Page 241 of 320

X
To open: briefly press cover of eyeglasses
compartment :.
The eyeglasses compartment opens down-
wards.
X To close: press the cover of the eyeglasses
compartment : 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 ( Y page
242)
and the safety information about the stowage
spaces (Y page 238). Sun visors
Overview
G
WARNING
If the mirror cover of the vanity mirror is fol-
ded 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 parking ticket
? Vanity mirror
A Mirror cover Vanity mirror in the sun visor
X Fold up mirror cover A.
X Turn the key to position 1 or 2 in the igni-
tion lock.
Mirror lamp : lights up. Glare from the side
X Fold the sun visor down.
X Pull the sun visor out of bracket ;.
X Swing the sun visor to the side. Cup holder
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
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 occupants 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
container, 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
(Y page 242). Cup holder
239Stowing and features Z
Page 242 of 320

Cup holders in the dashboard
Cup holder in the dashboard (example: left side
of vehicle)
Cup holders
: are located on the left and the
right on top of the dashboard and on the cen-
ter console. Bottle holder
The bottle holders are in front of the stowage
compartments in the front doors.
There are additional bottle holders on the left
and right in the rear compartment side panel-
ing. Observe the safety notes
(Y page 238). Ashtray
Front ashtray
Ashtray
Ashtray with lid : can be inserted into a cup
holder on the dashboard or into a cup holder
in the rear compartment. Cigarette lighter
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
You can burn yourself if you touch the hot
heating element or the socket of the ciga-
rette lighter.
In addition, flammable materials can ignite
if:
R the hot cigarette lighter falls
R a child holds the hot cigarette lighter to
objects, for example
There is a risk of fire and injury.
Always hold the cigarette lighter by the
knob. Always make sure that the cigarette
lighter is out of reach of children. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
Above all, pay attention to traffic conditions.
You could otherwise cause an accident and
injure yourself and others. Only operate the
cigarette lighter if traffic conditions permit. 240
Cigarette lighter
Stowing and features
Page 243 of 320

Cigarette lighter in the front com-
partment
X
To use the cigarette lighter: turn the key
to position 1 in the ignition lock
(Y page
127).
X Press in cigarette lighter :.
The cigarette lighter will pop out automati-
cally when the heating element is red-hot.
X Pull the cigarette lighter out of the socket by
its handle.
The cigarette lighter socket can be used for
accessories with a maximum power consump-
tion of 180 W
(15 A).
If you use the sockets to connect accessories
for long periods when the engine is switched
off, the starter battery may discharge. An
emergency cut-off ensures that the on-board
voltage does not drop too low. If the on-board
voltage is too low, power to the socket is auto-
matically cut. This ensures that there is suffi-
cient power to start the engine. 12 V socket
When the key is turned to position 1 in the
ignition lock, the sockets can be used for accessories with a maximum power consump-
tion of
180 W (15 A).
If you use the sockets for long periods when
the engine is switched off, the starter battery
may discharge. If the on-board voltage is too
low, it might then no longer be possible to
start the engine.
The socket in the center console and the
socket in the side of the cargo compartment
are not automatically deactivated if the on-
board voltage is low. The additional sockets in
the rear compartment are automatically deac-
tivated if the on-board voltage is low.
Additional 12 V sockets may be located in the
rear corner trim next to the tailgate and in the
side trim on the left and right-hand sides.
X Lift up the cover of socket :. Mobile communications equipment
G
WARNING
If you operate information and communica-
tion devices while driving, you may be dis-
tracted from the traffic conditions. You
could even lose control of the vehicle. There
is a risk of an accident.
Only operate these devices when the vehicle
is stationary.
Observe the legal requirements for the country
in which you are currently driving when operat-
ing mobile communication equipment.
Please remember, a navigation system does
not supply information on the load-bearing
capacity of bridges or the overhead clearance
of underpasses. The driver remains responsi-
ble for safety at all times.
You and others can suffer health-related dam-
age through electromagnetic radiation. By
using an exterior antenna, a possible health
risk caused by electromagnetic fields, as dis-
cussed in scientific circles, is taken into
account. Only have the exterior antenna instal-
led by a qualified specialist workshop.
Failure to observe the Mercedes-Benz installa-
tion specifications can result in the invalida-
tion of your vehicle's operating permit.
You will find information on retrofitting electri-
cal or electronic equipment under “Vehicle
electronics” (Y page
304). Mobile communications equipment
241
Stowing and features Z
Page 244 of 320

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
possible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the described functions.
This also applies to systems and functions rel-
evant to safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (Y page
32).Loading guidelines
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
When objects are unsecured or inadequately
secured, they can slip, turn over or be
thrown about, striking vehicle occupants.
This also applies to:
R luggage or loads
R seats 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 vehi-
cle. G
WARNING
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
characteristics. There is a risk of an acci-
dent. Always make sure that the center of gravity
of the load is:
R between the axles
and
R as low as possible, near the rear axle. G
WARNING
When the permissible wheel loads, axle
loads and/or the maximum permissible
gross vehicle weight are exceeded, driving
safety is compromised. The handling as well
as steering and braking characteristics may
be significantly impaired. Overloaded tires
may overheat, 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 car-
rier load.
R Do not stack luggage or loads higher than
the backrests.
R Objects to be transported should preferably
be stowed in the cargo compartment.
R When transporting luggage, always use the
cargo tie-down rings for securing loads and
a cargo net, if installed.
R Use 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
discard criteria contained therein.
Load securing aids or tie downs must not be
used if:
R identification marks are missing or illegible
R there are yarn breakages, damage to bear-
ing seams or other signs of tearing
R there are signs of shearing, deformation,
pinching or other damage
R there is damage to clamping or connecting
elements
Load securing aids and tie downs in this condi-
tion are ready for discard and must be 242
Loading guidelines
Transporting loads
Page 245 of 320

replaced. If you use load securing aids or tie
downs which are worn out, the load may not
be sufficiently secured and could cause dam-
age to property.
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
anything 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
"Securing a load"
(Y page 244) and "Load dis-
tribution" (Y page 243) sections.
You will find information about the maximum
roof load under "Cargo tie-down points and
carrier systems" (Y page 313). You will find
information about roof carriers under "Carrier
systems" (Y page 249). Before loading
! The anti-slip mats cannot be used for
securing goods and must be replaced when
they show signs of:
R Permanent deformation and crushing
R Crack formation
R Cuts
X Tire pressure: check the tire pressure and
correct if necessary
(Y page 282).
X Cargo compartment floor: clean the cargo
compartment floor.
The cargo compartment floor must be free
from oil and dust, dry and swept clean to
prevent the load from slipping.
X Place non-slip mats (anti-slip mats) on the
cargo compartment floor if necessary. During loading
X Observe the gross axle weight rating and
permissible 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 maxi-
mum payload is thus reduced.
X Observe the notes on load distribution
(Y page
243).
The overall center of gravity of the load
should always be as low as possible, cen-
tered and between the axles near the rear
axle.
X Secure the load (Y page
244).
Observe the legal requirements of the coun-
try in which you are currently driving. Checks after loading
G
DANGER
Combustion engines emit poisonous
exhaust gases, such as carbon monoxide.
Exhaust gases can enter the vehicle interior
if the tailgate/rear-end door is open when
the engine is running, especially if the vehi-
cle is in motion. There is a risk of poisoning.
Always switch off the engine before opening
the tailgate/rear-end door. Never drive the
vehicle when the tailgate/rear-end door is
open.
X Securing 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.
X Doors/tailgate: close the sliding doors and
tailgate/door.
X Tire pressure: adjust the tire pressure
according to the vehicle load
(Y page 282).
X Driving 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
vehicle 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 distribution
243
Transporting loads Z
Page 246 of 320

X
Always transport loads in the cargo com-
partment and with the seat backrests folded
up and properly locked in position.
X Always place the load against the backrests
of the front or rear seats.
X Move large and heavy loads as far towards
the front of the vehicle as possible against
the front or rear seats. Stow the load flush
with the rear or front seats.
X Always additionally secure the load with
suitable load-securing aids or tie downs.
Observe the following notes:
R Do not stack loads higher than the upper
edge of the backrests.
R Transport loads behind seats that are not
occupied.
R If 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 accord-
ing to your transportation requirements as fol-
lows:
R by folding the seat backrests forward to the
table position.
R by removing the rear bench seat.
You will find information about rear bench
seats in the "Rear bench seats" section
( Y page
89). Securing loads
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you attach the tie-down incorrectly when
securing the load, the following may occur in
the event of abrupt changes in direction,
braking maneuvers or an accident:
R the cargo tie-down rings may become
detached or the tie-down may tear if the
permissible load is exceeded
R the 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
maximum loading capacity of the weakest
cargo tie-down point into account.
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.
As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring
that: R The 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 maximum full-stop
braking and on poor road surfaces
R The applicable requirements and guidelines
relating to load-securing practices are met
If this is not the case, this may constitute a
punishable offense, depending on local leg-
islation 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. Also observe the safety information in
the loading directions ( Y page 242).
X Fill spaces between the load and the cargo
compartment walls or wheel housings (form-244
Securing loads
Transporting loads
Page 247 of 320

locking). Use rigid load securing aids, such
as wedges, wooden fixings or padding.
X Attach secured and stabilized loads in all
directions to the cargo tie-down rings and
the guide rails in the rear compartment.
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 clos-
est 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
lashing rods directly absorb the potential shift-
ing forces.
Securing loads on the cargo compartment
floor by lashing them down is only recommen-
ded for lightweight loads. Place non-slip mats
(anti-slip mats) under the load to increase load
security.
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"
(Y page
313).
Do not attempt to modify or repair the cargo
tie-down points/cargo tie-down rings or tie
downs. Read the information on qualified spe-
cialist workshops: (Y page 32).
Note for Passenger Vans (vehicle category
M1) on the cargo tie-down points/cargo
tie-down rings on the cargo compartment
floor Lashing angle for optimal load securing (example)
d
Vertical to the cargo compartment floor
e Cargo compartment floor
: Direction of propagation with 75° lashing
angle
; Direction of propagation with 45° lashing
angle
The lashing angle is between the cargo com-
partment floor and the tie downs. For optimal
load securing in accordance with the
ISO 27955 standard, the lashing angle must
be between 45° ; and 75° :. The maximum
nominal tension load of
350 daN for the cargo
tie-down rings in the cargo compartment floor
or in the guide rails may not be exceeded.
Note for commercial vehicles (vehicle cate-
gories N1) without partition
Vehicles that are approved as commercial
vehicles (vehicle category N1) do not meet the
ISO 27956 standard in the currently valid ver-
sion without a partition. The ISO 27956 stand-
ard describes the equipment for correctly
securing a load in delivery vehicles. When
using the vehicle for the transport of goods,
the retrofitting of the partition is strongly rec-
ommended as it is difficult to secure loads cor-
rectly in vehicles without a partition. Securing loads
245
Transporting loads Z
Page 248 of 320

Lashing straps
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you attach the tie-down incorrectly when
securing the load, the following may occur in
the event of abrupt changes in direction,
braking maneuvers or an accident:
R the cargo tie-down rings may become
detached or the tie-down may tear if the
permissible load is exceeded
R the 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
maximum loading capacity of the weakest
cargo tie-down point into account.
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.
Always observe the operating instructions or
the notes of the lashing strap manufacturer for
the operation of the lashing strap.
Securing loads on the cargo compartment
floor by lashing them down is only recommen-
ded for lightweight loads. Place non-slip mats
(anti-slip mats) under the load to increase load
security. Notes and information on:
R the operation of the cargo tie-down rings
and cargo tie-down points can be found in
the "Securing a load" section
(Y page 244)
R the maximum loading capacity of the cargo
tie-down points can be found in the "Techni-
cal data" section ( Y page 313)
R the maximum loading capacity of the lashing
strap can be found on the lashing strap label
If the label is missing or illegible, the lashing
strap is ready to be discarded. Such a lash-
ing strap must be removed from use. If stickers have been included in the delivery:
X Clean the surface before sticker : is
affixed.
The stickers must be affixed to a flat, metal-
lic surface free from grease and dust.
X Affix stickers : on every side of the vehicle
in close proximity to the loading rails in a
clearly visible location. 246
Lashing straps
Transporting loads