Page 318 of 385

315 Tires, Wheels
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Move vehicle to a level area which is a safe distance
from the roadway.
Important!
The vehic le door s lock if t he lef t f ron t wheel r otate s with
the engine running. Do not leave the engine running
while changing a wheel.
1. Set parking brake and turn on hazard warning
flasher.
2. Move selector lever to position “P” and turn off
engine, and remove key from the starter switch.
Lock steering wheel with wheels in straight ahead
position.
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.4. Using the wrench, loosen but do not yet remove the
wheel bolts.
J_G463.book Seite 315 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08
Page 323 of 385

320 Battery
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
The service life of the battery is dependent on its
condition of charge. The battery should always be kept
sufficiently charged, in order to last an optimum length
of time.
Therefore, we strongly recommend that you have the
battery charge checked frequently, and corrected if
necessary, especially if you use the vehicle less than
approximately 200 miles (300 km) per month,
mostly for short distance trips, or if it is not used for
long periods of time.
Only charge a battery with a battery charger after the
battery has been disconnected from the vehicle’s
electrical circuit.
Always disconnect the battery negative lead first and
connect last.
When removing and connecting the battery, always
make sure that all electrical consumers are off and the
key is in starter switch position 0. The battery must
always be securely installed when the vehicle is in
operation. During removal and installation always
protect the disconnected battery positive (+) terminal
with the cover attached to the battery.While t he en gin e is run ning t he batter y te rm in al clamp s
must not be loosened or detached, otherwise the
generator and other electronic components would be
damaged.
Note:
The gear selector lever will remain locked in
position “P” and the electronic key can not 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), synchronize the
electronic stability program (ESP) (see page 244) and
the front seat head restraints (see page 47).
Battery recycling
Batteries contain material 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.
J_G463.book Seite 320 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08
Page 327 of 385

324 Towing
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Towing the vehicle
Notes:
The selector lever will remain locked in position “P” and
the electronic key cannot be turned in the starter switch
if the battery is disconnected or discharged. See battery
on page 319 or jump starting on page 321.
In order to move the vehicle, shift automatic
transmission to position “N”.
Transmission selector lever, manually unlocking, see
page 327.Important!
When towing the vehicle, please, note the following:
Towing of the vehicle should only be done using the
properly installed towing eye bolt. Never attach tow
cable, tow rope or tow rod to vehicle chassis, frame
or suspension parts.
The vehicle may be towed with all wheels on the
ground and the selector lever in position “N” for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not
to exceed 30 mph (50 km / h). The key must be in
starter switch position 2.
With the automatic central locking activated and the
engine running, the vehicle doors lock if the left front
wheel is turning at vehicle speeds of approximately
9 mph (15 km / h) or more.
To prevent the vehicle door locks from locking,
deactivate the automatic central locking. See the
individual setting menu “VEHICLE” – “AUTOMATIC
DOOR LOCK” on page 118.
We recommend that the vehicle be transported using
flat bed equipment. This method is preferable to other
types of towing.
To prevent damage during transport, do not tie down
vehicle by its chassis or suspension parts.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground, make certain that the electronic key is in
starter switch position 2.If the electronic key is left in the starter switch
position 0 for an extended period of time, it can no
longer be turned in the switch. In this case, the
steering is locked. To unlock, remove electronic key
from starter switch and reinsert.
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the braking and steering systems. In
this case, it is important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is necessary to
brake and steer the vehicle.
J_G463.book Seite 324 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08
Page 329 of 385

326 Towing
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Engine damage /Transmission damage,
Electrical malfunction
To be certain to avoid additional damage to the vehicle
powertrain, however you should do the following:
Shift automatic transmission to position “N”.
Important!
Vehicle may be towed for distances up to 30 miles
(50 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph
(50 km/h).
For towing vehicle for distances exceeding 30 miles
(50 km) or if the vehicle has a damaged transfer
case, remove drive shafts to the drive axles.
When towing vehicle with one axle raised, the
electronic key in starter switch must be in
position 1.
With damage to front axle, raise front axle. Remove
drive shaft between rear axle and transfer case.
With damage to rear axle, raise rear axle and tow
vehicle with wheel lift or dolly placed under front
wheels.Notes:
When removing drive shaft, place M10 nuts on bolts as
distance sleeves and tighten using M8 nuts.
Always install new self-locking nuts when reinstalling
the drive shaft.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the
engine must be shut off (electronic key in starter switch
position 1). Otherwise, the 4-ETS may become engaged
which may cause loss of towing control. Switch off the
tow-away alarm (see page 43) as well as the ESP (see
page 245).
Note:
To signal turns while being towed with hazard warning
flasher in use, turn electronic key in starter switch to
position 1 and activate combination switch for left or
right turn signal in usual manner. Now deactivate the
hazard warning flasher, only the selected turn signal
will operate. Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard
warning flasher must be activated again.
J_G463.book Seite 326 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08
Page 346 of 385
343 Electronic main key
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Changing batteries in the electronic key
1Transmit buttons
2Lamp for battery check and function control
Checking batteries
If one of the transmit buttons (1) is pressed, the battery
check lamp (2) lights up briefly – indicating that the
batteries are in order.
Change batteries if the battery check lamp (2) does not
light up briefly.Changing batteries
Move locking tab (3) in direction of right arrow and
remove mechanical key (4, left arrow).
P80.20-2200-26
1
2
P80.35-2028-26
4
3
J_G463.book Seite 343 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08
Page 347 of 385
344 Electronic main key
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Insert mechanical key (4) in side opening (5) to open
latch. Press briefly (do not use mechanical key as lever)
to release battery compartment.
Remove mechanical key from side opening.
Carefully remove battery compartment in direction of
arrow (6).Change batteries (7), inserting new ones under contact
spring (8) with plus (+) side facing up.
Return battery compartment into housing until locked
in place and slide mechanical key back into electronic
key.
P80.35-2026-26
5
4
6
P80.35-2027-26
78
J_G463.book Seite 344 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08
Page 348 of 385
345 Electronic main key
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Important!
Batteries contain materials that can harm the
environment if disposed of improperly. Recycling of
batteries is the preferred method of disposal. For
disposal, please follow manufacturer’s recommendation
on battery package.
Replacement Battery:
Lithium, type CR 2025 or equivalent.Synchronizing remote control
The remote control may have to be resynchronized, if
the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked.
To synchronize insert electronic key in starter switch.
The remote control should once again be operational.
J_G463.book Seite 345 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08
Page 351 of 385

348 Replacing wiper blades
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Replacing wiper blades
For safety reasons, remove electronic key from starter
switch before replacing the wiper blade, otherwise the
motor can suddenly turn on and cause injury.
Notes:
Do not open engine hood with wiper arm folded forward.
Do not allow the wiper arm to contact the windshield
glass without a wiper blade inserted. The glass may be
scratched or broken.
Make certain that the wiper blade is properly installed.
An improperly installed wiper blade may cause
windshield damage.
The wiper with air spoiler should be mounted on the
driver’s side.Replacing windshield/rear window wiper blade
Removal:
Fold wip er arm (1 ) forward (win ds hield ) / rear war d (rear
window) and turn wiper blade (2) at a right angle to the
arm. Push safety tab (3) of attachment link (4) and slide
the wiper blade from the end of the wiper arm. Remove
the wiper blade.
Installation:
Slide wiper blade into end of wiper arm until it locks in
place.
P82.30-0338-26
1
2
3
4
J_G463.book Seite 348 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08