Page 221 of 376

221 Operation
Driving instructions
Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy 
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid 
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering 
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control 
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, 
move selector lever to positionN. Try to 
keep the vehicle under control by correc-
tive steering action.
Road salts and chemicals can adversely af-
fect braking efficiency. Increased pedal 
force may become necessary to produce 
the normal brake effect.We therefore recommend depressing the 
brake pedal periodically when traveling at 
length on salt-strewn roads. 
This can bring road salt impaired braking 
efficiency back to normal. Be very careful 
that you carry out these braking maneu-
vers without endangering any other road 
users.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven 
on salt-treated roads, the braking efficien-
cy should be tested as soon as possible af-
ter driving is resumed while observing the 
safety rules in the previous paragraph.
For more information on winter driving 
(
page 239).
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift 
in order to obtain braking action. This could 
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of control loss.
Warning!
G
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make 
sure that snow is kept clear of the exhaust 
pipe and from around the vehicle with the 
engine running. Otherwise, deadly carbon 
monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle in-
terior resulting in unconsciousness and 
death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, 
open a window slightly on the side of the ve-
hicle not facing the windWarning!
G
The outside temperature indicator is not de-
signed to serve as an Ice-Warning Device 
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. 
Indicated temperatures just above the freez-
ing point do not guarantee that the road sur-
face is free of ice. 
     
        
        Page 223 of 376

223 Operation
Driving instructions
Telephones and two-way radios
Radio transmitters, such as a portable tele-
phone or a citizens band unit should only 
be used inside the vehicle if they are con-
nected to an antenna that is installed on 
the outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation in-
structions regarding use of an external an-
tenna.
Catalytic converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with 
monolithic type catalytic converters, an 
important element in conjunction with the 
oxygen sensors to achieve substantial con-
trol of the pollutants in the exhaust emis-
sions. Keep your vehicle in proper 
operating condition by following our rec-
ommended maintenance instructions as 
outlined in your Service Booklet.
Warning!
G
Never operate radio transmitters equipped 
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. with-
out being connected to an external antenna) 
from inside the vehicle while the engine is 
running. Doing so could lead to a malfunc-
tion of the vehicle’s electronic system, pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and/or 
personal injury.
!To prevent damage to the catalytic con-
verters, only use premium unleaded 
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine 
operation should be repaired promptly. 
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel 
may reach the catalytic converter caus-
ing it to overheat, which could start a 
fire.
Warning!
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble materials such as grass, hay or leaves 
can come into contact with the hot exhaust 
system, as these materials could be ignited 
and cause a vehicle fire. 
     
        
        Page 297 of 376

297 Practical hints
Replacing bulbs
Notes on bulb replacement
Only use 12 volt bulbs of the same type 
and with the specified watt rating. 
Switch lights off before changing a bulb 
to prevent short circuits. 
Always use a clean lint-free cloth when 
handling bulbs. 
Your hands should be dry and free of oil 
and grease.
If the newly installed bulb does not light 
up, visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz 
Center.Have the LEDs and bulbs for the following 
lamps replaced by an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center:
the additional turn signals in the exteri-
or rear view mirrors
the high mounted brake lamp
the brake lamps
the parking lamps and the side marker 
lamps in the tail lamp assemblies
the rear fog lamps
the low beam (Xenon or Bi-Xenon*) 
lamps
the front fog lamps
Warning!
G
Bulbs and bulb sockets can be very hot. Al-
low the lamp to cool down before changing 
a bulb.
Keep bulbs out of reach of children.
Halogen lamps contain pressurized gas. A 
bulb can explode if you:
touch or move it when hot,
drop the bulb,
scratch the bulb.
Wear eye and hand protection.
Because of high voltage in Xenon lamps, it is 
dangerous to replace the bulb or repair the 
lamp and its components. We recommend 
that you have such work done by a qualified 
technician. 
     
        
        Page 355 of 376

355 Technical terms
RON
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line as determined by a standardized 
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line's ability to resist undesired detona-
tion (knocking). The average of both 
the MON (Motor Octane Number) and 
RON (Research Octane Number) is 
posted at the pump, also known as AN-
TI-KNOCK INDEX.
SBC 
(S
ensotronic B
rake C
ontrol) 
Electronically controlled hydraulic 
braking system for increased braking 
safety and comfort.
Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock 
prevents the transmission selector le-
ver from being inadvertently moved out 
of position P without key turned and 
brake pedal depressed. SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning de-
vice and airbags. Though independent 
systems, they are closely interfaced to 
provide effective occupant protection.
Tele Aid System
(Tele
matic A
larm I
dentification on D
e--
mand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three 
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, roadside assistance 
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber 
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call. 
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
viding that the vehicle’s battery is 
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is 
available.Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug 
wrench) with which threaded fasteners 
such as wheel bolts are tightened.
TIREFIT
Accessory for emergency and tempo-
rary tire repair. The TIREFIT kit consists 
of a container with sealant material, a 
filler hose, a valve stem tool, a valve in-
sert, and an air compressor.
Tire speed rating
Part of tire designation; indicates the 
speed range for which a tire is ap-
proved.
Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the 
road via the tires.