
3 ContentsMaintenance ................................... 227
Tele Aid............................................ 228
Catalytic converter......................... 238
Emission control ............................ 239
Starter switch ................................. 240
Starting and turning off 
the engine .................................. 242
Manual transmission .................... 244
Automatic transmission................ 246
Parking brake ................................. 256
Driving instructions ...................... 257
Drive sensibly – Save Fuel........ 257
Drinking and driving................. 257
Pedals ........................................... 257
Power assistance ........................ 258
Brakes .......................................... 258
Driving off ................................... 259
Parking ........................................ 260
Tires .............................................  261
Snow chains ................................ 263
Winter driving instructions ...... 264
Deep water .................................. 266
Passenger compartment............ 267
Traveling abroad......................... 267Cruise control ................................  268
Brake assist system (BAS)............  271
Antilock brake system (ABS).......  272
Electronic stability program 
(ESP) ...........................................  274
What you should know 
at the gas station ......................  278
Check regularly and before 
a long trip ..................................  280
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 .............................................  287Electronic stability program 
(ESP) — warning lamp ............... 288
Seat belt nonusage warning 
lamp ............................................288
Malfunction 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) .......... 297
COOLANT 
(coolant temperature) ................ 298
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ................... 299 

9 IntroductionImportant notice for California retail buyers of Mercedes-Benz automobiles
Under California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the purchase price or lease 
price, if Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and / or its authorized repair or service facilities fail to fix one ore more substantial 
defects or malfunctions in the vehicle that are covered by its express warranty after a reasonable number of repair 
attempts. During the period of 18 months from original delivery of the vehicle or the accumulation of 18 000 miles on 
the odometer of the vehicle, whichever occurs first, a reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed for a retail 
buyer or lessee if one or more of the following occurs: (1) the same substantial defect or malfunction results in a 
condition that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven, that defect or malfunction has 
been subject to repair two or more times, and you have directly notified Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC in writing of the 
need for its repair and have given us a direct opportunity to perform a repair ourselves, (2) the same substantial defect 
or malfunction of a less serious nature than category (1) has been subject to repair four or more times and you have 
directly notified us of the need for its repair and given us the opportunity to repair ourselves, or  (3) the vehicle is out 
of service by reason of repair of the same or different substantial defects or malfunctions for a cumulative total of 
more than 30 calender days. Written notification should be sent to us, not a dealer, at Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, 
Customer Assistance Center, One Mercedes Drive, Montvale, NJ 07645-0350.
Maintenance
The Service Booklet describes all the necessary maintenance work which should be performed at regular intervals.
Always have the Service Booklet with you when you take the vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for 
service. The service advisor will record each service in the booklet for you.  

120 Multifunction steering wheel, multifunction display
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
The message memory will be cleared when the 
electronic key is turned in the starter switch to 
position 1 or 2. Should any subsequent faults occur, 
they will be displayed in the message memory.
Pressing the è or ÿ button displays the next or 
previous system.Important!
Malfunction and warning messages are only indicated 
for certain systems and displayed to a low level of detail. 
The malfunction and warning messages are simply a 
reminder with respect to the operation of certain 
systems and do not replace the driver’s responsibility to 
maintain the vehicle’s operating safety by having all 
required maintenance and safety checks performed on 
the vehicle and by bringing the vehicle to an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center to address the malfunction and 
warning messages. See page 290, for malfunction and 
warning messages. 

225 Contents - Driving
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
DrivingControl and operation of 
radio transmitters ..................... 226
The first 1 000 miles 
(1 500 km) ................................. 227
Maintenance ................................... 227
Tele Aid............................................ 228
Catalytic converter......................... 238
Emission control ............................ 239
Starter switch ................................. 240
Starting and turning off 
the engine .................................. 242
Manual transmission .................... 244
Automatic transmission................ 246Parking brake ................................  256
Driving instructions......................  257
Drive sensibly – Save Fuel .......  257
Drinking and driving ................  257
Pedals ..........................................  257
Power assistance........................  258
Brakes ..........................................  258
Driving off...................................  259
Parking ........................................  260
Tires .............................................  261
Snow chains................................  263
Winter driving instructions .....  264
Deep water ..................................  266
Passenger compartment ...........  267
Traveling abroad ........................  267Cruise control ................................. 268
Brake assist system (BAS) ............  271
Antilock brake system (ABS) ....... 272
Electronic stability program 
(ESP) ...........................................  274
What you should know 
at the gas station ....................... 278
Check regularly and before 
a long trip ................................... 280 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.