Page 98 of 424
95 Restraint systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Side impact airbags, window curtain airbags
3 Side impact airbags
4Window curtain airbagsSide impact airbags
The side impact airbags are designed to activate only in 
certain side impacts exceeding a preset threshold. Only 
the side impact airbags on the impacted side of the 
vehicle deploy.
The side impact airbag for the front passenger deploys 
only if the front passenger seat is occupied.
The side impact airbag for the right rear passenger 
deploys only if a preset threshold is exceeded. The side 
impact airbag for the left rear passenger deploys 
together with the side impact airbag for the driver.
Side impact airbags operate best in conjunction with a 
properly positioned and fastened seat belt.
Note:
Heavy objects on front passenger seat can cause the 
front passenger side impact airbag to deploy in a crash.
3
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        Page 99 of 424

96 Restraint systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Window curtain airbags
The head protection window curtain airbags afford 
greater protection against injuries to the head and 
upper body. They fill up in the area between the A and 
C pillars (see arrows) between the side windows and an 
occupant’s head.
The window curtain airbags are designed to activate 
only in certain side impacts exceeding a preset 
threshold. Only the head protection window curtain 
airbag on the impacted side of the vehicle deploys.
Important!
Airbags are designed to activate only in certain 
frontal (front airbags) impacts, or side (side impact 
and head protection window curtain airbags) 
impacts which exceed preset thresholds.
Only during these types of impacts, if of sufficient 
severity to meet the deployment thresholds, will 
they provide their supplemental protection.
The driver and passenger should always wear their 
seat belts, otherwise it is not possible for the airbags 
to provide their supplemental protection.In cases of other frontal impacts, angled impacts, 
roll-overs, other side impacts, rear collisions, or 
other accidents, the airbags will not be activated. 
The driver and passengers will then be protected by 
the fastened seat belts.
We caution you not to rely on the presence of the 
airbags in order to avoid wearing your seat belt.
Wa r n i n g !
Airbags are designed to reduce the potential of 
injury in certain frontal (front airbags) impacts, or 
side (side impact and head protection window 
curtain airbags) impacts which may cause 
significant injuries, however, no system available 
today can totally eliminate injuries and fatalities.The activation of the “SRS” temporarily releases a 
small amount of dust from the airbags. This dust, 
however, is neither injurious to your health, nor 
does it indicate a fire in the vehicle. The dust might 
cause some temporary breathing difficulty for 
people with asthma or other breathing trouble. To 
avoid this, you may wish to get out of the vehicle as 
soon as it is safe to do so. If you have any breathing 
difficulty but cannot get out of the vehicle after the 
airbag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a 
window or door. 
     
        
        Page 103 of 424

100 Restraint systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Safety guidelines for the seat belt, emergency 
tensioning retractor and airbag
Wa r n i n g !
• Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly 
stressed in an accident must be replaced and 
their anchoring points must also be checked. 
Use only belts installed or supplied by an 
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.• Airbags and “ETR’s” are designed to function 
on a one-time-only basis. An airbag or 
emergency tensioning retractor (ETR) that was 
activated must be replaced.• No modifications of any kind may be made to 
any components or wiring of the “SRS”. This 
includes changing or removing any component 
or part of the “SRS”, the installation of 
additional trim material, badges etc. over the 
steering wheel hub, front passenger airbag 
cover, door trim panels, or door frame trims, 
and installation of additional electrical/
electronic equipment on or near “SRS” 
components and wiring. Keep area between 
airbags and occupants free from objects (e.g. 
packages, purses, umbrellas, etc.). 
• Do not pass belts over sharp edges.• Do not make any modification that could 
change the effectiveness of the belts.• Do not use handles or coat hooks above doors 
and rear windows for placing such items as 
coat hangers etc..• An airbag system component within the 
steering wheel gets hot after the airbag has 
inflated. Do not touch.• Improper work on the system, including 
incorrect installation and removal, can lead to 
possible injury through an unintended 
activation of the “SRS”.• In addition, through improper work there is a 
risk of rendering the “SRS” inoperative or 
causing unintended airbag deployment. Work 
on the “SRS” must therefore only be performed 
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. 
     
        
        Page 169 of 424

166 Automatic climate control
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Display and controls
1Defrosting
2Rear window defroster, see page 176
3Residual engine heat utilization, see page 174
4Automatic climate control on/off
5Air distribution, right (automatic, manual operation)
6Economy mode, see page 173
7Temperature control, right8Air volume (automatic, manual)
9Display
Depending on the ambient light conditions, the 
figures on the display will be shown as dark figures 
on a bright background (in daylight), or as bright 
figures on a dark background (at night).
10Temperature control, left
11Air recirculation, see page 171
12Air distribution, left (automatic, manual operation)
13Activated charcoal filter
Important!
This vehicle is equipped with an air conditioning 
system that uses R-134a (HFC: hydrofluorocarbon) as a 
refrigerant. Repairs should always be performed by a 
qualified technician, and refrigerant should be collected 
in a recovery system for recycling.
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3
5
4
6
7
10
11
13
12
89
P83.40-2116-26 
     
        
        Page 170 of 424

167 Automatic climate control
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Automatic climate control
The system is always at operational readiness, except 
when manually switched off.
The automatic climate control only operates with the 
engine running.
The temperature selector should be left at the desired 
temperature setting. The temperature selected is 
reached as quickly as possible.
Th e system w il l not hea t or c ool a ny q uicker by setting a 
higher or lower temperature.
The desired interior temperature and air distribution 
can be selected separately for the left and right side of 
the passenger compartment.
The automatic climate control removes considerable 
moisture from the air during operation in the cooling 
mode. It is normal for water to drip on the ground 
through ducts in the underbody.
The air conditioning will not engage (no cooling) if the 
economy modeS is selected, see page 173. Notes:
Do not obstruct the air flow by placing objects on the air 
flow-through exhaust slots below the rear window.
Also keep the air intake grill in front of the windshield 
free of snow and debris.
The storage compartment between the front seats can be 
ventilated. See page 175 for notes on ventilating the 
storage space under the armrest in the center console. 
The air conditioner switches itself off for its own 
protection if refrigerant is lost. No cooling will then take 
place. Economy modeS cannot be switched off. Have 
the air conditioner checked by a Mercedes-Benz Center 
should this happen.
Dust filter
Nearly all dust particles and pollen are filtered out 
before outside air enters the passenger compartment 
through the air distribution system. 
     
        
        Page 173 of 424
170 Automatic climate control
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Defrosting
Press the Pbutton. The display showsP.
The fan is set to a higher speed and the warm air is 
directed to the defroster and windshield air outlets.
Pressing the switch again returns the system to the 
previous setting.Windows fogged on the inside
Switch off the economy mode, if selected: Press 
buttonS. The indicator lamp in the button will go 
out.
Switch off air recirculation, if selected: Press 
buttonO. The indicator lamp in the button will go 
out.
Adjust left and right air outlets upwards.
Set blower to the maximum blower speed.
Increase temperature setting.
Open the side air outlets and direct them onto the side 
windows.
P83.40-2009-21 
     
        
        Page 174 of 424

171 Automatic climate control
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Windshield fogged on the outside
Switch on the windshield wiper.
Press on both U buttons until they click in. 
Theh, jand ksymbols will no longer be 
visible.
Air recirculation
Select air recirculation:
The indicator lamp in the Obutton is off.
Press buttonO briefly. The indicator lamp in the 
button illuminates. 
To switch off the air recirculation:
The indicator lamp in the Obutton is on. 
Press buttonO briefly. The indicator lamp in the 
button will go out. The system automatically switches from air 
recirculation to fresh air:
•after 30 minutes if the outside temperature is above 
about 40°F(5°C),
•after 5 minutes if the outside temperature is below 
about 40°F(5°C),
•after 5 minutes if economy modeS is selected.
The system switches automatically to air recirculation at 
high outside temperatures. A quantity of outside air is 
added after about 30 minutes. 
Important!
If the windows should fog up from the inside, switch 
from recirculated air back to fresh air. 
     
        
        Page 175 of 424
172 Automatic climate control
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Activated charcoal filter
An activated charcoal filter markedly reduces bad odors 
and removes pollutants from air entering the passenger 
compartment. 
To select, press ebutton. The indicator lamp in the 
button illuminates.
To cancel, press ebutton. The indicator lamp in the 
button goes out.The system switches automatically to the air 
recirculation mode, if the carbon monoxide (CO) or 
nitrogen oxides (NO
X) concentration of the outside air 
increases beyond a predetermined level.
The automatic air recirculation mode does not function 
if economy modeS is selected or if the outside 
temperature has fallen below 40°F(5°C). 
The activated charcoal filter should be switched off 
when windows fog up on the inside, or if the passenger 
compartment needs to be quickly heated or cooled 
down.