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If available, use a load protection net to
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secure the load (
page 172).
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Use tie-down eyes and fastening components
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which are suitable for the weight and size of
the load.
When using load securing aids and tie-downs, fol‐
low the manufacturer's operating instructions
and the instructions for disposal.
Load securing aids and tie-downs are ready for
disposal, unusable and must be replaced in the
following cases:
There is missing or illegible identification
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There is cord breakage or damage to load-
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bearing seams or other traces of cracking
There are cuts, holes, deformations, crushed
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areas or other damage
There is damage to clamping elements or fas‐
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teners
If the trunk floor or loading area are damaged in
the event of an accident, have the tie-down eyes
and the tie downs checked at a specialist work‐
shop.
Even if you adhere to all the loading guidelines,
an increased load increases the risk of injury in
the event of an accident.
Before loading
* NOTE Damage to the vehicle and the
load due to anti-slip mats which are no
longer suitable
If you use anti-slip mats that display the fol‐
lowing characteristics, they must be replaced:
Permanent deformation and crushed
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areas
Traces of cracking
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Cuts or holes
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Please observe the following before loading the
vehicle:
Clean the cargo compartment floor, if neces‐
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sary.
The cargo compartment floor must be free
from oil and dust, dry and swept clean to pre‐
vent the load from slipping.
Lay anti-slip mats on the cargo compartment
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floor.
Check and, when necessary, adjust the tire
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pressure (
page 206).
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When loading
Observe the following when loading the vehicle:
Never exceed the gross axle weight rating or
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the vehicle's permissible gross mass.
The vehicle's curb weight is increased if
accessories or optional equipment are instal‐
led. This reduces the maximum payload.
Observe the notes on load distribution
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(
page 167).
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Observe the notes on load securing
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(
page 168) and the legal requirements of
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the country in which you are currently driving.
Observe the safety information on the carrier
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systems (
page 173).
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After loading
Observe the following after loading the vehicle:
Check that the luggage and/or load is secure
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before every journey and at regular intervals
on long trips.
Close all doors and the tailgate.
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Adjust the range of the headlamps according
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to the vehicle load (
page 78).
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Adjust the tire pressure according to the vehi‐
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cle load (
page 206).
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Adapt your driving style according to the vehi‐
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cle load.
Load distribution
* NOTE Damage to the floor covering due
to uneven loading
Excessive point loading on the cargo com‐
partment floor or on the load area can nega‐
tively affect the driving characteristics and
could damage the floor covering.
Distribute the load evenly. When doing
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so, ensure that the overall center of
gravity of the load is always as low and
close to the center as possible and
between the axles near the rear axle.
Observe the following notes:
Always transport loads in the cargo compart‐
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ment and with the seat backrests folded up
and properly locked in position.
Always place the load against the front or rear
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seat backrests.
Transporting 167
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