
214 Driving systems
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Notes:
If the engine does not brake the vehicle sufficiently 
while driving on a downgrade, the speed you set on the 
cruise control may be exceeded. In this case the 
automatic transmission shifts down (max. to 3rd gear) 
to maintain the set cruise control speed by using the 
engine’s braking power.
As soon as the grade eases, the automatic transmission 
shifts up again dependent on the selector lever position.
Nevertheless, in some cases you may have to step on the 
brake pedal to slow down. In this case the cruise control 
is switched off.
Use the lever to resume the previously set speed.Brake assist system (BAS)
The BAS is designed to maximize the vehicle’s braking 
capability during emergency braking maneuvers by 
having maximum power boost applied to the brakes 
more quickly in emergency braking conditions than 
might otherwise be afforded solely by the driver’s 
braking style. This can help reduce braking distances 
over what ordinary driving and braking style might do. 
The BAS complements the antilock brake system (ABS).
Wa r n i n g !
BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics 
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase 
braking efficiency beyond that afforded by the 
condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the 
traction afforded. The BAS cannot prevent 
accidents, including those resulting from excessive 
speed in turns, following another vehicle too 
closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and 
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The 
capabilities of a BAS equipped vehicle must never 
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner 
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the 
safety of others.
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217 Driving systems
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index ABS control
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp- in the 
instrument cluster comes on with the electronic key in 
steering lock position 2 and should go out with the 
engine running.
When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster comes on while the engine is 
running, it indicates that the ABS has detected a 
malf un ction  an d has  switched  of f.  In t hi s cas e, t he b rake 
system functions in the usual manner, but without 
antilock assistance.
For ABS malfunction indicator lamp, see page 229.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also 
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on 
with the engine running.
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the 
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is 
switched of f. When the voltage is above this value again, 
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the 
ABS is operational.If the ABS malfunction indicator lamp stays illuminated, 
have the system checked at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Note:
To alert following vehicles to slippery road conditions 
you discover, operate your hazard warning flashers as 
appropriate.
Wa r n i n g !
ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics 
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase 
braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded 
by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or 
the traction afforded. The ABS cannot prevent 
accidents, including those resulting from excessive 
speed in turns, following another vehicle too 
closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and 
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The 
capabilities of an ABS eq uipped vehicle must never 
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner 
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the 
safety of others.
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219 Driving systems
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
The malfunction indicator lamp¿ for the ESP is 
combined with that of the BAS.
The yellow BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster and the yellow ESP warning 
lampv in the speedometer dial come on with the 
electronic key in steering lock position 2. They should 
go out with the engine running.
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp comes on 
continuously with the engine running, a malfunction 
has been detected in either system. Only partial engine 
output will be available.
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system functions in 
the usual manner, but without BAS.
If the ESP warning message is displayed, have the BAS 
or ESP checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz 
Center as soon as possible.
For ESP warning message, see page 243.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is also switched 
off.Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the 
wheels to rotate at different speeds, therefore the ESP 
may activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in speedometer 
dial c omes  on ). For  t his  r eason , all wheels , i nclud in g t he 
spare wheel, must have the same tire outside diameter.
When testing the parking brake on a brake test 
dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise, 
the ESP will immediately be engaged and will apply the 
rear wheel brakes.
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the 
ESP  i s on ly achieved  wit h Me rced es -B enz  re comm end ed  
M+S rated radial-ply tires and / or snow chains.
Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery 
disconnected or empty), the BAS/ESP malfunction 
indicator lamp may be illuminated with the engine 
running.
Turn steering wheel completely to the left and then to 
the right. The BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp 
should go out.
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221 Driving systems
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Note:
Avoid spinning of one drive wheel. This may cause 
serious damage to the drive train which is not covered 
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.The ESP warning lamp, located in the speedometer dial, 
starts to flash at any vehicle speed as soon as the tires 
lose traction and the wheels begin to spin.
To return to the enhanced vehicle stability offered by 
ESP: press lower half of the switch (the ESP warning 
lamp in the speedometer dial goes out).
Important!
If the ESP warning lamp flashes:
•during take-off, apply as little throttle as possible,
•while driving, ease up on the accelerator.
Wa r n i n g !
ESP should not be switched off during normal 
driving other than in circumstances described 
above. Disabling of the system will reduce vehicle 
stability in standard driving maneuvers.
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259 Tires, Wheels
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Wheels
Replace rims or tires with the same designation, 
manufacturer and type as shown on the original part. 
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further 
information.
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for 
information on tested and recommended rims and tires 
for summer and winter operation. They can also offer 
advice concerning tire service and purchase.
Tire replacement
Front tires should be replaced in sets. Rims and tires 
must be of the correct size and type. For dimensions, 
see “Technical Data”.
We recommend that you break in new tires for approx. 
60 miles (100 km) at moderate speed.It is imperative that the wheel mounting bolts be 
fastened to a tightening torque of 80 ft.lb. (110 Nm) 
whenever wheels are mounted.
For rim and tire specifications, refer to “Technical Data”.
Wa r n i n g !
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire tread 
is badly worn, or if the tires have sustained 
damage, replace them.When replacing rims, use only genuine 
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the 
particular rim type. Failure to do so can result in 
the bolts loosening and possibly an accident.
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260 Tires, Wheels
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Rotating wheels
Wheel rotation applies only when winter tires are 
mounted on all four wheels.
The wheels can be rotated according to the degree of 
tire wear while retaining the same direction of travel.
Rotating, however, should be carried out as 
recommended by the tire manufacturer, before the 
characteristic tire wear pattern (shoulder wear on front 
wheels and tread center wear on rear wheels) becomes 
visible, as otherwise the driving properties deteriorate.
Important!
Unidirectional tires must always be mounted with arrow 
on tire sidewall pointing in direction of vehicle forward 
movement.Notes:
Thoroughly clean the inner side of the wheels any time 
you rotate the wheels or wash the vehicle underside.
The use of retread tires is not recommended. Retread 
tires may adversely affect the handling characteristics 
and safety of the vehicle.
Dented or bent rims can cause tire pressure loss and 
damage to the tire beads. For this reason, check rims for 
damage at regular intervals. The rim flanges must be 
checked for wear before a tire is mounted. Remove 
burrs, if any.
Check and ensure proper tire inflation pressure after 
rotating the wheels. For tire inflation pressure see 
inside of fuel filler flap and also page 267.
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261 Tires, Wheels
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Spare wheel
Important!
The spare wheel rim size is 7
1/2J x 17 H 2.
The spare wheel rim is mounted with a full size tire of 
the same type as on the vehicle’s front axle, and is fully 
functional. However, that spare wheel rim is weight 
optimized and has a limited service life of 12 000 miles 
(20 000 km) use before a standard wheel rim must 
replace it.
In the case of a rear axle flat tire, you may temporarily 
use the spare wheel, when observing the following 
restrictions:
•Do not exceed vehicle speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
•Drive to the nearest tire repair facility to have the 
flat tire repaired or replaced as appropriate.
•Do not operate vehicle with more than one spare 
wheel mounted.
If the arrow on tire side wall does not point in direction 
of vehicle forward movement when using the spare 
wheel, observe the following restriction:Unidirectional tires must always be mounted with arrow 
on tire sidewall pointing in direction of vehicle forward 
movement.
For rim and tire specifications, refer to “Technical Data”.
Wa r n i n g !
The spare wheel rim is for temporary use only. Use 
for over a total of 12 000 miles (20 000 km) 
(aggregate of all uses) may cause wheel rim failure 
leading to an accident and possible injuries.The dimensions of the spare wheel are different 
from those of the road wheels of the rear axle. As a 
result, the vehicle handling characteristics change 
when driving with a spare wheel mounted on the 
rear axle.The spare wheel should only be used temporarily, 
and replaced with a regular road wheel as quick as 
possible.
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262 Tires, Wheels
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Changing wheelsMove vehicle to a level area which is a safe distance 
from the roadway.
1. Set parking brake and turn on hazard warning 
flasher.
2. Move selector lever to position “P” and turn off 
engine.
3. Prevent vehicle from rolling away by blocking 
wheels with wheel chocks (not supplied with 
vehicle) or sizable wood block or stone. When 
changing a wheel on a hill, place chocks on the 
downhill side blocking both wheels of the other 
axle. On a level road, place one chock in front of and 
one behind the wheel that is diagonally opposite to 
the wheel being changed.
Wa r n i n g !
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up the 
vehicle at the jack tubes built into either side of the 
vehicle. To help avoid personal injury, use the jack 
only to lift the vehicle during a wheel change. 
Never get beneath the vehicle while it is supported 
by t he j ack . Keep han ds  a nd  feet away from t he a rea 
under the lifted vehicle. Always firmly set parking 
brake and block wheels before raising vehicle with 
jack.Do n ot d is engage parki n g brake w hil e t he vehi c le i s 
raised. Be certain that the jack is always vertical 
when in use, especially on hills. Always try to use 
the jack on level surface. Be sure that the jack arm 
is fully inserted in the jack tube. Always lower the 
vehicle onto sufficient capacity jackstands before 
working under the vehicle.
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