252 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy roads is to
drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt acceleration, braking
and steering maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, move
selector lever to position “N”. Try to keep the vehicle
under control by corrective steering action.
Road salts and chemicals can adversely affect braking
efficiency. Increased pedal force may become necessary
to produce the normal brake effect. We therefore
recommend depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn roads. This can
bring road salt impaired braking efficiency back to
normal. A prerequisite is, however, that this be done
without endangering other drivers on the road.If the vehicle is parked af ter being driven on salt treated
roads, the braking ef f iciency should be tested as soon as
possible after driving is resumed while observing the
safety rules in the previous paragraph.
Wa r n i n g !
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make sure
that snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around the vehicle with engine running.
O t h e rw i s e , d e a d ly c a r b o n m o n ox i d e ( CO ) ga s e s m ay
enter vehicle interior resulting in unconsciousness
and death.To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open a
window slightly on the side of the vehicle not
facing the wind.
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296 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.On-board diagnostic system
Check engine malfunction indicator lamp
Engine malfunction indicator lamp. 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 (check the
fuel cap). If the “CHECK ENGINE” lamp is illuminated
continuously and the vehicle is driving normally, you
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.
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329 Contents - Practical hints
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Practical hintsFirst aid kit .....................................330
Fuses ................................................ 331
Shelf below rear window ..............333
Hood .................................................334
Checking engine oil level .............337
Automatic transmission
fluid level ...................................338
Active body control
(ABC) fluid level ........................338
Coolant level ...................................339
Adding coolant ...........................339
Windshield and headlamp
washer system ...........................340
Windshield and headlamp
washer fluid mixing ratio .........340Spare wheel, vehicle tools, storage
compartment ............................. 341
Jack .................................................. 342
Wheels ............................................ 343
Tire Replacement ....................... 343
Rotating wheels ......................... 344
Spare wheel .................................... 344
Changing wheels ........................... 346
Tire inflation pressure ................. 351
Battery ............................................. 352
Jump starting ................................. 355
Towing the vehicle ........................ 357
Exterior lamps ............................... 360
Headlamp assembly .................. 361
Taillamp assemblies .................. 364
Standby bulb function .................. 367Changing batteries
in the electronic key .................369
Synchronizing
remote control ............................ 371
Changing batteries in
the KEYLESS-GO-card ..............372
Emergency engine shut-down ..... 374
Fuel filler flap,
manual release .......................... 374
Emergency operation of
sliding/pop-up roof ...................375
Replacing wiper blades ................. 376
Roof rack .........................................378
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333 Fuses
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Auxiliary fuse box below rear seat
4Auxiliary fuse box below right rear seat.
To o pen :
Remove the cover.
To c lo se:
Press the cover on.Shelf below rear window
4
Wa r n i n g !
The shelf below the rear window should not be
used to carry objects. This will avoid such objects
from being thrown about and injuring vehicle
occupants during an accident or sudden maneuver.
The trunk is the preferred place to carry objects.
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354 Battery
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
While the engine is running the battery terminal clamps
must not be loosened or detached, otherwise the
generator and other electronic components would be
damaged.
Note:
The selector lever will remain locked in position “P” and
the electronic key cannot be turned in the starter
switch, if the vehicle battery is disconnected or
discharged.
After reconnecting the battery also set the clock (see
COMAND operator’s manual) resynchronize the express
feature of the power windows (see page 185), the
sliding /pop-up roof (see page 188), and the electronic
stability program (see page 279).Battery recycling
Batteries contain materials that can harm the
environment with improper disposal.
Large 12 Volt storage batteries contain lead.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred method of
disposal.
Many states require sellers of batteries to accept old
batteries for recycling.
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379 Contents - Vehicle care
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Vehicle careCleaning and care of
the vehicle ..................................380
Power washer .............................. 381
Tar stains .....................................382
Paintwork, painted body
components .................................382
Engine cleaning ..........................382
Vehicle washing .........................382Ornamental moldings ............... 383
Headlamps, taillamps,
turn signal lenses ...................... 383
Cleaning the Distronic
system sensor ............................. 384
Cleaning the parktronic
system sensors ........................... 384
Wiper blades .............................. 385
Light alloy wheels ..................... 386
Instrument cluster ..................... 387Steering wheel and
gear selector lever ......................387
Cup holder ...................................387
Seat belts .....................................388
Headliner and shelf
below rear window .....................388
Leather upholstery .....................388
Hard plastic trim items .............388
Plastic and rubber parts ............388
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380 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
In operation, your vehicle is subjected to varying
external influences which, if gone unchecked, can
attack the paintwork as well as the underbody and
cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by extreme and varying
climatic conditions, but also by air polution, road salt,
tar, gravel and stone chipping. Grease and oil, fuel,
coolant, brake fluid, bird droppings, insects, tree resins
etc. should be removed immediately to avoid paint
damage. Frequent washing reduces and /or eliminates
the aggressiveness and potency of the above adverse
influences.More frequent washings are necessary to deal with
unfavorable conditions; for example, near the ocean, in
industrial areas (smoke, exhaust emissions), or during
winter operation.
You should check your vehicle from time to time for
stone chipping or other damage. Any damage should be
repaired as soon as possible to prevent the start of
corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underside of the vehicle.
A prerequisite for a thorough check is a washing of the
underbody followed by a thorough inspection. Damaged
areas need to be reundercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the factory with a wax-
base rustproofing in the body cavities which will last for
the lifetime of the vehicle. Post-production treatment is
neither necessary nor recommended by Mercedes-Benz
because of the possibility of incompatibility between
materials used in the production process and others
applied later.
We have selected car-care products and compiled
recommendations which are specially matched to our
vehicles and which always reflect the latest technology.
You can obtain Mercedes-Benz approved car-care
products at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Wa r n i n g !
Many cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are poisonous, others are flammable. Always follow
the instructions on the particular container.
Always open your vehicle’s doors or windows when
cleaning the inside.Never use fluids or solvents that are not designed
for cleaning your vehicle.
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386 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Window cleaning
Use a window cleaning solution on all glass surfaces. An
automotive glass cleaner is recommended.
Note:
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and remove
electronic key from starter switch before cleaning the
windshield, otherwise the wiper motor can suddenly
turn on and cause injury.Light alloy wheels
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care should be used for
regular cleaning of the light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week with Mercedes-
Benz approved Wheel Care, using a soft bristle brush
and a strong spray of water.
Follow instructions on container.
Note:
Use only acid-free cleaning materials. The acid could
lead to corrosion.
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