The Mercedes-Benz 'Alustyle' basic carrier

Press Release

A carrier for many different types of transport

Easy and secure installation, great stability, and universal application - these are the key features of the basic "Alustyle" carrier from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH, which comes as either a screw-mounted or rail-mounted carrier. This carrier system, which is available for use with a variety of Mercedes-Benz models, forms the foundation for mounting numerous types of roof cargo equipment, such as luggage boxes, ski and snowboard racks, and bicycle racks. Carriers are always precisely aligned to the size and shape of the vehicle body, to which they are firmly connected via a roof rail or other standard mounting component on the vehicle roof.

The "Alustyle" carrier serves as the foundation for fastening all other roof-mounted equipment offered by Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH. This universally useable transport solution consists of two elegantly shaped, high-quality aluminium profile tubes with strong steel bases. If the basic carrier is not required, it can be easily and safely stowed away in a special transport bag.

The carrier can be quickly mounted onto the vehicle roof. To ensure such easy installation, the specialists at Mercedes-Benz Accessories decided to use a connection with screws rather than with less-stable clamps. Although this solution is somewhat more expensive, it is more stable and also holds up under high stress. For those Mercedes-Benz passenger car models not equipped with roof rails, a high level of safety is ensured by a patented "fixed-point fastening" consisting of screw bearings located out of sight under flaps in the roof reinforcing rail. These screw bearings are themselves firmly bolted to the vehicle body. With estate and SUV models, the steel bases are clamped firmly to the standard roof rails.

As soon as the carriers have been fastened, they are locked to protect against theft. The carriers are designed in such a manner as to ensure that the sunroof functions normally even after a roof carrier has been mounted.

Unique: Customised system for roadsters

Mercedes-Benz offers the "Alustyle" system for A-, B-, C-, and E-Class models. It is also available for the new M-, R-, and S-Class, as well as for the CLS-Class and the CLK coupe. In addition, Mercedes is the first manufacturer to offer "Alustyle" variants for the innovative vario-roofs in the SL- and SLK-Class roadsters.

Low weight combined with great stability

The basic carrier system from Mercedes-Benz demonstrates that low weight and great stability are not mutually exclusive: Although the two aluminium tubes, including the steel bases, weigh only 5.7 kilograms, they can withstand loads of up to 100 kilograms. As such, they are perfect for transporting heavy roof boxes and complete sets of sport equipment. The "Alustyle" system also ensures excellent protection of roof-top cargo. For example, it not only fulfils the legal stipulations regarding crash safety, but also the much higher standards of Mercedes-Benz. The latter involved putting the "Alustyle" system through crash tests and driving it for long periods of time with up to 50 per cent cargo overload and acceleration stresses of up to 15 g¹. The result was that the carrier and carrier lock withstood even such drastic braking manoeuvres without falling from the roof or loosening.

Design: Elegant silhouette even with roof rack

Along with ensuring optimal functionality, the "Alustyle" designers also focused on making their system attractive looking. To this end, the roof carrier variants were developed in close cooperation with the DaimlerChrysler Design Centre in Sindelfingen - which is why they so perfectly match the elegant designs of the Mercedes-Benz models they are used with. An individual carrier set was in fact developed for each model, whereby the curved basic carrier in the set for the SL and SLK-Class roadsters follows the elegant lines of those vehicles. The carrier module is mounted solely on the upper end of the A pillar and at the rear in a manner ensuring that the vehicle's sporty silhouette continues to stand out. In addition, the fastening points for the carrier are designed to ensure that access to the boot is not restricted and the boot lid can be opened easily.

Ideal for winter sport: "Alustyle" ski and snowboard rack

The multi-functional "Alustyle" carrier system is particularly suited for winter sport enthusiasts. For one thing, it forms the foundation for the large-scale Mercedes-Benz roof boxes, which depending on their format can hold up to five pairs of skis. What's more, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH also offers ski and snowboard racks customised to perfectly fit the basic carrier:

The "Standard" rack version can accommodate up to four pairs of skis or two pairs of snowboards, while the "Comfort" version holds up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards. A special feature of this variant is its practical "pull-out" function that makes loading and unloading easy. Both systems are suitable for use with carving skis and have been tested according to strict Mercedes-Benz standards. They can also be locked to protect against theft.

¹ g: acceleration due to gravity (g equals 9.81m/s²)

Original roof boxes for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars: A second boot for long trips

Practical functionality, elegant design, and plenty of space for transporting cargo - these are the key attributes of the original roof boxes from Mercedes-Benz. The durable and easy-to-mount roof boxes are available in three sizes that hold 330, 400, and 450 litres, respectively. The "XL" family box in particular is perfect for all holiday and leisure transport needs: The top model from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH has a cargo volume corresponding to that of a C-Class boot, and thus offers enough space to accommodate all the ski equipment or luggage of a family of four.

Big luggage pieces and bulky sporting equipment - the original roof boxes from Mercedes-Benz can handle both, thereby ensuring plenty of individual freedom when it comes to planning a holiday, or leisure-time activities. Mercedes-Benz offers the practical yet elegant roof boxes for A-, B-, C-, and E-Class models, as well as for the new M-, R-, and S-Class, the CLS-, SL-, and SLK-Class, and the CLK coupe. Specially developed accessories - such as rack inserts for holding up to five pairs of skis, or a practical made-to-measure luggage set - ensure optimal and orderly space utilization, as well as easy loading and unloading. The made-to-measure luggage set for the "XL" roof box also comes with two removable ski bags that can hold up to two pairs of skis each. The practical luggage set can also be obtained from Mercedes-Benz sales partners as a separate accessory.

Easy mounting, practical features

The “Alustyle� basic carrier systems, which are customised for a precise fit on most Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, form the foundation for fastening roof boxes; the special “Alustyle� system for the SL and SLK roadsters is the foundation for those vehicles. Even the smallest 330-litre box doubles the total cargo volume in the SLK to that of a large sedan. Another advantage here is that if necessary, a single person can mount the roof box without any need for tools. This is made possible by a convenient sliding fastening system on the one hand, and the light weight of the boxes on the other. High-quality pneumatic springs also make it easy to open and close the waterproof boxes, which are made of high-quality plastic materials. The boxes come with straps to securely fasten valuable cargo on the inside.

The made-to-measure luggage bags, which fit exactly into the boxes, can easily be packed at home or in a hotel room, and then carried out to the car and mounted on the roof. This ensures that luggage and other valuable cargo are protected from inclement weather.

Another clever detail here is the fact that Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH also offers its roof boxes with two types of openings - on the right and on the left. The first type is perfect for those customers who don't like to mount roof boxes while standing in the road, while the second will be preferred by those whose cars are often parked with the passenger side to a wall, like in a garage.

Other benefits offered by the roof boxes include a three-prong locking system that provides effective protection against theft, and a high level of protection in the event of an accident. The latter has been confirmed in tests conducted by the TÃœV inspection company, as well as in "City Crash" tests. What's more, the boxes also meet all Mercedes-Benz safety requirements, which go far beyond what the law demands. For example, Mercedes requires that the sunroof can be opened and closed easily even after a roof box has been mounted.

Aerodynamic and elegant design

The high-quality roof boxes are also attractive in appearance: Their shape - which was perfected in a wind tunnel - is precisely aligned with the elegant design of the Mercedes-Benz models. Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH offers the modern cargo carriers in either titanium metallic or matt silver finish. If so desired, customers can also have their roof box painted by their Mercedes-Benz partner in any Mercedes vehicle colour. The three Mercedes-Benz roof boxes offer solutions for the most diverse transport needs.

For example, with its 400 litres of volume and maximum load capacity of 50 kilograms, the Mercedes-Benz "M" roof box is the perfect leisure cargo carrier for the whole year round. The box, which is 158 centimetres long, 93 centimetres wide, and 41 centimetres high, can be used to transport not only snowboards but also a complete set of deep sea diving equipment. The box itself weighs only 16 kilograms, which means just about anyone can mount it on the roof.

The Mercedes-Benz "L" roof box offers 330 litres of cargo space. This cargo holder has a length of 220 centimetres, a width of 60 centimetres, and a height of 41 centimetres, and is thus perfect for transporting ski equipment. Those who wish to have added protection for their winter sport equipment can order box inserts for holding up to three pairs of skis. Alternatively, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH also offers a made-to-measure luggage set for the 14-kilogram roof box. This set consists of four travel bags made of sturdy, waterproof polyester. The transport box is suited for heavy loads as it can hold up to 50 kilograms of cargo. One of the benefits offered by the "L" box, which is the narrowest of the three roof box types, is that it takes up so little space. Depending on the vehicle it is mounted on, there will still be room on the roof for an additional ski or snowboard rack, a bicycle rack, or even a second "L" box - in which case transport volume capacity increases to 600 litres.

The Mercedes-Benz "XL" roof box is the largest of the three box types.It has a cargo volume of 450 litres, which is almost as much as the boot of a Mercedes-Benz C-Class, thus making it the ideal family cargo holder. Specially developed accessories ensure optimal space utilisation and a high level of cargo safety. For example, a ski rack insert is available that can hold up to five pairs of skis, and customers can also order the practical made-to-measure luggage set that includes four travel bags and two ski bags for up to two pairs of skis each. The "XL" roof box is 220 centimetres long, 80 centimetres wide, and 40 centimetres high. Despite its large dimensions, the box weighs only 19 kilograms. Maximum loading capacity is 50 kilograms.

• Versatile bicycle carrier systems for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars

• Optimal transport for various types of bicycles

Owners of a Mercedes-Benz passenger car can choose from five different original carrier systems for the safe and easy transport of bicycles. Depending on what's required, the bikes can be transported on the roof, on the rear, or even in the vehicle interior. Like all other genuine accessories from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH, the bicycle carrier systems harmoniously combine elegant design with excellent functionality and the highest levels of safety.

Mercedes-Benz drivers appreciate products that unite form and function at the highest levels of quality - and the bicycle carrier systems conform precisely to this concept. For example, the clever material mixture of steel and aluminium ensures that high safety standards are met, while at the same time fulfilling the requirement of keeping weight down to a minimum. Plastic components in matt black offer an attractive contrast to the silver metal profiles of the roof and rear racks. What's more, the precise arrangement of the supplemental parts to the basic carrier serves to dampen vibrations and protect both the bicycles and body paint from damage. Just as important is the ease with which the bike racks can be mounted, whereby the low weight of the transport module reduces the amount of physical force necessary to fasten it to a minimum.

Mercedes-Benz engineers applied the brand's typical stringent safety standards to the bicycle racks as well. For example, the roof carrier system had to demonstrate its stability in extensive crash and stress load tests conducted with and without cargo mounted. The requirements for passing these tests are much stricter than those for comparable tests conducted by other automakers and institutions, and are also more stringent than legal requirements.

“Alustyle� bicycle rack: Safe and elegant

The Mercedes-Benz roof bicycle rack is based on the multi-functional “Alustyle� basic carrier, which displays sophisticated aerodynamics and a very high level of safety. Depending on the model series it's used with, and the width of the roof, the basic carrier can hold up to four bike racks, which can be individually mounted. Attaching the bicycles is very easy: First they are fastened to the bike rack rails on the ground with the help of flexible clamps, after which the bikes and the racks are mounted on the roof as one unit. No other automaker or supplier has a system that compares to the one from Mercedes - which offers a high level of stability combined with easy installation.

Cone-shaped tyre holders secure bicycle tyres with a width of 20 to 60 millimetres, and the swivel arms designed especially for Mercedes-Benz bikes are suitable for use with frame diameters of 20 to 98 millimetres (round tubes) and 110 x 70 millimetres (oval tubes)¹. Special spiral locks are also available upon request to protect against theft. When the bike rack is not being used, it is simply folded down in order to reduce wind resistance, and thus fuel consumption. When not needed, supports can be easily removed, folded together, and then stowed away without taking up much space.

“Alustyle� system for roadsters: Sporty and practical

Sport-minded Mercedes-Benz drivers view the SL- and SLK-Class as the epitomes of dynamic driving - and Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH supplements the sporty flair of the open top roadsters with specially developed genuine accessories that open up truly practical transport possibilities. The brand with the star accomplished this by developing carrier systems for the roadsters' innovative vario-roof. The variant of the “Alustyle� basic carrier created to this end required tremendous additional investment and a development time of nearly two years. In order to provide the high quality that Mercedes-Benz customers demand, and also meet the brand's stringent internal safety standards, only high-quality materials that have proved their effectiveness during careful testing in critical driving situations are used here.

The elegantly curved basic carrier follows the filigree lines of the Mercedes-Benz roadsters. The carrier module is mounted solely on the upper end of the A pillar and at the rear in a manner ensuring that the vehicle's sporty silhouette continues to stand out. While developing the module, Mercedes-Benz engineers placed great store in guaranteeing that normal operation of the roadster models would never be inhibited. To this end, the fastening points for the carrier are designed to ensure that access to the boot is not restricted and the boot lid can be opened easily. Installation of the basic carrier for the roadsters requires the optional "carrier system pre-installation module", which can be ordered ex-works.

The roadster carrier system can be used to transport up to two bicycles. The solution here also involves placing the bike onto the rail while on the ground and before mounting bike and rail as one unit securely onto the roof.

Transport on tow bars: Slipstream piggyback

The rear mounted bicycle carriers specially developed for Mercedes-Benz models are the preferred solution for vehicles equipped with tow bars. This option offers both greater cargo transport convenience and better aerodynamics than transport on the vehicle roof - and that translates into lower fuel consumption.

The basic version of the carrier module allows for the transport of two bicycles. However, the optional supplemental kit makes it possible to add a third rail to the rear bike rack. In order to do this, the vehicle must be equipped with a tow bar designed to handle tongue loads of up to 75 kilograms. A capacity of 50 kilograms is sufficient for transporting two bicycles. The extremely light basic variants of the rear-mounted bike racks are made mostly of aluminium and weigh only 15 kilograms; when used with the supplemental module, their total weight only increases to 18 kilograms. Working closely with the development departments for the various vehicle models, the Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH development department intentionally set the maximum load capacity at the high level of 35 kilograms (45 kilograms including the supplemental kit). As such, transporting exceptionally heavy bicycles is also possible.

The Mercedes-Benz rear-mounted carrier is quite easy to install. Thanks to the clever "Easy Lock" system, the racks can be mounted onto the tow bars without any need for tools or time-consuming preparation. The perfect alignment of the rear-mounted bicycle rack with the design and dimensions of the Mercedes-Benz models demonstrates how effective close cooperation between vehicle designers and accessory developers has been.

Because the rear rack hangs so low, the bike wheels can be easily placed in the rails. The frame fasteners can be locked to effectively protect against theft. The clamps hold frames with round-tube diameters of up to 80 millimetres, or frames with oval tubes measuring 80 x 45 millimetres, and are thus perfect for transporting Mercedes-Benz fitness bikes.

Another feature reflecting just how practical this carrier system is in everyday use is the fact that even with three bikes mounted on it, the carrier module can be folded down 90 degrees, thereby enabling the tailgate to be opened. If no bike is mounted, the same can be accomplished by simply pulling down the vertical bracket. When folded together, the rear bike rack can be space-savingly stowed away in the garage.

The range of equipment² includes additional rear lights and a licence plate holder, which are illuminated by electricity provided via a 13-pin standard DIN plug.

The additional rear lights help ensure that the vehicle will be seen even if the taillights are covered by the bikes. The rear bike rack is approved for use by the EU, which means it does not need to be entered into registration documents and can be used immediately after being purchased.

Tailgate rack: Greater convenience

Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH has developed an innovative tailgate bicycle rack especially for A- and B-Class models. The carrier can accommodate two bicycles and consists of two separate components, which makes it easy to mount and remove. The carrier frame, which is particularly resistant against deformation, is first mounted onto the rear of the vehicle. Plastic protective coverings whose dimensions are exactly aligned with those of the Mercedes-Benz A- and B-Class models are placed on the contact points in order to prevent damage to the body and body paint. The carrier's functional and attractively shaped light metal rails can accommodate tyre widths of 20 to 60 millimetres.

One advantage here over transporting bicycles on the vehicle roof is that the bikes are fastened at chest level, which means much less effort is required to mount them. In terms of safety, the slightly higher placement of the rack ensures that the taillights always remain visible to vehicles behind.

Transport in the interior: Perfect protection and greater vehicle agility

The customised internal bicycle racks from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH for A-, B-, and M-Class models offer yet another elegant transport solution. Folding down the rear seat makes it possible to stow two Mercedes-Benz bikes (with frames up to 28 inches, depending on the vehicle model) or two conventional bikes from any other manufacturer (with frames up to 26 inches), whereby the bike forks are connected to the internal carrier. The variability of the fastening rails also allows the bikes to be positioned diagonally, thus ensuring that they take up the least amount of space possible.

The rail for the fork clamp is fixed to the back of the folded down seat, enabling bicycles to be easily mounted and removed. There are also crash-tested nylon belt systems that can be used to anchor the bikes to the standard metal rings in the boot. The internal carrier system is the best way to protect expensive bicycles from inclement weather and theft.

Only the front wheels need to be removed for transport - no problem for Mercedes-Benz high-end bikes, whose quick-release clamps enable the wheel to be taken off in just a few seconds. In addition, the low boot base and wide tailgate opening in A-, B-, and M-Class models make putting in and taking out the bikes very easy. Another benefit of the interior solution is that unlike the other methods, it has no noticeable negative effect on fuel consumption.

The robust transport bags that come as standard equipment are used to store the front wheels after they've been removed. A bootliner for protection against dirt and dampness is also available as an option.

¹ In products from other manufacturers, it is important to check that the bicycles are fimly secured to the support frame.
² The features vary for the US and Canadian markets.

• Genuine accessories from Mercedes-Benz in internal endurance tests

• Toughest tests in the world ensure greater safety and protection

Before a product is approved by Mercedes-Benz and allowed to bear the "Genuine Mercedes-Benz Accessory" seal, it must undergo extremely demanding internal tests. The premium manufacturer's high standards for quality and safety go far beyond all legal requirements here. The tortures that the products are put through include crash tests, vibration tests, emergency braking manoeuvres at various speeds, and sudden lane changes. There are also tough endurance tests that simulate the entire life of a vehicle, as well as salt-exposure tests and climate chamber tests. The testing programme is rounded off by aerodynamic and acoustic measurements. All of these tests put the products under much greater strain than a normal Mercedes-Benz customer ever would.

No breaks for safety-relevant components

The quality tests can last up to four months. After they've been successfully completed, the new product is approved as a "Genuine Mercedes-Benz Accessory". The tests can get particularly gruelling when the subject is a component relevant to safety, such as a carrier system or roof box.

The design, development, and testing of an accessory is generally aligned with the model or component it will be used with. Roof racks, for example, are always tested with the type of Mercedes-Benz roof upon which they are to be mounted. This is done to guarantee that the boxes will conform to specific aspects of the vehicle, such as roof shape, vehicle dimensions, and the normal type of use of the model in question. Such a procedure also helps ensure that the accessory will in no way damage the vehicle.

Extreme stress loads on the oscillating table

One of the most spectacular tests is the one conducted on the vehicle body test rig, also known as the oscillating table. Here, the roof and the carrier are shaken back and forth and up and down in such an extreme fashion as to make an observer dizzy. Despite the extraordinarily strong forces at work on the carrier, a bicycle or anything else fastened to it must not fall down, or damage any part of the vehicle. It is only after this demanding test under extreme stress loads has been passed that an accessory is allowed to bear the Mercedes star.

Tests tougher than the "City Crash"

The internal crash tests conducted by Mercedes-Benz are undertaken at higher speeds and acceleration forces than those required by DIN 75-302 (German Institute for Standardization), the ISO 11154 (International Standard Organisation) and the "City Crash" test. The latter is recommended by both the Stiftung Warentest consumer watchdog organisation and the ADAC automobile association, although it is not required by law. This test is supposed to simulate a typical rear-end collision in an urban setting at a moderate speed.

A roof rack's life in fast motion

Laboratory examinations are supplemented by extensive driving tests on Mercedes-Benz test tracks and in situations based on actual occurrences. One such test is the special driving endurance test covering a distance of 25,000 kilometres with a 50 per cent overload of the roof rack. The route here includes motorways, winding secondary and rural roads, and very rough road surfaces.

Additional tests are conducted for handling, emergency braking manoeuvres at various speeds, and driving dynamics - for example, the famous “Elk Test�, which is actually an ISO evasion test. The programme is rounded off by high-speed drives and extended trips on poor roads. In the complete vehicle tests, the test crews also examine vehicle components that can be affected by the accessories. For example, sunroofs are checked to ensure that they will still open and close properly. Accessories are also checked to make sure they fit precisely to the vehicle and do not cause any damage.

Optimised aerodynamics leads to lower fuel consumption

A key aspect of accessory development involves optimising aerodynamic and acoustic properties. For this reason, the roof racks and boxes are put through an extensive testing programme in a wind tunnel, whereby they are turned at different angles to the wind at various speeds, ultimately up to the maximum speed of the Mercedes-Benz model in question. A predefined benchmark serves as the target value that a new product must achieve. Customers benefit from the resulting optimised aerodynamics in the form of significantly lower fuel consumption than would be the case if a comparable non-genuine accessory were to be used.

Acoustic properties are tested and optimised on the road; the goal here is to eliminate unpleasant noises such as buzzing and whistling. These can only be identified when the accessory is driven with the vehicle it is to be used with, which is also why each rack is approved only for a specific model.

Corrosion tests that go far beyond the norm

Great effort is also required to ensure the long-term quality displayed by every Mercedes-Benz product. For example, the corrosion tests conducted on individual components in saltwater sprayers last more than twice as long as is stipulated by the DIN 75-302 standard. In addition, the products are put through extended corrosion tests while mounted on the vehicle, and are also exposed to extreme temperatures in a climate chamber. All of these tests are meant to ensure that the products will not crack in freezing temperatures or deform in extreme heat.

Design: Perfect alignment with the vehicle silhouette

Mercedes-Benz applies the strictest criteria to design, which is why genuine accessories are developed in close cooperation with design engineers for the vehicle models at the Sindelfingen Design Center. The roof boxes and roof rack systems thus blend in harmoniously with the Mercedes-Benz passenger car design lines, combining maximum functionality with the highest degree of elegance. Such successful integration with the vehicle is especially apparent in the SL- and SLK-Class, in which the curved “Alustyle� basic carrier follows the elegant lines of the innovative vario-roof in a manner ensuring that the vehicle's sporty silhouette continues to stand out. A perfect appearance is achieved by the fact that the carrier module is mounted solely on the upper end of the A pillar and at the rear.

The elegant style of the designers can also be experienced in the fine details. For example, customers can choose to have their Mercedes-Benz roof box in the luxury colour tones of titanium metallic or matt silver. If desired, they can also have their Mercedes-Benz partner paint their roof box in any Mercedes vehicle colour.

• Tips for transporting holiday luggage

• How to pack correctly for a long journey

Mercedes-Benz is well known for building extremely safe cars. The philosophy of "putting safety first" is one of the brand's core values - and the same applies to genuine accessories from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH. The driver always has the ultimate responsibility for safety, however, and only those drivers who properly stow sport and leisure equipment and other cargo can look forward to a safe and enjoyable journey.

Improper securing of cargo can have fatal consequences - for example, a bicycle flung from the roof of a car can kill other road users, and a beverage crate not securely fastened in the boot of an estate car is a danger to all occupants. The kinetic energy released after a frontal impact at 50 km/h would, for example, propel the beverage crate through the car with a force equivalent to the weight of a smart fortwo. It is thus understandable that the German Straßenverkehrsordnung (road traffic code) stipulates that vehicle cargo must be properly secured in order to protect the occupants and other road users. Those who fail to comply risk receiving a fine, having criminal charges pressed against them, and losing their insurance coverage - not to mention their life.

Always pack heavy items in first

Drivers should take note of the following recommendations for ensuring a completely safe trip: First of all, heavy items should always be packed in first at the bottom of the boot. They should be placed directly up against the back of the rear seat so that they can't slide about. Care should be taken to ensure that there are no unoccupied spaces between the back of the rear seats and the cargo, as otherwise heavy, unsecured objects could deform the seats in the event of a collision. The rear seat backrests in Mercedes-Benz vehicles with a variable interior are designed in a manner that places top priority on occupant protection. Their strong connection to the vehicle body offers the best possible protection against wayward cargo propelled forward in the event of a collision. Nevertheless, any items that might slide forward should always be fastened with straps to the rings on the loading floor. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class estate models, for example, are equipped with six strong metal rings for securing cargo, four of which are located on the loading floor, with the other two positioned under the rear seats. The optional EASY-PACK fastening kit and the Cargo Management System from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH offer additional possibilities for the safe and secure transport of items both large and small.

Estate cars, compacts, and sports tourers should not be loaded up any higher than the upper edge of the backrest. An exception should only be made here if the vehicle is equipped with a stable, crash-tested meshed wire divider. This component, which is also available from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH, stretches up to the interior ceiling, providing protection against flying suitcases and boxes. Drivers should always remember to close the luggage compartment covers before embarking upon their journey. Many Mercedes-Benz models actually do this automatically via an electric motor.

Small items should also be securely packed away

No road atlases, umbrellas, or other objects should be stowed on the rear shelf during a journey. Glasses and mobile phones should not be placed on the dashboard, but instead in the side compartments in the doors, or else in special holders. Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH can help here with luggage nets, robust meshed wire dividers, and customised holders.

Pets must also be secured in the car to ensure that they do not interfere with the driver's ability to safely operate the vehicle. Dogs should be seated in the rear and secured with a special canine seatbelt, while cats are best transported in a special cage that should also be secured with a seatbelt.

Only light luggage should be placed on the roof

Light cargo can be placed on the roof - but care must be taken to ensure that the maximum roof load capacity is not exceeded. When in doubt, it makes sense to weigh the cargo beforehand. Bicycles or snowboards must always be firmly secured to their carrier system. The best components to use here are fixed roof rails or the Mercedes-Benz “Alustyle� system with fixed fastening points and bolt holes. Drivers should make sure that the bolts are tight and that weight is distributed as evenly as possible. They should also pay close attention to the user's manual when installing the system. Objects and carriers should never stick out past the roof, and all bicycle accessories - such as child seats, water bottles, or carrying bags - should be removed from the bike and stowed in the vehicle. For reasons of safety, the recommended speed of 130 km/h on German motorways should not be exceeded at any time during the journey.

Because Mercedes-Benz development engineers placed great emphasis on convenience, the solutions they came up with make it possible to stow away bicycles in just a few easy moves. For one thing, the low weight of the transport modules reduces to a minimum the amount of physical force necessary to fasten them to the vehicle. Anyone who is nevertheless unsure about how to mount carrier systems and cargo should contact a specialist at their nearest Mercedes-Benz sales partner.

Distribute weight evenly

Cargo stored in the roof boxes must be secured with the fastening equipment provided. If it is not, sharp braking could cause loose parts such as skis and snowboards to be propelled so strongly as to break through the box. This is why weight within the boxes should also be distributed as evenly as possible. The additional weight of cargo mounted on the roof alters the vehicle's centre of gravity and thus its handling in a noticeable manner. That's why those who mount a roof box should take care to drive at moderate speeds.

Mercedes-Benz engineers applied the stringent Mercedes safety standards to the brand's genuine bicycle, ski, and snowboard carriers. As such, the roof carrier system had to demonstrate its stability in extensive crash and endurance tests conducted with and without cargo mounted. The requirements for these tests were much stricter than those in effect at other automakers or organisations. The carefully designed roof-mounting equipment, and the high strength materials used, guarantee that bicycles and sport equipment will remain in position even during emergency braking or evasive manoeuvres, and also pass the "City Crash" test at 30 km/h.

Regularly check all fastening equipment

Whether transporting on the roof, at the rear, or in the vehicle interior - all fastening equipment must be regularly checked. With rear transport, special attention should be paid to the fact that the cargo may not stick out more than 40 centimetres beyond the side edge of the taillights; otherwise it must be equipped with an additional red light. All bolt connections and tensioned straps must be regularly checked for tightness. Drivers should also keep in mind that rear visibility is inhibited by cargo mounted in back, which means they should pay more attention to their exterior mirrors. The vehicle's handling is also affected by loaded cargo racks in the rear, particularly in sidewinds and curves, as well as when braking.

Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH recommends that customers always pay close attention to the instructions included with the accessories.