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

Stowage areas
296
Useful information
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This Owner's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment
available to your vehicle at the time of pub-
lication of the Owner's Manual. Country-
specific deviations are possible. Please
note that your vehicle may not be equipped
with all features described. This also
applies to safety-relevant systems and
functions.
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Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops (
Loading guidelines
G WARNING
Secure and position the load as described in
the loading guidelines.
Otherwise, vehicle occupants could
be injured by the load being thrown around in
the event of sharp braking, a sudden change
in direction or an accident.
You will find further information in the "Secur-
ing a load" section.
Even if you follow all the loading guidelines,
the load will increase the risk of injury in the
event of an accident.
G WARNING
Keep the tailgate closed when the engine is
running. Otherwise, you could be poisoned by
exhaust fumes entering the vehicle.
The handling characteristics of a laden vehi-
cle are dependent on the distribution of the
load within the vehicle. For this reason, you
should observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
when transporting a load, never exceed the
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maximum permissible gross vehicle weight
page 24).
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or the permissible axle loads for the vehicle
(including occupants).
position heavy loads as far forwards as pos-
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sible and as low down in the load compart-
ment as possible.
the load must not protrude above the upper
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edge of the seat backrests.
always place the load against the rear or
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front seat backrests. Make sure that the
seat backrests are securely locked into
place.
hook in the safety net when loading.
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always place the load behind unoccupied
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seats if possible.
secure the load with sufficiently strong and
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wear-resistant lashing material. Pad sharp
edges for protection.
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Load restraints are available at any quali-
fied specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-
Benz Service Centre.
Stowage areas
Stowage compartments
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The stowage compartments must be closed
when items are stored in them. Luggage nets
are not designed to secure heavy items of
luggage.
You or other vehicle occupants could be
injured by objects being thrown around if you:
brake sharply
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change direction suddenly
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are involved in an accident
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Sharp-edged and fragile objects must not be
placed in the luggage net.