Page 166 of 399

163 Automatic climate control
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 1Temperature, left
2Temperature, right
3Air volume
4Automatic mode is selectedAutomatic 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.
The system will not heat or cool any quicker 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. Adjust the temperature 
settings in small increments.
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 mode S is selected, see page 169. 
     
        
        Page 167 of 399

164 Automatic climate control
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
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 171 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 mode S cannot be switched off. Have 
the air conditioner checked by a Mercedes-Benz Center 
should this happen.
If the vehicle interior has been heated by direct sunlight 
and is very hot, ventilate the interior (open door or 
windows for a short period) before driving off.
Dust filter
Nearly all dust particles and pollen are filtered out 
before outside air enters the passenger compartment 
through the air distribution system.Basic setting – automatic mode
In the automatic mode the automatic climate control 
cools or heats the interior depending on the direction 
and strength of the sunlight, outside temperature and 
the selected interior temperature of the vehicle. With 
the automatic mode switched off, the air volume and 
distribution can still be set manually.
Briefly press left or right U button. The h, j 
and k symbols will no longer be visible.
The economy mode and air recirculation functions will 
be switched off. The automatic blower will be activated 
at the same time.
We recommend to set the temperature switches on the 
left and right to 72
°F (22
°C). Please make changes from 
this setting to suit your personal requirements.
Heating mode:
To lower headroom temperature, use thumbwheel
(4, page 160).
Air conditioning mode:
Open air outlets at dashboard top center (7, page 160) 
for an even air distribution. 
     
        
        Page 172 of 399

169 Automatic climate control
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Economy mode
The function of this setting corresponds to the 
automatic mode. However, because the air conditioning 
compressor will not engage (fuel savings), it is not 
possible to air condition in this setting.
Press S button to activate. The indicator lamp in the 
button illuminates. 
Press S button once again to return to the previous 
setting. The indicator lamp in the button goes out.
Important!
In the S mode the windows could fog up on the 
inside. Switch off S mode.
Automatic climate control - OFF/ON
To switch the automatic climate control off, set the air 
volume control switch to position 0.
The fresh air supply to the vehicle interior is shut off.
While driving, use this setting only temporarily, 
otherwise the windshield could fog up.To switch the automatic climate control on again, press 
the U or Pbutton, or set air volume control 
switch to any speed.
Residual engine heat utilization
With the engine switched off, it is possible to continue 
to heat or ventilate the interior for a short while, 
dependent of the temperature set in the automatic 
climate control. Air volume and distribution are 
controlled automatically.
To  s e l e c t :
Turn the electronic key in starter switch to position 1 
or 0 or remove it altogether.
Press button T. The indicator lamp in the button 
illuminates.
This function selection will not activate if the battery 
level is insufficient. 
The function switches off automatically:
•if the electronic key in starter switch is turned to 
position 2, 
•after approximately 30 minutes,
•if the battery voltage drops. 
     
        
        Page 173 of 399

170 Automatic climate control
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Rear window defroster
Turn the electronic key in starter switch to position 2.
To select:
Press the F button in the control panel of the 
automatic air conditioner. The indicator lamp in the 
button illuminates. 
To c a nc el:
Press the F button in the control panel of the 
automatic air conditioner. The indicator lamp in the 
button goes out.
Note:
Heavy accumulation of snow and ice should be removed 
before activating the defroster. The rear window defroster uses a large amount of power. 
To keep the battery drain to a minimum, turn off the 
defroster as soon as the rear window is clear.
The defroster is automatically turned off after 
approximately 6–17 minutes of operation depending on 
the outside temperature and vehicle speed. 
If several power consumers are turned on 
simultaneously, or the battery is only partially charged, 
it is possible that the defroster will automatically turn 
itself off. When this happens, the indicator lamp inside 
the switch starts blinking.
As soon as the battery has sufficient voltage, the 
defroster automatically turns itself back on. 
     
        
        Page 176 of 399

173 Audio system
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Audio and telephone operation
These instructions are intended to help you become 
acquainted with your Mercedes-Benz audio system. 
They contain useful tips and a detailed description of 
the user functions.Operating safety
1Optional equipment
Dolby and the double-D symbol 
Ù
 are trademarks of Dolby 
Laboratories Licensing Corporation. The Dolby noise reduction 
system is manufactured under licence from Dolby Laboratories 
Licensing Corporation.
Wa r n i n g !
In order to avoid distraction which could lead to an 
accident, system settings should be entered with 
the vehicle at standstill and systems should be 
operated by the driver only when traffic conditions 
permit. Always pay full attention to traffic 
conditions first before operating system controls 
while driving. Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph 
(approximately 50 km/h), your car is covering a 
distance of 50 feet (approximately14 m) every 
second.
Wa r n i n g !
Any alterations made to electronic components can 
cause malfunctions.The radio, cassette deck, CD changer
1 and 
telephone
1 are interconnected. Therefore, when 
one of the components is defective or has not been 
removed/replaced properly this may impair the 
function of other components.
These malfunctions might seriously impair the 
operating safety of your vehicle.We recommend that you have any service work or 
alterations to electronic components done at an 
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. 
     
        
        Page 241 of 399

238 Catalytic converter
Te ch n i c a 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. 
     
        
        Page 260 of 399

257 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – Save Fuel
Fuel consumption, to a great extent, depends on driving 
habits and operating conditions. 
To save fuel you should:
•keep tires at the recommended inflation pressures,
•remove unnecessary loads,
•remove roof rack when not in use,
•allow engine to warm up under low load use,
•avoid frequent acceleration and deceleration,
•have all maintenance work performed at regular 
intervals by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Fuel consumption is also increased by driving in cold 
weather, in stop-and-go traffic, on short trips and in hilly 
country.Drinking and driving
Ped al s
Wa r n i n g !
Drinking or taking drugs and driving can be a very 
dangerous combination. Even a small amount of 
alcohol or drugs can affect your reflexes, 
perceptions and judgement.The possibility of a serious or even fatal accident is 
sharply increased when you drink or take drugs 
and drive.Please don’t drink or take drugs and drive or allow 
anyone to drive after drinking or taking drugs.Wa r n i n g !
Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times. Objects 
stored in this area may impair pedal movement. 
     
        
        Page 264 of 399

261 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Tires
Tread wear indicators (TWI) are required by law. These 
indicators are located in six places on the tread 
circumference and become visible at a tread depth of 
approximately 
1/16 in (1.5 mm), at which point the tire is 
considered worn and should be replaced.
The tread wear indicator appears as a solid band across 
the tread.
Wa r n i n g !
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or ride 
disturbance, or you suspect that possible damage to 
your vehicle has occurred, you should turn on the 
hazard warning flashers, carefully slow down, and 
drive with caution to an area which is a safe 
distance from the roadway.Inspect the tires and under the vehicle for possible 
damage. If the vehicle or tires appear unsafe, have 
it towed to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center or 
tire dealer for repairs.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not allow your tires to wear down too far. As 
tread depth approaches 
1/16 in (1.5 mm), the 
adhesion properties on a wet road are sharply 
reduced.
Depending upon the weather and / or road surface 
(conditions), the tire traction varies widely.