Page 36 of 317
33 Central locking system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
If doors are unlocked with the central locking switch
after activating the automatic central locking, and
neither door is opened, then the doors remain unlocked
even at vehicle speeds of approximately 9 mph
(15 km / h) or more.
If a door is opened from the inside at speeds of
approximately 9mph (15km/h) or less with the
automatic central locking activated, the door will again
be automatically locked at speeds of approximately
9 mph (15 km / h) or more.
Important!
When towing the vehicle, or with the vehicle on a
dynamometer test stand, please, note the following:
With the engine running, the vehicle doors will lock if
the left front wheel spins at vehicle speeds of
approximately 9 mph (15 km / h) or more.
To prevent vehicle door locks from locking, deactivate
the automatic central locking.Emergency unlocking in case of accident
The doors unlock automatically a short time after an
accident in which an airbag or emergency tensioning
retractor deploys (this is intended to aid rescue and
exit). However, the key must still be in the steering lock
position 1 or 2.
Additionally the hazard warning flashers turn on
automatically and the interior lights switch on for
approximately 30 minutes.
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Page 37 of 317
34 Central locking system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Liftgate
1Grip molding
2Handle, outside
3Recessed grip
To o pen :
From outside of vehicle, pull on handle (2).
To cl os e:
Pull down on recessed grip (3), and close by using the
grip molding (1).1Handle, inside
2Locking
3Unlocking
Important!
In case of danger, the unlocked liftgate can be opened
with the inside or outside handle.
Only drive with the liftgate closed as otherwise exhaust
fumes may enter the vehicle interior.
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Page 38 of 317
35 Antitheft alarm system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Antitheft alarm system
The indicator lamp is located in the center console.
The antitheft alarm is automatically armed or disarmed
with the remote control by locking or unlocking the
vehicle.
The antitheft alarm is armed within approximately
15 seconds after locking the vehicle with the remote
control.
A blinking lamp in the center console indicates that the
alarm is armed.
Notes:
Use of the key in the front door locks does not arm or
disarm the antitheft alarm system.
The alarm sounds when unlocking the driver’s door
with the mechanical key. Cancel alarm by turning key in
steering lock to position 1, or with the remote control by
pressing buttonŒ.
If the vehicle battery voltage falls below 10 volts, the
alarm is automatically canceled and the antitheft alarm
system is disarmed. When the voltage is above this
value again, the antitheft alarm system is armed again.Operation:
Once the alarm system has been armed, the turn signal
lamps will flash rapidly (approximately 3 minutes) and
the horn will sound intermittently (approximately
30 seconds) when someone:
•opens a door,
•opens the liftgate,
•opens the hood,
•breaks a window,
•attempts to raise the vehicle.
The alarm will stay on even if the activating element (a
door, for example) is immediately closed.
If the alarm stays on for more than 20 seconds, an
emergency call is initiated automatically. See Tele Aid
on page 148.
Note:
The alarm system will cycle three times when triggered.
The interior lights are automatically switched on when
the alarm comes on and go out when canceling the
alarm.
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Page 39 of 317
36 Tow-away protection
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Tow-away alarm and glass breakage sensor
The switch is located in the overhead console.
The tow-away alarm and glass breakage sensor are part
of the antitheft alarm system.
Once the alarm system has been armed, the turn signal
lamps will flash rapidly and the horn will sound when
someone attempts to raise the vehicle, or breaks a
window and reaches into the passenger compartment.The alarm will last approximately 3 minutes in the form
of rapidly flashing turn signal lamps. At the same time
the horn will sound for approximately 30 seconds. The
alarm will stay on even if the vehicle is immediately
lowered.
If the alarm stays on for more than 20 seconds, an
emergency call is initiated automatically. See Tele Aid
on page 148.
To prevent triggering the tow-away alarm feature, switch
off the tow-away alarm and glass breakage sensor before
towing the vehicle, or when parking on a surface subject
to movement, such as a ferry or auto train.
To do so, turn key in steering lock to position 1, then
return it to position 0 and remove key from steering
lock.
Within 30 seconds, push left or right button. (On
vehicles equipped with optional trip computer, push
RESET or MODE button, display shows OFF.)
Exit vehicle, and lock vehicle with remote control.
The tow-away alarm and glass breakage sensor remain
switched off until the key is inserted in steering lock
and turned to position 1.
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Page 40 of 317
37 Seats
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Seats, front
Caution!
Do not remove head restraints except when mounting
seat covers. For removal see page 43. Whenever head
restraints have been removed be sure to reinstall them
before driving.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving.
Adjusting the seat while driving could cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle.Never ride in a moving vehicle with the backrest
reclined. Sitting in an excessively reclined position
can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat
belt in a collision. If you slide under it, the belt
would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That
could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The
backrest and seat belt provide the best restraint
when the wearer is in an upright position and the
belt is properly positioned on the body.Never place hands under seat or near any moving
parts while a seat is being adjusted.
Wa r n i n g !
When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the steering lock, and lock your vehicle.Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised
use of vehicle equipment may cause serious
personal injury.
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Page 43 of 317
40 Seats
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Power seats (standard; optional on model ML 320)
The slide switches are located on the entry side of each
front seat base.
Turn key in steering lock to position 1 or 2 (with the
driver’s or passenger’s door open, the power seats can
also be operated with the key removed or in steering
lock position 0).We recommend to adjust the power seat in the following
order:
1Seat, up / down
Press the switch (up/down direction) until
comfortable seating position with still sufficient
headroom is reached.
2Seat adjustment, fore / aft
Press the switch (fore / aft direction) until a
comfortable seating position is reached that still
allows you to reach the accelerator / brake pedal
safely. The position should be as far rearward as
possible, consistent with ability to properly operate
controls.
3Seat cushion tilt
Press the switch in the direction of the arrow until
your legs are lightly supported.
4Backrest tilt
Press the switch in the direction of the arrow until
your arms are slightly angled when holding the
steering wheel.
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Page 44 of 317
41 Seats
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Only minor personal adjustments, as described below,
should then be required.
For exterior rear view mirrors, see page 73;
inside rear view mirror, see page 71;
steering wheel adjustment, see page 70.
Note:
See page 42 for instructions on storing and recalling the
seat position.Head restraint
Raising:
Pull up on head restraint.
Lowering:
Push button, located at top of seat back, and push down
on head restraint, see also page 43.
Adjust head restraint to support the back of the head
approximately at ear level. The head restraint angle can
also be adjusted manually.
See page 43 for removing head restraints.
Wa r n i n g !
When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the steering lock, and lock your vehicle.The power seats can also be operated with the
driver’s or passenger door open. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle or with access
to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle
equipment may cause serious personal injury.
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Page 46 of 317
43 Seats
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Head restraint removal
Removal:
Pull head restraint to its highest position. Push lock
button (arrow) and pull out head restraint completely
with both hands.
Installation:
Insert the head restraint and push it down to the stop.
Push lock button (arrow) and adjust head restraint down
to the desired position.Ensure proper head restraint positioning, see above.
Wa r n i n g !
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.Adjust head restraint to support the back of the
head approximately at ear level.Do not drive the vehicle without the seat head
restraints. Head restraints are intended to help
reduce injuries during an accident.
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