Page 176 of 464
176 Controls in detailAutomatic climate controlAdjusting air distribution
Use the air distribution controls7 and9
(page 172) to separately adjust the air
distribution on each side of the passenger
compartment. The following symbols are
found on the controls:Adjusting manually
Press left or right U button.
The U pops out, the a, Z,
X and Y symbols are visible.
Air distribution can be adjusted manu-
ally.
Adjusting automatically
Press left or right U button again.
The a, Z, X and Y sym-
bols are no longer visible.
The air distribution is adjusted auto-
matically.Windshield fogged on the outside
Switch the windshield wipers on, see
“Windshield wipers” (
page 48).
Switch to manual mode.
Close the air vent at dashboard top
center.
Turn the air distribution control
toa orY.
Symbol
Function
a
Directs air through the center,
side and rear passenger com-
partment air vents
Z
Directs air to the windows
X
Directs air into the entire vehi-
cle interior
Y
Directs air to the footwells
Page 287 of 464

287 Operation
Engine compartment
Engine compartment
Hood
Opening
1Hood lock release
Pull lever 1 downwards.
The hood is unlocked.
2Lever for opening the hood
Push lever 2 on the hood upwards.
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 may even restart
after the engine has been turned off. Stay
clear of fan blades.
Page 308 of 464

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.
Page 309 of 464

309 Operation
Vehicle care
Window cleaning
Fold wiper arm forward until it snapes
into place.
Use a window cleaning solution on all
glass surfaces.An automotive glass cleaner is recom-
mended.
Light alloy wheels
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care
should be used for regular cleaning of the
light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week with
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care, us-
ing a soft bristle brush and a strong spray
of water.
Follow instructions on container.Instrument cluster
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist-
ened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Steering wheel and gear selector lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly
or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved
Leather Care.
Cup holder
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist-
ened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.!Fold the windshield wiper arms back
onto the windshield before turning the
SmartKey in the starter switch.
Hold onto the wiper when folding the
wiper arm back. If released, the force
of the impact from the tensioning
spring could crack the windshield.Warning!
G
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and re-
move SmartKey from starter switch before
cleaning the windshield. Otherwise the wip-
er motor might suddenly turn on and cause
injury.
!Fold the windshield wiper arms back
onto the windshield before turning the
SmartKey in the starter switch.
Hold onto the wiper when folding the
wiper arm back. If released, the force
of the impact from the tensioning
spring could crack the windshield.
iOnly use acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid may cause corrosion or damage
the clear coat.
Page 311 of 464
311 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 379 of 464

379 Practical hints
Replacing wiper blades
Replacing wiper blades
Removing wiper blades
Fold the wiper arm forward.
1Lock
2Unlock
Pull the tab in direction of arrow2 and
remove windshield wiper.
Installing wiper blades
Slide the wiper blade into the cutout on
the wiper arm.
Slide the tab back in direction of
arrow1 until it audibly engages.
Fold the wiper arm backward to rest on
the windshield. Make sure you hold on
to the wiper when folding the wiper arm
back.
Warning!
G
For safety reasons, remove SmartKey from
starter switch before replacing a wiper
blade. Otherwise the motor could suddenly
turn on and cause injury.
!Never open the hood when the wiper
arms are folded forward.
Hold on to the wiper when folding the
wiper arm back. If released, the force
of the impact from the tensioning
spring could crack the windshield.
Do not allow the wiper arms to contact
the windshield glass without a wiper
blade inserted.
Make certain that the wiper blades are
properly installed. Improperly installed
wiper blades may cause windshield
damage.
For your convenience, we recommend
that you have this work carried out by
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Page 427 of 464

427 Index
A
ABS 23, 77, 419
Malfunction indicator lamp 312
Messages in display 321
Accelerator position,
automatic transmission 163
Accident
In case of 51
Activating
Air conditioning (cooling) 181
Air recirculation mode 178
Anti-theft alarm system 83
Automatic climate control 173
Central locking (control system) 149
Charcoal filter 179
Distance warning function* 238
Distronic* 233, 234
Easy-entry/exit feature 150
ESP 81
Exterior headlamps 47
Exterior lamps 120
Exterior rear view
mirror parking position 169
Front and rear fog lamp 121, 122
Hazard warning flasher 123
Headlamps 47High beams 123
Ignition 31
Ignition with KEYLESS-GO* 33
Immobilizer 54, 82
Manual shift programm
CLK 55 AMG 164
Rear window defroster 171
Residual heat 181
Seat ventilation* 113
Steering wheel gearshift
control (CLK 55 AMG) 164
Tow-away alarm 85
Windshield wipers 49
Adding
Coolant 292
Engine oil 291
Additional turn signals 373
Adjustable air vents,
rear passenger compartment 182Adjusting 34
Air distribution 176
Air volume 177
Backrest tilt 36
Exterior rear view mirror 39
Head restraint height 36
Head restraint tilt 36
Instrument cluster illumination 126
Interior rear view mirror 38
Mirrors 38
Multicontour seat* 112
Seat cushion depth 112
Seat cushion tilt 36
Seat fore and aft adjustment 35
Seat height 36
Seats 34
Steering column in/out 38
Steering column up/down 38
Steering wheel 37
Air conditioning (cooling)
Turning off 181
Turning on 181
Air conditioning refrigerant 412
Air distribution
Adjusting 176
Page 431 of 464

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