
Driving and operating217Driving characteristics and
towing tips
Before attaching a trailer, lubricate
the coupling ball. However, do not do
so if a stabiliser, which acts on the
coupling ball, is being used to reduce snaking movements.
During trailer towing do not exceed a
speed of 80 km/h. A maximum speed
of 100 km/h is only appropriate if an
oscillation damper is used and the
permissible gross trailer weight does
not exceed the vehicle’s curb weight.
For trailers with low driving stability
and caravan trailers, the use of an
oscillation damper is strongly
recommended.
If the trailer starts snaking, drive more slowly, do not attempt to correct the
steering and brake sharply if
necessary.
When driving downhill, drive in the
same gear as if driving uphill and
drive at a similar speed.
Adjust tyre pressure to the value
specified for full load 3 285.Trailer towing
Trailer loads The permissible trailer loads are
vehicle and engine-dependent
maximum values which must not be
exceeded. The actual trailer load is the difference between the actual
gross weight of the trailer and the
actual coupling socket load with the
trailer coupled.
The permissible trailer loads are
specified in the vehicle documents. In general, they are valid for gradients
up to 12%.
The permissible trailer load applies
up to the specified incline and at sea
level. Since engine power decreases
as altitude increases due to the air
becoming thinner, therefore reducing
climbing ability, the permissible gross
train weight also decreases by 10%
for every 1000 m of altitude. The
gross train weight does not have to be reduced when driving on roads with
slight inclines (less than 8%, e.g.
motorways).The permissible gross train weight
must not be exceeded. This weight is
specified on the identification plate
3 276.
Vertical coupling load
The vertical coupling load is the load
exerted by the trailer on the coupling
ball. It can be varied by changing the
weight distribution when loading the
trailer.
The maximum permissible vertical
coupling load is specified on the
towing equipment identification plate
and in the vehicle documents. Always aim for the maximum load, especially in the case of heavy trailers. The
vertical coupling load should never
fall below 25 kg.
Rear axle load When the trailer is coupled and the
towing vehicle fully loaded, the
permissible rear axle load (see
identification plate or vehicle
documents) may be exceeded by 40 kg. If the permissible rear axle load
is exceeded, a maximum speed of
100 km/h applies.

Vehicle care249Wheels and tyres
Tyre condition, wheel condition
Drive over edges slowly and at right
angles if possible. Driving over sharp
edges can cause tyre and wheel
damage. Do not trap tyres on the kerb when parking.
Regularly check the wheels for
damage. Seek the assistance of a
workshop in the event of damage or
unusual wear.
Winter tyres
Winter tyres improve driving safety at temperatures below 7 °C and should
therefore be fitted on all wheels.
In accordance with country-specific
regulations, affix the speed sticker in
the driver's field of view.
All tyre sizes are permitted as winter
tyres 3 285.Tyre designations
E.g. 215/50 R 16 95 H215:Tyre width, mm50:Cross-section ratio (tyre height
to tyre width), %R:Belt type: RadialRF:Type: RunFlat16:Wheel diameter, inches95:Load index e.g. 95 is
equivalent to 690 kgH:Speed code letter
Speed code letter:
Q:up to 160 km/hS:up to 180 km/hT:up to 190 km/hH:up to 210 km/hV:up to 240 km/hW:up to 270 km/h
Choose a tyre appropriate for the
maximum speed of this vehicle. Refer to the EEC Certificate of Conformity
provided with the vehicle or other national registration documents.
Optional equipment could reduce the
maximum speed of the vehicle.
Directional tyres
Directional tyres should be mountedso that they rotate in the correct
direction. The proper rotation
direction is indicated by a symbol (e.g. an arrow) on the sidewall.
Tyre pressure
Check the pressure of cold tyres at
least every 14 days and before any
long journey. Do not forget the spare
wheel.
This also applies to vehicles with tyre
pressure monitoring system.
Tyre pressure 3 285.

250Vehicle careThe tyre pressure information labelon the left door frame indicates the
original equipment tyres and the
correspondent tyre pressures.
The tyre pressure data refers to cold
tyres. It applies to summer and winter tyres.
Always inflate the spare tyre to the
pressure specified for full load.
The ECO tyre pressure serves to
achieve the smallest amount of fuel
consumption possible.
Make sure tyre loading setting
matches the current tyre pressure.
Tyre loading 3 251.
Incorrect tyre pressures will impair
safety, vehicle handling, comfort and fuel economy and will increase tyre
wear.
Tyre pressures differ depending on
various options.
For the correct tyre pressure value,
follow the procedure below:
● Identify the engine identifier code.Engine data 3 280.
● Identify the respective tyre. ● The tyre pressure tables show all
possible tyre combinations
3 285.
For the tyres approved for your
vehicle, refer to the EEC Certificate of Conformity provided with your vehicle
or other national registration
documents.
The driver is responsible for correct
adjustment of tyre pressure.9 Warning
If the pressure is too low, this can
result in considerable tyre warm-
up and internal damage, leading to tread separation and even to tyre
blow-out at high speeds.
9 Warning
For specific tyres the
recommended tyre pressure as
shown in the tyre pressure table may exceed the maximum tyre
pressure as indicated on the tyre.
Never exceed the maximum tyre
pressure as indicated on the tyre.
If the tyre pressure must be reduced
or increased on a vehicle with tyre
pressure monitoring system, switch
off ignition.
Temperature dependency
The tyre pressure depends on the
temperature of the tyre. During
driving, tyre temperature and
pressure increase. Tyre pressure
values provided on the tyre
information label and tyre pressure
chart are valid for cold tyres, which means at 20 °C.
The pressure increases by nearly
10 kPa for a 10 °C temperature
increase. This must be considered
when warm tyres are checked.
The tyre pressure value displayed in
the Driver Information Centre shows
the real tyre pressure. A cooled down tyre will show a decreased value,which does not indicate an air leak.

Vehicle care251Tyre pressure monitoringsystem
The tyre pressure monitoring system checks the pressure of all four tyres
once a minute when vehicle speed
exceeds a certain limit.Caution
Tyre pressure monitoring system
warns only about low tyre pressure condition and does not replace
regular tyre maintenance by the
driver.
All wheels must be equipped with pressure sensors and the tyres must
have the prescribed pressure.
Note
In countries where the tyre pressure
monitoring system is legally
required, the use of wheels without
pressure sensors will invalidate the
vehicle operating permit.
The current tyre pressures can be
shown in the Driver Information
Centre.
Midlevel display:
Select the Tyre pressure page under
the Vehicle Information Menu ? in
the Driver Information Centre 3 115.
Uplevel display:
Select the Tyre pressure page under
the Info Menu in the Driver
Information Centre 3 115.
System status and pressure warnings
are displayed by a message
indicating the corresponding tyre in
the Driver Information Centre.
The system considers the tyre
temperature for the warnings.
Temperature dependency 3 249.
A detected low tyre pressure
condition is indicated by the control
indicator w 3 112.
If w illuminates, stop as soon as
possible and inflate the tyres as
recommended 3 285.
If w flashes for 60-90 seconds then
illuminates continuously, there is a
fault in the system. Consult a
workshop.

Vehicle care253Select● Light for comfort pressure up to
three people.
● Eco for Eco pressure up to three
people.
● Max for full loading.
Uplevel display:
Select the Tyre load page under the
Options Menu in the Driver
Information Centre 3 115.
Select
● Light for comfort pressure up to
three people.
● Eco for Eco pressure up to
three people.
● Max for full loading.
Auto learn function After changing wheels or wheel
positions the vehicle must be
stationary for approx. 20 minutes,
before the system recalculates. The
following relearn process takes up to
10 minutes of driving in a speed range
of 40 to 100 km/h. Avoid to drive
outside of this range for a longer time.
If possible, use a country road or
similar which allows continuous
driving. During relearn process $
can be displayed or pressure values
can swap in the Driver Information Centre.
Ensure the tyre loading status is set
according to the selected pressure
3 115.If problems occur during the relearn
process, a failure message is
displayed in the Driver Information
Centre. w will flash for 60 seconds
and then illuminate continuously.
If this happens, repeat learning
process. Keep your vehicle stationary for approx. 20 minutes and then drive
again for 10 minutes as described
above.
Tread depth
Check tread depth at regular
intervals.
Tyres should be replaced for safety
reasons at a tread depth of 2-3 mm
(4 mm for winter tyres).
For safety reasons, it is
recommended that the tread depth of
the tyres on one axle should not vary
by more than 2 mm.

258Vehicle care16. Take the label indicatingmaximum permitted speed from
the sealant bottle and affix in the
driver's field of view.
17. Continue driving immediately so that sealant is evenly distributedin the tyre. After driving approx.
10 km (but no more than
10 minutes), stop and check tyre
pressure. Screw compressor air
hose directly onto tyre valve and
compressor when doing this.
If tyre pressure is more than
1.3 bar , set it to the correct value.
Repeat the procedure until there
is no more loss of pressure.
If the tyre pressure has fallen
below 1.3 bar, the vehicle must
not be used. Seek the assistance
of a workshop.
18. Stow away tyre repair kit in load compartment.
Note
The driving characteristics of the
repaired tyre are severely affected,
therefore have this tyre replaced.
If unusual noise is heard or the
compressor becomes hot, turn
compressor off for at least
30 minutes.
The built-in safety valve opens at a
pressure of 7 bar.
Note the expiry date of the kit. After
this date its sealing capability is no
longer guaranteed. Pay attention to
storage information on sealant
bottle.
Replace the used sealant bottle. Dispose of the bottle as prescribed
by applicable laws.
The compressor and sealant can be used from approx. -30 °C.The adapters possibly supplied can
be used to pump up other items e.g. footballs, air mattresses, inflatable
dinghies etc. They can be located on
the underside of the compressor. To
remove, screw on compressor air
hose and withdraw adapter.
Wheel changing
Make the following preparations and
observe the following information:
● Park the vehicle on a level, firm and non-skid surface. The front
wheels must be in the straight- ahead position.
● Apply the parking brake and engage first gear, reverse gear or
P .
● If the ground on which the vehicle
is standing is soft, a solid board
(max. 1 cm thick) should be
placed under the jack.
● Take heavy objects out of the vehicle before jacking up.
● No people or animals may be in the vehicle when it is jacked-up.
● Never crawl under a jacked-up vehicle.

Vehicle care259●Do not start the vehicle when it is
raised on the jack.
● Clean wheel nuts and thread with
a clean cloth before mounting the
wheel.9 Warning
Do not grease wheel bolt, wheel
nut and wheel nut cone.
Jacking positions
The jacking positions shown refer to
the use of lifting arms and accessory
jacks used for changing winter /
summer tyres.
Rear arm position of the lifting
platform centrically under the relevant vehicle jacking point.
Front arm position of the lifting
platform centrically under the relevant vehicle jacking point.
Spare wheel The spare wheel can be classified as
a temporary spare wheel depending
on the size compared to the other
mounted wheels and country
regulations. In this case a permissible maximum speed applies, even
though no label at the spare wheel
indicates this.
Only mount one temporary spare
wheel. Do not drive faster than
80 km/h. Take curves slowly. Do not
use for a long period of time.Caution
The use of a spare wheel that is smaller than the other wheels or in
combination with winter tyres
could affect driveability. Have the defective tyre replaced as soon as
possible.
The spare wheel is located in the load
compartment beneath the floor
covering.

260Vehicle careTo remove:1. Open the floor cover 3 82.
2. The spare wheel is secured with a
wing nut. Unscrew the wing nut
and take out the spare wheel.
Under the spare wheel there is the
box with vehicle tools.
3. When, after a wheel change, no wheel is placed in the spare wheelwell, secure the tool box by
tightening the wing nut as far as it
will go and close floor cover.
4. After wheel change back to full size wheel, place the spare wheel
outside up in the well and secure
with the wing nut.
Only mount one temporary spare
wheel. The permissible maximum
speed on the label on the temporary
spare wheel is only valid for the
factory-fitted tyre size.Fitting the spare wheel
Make the following preparations and
observe the following information:
● Park the vehicle on a level, firm and non-skid surface. The front
wheels must be in the straight- ahead position.
● Apply the parking brake and engage first gear, reverse gear or
P .
● Remove the spare wheel.
● Never change more than one wheel at once.
● Use the jack only to change wheels in case of puncture, not
for seasonal winter or summer
tyre change.
● The jack is maintenance-free.
● If the ground on which the vehicle
is standing is soft, a solid board
(max. 1 cm thick) should be
placed under the jack.
● Take heavy objects out of the vehicle before jacking up.
● No people or animals may be in the vehicle when it is jacked-up.● Never crawl under a jacked-upvehicle.
● Do not start the vehicle when it is
raised on the jack.
● Clean wheel nuts and thread with
a clean cloth before mounting the
wheel.9 Warning
Do not grease wheel bolt, wheel
nut and wheel nut cone.
1. Steel wheels with cover: Pull off the wheel cover.
Alloy wheels: Disengage wheel
nut caps with a slot screwdriver
and remove. To protect the wheel paint and the cap, wrap a cloth
around the screwdriver tip 3 247.