276 OperationDriving instructions
Emission control
Certain systems of the engine serve to
keep the toxic components of the exhaust
gases within permissible limits required by
law.
These systems, of course, will function
properly only when maintained strictly ac-
cording to factory specifications. Any ad-
justments to the engine should therefore
be carried out only by qualified
Mercedes-Benz Center authorized techni-
cians.
Engine adjustments should not be altered
in any way. Moreover, the specified service
jobs must be carried out regularly accord-
ing to Mercedes-Benz servicing require-
ments. For details refer to the Service
Booklet.
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.
Warning!
G
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide, and inhaling it can cause uncon-
sciousness and lead to death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as a garage) which are not properly
ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas
fumes are entering the vehicle while driving,
have the cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive with at least one window
fully open at all times.
298 OperationVehicle care
Vehicle careCleaning and care of vehicle
While in operation, even while parked, your
vehicle is subjected to varying external in-
fluences which, if gone unchecked, can at-
tack the paintwork as well as the
underbody and cause lasting damage.Such damage is caused not only by ex-
treme and varying climatic conditions, but
also by:
Air pollution
Road salt
Tar
Gravel and stone chipping
To avoid paint damage, you should imme-
diately remove:
Grease and oil
Fuel
Coolant
Brake fluid
Bird droppings
Insects
Tree resins, etc.
Frequent washing reduces and / or elimi-
nates the aggressiveness and potency of
the above adverse influences.More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions:
near the ocean
in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)
during winter operation
You should check your vehicle from time to
time for stone chipping or other damage.
A n y d a m a g e s h o u l d b e r e p a i r e d a s s o o n a s
possible to prevent corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underbody
of the vehicle. A prerequisite for a thor-
ough check is a washing of the underbody
followed by a thorough inspection. Dam-
aged areas need to be re-undercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the facto-
ry with a wax-base rustproofing in the body
cavities which will last for the lifetime of
the vehicle. Post-production treatment is
neither necessary nor recommended by
Mercedes-Benz because of the possibility
of incompatibility between materials used
in the production process and others ap-
plied later.
Warning!
G
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the partic-
ular container. Always open your vehicle’s
doors or windows when cleaning the inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not de-
signed for cleaning your vehicle.
302 OperationVehicle careWiper blades
Fold wiper arm forward until it snaps
into place.
Clean the wiper blade inserts with a
clean cloth and detergent solution.Window cleaning
Fold wiper arm forward until it snaps
into place.
Use a window cleaning solution on all
glass surfaces.
An automotive glass cleaner is recom-
mended.
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.!Fold the windshield wiper arms back
onto the windshield before turning the
SmartKey in the starter switch.
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.
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 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.
303 Operation
Vehicle care
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.
Hard plastic trim items
Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior
Care onto soft lint-free cloth and apply
with light pressure.
Headliner and rear window shelf
Clean with soft bristle brush, or use a
dry-shampoo cleaner in case of excessive
dirt.Seat belts
The webbing must not be treated with
chemical cleaning agents. Only use clear,
lukewarm water and soap. Do not dry the
webbing at temperatures above 176°F
(80°C) or in direct sunlight.
iOnly use acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid may cause corrosion or damage
the clear coat.
Warning!
G
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
365 Practical hints
Battery
Reconnecting the battery
Turn off all electrical consumers.
Connect the positive lead and fasten its
cover 2.
Connect the negative lead 1.
Reinstall the filter box (
page 363).Batteries contain materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly.
Large 12-volt storage batteries contain
lead. Recycling of batteries is the preferred
method of disposal. Many states require
sellers of batteries to accept old batteries
for recycling.
!Never invert the terminal connections.!The battery, its filler caps and the vent
tube must always be securely installed
when the vehicle is in operation.
iThe following procedures must be car-
ried out following any interruption of
battery power (e.g. due to reconnect-
ing):
Set the clock (
page 144) (vehi-
cles with COMAND*: see COMAND
operator’s manual).
Resynchronize side windows
(page 213).
Resynchronize sliding/pop-up
roof* (
page 217).
403 Index
A
ABS 23, 76, 397
Malfunction indicator lamp 306
Messages in display 315
Accelerator position,
automatic transmission 163
Accident
In case of 50
Activating
Air conditioning (cooling) 181
Air recirculation mode 178
Anti-theft alarm system 82
Automatic climate control 173
Central locking (control system) 149
Charcoal filter 179, 180
Distance warning function* 230
Distronic* 225, 226
Easy-entry/exit feature 150
ESP 80
Exterior headlamps 47
Exterior lamps 120
Exterior rear view
mirror parking position 168
Front and rear fog lamp 121, 122
Hazard warning flasher 123
Headlamps 47High beams 123
Ignition 31
Ignition with KEYLESS-GO* 33
Immobilizer 53, 81
Manual shift program
CLK 55 AMG 164
Rapid seat heating*
with seat ventilation* 115
Rapid seat heating*
without seat ventilation* 114
Rear window defroster 171
Residual heat 181
Seat heating*
with seat ventilation* 115
Seat heating*
without seat ventilation* 114
Seat ventilation* 113
Steering wheel gearshift
control (CLK 55 AMG) 164
Tow-away alarm 83
Trunk lid opening limiter*
(control system) 149
Windshield wipers 49Adding
Coolant 287
Engine oil 285
Additional turn signals 351
Adjustable air vents,
rear passenger compartment 182
Adjusting 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
404 IndexAir conditioning (cooling)
Turning off 181
Turning on 181
Air conditioning refrigerant 390
Air distribution
Adjusting 176
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air recirculation mode 178
Activating 178
Deactivating 179
Air vents, rear passenger compartment
Adjustable 182
Air volume
Adjusting 177
Airbags 59
BabySmart
TM
airbag deactivation system 397
Children 60
Front 63
Passenger 63
Safety guidelines 62
Side impact 64
Window curtain 64Alarm
Audible 75, 83, 84
Canceling 83, 84
Visual 82
Alarm system
Anti-theft 82
Alignment bolt 360
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 397
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 393
Antiglare
Automatic 167
Antilock brake system (ABS) 397
Anti-theft alarm system
Arming 82
Canceling alarm 83, 84
Disarming 82
Anti-theft systems 81
Anti-theft alarm system 82
Immobilizer 81
Tow-away alarm 83
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning
Armrest
Storage spaces 246Ashtray (Center console) 247
Opening 247
Reinstalling 248
Removing 248
Ashtray (Rear seat) 248
Opening 248
Reinstalling 248
Removing 248
At the gas station 278
ATF (automatic transmission fluid) 286
AUDIO menu 134
Selecting radio station 135
Selecting satellite radio* station 135
Audio system 183
Audio and telephone, operation 183
Button and soft key operation 186
Cassette operation 196
CD operation 199
Operating and display elements 184
Operating safety 183
Operation 186
Radio operation 189
Switching off 186
Switching on 186
Telephone operation 203
405 Index
Automatic antiglare
for rear view mirror 167
Automatic central locking
Activating/deactivating
(control system) 149
Automatic climate control 172
Adjusting air distribution 176
Air recirculation mode 178
Defrosting 177
Rear window defroster 171
Setting the temperature 175
Automatic headlamp mode 120
Automatic lighting control
Activating 124
Deactivating 125
Automatic locking when driving 105Automatic transmission 157
Accelerator position 163
Comfort (C) program mode 163, 164
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) 165
Fluid level 286
Gear ranges 159
Gear selector lever position 157, 160
Gear shifting malfunctions 165
Kickdown 163
Manual (M) program mode 164
Manual shift program mode
(CLK 55 AMG) 164
One-touch gearshifting 158
Program mode selector switch 163
Program mode
selector switch CLK 55 AMG 164
Speedshift (CLK 55 AMG) 161
Sport (S) program mode 163, 164
Starting the engine 44
Steering wheel gearshift control
(CLK 55 AMG) 161
Transmission fluid 286
Auxiliary fuse box 374B
BabySmart
TM
Airbag deactivation system 70, 397
Compatible child seats 70, 397
Self-test 71
Backrest
Folding forward 241
Folding rearward 242
Backup lamps 351, 356
Bulbs 351
BAS 77, 397
Messages in display 316
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 345
Check lamp 87, 92
Checking 88, 93
Batteries, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Changing 346
Check lamp 87, 92
Checking 88, 93
Battery discharged
Jump starting 366