Mercedes-Benz C 230 1998 Owner's Manual page 59

Loading Instructions
(Vehicles with enlarged
cargo area)
The total load w eight including
vehicle occupants and luggage/
cargo should not exceed the
vehicle capacity w eight indicated
on the certification tag w hich can
be found on the left door pillar.
The handling characteristics of a
fully loaded vehicle depend greatly
on the load distribution. It is th ere ­
fore recom m ended to load the
vehicle according to the illustra­
tions shown, with the heaviest
items being placed tow ards the
front of the vehicle.
Alw ays place items being carried
against front or rear seat back­
rests, and fasten them as securely
as possible.
The heaviest portion of the cargo
;P9 004' 1313
should alw ays be kept as low as
possible since it influences the
handling characteristics of the
vehicle.
Notes:
The trunk is the preferred place to
carry objects.
The enlarged cargo area should
only be used for items which do not
fit in the trunk alone.
W arning!
In an accident, during hard
braking o r sudden m aneuvers,
loose item s will be throw n
around inside the vehicle, and
can cause injury to vehicle
occupants unless the item s are
securely fastened in the
vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury
during a collision or sudden
m aneuver, exercise care when
stow ing things. Put luggage or
cargo in the trunk if possible.
Do not pile luggage o r cargo
higher than the seat backs. Do
not place anything on the shelf
below the rear w indow .
N ever drive vehicle with trunk
lid open w hile pass-through is
not closed and seat backrest
not locked in its upright p osi­
tion. Deadly carbon m onoxide
(CO) gases may enter vehicle
interior resulting in u ncon­
sciousness and death.