Page 99 of 314

99 Controls in detail
Good visibility
Good visibility
Information on the windshield wipers 
(page 44) and for adjusting the rear view 
mirrors see “Adjusting” (
page 30) is 
found in the “Getting started” section.
Headlamp cleaning system*
The switch is located on the center con-
sole.
1Headlamp washer switch
Switch on ignition.
Briefly press upper part of switch1.
The headlamps will be cleaned with a 
high-pressure water jet. 
For information on filling up the washer 
reservoir, see "Windshield washer system 
and headlamp cleaning system*"  
(
page 184).
Rear view mirror
Automatic antiglare rear view mirror
The reflection brightness of the exterior 
rear view mirror on the driver’s side and 
the interior rear view mirror will respond 
automatically to glare when
the ignition is switched on
and
incoming light from headlamps falls on 
the sensor in the interior rear view mir-
ror
The rear view mirror will not react if
reverse gear is engaged
the interior lighting is turned on
the wind screen is installed 
(page 135) 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 100 of 314

100 Controls in detailGood visibility
Sun visors
The sun visors protect you from sun glare 
while driving.
Warning!
G
The automatic antiglare function does not 
react if incoming light is not aimed directly 
at sensors in the interior rear view mirror.
The interior rear view mirror and the exterior 
rear view mirror on the driver’s side do not 
react, for example, if the wind screen is in-
stalled.
Glare can endanger you and others.Warning!
G
In the case of an accident, liquid electrolyte 
may escape from the mirror housing if the 
mirror glass breaks.
Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not al-
low the liquid to come into contact with 
eyes, skin, clothing, or the respiratory sys-
tem. In case it does, immediately flush af-
fected area with water, and seek medical 
help if necessary.
Warning!
G
Exercise care when using the passenger 
side exterior rear view mirror. The mirror 
surface is convex (outwardly curved surface 
for a wider field of view). Objects in mirror 
are closer than they appear. Check your in-
terior rear view mirror or glance over your 
shoulder before changing lanes.!Electrolyte drops coming into contact 
with the vehicle paint finish can be 
completely removed only while in the 
liquid state by applying plenty of water.
Warning!
G
Do not use the vanity mirror while driving.
Keep the mirrors in the sun visors closed 
while vehicle is in motion. Reflected glare 
can endanger you and others. 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 169 of 314

169 Operation
Driving instructions
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
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 
personal injury.
!To prevent damage to the catalytic con-
verters, use only premium unleaded 
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine 
operation should be repaired promptly. 
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel 
may reach the catalytic converter, 
causing it to overheat and start a fire.
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. 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 287 of 314

287 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
TM airbag deactivation 
system
This system detects if a special system 
compatible child restraint seat is in-
stalled on the passenger seat. The sys-
tem will automatically deactivate the 
passenger front airbag when such a 
seat is properly installed (indicator 
lamp7 in the center console lights 
up). See your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center for availability.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.
CAC
(C
ustomer A
ssistance C
enter)
Mercedes-Benz customer service cen-
ter, which can help you with any ques-
tions about your vehicle and provide 
assistance in the event of a break-
down.CAN system
(C
ontroller A
rea N
etwork)
Data bus network serving to control ve-
hicle functions such as door locking or 
windshield wiping.
Cockpit
All instruments, switches, buttons and 
indicator/warning lamps in the passen-
ger compartment needed for vehicle 
operation and monitoring.
Collapsible tire
An especially compact spare tire that 
must be inflated with a provided air 
pump before using. It should only be 
used to bring the vehicle to the nearest 
service station.
Cruise control
Driving convenience system for auto-
matically maintaining the vehicle speed 
set by the driver.