Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon, Owner'S Manual

Page: 271 / 612

Notes on loading
The larger the distance between the load's
centre of gravity and the ball head, the greater
the load on the trailer hitch.
Observe the following notes:
R
mount heavy bicycles as close to the vehicle
as possible
R
always distribute the load on the bicycle rack
as evenly as possible across the vehicle's
longitudinal axis
Mercedes-Benz recommends removing all
detachable parts from bicycles, e.g. baskets,
child seats or rechargeable batteries, before
loading them onto the bicycle rack. This will
improve the aerodynamic resistance and centre
of gravity of the bicycle rack.
Always secure the bicycles to prevent them from
moving around and check that they are secure at
regular intervals.
Do not use tarpaulins or other covers. The driv‐
ing characteristics and rear view may be
impaired. In addition, the aerodynamic resist‐
ance and the load on the trailer hitch will
increase.
Distribution of the load on the bicycle rack
1 Vertical distance between centre of gravity
and ball head
2 Horizontal distance between centre of grav‐
ity and ball head
3 The centre of gravity is on the vehicle's
centre axis
Observe the following information when
loading the bicycle rack:
Number
of bicy‐
cles
Total
weight
of bicy‐
cle rack
and load
Max. dis‐
tance 1 1
Max. dis‐
tance 2 2
3 Up to
75 kg
420 mm 300 mm
4 Up to
100 kg
420 mm 400 mm
When transporting four bicycles or with a total
weight between 75 kg and 100 kg, always use
bicycle racks with additional support on the
trailer hitch guide pin.
Vehicle towing instructions
The vehicle is not suitable for the use of tow bar
systems that are used for flat towing or dinghy
towing, for example. Attaching and using tow bar
systems can lead to damage on the vehicle.
When you are towing a vehicle with tow bar sys‐
Driving and parking 269