towing MERCEDES-BENZ B-CLASS HATCHBACK 2015 User Guide

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all models,
series and optional equipment for your vehi-
cle that were available at the time of going to
press. National variations are possible. Note
that your vehicle may not be equipped with all
of the functions described. This is also the
case for systems and functions relevant to
safety.
i Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops: (Y page 23). Loading guidelines
G
WARNING
If objects, luggage or loads are not secured or not secured sufficiently, they could slip, tip
over or be flung around and thereby hit vehicle
occupants. There is a risk of injury, especially when braking or abruptly changing directions.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping before the
journey.
The handling characteristics of a laden vehicle
are dependent on the distribution of the load
within the vehicle. For this reason, you should
observe the following notes when transporting a load:
R never exceed the maximum permissible gross
vehicle weight or the permissible axle loads
for the vehicle (including occupants).
R the luggage compartment is the preferred
place to carry objects.
R position heavy loads as far forwards as pos-
sible and as low down in the load compart-
ment as possible.
R the load must not protrude above the upper
edge of the seat backrests.
R always place the load against the rear or front
seat backrests. Make sure that the seat
backrests are securely locked into place.
R always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R use the lashing eyelets and the luggage nets
to transport loads and luggage. R
only use lashing eyelets and fastening com-
ponents that are suitable for the weight and
size of the load.
R hook in the safety net when loading.
R the maximum load capacity of the stowage
well under the luggage compartment floor is
25 kg.
R secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant lashing material. pad sharp
edges for protection.
! Do not position the load on one part of the
folding luggage compartment floor only. The
maximum load capacity of the folding luggage compartment floor is 100 kg. Spread the
weight evenly to avoid damaging the luggage
compartment floor. Place a solid board under the load if necessary. Please note that the
load on the luggage compartment floor will be increased when the load is lashed down. Stowage areas
Stowage compartments
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If objects in the passenger compartment are
stowed incorrectly, they can slide or be
thrown around and hit vehicle occupants.
There is a risk of injury, particularly in the
event of sudden braking or a sudden change
in direction.
R Always stow objects so that they cannot be
thrown around in such situations.
R Always make sure that objects do not pro-
trude from stowage spaces, parcel nets or
stowage nets.
R Close the lockable stowage spaces before
starting a journey.
R Stow and secure objects that are heavy,
hard, pointed, sharp-edged, fragile or too
large in the luggage compartment.
Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 224).224
Stowage areasStowing and features

Front stowage compartments
Glove compartment
X
To open: pull handle :and open glove com-
partment flap ;.
X To close: fold glove compartment flap ;
upwards until it engages.
There is a pen holder at the top of the glove
compartment flap.
Spectacles compartment X
To open: press marking :.
Make sure that the spectacles compartment is
always closed while the vehicle is in motion. Stowage compartment in the front centre
console X
To open: press the marking on cover :.
i Depending on the vehicle's equipment,
there may be an ashtray in the centre console
instead of the stowage compartment.
Stowage compartment in front of the arm-
rest (vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion) X
To open: press the marking on cover :.
i You can remove the non-slip mat and the
insert for cleaning. When removing the insert
you will have to overcome some slight resist-
ance. Stowage areas
225Stowing and featu res Z

Stowage compartment/telephone com-
partment under the armrest X
To open: on vehicles with moveable armr-
ests, make sure that the armrest is in the
rearmost position.
X Press button :and fold the armrest up.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the arm-
rest can be moved backwards or forwards in a
longitudinal direction.
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the fol-
lowing may be in the stowage space:
R a multimedia connector unit with an SD card
slot and 2 USB ports, e.g. for use with an
iPod ®
, iPhone ®
or MP3 player; see the sepa-
rate operating instructions
R a mobile phone bracket (Y page 236)
Stowage compartment under the driver's and front-passenger seat G
WARNING
If you exceed the maximum permitted load of the stowage compartment, the cover is
unable to restrain the objects. Objects may be
thrown out of the stowage compartment and
hit vehicle occupants as a result. There is a
risk of injury, particularly in the event of sud-
den braking or a sudden change in direction.
Always observe the maximum load of the
stowage compartment. Stow and secure
heavy objects in the luggage compartment.
The maximum permissible load of the stowage
compartment is 1.2 kg. X
To open: pull handle :up and fold cover ;
forwards.
On vehicles with a fire extinguisher instead of a
stowage compartment, the fire extinguisher is
installed under the driver's seat.
Rear stowage compartments Stowage compartment in the rear centre
console
X
To open: pull down the top of stowage com-
partment :by the edge of the handle.
i Depending on the vehicle's equipment,
there may be an open stowage space above
the stowage compartment.
Folding table G
WARNING
If the folding table is folded out while the vehi- cle is in motion, vehicle occupants may collide with the table, particularly in the event of an
accident, heavy braking or sudden changes in
direction. There is a risk of injury.
Fold up the folding table before every journey. 226
Stowage areasStowing and features

!
Do not load the folding table beyond the
maximum permissible load of 2 kg. X
To fold out: pull folding table :up in the
direction of the arrow to the desired position.
X To fold away: push folding table :down
onto the backrest. Luggage nets
Luggage nets are located: R in the front-passenger footwell
R on the back of the driver's and front-
passenger seat
Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 224)
and the safety notes regarding stowage spaces
(Y page 224). Folding backrest on the front-
passenger seat G
WARNING
If the backrest of the co-driver's seat is folded forward, passengers in the rear compartment
could collide with parts of the seat mecha-
nism, particularly in the event of an accident,
heavy braking or sudden changes of direction.
There is a risk of injury.
If another person is travelling in the vehicle
when the backrest of the co-driver's seat is
folded forward, this person must sit on the
rear seat behind the driver.
The backrest of the front-passenger seat can be
folded forwards to increase the luggage com-
partment capacity. Once you no longer need the backrest on the
front-passenger side to be used as a load sur-
face, fold the backrest back into place.
X
To fold forward: gently push the backrest
back.
X Pull release handle :and fold the backrest
fully onto the seat cushion until it engages.
X To fold back: gently push the backrest down
and pull release handle :.
X Fold the seat backrest back until it engages. Through-loading facility in the rear
compartment
X
To open: fold down seat armrest :.
X Pull the centre head restraint on the rear
bench seat into the uppermost position
(Y page 89). Stowage areas
227Stowing and features Z

X
Slide locking mechanism =in the direction
of the arrow.
X Swing flap ;fully to the side.
Flap ;is held open by a magnet.
X To close: swing flap ;in the luggage com-
partment back until it engages.
X Fold armrest :up fully if necessary.
Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 224).Enlarging the luggage compartment
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If the rear bench seat/rear seat and seat
backrest are not engaged they could fold for- wards, e.g. when braking suddenly or in the
event of an accident.
R The vehicle occupant would thereby be
pushed into the seat belt by the rear bench
seat/rear seat or by the seat backrest. The
seat belt cannot protect as intended and
could result in additional injury.
R Objects or loads in the boot/luggage com-
partment cannot be restrained by the seat
backrest.
This poses an increased risk of injury.
Before every trip, make sure that the seat
backrests and the rear bench seat/rear seat
are engaged before every trip.
! Before folding the backrest in the rear com-
partment forwards, make sure that the rear
compartment armrest and the cupholder are
folded in. They may otherwise be damaged.
Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 224).The left-hand and right-hand rear seat backrests
can be folded forwards separately to increase
the luggage compartment capacity.
Folding the rear seat backrest forwards and back Folding the rear seat backrest forward
X
If necessary, press the backrest head
restraints down fully (Y page 89).
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
forward if necessary.
X Pull left-hand or right-hand release handle ;
of the seat backrest forwards.
The corresponding seat backrest :is
released.
X Fold backrest :forwards.
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary.
Folding the rear seat backrest back
! Make sure that the seat belt does not
become trapped when folding the rear seat
backrest back. Otherwise, it could be dam-
aged. 228
Stowage areasStowing and features

X
Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
forward if necessary.
X Fold seat backrest :back until it engages.
Red lock status indicator ;is no longer visi-
ble.
X Adjust the head restraints if necessary
(Y page 89).
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary. Securing a load
Lashing eyelets General notes
Observe the following notes on securing loads:
R observe the loading guidelines (Y page 224).
R secure the load using the lashing eyelets.
R distribute the load on the lashing eyelets
evenly.
R do not use elastic straps or nets to secure a
load. These are only intended as an anti-slip
protection for light loads.
R do not route lashing materials across sharp
edges or corners.
R pad sharp edges for protection.
Luggage compartment :
Lashing eyelets
Bag hook G
WARNING
The bag hooks cannot restrain heavy objects
or items of luggage. Objects or items of lug-
gage could be flung around and thereby hit vehicle occupants when braking or abruptly
changing directions. There is a risk of injury.
Only hang light objects on the bag hooks.
Never hang hard, sharp-edged or fragile
objects on the bag hooks.
! The bag hook can bear a maximum load of
3 kg. Do not use it to secure a load. :
Bag hook Luggage compartment cover
Important safety notes G
WARNING
On its own, the luggage compartment cover
cannot secure or restrain heavy objects,
items of luggage and heavy loads. You could
be hit by an unsecured load during sudden
changes in direction, braking or in the event of an accident. There is an increased risk of
injury or even fatal injury.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping over, e.g. by
using lashing material, even if you are using
the luggage compartment cover.
! When loading the vehicle, make sure that
you do not stack the load in the luggage com- partment higher than the lower edge of the
side windows. Do not place heavy objects ontop of the luggage compartment cover.
! When removing and replacing the luggage
compartment cover, ensure that its end caps do not scrape the light-coloured parts of the
vehicle. Stowage areas
229Stowing and features Z

The luggage compartment cover is located
behind the rear bench seat backrest.
Extending and retracting the luggage
compartment cover X
To extend: pull the luggage compartment
cover back by grab handle :and clip it into
retainers ;on the left and right.
X To retract: unhook the luggage compartment
cover from retainers ;on the left and right
and guide it forwards by grab handle :until
it is fully retracted.
Fitting/removing the luggage compart-
ment cover X
To remove: make sure that the luggage com-
partment cover is rolled up.
X Push in the end cap of luggage compartment
cover :in the direction of the arrow on the
right or left-hand side using grip =on the
lower edge.
X Push luggage compartment cover :into
opposite anchorage ;.
X Remove luggage compartment cover :
upwards. X
To fit: place luggage compartment cover :
into anchorage ;on the right or left-hand
side.
X Push in the opposite end cap of luggage com-
partment cover :and insert luggage com-
partment cover :into opposite anchor-
age ;. Safety net
Important safety notes G
WARNING
On its own, the safety net cannot secure or
restrain heavy objects, items of luggage and
heavy loads. You could be hit by an unsecured load during sudden changes in direction,
braking or in the event of an accident. There isan increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping over, e.g. by
using lashing material, even if you are using
the safety net.
It is important to use a safety net if you load the
vehicle with small objects above the seat backr-
ests. For safety reasons, always use a safety net when transporting a load.
Damaged safety nets can no longer fulfil their
protective function and must be replaced. Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
Attaching and tightening the safety net You have two options for hooking in the safety
net:
R with luggage compartment enlargement: the
brackets are behind the B‑pillar and the lash-
ing eyelets to tension the net are on the sides
of the rear-compartment footwell.
R without luggage compartment enlargement:
the brackets are behind the C-pillar and the
lashing eyelets to tension the net are in the
luggage compartment (Y page 229).
The safety net is located in the stowage space
under the luggage compartment floor
(Y page 231). 230
Stowage areasStowing and features

X
Open both Velcro fasteners and remove the
safety net.
X Unroll and unfold the safety net.
The joints on the upper and lower guide rod
should engage audibly. Example safety net installed behind the C-pillar
(without luggage compartment enlargement)
X To attach and tighten: insert guide rod:
into bracket ;.
X Attach belt hook ?to the lashing eyelet and
pull down on the loose end of the lashing strap until the safety net is taut.
X After driving a short distance, check the ten-
sion of the safety net and retighten it if nec-
essary.
X To loosen and detach: pull belt clamp=up
to reduce the tension in the lashing strap.
X Unhook belt hook ?from the lashing eyelet.
X Detach guide rod :from bracket ;.
X To stow: press the red button on the upper
and lower guide rod.
X Fold the safety net and roll it up.
X Close the two Velcro fasteners on the safety
net holder. Stowage well under the luggage com-
partment floor
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you drive when the luggage compartment
floor is open, objects could be flung around,
thus striking vehicle occupants. There is a risk of injury, especially when braking or abruptly
changing directions. Always close the luggage compartment floor
before a journey.
! The maximum load capacity of the stowage
well under the luggage compartment floor is
25 kg.
There is a stowage area for TIREFIT, the vehicle tool kit, a folding box, etc. underneath the lug-
gage compartment floor.
Opening/closing the luggage compart-
ment floor X
To open: open the tailgate.
X Holding ribbing ;, press handle :down-
wards.
Handle :folds upwards.
X Swing the luggage compartment floor
upwards using handle :until it rests against
the luggage compartment cover. X
Fold out hook =on the underside of the lug-
gage compartment floor. Stowage areas
231Stowing and features Z

X
Only secure the roof carrier to the anchorage
points under covers :.
X Observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions. Features
Cup holders
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The cup holder cannot secure a drinks con-
tainer in place during a journey. If you use a
cup holder during a journey, the drinks con-
tainer could be flung around and liquid could
be spilt. Vehicle occupants could come into
contact with the liquid and, in particular, be
scalded by hot liquid. You could be distracted
from the traffic situation and 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 place containers of a suitable size in the cup holder. Seal the container, in
particular when it contains hot liquid. G
WARNING
If objects in the passenger compartment are
stowed incorrectly, they can slide or be
thrown around and hit vehicle occupants.
There is a risk of injury, particularly in the
event of sudden braking or a sudden change
in direction.
R Always stow objects so that they cannot be
thrown around in such situations.
R Always make sure that objects do not pro-
trude from stowage spaces, parcel nets or
stowage nets.
R Close the lockable stowage spaces before
starting a journey.
R Stow and secure objects that are heavy,
hard, pointed, sharp-edged, fragile or too
large in the luggage compartment. !
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 224).
The stowage compartments in the doors provide
space for bottles:
R front: capacity up to 1.5 l
R rear: capacity up to 0.5 l
Cup holders in the front centre console The cup holder and the rubber mat underneath
can be removed for cleaning. Clean them with
clean, lukewarm water only.
X To remove: carefully pull in upper sections of
cup holder :on the driver's and front-
passenger sides until they release.
X Lift the cup holder up ;until it can be
removed. X
To fit: insert cup holder into lateral curved
sections ;in the stowage compartment.
Insert the cup holder so that the wedge of the upper section of cup holder :faces for-
wards.
X Press the cup holder downwards until it
engages on the right and left-hand sides. Features
233Stowing and features Z

Cup holder in the rear seat armrest
!
Do not sit on or support your body weight on
the rear seat armrest when it is folded down,
as you could otherwise damage it.
! Close the cup holder before folding the rear
seat armrest up. Otherwise, the cup holder
could be damaged. X
Fold down the rear seat armrest.
X To open: press the front of cup holder :
or ;.
Cup holder :or; extends automatically.
X To close: slide cup holder :or; back until
it engages. Sun visors
Overview :
Mirror light
; Retainer
= Retaining clip, e.g. for a car park ticket
? Vanity mirror
A Mirror cover Vanity mirror in the sun visor Mirror light
:only functions if the sun visor is
clipped into retainer ;and mirror cover Ahas
been folded up.
Glare from the side X
Fold down sun visor :.
X Pull sun visor :out of retainer ;.
X Swing sun visor :to the side. Ashtray
Front ashtray !
The stowage space under the ashtray is not
heat resistant. Before placing lit cigarettes in the ashtray, make sure that the ashtray is
properly engaged. Otherwise, the stowage
space could be damaged. X
Vehicles with a stowage compartment
cover:
press the lower section of cover :.
The stowage compartment opens.
X To remove the insert: lift insert=up; and
out.
X To refit the insert: press insert=into the
holder until it engages.
i If you remove the ashtray insert, you can use
the resulting compartment for stowage. 234
FeaturesStowing and features