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109 Flexible service system
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Flexible service system (FSS)
(service indicator)
The FSS permits a flexible service schedule that is 
directly related to the operating conditions of the 
vehicle.
The symbol 9 or ½ appears together with a 
message in the multifunction display prior to the next 
suggested service. Depending on operating conditions 
throughout the year, the next service is calculated and 
displayed in days or distance remaining.The message is displayed for approx. 10 seconds when 
turning the electronic key in steering lock to position 2, 
or while driving when reaching the service warning 
threshold. 
The symbols and messages indicate the type of service 
to be performed:
9Service A
½Service B
One of the following messages will appear in the display 
(e.g. Service A):
“SERVICE A – IN xx DAYS”
“SERVICE A – IN xx MILES” (Canada: KM)
“SERVICE A – EXCEEDED BY xx DAYS”
“SERVICE A – EXCEEDED BY xx MILES” (Canada: KM)
“SERVICE A – DUE NOW”
The next service due date is displayed either in days or 
in miles, depending on your driving style.
Once the suggested service term has passed, the symbol 
and message appear for approx. 30 seconds and a signal 
sounds every time when turning the electronic key in 
steering lock to position 2.
10
0
406080
60
40
mph
20km/h
20100
120
140160
80
100
180
200
220
240 160 120 140
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111 Flexible service system
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Following a completed A or B service the 
Mercedes-Benz Center sets the counter mileage to 
10 000 miles (Canada: 15 000 km).
The counter can also be set by any individual. To do so:
Turn the electronic key in steering lock to position 2.
To call up the trip odometer and main odometer, press 
button è or ÿ on the multifunction steering 
wheel until the display appears. See page 92.
Press button j or k until the FSS indicator 
appears.
Press button  Jon the instrument cluster for 
approximately 4 seconds.The multifunction display will show the question: 
“DO YOU WANT TO RESET SERVICE INTERVAL? – 
CONFIRM BY PRESSING R”
Press button  J on the instrument cluster again for 
approximately 4 seconds, and hold until a signal 
sounds. The message “SERVICE INTERVAL HAS BEEN 
RESET” appears in the multifunction display.
The new service indicator is displayed with the reset 
distance of 10 000 miles (Canada 15 000 km).
If the FSS counter was inadvertently reset, have a 
Mercedes-Benz Center correct it.
However you choose to set your reference numbers, the 
scheduled services as posted in the Service Booklet 
must be followed to properly care for your vehicle.
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        Page 323 of 346

320 Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their suitability in 
our engines. Therefore, use only engine oils 
recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Information on 
recommended brands is available at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Please follow Service Booklet recommendations for 
scheduled oil changes. Failure to do so could result in 
engine damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz 
Limited Warranty.
Engine oil additives
Do not blend oil additives with engine oil. They may be 
harmful to the engine operation.
Damage or malfunctions resulting from blending oil 
additives are not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited 
Warranty.Air conditioner refrigerant
R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG lubricating oil 
is used in the air conditioner system.
Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based lubricating oil, 
otherwise damage to the system will occur.
Brake fluid
During vehicle operation, the boiling point of the brake 
fluid is continuously reduced through the absorption of 
moisture from the atmosphere. Under extremely hard 
operating conditions, this moisture content can lead to 
the formation of bubbles in the system thus reducing 
the system’s efficiency.
The brake fluid must therefore be replaced every two 
years, preferably in the spring.
It is recommended to use only brake fluid approved by 
Mercedes-Benz. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center 
will provide you with additional information.
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