2008 Mercedes C-Class Owner's Manual - Page 283

Controls in detail Loading and storing Setting up rear seat backrest Warning! Loading instructions G Always lock backrest in its upright position when rear seat bench is occupied, or the extended trunk compartment is not in use. Check for secure locking by pushing and pulling on the backrest. In an accident, during hard braking or sudden maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around inside the vehicle, and cause injury to vehicle occupants unless the items are securely fastened in the vehicle. To help avoid personal injury during a collision or sudden maneuver, exercise care when transporting cargo. 1 Rear seat backrests Fold backrest 1 rearward until it engages. Check for secure locking by pushing and pulling on the backrest. The total load weight including vehicle occupants and luggage/cargo should not exceed the load limit or vehicle capacity weight as indicated on the corresponding placard located on the driver's door B-pillar ( page 334). 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. ! Take care not to clamp the seat belt. i To prevent unauthorized persons from access to the trunk, always lock backrest in its upright position. 282