Driving tips
Running-in
Do not subject the engine to its full load during the running-in period. This has a significant effect on the service life, operating safety and economy of the vehicle.
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Run the vehicle in gently. Drive at varying road and engine speeds.
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Avoid high engine speeds. Do not drive at more than ¾ of the maximum road speed for each gear.
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Change gear in good time. Do not shift down to brake the vehicle.
After 2,000km: gradually bring the vehicle up to full road and engine speeds.
Driving the vehicle
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The vehicle’s driving, braking and steering characteristics vary with the type of load, the weight and the centre of gravity of the load.
Make sure that the vehicle is loaded evenly and avoid uneven load distribution. If necessary, secure the load against slipping. You could otherwise lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident.
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Do not exceed the permissible axle loads, wheel loads (half of the axle load) and the maximum permissible gross vehicle weight. There is otherwise the risk of damage to tyres, the chassis frame and axles.
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During the journey, check the display, the warning lamps and level indicators on the instrument panel from time to time.
Driving off-road
When driving, especially off-road, make sure that the drive wheels always have sufficient grip.
Do not allow the drive wheels to spin (this could cause damage to the differential). Engage the differential locks more.
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Driving too fast over rough terrain can cause damage to the vehicle. Obstacles may not be recognised in time and you will not be able to assess the condition of the ground correctly.
Obstacles, such as tyre tracks that are too deep, can damage the following parts:
Therefore, always drive slowly over rough terrain. Get the co-driver to direct you if you have to drive over obstacles.
Always observe the vehicle’s ground clearance. Avoid obstacles where possible.
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If you drive too fast over rough terrain you could fail to recognise obstacles in time or be unable to assess the condition of the ground. Always drive slowly over rough terrain to prevent damage to the vehicle.
The vehicle could slip to the side, tip and roll over. Always drive up or down hillsides in the line of fall, never at an angle. Do not turn your vehicle. If your vehicle is not able to cope with the gradient, drive backwards in reverse gear.
You could lose control of your vehicle if you shift into neutral or declutch and attempt to brake the vehicle using only the service brake on a hill. Never let your vehicle roll.
Overloading the vehicle increases the danger of the vehicle overturning. Never exceed the permissible axle loads. Keep the centre of gravity of the vehicle as low as possible when loading your vehicle.
If you often or mainly use your vehicle on muddy or swampy terrain, substances such as sand or water mixed with oil could get into the brakes and reduce the braking performance. This could lead to increased wear and reduced braking performance. There is a danger that the full braking effect will not be available in an emergency.
Test the brakes briefly every time after driving off-road. If you detect a reduced braking effect or a scraping noise, have the brake system checked at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
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When driving off-road, your body is subject to acceleration forces from all directions due to the uneven ground. You could be thrown out of your seat and injured. Always fasten your seat belt when driving off-road.
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Construction-site vehicles are specially designed for use on rough terrain.
Construction-site vehicles with Telligent® gearshift/automatic gearshift: as soon as a differential lock is switched on, the transmission control automatically switches to construction site mode more, more.
Driving systems for driving off-road
The following driving systems and equipment assist in safe operation of the vehicle when driving off-road:
Rules for driving off-road
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Vehicles with Telligent® automatic gearshift or Mercedes PowerShift: if the engine speed falls below a minimum engine speed, the electronics automatically declutch (see Gearshift).The engine braking effect is lost or the flow of power is interrupted and the vehicle could roll backwards on hills, for instance. For this reason, never allow the engine speed to drop below the minimum engine speed.
When driving off-road or driving with the differential lock engaged, always select the manual mode M. This enables you to change gears to suit the driving conditions.
If the vehicle stops in extreme situations, you should immediately depress the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling away.
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When driving over obstacles or driving in ruts, the steering wheel can jolt back. This can cause injury to your thumbs. Always maintain a firm hold on the steering wheel rim with both hands. When driving over obstacles, expect brief increases in steering forces.
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Before driving off-road, stop the vehicle and engage a low gear.
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Do not drive off-road with the engine switched off or without a gear engaged.
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Drive slowly and smoothly. It may often be necessary to drive at a walking pace.
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Always ensure that the wheels remain in contact with the ground. Switch on the transfer case and differential lock.
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Do not declutch or change gears on hills.
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Exercise the utmost caution when driving across unfamiliar, unpredictable terrain. As a precaution, get out of the vehicle to take a look at the ground first.
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Check the depth of water before fording.
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Watch out for obstacles such as rocks, holes, tree stumps and tyre ruts.
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Avoid edges where the surface may break away.
Driving on downhill slopes
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On slopes and hills, never drive diagonal to the line of fall. Driving at an angle could make the vehicle slip away laterally, tip and rollover.
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Only brake when the vehicle is in the line of fall.
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If the braking effect of the engine is insufficient during downhill driving, depress the brake pedal carefully.
Before driving off-road
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Before you start driving off-road, stop and deactivate ABS more. In most cases, this will reduce braking distance.
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All-wheel-drive vehicles: switch the transfer case into off-road position more.
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Switch on the differential lock more.
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Switch off the acceleration skid control system (ASR) more.
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Vehicles with folding underride guard: fold up the underride guard more.
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Safely stow or secure any items of luggage or loads.
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Vehicles with Telligent® automatic gearshift/Mercedes PowerShift: select manual mode more, more. Do not allow the engine speed to drop below 550 rpm.
You should also always carry a shovel and a recovery rope with shackle with you in the vehicle.
Vehicles with Mercedes PowerShift:
The rock-free mode allows the vehicle to rock out of a dip in the terrain more, more.
Folding underride guard
The underride guard can be folded up, for example, when driving off-road. Observe the operating instructions issued by the manufacturer.
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The underride guard must be folded down and locked in this position when the vehicle is driven on public roads. This is the only way to ensure that the vehicle behind does not become jammed beneath the frame in the event of a collision.
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After driving off-road
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Damage sustained by the vehicle during off-road driving can result in consequential damage, failure of assemblies or accidents. Always clean and check the vehicle after driving off-road. Rectify any damage before using the vehicle again.
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All-wheel-drive vehicles: switch the transfer case into on-road position more.
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Switch off the differential lock more.
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Switch on the acceleration skid control system (ASR) more.
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Switch on the anti-lock braking system (ABS) more.
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Clean the vehicle more.
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Inspect the vehicle for damage.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption depends on:
Fuel consumption figures can be called up in the Trip computer menu in the on-board computer more.
Vehicle design
The following components influence fuel consumption:
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Tyre size, tyre tread, tyre pressure, tyre condition
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Body, wind deflector
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Gear ratios in the drive train
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Additional equipment (air conditioning, auxiliary heating, PTO, viscous fan)
Driving style
To keep fuel consumption low:
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avoid frequent acceleration and braking
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anticipate road and traffic conditions
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stay within the economical engine speed range
Operating conditions
Fuel consumption is increased under the following conditions:
For these reasons, it is impossible to state precisely how much fuel an individual vehicle will consume.
AdBlue consumption
AdBlue consumption is approximately 4% of fuel consumption when BlueTec®4 is used, and around 6% with BlueTec®5.
Engine oil consumption
When the engine is run in, oil consumption may reach 0.5 % of the vehicle's fuel consumption. A longer distance covered and more arduous operating conditions could result in certain vehicles exceeding this value.
Limit speed
For vehicles with a limit speed, the maximum speed is set to 85 km/h (50 mph). This value may vary in accordance with legal requirements in individual countries. The engine speed is automatically limited when the restricted top speed is reached (take this into account when overtaking).
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If the driver exceeds the maximum speed of the vehicle, there is a risk that articulated vehicles may snake. You could also overload the vehicle’s brakes and tyres. There is a risk that you could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident, particularly if you are driving down long steep slopes with a laden vehicle.
You are responsible for ensuring that the legal maximum permitted speed is not exceeded. Downshift in good time and engage the engine brake to make full use of the engine braking effect on long downhill sections. Bring the vehicle to a halt in good time.
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Reverse warning device
The reverse warning device is an audible warning device built into the rear lamp cluster of the vehicle. The reverse warning device is triggered and emits a warning tone when reverse gear is engaged.
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 | Reverse warning device |
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The reverse warning device does not relieve you of the duty of making sure that there are no persons or obstacles behind the vehicle.
If necessary, a second person should assist during manoeuvring. This ensures that no persons behind the vehicle are overlooked and possibly injured while manoeuvring and that no objects are damaged.
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Reducing the volume of the reverse warning device
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Engage reverse gear twice within 4 seconds.
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The volume is reduced.
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Warning buzzer
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the seat belt on the driver’s seat is not fastened.
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the immobiliser is activated.
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no pedal is depressed when the vehicle is stationary and the hill holder is activated (clutch or brake pedal).
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the distance falls below 50 cm with the loading platform approach aid activated.
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you change into reverse.
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the vehicle key is turned back or pulled out of the ignition lock with the brake released and the frequent-stop brake engaged.
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the maximum permissible engine speed is exceeded.
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the oil temperature in the torque converter exceeds 150 
on vehicles with a torque converter clutch.
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the oil temperature exceeds 150 in retarder operation.
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the selected gear is too low when shifting down.
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the coolant level is too low or the permissible coolant temperature (about 105 °C) is exceeded. At the same time, the status indicator will light up in red. The operating reliability of the engine is therefore jeopardised.
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there is a display failure. Important operating information, warning displays or service indicators can no longer be displayed. The display shows the system abbreviation for electronic systems and a text message.
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Telligent® distance control is activated and there is a danger of a collision with another vehicle.
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distance warning signals of the Active Brake Assist (ABA) appear when Telligent® distance control is deactivated.
The warning buzzer sounds in addition to the warning display and the STOP lamp lighting up if the engine oil pressure or engine oil level is too low. At the same time, the status indicator will light up in red.
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| STOP lamp |
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The operating safety of the engine is endangered if the engine oil pressure or engine oil level warning is displayed, the warning buzzer sounds and the STOP lamp lights up.
Do not pull away or, if the vehicle is already in motion, stop as soon as possible, paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
Determine the cause.
If necessary, have the defect checked and repaired at a qualified specialist workshop.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this purpose.
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