weight MERCEDES-BENZ METRIS 2018 MY18 Operator’s Manual

LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat secur-
ing system
GWARNING
For LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint sys-
tems in which the child is secured using the
safety belt integrated in the child restraint
system, the maximum permissible weight of
the child and child restraint system together
is 73 lbs (33 kg).
If the child and the child restraint system
together weigh more than 73 lbs (33 kg), the
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint system
with integrated safety belt no longer offers
sufficient protection. The LATCH-type (ISO-
FIX) child seat securing system may be over-
loaded, and the child may not be restrained in
an accident, for example. This poses an
increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
If the child and the child restraint system
together weigh more than 73 lbs (33 kg),use
only a LATCH-type (ISOFIX) ch ildrestraint sys-
tem in whic h the ch ild isalso secured with the
veh icle seat belt. Also secure the ch ild
restraint system with the Top Tether belt,if
available.
Regularly check that the permis siblegross
weight of the ch ildtogether with the ch ild
restraint system isstill maintained.
Alwa ys co mply wit h the manufacturer's instal-
lation and operating instructions for the ch ild
restraint system used.
Before installing a ch ildseat, move the rear seat
backrest to an upright position. Do not adjust
the backrest of a seatw
it h a LATCH-type (ISO-
FIX) ch ildrestraint system installed.
Before every tr ip,make sure that the LATCH-
type (ISOFIX) ch ildrestraint system isengaged
correct ly inboth LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing
rings
!When fitting the ch ildrestraint system in
veh icleswit h a rear bench seat, make sure
that the seat beltfor the center seat does not
get tr apped. Otherwise, the seat beltcould be
damaged.
:LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing rings (basic
illustration)
XIn stall the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint
system on both LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing
rings :.
ISOFIX isa standardized securing system for
specially designed child restraint systems on
certain rear seats. LATCH-type (ISOFIX) secur-
ing rings :for a LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child
restraint system are installed between the seat
cushion and the seat backrest.
Non-LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seats may also
be used and can beinstalled using the vehicle's
seat belt system. Install the child seat according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Top Tether
Introduction
Top Tether pro vides an additional connection
between the child restraint system secured with
a LATCH-type (ISOFIX) system and the vehicle.
This helps reduce the risk of injury even further.
If the child restraint system isequipped with a
Top Tether belt, this should always be used.
Children in the vehicle61
Safety
Z

put is also modified to keep the vehicle on the
desired course within physical limits. ESP®can
also stabilize the vehicle during braking.
ESP
®also monitors traction, i.e. power trans-
mission between the tires and the road surface.
The integrated traction control supports you
when pulling away or accelerating on wet, slip-
pery or slick roads. Should the drive wheels spin,
traction control brakes them individually. In
addition, greater drive torque is transmitted to
the wheel or wheels with traction. If traction on
the road surface is not sufficient, even ESP
®will
not allow you to pull away without difficulty. The
type of tires and total weight of the vehicle as
well as the gradient of the road also play a cru-
cial role. Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP
®.
If the h warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter goes out before beginning the journey, ESP
®
is automatically active.
The h warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes when ESP
®intervenes:
XDo not deactivate ESP®under any circum-
stances.
Xwhen driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
Xadapt your speed and driving style to the pre-
vailing road conditions.
Important safety notes
Observe the important safety guidelines for the
driving safety system (Ypage 64).
GWARNING
If ESP
®is malfunctioning it will not provide
any vehicle stabilization. There is an increased
risk of skidding or of an accident.
Exercise caution when continuing to drive.
Have ESP
®checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
!Do not run the vehicle on a roller dynamom-
eter (e.g. for performance tests). If you must
operate the vehicle on a roller dynamometer,
please consult a qualified specialist workshop
in advance. You could otherwise damage the
drive train or the brake system.
If ESP
®is malfunctioning, the hwarning
lamp (Ypage 224) lights up continuously while the engine is running and the display shows a
message.
Ron vehicles without steering wheel buttons
(Ypage 196)
Ron vehicles with steering wheel buttons
(Ypage 210)
ESP®is deactivated if the åwarning lamp in
the instrument cluster is lit when the engine is
running.
Only use wheels with the recommended tire
sizes. Only then will ESP
®function properly.
Deactivating or activating ESP®
GWARNING
If you deactivate ESP
®, ESP®no longer sta-
bilizes the vehicle. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP
®in the situations descri-
bed in the following.
It may be best to deactivate ESP
®in the follow-
ing situations:
Rwhen using snow chains
Rin deep snow
Ron sand or gravel
Activate ESP®as soon as the situations descri-
bed above no longer apply. Otherwise, ESP®
assistance for stabilizing the vehicle will remain significantly reduced, even if the vehicle starts
to skid.
If you deactivate ESP
®:
Rthe å warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter lights up
Rthe ÷ warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter flashes if the wheels are spinning
RESP®assistance for stabilizing the vehicle in
the lower speed range up to approximately
37 mph (60 km/h) is significantly reduced
Rengine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels are able to spin. The spinning of
the wheels results in a cutting action for bet-
ter traction on loose surfaces
Rtraction control is still activated
RESP®still provides support when you brake
66Driving safety systems
Safety

Information on the audio system control knob
can be found in the separate operating
instructions.
Symbol=is highlighted. The distance spec-
ifications now only apply to objects that are at
the same level as the ball coupling.
XBack up carefully, making sure that trailer
drawbar locating aid ;points approximately
in the direction of trailer drawbar :.
XBack up carefully until trailer drawbar :rea-
ches red guide line A.
The distance between trailer drawbar :and
ball coupling ?is now approximately 12 in
(0.30 m).
XCouple the trailer (Ypage 165).
Towing a trailer
Notes on trailer towing
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Installing an unsuitable ball coupling may
result in overloading of the trailer tow hitch
and the rear axle. This applies especially if the ball coupling in question is longer or angled
differently. This could seriously impair the
driving characteristics and the trailer can
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
You should only ever install a ball coupling
that has the permissible dimensions and that
is designed to meet your trailer-towing
requirements. Do not modify the ball coupling
or the trailer tow hitch.
GWARNING
If you install a ball coupling other than the one
delivered with the vehicle, the trailer tow hitch
and the rear axle may be overloaded. This
applies especially if the ball coupling in ques-
tion is longer or angled differently. This could
seriously impair the driving characteristics
and the trailer can come loose. There is a risk
of an accident.
Only install the ball coupling delivered with
the vehicle or a ball coupling that is designed
to meet your trailer towing requirements. Do
not modify the ball coupling or the trailer tow
hitch.
GWARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly installed
and secured, it could come loose while driving and endanger other road users. There is a risk
of an accident and injury.
Install and secure the ball coupling as descri-
bed in the ball coupling manufacturer's instal-
lation instructions. Make sure that the ball
coupling is correctly installed and secured
before every journey.
GWARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The vehi- cle/trailer combination could even rollover.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combination
by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
You can attach carrier systems such as bicycle
racks or load-bearing implements on the ball
coupling. The maximum load-bearing capacity
of 165 lb (75 kg) applies when using carrier sys-
tems on the ball coupling.
Always observe the operating instructions pro-
vided by the manufacturers of the trailer cou-
pling and the ball coupling.
Couple and decouple the trailer carefully. When
backing up the towing vehicle, make sure
nobody is standing between the vehicle and the trailer.
A trailer which is incorrectly coupled to the tow-
ing vehicle could break away. A correctly cou-
pled trailer must be positioned horizontally
behind the towing vehicle.
Ensure that the following weights are not excee-
ded:
Rthe permissible noseweight
Rthe permissible trailer load
Rthe permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
Towing a trailer165
Driving and parking
Z

Rthe maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
Rthe maximum permissible gross weight of
vehicle/trailer combination
The applicable permissible values that may not
be exceeded can be found:
Rin your vehicle documents
Ron the type plates for the trailer tow hitch
Ron the type plates for the trailer
Ron the vehicle identification plate
(Ypage 305)
Where the values differ, the lowest is valid.
You will find the values approved by the manu-
facturer on the vehicle identification plates and
those for the towing vehicle in the "Technical
data" section (
Ypage 316).
Your vehicle behaves differently with a trailer
than without one.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
Ris heavier
Ris restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
climbing capability
Rhas an increased braking distance
Ris more susceptible to strong crosswinds
Rrequires more sensitive steering
Rhas a larger turning circle
This may impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your speed
to suit the road and weather conditions. Drive
carefully. Maintain a safe dista nce.
If y

ou require any further explanation regarding
the information contained in the Operating
Instructions, please contact a Mercedes-Benz
Commercial Van Center.
General notes
RObserve the legally permitted maximum
speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in the
relevant country, state or Canadian province.
Before beginning the journey, check the trail-
er's documents for the maximum permitted
speed of your trailer.
This reduces the risk of accidents.
RInstall only an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle. Only use a ball coupling for your Metris trailer tow hitch if it has been approved
for your vehicle. More information on the
availability, mounting and installation of the trailer electrics is available at any qualified
specialist workshop.
RThe trailer coupling is one of the most impor-
tant vehicle parts with regard to road safety.
Observe the notes on operation, care and
maintenance of the trailer tow hitch (see the
manufacturer's operating instructions).
RThe bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
for installing detachable trailer couplings.
RDo not attach rented trailer tow hitches or
other detachable trailer tow hitches to the
bumper.
RMinimize the risk of damage to the ball cou-
pling. If you do not require the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess.
Yo u w
ill find weight information under "Techni-
cal data" (Ypage 316).
The height of the ball neck changes according to
the load on the vehicle. If this is case, use a
trailer with a height-adjustable trailer drawbar.
Driving tips
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combination depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check the
trailer's documents for the maximum permitted
speed of your trailer. Observe the legally per-
mitted maximum speed in the relevant country, state or Canadian province.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to
when driving without a trailer and it will con-
sume more fuel.
On long and steep downhill gradients, select a
lower gear.
iThis also applies if cruise control is activa-
ted.
This enables you to utilize the engine's braking
effect and you do not need to brake so heavily to keep the correct speed. This relieves the load on
the brake system and prevents the brakes from overheating and wearing too quickly. If you need
to brake additionally, to not depress the brake
pedal constantly, but periodically.
Observe the notes on ESP
®trailer stabilization
(Ypage 67).
166Towing a trailer
Driving an d parking

Drivingtips
If th etrailer begin sto swin gfrom sid eto side:
XDo no taccelerate.
XDo no tcounter-steer .
XBrakeif necessary.
iYou can reduce th eris kof th etrailer swing-
in gand rockin gby retrofitting anti-roll bar sor
trailer stability programs .Further information
is available at your authorized Mercedes-Ben z
Van Dealer .
RMaintainagreater distanc ethan you would
when drivin gwithout towin g atrailer .
RAvoid sudden braking .Apply th ebrake sgen -
tl y at first to allow th etrailer brake to overrun.
Then, increase th ebrake forc equickly.
RThe figure sfo rth egradient climbin gcapabil-
ities from astandstill refer to sea level. Whe n
drivin gin mountainous areas, note that th e
powe routput of th eengine, and wit hit it s
gradient climbin gcapability, decrease wit h
increasing altitude.
Coupling up atrailer
Trailer couple dready fo ruse
XMak esur ethat th eselecto rlever of th eauto-
matic transmissio nis in position P.
XOn vehicles wit han automatic transmission,
ensur ethat th etransmissio nis in position P.
XEngage thevehicle' sparking brake .
XCloseall doors .
XPosition th etrailer horizontally behin dyour
vehicle.
XCoupl eth etrailer .
XEstablis hall electrical and other connection s
to th etrailer .Whe ndoin gso, hoo kth ebreak -
away cable of th etrailer into th eeyele ton th e
ball coupling.
XRemov eth eobjects that are preventing th e
trailer from rolling, e.g. whee lchocks .
XRelease th etrailer parking brake .
Observ eth emaximum permissible trailer
dimensions (widt hand length).
Mos tfederal states and all Canadian province s
require by law:
Rsafet ychain sbetween th etowin gvehicle and
th etrailer .The chain sshould be cross-woun d
under th etrailer drawbar .The ymus tbe fas -
tene dto th evehicle' strailer coupling, no tto
th ebumper or th eaxle.
Leave enough slac kin th echains. Thi sallow s
you to drive round tight corners .
Raseparat ebrake syste mforcertain types of
tra
iler .
Rasafet yshut-of ffo rbrake dtrailers. Fin dout
th especific requirements accordin gto th e
applicable laws.
If th etrailer becomes detached from th etow-
in g vehicle, th esafet yshut-of fapplies th e
trailer brakes.
Towing atrailer
There are numerous lega lrequirements con-
cernin gth etowin gof atrailer ,e.g. speed restric -
tions. Man ystates require aseparat efunctional
braking system fo ryour trailer once acertain
weight limit is exceeded. Fo rreason sof safety,
it is recommended that all trailer suse asepa-
rat efunctional braking system. Mak esur eyour
vehicle/trailer combination complies wit hlocal
laws. Thi sno tonly means wher eyou live, but
also anywher eyou are drivin gto .Information on
this can be obtained from th epolice and local
authorities .
Observ eth efollowin gwhen towin g atrailer :
RPractic edrivin garound bends, stoppin gand
backing up at aplac ewher ethere is no traffic .
Towing a trailer167
Driving and parking
Z

Permissible trailer loads and trailer
drawbar noseweights
Weight information
!For vehicles with a permissible gross vehicle
weight of 6724 lbs (3050 kg), the permissible gross combination weight is less than the sum
of the permissible gross vehicle weight plus
the permissible trailer load. Exceeding the
permitted gross combination weight could
damage the powertrain, transmission or
trailer tow hitch.
If either the vehicle or the trailer is fully laden,
the permitted gross vehicle weight or the per- mitted trailer load values are reduced accord-
ingly. In this case, you may only partially load
the trailer or the vehicle.
The gross trailer weight (GTW) is calculated by
adding the weight of the trailer to the weight of
the load and equipment. If the trailer is installed
with a separate functional braking system, then
the maximum gross trailer weight is 5000 lbs
(2268 kg).
GWARNING
If you tow a trailer without a separate func-
tional braking system and a gross trailer
weight (GTW) of more than 1635 lbs (750 kg),
then the vehicle brake system may overheat.
This increases the braking distance and the
brake system may even fail. There is an
increased risk of accident and injury, possibly
even fatal.
Always use a trailer with a separate functional
braking system when towing a trailer with a
gross trailer weight (GTW) of more than
1635 lbs (750 kg).
The maximum noseweight of the trailer drawbar
on the ball coupling is 500 lbs (227 kg). The
actual noseweight may not exceed the value
given on the identification plates of the trailer
tow hitch or the trailer. If the values vary, the
lowest value always applies.
The gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is
calculated by adding the gross weight of the
trailer to the gross vehicle weight including a
driver's weight of approximately 150 lbs (68 kg).
The permissible Gross Combination Weight Rat-
ing is vehicle-specific and depends on the equip-
ment level. When driving with a trailer, you should not
exceed the permitted Gross Combination
Weight Rating (GCWR).
The permissible values, which must not be
exceeded, can be found in your vehicle docu-
ments and on the trailer tow hitch type plates for
the trailer and the vehicle (
Ypage 305). The
basic values approved by the manufacturer can
also be found in the "Technical data" section
(
Ypage 315). If the values vary, the lowest
value always applies.
Loading a trailer
!Utilize the maximum permissible nose-
weight as fully as possible. Do not allow the
weight to fall below the minimum permissible
noseweight, otherwise the trailer may come
loose.
RThe load must be distributed over the vehicle
and the trailer so as not to exceed either the
maximum permissible values for the gross
vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and gross trailer
weight (GTW), the gross combination weight
rating (GCWR), nor the maximum permissible
gross axle weight rating (GAWR) and trailer
drawbar noseweight rating of your vehicle.
RAdd the drawbar noseweight on the ball cou-
pling (TWR) to the rear axle load. This will pre- vent you from exceeding the permissible
gross axle weight (GAWR).
RAdd the drawbar noseweight on the ball cou-
pling (TWR) to the vehicle payload. This will
ensure that you do not exceed the permissi-
ble gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight
RMake sure the weights of the towing vehicle
and the trailer comply with the maximum per-
missible values. Have the vehicle/trailer com-
bination weighed on a calibrated weigh-
bridge. The vehicle/trailer combination con-
sists of the towing vehicle including the driver,
passengers and load, as well as the loaded
trailer.
RCheck the maximum permissible gross axle
weight rating of the front and rear axles
(GAWR), the gross trailer weight (GTW), the
gross combination weight rating (GCWR) and the noseweight of the trailer drawbar (TWR).
Towing a trailer169
Driving and parking
Z

XTo open:briefly press cover of spectacles
compartment :.
The eyeglasses compartment opens down-
wards.
XTo close: press the cover of spectacles com-
partment :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 (
Ypage 244)
and the safety information about the stowage
spaces (
Ypage 240).
Sun visors
Overview
GWARNING
If the mirror cover of the vanity mirror is folded
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 car park ticket
?Vanity mirror
AMirror cover
Vanity mirror in the sun visor
XFold up mirror cover A.
XTurn the key to position 1or 2in the ignition
lock.
Mirror lamp :lights up.
Glare from the side
XFold the sun visor down.
XPull the sun visor out of bracket ;.
XSwing the sun visor to the side.
Cup holder
Important safety notes
GWARNING
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 occu-
pants 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 con-
tainer, 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 (
Ypage 244).
Cup holder241
Stowing an d features
Z

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 possi-
ble. Note that your vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the described functions. This also
applies to systems and functions relevant to
safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (
Ypage 31).
Loading guidelines
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When objects are unsecured or inadequately
secured, they can slip, turn over or be thrown
about, striking vehicle occupants. This also
applies to:
Rluggage or loads
Rseats 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 vehicle.
GWARNING
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 characteris-
tics. There is a risk of an accident.
Always make sure that the center of gravity of
the load is:
Rbetween the axles
and
Ras low as possible, near the rear axle.
GWARNING
When the permissible wheel loads, axle loads
and/or the maximum permissible gross vehi-
cle weight are exceeded, driving safety is
compromised. The handling as well as steer-
ing and braking characteristics may be signif-
icantly impaired. Overloaded tires may over-
heat, 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 carrier
load.
RDo not stack luggage or loads higher than the
backrests.
RObjects to be transported should preferably
be stowed in the cargo compartment.
RWhen transporting luggage, always use the
cargo tie-down rings for securing loads and a
cargo net, if installed.
RUse 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 dis-
card criteria contained therein.
Load securing aids or tie downs must not be
used if:
Ridentification marks are missing or illegible
Rthere are yarn breakages, damage to bearing seams or other signs of tearing
Rthere are signs of shearing, deformation,
pinching or other damage
Rthere is damage to clamping or connecting
elements
Load securing aids and tie downs in this condi-
tion are ready for discard and must be replaced.
If you use load securing aids or tie downs which are worn out, the load may not be sufficiently
secured and could cause damage to property.
244Loading guidelines
Transporting loads

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 any-
thing 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 "Secur-ing a load" (
Ypage 246) and "Load distribution"
(Ypage 245) sections.
You will find information about the maximum
roof load under "Cargo tie-down points and car-
rier systems" (
Ypage 314). You will find infor-
mation about roof carriers under "Carrier sys-
tems" (
Ypage 250).
Before loading
!
The anti-slip mats cannot be used for secur-
ing goods and must be replaced when they
show signs of:
RPermanent deformation and crushing
RCrack formation
RCuts
XTire pressure: check the tire pressure and
correct if necessary (Ypage 282).
XCargo compartment floor: clean the cargo
compartment floor.
The cargo compartment floor must be free
from oil and dust, dry and swept clean to pre-
vent the load from slipping.
XPlace non-slip mats (anti-slip mats) on the
cargo compartment floor if necessary.
During loading
XObserve the gross axle weight rating and per-
missible 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 maximum pay-
load is thus reduced.
XObserve the notes on load distribution
(Ypage 245).
The overall center of gravity of the load should
always be as low as possible, centered and
between the axles near the rear axle.
XSecure the load (Ypage 246).
Observe the legal requirements of the country
in which you are currently driving.
Checks after loading
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the tail-
gate/rear door is open when the engine is
running, particularly if the vehicle is moving,
exhaust fumes could enter the passenger
compartment. There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the tail-
gate/rear door. Never drive off with the tail-
gate/rear door open.
XSecuring 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.
XDoors/tailgate: close the sliding doors and
tailgate/door.
XTire pressure: adjust the tire pressure
according to the vehicle load (Ypage 282).
XDriving 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 vehi-
cle 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 distribution245
Transporting loads
Z

XAlways transport loads in the cargo compart-
ment and with the seat backrests folded up
and properly locked in position.
XAlways place the load against the backrests ofthe front or rear seats.
XMove large and heavy loads as far towards thefront of the vehicle as possible against the
front or rear seats. Stow the load flush with
the rear or front seats.
XAlways additionally secure the load with suit-
able load-securing aids or tie downs.
Observe the following notes:
RDo not stack loads higher than the upper edge
of the backrests.
RTransport loads behind seats that are not
occupied.
RIf 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 according
to your transportation requirements as follows:
Rby folding the seat backrests forward to the
table position.
Rby removing the rear bench seat.
You will find information about rear bench seats in the "Rear bench seats" section (
Ypage 87).
Securing loads
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you attach the tie-down incorrectly when
securing the load, the following may occur in
the event of abrupt changes in direction, brak- ing maneuvers or an accident:
Rthe cargo tie-down rings may become
detached or the tie-down may tear if the
permissible load is exceeded
Rthe 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 max-
imum loading capacity of the weakest cargo
tie-down point into account.
If you brake hard, for example, the forces act- ing could be up to several times the weight
force of the load. Always use multiple cargo
tie-down points in order to distribute the force
absorption. Load the anchorages evenly.
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" (
Ypage 314).
Do not attempt to modify or repair the cargo tie-
down points/cargo tie-down rings or tie downs.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops: (
Ypage 31).
As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring
that:
RThe 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 full brake application
and on poor road surfaces.
RThe applicable requirements and guidelines
relating to load-securing practices must be
met.
If this is not the case, this may constitute a
punishable offense, depending on local legis-
lation 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.
246Securing loads
Transporting loads