
30 Central locking system
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Start lock-out
Important!
Removing the electronic key from the starter switch 
activates the start lock-out. The engine cannot be 
started.
Inserting the electronic key in the starter switch 
deactivates the start lock-out.
Note:
In case the engine cannot be started (vehicle’s battery is 
in order), the system is not operational. Contact an 
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call 1-800-FOR-
MERCedes (in the USA), or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).General notes on the central locking system
If the electronic key is inserted in the starter switch, the 
vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked with the remote 
control.
If the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked:
•Aim transmitter eye at a receiver of either door 
handle. Check the batteries of the electronic key, see 
page 351, or synchronize the electronic key, see 
page 353.
•Use the mechanical key to unlock the vehicle. To 
start engine, insert the electronic key in the starter 
switch. There could be a slight delay until the 
electronic key can be turned in the starter switch.
Important!
When unlocking the driver’s door with the mechanical 
key, the exterior lamps will flash and the alarm will 
sound.
To cancel the alarm, insert the electronic key in the 
starter switch or press buttonŒ or‹ on the 
electronic key. 

155 Climate control
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Climate control
The system is always at operational readiness, except 
when manually switched off.
The 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 can be selected 
separately for the left and right side of the passenger 
compartment. Adjust the temperature settings in small 
increments.
The 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 159. 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. 

258 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Power assistance
BrakesExcessive use of road salt and other snow melting 
chemicals spread on roads during the winter months 
may cause a build up of moisture or residue to form on 
the braking components. This build up or residue could 
cause light corrosion of the braking components if the 
vehicle is parked with the brakes cold. Apply steady and 
even braking pressure when stopping the vehicle to 
warm up and dry the brake components.
Important!
Please pay attention to the function of the brake assist 
system (BAS), see page 271.
The condition of the parking brake system is checked 
each time the vehicle is in the shop for the required 
maintenance service.
If the parking brake is released and the brake warning 
lamp in the instrument cluster stays on, the brake fluid 
level in the reservoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may be the 
reason for low brake fluid in the reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected at an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
Wa r n i n g !
When the engine is not running, the brake and 
steering systems are without power assistance. 
Under these circumstances, a much greater effort is 
necessary to stop or steer the vehicle.Wa r n i n g !
After driving in heavy rain for some time without 
applying the brakes or through water deep enough 
to wet brake components or salty road conditions, 
the first braking action may be somewhat reduced 
and increased pedal pressure may be necessary to 
obtain expected braking effect. Be sure to maintain 
a safe distance from vehicles in front.Resting your foot on the brake pedal will cause 
excessive and premature wear of the brake pads.It can also result in the brakes overheating thereby 
significantly reducing their effectiveness. It may 
not be possible to stop the vehicle in sufficient time 
to avoid an accident. 

281 Contents - Instrument cluster display
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator 
lamps in the instrument 
cluster ......................................... 282
On-board diagnostic system ......... 283
Check engine malfunction 
indicator lamp............................. 283
Brake warning lamp .................. 284
Supplemental restraint 
system (SRS) indicator lamp .... 285
Fuel reserve warning................. 286
ABS malfunction indicator 
lamp.............................................. 287
Electronic stability program 
(ESP) — warning lamp ............... 288
Seat belt nonusage warning 
lamp ............................................288Malfunction and indicator 
lamp in the center console......  289
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp ....  289
Malfunction and warning 
messages in the 
multifunction display ..............  290
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE................  291
BATTERY  / ALTERNATOR .......  292
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ....  293
BRAKE ASSIST...........................  293
BRAKE PAD WEAR....................  294
BRAKE FLUID ............................  294
PARKING BRAKE .......................  295
SEAT BELT SYSTEM ..................  295
ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability program)..  296
COOLANT (coolant level)..........  297COOLANT 
(coolant temperature) ................ 298
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ................... 299
LIGHTING SYSTEM .................... 300
LIGHT SENSOR........................... 302
DOOR............................................ 302
TRUNK OPEN ............................. 303
HOOD ........................................... 303
TELEPHONE – FUNCTION ....... 304
TELE AID ..................................... 304
WASHER FLUID.......................... 305
RESTRAINT SYSTEM ................. 306
KEY............................................... 306
FUEL RESERVE .......................... 307
UNDERVOLTAGE ........................ 307
STEERING WHEEL ADJUST. ..... 308 

282 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Malfunction and indicator lamps 
in the instrument cluster
General information:
If a bulb in the instrument cluster fails to light up 
during the bulb self-check when turning the electronic 
key in starter switch to position 2, have it checked and 
replaced if necessary.
Emission control
Certain systems of the engine serve to keep the toxic 
components of the exhaust gases within permissible 
limits required by law.
These systems, of course, will function properly only 
when maintained strictly according to factory 
specifications. Any adjustments on the engine should, 
therefore, be carried out only by authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center qualified technicians. Engine 
adjustments should not be altered in any way. Moreover, 
the specified service jobs must be carried out regularly 
according to Mercedes-Benz servicing requirements. 
For details refer to the Service Booklet.
Wa r n i n g !
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your 
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, 
and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and 
lead to death. Do not run the engine in confined areas (such as a 
garage) which are not properly ventilated. If you 
think that exhaust gas fumes are entering the 
vehicle while driving, have the cause determined 
and corrected immediately. If you must drive under 
these conditions, drive only with at least one 
window fully open.