2007 Mercedes-benz GL Class Owners Manual

without enhanced off-road package*)

The off-road driving program is designed to assist the driver when driving off-road in terrain and crossing water. The off-road driving program adjusts the engine power and shifting of the automatic transmission to be more suitable for the off-road use of the vehicle. In addition, the ABS, ESP®, and 4-ETS designed for off-road use are automatically activated. In the following situations you should switch to the off-road driving program: 앫 during off-road driving 앫 when crossing water (컄 page 362) 앫 when towing up or down on steep

gradients

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Controls in detail Driving systems

The switch is located on the upper part of the center console.

Switching Off-road driving program on 왘 Press switch 1 (컄 page 280).

Indicator lamp 2 comes on. The symbol y appears in the lower multifunction display.

1 Switch for off-road driving program 2 Indicator lamp

Switching Off-road driving program off 왘 Press switch 1 again.

Indicator lamp 2 goes out. The symbol y disappears.

Air suspension package

Your vehicle is factory equipped with vehicle level control which regulates the ride height of the vehicle. The Adaptive Damping System (ADS)* optimizes your vehicle’s suspension tuning. 앫 Suspension tuning: Adaptive Damping

System (ADS)* (컄 page 280)

앫 Vehicle level control (컄 page 281)

Adaptive Damping System (ADS)*

The fine tuning of the damping and suspen- sion is dependent on: 앫 your driving style 앫 road surface conditions 앫 your personal ADS settings 앫 your personal vehicle level settings The ADS switch is located on the upper part of the center console.

280

The following settings are available: 앫 AUTO (for normal driving situations)

Indicator lamps 2 and 3 are off.

앫 SPORT (for sporty driving)

Indicator lamp 2 comes on. With the ADS SPORT setting, the vehi- cle is lowered approximately 0.6 in (15 mm).

앫 COMF (for comfort driving)

Indicator lamp 3 comes on. 왘 Start the engine (컄 page 41). 왘 Press ADS switch 1 repeatedly until

the desired suspension tuning is reached.

i The setting is stored when you turn off the engine.

Controls in detail Driving systems

Vehicle level control

The vehicle level control automatically regulates the ride height to 앫 reduce fuel consumption 앫 improve driving stability by lowering

the center of gravity

The vehicle automatically regulates its ride height based on the set vehicle height and the current speed: 앫 As your driving speed increases, the ve- hicle is lowered by increments until it reaches high-speed level. Vehicles with ADS*: 앫 If you are driving with the ADS set- ting COMF or AUTO, the vehicle is raised back to highway level as your driving speed decreases.

앫 You can select the high-speed level via the ADS setting SPORT. In ADS Sport, the vehicle is lowered direct- ly to high-speed level as your driv- ing speed increases.

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Vehicles without enhanced off-road package*

Vehicles with enhanced off-road package* 1 ADS switch 2 Indicator lamp for SPORT setting 3 Indicator lamp for COMF setting

Warning!

Please be aware that by raising the vehicle level, the center of gravity also rises. There- fore, always ensure that the vehicle level is as low as possible. With higher ride height the ESP® may activate earlier in certain situations.

Adapt your speed and driving to possible changed driving behavior of the vehicle after changing the vehicle level. The ESP® cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed. The ESP® cannot pre- vent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle.

! Keep in mind that in rough or uneven ter- rain, adjusting the vehicle to a lower level may cause the vehicle underbody to come in contact with the ground and result in damage to the vehi- cle underbody. Always make sure the vehicle has sufficient ground clearance before adjusting it to a lower level.

! Before jacking up the vehicle with equip- ment that lifts one or more of the wheels com- pletely off of the ground, remove the SmartKey from the starter switch.

! Please also note the information in the sec- tion on towing (컄 page 540). For information on off-road driving, see “Off-road driving” (컄 page 357).

Controls in detail Driving systems

The parked vehicle begins adjusting to the set vehicle level as soon the doors and tail- gate are 앫 unlocked or 앫 opened or closed with the vehicle

unlocked

In order to operate the vehicle level control switch (컄 page 283), however, the engine must be running.

Warning!

Make sure that no one is near the wheel housing or under the vehicle when you lower the vehicle while it is standing still. Limbs could become wedged into or under the ve- hicle.

For safety reasons, the vehicle can only be lowered with all doors and the tailgate closed. Lowering is interrupted if a door or the tailgate is opened and will continue after the door is closed again.

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Vehicles without enhanced Off-road Package* The switch is located on the upper part of the center console.

Basic settings The following vehicle chassis ride heights can be selected using the vehicle level switch in the center console:

Level Raised

Highway

Driving situation For off-road driving or driv- ing in rough terrain. The in- dicator lamp is on. For driving on paved roads in fair or better condition. The indicator lamp is off.

i The third available level is the high-speed level that is set automatically.

1 Vehicle level switch 2 Indicator lamp

Controls in detail Driving systems

The following is the approximate change in ride height for each of the level settings:

Level Raised Highway High-speed

Ride height + 3.1 in (80 mm) +/- 0 in (0 mm) - 0.6 in (-15 mm)

i Vehicles with ADS*: Depending on the ADS setting (컄 page 280), the vehicle will be lowered to the high-speed level when traveling at higher speeds. At speeds below 40 mph (64 km/h) at the latest, it will be returned to the highway level.

i The high-speed level is not available if tow- ing a trailer. For more information on towing a trailer, see “Trailer towing” (컄 page 366).

283

The following message appears in the mul- tifunction display while the level is being set:

i The message can be cleared by pressing the è ÿ k or button j on the multifunction steering wheel.

When the raised level is reached, indicator lamp 2 (컄 page 283) comes on continu- ously and the following message appears in the multifunction display for 5 seconds:

Highway level

! Keep in mind that in rough or uneven roads, adjusting the vehicle to a lower level may cause the vehicle underbody to come in contact with the road and result in damage to the vehicle un- derbody. Always make sure the vehicle has suffi- cient ground clearance before adjusting it to a lower level. 왘 Start the engine (컄 page 41). If indicator lamp 2 (컄 page 283) is on. 왘 Press switch 1 (컄 page 283).

Indicator lamp 2 flashes. The vehicle adjusts to the highway level.

The following message appears in the multifunction display while the level is being set:

Controls in detail Driving systems

Raised level Only select the raised level if appropriate for the driving situation encountered. Otherwise: 앫 fuel consumption may increase 앫 handling characteristics of the vehicle

may be unfavorable

i You can select the raised level at speeds up to 40 mph (64 km/h). At higher speeds, the message n Level selection not permitted appears in the multifunction dis- play. 왘 Start the engine (컄 page 41). If indicator lamp 2 (컄 page 283) is off. 왘 Press switch 1 (컄 page 283).

Indicator lamp 2 flashes. The vehicle adjusts to the raised level.

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Controls in detail Driving systems

Vehicles with enhanced Off-road Package* The switch is located on the upper part of the center console.

Basic settings The following vehicle chassis ride heights can be selected using the vehicle level switch in the center console:

i The message can be cleared by pressing the è ÿ k or button j on the multifunction steering wheel.

When the highway level is reached, indica- tor lamp 2 (컄 page 283) goes out. The following message appears in the multi- function display for 5 seconds:

i The vehicle is lowered automatically to the highway level if: 앫 the vehicle speed is above 55 mph

(88 km/h)

앫 the speed stays between 40 mph (64 km/h)

and 55 mph (88 km/h) for approximately 20 seconds

1 Rotatable outer adjustment ring 2 Set higher vehicle level 3 Indicator lamps 4 Set lower vehicle level

Level Off-road 3

Off-road 2

Off-road 1

Highway

Driving situation For slow driving on rough terrain. Lower, middle and upper indi- cator lamps are on. Off-road driving. Lower and middle indicator lamps are on. For driving on easy ter- rain. Lower indicator lamp is on. For normal driving. In- dicator lamps are off.

i Another available level is the high-speed level that is set automatically.

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Controls in detail Driving systems

The following is the approximate change in ride height for each of the level settings:

Level Off-road 3
Off-road 2
Off-road 1
Highway High-speed

Ride height + 4.3 in (110 mm) + 3.1 in (80 mm) + 1.2 in (30 mm) +/- 0 in (0 mm) - 0.6 in (-15 mm)

i Vehicles with ADS*: Depending on the ADS setting (컄 page 280), the vehicle will be lowered to the high-speed level when traveling at higher speeds. At speeds be- low 40 mph (64 km/h) at the latest, it will be re- turned to the highway level.

i The high-speed level is not available if tow- ing a trailer. For more information on towing a trailer, see “Trailer towing” (컄 page 366).

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You can only select the off-road levels be- low a certain speed. At higher speeds, the message Level selection not permitted appears in the multifunction display. You can select 앫 Off-road level 1: selectable below

60 mph (96 km/h)

앫 Off-road level 2: selectable below

40 mph (64 km/h)

앫 Off-road level 3: selectable below

20 mph (30 km/h)

Off-road levels

Warning!

Vehicle off-road level 3 is not intended for use on paved roads. This vehicle level is only intended for driving on rough terrain under special requirements. 앫 Only select off-road level 3 if you are

driving on rough terrain under especially difficult conditions.

앫 Adapt your driving style to the modified

conditions.

앫 Do not exceed a speed of 20 mph

(30 km/h).

앫 Avoid extreme, quick steering move-

ments.

앫 Keep in mind that the vehicle’s driving

characteristics are modified.

You should therefore drive in off-road level 3 with particular caution as it could otherwise lead to an accident and/or serious injury to you or others.

If you are driving too fast while using off-road level 3, you will see the following message in the multifunction display: 앫 Reduce speed to

under 20 mph (30 km/h) Additional an acoustic signal sounds.

i This message cannot be deactivated. For more information, see “Display messages” (컄 page 492). Only use the off-road levels when neces- sary. Otherwise: 앫 fuel consumption may increase 앫 handling characteristics of the vehicle

may be unfavorable

왘 Start the engine (컄 page 41).

Controls in detail Driving systems

왘 Turn outer adjustment ring 1

(컄 page 285) repeatedly until indicator lamp 3 (컄 page 285) of the desired level flashes. 앫 Off-road level 1, lower indicator

lamp flashes

i The message can be cleared by pressing the è ÿ k or button j on the multifunction steering wheel.

When the off-road level 2 is reached, the following message appears in the multi- function display for 5 seconds:

앫 Off-road level 2, lower and middle

indicator lamps flashes

앫 Off-road level 3, lower, middle and

upper indicator lamps flashes

The vehicle adjusts to the correspond- ing off-road level.

For example, the following message appears in the multifunction display while the level is being set:

The vehicle is raised from off-road level 1 to off-road level 2.

The lower and middle indicator lamps 3 (컄 page 285) comes on continuously. While the vehicle is adjusting from off-road level 2 to off-road level 3, you will see, for example, the following message in the multifunction display:

컄컄

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Controls in detail Driving systems

컄컄

Once off-road level 3 is reached, you will see, for example, the following message in the multifunction display:

i The message Max. 20 mph reminds you of the maximum permissible driving speed with off-road level 3.

If you drive faster than 20 mph (30 km/h) for a short period while using off-road level 3, the following message appears in the multifunction display:

Off-road level 3 is canceled.

288

앫 If you continue to increase your speed, the message remains in the multifunc- tion display. The new level will not be shown until the vehicle has been able to adjust to a level appropriate for the speed at which you are currently driving.

앫 If you maintain or reduce your speed, you will see, for example, the following message in the multifunction display while the vehicle is lowering:

The vehicle is lowered to off-road level 2.

Once off-road level 2 is reached, you will see, for example, the following message in the multifunction display:

While driving, the vehicle is automatically lowered as follows: 앫 At speeds above 55 mph (88 km/h) or

if the speed lies between 40 mph (64 km/h) and 55 mph (88 km/h) for approximately 20 seconds, the off-road level 2 setting is canceled and the vehicle is lowered to the off-road level 1.

You will see, for example, the following message in the multifunction display:

앫 At speeds above 60 mph (96 km/h)

the off-road level 1 setting is canceled and the vehicle is lowered to the high- way level. You will see, for example, the following message in the multifunction display:

앫 Depending on the ADS setting

(컄 page 280), the vehicle will be low- ered to the high-speed level when trav- eling at higher speeds. At speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h) at the latest, it will be returned to the highway level.

i The setting is stored when you turn off the engine.

Highway level

! Keep in mind that in rough or uneven roads, adjusting the vehicle to a lower level may cause the vehicle underbody to come in contact with the road and result in damage to the vehicle un- derbody. Always make sure the vehicle has suffi- cient ground clearance before adjusting it to a lower level. 왘 Start the engine (컄 page 41).

Controls in detail Driving systems

If one or more of the indicator lamps (컄 page 283) are on: 왘 Press switch 2 (컄 page 285) repeatedly until all lit indicator lamps 3 flash. The vehicle adjusts to the highway level.

The following message appears in the multifunction display while the level is being set:

i The message can be cleared by pressing the è ÿ k or button j on the multifunction steering wheel.

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Controls in detail Driving systems

When the highway level is reached, the in- dicator lamps 3 (컄 page 283) goes out. The following message appears in the mul- tifunction display for 5 seconds:

i The vehicle is lowered automatically to the highway level if the vehicle speed is above 60 mph (96 km/h).

290

Parktronic system*

Warning!

Parktronic is a supplemental system. It is not intended to, nor does it replace, the need for extreme care. The responsibility during parking and other critical maneuvers always remains with the driver.

Special attention must be paid to objects with smooth surfaces or low silhouettes (e.g. trailer couplings, painted posts, or road curbs). Such objects may not be detected by the system and can damage the vehicle.

The operational function of the Parktronic system can be affected by dirty sensors, especially at times of snow and ice. See “Cleaning the Parktronic system sensors” (컄 page 430). Interference caused by other ultrasonic signals (e.g. working jackhammers, car wash, or the air brakes of trucks) can cause the system to send erratic indications, and should be taken into consideration.

Warning!

Make sure no persons or animals are in the area in which you are maneuvering. You could otherwise injure them.

The Parktronic system is an electronic parking aid and designed to assist the driver during parking maneuvers. It visually and audibly indicates the relative distance between the vehicle and an obstacle. The Parktronic system is automatically activated when you 앫 switch on the ignition or start the

engine

and 앫 release the parking brake and 앫 set the automatic transmission to

position D, R, or N

Controls in detail Driving systems

The Parktronic system deactivates at vehicle speeds exceeding approximately 11 mph (18 km/h). At lower vehicle speeds the Parktronic system turns on again. The Parktronic system also deactivates when you set the automatic transmission to position P or depress the parking brake pedal. The Parktronic system monitors the sur- roundings of your vehicle with six sensors in the front bumper and four sensors in the rear bumper.

Range of the sensors To function properly, the sensors must be free of dirt, ice, snow and slush. Clean the sensors regularly, being careful not to scratch or damaging the sensors, see “Cleaning the Parktronic* system sensors” (컄 page 430).

! During parking maneuvers, pay special attention to objects located above or below the height of the sensors (e.g. planters or trailer hitches). The Parktronic system will not detect such objects at close range and damage to your vehicle or the object may result. Ultrasonic signals from outside sources (e.g. working jackhammers, car wash or the air brakes of trucks) may impair the operation of the Parktronic system.

1 Sensors in the front bumper

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Controls in detail Driving systems

Front sensors

Center Corners

approx. 40 in (100 cm) approx. 24 in (60 cm)

Rear sensors

Center Corners

approx. 48 in (120 cm) approx. 32 in (80 cm)

Minimum distance

Center Corners

approx. 8 in (20 cm) approx. 6 in (15 cm)

If the system detects an obstacle in this range, all the distance warning segments illuminate and you hear a warning signal. If the obstacle is closer than the minimum distance, the actual distance may no longer be indicated by the system.

292

Warning indicators Visual signals indicate to the driver the rel- ative distance between the sensors and an obstacle. The warning indicator for the front area is located above the center air vents in the dashboard. The warning indi- cator for the rear area is located in the rear passenger compartment under the roof.

Each warning indicator is divided into five yellow and two red distance segments for either side of the vehicle. The Parktronic system is operational when the readiness indicators 3 are illuminated. The current transmission position deter- mines which warning indicator will be acti- vated.

Automatic trans- mission position R or N

Warning indicator

Front area activated Front and rear area activated Neither activated

Front area warning indicator 1 Left side of the vehicle 2 Right side of the vehicle 3 Readiness indicators

As your vehicle approaches an object, one or more distance segments will illuminate, depending on the distance. When the seventh red distance segment illuminates, you have reached the minimum distance. 앫 Front area: An intermittent acoustic

warning lasting a maximum of 2 seconds will sound as the first red distance segment illuminates and a constant acoustic warning lasting a maximum of 2 seconds will sound for the second red distance segment. The signal is canceled when the automatic transmission is set to position P, or the parking brake is set.

앫 Rear area: An intermittent acoustic

warning lasting a maximum of 2 seconds will sound as the first red distance segment illuminates and a constant acoustic warning lasting a maximum of 2 seconds will sound for the second red distance segment. The signal is canceled when the automatic transmission is set to position D, P, or the parking brake is set.

Switching the Parktronic system* on/off You can switch off the Parktronic system manually. The Parktronic switch is located on the upper part of the center console.

Vehicles without enhanced off-road package* 1 Parktronic switch 2 Indicator lamp

Controls in detail Driving systems

Vehicles with enhanced off-road package* 1 Parktronic switch 2 Indicator lamp

293

왘 Switch off the ignition (컄 page 42). 왘 Clean the Parktronic system sensors

(컄 page 430).

왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 42). or 왘 Check the Parktronic system operation at another location to rule out interfer- ence from outside radio or ultrasonic signals.

Controls in detail Driving systems

Switching off 왘 Press Parktronic switch 1. Indicator lamp 2 comes on.

Switching on 왘 Press Parktronic switch 1 once more.

Indicator lamp 2 goes out.

i The Parktronic system switches on automatically when you switch on the ignition (컄 page 42). Vehicles with original equipment Mercedes-Benz Trailer Hitch Kit: The rear Parktronic sensor will automatically disengage when towing a trailer.

294

Parktronic system* malfunction If only the red distance segments illumi- nate and an acoustic warning sounds, there is a malfunction in the Parktronic system. The Parktronic system will auto- matically switch off after 20 seconds and the indicator lamp in the Parktronic switch comes on. 왘 Have the Parktronic system checked by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.

If only the red distance segments illumi- nate and no acoustic warning sounds, the Parktronic system sensors are dirty (e.g. slush, snow or ice) or there is an interfer- ence from other radio or ultrasonic signals (e.g. working jackhammers, car wash or the air brakes of trucks). The Parktronic system will automatically switch off after 20 seconds and the indicator lamp in the Parktronic switch comes on.

Rear view camera*

Warning!

The rear view camera is only an aid and may display obstacles from a distorted perspec- tive or inaccurately, or may not display ob- stacles at all. The rear view camera does not relieve you of the responsibility to be cau- tious, take care and pay careful attention. The rear view camera may not show objects which are: 앫 very close to the rear bumper 앫 under the rear bumper 앫 above the tailgate handle You are responsible for safety at all times and must continue to pay attention to the immediate surroundings when parking and maneuvering. This includes the area behind, in front of and beside the vehicle. Otherwise you could endanger yourself or others.

Warning!

Make sure that no persons or animals are in or near the area in which you are parking/maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be injured.

Warning!

The rear view camera either will not function or will not function to its full capability if: 앫 the tailgate is open 앫 it is raining very hard, snowing or foggy 앫 it is night or you are parking/maneuver-

ing your vehicle in an area where it is very dark

앫 the camera is exposed to a very bright

white light

앫 the immediate surroundings are illumi- nated with fluorescent light (the display may flicker)

Controls in detail Driving systems

앫 there is a sudden change in tempera- ture, e.g. if you drive into a heated ga- rage from the cold (lens condensation)

앫 the camera lens is dirty or covered 앫 the rear of your vehicle is damaged

In this case, have the position and set- ting of the camera checked by a quali- fied specialist workshop. Mercedes-Benz recommends that you visit a Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for this purpose.

Do not use the rear view camera in these sit- uations. Otherwise you could injure yourself or others and/or damage property including your vehicle while parking/maneuvering.

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Controls in detail Driving systems

The rear view camera is an optical parking aid. It shows you the area behind the vehi- cle in the COMAND system display when reverse gear R is engaged, for example during parallel parking. The rear view camera is located near the tailgate handle.

1 Rear view camera

296

Switching the rear view camera on and off 왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 42). 왘 Shift the automatic transmission in

position R (컄 page 194). The area behind the vehicle appears in the COMAND system display.

i The area behind the vehicle is shown in the COMAND system display as a mirror image, like in the rear view mirror.

i The image from the rear view camera will no longer be displayed if you select another function on the COMAND system while reverse gear R is engaged. To display the image again, disengage and reengage reverse gear R. 왘 Shift the automatic transmission

into P, N or D to switch off the rear view camera.

왔 Loading Carriers*

Warning!

Only use carriers* when the basic cross bars have been completely mounted. The left and right roof rails are only stabilized by means of the basic cross bars mounted.

Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Otherwise, an improperly at- tached roof rack system or its load could be- come detached from the vehicle.

Do not exceed the maximum roof load of 198 lb (90 kg).

Take into consideration that when the roof is loaded, the handling characteristics are dif- ferent from those when operating the vehi- cles without a roof loaded.

! Load the carriers* in such a way that the vehicle cannot be damaged while driving. Make sure 앫 the tailgate can be completely opened 앫 the tilt/sliding sunroof can be completely

raised at the rear

i The following accessories are available for your Mercedes-Benz: 앫 Roof Cargo Container – Small, Medium, or

Large

앫 Ski and Snowboard Carrier – Standard 앫 Ski and Snowboard Carrier – Deluxe (Only in

connection with corresponding adapter.)

For more information on Mercedes-Benz acces- sories, contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Controls in detail Loading

Roof rails

Basic cross bars* The maximum roof load (컄 page 559) of any add-on roof equipment is reduced by the unladen weight of the basic cross bars (13.7 Ibs/6.2 kg). Four keys and an Allen wrench required for installing and removing are included with the basic cross bars.

i The keys and the Allen wrench are stored with the vehicle tool kit under the cargo compart- ment floor (컄 page 495).

297

Controls in detail Loading

i Spare parts are available as Mercedes-Benz accessories. Contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

accident, thereby injuring you and other per- sons and/or causing damage to property, including damage to your vehicle.

Installing the basic cross bars

Warning!

Warning!

Please follow these installation instructions carefully. Caution should be exercised to avoid damage to the vehicle while installing the basic cross bars. Also, be careful not to injure yourself or others while installing and adjusting the basic cross bars or loading items on them.

Each individual step of the installation in- structions, the warning notices, the general safety precautions and the instructions for use must be followed exactly. If the basic cross bars are not mounted correctly, they and the objects attached to them could come loose from your vehicle and cause an

Every time the basic cross bars are mount- ed, before you set off on a journey and peri- odically during longer journeys, check all the screws on the bars to make sure that they are secure, and tighten them if necessary. Repeat these checks at regular intervals as road-surface conditions dictate, and at least after every 1500 miles (2500 km) of contin- uous use.

Otherwise, the basic cross bars, mounted accessories and the objects attached to them could come loose from the vehicle causing an accident, thereby injuring you and other persons and/or causing damage to property, including damage to your vehi- cle.

Do not use lubricant on the screws of the basic cross bars. The screws could work loose and the basic cross bars could be- come detached from your vehicle, together with the objects attached to them causing an accident, thereby injuring you and other persons and/or causing damage to proper- ty, including damage to your vehicle.

Warning!

Only install the basic cross bars at the exact locations designated on the roof rails. The designated locations for the front basic cross bars are between the markings en- graved on the inside of the roof rails (컄 page 300). The designated locations for the rear basic cross bars are between the gaps on the roof rails (컄 page 300).

298

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Otherwise, the basic cross bars (컄 page 300), mounted accessories and the objects attached to them could come loose from the vehicle causing an accident, there- by injuring you and other persons and/or causing damage to property, including dam- age to your vehicle.

Warning!

A roof load creates a greater surface area exposed to the wind and causes the vehicle to have a higher center of gravity, thereby changing the vehicle’s driving characteris- tics. Accordingly, the additional weight on the roof of the vehicle can have a detrimen- tal effect on braking, cornering and acceler- ation.

Never exceed the maximum permissible roof load or the maximum permissible vehi- cle weight, even when accessories for the basic cross bars (e.g. ski racks, bicycle racks, etc.) are being used. Overloading the vehicle could result in an accident. When calculating the weight placed on the roof please make sure to add the weight of the basic cross, accessory racks and the load carried together.

Always adapt your driving style to the road, traffic and weather conditions, and drive with added caution when the roof is loaded.

Always drive with extreme care when the roof rack is loaded. Take into consideration that when the roof rack is loaded, the han- dling characteristics are different from those when operating the vehicles without a roof rack loaded.

Warning!

Do not use accessories which have not been approved by Mercedes-Benz for use in con- junction with these basic cross bars. If non-approved accessories are used, these accessories and/or the objects attached to them could come loose from the vehicle, thereby injuring you and other persons and/or causing damage to property, includ- ing damage to your vehicle.

! Have a second person assist you when installing the basic cross bars. The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.

! Objects attached to the basic cross bar system’s accessories must not be allowed to restrict the movement of the tilt/sliding sunroof. The tilt/sliding sunroof could otherwise be dam- aged when it is raised.

299

Controls in detail Loading

왘 Turn screw 4 counterclockwise with

the included Allen wrench until clamping claw 5 is wide open.

1 Key 2 Cover cap 3 Sticker FRONT (or REAR) 4 Screw for clamping claw 5 Clamping claw The front and rear basic cross bars are of different lengths. Please pay close atten- tion to stickers 3 FRONT and REAR on the basic cross bars. 왘 Unlock cover cap 2 with key 1. 왘 Remove cover cap 2.

Sticker 3 indicating the location, FRONT or REAR, becomes visible.

300

4 Screw for clamping claw 5 Clamping claw a Roof rail 왘 Make sure clamping claw 5 lies flush

against the inside of roof rail a as shown in the illustration. If necessary, adjust clamping width of basic cross bars (컄 page 301).

왘 Slightly tighten screw 4 on both sides

by turning it clockwise.

6 Front basic cross bar 7 Rear basic cross bar 8 Gaps 9 Markings a Roof rails 왘 Place front basic cross bar 6 between

markings 9 on roof rails a.

i Markings 9 are located on the inside of each roof rail, indicated by the white lines in the illustration.

왘 Place rear basic cross bar 7 on roof rails a in such a way that the clamping claws reach into gaps 8 (컄 page 300) on the roof rails.

왘 Make sure clamping claw 5 lies flush

against the inside of roof rail a as shown in the illustration (컄 page 300). If necessary, adjust clamping width of basic cross bars (컄 page 301).

왘 Slightly tighten screw 4 on both sides

by turning it clockwise.

왘 On the front and rear basic cross bars

tighten screws 4. Observe a tightening torque of 4 lb-ft (6 Nm).

Warning!

Have the tightening torque checked after mounting the basic cross bars. The screws could come loose if they are not tightened to a torque of 4 lb-ft (6 Nm).

왘 Attach cover caps (컄 page 300) and

lock them.

왘 Store key and Allen wrench back into

the storage well (컄 page 495).

Adjusting the clamping widths of the basic cross bars

Warning!

Only install the basic cross bars at the exact locations designated on the roof rails. The designated locations for the front basic cross bars are between the markings en- graved on the inside of the roof rails (컄 page 300). The designated locations for the rear basic cross bars are between the gaps on the roof rails (컄 page 300). Otherwise, the basic cross bars (컄 page 300), mounted accessories and the objects attached to them could come loose from the vehicle causing an accident, there- by injuring you and other persons and/or causing damage to property, including dam- age to your vehicle.

Controls in detail Loading

The clamping widths of the basic cross bars are factory set for your vehicle. These clamping widths are solely intended for the designated positions. Only install the basic cross bars at the des- ignated locations and pay attention to the stickers 3 FRONT and REAR (컄 page 300).

4 Screw for clamping claw 5 Clamping claw b Screws for adjusting clamping width

(2 in total for each side)

c Cover strip

컄컄

301

Controls in detail Loading

컄컄

왘 Pull cover strip c out of groove until you see screws b on each end of the basic cross bar.

Removing the basic cross bars

Shortening the cover strip The cover strips reduce the wind noise caused by the basic cross bars. In order to install add-on roof equipment, it may be necessary to shorten the cover strips.

왘 Turn screws b on both sides counter-

clockwise approximately 2 rotations.

왘 Place the basic cross bar at designated

locations (컄 page 300) on roof rails.

왘 On both sides, make sure the clamping claws 5 lie flush against the roof rails. If necessary pull out or push in the clamping claws 5.

왘 Tighten screws b. Observe a

tightening torque of 4 lb-ft (6 Nm). The width of the clamping claws is correctly adjusted.

왘 Press cover strip c piece by piece into

groove of basic cross bar.

왘 Install the basic cross bars as

described (컄 page 300).

302

1 Key 2 Cover cap 3 Sticker FRONT (or REAR) 4 Screw for clamping claw 5 Clamping claw 왘 Unlock cover cap 2 with key 1. 왘 Remove cover cap 2. 왘 Turn screws for clamping claws 5

counterclockwise until the basic cross bars can be lifted from the roof rails.

c Cover strip 왘 Pull cover strip c out of groove.

왘 Attach add-on roof equipment to the

Loading instructions

basic cross bars.

왘 Place cover strip c flush against the add-on roof equipment, and mark the end of basic cross bar on cover strip. 왘 Cut off cover strip c at marked loca-

tion.

왘 Press cover strip c piece by piece into

groove of the basic cross bar.

i Cover strips are available as Mercedes-Benz accessories. Contact your Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Warning!

Always fasten items being carried as secure- ly as possible using cargo tie-down rings and fastening materials appropriate for the weight and size of the load.

In an accident, during hard braking or sud- den maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around inside the vehicle, and can cause in- jury to vehicle occupants unless the items are securely fastened in the vehicle.

To help avoid personal injury during a colli- sion or sudden maneuver, always use tie down rings, and if so equipped, always use the cargo net* when transporting cargo.

Never drive vehicle with the tailgate open. Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in uncon- sciousness and death.

Load distribution

Controls in detail Loading

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Controls in detail Loading

The gross vehicle weight which is the weight of the vehicle including fuel, tools, spare wheel, installed accessories, pas- sengers and luggage/cargo must never exceed the load limit and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for your vehicle as specified on the placard located on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 550). In addi- tion, the load must be distributed in such a way so that the weight on each axle never exceeds the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axle. The GVWR and GAWR for your vehicle are indi- cated on the certification label which can be found on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 550). For more information, see “Tire and Load- ing Information” (컄 page 389). The handling characteristics of a fully load- ed vehicle depend greatly on the load dis- tribution. It is therefore recommended to load the vehicle according to the illustra- tions shown, with the heaviest items being placed towards the front of the vehicle.

304

Please pay attention to and comply with the following instructions when loading the vehicle and transporting cargo: 앫 Always place items being carried

against front or rear seat backrests, and fasten them as securely as possi- ble.

앫 The heaviest portion of the cargo

should always be kept as low as possi- ble against front or rear seat backrests.

For additional safety when transporting cargo while the rear seats are unoccupied, fasten the outer seat belts crosswise into the opposite side buckles.

i The cargo compartment is the preferred place to carry objects. The expanded cargo com- partment (컄 page 306) should only be used for items which do not fit in the cargo compartment alone.

Cargo tie-down rings

Your vehicle is equipped with eight cargo tie-down rings. Carefully secure cargo by applying even load on all rings with rope of sufficient strength to hold down the cargo. i While the cargo net* (컄 page 313) will help protect you from smaller objects, it cannot pre- vent the movement of large, heavier objects into the passenger compartment in an accident, dur- ing hard braking or sudden maneuvers. Such items must be properly secured using the cargo tie-down rings in the cargo compartment floor.

Cargo compartment Four cargo tie-down rings are located in the cargo compartment.

Second seat-row Two cargo tie-down rings are located in the footwell behind the driver’s and passenger seat.

1 Cargo tie-down ring

1 Cargo tie-down ring

Controls in detail Loading

Third seat-row Two cargo tie-down rings are located be- hind the third-row seat backrest. For information on how to fold the third-row seats, see “Expanding cargo compartment” (컄 page 306).

1 Cargo tie-down ring The maximum permissible weight per cargo tie-down ring is 331 lb (150 kg).

305

Warning!

Never drive the vehicle with the tailgate open. Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in un- consciousness and death.

! When the second-row seats are folded for- ward, the front seats may not be moved to the rearmost position. Otherwise you could damage the front and second-row seats.

Controls in detail Loading

Hooks

Expanding cargo compartment

Two hooks are located on the rear com- partment trim panels, one on each side.

You can separately fold the left and right rear seat backrests to expand the cargo compartment.

Warning!

When expanding the cargo compartment, always fully fold the corresponding seats and, if so equipped, always use the cargo net* (컄 page 313) when transporting cargo.

Unless you are transporting cargo, the back- rests must remain properly locked in the up- right position.

In an accident, during hard braking or sud- den maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around inside the vehicle, and can cause injury to vehicle occupants unless the items are securely fastened in the vehicle.

Always use the cargo tie down rings (컄 page 304).

1 Hook Use the hooks to secure light weight items only. The maximum permissible weight per hook is 9 lb (4 kg).

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Controls in detail Loading

Two buttons are located on the right side trim of the third-row seats.

Two buttons are located on the passenger-side in the cargo compartment

Expanding cargo compartment in part

Folding third-row seats, electrically

i Use the left button, indicated by L, to fold down the left third-row seat. Use the right button, indicated by R, to fold down the right third-row seat.

There are several ways to fold the third-row seats.

Example, button for the left third-row seat 1 Button for returning third-row seats to

Example, button for the right third-row seat 1 Button for returning third-row seats to

upright position

upright position

2 Button for folding the third-row seats

2 Button for folding the third-row seats

i It is only possible to fold the third-row seats down when the rear right door is open.

i It is only possible to fold the third-row seats down when the tailgate is open. 왘 Push in the head restraints of the

third-row seats all the way (컄 page 137).

왘 Remove cargo compartment cover

blind (컄 page 312).

컄컄

307

Controls in detail Loading

컄컄

왘 Press and hold button 2 for each side until the third-row seats are fully fold- ed.

If a third-row seat is not engaged properly, for example, the message 3rd row of seats, Right not locked appears in the multifunction display (컄 page 157). 왘 Press and hold button 2 again, until

the message disappears.

308

Expanding cargo compartment fully

Warning!

Folded second-row seats are intended to serve as a cargo compartment expansion in conjunction with folded third-row seats only. Do not fold the second-row seats and allow third-row seat occupants to use folded sec- ond-row seats as a footrest while driving. Third-row seat occupants must, like all vehi- cle occupants, keep both feet on the floor in front of their seat. Otherwise, occupants could slide under their seat belt in a colli- sion. If occupants slide under the belt, it would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That could cause serious or even fatal inju- ries. Do not fold the second-row seats and allow third-row seat occupants to use folded second-row seats as a table while driving.

Objects placed on folded second-row seats may come loose during braking, vehicle ma- neuvers, or an accident and be thrown around the vehicle interior. Objects thrown around the vehicle interior may cause an ac- cident and/or serious personal injury.

Folding second-row seats

! When the second-row seats are folded for- ward, the front seats may not be moved to the re- armost position. Otherwise you could damage the front and second-row seats. 왘 Push in the head restraints of the

second-row seats all the way (컄 page 137).

1 Strap 2 Seat cushion 왘 Pull strap 1 in direction of arrow. 왘 Fold seat cushion 2 forward.

3 Lever 왘 Pull and hold lever 3 in direction of

arrow at resistance point. The seat backrest folds down.

왘 Check for secure locking by pushing

and pulling on the seat backrest.

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309

Controls in detail Loading

Folding third-row seats, electrically

i Use the left button, indicated by L, to fold down the left third-row seat. Use the right button, indicated by R, to fold down the right third-row seat.

There are several ways to fold the third-row seats. Two buttons are located on the right side trim of the third-row seats.

Example, button for the left third-row seat 1 Button for returning third-row seats to

upright position

2 Button for folding the third-row seats

310

i It is only possible to fold the third-row seats down when the rear right door is open.

왘 Remove cargo compartment cover

blind (컄 page 312).

Two buttons are located on the passenger-side in the cargo compartment

왘 Press and hold button 2 for each side until the third-row seats are fully fold- ed. The cargo compartment is fully extend- ed.

Example, button for the right third-row seat 1 Button for returning third-row seats to

upright position

2 Button for folding the third-row seats 왘 Push in the head restraints of the

third-row seats all the way (컄 page 137).

i It is only possible to fold the third-row seats down when the tailgate is open.

If a third-row seat is not engaged properly, for example, the message 3rd row of seats, right not locked appears in the multifunction display (컄 page 157). 왘 Press and hold button 2 again, until

the message disappears.

Returning seats to their original position

Warning!

Make sure all seats are properly locked in position before driving off. Do not drive with seats not properly locked.

Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat not properly locked as this can be danger- ous. The seat could move forward and the seat backrest could fold. You could slide un- der the seat belt during braking, vehicle ma- neuvers, 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 fa- tal injuries.

The seat backrest and seat belt provide the best restraint when the wearer is in a nearly upright position and the belt is properly po- sitioned on the body.

Step 1: 왘 Return third-row seats to its original

position (컄 page 310).

Step 2:

1 Seat backrest 2 Lever 왘 Pull and hold lever 2 in direction of

arrow at resistance point.

왘 Fold seat backrest 1 rearward until it

engages.

왘 Check for secure locking by pushing

and pulling on seat backrest 1.

Controls in detail Loading

3 Seat cushion 왘 Fold seat cushion 3 rearward until it

locks into position.

311

Controls in detail Loading

Cargo compartment cover blind

The cargo compartment cover blind can be installed behind the third-row seats or the second-row seats.

! With the cargo compartment cover blind in- stalled, do not pile luggage higher than the lower edges of the rear side windows.

Rolling out blind 왘 Pull blind on handle 1 across the car-

go compartment.

왘 Guide blind into mounts 2 and re-

lease.

Rolling up blind 왘 Disengage blind and guide retraction

by its handle 1.

Removing blind

Blind installed behind second-row seats 1 Release button 2 Blind 왘 Roll the blind up (컄 page 312).

i Before removing cargo compartment cover blind behind the third-row seats, fold the left or right third-row seat forward (컄 page 307). After- wards, return the left or right third-row seat into its original position. 왘 Push release button 1.

Blind installed behind third-row seats 1 Handle 2 Mount

312

왘 Pull blind 2 to the left against the

spring pressure until the spring in the cover audibly engages.

왘 Remove the blind.

Installing blind

i Before installing cargo compartment cover blind behind the second-row seats, fold the third-row seats forward (컄 page 307).

Cover from the mounts behind second-row seats 3 Cover

Controls in detail Loading

i Before installing cargo compartment cover blind behind the third-row seats, fold the left or right third-row seat forward (컄 page 307). After- wards, return the left or right third-row seat into its original position. 왘 Press on cover 3 at its upper edge as

indicated by arrow.

왘 Remove cover 3 by pulling its lower

edge out of the side trim.

i To avoid loss of the mount covers, insert the mount covers into the mounts currently not in use. 왘 Place left side of blind 2 (컄 page 312)

in left mount.

왘 Position right side of blind 2 over right

mount.

왘 Press release button 1 (컄 page 312)

and guide cover 2 into mount.

왘 Make sure the cargo compartment

cover blind is securely fastened.

Cargo net*

Warning!

Make sure the cargo net is properly engaged top and bottom position and the tightening belts are securely fastened.

Never use a damaged cargo net.

To help avoid personal injury from smaller objects being thrown around in the occu- pant compartment during a collision or sud- den maneuver, always use cargo net when transporting cargo.

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 (컄 page 304) 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.

313

Controls in detail Loading

Use of the cargo net is a particularly impor- tant safety factor when the vehicle is load- ed higher than the top of the seat backrests with smaller objects. For your safety, always use the cargo net when transporting cargo. The cargo net can be installed in two locations:

1 Holder in B-pillar 2 Holder in C-pillar

314

앫 With the cargo compartment expanded

in part (컄 page 307), use holders above C-pillars 2 and the cargo tie-down rings behind the third-row seat backrest (컄 page 305).

앫 With the cargo compartment fully ex-

panded (컄 page 308), use holders above B-pillars 1 and the cargo tie-down rings in the second-row foot- well (컄 page 305).

왘 Open the zipper on the cargo net pack-

age.

왘 Roll out the cargo net. 왘 Unfold the cargo net.

The cargo net bars must audibly engage.

Installing the cargo net

Cargo net bar hung up behind the B-pillar 1 Holder 2 Cargo net bar 왘 Hang cargo net bar 2 on holder 1 as

indicated by the arrow.

왘 Push cargo net bar 2 forward into

holder 1 in direction of arrow.

Pulling the cargo net tight

Loosening the cargo net

Belt hook attached in the second-row foot- well 1 Belt hook 2 Cargo tie-down ring 3 Tightening belt 왘 Hook belt hook 1 into cargo tie-down

ring 2 in direction of arrow.

왘 Pull tightening belt 3 by the loose end in direction of arrow until the cargo net is pulled tight.

왘 After driving a short distance, make sure the cargo net is still tight and, if necessary, pull it tight again.

Belt hook attached in the second-row foot- well 1 Buckle 2 Belt hook 3 Cargo tie-down ring 왘 Loosen the tightening belt by pulling

buckle 1 upward in direction of arrow.

왘 Remove belt hook 2 from cargo

tie-down ring 3.

Controls in detail Loading

Removing and storing the cargo net 왘 Take cargo net bar 2 out of holder 1,

see “Installing the cargo net” (컄 page 314).

왘 Press the red button on the upper and

lower cargo net bar. 왘 Fold the cargo net. 왘 Roll up the cargo net. 왘 Close the zipper on the cargo net pack-

age.

315

Controls in detail Useful features

Storage compartments

Glove box/CD changer

Releasing CD changer

Warning!

To help avoid personal injury during a colli- sion or sudden maneuver, exercise care when storing objects in the vehicle. Put lug- gage or cargo in the cargo compartment if possible. Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the seat backs.

If so equipped, always use the cargo net* when transporting cargo. The cargo net* cannot secure hard or heavy objects.

Parcel nets cannot secure hard or heavy ob- jects.

Keep compartment lids closed. This will help to prevent stored objects from being thrown about and injuring vehicle occupants during 앫 braking 앫 vehicle maneuvers 앫 an accident

316

1 Glove box lid release 2 Glove box lid

Opening the glove box 왘 Pull lid release 1 in direction of arrow.

Glove box lid 2 opens downward.

Closing the glove box 왘 Push glove box lid 2 up to close.

1 Release button 2 AUX-socket (Vehicles without Rear

Seat Entertainment System*)

3 CD changer 왘 Open the glove box (컄 page 316). 왘 Press release button 1.

CD changer 3 is released and swings down automatically.

For information on CD changer operation, see separate COMAND system operating instructions.

Closing CD changer

Controls in detail Useful features

Locking and unlocking the glove box separately You can lock the glove box separately, e.g. when the vehicle is in the shop for service. 왘 Take the mechanical key out of the

SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* (컄 page 500).

왘 Insert mechanical key into glove box

lock.

왘 Turn mechanical key to position 2 to

lock the glove box.

왘 Turn mechanical key to position 1 to

unlock the glove box.

i The glove box can only be locked or unlocked with the mechanical key.

1 CD changer 왘 Gently push CD changer 1 up in direc-

tion of arrow until it engages.

For information on CD changer operation, see separate COMAND system operating instructions.

1 Unlocking glove box 2 Locking glove box

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Controls in detail Useful features

Storage compartment in front center console

Storage compartment* (depending on vehicle configuration)

Vehicles without ashtray*

Storage compartment/telephone* tray under front center armrest The storage compartment and the telephone* tray can be opened separately.

왘 Briefly press the front of the cover.

The cover opens automatically.

왘 Briefly press the front of the cover.

The cover opens automatically.

1 Button to open telephone* tray 2 Button to open storage compartment i The mobile phone cradle* (컄 page 330), the Roadside Assistance button • (컄 page 336) and the information button ¡ (컄 page 337) are located in the telephone* tray.

318

Controls in detail Useful features

Rear storage compartments Depending on the vehicle configuration, your vehicle may be equipped with three storage compartments in the front of the rear seats.

3 Storage compartment 4 Coin holder

Opening the telephone* tray 왘 Pull button 1 and lift up armrest.

Opening the storage compartment 왘 Pull button 2 and lift up armrest.

The coin holders 4 are located in front of storage compartment 3.

1 Storage compartment cover 2 Release button 왘 Briefly press release button 2 on

storage compartment cover 1. The storage compartment opens automatically.

i If your vehicle is equipped with a smoking package*, the storage compartment contains an ashtray (컄 page 323).

i Depending on vehicle equipment, the upper storage compartment may be replaced by a control panel, for example in vehicles with rear climate control* (컄 page 228) or rear automatic climate control* (컄 page 243).

319

Parcel net in front passenger footwell A small convenience parcel net is located in the front passenger footwell. It is intend- ed for small and light items, such as road maps, mail, etc.

Parcel nets on front seat backrests A small convenience parcel net is located on each of the front seat backrests. It is in- tended for small and light items, such as road maps, mail, etc.

1 Parcel net

1 Parcel net

Controls in detail Useful features

Parcel nets

Warning!

Do not place objects with a combined weight of more than 4.4 lb (2 kg) into the parcel net on the back of the front passen- ger seat. Otherwise, the Occupant Classifi- cation System* OCS (컄 page 81) may not be able to properly approximate the occu- pant weight category.

Parcel nets are intended for storing light-weight items only.

Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges or fragile objects may not be transported in the parcel nets. In an accident, during hard braking, or sudden maneuvers, they could be thrown around inside the vehicle and cause injury to vehicle occupants.

Parcel nets cannot protect transported goods in the event of an accident.

320

Cup holders

Warning!

In order to help prevent spilling liquids on vehicle occupants and/or vehicle equip- ment, 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 an accident. Liquids spilled on vehicle occu- pants may cause serious personal injury. Liquids spilled on vehicle equipment may cause damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

When not in use, keep rear cup holder closed. An open cup holder may cause injury to you or others when contacted during braking, vehicle maneuvers, or in an acci- dent.

Keep in mind that objects placed in a cup holder may come loose during braking, vehicle maneuvers, or an accident and be thrown around in the vehicle interior. Objects thrown around in the vehicle interi- or may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Cup holder in front of armrest A cup holder and a card/ticket holder are located in the front center console.

Controls in detail Useful features

Cup holder in rear armrest (second-row seats)

1 Cup holder 왘 Pull the armrest down by its top.

! Close the cup holder before folding the arm- rest upwards.

1 Cup holder

i The front cup holder can be removed for cleaning purposes (컄 page 322).

321

Controls in detail Useful features

Cup holders in third-row side trim Cup holders are located in the side trims of the third-row seats.

Removing and reinstalling cup holder The front cup holder can be removed for cleaning purposes.

Ashtrays*

Your vehicle is equipped with an ashtray and a cigarette lighter (컄 page 324) locat- ed in the front center console and an ash- tray located in front of the second-row seats (컄 page 323).

i If your vehicle is not equipped with a smok- ing package*, it has a storage compartment (컄 page 318) with a power outlet (컄 page 325) instead.

Ashtray in the center console

1 Cup holder

322

1 Cup holder 2 Bridge with card, ticket holder 왘 Hold cup holder at its bridge 2 and pull out bridge in direction of arrow.

왘 Pull cup holder 1 out in direction of ar-

row.

왘 First, insert the cup holder 1 and then

insert bridge 2.

1 Ashtray insert 2 Cover plate