Page 249 of 418
248OperationDriving instructionsBrakesTo help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to
parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes.
If your brake system is normally only sub-
jected to moderate loads, you should occa-
sionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads.If the parking brake is released and the
brake warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter stays on, the brake fluid level in the res-
ervoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the res-
ervoir.
Have the brake system inspected immedi-
ately. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Only install brake pads and brake fluid
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.Warning!
G
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through wa-
ter deep enough to wet brake components,
the first braking action may be somewhat
reduced and increased pedal pressure may
be necessary to obtain expected braking ef-
fect. Maintain a safe distance from vehicles
in front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their effec-
tiveness. It may not be possible to stop the
vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an acci-
dent.
!Be very careful not to endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Refer to the description of the Brake
Assist System (BAS) (
page 78).
Page 250 of 418
249 Operation
Driving instructions
After hard braking, it is advisable to drive
on for some time, rather than immediately
parking, so that the air stream can cool
down the brakes faster.
Driving off
Apply the brakes to test them briefly after
driving off. Perform this procedure only
when the road is clear of other traffic.
Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not
place full load on the engine until the oper-
ating temperature has been reached.
When starting off on a slippery surface, do
not allow a drive wheel to spin for an ex-
tended period with the ESP switched off.
Doing so may cause serious damage to the
drive train which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Parking
Warning!
G
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially impaired. This
could result in an accident.!When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes
by shifting into a lower gear to use the
engine’s braking power. This helps pre-
vent overheating of the brakes and re-
duces brake pad wear.
!Simultaneously depressing the acceler-
ator pedal and applying the brake re-
duces engine performance and causes
premature brake and drivetrain wear.
Warning!
G
Do not park this vehicle in areas where com-
bustible 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.
To reduce the risk of personal injury as a re-
sult of inadvertent vehicle movement,
before turning off the engine and leaving the
vehicle always:
Keep right foot on brake pedal.
Firmly depress parking brake pedal.
Move the gear selector lever to
positionP.
Slowly release brake pedal.
When parked on an incline, turn front
wheel towards the road curb.
Page 407 of 418
406 IndexResidual ventilation 183
REST (Residual engine heat
utilization) 386
Restraint system see Infant and child re-
straint systems 69, 73
Rims and Tires 365
Roadside Assistance
Tele Aid 234
Roadside assistance 12
Rolling code programming 241
RON (Research Octane Number) 258,
387
Roof rack 219
Rotating wheels 279
Rubber parts
Cleaning 290
S
Safety
Occupant 60
Safety belts see Seat belts 42
Safety defects
Reporting 18
Safety systems
Driving 77
Saving current speed 196Screwdriver (vehicle tool kit) 329
Seat
Heating 113
Seat belt force limiter 68
Seat belts 66
Cleaning 289
Fastening 42
Proper use of 44, 67
Safety guidelines 64
Warning lamp 296
Seat cushion depth
Adjusting 111
Seat heater
Switching off 113
Switching on 113
Seat ventilation*
Switching off 115
Switching on 115
Seats 107
Adjusting 34
Adjusting lumbar support 112
Adjusting shoulder support 111
Easy entry/exit feature 107
Massage function 112
Multicontour backrest* 111Securing cargo
Cargo tie-down hooks 220
Selector lever
Message in display 302
Position (automatic
transmission) 157
Self-test
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 72
Tele Aid 231
Service
Calling up the service indicator 283
Major service (Service B) 282
Minor service (Service A) 282
Overdue 282
Types 282
When due 282
Service (maintenance) 282
Service and warranty information 10
Service indicator 282
Calling up 283
Clearing 282, 283
Service life (tires) 271
Service System see FSS 282