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
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
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
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).Where will I find...?
Vehicle tool kit
General notes Depending on the equipment version of the
vehicle, the vehicle tool kit is:
R in the seat base of the left front seat
R in the rear compartment stowage compart-
ment
R in the tool holder in the cargo compartment
Apart from some country-specific variants,
vehicles without a spare wheel are not equip-
ped with tire-changing tools. If your vehicle is
equipped with tire-changing tools, these are in
the vehicle tool kit. If the vehicle tool kit is
stowed in the driver's seat base, the jack is in
a separate holder in the cargo compartment
on the right-hand side of the vehicle next to
the tailgate/rear-end door
(Y page 272).
Some tools for changing a wheel are specific
to the vehicle. For more information on which
tools are required and approved to perform a
wheel change on your vehicle, consult a quali-
fied specialist workshop.
Necessary tire-changing tools can include, for
example:
R Jack
R Lug wrench
R Ratchet wrench
i The jack has a maximum weight of 7.5 kg
depending on the vehicle's equipment.
The maximum payload of the jack can be
found on the sticker on the jack itself. The jack is maintenance-free. In the event of
a malfunction, please contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
Stowage compartment in the seat
base Stowage compartment in the seat base of the left
front seat
X To open: press both latching springs :
down and release cover ; upwards from
the seat base.
X Remove cover ; by pulling upwards at an
angle from the seat base.
X Remove the clamping strap and remove the
vehicle tool kit.
For vehicles equipped with tire-changing
tools, the jack is in a separate holder in the
cargo compartment on the right-hand side
of the vehicle next to the tailgate/rear-end
door (Y page
272).
X To close: after stowing the vehicle tool bag,
insert cover ; in front of the stowage com-
partment in the seat base and fold shut.
Latching springs : of cover ; must
engage audibly. 270
Where will I find...?
Breakdown assistance
R
Break in new tires at moderate speeds for
the first
65 miles (100 km).
R Do not drive with tires which have too little
tread depth, as this significantly reduces the
traction on wet roads (hydroplaning).
R Replace the tires after six years at the lat-
est, regardless of wear. This also applies to
the spare wheel. Operation in winter
General notes
Have your vehicle winterized at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Only use wheels with tire sizes approved for
Mercedes-Benz.
Prior to the onset of winter, ensure that snow
chains are stowed in the vehicle
(Y page
281). Snow chains cannot be moun-
ted on all wheel/tire combinations. Observe
the restrictions on the use of snow chains
under "Wheel/tire combinations"
(Y page 302).
Also observe the notes in the "Changing a
wheel" section ( Y page 297).Driving with summer tires
At temperatures below 45 ‡
(+7 †), summer
tires lose elasticity and therefore traction and
braking power. Change the tires on your vehi-
cle to M+S tires. Using summer tires at very
cold temperatures could cause tears to form,
thereby damaging the tires permanently.
Mercedes-Benz cannot accept responsibility
for this type of damage. M+S tires
G
WARNING
Wheel and tire dimensions as well as the
type of tire can vary between the spare
wheel and the wheel to be replaced. When
the spare wheel is mounted, driving charac-
teristics may be severely affected. There is a
risk of an accident. In order to reduce risks:
R you should therefore adapt your driving
style and drive carefully.
R never mount more than one spare wheel
that differs from the wheel to be replaced.
R only use a spare wheel that differs from
the wheel to be replaced for a short time.
R have a spare wheel that differs from the
wheel that has been changed replaced at
the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
You must observe the correct wheel and
tire dimensions as well as the wheel type. G
WARNING
M+S tires with a tire tread depth of less than
ã in
(4 mm) are not suitable for use in win-
ter and do not provide sufficient traction.
There is a risk of an accident.
M+S tires with a tread depth of less than ã
in (4 mm) must be replaced immediately.
Use winter tires or all-season tires at tempera-
tures below 45 ‡ (+7 †). Both types of tire
are identified by the M+S marking.
Only winter tires bearing the i snowflake
symbol in addition to the M+S marking provide
the best possible grip in wintry road condi-
tions.
Only these tires will allow driving safety sys-
tems such as ABS and ESP ®
to function opti-
mally in winter. These tires have been devel-
oped specifically for driving in snow.
For safe driving, use M+S tires of the same
make and tread pattern on all wheels.
Always observe the maximum permissible
speed specified for the M+S tires you have
mounted.
If you mount M+S tires that have a lower maxi-
mum permissible speed than the maximum
design speed of the vehicle, affix a corre-
sponding warning label in the driver's field of
vision. You can obtain this at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Once you have mounted the winter tires:
X Check the tire pressure (Y page
282).
X Restart the tire pressure monitor
(Y page
288).280
Operation in winter
Wheels and tires
Always read and follow the instructions and
safety notes related to the display messages,
which can be found in the "Tires" section.
R for vehicles without steering wheel buttons
(Y page
207)
R for vehicles with steering wheel buttons
(Y page 224)
Vehicles with steering wheel buttons: if the
wheel positions on the vehicle are rotated, the
tire pressures may be displayed for the wrong
positions for a short time. This is rectified after
a few minutes of driving; the tire pressures are
then displayed for the correct positions.
Restarting the tire pressure monitor General notes
When you restart the tire pressure monitor, all
existing warning messages are deleted and the
warning lamp goes out. The monitor uses the
currently set tire pressures as the reference
values for monitoring. In most cases, the tire
pressure monitor will automatically detect the
new reference values after you have changed
the tire pressure. However, you can also set
reference values manually as described here.
The tire pressure monitor then monitors the
new tire pressure values.
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons
The vehicle must be stationary. Use the but-
tons in the instrument cluster.
X Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.
X Using È select the Tire Pressure menu.
X Press 3 to confirm.
The display shows the Monitoring Active
message.
X Press 3 to confirm.
The display shows the Tire Pressure OK?
message.
If you wish to confirm the restart: X Press the f button.
The display shows the distance menu.
After you have driven for a few minutes, the
system checks whether the current tire pressures are within the specified range.
The new tire pressure levels are then accep-
ted as reference values and monitored.
If you wish to cancel the restart:
X Press the g button.
The display shows the tire pressure menu.
The tire pressure values stored at the last
restart will continue to be monitored.
Vehicles with steering wheel buttons Using the steering wheel buttons
X Make sure that the tire pressure of all four
wheels is set correctly for the current oper-
ating conditions. When doing so, observe
the notes under "Tire pressure"
(Y page
282).
X Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.
X Press the = or ; button to select the
Service menu.
X Select the Tire Pressure submenu with
9 or :.
X Press a to confirm.
The display shows either the current tire
pressure for the individual tires, or the
Tire pressure will be displayed
after driving a few minutes message.
X Press the : button.
The display shows the Use Current Pres‐
sures as New Reference Values: mes-
sage.
If you wish to confirm the restart: X Press the a button.
The display shows the Tire Press. Moni‐
tor Restarted message.
After you have driven for a few minutes, the
system checks whether the current tire
pressures are within the specified range.
The new tire pressure levels are then accep-
ted as reference values and monitored.
If you wish to cancel the restart: X Press the % button.
The tire pressure values stored at the last
restart will continue to be monitored.288
Tire pressure
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
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