fuel MERCEDES-BENZ METRIS 2018 MY18 Operator’s Manual

Index....................................................... 4
Introduction......................................... 27
Operating Instructions .......................... .27
Service and vehicle operation ................ 27
Proper use ............................................. 29
Protection of the environment ............... 29
Operating safety and vehicle approval
............................................................... 30
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts ............... 33
QR code for rescue card ........................ 34
Data stored in the vehicle ...................... 34
At a glance ........................................... 36
Cockpit .................................................. 36
Instrument cluster (vehicles without
steering wheel buttons) ......................... 37
Instrument cluster (vehicles with
steering wheel buttons) ......................... 39
Steering wheel buttons .......................... 41
Center console ...................................... 42
Overhead control panel ......................... 43
Door control panel ................................. 43
Safety ................................................... 45
Useful information ................................. 45
Occupant safety .................................... 45
Children in the vehicle ........................... 58
Pets in the vehicle ................................. 64
Driving safety systems ........................... 64
Theft deterrent locking system .............. 67
Opening and closing ...........................69
Useful information ................................. 69
Key ........................................................ 69
Central locking ...................................... 73
Driver's door and front-passenger
door ....................................................... 74
Sliding door ........................................... 74
Electric sliding door ............................... 75
Tailgate .................................................. 79
Rear doors ............................................. 80
Side windows ......................................... 82
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....85
Useful information ................................. 85
Seats ..................................................... 85
Steering wheel ....................................... 93
Mirrors ................................................... 93
Memory function ................................... 94
Lights and windshield wipers ............96
Useful information ................................. 96
Exterior lighting ..................................... 96
Interior lighting ...................................... 99
Replacing bulbs: interior lighting and
ambient lamps ..................................... 100
Replacing bulbs ................................... 102
Windshield wipers ................................ 106
Climate control ................................. 110
Useful information ............................... 110
Overview of climate control systems ... 110
Operating the climate control system .. 113
Adjusting the air vents ......................... 120
Driving and parking ..........................122
Useful information ............................... 122
Breaking-in notes ................................. 122
Driving ................................................. 122
Automatic transmission ....................... 128
Refueling ............................................. 134
Parking ................................................ 135
Driving tips .......................................... 137
Driving systems ................................... 144
Towing a trailer .................................... 165
On-board computer and displays ....171
Useful information ............................... 171
Important safety notes ........................ 171
Display and operation .......................... 171
On-board computer (vehicles without
steering wheel buttons) ....................... 173
On-board computer (vehicles with
steering wheel buttons) ....................... 178
Display messages (vehicles without
steering wheel buttons) ....................... 191
Display messages (vehicles with
steering wheel buttons) ....................... 205
2Contents

Climate controlAir conditioning in the rear com-
partment ........................................ 113
Control panel for dual-zone auto-
matic climate control .................... .112
Controlling automatically ...............1 15
Cooling with air dehumidification .. 114
Defrosting the windows ................. 118
Defrosting the windshield .............. 117
Important safety notes .................. 110
Information on dual-zone auto-
matic climate control ..................... 112
Information on TEMPMATIC (air-
conditioning system) ..................... 111
Overview of systems ......................1 10
Problem with the rear window
defroster ........................................ 118
Rear-compartment air condition-
ing ................................................. 113
Refrigerant ..................................... 312
Refrigerant filling capacity ............. 312
Setting the air distribution ............. 116
Setting the air vents ......................1 20
Setting the airflow ......................... 116
Setting the temperature ................ 115
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ............................................ 118
Switching on/off ........................... 113
Switching residual heat on/off ...... 119
Switching the rear window
defroster on/off ............................ 118
Switching the synchronization
function on and off ........................ 117
TEMPMATIC control panel (air
conditioning) .................................. 111
Clock
Setting (vehicle without steering
wheel buttons) ............................... 178
Cockpit
Instrument cluster (vehicle with
steering wheel buttons) ................... 39
Instrument cluster (vehicle with-
out steering wheel buttons) ............. 37
Overview .......................................... 36
see Instrument cluster
Coffee cup symbol
see ATTENTION ASSIST COL
LISION PREVENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating the dis-
tance warning function .................. 187
Adaptive Brake Assist .................... 147
Display message ............................ 216
Distance warning function ............. 146
Operation/notes ............................ 146
Collision warning
see COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
COMAND display
Cleaning ......................................... 270
Combination switch ............................ 98
Communications equipment
Operation ....................................... 243
Type approval/frequency .............. 305
Consumption statistics
Fuel (vehicle with steering wheel
buttons) ......................................... 181
Fuel (vehicle without steering
wheel buttons) ............................... 174
Control panel
Above the windshield ....................... 43
Center console ................................ 42
Climate control ................................ 42
Driver's door ....................................4 3
Convenience closing feature .............. 83
Convenience opening
With the SmartKey ........................ .119
Convenience opening feature ............ 83
Conversions/equipment .................... 32
Coolant (engine)
Adding ...........................................2 57
Checking the level ......................... 255
Display messages (vehicle with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 215
Display messages (vehicle with-
out steering wheel buttons) ........... 200
Displaying the temperature (on-
board computer) ............................ 175
Filling capacity ............................... 312
Notes ............................................. 311
Temperature display in the instru-
ment cluster .................................. 172
Warning lamp ................................. 227
Cooling
see Climate control
Crosswind Assist ................................. 67
8Index

Vehicle ........................................... 220
Display messages (vehicle without
steering wheel buttons)
Calling up ....................................... 191
Driving systems .............................2 02
Engine ............................................ 200
Hiding ............................................ 191
Important safety notes .................. 191
Introduction ................................... 191
Key ................................................ 205
Lamps ............................................ 198
Setting the language ......................1 76
Tires ............................................... 203
Vehicle ...........................................2 04
Distance recorder
Displaying (vehicle with steering
wheel buttons) ............................... 180
Displaying (vehicle without steer-
ing wheel buttons) ......................... 174
Setting the display unit (vehicle
without steering wheel buttons) .... 177
Distance recorder
see Trip odometer
Distance warning (warning lamp) .... 229
Distance warning function ...............146
Door
Changing bulbs (ambient lamp) ..... 101
Display messages (vehicle with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 221
Display messages (vehicle with-
out steering wheel buttons) ........... 204
Indicator lamp ................................ 231
Doors
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 69
Control panel ................................... 43
Emergency locking ........................... 71
Emergency unlocking ....................... 71
Drinking and driving ......................... 138
Drinks holder
see Bottle holder
Drive program
Automatic transmission ................. 131
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ...... 130
Driver's door and front-passenger
door ...................................................... 74
Driver's seat
see Seats Driving abroad
Fuel ................................................ 139
Low-beam headlamps .................... 139
Mercedes-Benz Service ....... .......... 139
D

riving off-road
see Off-road driving
Driving on flooded roads .................. 141
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 64
BAS (Brake Assist System) .............. 65
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution) ............................................. 65
ESP
®(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 65
Important safety information ........... 64
Overview .......................................... 64
Driving system
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST .. 146
Display messages (vehicle with-
out steering wheel buttons) ........... 202
Driving systems
Active Parking Assist ..................... 156
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................ 152
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 148
Cruise control ................................ 144
Display messages (vehicle with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 216
Lane Keeping Assist ......................1 50
PARKTRONIC ................................. 153
Rear view camera .......................... 160
Driving tips
Automatic transmission ................. 132
Brakes ...........................................1 39
Break-in period .............................. 122
Checking brake lining thickness .... 140
Downhill gradient ........................... 139
Drinking and driving ....................... 138
Driving abroad ............................... 139
Driving in mountainous areas ........1 43
Driving in winter .............................1 41
Driving on flooded roads ................ 141
Driving on wet roads ......................1 41
Exhaust check ............................... 138
Fuel ................................................ 138
General .......................................... 137
Hydroplaning ................................. 141
Icy road surfaces ........................... 141
Important safety notes .................. 122
10Index

Oil level (note) ...............................254
Viscosity ........................................ 310
Equipment and conversions
see Vehicle bodies
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
see ESP
®(Electronic Stability Program)
ESP®(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram)
Activating/deactivating (vehicle
with steering wheel buttons) ......... 186
Activating/deactivating (vehicle
without steering wheel buttons) .... 176
Crosswind Assist .............................6 7
Deactivating/activating ................... 66
Display message (vehicle with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 210
Display message (vehicle without
steering wheel buttons) ................. 196
Function/notes ................................ 65
Important safety information ........... 66
Trailer stabilization ........................... 67
Warning lamp ................................. 224
Exhaust check ................................... 138
Exterior lighting
see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ......................................... 94
Out of position (troubleshooting) ..... 94
Eyeglasses compartment ................. 240
F
First-aid kit......................................... 274
Flat tire
Changing a wheel/mounting the
spare wheel ................................... 299
Fogged-up windows
see Climate control
Frequencies
Mobile phone ................................. 305
Two-way radio ................................ 305
Front fog lamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 102
Display messages (vehicle with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 213
Display messages (vehicle with-
out steering wheel buttons) ........... 199
Switching on/off .............................. 97 Front-passenger seat
see Seats
Fuel
Additives (gasoline) ........................ 308
Consumption information .............. 308
Consumption statistics (vehicle
with steering wheel buttons) ......... 181
Consumption statistics (vehicle
without steering wheel buttons) .... 174
Displaying the current consump-
tion (vehicle with steering wheel
buttons) ......................................... 180
Displaying the current consump-
tion (vehicle without steering
wheel buttons) ............................... 175
Displaying the range (vehicle with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 180
Displaying the range (vehicle with-
out steering wheel buttons) ........... 175
Driving abroad ............................... 139
Driving tips .................................... 138
Fuel content display (vehicle with-
out steering wheel buttons) ........... 173
Fuel gauge (vehicle with steering
wheel buttons) ................................. 39
Grade (gasoline) ............................ 307
Important safety notes .................. 307
Problem (malfunction) ................... 135
Refueling ........................................ 134
Tank content/reserve fuel ............. 307
Fuel content
Display (vehicle without steering
wheel buttons) ............................... 173
F
uel level
Gauge (vehicle with steering
wheel buttons) ................................. 39
Fuel tank
Problem (malfunction) ................... 135
Fuel tank
see Fuel tank
Fuel tank reserve level
Display messages (vehicle with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 215
Display messages (vehicle with-
out steering wheel buttons) ........... 201
Fuses .................................................. 278
12Index

O
Occupant Classification System
(OCS)Conditions ....................................... 52
Faults ............................................... 56
Operation ......................................... 53
System self-test .............................. .55
Occupant safety
Air bags .......................................... .49
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 58
Belt warning .....................................4 9
Childr eninthe vehicle .................... .58
Important safety notes .................... 45
Introduction to the restraint sys-
tem .................................................. 45
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 52
PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator
lamps ............................................... 46
Pets in the vehicle ........................... 64
Restraint system warning lamp ........ 45
Seat belt .......................................... 46
OCS
Conditions ....................................... 52
Faults ............................................... 56
Operation .........................................5 3
System self-test ............................... 55
Odometer
Displaying (vehicle with steering
wheel buttons) ............................... 180
Displaying (vehicle without steer-
ing wheel buttons) ......................... 174
Setting the display unit (vehicle
with steering wheel buttons) ......... 188
Setting the display unit (vehicle
without steering wheel buttons) .... 177
Off-road driving
Checklist after driving off-road ...... 143
Important safety notes .................. 142
Rules for driving off-road ............... 142
Oil
see Engine oil
O

n-board computer (vehicle with
steering wheel buttons)
Assistance menu ........................... 185
Audio menu ................................... 183 Date menu ..................................... 189
Display messages .......................... 205
Factory settings ............................. 190
Important safety notes .................. 171
Instrument cluster menu ............... 188
Lights menu ................................... 189
Menu overview .............................. 180
Message memory .......................... 205
Navigation menu ............................ 182
Operating ....................................... 178
Permanent display ......................... 188
Service menu ................................. 187
Setting the date ............................. 189
Setting the display ......................... 188
Setting the display language .......... 188
Setting the language ...................... 188
Setting the time ............................. 189
Settings menu ............................... 188
Standard display ............................ 180
Telephone menu ............................ 184
Time menu ..................................... 189
Trip menu ...................................... 180
Vehicle menu ................................. 190
On-board computer (vehicle with-
out steering wheel buttons)
Coolant temperature display
menu ............................................. 175
Current fuel consumption menu .... 175
Date menu ..................................... 178
Digital speedometer menu ............. 175
Display messages .......................... 191
Distance menu ............................... 174
Factory settings ............................. 176
Important safety notes .................. 171
Menu overview .............................. 174
Message memory .......................... 191
Operating ....................................... 173
Permanent display ......................... 177
Range menu ................................... 175
Setting the date ............................. 178
Setting the display ......................... 177
Setting the display language .......... 176
Setting the language ...................... 176
Setting the time ............................. 178
Settings menu ............................... 176
Standard display menu .................. 174
Time menu ..................................... 178
Trip computer menu ...................... 174
16Index

Recyclingsee Protection of the environment
Refrigerant (air-conditioning sys-
tem)
Important safety notes .................. 312
Refueling
Fuel filler flap ................................. 135
Fuel gauge (vehicle with steering
wheel buttons) ................................. 39
Fuel gauge (vehicle without steer-
ing wheel buttons) ......................... 173
Refueling procedure (fuel) ............. 135
see Fuel
Remote control
see Key
Replacing bulbs
Important safety notes .................. 102
Reporting safety defects .................... 32
Rescue card ......................................... 34
Reserve (fuel tank)
see Fuel
Reserve fuel
Display messages (vehicle with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 215
Display messages (vehicle with-
out steering wheel buttons) ........... 201
Warning lamp ................................. 227
Residual heat (climate control) ........ 119
Restraint system
Display message (vehicle with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 211
Display message (vehicle without
steering wheel buttons) ................. 197
Introduction ..................................... 45
Warning lamp ................................. 226
Warning lamp (function) ................... 45
Reverse warning feature .................. 125
Reversing feature
Electric sliding door ......................... 76
Side windows ................................... 82
Roadside Assistance (breakdown) .... 28
Roof carrier
Maximum payload .......................... 315
Notes ............................................. 250
Roof lining and carpets (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 271
Roof load (roof carrier) ..................... 315S
Safety
Children in the vehicle ..................... 58
Operating safety .............................. 30
see Occupant safety
Safety system
see Driving safety systems
Seat belts
Adjusting the height ......................... 48
Cleaning ......................................... 271
Correct usage .................................. 48
Fastening ......................................... 48
Important safety guidelines ............. 47
Introduction ..................................... 46
Releasing ......................................... 49
Warning lamp ................................. 222
Warning lamp (function) ................... 49
Seats
Adjusting (electrically) ..................... 86
Adjusting (manually) ........................ 86
Adjusting lumbar support ................ 87
Adjusting the head restraint ............ 90
Armrest ............................................ 92
Cleaning the cover ......................... 270
Correct driver's seat position ........... 85
Important safety notes .................... 85
Seat heating .................................... 92
Storing settings (memory func-
tion) ................................................. 94
Selecting gear
see Automatic transmission
Selector lever
Cleaning ......................................... 270
see Automatic transmission
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 268
Service interval display
Calling up the service due date ...... 260
Hiding service messages ............... 260
Notes ............................................. 259
Service menu (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 187
Service phone number ...................... 274
Service products
Brake fluid ..................................... 311
Coolant (engine) ............................ 311
Engine oil ....................................... 309
Fuel ................................................ 307
Index19

Scope ............................................ 272
Storage location ............................ 272
Stowage compartment in the rear..272
Stowage space in the cargo com-
partment ........................................ 273
Ventilation
see Climate control
VIN
Engine compartment ..................... 306
Type plate ...................................... 305
W
WarningStickers ...........................................2 9
Warning and indicator lamps
ABS ................................................ 224
Brakes ...........................................2 23
Check Engine ................................. 227
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST .. 229
Coolant .......................................... 227
Distance warning ........................... 229
Door ............................................... 231
ESP
®.............................................. 224
ESP®OFF ....................................... 226
Fuel tank ........................................ 227
General notes ................................ 221
Overview (vehicle with steering
wheel buttons) ................................. 40
Overview (vehicle without steer-
ing wheel buttons) ........................... 38
Parking brake ................................ 136
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF ...............4 6
Rear doo r...................................... .231
Reserve fuel ................................... 227
Restraint system ............................ 226
Seat belt ........................................ 222
Sliding door ................................... 231
Steering ......................................... 231
Tire pressure monitor .................... 230
Warranty .............................................. 27
Washer fluid
Adding ...........................................2 58
Capacities ...................................... 313
Display messages (vehicle with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 221
Display messages (vehicle with-
out steering wheel buttons) ........... 205 Notes ............................................. 313
Wheel and tire combination
see Tires
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 301
Wheels
Changing a wheel .......................... 298
Checking ........................................ 280
Cleaning ......................................... 268
Important safety notes .................. 279
Interchanging/changing ................ 298
Mounting a new wheel ................... 300
Mounting a whe el .......................... 299
R

emoving a wheel .......................... 300
Removing and mounting the spare wheel ............................................. 303
Snow chains .................................. 282
Storing ...........................................2 98
Tightening torque ........................... 301
Wheel/tire combinations ...............3 02
Window curtain air bag
Display message (vehicle with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 211
Display message (vehicle without
steering wheel buttons) ................. 197
Operation ......................................... 52
Windows
see Side windows
Windshield
Cleaning ......................................... 267
Defrosting ...................................... 117
Windshield washer fluid
Adding ...........................................2 58
Windshield wiper
Setting the sensitivity of the rain
sensor (vehicle with steering
wheel buttons) ............................... 190
Setting the sensitivity of the rain
sensor (vehicle without steering
wheel buttons) ............................... 177
Windshield wiper
see Windshield
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ................... 109
Rear window wiper ........................ 106
Replacing the wiper blades ............ 107
Switching on/off ........................... 106
Winter driving
Slippery road surfaces ................... 141
Index25

Benz, LLC has been informed in writing of
the necessity of such a repair.
(2) the same defect or damage, although less serious than described in (1), has been
repaired at least four times and Mercedes-
Benz has been informed of the necessity of
such a repair in writing.
(3) the vehicle cannot be operated for more than 30 calendar days due to repairs result-
ing from the same or other major defects ordamage.
Please send written notification to:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Customer Assistance Center
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
Maintenance
USA only:
Always bring the Maintenance Booklet with you
when taking the vehicle to a Mercedes-Benz
Commercial Van Center. Your customer service
advisor enters each service into the Mainte-
nance Booklet.
Canada only:
Have every service carried out by a qualified
specialist workshop recorded in your service
report.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Pro-
gram provides you with technical assistance in
the case of a breakdown. Your toll-free calls to
the Roadside Assistance Hotline are answered
by our staff around the clock. 365 days a year.
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372)
(USA)
1-800-387-0100 (Canada)
Further information can be found in the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance-Program
brochure (USA) or the "Roadside Assistance"
section of the Service and Warranty Information booklet (Canada). Both are located in your vehi-
cle document wallet.
Change of address or owner
Please use the "Notice of Change of Address"
form in the Service and Warranty Information
booklet to inform us of a change of address, or
simply phone the Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center (USA) on hotline number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) or
Customer Service (Canada) on
1-800-387-0100. This enables us, if necessary,
to contact you at any time.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all the
literature in the vehicle so that it is available for
the next owner.
If your vehicle was purchased as a used vehicle,
please send us the "Notice of Purchase of Used
Car" from the Service and Warranty Information
booklet or phone the Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center (USA) on hotline number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) or
Customer Service (Canada) on
1-800-387-0100.
Operating the vehicle outside of the
USA and Canada
When traveling abroad with your vehicle,
observe the following points:
RService facilities or replacement parts may
not be available immediately.
RUnleaded fuel for vehicles with a catalytic
converter may not be available. Leaded fuel
can cause damage to the catalytic converter.
RThe fuel may have a considerably lower
octane rating. Unsuitable fuel can cause
engine damage.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available in
Europe through our European Delivery Program.
Please consult a Mercedes-Benz Commercial
Van Center for further information, or write to
one of the following addresses:
In the USA
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
28Introduction

Proper use
Observe the following information when oper-
ating your vehicle:
Rthe safety notes in these operating instruc-
tions
Rthe technical data in these operating instruc-tions
Rtraffic laws and regulations
Rmotor vehicle laws and safety standards
There are various warning stickers affixed to the
vehicle. If you remove warning stickers, you and
others may fail to recognize the dangers. Leave
the warning stickers in their original position.
GWARNING
Modifications to electronic components, their software as well as wiring can impair their
function and/or the function of other net-
worked components. In particular, systems
relevant to safety could also be affected. As a
result, these may no longer function as inten-
ded and/or jeopardize the operating safety of
the vehicle. There is an increased risk of an
accident and injury.
Never tamper with the wiring as well as elec-
tronic components or their software. You
should have all work to electrical and elec-
tronic equipment carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
The general operating permit for your vehicle
could be rendered invalid if you carry out mod-
ifications to electronic components, their soft-
ware as well as wiring.
GWARNING
Gases and fluids from substances that con-
stitute a health hazard or react aggressively
can escape even from securely closed con-
tainers. When transporting such substances
in the vehicle interior, your ability to concen-
trate or your health could be affected during
the journey. Malfunctions, short circuits or
electrical component system failures may
also result. There is a risk of an accident and
fire.
Do not store or transport any substances in
the vehicle interior which are hazardous to
health or react aggressively.
These instructions must also be observed for
vehicles where the cargo compartment is not
fully separated from the driver's cab.
Partition with door/window: always keep the
door/window in the partition closed during
transport.
Examples of substances that are hazardous to
health and/or react aggressively:
RSolvents
RFuel
ROil and grease
RCleaning agents
RAcids
Protection of the environment
Economic and environmentally aware
driving
HEnvironmental note
Daimler's declared policy is one of compre-
hensive environmental protection.
The objectives are for the natural resources
that form the basis of our existence on this
planet to be used sparingly and in a manner
that takes the requirements of both nature
and humanity into account.
You too can help to protect the environment
by operating your vehicle in an environmen-
tally responsible manner.
Fuel consumption and the rate of engine,
transmission, brake and tire wear are affected
by these factors:
Roperating conditions of your vehicle
Ryour personal driving style
You can influence both factors. You should
bear the following in mind:
Introduction29
Z

Operating conditions:
Ravoid short trips as these increase fuel con-
sumption.
Ralways make sure that the tire pressures
are correct.
Rdo not carry any unnecessary weight.
Rremove roof racks once you no longer need
them.
Ra regularly serviced vehicle will contribute
to environmental protection. You should
therefore adhere to the service intervals.
Ralways have service work carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Personal driving style:
Rdo not depress the accelerator pedal when
starting the engine.
Rdo not warm up the engine when the vehicle
is stationary.
Rdrive carefully and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front.
Ravoid frequent, sudden acceleration and
braking.
Rchange gear in good time and use each gear
only up to Ôof its maximum engine speed.
Rswitch off the engine in stationary traffic.
Rkeep an eye on the vehicle's fuel consump-
tion.
Environmental issues and recommen-
dations
When prompted by this Operator's Manual to
dispose of materials, please try to regenerate
and recycle these materials. Observe all rele-
vant environmental guidelines and regulations
when disposing of materials. This helps to pro-
tect the environment.
Operating safety and vehicle approval
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you do not have the prescribed service/
maintenance work or any required repairs
carried out, this can result in malfunctions or system failures. There is a risk of an accident.
Always have the prescribed service/mainte-
nance work as well as any required repairs
carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency Tensioning
Devices (ETDs) contain perchlorate material
which may require special handling and regard
for the environment. Check with your local gov- ernment’s disposal guidelines.
In California, you can find more information on
the Internet at www.dtsc.ca.gov.
Notes on operating the vehicle
There is a risk of damage to the vehicle if:
Rthe vehicle makes contact with the ground,
e.g. on a high curb or a loose road surface
Ryou drive too fast over an obstacle, e.g. a
curb, a speed bump or a pothole
Ra heavy object hits the underbody or chassis
component
In such situations, the body/frame, the under-
body, suspension parts, wheels or tires could be
damaged without the damage being visible.
Components that have been damaged in this
way can unexpectedly fail or no longer be able to assimilate the loads occurring in the event of an
accident. If the underbody paneling is damaged,
flammable material, such as leaves, grass or
twigs, could collect between the underbody and
underbody paneling. These materials could
ignite if they remain in contact with hot compo-
nents of the exhaust system for an extended
period.
GWARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact with
hot parts of the exhaust system. There is a risk of fire.
30Introduction