195 Operation
Driving instructions
Adjust the mirrors to permit unobstructed
view beyond rear of trailer.
If the trailer has electric brakes, start
your vehicle and trailer moving slowly,
and then apply only the trailer brake
controller by hand to be sure the
brakes are working properly.
Always secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shifts while driving.
When towing a trailer, check occasion-
ally to be sure that the load is secure,
and that lighting and trailer brakes (if
so equipped) are functioning properly.
Take into consideration that when tow-
ing a trailer, the handling characteris-
tics are different and less stable from
those when operating the vehicle with-
out a trailer.
It is important to avoid sudden maneu-
vers.
The vehicle and trailer combination is
heavier, and therefore is limited in ac-
celeration and climbing ability, and re-
quires longer stopping distances.
I t i s m o r e p r o n e t o r e a c t i n g t o s i d e w i n d
gusts, and requires more sensitive
steering input.
If possible, do not brake abruptly, but
rather engage the brake slightly at first
to permit the trailer to activate its
brake. Then increase the braking force.
If the transmission hunts between
gears on inclines, manually shift to a
lower gear (select 4, 3, 2 or 1).
A lower gear and reduction of speed re-
duces the chance of engine overload-
ing and / or overheating.
On very steep inclines, not manageable
with selector lever in position1, switch
transfer case to LOW RANGE mode
(page 118).
When going down a long hill, shift into
a lower gear and use the engine’s brak-
ing effect.
Avoid riding the brakes, thus overheat-
ing the vehicle and trailer brakes.
!If the trailer should begin to sway, re-
duce the vehicle’s speed and use the
brake controller by hand to straighten
out the vehicle and trailer.
In no case should you attempt to
straighten out the tow vehicle and trail-
er by increasing the speed or over-
steering and stepping on the brakes.
202 OperationEngine compartment
Engine compartmentHood
Opening
1Hood release
Pull lever1 downwards.
The hood is unlocked. Handle2 pro-
trudes slightly from the radiator trim. If
not, lift the hood slightly.
2Handle for opening the hood
Pull handle2 to its stop out of the radi-
ator grill.
Pull up on the hood and then release it.
The hood will be automatically held
open at shoulder height by gas-filled
struts.
Warning!
G
Do not pull the release lever while the vehi-
cle is in motion. Otherwise the hood could
be forced open by passing air flow.
!To avoid damage to the windshield wip-
ers or hood, never open the hood if the
wiper arms are folded forward away
from the windshield.
Warning!
G
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running. Make sure the hood is
properly closed before driving. When closing
the hood, use extreme caution not to catch
hands or fingers.
The radiator fan may continue to run for ap-
proximately 30 seconds or even restart af-
ter the engine has been turned off. Stay
clear of fan blades.
315 Index
Side windows 134
Automatic closing 135
Automatic opening 135
Cleaning 220
Closing 135
Closing fully 135
Opening 135
Opening and closing 134
Opening fully 135
Rear quarter window 136
Stopping 135
Synchronizing power windows 136
Simultaneous wiping and washing
Rear window wiper/washer 48
Windshield wipers 48
Single wipe 48
Sliding/pop-up roof 137
Automatically opening 138
Closing 246
Opening 246
Stopping 137
Synchronizing 138
Sliding/pop-up roof*
Closing 137
Opening 137Snow chains 214
Spare fuses 271
Spare parts service 274
Spare tire
Inflating 259
Spare wheel 239
Mounting 255
Removing (except ML 55 AMG) 239
Spare wheel (ML 55 AMG)
Removing 240
Speed
Saving current 147
Speed settings
Cruise control 148
Speedometer 25
Speedometer display
Additional indicators 235
Split rear bench seat 93
SRS 61, 296
Indicator lamp 227
Standing lamps 102
Replacing bulbs 247, 248
Standing water
Driving instructions 185
StArt
Display messages 235Starting difficulties 45
Starting position 33
Starting the engine 44
Steep terrain
Driving 187
Steering lock 23, 33
Positions 33
Steering wheel
Adjusting 37
Cleaning 221
Stolen vehicle
Tracking services 168
Stop watch 175
Stopping
Sliding/pop-up roof 137
Windows 135
Storage compartments
Glove box 152
Under front passenger seat* 152
Storing (Memory function*)
Positions into memory 100
Stranded vehicle 270
Sun visor 123
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) 296
