323
Operation
Tires and wheels
Tire and loading terminology
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power
seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as
factory-installed equipment (whether
installed or not).
Air pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi), or kilopascal (kPa) or
bars.
Aspect ratio
Dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width
expressed in percentage.
Bar
Another metric unit for air pressure. There
are 14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi)
to 1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa)
to 1 bar.
Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the
rim.
Cold tire inflation pressure
Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle
has been sitting for at least three hours or
driven no more than one mile (1.6 km). Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard equipment including the maxi-
mum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and,
if so equipped, air conditioning and
additional optional equi
pment, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT (D
epartment o
f T
ransportation)
A tire branding symbol which denotes the
tire meets requirements of the
U.S. Department of Transportation.
GAWR (G
ross A
xle W
eight R
ating)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible
axle weight. The gross vehicle weight on
each axle must never exceed the GAWR for
the front and rear axle indicated on the
Certification label located on the driver's
door B-pillar.
333
Operation
Vehicle care
Vehicle care
Cleaning and care of the 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.
Any damage should be repaired as soon as
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.
336 OperationVehicle careWiper blades
Fold wiper arms forward.
Clean the wiper blade inserts with a
clean cloth and detergent solution.Window cleaning
Fold wiper arms forward.
Use a window cleaning solution on all
glass surfaces.
An automotive glass cleaner is
recommended.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 the instructions on container.
Warning!
G
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and
remove SmartKey from starter switch
before cleaning the wiper blades. Other-
wise, the wiper motor could 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
remove SmartKey from starter switch
before cleaning the windshield. Otherwise,
the wiper motor could 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.
403
Practical hints
Battery
Reconnecting the battery
Turn off all electrical consumers.
Remove SmartKey from the starter
switch.
Connect the positive lead and fasten its
cover
2 (
page 402).
Connect the negative lead.
Reinstall the filter box (
page 401).
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.
Warning!
G
Never charge a battery while still installed in
the vehicle unless the accessory battery
charge unit approved by Mercedes-Benz is
being used. Gases may escape during charg-
ing and cause explosions that may result in
paint damage, corrosion or personal injury.
An accessory battery charge unit specially
adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz is
available, permitting the charging of the bat-
tery in its installed position. Contact an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
information and availability. Charge battery
in accordance with the instructions for the
accessory battery charger.
!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 reconnec-
tion):
Set the clock (
page 139) (vehi-
cles with COMAND*: see COMAND
operator’s manual).
Resynchronize side windows
(page 240).
Resynchronize panorama roof with
power tilt/sliding panel*
(page 246).
443
Index
A
ABS 25, 81, 437
Malfunction indicator lamp 340
Messages in display 353
Warning lamp 340
Accelerator position, automatic transmission* 165
Accessory weight 323
Accident In case of 55
Activating Air conditioning (cooling) 193Climate control 179
Air recirculation mode 189 Climate control 177
Anti-theft alarm system 86
Automatic climate control* 183
Central locking (control system) 148
Charcoal filter 191
Climate control 173
Climate control system 175
Defrosting 188 Climate control 177
Easy-entry/exit feature* 148
Electric air pump 399
ESP 85 Exterior headlamps 51
Exterior lamps 111
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position* 169
Hazard warning flasher 116
Headlamps 51
High beams 114
Ignition 33
Immobilizer 86
Rear fog lamp 113
Rear window defroster 170
Residual heat 193
Seat heating* 106
Tow-away alarm 88
Windshield wipers 53
Adding Coolant 296, 297
Engine oil 294
Headlamp cleaning fluid 299
Windshield washer fluid 299
Additional turn signals 385
Adjustable air vents, rear passenger compartment 194Climate control 180 Adjusting 35
Air distribution 186 Climate control 176
Air volume 187 Climate control 176
Backrest tilt 36, 38
Exterior rear view mirrors 42
Head restraint height 37, 38
Head restraint height, rear seats 103
Head restraint tilt 37, 39
Head restraint tilt, rear seats 105
Head restraints, rear seats Folding back 104
Placing upright 105
Instrument cluster illumination 119
Interior rear view mirror 42
Manual seat 36
Mirrors 42
Rear seat head restraints 103
Seat cushion tilt 36, 38
Seat fore and aft adjustment 36, 38
Seat height 36, 38
Seats 35
Steering column height 42
Steering column length 42
Steering wheel 40
444 IndexAdjusting sound functions 199
Adjusting the volume 199
Air bags 61Children 62
Front 65
Front passenger front air bag off indica-tor lamp 27, 76, 345
Passenger 65
Safety guidelines 64
Side impact 66
Window curtain 66
Air conditioner refrigerant 428
Air conditioning (cooling) Turning off 192 Climate control 179
Turning on 192 Climate control 179
Air distribution Adjusting 186 Climate control 176
Air pressure 323
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air pump, electric Turning on 399 Air recirculation mode 189
Activating 189Climate control 177
Deactivating 190 Climate control 178
Air vents, rear passenger compartment Adjustable 194Climate control 180
Air volume Adjusting 187Climate control 176
Alarm Audible 80, 87, 88
Canceling 87, 88
Visual 86
Alarm system Anti-theft 86
Alignment bolt 396
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 437
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 433
Antiglare Automatic* 168
Manual 167
Antilock brake system (ABS) 437 Anti-theft alarm system
Arming 86
Canceling alarm 87, 88
Disarming 87
Anti-theft systems 86 Anti-theft alarm system 86
Immobilizer 86
Tow-away alarm 87
Aquaplaning 281
Armrest Storage spaces 255
Ashtrays Center console 257
Rear seat 258
Aspect ratio 323
ATF (automatic transmission fluid) 296
AUDIO menu 129 Selecting radio station 130
Selecting satellite radio* station 130
447
Index
Checking
Brake fluid 290
Coolant level 290, 296, 359
Headlamp cleaning fluid 290
Oil level 290, 292
Tire inflate pressure 290
Vehicle lighting 290
Windshield washer fluid 290
Child safety 70 Air bags 62
Front passenger front air bag off indica-tor lamp 27, 76, 345
Infant and child restraint systems 66, 70
LATCH child seat anchors 78
OCS 73
Child seat anchors see LATCH child seat anchors
Cigarette lighter 259
Cleaning Cup holders 337
Gear selector lever 337
Hard plastic trim items 337
Headlamps 167
Headliner 337
Instrument cluster 337 Leather upholstery 338
Light alloy wheels 336
MB Tex upholstery 338
Plastic and rubber parts 338
Seat belts 337
Steering wheel 337
Upholstery 338
Windows 336
Windshield 54
Wiper blades 336
Wood trims 338
Cleaning tires 302
Climate control 172 Adjusting air distribution and volume 176
Defogging windshield 176
Defrosting 177
Rear window defroster 170
Setting the temperature 175
Clock 25, 139
Closing Ashtray, center console 258
Cup holder 257
Glove box 254
Hood 292
Luggage compartment 95 Panorama roof with power tilt/sliding
panel* in an emergency 381
Panorama roof with power tilt/sliding panel* with SmartKey 244
Storage compartment, armrest 255
Trunk lid 95
Windows 238
Windows with SmartKey 239
Cockpit 22, 437
Cockpit management and data system (COMAND*) 437
Cold tire inflation pressure 323
Collapsible tire 437
Collapsible wheel chock 375
COMAND* see separate operating instructions 437
Combination switch 114 Turn signals 52
Windshield wipers 53
Comfort driving Transmission program mode 164
Control and operation of radio transmitters 284
449
Index
Deactivating
Air conditioning (cooling) 192Climate control 179
Air recirculation mode 190 Climate control 178
Alarm 87
Anti-theft alarm system 87
Automatic climate control* 183
Central locking (control system) 148
Charcoal filter 192
Climate control 173
Climate control system 175
Cruise control 248
Defrost 188
Defrosting Climate control 177
ESP 84
Exterior lamps 111
Exterior lamps delayed shut-off 146
Front fog lamps 146
Hazard warning flasher 116
Headlamps 57
Immobilizer 86
Rear window defroster 170
Residual heat 193 Seat heating* 106
Tow-away alarm 88
Deep water see Standing water 284
Defogging Windshield 187Climate control 176
Defrosting 188 Climate control 177
Delayed shut-off Exterior lamps 146
Department of Transportation see DOT
Dialing A number (telephone*) 154
Difficulties While driving see Problems while driving 55
With starting 49
Digital speedometer 129
Direction of rotation (tires) 303
Discharged battery Jump starting 404
Disconnecting Vehicle battery 402
Display Messages in display 362 Display elements
Audio system 196
Displays Digital speedometer 129
Engine oil 293
Outside temperature 129
Selecting display for status indicator 138
Service indicator 330
Showing malfunctions 132
Symbol messages 357
Text messages 349
Vehicle status messages 347
Distance to empty (range) Calling up 152
Door control panel 30
Door handle 30
Door unlock With Tele Aid* 268
Doors Message in display 362
Opening from inside vehicle 94
Opening from outside 92
Opening from the outside 92
DOT 323