256OperationVehicle care
Vehicle careCleaning and care of vehicle
While in operation, even while parked, your
vehicle is subjected to varying external in-
fluences which, if gone unchecked, can at-
tack the paintwork as well as the
underbody and cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by ex-
treme and varying climatic conditions, but
also by:
Air pollution
Road salt
Tar, gravel and stone chippingTo avoid paint damage, you should imme-
diately remove:
Grease and oil
Fuel
Coolant
Brake fluid
Insects
Tree resins etc.
Frequent washing reduces and / or elimi-
nates the aggressiveness and potency of
the above adverse influences.
More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions:
Near the ocean
In industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)
During winter operation
You should check your vehicle from time to
time for stone chipping or other damage.
A n y d a m a g e s h o u l d b e r e p a i r e d a s s o o n a s
possible to prevent corrosion.In doing so, do not neglect the underbody
of the vehicle. A prerequisite for a thor-
ough check is a washing of the underbody
followed by a thorough inspection. Dam-
aged areas need to be re-undercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the facto-
ry 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 ap-
plied 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.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or
damage due to negligent or incorrect care
cannot always be removed or repaired with
Warning!
G
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the partic-
ular container. Always open your vehicle’s
doors or windows when cleaning the inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not de-
signed for cleaning your vehicle.
260OperationVehicle careWindow cleaning
Use a window cleaning solution on all glass
surfaces. An automotive glass cleaner is
recommended.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, us-
ing a soft bristle brush and a strong spray
of water.
Follow instructions on container.Instrument cluster
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist-
ened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Steering wheel and gear selector lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly
or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved
Leather Care.
Cup holder
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist-
ened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Hard plastic trim items
Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior
Care onto soft lint-free cloth and apply
with light pressure.
!Fold the windshield wiper arms away
from the windshield in a vertical posi-
tion only. They could otherwise dam-
age the hood (
page 237).
Fold the windshield wiper arms back
onto the windshield before turning the
key in the starter switch.
Warning!
G
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and re-
move key from starter switch before clean-
ing the windshield, otherwise the wiper
motor might suddenly turn on and cause in-
jury.
!Fold the windshield wiper arms away
from the windshield in a vertical posi-
tion only. They could otherwise dam-
age the hood (
page 237).
Fold the windshield wiper arms back
onto the windshield before turning the
key in the starter switch.
iUse only acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid could lead to corrosion.
315 Practical hints
Battery
Reconnecting the battery
Turn off all electrical consumers.
Connect the positive lead and fasten its
cover 4.
Connect negative lead 3.Batteries contain materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly.
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.!Never invert the terminal connections.!The battery, its filler caps and the vent
tube must always be securely installed
when the vehicle is in operation.
iThe following procedures must be car-
ried out following any interruption of
battery power (e.g. due to reconnect-
ing):
Set the clock. Refer to the separate
COMAND operating instructions.
Resynchronize the ESP
(page 283).
Resynchronize side windows
(page 172).
Resynchronize sliding/pop-up roof
(page 175).
353 Index
A
ABC 190, 347
Messages in display 271
Setting vehicle level 191
ABS 23, 71, 347
ABS control 72
Malfunction indicator lamp 265
Messages in display 272
Warning lamp 265
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 148
Accident
In case of 48
Activating
Air conditioner (cooling) 166
Air recirculation mode 163
Anti-theft alarm system 77
Central locking (control system) 139
Charcoal filter 164
Distance warning function* 188
Distronic* 184
Easy-entry/exit feature 140
ESP 75
Exterior headlamps 46
Exterior lamps 109Exterior rear view mirror parking
position 152
Front and rear fog lamp 109
Hazard warning flasher 111
Headlamps 46
High beams 111
Ignition 31
Ignition with KEYLESS-GO* start/stop
button 33
Immobilizer 51, 76
Rear window defroster 165
Residual heat 167
Seat heater 103, 104
Seat ventilation* 102
Tow-away alarm 78
Windshield wipers 47
Activating steering wheel gearshift
control 149
Downshifting 150
Upshifting 150
Adding
Coolant 243
Engine oil 241
Additional turn signals 302Adjustable air vents, rear passenger
compartment 168
Adjusting 34
Air distribution 161
Air volume 162
Backrest tilt 36
Exterior rear view mirror 38
Folding forward front seat
backrests 100
Head restraint height 36
Head restraint tilt 36
Inside rear view mirror 38
Instrument cluster illumination 114
Lumbar support 96
Mirrors 38
Multicontour seat* 99
Seat cushion depth 36, 99
Seat cushion tilt 36
Seat fore and aft adjustment 36
Seat height 36
Seat in the lumbar region 99
Seat in the shoulder region 99
Seats 34
Steering column height 38
Steering column length 38
Steering wheel 37
354 IndexAir conditioner (cooling)
Turning off 166
Air pressure see Tire inflation
pressure 247
Air recirculation mode 163
Activating 163
Deactivating 164
Air vents, rear passenger compartment
Adjustable 168
Air volume
Adjusting 162
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 269
Airbags 55
BabySmart
TM deactivation
system 65, 347
Children 56
Front 59
Passenger 59
Safety guidelines 58
Side impact 59
Window curtain 59
Alarm
Audible 70, 77
Canceling 77
Visual 77Alarm system
Anti-theft 77
Anti-theft alarm system
indicator lamp 25
Alignment bolt 311
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 295, 347
Antiglare
Automatic 151
Antilock brake system (ABS) 347
Antilock Brake System see ABS 23
Anti-theft alarm system
Activating 77
Canceling alarm 77
Deactivating 77
Anti-theft systems 76
Anti-theft alarm system 77
Anti-theft alarm system indicator
lamp 25
Immobilizer 76
Tow-away alarm 78
Armrest
Storage compartment in front of 200,
201
Storage compartment in front of
armrest 200
Ashtray 206At the gas station 235
ATF (automatic transmission fluid) 242
AUDIO menu 122
Selecting radio station 122
Audio system
CD mode 123
Automatic antiglare for rear view
mirror 151
Automatic central locking
Activating/deactivating (control
system) 139
Automatic climate control 157
Air recirculation mode 163
Defrosting 162
Rear window defroster 165
Setting the temperature 160
Automatic headlamp mode 109
Automatic lighting control
Activating 112
Deactivating 112
Automatic locking when driving 94
355 Index
Automatic transmission 143
Accelerator position 148
Activating steering wheel gearshift
control 149
Deactivating steering wheel
gearshift control 150
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 148
Fluid level 242
Gear ranges 145
Gear selector lever position 146
Gear shifting malfunctions 148
Kickdown 148
One-touch gearshifting 144
Program mode selector switch 147
Selector lever position 143
Starting the engine 43
Steering wheel gearshift control
(Speedshift) and manual shift pro-
gram S 55 AMG 149
Transmission fluid 242
Winter program mode 147, 149
Auxiliary cup holder 204
Inserting 204
Removing 205B
BabySmart
TM
Airbag deactivation system 65, 347
Compatible child seats 65, 347
Self-test 66
Backrest supports
Lumbar region 99
Shoulder region 99
Backup lamps 303, 305
Bulbs 303
BAS 73, 347
Messages in display 273, 283
Batteries, KEYLESS-GO* card
Changing 300
Check lamp 85
Checking 85
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 299
Check lamp 81
Checking 82
Batteries, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Checking 82
Battery discharged
Jump starting 316Battery, vehicle 243, 313
Charging 314
Disconnecting 314
Reconnecting 315
Reinstalling 314
Removing 314
Bi-Xenon headlamps 347
Block heater* 253
Blocking
Rear window operation 69
Brake assist system (BAS) 347
Brake fluid 236, 340
Brake lamp bulbs 303
Brake lamp, high mounted 303
Brake pads
Message in display 275
Brakes 226
Warning lamp 267
Break-in period 224
356 IndexBulbs, replacing 302
Additional turn signals 302
Backup lamps 303
Brake lamps 303
Fog lamps 302
Front lamps 302
High beam 302
High mounted brake lamp 303
License plate lamps 303, 306
Low beam 302
Parking lamps 302, 303, 305
Rear fog lamp 303, 305
Side marker lamps 302, 305
Standing lamps 302, 303, 305
Tail lamp assemblies 303, 305
Turn signal lamps 302, 303
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) 347
California
Important notice 11
Calling up
Distronic* settings 128
Range (distance to empty) 130
Service indicator 255
CAN system 347
Cargo tie-down hooks 198Catalytic converter 232
CD changer* 123
CD mode 123
CD player
Operating 123
Center console 25
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 269
Lower part 26
Upper part 25
Centigrade
Setting temperature units 134
Central locking
Automatic 94
From inside 95
Switch 95
Switching on/off (control
system) 139
Unlocking from inside 95
Central locking switch 95
Changing
Batteries (KEYLESS-GO* card) 300
Batteries (SmartKey) 299
Key setting 140
KEYLESS-GO* card setting 84
Vehicle level 192
Changing CDs 123Charcoal filter 164
Activating 164
Deactivating 164
Charging
Vehicle battery 314
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator
lamp 268
Checking
Batteries (KEYLESS-GO* card) 85
Coolant level 242
Oil level 236, 238
Oil level with the oil dipstick 240
Tire inflate pressure 236
Vehicle lighting 236
Vehicle lock status
(KEYLESS-GO* card) 86
Child safety 63
Airbags 56
Infant and child restraint systems 60,
63
LATCH child seat mounts 68
Child safety switch see Blocking of rear
window operation 69
Cigarette lighter 207
357 Index
Cleaning
Cup holder 260
Distronic* system sensor cover 259
Gear selector lever 260
Hard plastic trim items 260
Headlamps 154
Headliner 261
Instrument cluster 260
Leather upholstery 261
Light alloy wheels 260
Parktronic* system sensor 259
Plastic and rubber parts 261
Seat belts 261
Steering wheel 260
Windows 260
Windshield 47
Wiper blades 259
Clock 23
Closing
Cup holder 204
Glove box 199
Hood 238
Side windows 170
Side windows with KEYLESS-GO* 86
Sliding/pop-up roof 173, 301
With SmartKey 174Sliding/pop-up roof with
KEYLESS-GO* 86, 172, 175
Trunk 90
Windows 169
Windows with
KEYLESS-GO* 172, 175
Windows with SmartKey 171
Closing sliding/pop-up roof
In an emergency 301
Cockpit 20, 347
Cockpit management and data system
(COMAND) 348
COMAND 348
COMAND see separate operating instruc-
tions
Combination switch 111
High beam flasher 46, 111
Turn signals 46
Windshield wipers 47
Consumer information 345
Control and operation of radio
transmitters 232
Control system 117, 348
AUDIO menu 122
Convenience submenu 140
Display digital speedometer 122Distronic* menu 128
Functions 119, 121
Instrument cluster submenu 134
Lighting submenu 135
Malfunction memory menu 130
Menus 120, 121, 349
Multifunction display 117
Multifunction steering wheel 118
NAVI menu 127
Operating
CD player 123
Selecting radio system 122
Settings menu 131
Standard display menu 122
Submenus 119, 121
TEL* menu 125
Trip computer menu 129
Vehicle submenu 139
Convenience submenu 140
Activating easy-entry/exit
feature 140
Setting automatic locking 139
Setting fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors 142
Setting parking position for exterior
rear view mirror 142