231 Automatic transmission
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Stopping
For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights, leave the
transmission in gear and hold vehicle with the service
brake.
For longer stops with the engine idling, shift into “N”
or “P” and hold the vehicle with the service brake.
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill gradient, do not
hold it with the accelerator, use the brake. This avoids
unnecessary transmission heat build up.
Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when pulling into a
parking space, control the vehicle speed by gradually
releasing the brakes. Accelerate gently and never
abruptly step on the accelerator.
To rock a vehicle out of soft ground (mud or snow),
alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying
slight partial throttle.Rocking a vehicle free in this manner may cause the
ABS or traction system malfunction indicator lamp to
come on. Turn off and restart the engine to clear the
malfunction indication.
Wa r n i n g !
Getting out of your vehicle with the selector lever
not fully engaged in position “P” is dangerous.
Also, when parked on an incline, position “P” alone
may not prevent your vehicle from moving,
possibly hitting people or objects.Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting
to position “P”, see page 238 for parking brake. When parked on an incline, also turn front wheel
against curb.Wa r n i n g !
When leaving the vehicle always remove the
electronic key from the starter switch, take the
KEYLESS-GO-card (if so equipped) with you and
lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. Children could move the gear selector lever
from position “P”, which could result in an
accident or serious injury.
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257 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index •For a more precise setting the speed can be
increased in increments of 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h)
by briefly pulling the control lever in direction (4).
Caution!
If the driver’s foot is not fully removed from the
accelerator pedal, the Distronic control system will be
overridden and it will not regulate the preset vehicle
speed and following distance. The vehicle speed and
following distance will be determined only by the
accelerator pedal position.Invalid attempts to activate
The multifunction display will show “–––” during
invalid attempts to activate Distronic:
•below a speed of approx. 25 mph
(Canada: 30 km/h),
•while the electronic stability program (ESP) is
switched off – ESP warning lampv in
speedometer dial is illuminated, see page 114,
•by moving the distronic control lever in “RESUME”
direction (4) when no speed is stored in memory,
•during the initialization and self-test phase after the
engine is started – this can take up to 2 minutes,
•while depressing the service brake pedal,
•while the parking brake is set – check ;warning
lamp (Canada: !) in instrument cluster, see
page 114,
•with the gear selector lever in position “P”, “R”
or “N” – check gear range indicator display in
instrument cluster, see page 114.
Wa r n i n g !
Distronic brakes (up to 20% of vehicle braking
power) the vehicle to restore the preset distance or
to maintain the speed. The brake pedal is
automatically retracted as this happens.Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times, including
the area under the brake pedal. Objects stored in
this area may impair pedal movement which could
interfere with the braking ability of the Distronic
system.Do not place your foot under the brake pedal – your
foot could become caught.
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290 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Malfunction and indicator lamps
in the instrument cluster
General information:
If a bulb in the instrument cluster fails to light up
during the bulb self-check when turning the electronic
key in starter switch to position 2, have it checked and
replaced if necessary.
Emission control
Certain systems of the engine serve to keep the toxic
components of the exhaust gases within permissible
limits required by law.
These systems, of course, will function properly only
when maintained strictly according to factory
specifications. Any adjustments on the engine should,
therefore, be carried out only by authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center qualified technicians. Engine adjustments
should not be altered in any way. Moreover, the
specified service jobs must be carried out regularly
according to Mercedes-Benz servicing requirements.
For details refer to the Service Booklet.On-board diagnostic system
Check engine malfunction indicator lamp
Engine malfunction indicator lamp. If the
“CHECK ENGINE” malfunction indicator
lamp comes on when the engine is running,
it indicates a malfunction of the fuel management
system, emission control system, systems which impact
emissions, or the fuel cap is not closed tight (check the
fuel cap). If the “CHECK ENGINE” lamp is illuminated
continuously and the vehicle is driving normally, you
Wa r n i n g !
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide,
and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and
lead to death. Do not run the engine in confined areas (such as a
garage) which are not properly ventilated. If you
think that exhaust gas fumes are entering the
vehicle while driving, have the cause determined
and corrected immediately. If you must drive under
these conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open.
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314 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
ENGINE OIL LEVEL
* C = Category, see page 297.
1 The engine oil level must be checked immediately. See Engine oil
level indicator on page 154.
2 There is no oil in the engine. There is a danger of engine damage.3 There is a risk of damaging the engine or catalytic converter. The
engine oil level must be checked immediately. See Engine oil level
indicator on page 154.
4 The engine oil level has dropped to a critical level.
Check the engine oil level immediately. See Engine oil level
indicator on page 154 and check the engine for visible leakage
(loss of oil).
It may be that there is water in the engine oil. Have the engine oil
che cked.
5 The measuring system is malfunctioning.
When the “ENGINE OIL LEVEL – CHECK LEVEL”
message appears while the engine is running and at
operating temperature, the engine oil level has dropped
to approximately the minimum mark on the dipstick.
When this occurs, the warning will first come on
intermittently and then stay on if the oil level drops
further.
If no oil leaks are noted, continue to drive to the nearest
service station where the engine oil should be topped to
the “full” mark on the dipstick with an approved oil.
The engine oil level warnings should not be ignored.
Extended driving with the symbol displayed could
result in serious engine damage that is not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Line 1Line 2C*
ENG INE OIL LEVE L CHECK LEVEL!
1
2
ENGINE OIL LEVEL STOP, ENGINE OFF!
2
1
ENGINE OIL LEVEL REDUCE OIL LEVEL
3
2
ENGINE OIL VISIT WORKSHOP!
4
2
ENGINE OIL LEVEL VISIT WORKSHOP!
5
2
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405 Index
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex Engine oil level
Checking .................................................................... 331
Warning .............................................................. 314, 318
ENGINE OIL LEVEL -
malfunction and warning messages .............. 314, 318
ENGINE OIL LEVEL - NOT WHEN ENGINE ON
(measuring) - multifunction indicator ................... 154
Engine oil level indicator .............................................. 154
Engine oils ......................................................................395
Entrance lamps, exit lamps .......................................... 185
ENTRANCE POSITION -
malfunction and warning messages ......................300
ESP (Electronic stability program) .............245, 271, 353
Control switch ...........................................................273
Malfunction and warning messages ......................303
Synchronizing ...........................................................272
Exterior lamp
malfunction and warning messages ......................306
Exterior lamp switch ..................................................... 156
Daytime running lamp mode .................................. 158
Headlamp cleaning system ..................................... 159
Exterior lamps ................................................................354
License plate lamps ..................................................360
Low and high beam ..................................................355
Parking lamps ...........................................................357
Replacing bulbs .........................................................354Side marker lamp, front .......................................... 360
Standing lamps ......................................................... 357
Taillamp assemblies ................................................ 358
Turn signal lamp ...................................................... 357
Exterior mirror adjustment .......................................... 107
Exterior mirror, front passenger side,
parking position ........................................................108
Exterior rear view mirrors ............................................107
Electrically folding .................................................... 109
Parking position ........................................................108
FFastening seat belts .........................................................85
First aid kit ..................................................................... 324
Flexible service system (FSS) ...................................... 147
Footwell lighting ............................................................ 185
Front airbags .................................................................... 92
Front center console
storage compartment ventilation ............................ 175
Front seat adjustment .....................................................67
Fuel
Gasoline additives .................................................... 397
Premium unleaded gasoline ..................285, 394, 396
Fuel cap placement warning
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411 Index
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex Warning lamp ............................................................296
Seat belts and integrated restraint system .................. 82
Seat heater ........................................................................ 76
Seat ventilation system ................................................... 79
Seats
Front seat adjustment ................................................ 67
Service indicator
See Flexible service system (FSS) .......................... 147
Setting the audio volume .............................................. 146
Shelf below rear window ..............................................327
Side impact airbags ......................................................... 95
Side marker lamp ..........................................................360
Simultaneous use of electronic main key
and KEYLESS-GO-card ............................................... 44
Sliding/pop-up roof ....................................................... 181
Emergency operation ...............................................369
Opening and closing .................................................. 45
Synchronizing ........................................................... 183
Snow chains ....................................................................245
SOS-call
See Tele Aid ............................................................... 210
Spare wheel ....................................................................338
Spare wheel, vehicle tools,
storage compartment ................................................335
Special settings (Automatic climate control) ............ 169
SRS indicator lamp ........................................................293SRS malfunction ............................................................... 92
Standby bulb function ...................................................361
Start lock-out .....................................................................32
Electronic main key .................................................... 32
KEYLESS-GO-card .......................................................32
Starter switch .........................................................222, 224
Starting and turning off the engine ........................... 227
Starting the engine
Electronic main key ................................................. 227
KEYLESS-GO ............................................................. 227
Steering lock
See Starter switch ............................................222, 224
Steering wheel
Easy-entry/exit feature ..............................................66
Storage compartment
Trunk floor ................................................................ 335
Storage compartment in the
rear passenger compartment .................................. 192
Storage compartments and armrests .......................... 188
Center console ........................................................... 190
Glove box .................................................................... 189
Storing mirror positions ............................................... 107
Sun visors ........................................................................ 187
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) ...........................90
Synchronizing remote control .................................... 365
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