Page 94 of 399

91 Rear view mirrors
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Parking position exterior mirror 
(only vehicles with memory function)
The passenger side exterior mirror can be adjusted and 
programmed to assist the driver during parking 
maneuvers (e.g. to observe the curb or other objects 
close to the vehicle).
With the electronic key in starter switch position 2, and 
the exterior rear view mirror switch in the passenger 
side position, the passenger side mirror will be turned 
downward when placing the gear selector lever in “R” 
reverse.
Note:
For activating the mirror adjustment, see under 
individual setting menu “CONVENIENCE” – “MIRROR 
SETTING WHEN PARKING”, on page 134.
The passenger side mirror will return to its previous 
position:
•immediately at speeds above approx. 6 mph 
(10 km / h)  – independent of the engaged gear,
•after 10 seconds when shifting gear selector lever 
from “R” Reverse,
•by pressing the driver’s side mirror button%.To store passenger mirror parking position:
1. The vehicle must be stationary.
Turn the electronic key in starter switch to 
position 1 or 2.
2. Select passenger side mirror& and adjust the 
mirror to view the curb.
3. Push the memory button “M” (4).
4. Within 3 seconds push bottom of adjustment 
button (3).
The mirror should not move.
Repeat the memory procedure if the mirror moves.
Note:
One stored parking position is available for each of the 
two electronic keys.
This is only possible if you select “ON” in the menu, 
“SETTINGS KEY-DEPENDENT”, see under individual 
setting menu “CONVENIENCE” – “SETTINGS KEY-
DEPENDENT”, see page 134. 
     
        
        Page 148 of 399
145 Exterior lamp switch
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Daytime running lamp mode
Turn exterior lamp switch to positionM orU.
When the engine is running, the low beam headlamps 
are automatically switched on. In low ambient light 
conditions the parking lamps will also switch on.
•Canada only:
When shifting from a driving position to 
position “N” or “P”, the low beam switches off 
(3 minutes delay).
For nighttime driving the exterior lamp switch 
should be turned to position B to permit 
activation of the high beam headlamps.•USA only:
The high beam headlamps can also be activated 
when driving with the daytime running lamp mode 
activated and exterior lamp switch in positionM.
To activate the daytime running lamp mode, see the 
individual setting menu “LIGHTING” – “LIGHT 
CIRCUIT HEADLAMP MODE” on page 128.
Note:
See page 143 for notes on the exterior lamp switch. 
     
        
        Page 230 of 399

227 The first 1 000 miles
Te ch n i c a 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
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.
For information on the Flexible service system (FSS), 
see page 138. 
     
        
        Page 245 of 399

242 Starting and turning off the engine
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Starting and turning off the engine
Before starting
Ensure that parking brake is engaged and that selector 
lever is in position “P” or “N” (gearshift lever in 
neutral). Turn electronic key in starter switch to 
position 2.
Starting
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Do not depress accelerator. Briefly turn electronic key in 
starter switch clockwise to the stop and release. The 
starter will engage until the engine is running.
If engine will not run, and the starting procedure stops, 
turn electronic key completely to the left and repeat 
starting the engine.
After several unsuccessful attempts, have the system 
checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz 
Center.Vehicles with manual transmission:
Do not depress accelerator. Fully depress clutch pedal, 
otherwise the engine cannot be started due to the 
integrated safety interlock.
Turn electronic key in starter switch clockwise to the 
stop. Release only when the engine is firing regularly. 
     
        
        Page 247 of 399
244 Manual transmission
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Manual transmission
See illustration for gearshift lever positions 
corresponding to the individual gears.Stop the vehicle completely before shifting into reverse; 
to shift into reverse, pull the gearshift lever up.
Do not exceed the maximum engine speed in the 
individual gears. Refer to tachometer (see page 101) for 
engine speeds.
Important!
Downshifting gears leading to overrevving the engine 
can result in transmission damage that is not covered 
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Do not exceed engine speed limits, see page 101. 
     
        
        Page 248 of 399

245 Manual transmission
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Wa r n i n g !
For vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, 
getting out of your vehicle with the gearshift lever 
not engaged in 1st or reverse gear and parking 
brake engaged is dangerous. 
Also, when parked on an incline, an engaged 1st or 
reverse gear alone may not prevent your vehicle 
from moving, possibly hitting people or objects.Always set the parking brake in addition to 
engaging 1st or reverse gear, see page 256 for 
parking brake. When parked on an incline, also turn front wheel 
towards the road curb.When leaving the vehicle always remove the key 
from the steering lock, and lock the vehicle. Do not 
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with 
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could move 
the gearshift lever, which could result in an 
accident or serious injury.
Wa r n i n g !
On slippery road surfaces as well as high engine 
speeds, never downshift in order to obtain braking 
action. This could result in drive wheel slip and 
reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not 
prevent this type of loss of control. 
     
        
        Page 249 of 399
246 Automatic transmission
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Automatic transmission (optional)The automatic transmission selects individual gears 
automatically, dependent upon
•Selector lever position
•Program mode selector
•Accelerator position
•Vehicle speed
The gear shifting process is continuously adapted, 
dependent on the driving style, the driving situation 
and the road characteristics.
Important!
When parking the vehicle or before working on the 
vehicle with the engine running, firmly depress the 
parking brake pedal and shift the selector lever into “P”. 
     
        
        Page 250 of 399

247 Automatic transmission
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Driving
The selector lever is automatically locked while in 
position “P”. To move the selector lever out of 
position “P”, the service brake pedal must be firmly 
depressed before the shift lock will release. 
Shift selector lever to the desired position only when the 
engine is idling normally and the service brake is 
applied. Do not release the brake until ready to drive. 
The vehicle may otherwise start creeping when the 
selector lever is in drive or reverse position.Important!
After selecting any driving position from “N” or “P”, 
wait a moment to allow the gear to fully engage before 
accelerating, especially when the engine is cold.
Accelerator position
Partial throttle = early upshifting = normal acceleration
Full throttle = later upshifting = rapid acceleration
Kickdown (depressing the accelerator beyond full 
throttle) = downshifting to a lower gear = maximum 
acceleration. Once the desired speed is attained, ease up 
on the accelerator — the transmission shifts up again.
Wa r n i n g !
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of “P” 
or “N” if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. 
If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the 
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in 
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and 
hit someone or something. Only shift into gear 
when the engine is idling normally and when your 
right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.