
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

X
Guide ratchet strap ? through slotted shaft
A from behind as illustrated and tighten it.
X Swing tensioning lever ; back and forth
until the ratchet strap has wound around
slotted shaft A two to three times.
X Press stop slider = outwards in the direc-
tion of the arrow and swing tensioning
lever ; to detent position 1.
X Release stop slider =.
The ratchet is closed and engaged. Tensioning lever in the release position
X To release the ratchet strap: release ten-
sioning lever ; and swing it into release
position 7.
Lock stop slider = engages in end recess
B.
X Unlock the release catch D by pressing it.
Slotted shaft A can move freely.
X Pull ratchet strap ? out of the ratchet. Securing loads
Load protection net
G
WARNING
The load protection net alone cannot
restrain or secure heavy objects, luggage or
heavy loads. In the event of abrupt changes
in direction, braking maneuvers or an acci-
dent, you may be struck by unsecured loads.
There is a risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Always stow objects in such a way that they
cannot be tossed about. Secure objects, lug-
gage and loads to prevent them slipping or
tipping over, e.g. by lashing them down,
even when using the load protection net. G
WARNING
If vehicle occupants are seated behind a
load protection net, they may be squeezed
up against the load protection net. There is
a risk of injury, particularly in the event of
braking maneuvers or abrupt changes in
direction.
Never allow vehicle occupants to sit behind
the load protection net.
The load protection net borders the cargo
compartment. It protects vehicle occupants
from light objects and/or luggage slipping or
tipping over. Always observe the notes on
securing loads
(Y page 244).
You can install the load protection net at an
angle behind the front seats or behind the first
row of back seats. Upper retainer
Anchorage (example: fixed cargo tie-down ring)248
Securing loads
Transporting loads

Cleaning the steering wheel and selec-
tor lever
X
Thoroughly wipe with a damp cloth.
X Vehicles with leather upholstery: after
cleaning, use leather care agents that have
been recommended and approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
Cleaning the trim elements !
Do not use solvent-based cleaning agents
such as tar remover, wheel cleaners, pol-
ishes or waxes. There is otherwise a risk of
damaging the surface.
X Wipe the trim elements with a damp, lint-
free cloth, e.g. a microfiber cloth.
X Heavy soiling: use care products and
cleaning agents recommended and
approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Cleaning the seat covers !
Do not use microfiber cloths to clean gen-
uine leather or artificial leather covers. If
used often, a microfiber cloth can damage
the cover.
! Clean:
R artificial leather covers with a cloth mois-
tened with a solution containing 1% deter-
gent, e.g. dish washing liquid.
R cloth covers with a microfiber cloth mois-
tened with a solution containing 1% deter-
gent, e.g. dish washing liquid. Wipe entire
seat sections carefully to avoid leaving
visible lines. Leave the seat to dry after-
wards. Cleaning results depend on the
type of dirt and how long it has been
there.
R genuine leather covers carefully with a
damp cloth, then wipe the covers down
with a dry cloth. Make sure that the
leather does not become soaked. Other-
wise, the leather could become rough or
cracked. Only use leather care agents
that have been tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz. You can obtain these
from a qualified specialist workshop.
i Please keep in mind that:
R leather covers are a natural product and,
as such, are subject to a natural aging process. Leather may react differently,
e.g. increased wrinkling, to certain envi-
ronmental influences (such as high
humidity or intense heat).
R regular care is essential to make sure that
the appearance and comfort of the covers
are retained over time.
To clean genuine leather covers: X Remove any dust, crumbs etc. If necessary,
carefully vacuum-clean the seat covers.
X Carefully wipe the leather seat covers with a
damp cloth.
X Wipe over again with a dry cloth.
Make sure that the leather does not become
soaked, especially perforated parts.
X Then treat the leather seats with a leather
care foam.
Only use leather care agents that have been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Observe the manufacturer's instructions.
Cleaning the seat belts G
WARNING
Seat belts can become severely weakened if
bleached or dyed. This could cause the seat
belts to tear or fail, for instance, in the event
of an accident. This poses an increased risk
of injury or fatal injury.
Never bleach or dye the seat belts.
! Do not clean the seat belts using chemical
cleaning agents. Do not dry the seat belts
by heating at temperatures above
176 ‡
(80 †) or in direct sunlight.
Remove any stains or dirt immediately. This
will avoid residue or damage. X Use clean, lukewarm water and soap solu-
tion.
Cleaning the headliner and carpets X
Headliner: if it is very dirty, use a soft brush
or dry shampoo.
X Carpets: use the carpet and textile cleaning
agents recommended and approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Care
269
Maintenance and care Z

to the maximum permissible speed of the vehi-
cle.
Tire pressure table Tire pressure table inside the fuel filler flap
(example: Passenger Van)
Tire pressure table inside the fuel filler flap
(example: Cargo Van)
You will find the recommended tire pressure
for various operating conditions on the inside
of your vehicle's fuel filler flap
(Y page 137)
and under "Tire pressure table" (Y page 289).
If a tire size precedes a tire pressure, the fol-
lowing tire pressure information is only valid
for that tire size. Example: Cargo Van vehicle loads
Example: Passenger Van vehicle loads
:
Partially laden vehicle
; Fully laden vehicle
For the Passenger Van, the vehicle loads are
defined in the table as different numbers of
passengers and amounts of luggage. The
actual number of seats may vary – for more
information, please refer to the vehicle's regis-
tration documents.
The tire pressure value given for partly laden
vehicles are minimum values which offer you
good ride comfort. They are not for towing
trailers.
You can also use the tire pressure values for a
fully laden vehicle. These are always permitted
and admissible. However, in a partially laden
vehicle, the ride is not as comfortable and fuel
consumption is only minimally reduced. In
addition, wear is greater in the center of the
tire tread.
For towing trailers, the applicable value for the
rear tires is the maximum tire pressure value
stated in the table inside the fuel filler flap. Tire pressure
283
Wheels and tires Z

fuel and the cargo. You can also find infor-
mation about the maximum Gross Axle
Weight Rating on the front and rear axle.
The maximum Gross Axle Weight Rating is
the maximum weight that can be carried
by one axle (front or rear axle). Do not
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or
the maximum Gross Axle Weight Rating
for the front or rear axle. Tire and Loading Information placard
Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating :
Maximum number of seats
; Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
X Specification for maximum Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating ; is listed on the Tire and
Loading Information placard: "The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should never
exceed XXX kilograms or XXX lbs."
The gross weight of all vehicle occupants,
cargo, luggage and trailer load/trailer tongue
load (if applicable) must not exceed the speci-
fied value.
i The details on the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation placard illustration are only an exam-
ple. The maximum Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating is vehicle-specific and may deviate
from the data shown here. The maximum
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating that applies to
your vehicle can be found on your vehicle's
Tire and Loading Information placard. Number of seats
:
Maximum number of seats
; Maximum permissible gross weight
Maximum number of seats : determines the
maximum number of occupants allowed to
travel in the vehicle. This information can be
found on the Tire and Loading Information
placard.
i The details on the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation placard illustration are only an exam-
ple. The number of seats is vehicle-specific
and can differ from the details shown. The
number of seats in your vehicle can be
found on the Tire and Loading Information
placard.
Determining the maximum load Individual steps
The following steps have been developed as
required of all manufacturers under Title 49,
Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575 in
accordance with the "National Traffic and
Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966".
(1) Locate the statement "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on your
vehicle's placard. on your vehicle's plac-
ard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX
lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capa-
city. For example, if the "XXX" amount
equals
1400 lbs and there will be five290
Loading the vehicle
Wheels and tires

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