2001 Mercedes ML-Class Owner's Manual - Page 139

Instruments and controls Operation Driving Instrument cluster display Practical hints Car care Technical data Index Interior equipment Loading instructions 136 The total load weight including vehicle occupants and luggage/cargo should not exceed the vehicle capacity weight indicated on the certification label which can be found on the left door pillar. The handling characteristics of a fully loaded vehicle depend greatly on the load distribution. It is therefore recommended to load the vehicle according to the illustrations shown, with the heaviest items being placed towards the front of the vehicle. Always place items being carried against front or rear seat backrests, and fasten them as securely as possible. The heaviest portion of the cargo should always be kept as low as possible against front or rear seat backrest since it influences the handling characteristics of the vehicle. For additional safety when transporting cargo while the rear seats are unoccupied, fasten the outer seat belts crosswise into the opposite side buckles.