secured to two cargo tie-down
points on the rail and
R the distance to the nearest load-securing
point on the same rail is approximately
3 ft
(1 m) Maximum roof load G
WARNING
If you use openings in the bodywork or
detachable parts as steps, you could:
R slip and/or fall
R damage the vehicle and cause yourself to
fall.
There is a risk of injury.
Always use secure climbing aids, e.g. a suit-
able ladder.
! Do not use the lower sliding door guide
(carriage) as a step. Otherwise, you could
damage the paneling and/or the sliding
door mechanism. G
WARNING
When you load the roof, the center of gravity
of the vehicle rises and the usual driving
characteristics, as well as steering and brak-
ing, change. The vehicle tilts more severely
when cornering and may react more slug-
gishly to steering input.
If you exceed the maximum roof load, the
driving characteristics, as well as the steer-
ing and braking, will be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
Adjust your driving style and never exceed
the maximum roof load.
! The weight of any load carried on the roof,
including the roof carrier, must not exceed
the maximum permissible roof load.
The roof carrier supports must be mounted
at equal distances.
Install rail carriers in front of and behind the
middle prop.
! For safety reasons, only use roof carriers
that have been tested and approved for
Mercedes-Benz. This will help avoid damage. Maximum roof load
330 lbs (150 kg)
with at least three
pairs of support
points
The data is valid for a load distributed evenly
over the entire roof area. 314
Vehicle data
Technical data
Reduce the load on shorter roof carriers pro-
portionately. The maximum load per pair of
roof carrier supports is
110 lbs (50 kg). The
maximum load of a rail carrier bar is 220 lbs
(100 kg).
Loading guidelines and other information con-
cerning load distribution and load securing can
be found in the "Transporting" section
(Y page 242). Trailer tow hitch
General notes Mercedes-Benz recommends having a trailer
tow hitch retrofitted at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Van Dealer.
Use only a trailer tow hitch that has been tes-
ted and approved specially for your vehicle by
the distributor named on the inside of the
front cover. Only use a ball coupling for your
Metris trailer tow hitch if it has been approved
for your vehicle. You can also find information
on the permitted dimensions of the ball cou-
pling on the identification plate of the trailer
tow hitch.
You can obtain advice from a qualified special-
ist workshop. Also observe the information on
towing a trailer in the "Driving and parking"
section (Y page
168).
Trailer loads Make sure that you adhere to the local legal
requirements for trailer loads.
The permissible weights and loads which can-
not be exceeded can also be found:
R in your vehicle documents and
R on the identification plates of the trailer
hitch, the trailer and the vehicle
(Y page
304)
You will find the basic values approved by the
manufacturer in the following table. If the val-
ues differ, the lowest value applies.
Make sure that you adhere to the weight
restrictions by having the weight checked on a
calibrated weighbridge. Permissible gross
weight GVWR
6614 lbs (3000 kg)
Gross front axle
load GAWR (FA)
3307 lbs (1500 kg)
Gross rear axle
load GAWR (RA)
3307 lbs (1500 kg)
Maximum permis-
sible gross weight
of vehicle/trailer
combination
3
GCWR 11614 lbs (5268 kg)
Trailer load,
braked
4
GTW 5000 lbs (2268 kg)
Maximum permis-
sible nose weight
TWR
500 lbs (227 kg)
3
Maximum permissible gross weight of the vehicle and trailer.
4 Maximum permissible gross trailer weight, for trailers with independent braking system. Vehicle data
315
Technical data Z