
1 Contents
IntroductionProduct information  .......................... 7
Roadside assistance ......................... 10
Where to find it  ................................ 14
Reporting Safety Defects  ................ 16Instruments and controlsInstruments and controls  ............... 18
Center console  .............................. 20
Overhead control panel  ............... 21OperationVehicle keys  ...................................... 24
Start lock-out  .................................... 25
General notes on the
central locking system  ............... 26
Central locking system  ................... 26
Radio frequency
remote control  .............................. 26
Unlocking the liftgate  .................. 28
Panic button  .................................. 28
Mechanical keys  ........................... 29Doors ................................................. 30
Central locking switch .................... 32
Automatic central locking  .......... 32
Emergency unlocking in case
of accident  ................................... 33
Liftgate .............................................. 34
Antitheft alarm system ................... 35
Tow-away alarm and
glass breakage sensor  ............... 36
Seats, front  ....................................... 37
Manual seats  ................................ 39
Power seats ................................... 40
Head restraint  ...............................41
Heated seats  ..................................... 44
Seat belts and integrated 
restraint system  .......................... 46
Seat belts  .......................................... 46
Seat belt nonusage 
warning system ............................ 47
BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system  ................... 53
Self-test BabySmart
TM 
without special child
seat installed  ................................ 53Supplemental restraint 
system (SRS)  ................................ 54
Emergency tensioning 
retractor (ETR) ............................. 55
Airbags .............................................. 56
Safety guidelines for the 
seat belt, emergency 
tensioning retractor
and airbag  ..................................... 63
Infant and child 
restraint systems .......................... 65
Adjustable steering wheel  .............. 70
Inside rear view mirror  .................. 71
Antiglare night position .............. 71
Exterior rear view mirrors  ............. 73
Exterior rear view mirror, 
electrically folding  ....................... 75
Instrument cluster  ........................... 76
Indicator lamps in the 
instrument cluster  ...................... 78
Trip computer  ................................... 83
Flexible service system (FSS)  ........ 87
Engine oil level indicator ................ 89
Exterior lamp switch  ....................... 90 

22 Contents - Operation
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
OperationVehicle keys  ...................................... 24
Start lock-out  .................................... 25
General notes on the
central locking system  ............... 26
Central locking system  ................... 26
Radio frequency
remote control  .............................. 26
Unlocking the liftgate  .................. 28
Panic button  .................................. 28
Mechanical keys  ........................... 29
Doors .................................................. 30
Central locking switch  .................... 32
Automatic central locking  .......... 32
Emergency unlocking in case
of accident  .................................... 33
Liftgate ............................................... 34
Antitheft alarm system  ................... 35
Tow - aw ay  a lar m  a n d
glass breakage sensor  ................ 36
Seats, front ........................................ 37
Manual seats ................................. 39
Power seats  ................................... 40Head restraint  ...............................41
Heated seats  ..................................... 44
Seat belts and integrated 
restraint system  .......................... 46
Seat belts  .......................................... 46
Seat belt nonusage 
warning system ............................ 47
BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system  ................... 53
Self-test BabySmart
TM 
without special child
seat installed  ................................ 53
Supplemental restraint 
system (SRS)  ............................... 54
Emergency tensioning 
retractor (ETR)  ............................ 55
Airbags .............................................. 56
Safety guidelines for the 
seat belt, emergency 
tensioning retractor
and airbag ..................................... 63
Infant and child 
restraint systems  ......................... 65
Adjustable steering wheel .............. 70
Inside rear view mirror  ...................71Antiglare night position .............. 71
Exterior rear view mirrors  ............. 73
Exterior rear view mirror, 
electrically folding  ....................... 75
Instrument cluster  ........................... 76
Indicator lamps in the 
instrument cluster  ...................... 78
Trip computer  ................................... 83
Flexible service system (FSS)  ........ 87
Engine oil level indicator ................ 89
Exterior lamp switch  ....................... 90
Fo g la mp sw itch 
(except Canada)  .......................... 92
Fo g la mp sw itch 
(Canada only)  .............................. 93
Hazard warning flasher 
switch ............................................ 94
Headlamp cleaning system  ............ 94
Windshield wiper/washer 
switch ............................................ 95
Rear window wiper/washer  ........... 96
Climate control ................................. 98
Basic setting – Heater  ............... 100 

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. 

58 Restraint systems
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out after approximately 5 seconds; after the lamp goes 
out, the system continues to monitor the components 
and circuitry of the airbag system and will indicate a 
malfunction by coming on again. If the lamp does not 
come on at all or if it fails to extinguish after 
approximately 5 seconds or if it comes on thereafter, 
a malfunction in the system has been detected.
The following system components are monitored or 
undergo a self-check: crash-sensor(s), airbag ignition 
circuits, front seat belt buckles, emergency tensioning 
retractors, seat sensor.
Initially, when the key is turned from steering lock 
position 0 to positions 1 or 2, malfunctions in the 
crash-sensor are detected and indicated (the “SRS” 
indicator lamp stays on longer than 5 seconds or does 
not come on).
Have the system checked at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center immediately.In the operational mode, after the indicator lamp has 
gone out following the initial check, interruptions or 
short circuits in the airbag ignition circuit and in the 
driver and front passenger seat belt buckle harnesses, 
and low voltage in the entire system are detected and 
indicated.
Wa r n i n g !
In the event a malfunction of the “SRS” is indicated 
as outlined above, the “SRS” may not be 
operational. For your safety, we strongly 
recommend that you visit an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center immediately to 
have the system checked; otherwise the “SRS” may 
not be activated when needed in an accident, which 
could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might 
deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily which 
could also result in injury. 

72 Rear view mirrors
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Automatic (optional on ML 320):
With the key in steering lock position 2 and the 
automatic antiglare function activated, the mirror 
reflection brightness responds to changes in light 
sensitivity.
To  a ctiva te:
Press button (1). The green indicator lamp in the rear 
view mirror lights up.To deactivate:
Press button (1) again. The indicator lamp in the rear 
view mirror goes out. The mirror brightness does not 
respond to changes in light sensitivity.
Notes:
With gear selector lever in position “R”, or with the 
interior lamps (except cargo compartment lamp) 
switched on, the mirror brightness does not respond to 
changes in light sensitivity.
The automatic antiglare function does not react, if 
incoming light is not aimed directly at sensors in the 
mirror.
Wa r n i n g !
In the case of an accident liquid electrolyte may 
escape the mirror housing when the mirror glass 
breaks.Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not allow the 
liquid come into contact with eyes, skin, clothing, 
or respiratory system. In cases it does, immediately 
flush affected area with water, and seek medical 
help if necessary. 

82 Instrument cluster
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data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Outside temperature indicator
The temperature sensor is located in the front bumper 
area. Due to its location, the sensor can be affected by 
road or engine heat during idling or slow driving. This 
means that the accuracy of the displayed temperature 
can only be verified by comparison to a thermometer 
placed next to the sensor, not by comparison to external 
displays (e.g. bank signs etc.).
Adaptation to ambient temperature takes place in steps 
and depends on the prevailing driving conditions (stop-
and-go or moderate, constant driving) and amount of 
temperature change.Tachometer
The tachometer displays the present engine speed in 
revolutions per minute (RPM).
To help protect the engine, the fuel supply is interrupted 
if the engine is operated above its specified limit.
Wa r n i n g !
The outside temperature indicator is not designed 
to serve as an Ice-Warning Device and is therefore 
unsuitable for that purpose. Indicated 
temperatures just above the freezing point do not 
guarantee that the road surface is free of ice. 

95 Windshield wiper/washer
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Windshield wiper/washer switch
Move stalk briefly up for single wipe without adding 
washer fluid (use only when windshield is wet).
Pull stalk toward steering wheel and hold to activate 
wiper and washer.
Wiper offMove stalk down for:
Intermittent wiping 
(Interval is vehicle speed dependent
1. 
Optional rain sensor: One initial wipe, pauses 
between wipes are automatically controlled by a 
rain sensor monitoring wetness of windshield.)
Notes:
With vehicle at a standstill, a front door open and 
the key in steering lock position 2 there will be no 
operation of windshield wipers in intermittent 
setting.
Optional rain sensor:
Do not leave in intermittent setting when vehicle 
is taken to an automatic car wash or when 
cleaning the windshield. Wipers will operate in 
presence of water spray at windshield, and wipers 
may be damaged as a result.
Move stalk up for:
Normal wiper speed
Fast wiper speed
1 At speeds of approximately 105 mph (170 km/h) the wiper 
switches automatically to continuous wiping. 

160 Catalytic converter
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data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
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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.