Mercedes-Benz S-Class Owner's Manual page 299

The vehicle's driving characteristics will change
when a bicycle rack is fitted:
The vehicle will be heavier.
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Acceleration and slope-climbing ability will
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be restricted.
Braking distances will be longer.
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This may impair the vehicle's driving characteris‐
tics. Adapt your driving style accordingly. Drive
carefully and maintain a safe distance.
When using a bicycle rack, set the tyre pressure
for maximum load on the rear axle of the vehicle.
Further information on the tyre pressure can be
found in the tyre pressure table (
→
Notes on loading
The larger the distance between the load's
centre of gravity and the ball head, the greater
the load on the trailer hitch.
Therefore, observe the following notes:
mount heavy bicycles as close to the vehicle
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as possible
always distribute the load on the bicycle rack
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as evenly as possible across the vehicle's
longitudinal axis
Mercedes-Benz recommends removing all
detachable parts from bicycles, e.g. baskets,
child seats or rechargeable batteries, before
loading them onto the bicycle rack. This will
improve the aerodynamic resistance and centre
of gravity of the bicycle rack.
Always secure the bicycles to prevent them from
moving around and check that they are secure at
regular intervals.
Do not use tarpaulins or other covers. The driv‐
page 505).
ing characteristics and rear view may be
impaired. In addition, the aerodynamic resist‐
ance and the load on the trailer hitch will
increase.
Driving and parking 297
Distribution of the load on the bicycle rack
1 Vertical distance between centre of gravity
and ball head
2 Horizontal distance between centre of grav‐
ity and ball head
3
The centre of gravity is on the vehicle's
centre axis