Page 123 of 323

Automatic climate control
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Air recirculation
This mode can be selected to temporarily reduce the
entry of annoying odors or dust into the vehicle’s
interior.
Outside air is not supplied to the vehicle’s interior.
To select, press O button.
To cancel, press O button again.
The system will automatically switch from recirculated
air to fresh air
•after approx. 5 minutes at outside temperatures
below approx. 40°F (5°C),
•after approx. 30 minutes at outside temperatures
above approx. 40°F (5°C),
•after approx. 5 minutes, if button S is pressed.
If the windows should fog up from the inside, switch
from recirculated air back to fresh air.
At high outside temperatures, the system automatically
engages the recirculated air mode thereby increasing
the cooling capacity performance, switching to partially
fresh air within 30 minutes.Residual engine heat utilization
With the engine switched off, it is possible to continue
heating the interior for a short while.
Air volume and distribution are controlled
automatically.
To select:
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 1 or 0 or
remove key.
Press T button
This function selection will not activate if the battery
charge level is insufficient.
To c a n c e l :
Press T button.
The system will automatically shut off
•if you turn electronic key in steering lock to
position 2,
•after approx. 30 minutes,
•if the battery voltage drops.
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Page 150 of 323
Interior equipment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Ashtray
Center console, front
By touching the bottom of the cover lightly, the ashtray
opens automatically.Prior to removing the ashtray insert, move the gear
selector lever to position “N”.
To remove ashtray:
Push sliding knob (1) toward the right to eject the
insert.
To i n st a l l a s h t r ay :
Install insert into ashtray frame and push down to
engage.
Wa r n i n g !
Remove front ashtray only with vehicle standing
still. With the gear selector lever in position “N”,
turn off the engine and set the parking brake.
Otherwise the vehicle might move as a result of
unintended contact with the gear selector lever.
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Page 153 of 323

Telephone
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Telephone, generalCellular telephone
The vehicle is prepared for the installation of a cellular
telephone. For further information and installation
contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
A driver’s attention to the road must always be his/
her primary focus when driving. For your safety
and the safety of others, we recommend that you
pull over to a safe location and stop before placing
or taking a telephone call. If you choose to use the
telephone while driving, please use the hands-free
device and only use the telephone when road and
traffic conditions permit.Some jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a
cellular telephone while driving a vehicle.Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is covering
a distance of approximately 50 feet (approximately
14 m ) e ve r y s e c o n d . Never operate radio transmitters equipped with a
built-in or attached antenna (i.e. without being
connected to an external antenna) from inside the
vehicle while the engine is running. Doing so could
lead to a malfunction of the vehicle’s electronic
system, possibly resulting in an accident and
personal injury.
Wa r n i n g !
Some jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a
cellular telephone while driving a vehicle. Whether
or not prohibited by law, for safety reasons, the
driver should not use the cellular telephone while
the vehicle is in motion. Stop the vehicle in a safe
location before answering or placing a call.
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Page 164 of 323

Soft top
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Note:
For safety reasons, the soft top cannot be raised while
driving.
Warning!
The soft top is not fully closed and locked:
• if the indicator lamp in the soft top switch does
not got out (electronic key in steering lock
position 2). • if the indicator lamp blinks, and a signal
sounds for 10 seconds when starting to drive. Stop the vehicle and before continuing to drive,
close and lock the soft top. If the soft top is not locked, it may fold back or
forward when driving. During soft top operation, do not place your hands
near the roll bar, soft top frame, upper windshield
area or soft top storage compartment. Serious
personal injury may occur. To prevent possible accidents, drive the vehicle
only with the soft top either completely closed and
locked, or fully lowered into its storage
compartment. If the indicator lamp in the soft top switch blinks slowly
while activating the switch,
•the battery voltage may be insufficient – start
engine and let it run while activating switch,
•the system may be overheated (for example after
lowering or raising the soft top approx. 5
consecutive times) – after approx. 10 minutes the
soft top switch may be activated again.
If indicator lamp in the soft top switch blinks rapidly
while activating the switch,
•the trunk lid and/or the luggage cover may be open,
and need to be closed,
•the soft top is still locked during the opening
procedure and needs to be unlocked,
•the opening/closing procedure is interrupted.
If the indicator lamp continues to blink, raise the soft
top manually, see page280.
Have the system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
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Page 169 of 323
Driving
Parking 195
Tires 195
Control and operation of radio transmitters
170 Snow chains 198
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) 171 Winter driving instructions 198
Maintenance 171 Deep water 199
Catalytic converter 172 Passenger compartment 200
Emission control 173 Travelling abroad 200
Tele Aid 174 Cruise control 201
Steering lock 180 Brake assist system (BAS) 204
Starting and turning off the engine 182 Antilock brake system (ABS) 206
Automatic transmission 183
Electronic stability program (ESP)
208
Parking brake 192 What you should know at the gas station 211
Driving instructions 192 Check regularly and before a long trip 213
Drive sensibly – save fuel 192
Drinking and driving 193
Pedals 193
Power assistance 193
Brakes 193
Driving off 194
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Page 170 of 323

Control and operation of radio transmitters
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Control and operation of radio transmitters
COMAND, radio and telephone
1 Observe all legal requirements.
Telephones and two-way radio
Radio transmitters, such as a portable telephone or a
citizens band unit should only be used inside the
vehicle if they are connected to an antenna that is
installed on the outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation instructions
regarding use of an external antenna.
Warning!
Please do not forget that your primary
responsibility is to drive the vehicle. Only operate
the COMAND (Cockpit Management and Data
System), radio or telephone
1 if road and traffic
conditions permit.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is covering
a distance of approximately 50 feet (approximately
14 m ) e ve r y s e c o n d .
Wa r n i n g !
Never operate radio transmitters equipped with a
built-in or attached antenna (i.e. without being
connected to an external antenna) from inside the
vehicle while the engine is running. Doing so could
lead to a malfunction of the vehicle’s electronic
system, possibly resulting in an accident and
personal injury.
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Page 171 of 323

The first 1 000 miles
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)
The more cautiously you treat your vehicle during the
break-in period, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance later on. Therefore, drive your vehicle
during the first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) at moderate
vehicle and engine speeds.
During this period, avoid heavy loads (full throttle
driving) and excessive engine speeds.
Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is not recommended
to brake the vehicle by manually shifting to a lower gear.
We recommend that you select positions “3”, “2” or “1”
only at moderate speeds (for hill driving).
After 1 000 miles (1 500 km) speeds may be gradually
increased to the permissible maximum.Maintenance
Approximately 30 days or 2 000 miles ( 2000 km) prior
to the next recommended service, the remaining
distance or days are displayed in the multifunction
indicator. See Flexible service system (FSS) on
page107.
We strongly recommend that you have your vehicle
serviced by your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, in
accordance with the Service Booklet at the times called
for by the FSS.
Failure to have the vehicle maintained in accordance
with the Service Booklet at the designated times /
mileage may result in vehicle damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Check regularly and before a long trip, see page213.
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Page 172 of 323

Catalytic converter
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Catalytic converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with monolithic type
catalytic converters, an important element in
conjunction with the oxygen sensors to achieve
substantial control of the pollutants in the exhaust
emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper operating
condition by following our recommended maintenance
instructions as outlined in your Service Booklet.Caution!
To prevent damage to the catalytic converters, use only
premium unleaded gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine operation should
be repaired promptly. Otherwise, excessive unburned
fuel may reach the catalytic converter causing it to
overheat, which could start a fire.
Wa r n i n g !
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or operate
this vehicle in areas where combustible materials
such as grass, hay or leaves can come into contact
with the hot exhaust system, as these materials
could be ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
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