towing MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class 2012 W251 Owner's Guide

Folding down the outer seats in the 2nd
row of seats
! If you want to fold the outer seats down
in the 2nd row of seats, the front seats must
not be in the rearmost position. Otherwise,
you could damage the front seats and outer
seats in the 2nd row.
! Close the cup holder in the 2nd row of
seats before folding down the 2nd row of
seats. You could otherwise damage the
seats or cup holder.XMove the seat concerned in the 2nd row to
its rearmost position ( Y page 101).XRemove the center console for the 2nd row
of seats, if installed ( Y page 251).
i
The center console of the 2nd row of
seats can remain installed if it is installed
in the front position (position 1)
( Y page 251). However, the loading area
will not be level.
XRemove the head restraint of the seat
concerned ( Y page 100).XLay the head restraints on the seat cushion
of the corresponding seat.XRelieve the pressure on backrest : and
pull release lever ; upwards in the
direction of the arrow beyond the pressure
point to the stop.
Backrest : and the seat are unlocked.XFold backrest : forwards until it is resting
horizontally on the seat cushion.XNow push backrest : down further until
seat cushion ; engages on the floor.
Folding down the seats in the 3rd row of
seats
XPush down the respective head restraints
in the 3rd row as far as they will go
( Y page 100).XClamp the seat belt behind retainer ;.XPull release handle : of backrest =
upwards in the direction of the arrow.
Backrest = is released.Stowage areas255Stowing and featuresZ

XFold backrest = slowly forwards.
Seat cushion C is released and moves
automatically to a vertical position.
i Loop D can be used to pull the backrests
of the 3rd row of seats upright when the
seats are moved into the original position
( Y page 256).
XAfter it has been moved to a vertical
position automatically, fold seat cushion
C further forwards until it reaches a
horizontal position. In doing so, make sure
that guide pin A of seat cushion C
catches fully in recess ? of backrest B.
i
The seats in the 2nd row of seats must be
in the rearmost position ( Y page 101).
XFold backrest = forwards into a horizontal
position.
Moving the seats back into the driving
position
GWARNING
Make sure
R the seats are properly locked
R the seat backrests are in an upright position
and are properly locked
An outboard second-row seat is properly
locked only when lock status indicator : is
in hinged position and red marking ; is
barely visible, see "Lock status indicators
(outboard second-row seats)".
If a seat and seat backrest are not properly
locked, the seat could move forward and the
seat backrest could fold. You could slide
under the seat belt during braking, vehicle
maneuvers, or in an accident. If you slide
under it, the belt would apply force at the
abdomen or neck. That could cause serious
or even fatal injuries.
! Make absolutely sure that you reset the
seats to the driving position in the specified
order:
R reset the seats in the 3rd row of seats
R reset the outer seats in the 2nd row of
seats
R reset the center seat in the 2nd row of
seats (7-seat vehicles)
Resetting the seats in the 3rd row of seats
! Do not fold down the seat cushions before
moving the backrests into the upright
position. The seat cover could otherwise be
damaged.
XGrip loop = and pull seat backrest ; into
an upright position.XPull release handle ? and move
backrest ; to the desired position.XPlace seat cushion : in a vertical position.XFold seat cushion : towards backrest ;
until it engages audibly.
Resetting the outer seats in the 2nd row
of seats
256Stowage areasStowing and features

XPull release lever ; upwards beyond the
pressure point to the stop and fold
backrest : upwards by about 45 ˚.XInsert the head restraint ( Y page 100).XPull release lever ; to the pressure point
and adjust backrest : to the desired
position.XCheck that the seat is correctly engaged.XSet the seat head restraint to the desired
position ( Y page 100).
Lock verification indicator for the outer
seats in the 2nd row of seats
Seat unlocked
When the seat is unlocked, lock status
indicator : is folded out and indicator
area ; is clearly visible.
XWhen the seat is unlocked, fold the
backrest back until you hear the seat
engage.
Seat locked
When the seat is locked, lock status
indicator : is folded in and indicator
area ; is barely visible.
Resetting the center seat in the 2nd row
of seats
Armrest position
XPull release loop : of seat ; in the
direction of the arrow and hold it securely.
The seat is released and folds up.XPress seat ; further down until the back
of the seat engages in the armrest position.XPull release loop : of the backrest in the
direction of the arrow and hold it securely.XFold the backrest backwards until you hear
it engage.
Securing cargo
Cargo tie-down rings
Observe the following notes on securing
loads:
R secure the load using the cargo tie down
rings.
R do not use elastic straps or nets to secure
a load, as these are only intended as an
anti-slip protection for light loads.
R do not route tie downs across sharp edges
or corners.
R pad sharp edges for protection.
Stowage areas257Stowing and featuresZ

Footwell of the second row of seats
There is one cargo tie-down ring : in the
footwell behind the driver’s seat and one in
the footwell behind the front-passenger seat.
Footwell of the third row of seats
Two cargo tie down rings : are located in
the footwell of the third row of seats.
Cargo compartment
There are four cargo tie down rings : in the
cargo compartment.
Securing hooks
Only use the mounting hooks to secure items
of luggage up to maximum of 9 lbs (4 kg) in
weight.
There is a mounting hook : on each of the
side panels in the cargo compartment.
Cargo compartment cover
Important safety notes
! When loading the vehicle, make sure that
you do not stack the load in the cargo
compartment higher than the lower edge of
the side windows. Do not place heavy
objects on top of the cargo compartment
cover.
The cargo compartment cover can be
attached behind the second or third row of
seats.
258Stowage areasStowing and features

Extending and retracting the cargo
compartment cover
Cargo compartment cover installed behind the
third row of seats
XTo extend: pull the cargo compartment
cover back by grab handle : and clip it
into retainers ; on the left and right.XTo retract: unhook the cargo compartment
cover from retainers ; on the left and right
and guide it forwards by grab handle :
until it is fully retracted.
Installing/removing the cargo
compartment cover
Cargo compartment cover installed behind the
second row of seats
XTo remove: make sure that cargo
compartment cover ; is rolled up.XPress button :.XMove cargo compartment cover ; to the
left.XRemove cargo compartment cover ;.XTo install: extend cargo compartment
cover ; if you wish to install cargo
compartment cover ; behind the second
row of seats ( Y page 260).
!
You must not install the extensions if you
wish to install the cargo compartment
cover behind the 3rd row of seats. The
cargo compartment cover and side panels
in the cargo compartment could otherwise
be damaged.
XIf installed, remove the protective caps
from the side trims on the third row of seats
when you wish to install cargo
compartment cover ; behind the second
row of seats.
Protective cap in the right-hand side trim on the
third row of seats
XPush in the bottom of the protective cap as
indicated by the arrow.
The protective cap folds out at the top.XPull the top of the protective cap from the
side trim in the direction of the arrow.
i Stow the protective caps in a safe place.
XWith the handle of the cargo compartment
pointing to the rear and button : facing
upwards, insert cargo compartment
cover ; into the recess of the side trim on
the left-hand side.XGuide cargo compartment cover ; in front
of the recess on the right.Stowage areas259Stowing and featuresZ

XPress button : and insert the right-hand
side section into the recess of the side trim.XEnsure that the cargo compartment cover
has engaged properly.
Extending the cargo compartment
cover
The cargo compartment cover is equipped
with two extensions that are fastened
securely to the cargo compartment cover
with cords.
You must extend the cargo compartment
cover if you wish to install the cargo
compartment cover behind the 2nd row of
seats.
XHold extension ? in front of cargo
compartment cover ; with guide pins :
pointing directly at guides =.XTurn extension ? and cargo compartment
cover ; towards each other in the
direction of the arrow.
Guide pins : engage in guides =.
If the extensions are not required, they can
be secured to the cargo compartment cover.
XSlide guide rail : into guide ; to the stop.
Cargo net
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Make sure the cargo net is properly engaged
at top and bottom position and the tightening
belts are securely fastened.
Never use a damaged cargo net.
Always use cargo net when transporting
cargo. This helps to avoid personal injury from
smaller objects being thrown around in the
occupant compartment during a collision or
sudden maneuver.
The cargo net cannot prevent the movement
of large, heavier objects into the passenger
compartment in an accident. Such items must
be properly secured using the cargo tie-down
rings in the cargo compartment floor.
Passenger use of seats behind installed cargo
net is restricted because of the footwell being
taken up by the net.
It is particularly important to use a safety net
if the vehicle is loaded with small objects
above the level of the backrests. For safety
reasons, always use a cargo net when
transporting loads.
Preparing the cargo net
The cargo net can be used in two different
positions (behind the B-pillar or the C-pillar).
260Stowage areasStowing and features

RThe brackets behind B-pillar : are
required for the complete cargo
compartment enlargement ( Y page 253).
The corresponding cargo tie down rings
to tighten the net are located in the footwell
of the 2nd row of seats ( Y page 257).
R The brackets behind C-pillar ; are
required for the partial cargo compartment
enlargement ( Y page 253).
The corresponding cargo tie down rings to
tighten the net are located in the footwell
of the 3rd row of seats ( Y page 257).
XUndo the two Velcro fasteners of the
safety-net stowage.XUnroll and unfold the cargo net.
The upper and lower guide rods must
engage audibly.
Attaching the cargo net
Cargo net attached behind the C-pillar
:Retainer;Guide rodXInsert guide rod ; into retainer : in the
direction of the arrow.XSlide guide rod ; forwards into
retainer : in the direction of the arrow.
Tightening the cargo net
Seat belt reel holder behind the front seats
XInsert belt hook : into cargo tie-down
ring ; in the direction of the arrow.XPull tensioning strap = by the loose end in
the direction of the arrow until the cargo
net is tight.XAfter driving a short distance, check the
tension of the cargo net and retighten it if
necessary.
Releasing the cargo net
Seat belt reel holder behind the front seats
Stowage areas261Stowing and featuresZ

XPull belt adjuster : upwards in the
direction of the arrow to reduce the tension
on the tensioning strap.XUnhook belt hook ; from cargo tie-down
ring =.
Detaching and storing the cargo net
XDetach guide rod ; from bracket :
( Y page 261).XPress the red button on the upper and lower
guide rods.XFold the cargo net and roll it up.XClose the two Velcro fasteners on the cargo
net holder.
Roof carrier
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Only use the roof rack when the basic carrier
bars have been completely mounted. The left
and right roof rails are only stabilized by
means of the basic carrier bars being
mounted.
Follow the manufacturer's installation
instructions. Otherwise, an improperly
attached roof rack system or its load could
become detached from the vehicle.
Do not exceed the maximum roof load of
220 lb (100 kg).
Take into consideration that when the roof
rack is loaded, the handling characteristics
are different from those when operating the
vehicle without the roof rack loaded.
! Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
only use roof carriers that have been tested
and approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
This helps to prevent damage to the
vehicle.
Position the load on the roof carrier in such
a way that the vehicle will not sustain
damage even when it is in motion.
Depending on the vehicle equipment,
ensure that when the roof carrier is
installed you can:
R raise the sliding sunroof fully
R open the panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel fully
R open the tailgate fully
Attaching the roof carrierXFold covers : upwards.XOnly secure the roof carrier to the
anchorage points under covers :.XObserve the manufacturer's installation
instructions.
Features
Cup holders
Important safety notes
GWARNING
In order to help prevent spilling liquids on
vehicle occupants and/or vehicle equipment,
only use containers that fit into the cup
holder. Use lids on open containers and do
not fill containers to a height where the
contents, especially hot liquids, could spill
during braking, vehicle maneuvers, or in an
accident. Liquids spilled on vehicle occupants
may cause serious personal injury. Liquids
spilled on vehicle equipment may cause
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
262FeaturesStowing and features

When not in use, keep the cup holder closed.
An open cup holder may cause injury to you
or others when contacted during braking,
vehicle maneuvers, or in an accident.
Keep in mind that objects placed in the cup
holder may come loose during braking,
vehicle maneuvers, or in an accident and be
thrown around in the vehicle interior. Objects
thrown around in the vehicle interior may
cause an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
Cup holder in the front-compartment
center console
In the front part of the center console, there
is a cup holder and a removable support with
a card holder.
XTo remove the card holder: raise card
holder ; at the rear and remove.
Cards and car park tickets can be inserted
into the slot in the center.
The bottle opener is located under the card
holder. It can be use to open both screw
caps = and crown caps ?.
i If you take out the card holder, you can
remove the rubber insert for cleaning.XTo install the card holder: insert lugs A
into the openings.XAlign card holder ; at the bottom and
insert into cup holder :.
Cup holder for the second row of seats
below the center air vents
! Close the cup holder if you are not using
it and before folding down the second row
of seats.
Short wheelbase vehicles with a cup holder in
the second row of seats do not have an
ashtray below the center air vents.
XTo open the cup holder: press button ;.
Cover : opens automatically.Features263Stowing and featuresZ

XPull cover : down in the direction of the
arrow as far as it will go.XPull cup holder = out to the stop in the
direction of the arrow.XTo close the cup holder: push cup holder
= forwards into the stowage compartment
until it engages.XFold cover : upwards until it engages in
the first position.XSwing cover : forwards until it engages in
the second position.Cup holder in front of the armrest of the
second row of seats:Cup holders
Cup holder in the third row of seats
The cup holders are located in the side trim
on the left and right-hand sides.
:Cup holders
Sun visors
Overview of sun visors
GWARNING
Do not use the vanity mirror while driving.
Keep the vanity mirrors in the sun visors
closed while the vehicle is in motion.
Reflected glare can endanger you and others.
264FeaturesStowing and features