2008 Mercedes C-Class Owner's Manual - Page 284

Controls in detail Loading and storing 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 since it influences the handling characteristics of the vehicle. Warning! Storage compartments To help avoid personal injury during a collision or sudden maneuver, exercise care when transporting cargo. Put luggage or cargo in the trunk if possible. Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the seat backs. Do not place anything on the rear-window shelf. Never drive vehicle with trunk open. Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in unconsciousness and death. Warning! G G To help avoid personal injury during a collision or sudden maneuver, exercise care when storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or cargo in the trunk if possible. Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the seat backs. Parcel nets cannot secure hard or heavy objects. Keep compartment lids closed. This will help to prevent stored objects from being thrown about and injuring vehicle occupants during braking vehicle maneuvers or an accident. Always fasten items being carried as securely as possible using cargo tie-down hooks and fastening materials appropriate for the weight and size of the load. In an accident, during hard braking or sudden 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. i The trunk is the preferred place to carry objects. The enlarged cargo area should only be used for items which do not fit in the trunk alone. i An overview of the storage compartments can be found on ( page 22). 283