Page 183 of 304

183 Operation
Winter driving
Winter driving
Before the onset of winter, have your 
vehicle winterized at an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center. This service 
includes:
Check of anticorrosion and antifreeze 
concentration.
Addition of cleaning concentrate to the 
water of the windshield and headlamp* 
cleaning system. Add MB Concentrate 
“S” to a premixed windshield washer 
solvent / antifreeze which is formulated 
for below freezing temperatures 
(page 275).
Battery test. Battery capacity drops 
with decreasing ambient temperature. 
A well charged battery helps to ensure 
that the engine can be started, even at 
low ambient temperatures.
Tire change. We recommend M+S 
rated radial-ply tires on all four wheels 
for the winter season.
Winter tires
Always use winter tires at temperatures 
below 39°F (4°C) and whenever wintry 
road conditions prevail. Use of winter tires 
is the only way to achieve the maximum ef-
fectiveness of the ABS and ESP in winter 
operation.
For safe handling, ensure that all mounted 
winter tires are of the same make and have 
the same tread design.Always observe the speed rating of the 
winter tires installed on your vehicle. If the 
maximum speed for which your tires are 
rated is below the speed rating of your ve-
hicle, you must place a notice to this effect 
where it will be seen by the driver. Such no-
tices are available from your tire dealer or 
from any authorized Mercedes-Benz 
Center.Warning!
G
Winter tires with a tread depth under 0.16 in 
(4 mm) must be replaced. They are no long-
er suitable for winter operation.
Warning!
G
If you use your spare tire when winter tires 
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that 
the difference in tire characteristics may 
very well impair turning stability and that 
overall driving stability may be reduced. 
Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter 
tire at the nearest authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center. 
     
        
        Page 186 of 304

186 OperationMaintenanceService term exceeded
If you have exceeded the suggested 
service term:
the
9
 or
´
 appears in the 
display2 for 30 seconds and a signal 
sounds after switching on the ignition.
it is preceeded by a “-” (minus symbol)
The Mercedes-Benz Center will reset the 
service indicator following a completed 
service.
Calling up the service indicator
Within 1 second press knob1 
(page 185) twice.
The service symbol and the service 
deadline appear in the display2.
Resetting the service indicator
In the event that the service on your vehi-
cle is not carried out by an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center, you can reset the 
service indicator yourself.
Switch ignition on and immediately 
press knob1 (
page 185) twice with-
in 1 second.
The present status for days or distance 
is displayed.
Within 10 seconds turn key in steering 
lock to position0.
Press and hold knob1 while turning 
key in steering lock to position2 again.
The present status for days and dis-
tance is displayed once more.
Continue to hold knob1 until you hear 
a signal.
Release knob1.
The service indicator now displays the 
reset interval.
iIf the service indicator was inadvertent-
ly reset, have a Mercedes-Benz Center 
correct it.
Only reset if the proper service has 
been performed. Resetting the system 
without performing proper service as 
called for by the FSS will cause the FSS 
to incorrectly determine the next ser-
vice interval which will result in engine 
damage not covered by the Mer-
cedes-Benz Limited Warranty. 
If the battery is disconnected, the days 
of disconnection will not be included in 
the count shown by the service indica-
tor. To arrive at the true service dead-
line, you will need to subtract these 
days from the days shown in the ser-
vice indicator.
Do not confuse the service indicator 
with the engine oil level indicator
:
. 
     
        
        Page 193 of 304
193 Practical hints
What to do if …?
Where will I find ...?
Unlocking/locking in an emergency
Opening/closing in an emergency
Replacing bulbs
Replacing wiper blades
Flat tire
Battery
Jump starting
Towing the vehicle
Fuses 
     
        
        Page 195 of 304
195 Practical hints
What to do if …?
Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
¿
The yellow BAS/ESP malfunction 
indicator lamp comes on while 
driving.
The ESP is deactivated because of an inter-
rupted power supply. The ABS may still be 
operational.
With vehicle stationary and the engine 
running, turn the steering wheel com-
pletely to the left and then to the right 
to synchronize the ESP.
The BAS has detected a malfunction and 
switched off. The brake system is still func-
tioning normally but without the BAS avail-
able.
Continue driving with added caution.
Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon 
as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions in-
creases the risk of accident.
The charging voltage has fallen below 
10 volts and the BAS has switched off.
When the voltage is above this value 
again, the BAS is operational again.
If necessary, have the alternator and 
battery checked.  
     
        
        Page 196 of 304
196 Practical hintsWhat to do if …?Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
-
The yellow ABS malfunction indi-
cator lamp and warning comes 
on while driving.
The ABS has detected a malfunction and has 
switched off. The BAS and ESP are also 
switched off. Both indicator lamps come on 
with the engine running.
The brake system is still functioning normally 
but without the ABS available.
Continue driving with added caution. 
Wheels will lock during hard braking 
reducing steering capability.
Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon 
as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions in-
creases the risk of an accident.
The charging voltage has fallen below 
10 volts and the ABS has switched off.
When the voltage is above this value 
again, the ABS is operational again.
If necessary, have the alternator and 
battery checked.  
     
        
        Page 202 of 304

202 Practical hintsWhat to do if …?Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
#
The red charge indicator lamp 
lights up while the engine is 
running.
The battery was charged with a battery 
charger or jump started.
Have the battery checked at a service 
station. 
The battery is no longer charging.
Possible causes:
alternator malfunctioning
one of the two poly-V-belts is broken
Stop immediately and check the 
poly-V-belts.
If one is broken:
Do not continue to drive. Otherwise 
the engine will overheat due to an in-
operative water pump which may re-
sult in damage to the engine. Notify 
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If it is intact:
Drive immediately to the nearest 
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
2
The yellow brake pad wear indi-
cator lamp lights up while brak-
ing.
The brake pads have reached their wear limit.
Have the brake pads replaced as soon 
as possible.
!Brake pad thickness must be visually 
checked by a qualified technican 
at the intervals specified in the Service 
booklet. 
     
        
        Page 212 of 304

212 Practical hintsUnlocking/locking in an emergencyChanging batteries in remote control
If the batteries in the remote control are 
discharged, the vehicle can no longer be 
locked or unlocked. It is recommended to 
have the batteries replaced at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Batteries contain materials that can harm 
the environment if disposed of improperly. 
Recycling of batteries is the preferred 
method of disposal. Many states require 
sellers of batteries to accept old batteries 
for recycling.1Release button for key
2Battery cover
Replacement batteries: Lithium, type 
CR 2025 or equivalent.
Press release button1 on the remote 
control.
The key folds out.
Pull off battery cover2 in direction of 
arrow.
Remove the batteries.
Insert new batteries with the plus (+) 
side facing up. 
Press battery cover onto housing until 
it engages.
Warning!
G
Keep the batteries out of reach of children.
If a battery is swallowed, seek medical help 
immediately.iWhen changing batteries, always re-
place both batteries.
When changing batteries, make sure 
that new batteries are clean and free of 
lint. 
The required replacement batteries are 
available at any Mercedes-Benz 
Center.
iAfterwards, test the remote control to 
see if it is functioning properly. If you 
still cannot lock or unlock the vehicle, 
synchronize the remote control 
(page 213). 
     
        
        Page 245 of 304

245 Practical hints
Battery
Battery
The battery is located in the engine com-
partment on the right-hand side.
1Battery
2Positive terminal
3Negative terminal
Warning!
G
Failure to follow these instructions can re-
sult in severe injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting, 
you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not 
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes, 
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately 
flush affected area with water and seek 
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, 
which is flammable and explosive. Keep 
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid 
improper connection of jumper cables, 
smoking etc.
!Never loosen or detach battery termi-
nal clamps while the engine is running 
or the key is in the steering lock. Other-
wise the alternator and other electronic 
components could be severely dam-
aged.
Have the battery checked regularly by 
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. 
Refer to Service Booklet for mainte-
nance intervals or contact your autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center for further 
information.Warning!
G
Do not place metal objects on the battery as 
this could result in a short circuit. 
Use leak-proof battery only to avoid the risk 
of acid burns in the event of an accident.
Warning!
G
With a disconnected battery
y o u  w i l l  n o  l o n g e r  b e  a b l e  t o  t u r n  t h e  k e y  
in the steering lock
the selector lever will remain locked in 
positionP