Page 34 of 317

31 Central locking system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Each individual door and the liftgate must be locked 
with the respective door lock button – the driver’s door 
can only be locked when it is closed.
Notes:
The alarm sounds when unlocking the driver’s door. 
Cancel alarm by turning key in steering lock to 
position 1, or with the remote control by pressing 
buttonŒ.
If the vehicle has previously been locked from the 
outside, only the door being opened from the inside will 
unlock, and the alarm will come on. The remaining 
doors, the liftgate and fuel filler flap remain locked.
In case of a malfunction in the central locking system 
the doors can be locked and unlocked individually.To lock, push down lock buttons and turn mechanical 
key in driver’s door lock to position 3. In addition lock 
the liftgate.
To unlock, pull inside door handles and turn mechanical 
key in driver’s door lock to position 2.
Rear doors, previously centrally locked, can be opened 
from inside by first unlocking the vehicle with the 
central locking switch, see page 32, or by first pulling 
up the door lock button.
If the fuel filler flap cannot be opened, see page 274. 
     
        
        Page 80 of 317

77 Instrument cluster
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 1Coolant temperature gauge, see page 81
2Outside temperature indicator (optional), see 
page 82
3Fuel gauge with reserve and fuel cap placement 
warning lamp, see page 220
4Left turn signal indicator lamp, see exterior lamp 
switch, page 90
5Knob for odometer / trip odometer readout / reset, 
FSS indicator, and intensity of instrument lamps, 
see page 80
64-ETS+ and ESP warning lamp, see page 221
For 4-ETS+ (four wheel electronic traction system), 
see page 203;
for ESP (electronic stability program), see page 205.7Speedometer
8Selectable:
Trip odometer, see page 80 
Main odometer, see page 80 
FSS display, see page 87 
Engine oil level indicator, see page 89
9Right turn signal indicator lamp, see exterior lamp 
switch, page 90
10Knob for setting clock, see page 80
11Tachometer, see page 82
12Gear range indicator display, see selector lever 
positions, page 168
13Clock, see page 80 
     
        
        Page 82 of 317
79 Instrument cluster
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 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. In all cases, 
we recommend that you have the 
malfunction checked as soon as possible, see 
page 218.Additional function indicator lamps
(in the odometer display)
FSS indicator (Service A), see page 87
FSS indicator (Service B), see page 87
The symbols appear in the main odometer display field 
prior to the next suggested service. Depending on 
operating conditions throughout the year, the next 
service is calculated and displayed in days or distance 
remaining. See page 87 for notes on the flexible service 
system (FSS).
CHECK
ENGINE 
     
        
        Page 85 of 317

82 Instrument cluster
Te ch n ica l
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. 
     
        
        Page 86 of 317

83 Trip computer
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Trip computer (standard; optional on model ML 320)
The trip computer is located in the overhead console.
Function keys are:
•RESET
•MODE
Note:
With engine not running, the display switches off 
automatically 30 seconds after the last entry.To select a mode:
With key in steering lock position 1 or 2, press MODE 
key repeatedly to illuminate the display and scroll 
through menu for one of the following options:
1. Date, see page 84.
2. Compass, see page 84.
3. Stop watch, see page 86.
4. Present fuel consumption – displays miles per 
gallon or liters pe r 100 km.
5. Average fuel consumption – displays miles per 
gallon or liters per 100 km, see page 86.
6. Distance remaining with fuel presently in tank.
Note:
The display f lashes when fuel supply drops to the 
reserve level. The distance remaining is no longer 
shown.
7. Language – Press RESET key until the desired 
language is displayed. Depending on language 
selected, information is displayed in that country’s 
customary system. See page 86.
8. Trip computer switched off.
MODE 
     
        
        Page 89 of 317

86 Trip computer
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
To calibrate the compass:
If the vehicle was exposed to a significant magnetic 
zone, such as high voltage power lines, the compass 
may have to be calibrated.
Calibration of the compass should be done in an area 
free of steel superstructures and power lines. All 
electrical consumers (e.g. exterior lamps, climate 
control, etc.) should be switched off, doors and liftgate 
closed. Do not open or close the roof. An open door or 
liftgate triggers the display “–––”.
1. Start and run the engine.
2. Press MODE key repeatedly until the compass 
display appears in the trip computer display.
3. Press RESET key to select the compass zone display.
4. Press RESET repeatedly until the correct zone, as 
determined from the zone map (see page 85), is 
shown in the display.
5. Press MODE key, “CAL–” appears in the display.
6. Press and hold RESET for a minimum of 2 seconds.7. Without interruption drive two or more full circles 
at a speed between 3 mph (5 km / h) and 7 mph 
(10 km / h) during which the message “CAL” is 
replaced with a compass bearing (e.g. N, SW etc.), 
immediately followed by three full circles at the 
same speed, with only the rear window defroster 
switched on. The defroster can be switched off 
again. The calibration of the compass is now 
complete.
•Stop watch  – 
Press RESET key to start the count. Press again to 
stop the count. Press and hold RESET key to reset 
sto p watch.
•Average fuel consumption –
 Press RESET key to delete present reading.
•Language –
Press RESET key to set the language used in the 
display. 
     
        
        Page 148 of 317

145 Contents - Driving
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
DrivingControl and operation of 
radio transmitters  ..................... 146
The first 1 000 miles 
(1 500 km)  ................................. 147
Maintenance ................................... 147
Tele Aid  ........................................... 148
Catalytic converter  ........................ 160
Emission control  ............................ 161
Steering lock  ................................... 162
Starting and turning off 
the engine  .................................. 164
Automatic transmission  ............... 165
Parking brake  ................................. 173Driving instructions .......................174
Drive sensibly – save fuel  .........174
Drinking and driving  .................174
Pedals ...........................................174
Power assistance ........................ 175
Brakes .......................................... 175
Driving off .................................... 176
Parking ......................................... 176
Tires ............................................. 177
Snow chains  ............................... 179
Winter driving instructions  ......180
Deep water  ...................................181
Passenger compartment  ............182
Traveling abroad  .........................182Off-Road driving  ............................. 183
Trailer towing  ................................. 190
Cruise control  ................................. 196
Brake assist system (BAS)  ............ 199
Antilock brake system (ABS)  ....... 201
Four-wheel electronic 
traction system (4-ETS+) ..........203
Electronic brake 
proportioning (EBP) ..................204
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ...........................................205
Transmission control – 
LOW RANGE mode  ...................209
What you should know
at the gas station  ....................... 212
Check regularly and
before a long trip  ...................... 215 
     
        
        Page 156 of 317

153 Tele Aid
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index When the connection is established, the message 
“ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE – CALL CONNECTED” 
appears in the MCS display. The Tele Aid system will 
transmit data generating the vehicle identification 
number, model, color and location (subject to 
availability of cellular and GPS signals).
While the call is connected, you can change to 
navigation menu by pressing NAVI button on the MCS.
A voice connection between the Roadside Assistance 
dispatcher and the occupants of the vehicle will be 
established. When a voice connection is established the 
audio system mutes and the message “TELE AID –
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CALL ACTIVE” appears in the 
MCS display. The nature of the need for assistance can 
then be described. The Mercedes-Benz Roadside 
assistance dispatcher will either dispatch a qualified 
Mercedes-Benz technician or arrange to tow your 
vehicle to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center. For 
services such as labor and/or towing charges may apply. 
Refer to the Roadside Assistance manual for more 
information.These programs are only available in the USA:
•Sign and Drive services: Services such as jump start, 
a few gallons of fuel or the replacement of a f lat tire 
with the vehicle spare tire are obtainable,
•Remote Vehicle Diagnostics: This function permits 
the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance dispatcher 
to download malfunction codes and actual vehicle 
data.
Notes:
The indicator lamp in the Roadside Assistance 
button• remains illuminated in red for 
approximately 10 seconds during the system self-check 
after turning key in steering lock to position 2 (together 
with the “SOS” button and the Information 
button¡).
See system self-check on page 148 when the indicator 
lamp does not light up in red or stay on longer than 
approximately 10 seconds.