242 Controls in detailDriving systemsRange of the sensors
To function properly, the sensors must be
free of dirt, ice, snow and slush. Clean the
sensors regularly, being careful not to
scratch or damage the sensors.Front sensors
Rear sensors
Minimum distance
If the system encounters an obstacle in
this range, all the warning lamps come on
and you hear a warning signal. If the obsta-
cle is closer than the minimum distance,
the actual distance may no longer be indi-
cated by the system.
Center
approx. 39 in (100 cm)
Corners
approx. 23,5 in (60 cm)
Center
approx. 47 in (120 cm)
Corners
approx. 32 in (80 cm)
!During parking maneuvers, pay special
attention to objects located above or
below the height of the sensors (e.g.
planters or trailer hitches). The Park-
tronic system will not detect such ob-
jects at close range and damage to
your vehicle or the object may result.
Ultrasonic signals from outside sourc-
es (e.g. truck air brakes or jackham-
mers) may impair the operation of the
Parktronic system.
Center
approx. 8 in (20 cm)
Corners
approx. 6 in (15 cm)
ProCarManuals.com
243 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Warning indicators
Visual signals indicate to the driver the rel-
ative distance between the sensors and an
obstacle. The warning indicator for the
front area is located above the center air
vents in the dashboard. The warning indi-
cator for the rear area is integrated be-
tween the rear backrests.Front area warning indicator1Left side of the vehicle
2Right side of the vehicleEach warning indicator is divided into six
yellow and two red segments for either
side of the vehicle. The Parktronic system
is ready when the border around the indi-
cator is illuminated.
The position of the gear selector lever de-
termines which warning indicators will be
activated.As your vehicle approaches an object, one
or more segments will come on, depending
on the distance. When the eighth segment
comes on, you have reached the minimum
distance.
Front area: An intermittent acoustic
warning will sound as the first red seg-
ment comes on and a constant acous-
tic warning lasting a maximum of three
seconds will sound for the second red
segment. The signal is canceled when
the gear selector lever is placed in
positionP.
Rear area: An intermittent acoustic
warning will sound as the first red seg-
ment comes on and a constant acous-
tic warning lasting a maximum of three
seconds will sound for the second red
segment. The signal is canceled when
the gear selector lever is placed in po-
sition D orP.
Gear selector le-
ver position
Warning indicator
D
Front area activated
R or N
Front and rear area
activated
P
Neither activated
ProCarManuals.com
281 Operation
Driving instructions
Control and operation of radio trans-mitters
COMAND*, radio and telephone*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
Please do not forget that your primary re-
sponsibility is to drive the vehicle safely.
Only operate the COMAND (Cockpit Man-
agement and Data System), radio or tele-
phone
1 if road, traffic and weather
conditions permit.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of approximately
44 feet (approximately 13.5 m) every sec-
ond.
1Observe all legal requirements.
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 serious
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 dealt with prompt-
ly. Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel
may reach the catalytic converter,
causing it to overheat and start a fire.
ProCarManuals.com
308 OperationVehicle careCleaning the Distronic* system sensor
cover
1Distronic* system sensor cover
Use a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Sham-
poo, with plenty of water to clean sen-
sor cover1.
To prevent scratches, never apply strong
force and only use a soft, non-scratchy
cloth when cleaning the sensor cover. Do
not attempt to wipe dirty sensors with a
dry cloth or sponge.Cleaning the Parktronic* system
sensors
1Parktronic* system sensors
Use a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Sham-
poo, with plenty of water to clean
sensors1.
When using a steam cleaner or power
washer, aim nozzle only briefly from a min-
imum distance of 4 in (10 cm) at
sensors1.To prevent scratches, never apply strong
force and only use a soft, non-scratchy
cloth when cleaning the sensor. Do not at-
tempt to wipe dirty sensors with a dry cloth
or sponge.
Wiper blades
Fold wiper arm forward until it snapes
into place.
Clean the wiper blade inserts with a
clean cloth and detergent solution.Warning!
G
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and re-
move SmartKey from starter switch before
cleaning the wiper blades. Otherwise the
wiper motor might suddenly turn on and
cause injury.
ProCarManuals.com
336 Practical hintsWhat to do if …?Display symbol
Display message
Possible cause
Possible solution
.
Lamp sensor
Visit workshop!
The lamp sensor is malfunctioning. The
headlamps switch on automatically.
In the control system, set lamp opera-
tion to manual (
page 145).
Switch on headlamps using the exteri-
or lamp switch.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
License plate lamp,
left
The left license plate lamp is malfunction-
ing.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
License plate lamp,
right
The right license plate lamp is malfunc-
tioning.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Low beam, left
The left low beam lamp is malfunctioning.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Low beam, right
The right low beam lamp is malfunction-
ing.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Parking lamp,
front left
Substitute lamp on
The left parking lamps are malfunctioning.
A backup bulb is being used.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Parking lamp,
front right
Substitute lamp on
The right parking lamps are malfunction-
ing. A backup bulb is being used.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
ProCarManuals.com
419 Technical terms
ABS
(A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)
Prevents the wheels from locking up
during braking so that the vehicle can
continue to be steered.
Alignment bolt
Metal pin with thread. The centering
pin is an aid used when changing a tire
to align the wheel with the wheel hub.BabySmart
TM1
airbag deactivation
system
This system detects if a special system
compatible child restraint seat is in-
stalled on the front passenger seat. The
system will automatically deactivate
the passenger front airbag when such a
seat is properly installed (indicator
lamp PASS. AIRBAG OFF in the center
console comes on). See your autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center for avail-
ability.
BabySmart
TM compatible child seats
Special restraint system for children.
The sensor system for the passenger
seat prevents deployment of the pas-
senger front airbag if a BabySmart
TM
compatible child seat is installed.BAS
(B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)
System for potentially reducing braking
distances in emergency braking situa-
tions. The system is activated when it
senses an emergency based on how
fast the brake is applied.
Bi-Xenon headlamps*
Headlamps which use an electric arc as
the light source and produce a more in-
tense light than filament headlamps.
Bi-Xenon headlamps produce low
beam and high beam.
1BabySmart
TM
is a trademark of Siemens
Automotive Corp.
ProCarManuals.com
431 Index
Centigrade
Setting temperature units 142
Central locking
Automatic 107
From inside 108
Locking from inside 108
Switch 108
Switching on/off
(control system) 149
Unlocking from inside 108
Central locking switch 108
Changing
Batteries (SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*) 351
Batteries (SmartKey) 350
Key setting 149
Changing CDs 199
Charcoal filter 179
Activating 179
Deactivating 180
Charging
Vehicle battery 386
CHECK ENGINE
malfunction indicator lamp 314Checking
Coolant level 292
Oil level 286, 289
Tire inflate pressure 286
Vehicle lighting 286
Child safety 69
Airbags 60
Infant and child
restraint systems 64, 69
LATCH child seat anchors 73
Child safety switch see
Blocking of rear window operation
Child seat anchors see
LATCH child seat anchors
Cigarette lighter 254Cleaning
Cup holder 309
Distronic* system sensor cover 308
Gear selector lever 309
Hard plastic trim items 310
Headlamps 167
Headliner 310
Instrument cluster 309
Leather upholstery 310
Light alloy wheels 309
Nubuck leather upholstery
(CLK 55 AMG) 310
Parktronic* system sensor 308
Plastic and rubber parts 310
Seat belts 310
Soft top 306
Steering wheel 309
Upholstery 310
Windows 309
Windshield 50
Wiper blades 308
Wood trims 310
CLK 55 AMG
Manual shift program mode 164
Clock 23, 144
ProCarManuals.com
434 Index
Residual heat 182
Seat ventilation* 113
Steering wheel gearshift control
(CLK 55 AMG) 165
Tow-away alarm 85
Deceleration
With Distronic* 232
Deep water see Standing water
Defogging
Windshield 176
Defrosting 177
Delayed switch-off
Interior lighting 148
Dialing
A number (telephone) 155
Difficulties
While driving see
Problems while driving
With starting 45
Digital speedometer 134
Direction of rotation (tires) 297
Discharged battery
Jump starting 388
Disconnecting
Vehicle battery 386Display
Selecting 143, 144
Display elements
Audio system 184
Displays
Digital speedometer 134
Distronic* 231
Messages 290, 320
Selecting 143
Service indicator 302
Showing malfunctions 138
Distance
Decreasing in Distronic* 237
Increasing in Distronic* 237
Setting in Distronic* 236
Warning function 237
Distance to empty (range)
Calling up 152
Distance warning function* 237
Activating 238
Deactivating 238
Distance warning lamp 237
Intermittent warning sound 237
Symbol in multifunction display 137Distronic* 229, 420
Activated 233
Activating 234
Calling up settings 137, 232
Cleaning system sensor 308
Cruise control lever 233
Deactivated 233
Deactivating 236
Deceleration 232
Decreasing distance 237
Decreasing time interval 236
Displays in the speedometer dial 231
Distance warning function 237
Distance warning lamp 316
Driving hints 238
Fine adjustment 235
Increasing distance 237
Increasing time interval 236
Intermittent signal tone 231
Menu 232
Messages in display 323
Sensor cover 308
Setting a higher speed 234
Setting a lower speed 235
Setting following distance 236
ProCarManuals.com