279 Operation
Driving instructions
After hard braking, it is advisable to drive
on for some time, rather than immediately
parking, so that the air stream will cool
down the brakes faster.Driving off
Apply the brakes to test them briefly after
driving off. Perform this procedure only
when the road is clear of other traffic.
Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not
place full load on the engine until the oper-
ating temperature has been reached.When starting off on a slippery surface, do
not allow a wheel to spin for an extended
period with the ESP switched off. Doing so
may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Parking
!When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes
by shifting into a lower gear to use the
engine’s braking power. This helps pre-
vent overheating of the brakes and re-
duces brake pad wear.
!Simultaneously depressing the acceler-
ator pedal and applying the brake re-
duces engine performance and causes
premature brake and drivetrain wear.!Set the parking brake whenever park-
ing or leaving the vehicle. In addition,
move gear selector lever to positionP
(manual transmission: first or reverse
gear).
When parking on hills, always turn front
wheel towards the curb.
Warning!
G
Do not park this vehicle in areas where com-
bustible 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.
To reduce the risk of personal injury as a re-
sult of vehicle movement, before turning off
the engine and leaving the vehicle always:
Keep right foot on brake pedal.
Firmly depress parking brake pedal.
Move the gear selector lever to
positionP (manual transmission: first or
reverse gear).
Slowly release brake pedal.
When parked on an incline, turn front
wheel against curb.
Turn the SmartKey to starter switch
position0 and remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch.
Take the SmartKey with you and lock
the vehicle when leaving.
340 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Lamps in instrument clusterGeneral information:
If any of the following lamps in the instru-
ment cluster fails to come on during thebulb self-check when switching on the
ignition, have the respective bulb checked
and replaced if necessary.Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
-
The yellow ABS malfunction
indicator lamp comes on while
driving.
The ABS has detected a malfunction and has
switched off. The BAS and the ESP are also
switched off (see messages in display).
The brake system is still functioning normally
but without the ABS available.
If the ABS control unit is malfunctioning,
other systems such as the navigation
system* or the automatic transmission* may
also be malfunctioning.
Continue driving with added caution.
Wheels may lock during hard braking,
reducing steering capability.
Read and observe messages in the
display (
page 353).
Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions
increases the risk of an accident.
The charging voltage has fallen below ten
volts. The ABS has switched off.
The battery might not be charged sufficiently.
Switch off electrical consumers that
are currently not needed, e.g. seat
heating*.
If necessary, have the generator
(alternator) and battery checked.
When the voltage is above this value
again, the ABS is operational again.
355 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display message
Possible cause
Possible solution
ESP
unavailable
See Operator’s Manual
The ESP was deactivated because of a
malfunction or interrupted power supply.
The ABS might not be operational.
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the ESP available.
Continue driving with added caution.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions
increases the risk of an accident.
If the yellow ESP warning lampv
flashes while driving and this message
appears, the electronic traction system
has switched off to prevent overheating
of the drive wheel brakes.
As soon as the brakes have cooled off, the
electronic traction system switches on
again.
The self-diagnosis has not been
completed yet.
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the ESP available.
The display will clear after driving a short
distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h).
The charging voltage has fallen below ten
volts. The ESP has switched off.
The battery might not be charged
sufficiently.
Continue driving with added caution.
If necessary, have the generator and
battery checked.
When the voltage is above this value
again, the ESP is operational again.
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) 193
Climate 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 85Exterior 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 194
Climate control 180Adjusting 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
449 Index
Deactivating
Air conditioning (cooling) 192
Climate 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 193Seat heating* 106
Tow-away alarm 88
Deep water see Standing water 284
Defogging
Windshield 187
Climate 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 362Display 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
451 Index
Engine oil 292, 428
Adding 294
Additives 428
Checking level 292
Consumption 292
Display messages 363–364
Filler neck 295
Messages in display 293, 363–364
Viscosity 438
Engine oil level see Oil level
ESP 25, 83, 438
Messages in display 355–356
Switching off 84
Switching on 85
Warning lamp 343
ETD 438
Safety guidelines 64
ETD (Emergency tensioning device) 69
Ethanol fuel
At the gas station 288
Switching fuels 431
Exterior lamp switch 110
Exterior lamps
Delayed shut-off 146
Exterior rear view mirror
Parking position* for 150Exterior rear view mirrors
Adjusting 42
F
Fahrenheit
Setting temperature units 137
Fastening the seat belts 44
Fine adjustment
Cruise control 249
First aid kit 373
Flat tire 394
Inflating the spare tire 398
Lowering the vehicle 400
Mounting the spare wheel 394
Preparing the vehicle 394
Spare wheel 375
Tighten wheel bolts 400
Flexible fuel vehicles 431
At the gas station 288
Switching fuels 431
Flexible Service System (Canada
vehicles) 330, 438
Fog lamp, rear
Message in display 368
Switching on 113Fog lamps, front
Messages in display 366
Replacing bulbs 385, 386
Switching on 113
Front air bags 65
Front lamps
Bi-Xenon* type 388
Halogen-type 386
Messages in display 366–370
Replacing bulbs 385, 386
Switching on 110
Front passenger front air bag off indicator
lamp 27, 76, 345
Front seat backrest
Folding backrest back 40
Folding backrest forward 39
Front seat head restraints
Installing 102
Power seat* 103
Manual seat 102
Power seat* 103
Removing 102
Power seat* 103
Front seats
Heating* 106
461 Index
Resetting
All functions (control system) 133
All functions of a submenu 135
Fuel consumption 152
Maintenance service indicator 332
Trip odometer 121
Residual heat utilization 193
Residual ventilation 193
Restraint system
Message in display 356
Restraint system see Infant and child re-
straint systems
Restraint systems 440
Reverse (manual transmission)
Shifting into 158
Rim 325
Rims 419
Roller sunblinds*
Closing 241
Opening 241
RON 289
RON (Research Octane Number) 440
Roof rack* 250
Rubber parts
Cleaning 338S
Safety
Occupant 60
Safety belts see Seat belts
Safety systems
Driving 81
Satellite radio
Additional text information 212
General information 208
Manual channel input 210
Storing of station 212
Seat belt
Force limiter 69
Seat belt force limiter 69
Seat belt outlet height adjustment 46
Seat belts 66
Cleaning 337
Fastening 44
Height adjustment 46
Proper use of 47, 68
Safety guidelines 64
Warning lamp 344
Seat heating*
Switching off 106
Switching on 106
Seating capacity 305Seats 100
Adjusting 35
Easy entry/exit feature* 100
Heating* 106
Manual 36
Rear seat head restraints 105
Split rear bench seat 250
Securing cargo
Cargo tie-down rings 253
Selecting
Display for status indicator 138
Station (satellite radio) 210
Selector lever
Lock 49
Selector lever see gear selector lever
Self-test
OCS 77
Tele Aid* 262
Service
Major service (Service B) 330
Minor service (Service A) 330
Parts 414
When due 330
Service and Warranty Booklet
Loss of 415
Service indicator 330
464 IndexStoring tires 302
Submenus
Convenience 148
For settings 125
In control system 127
Instrument cluster 137, 139
Lighting 144
Resetting functions in Control
system 135
Selecting 134
Settings menu 134
Time/Date 139
Vehicle 148
Sun visors 169
Supplemental Restraint System see SRS
Switching
Fuel (Flexible fuel vehicle) 431
Switching off
Audio system 198
Automatic central locking (control
system) 148
Cornering fog lamps* 115
Delayed (exterior lamps) 146
Engine 58
ESP 84
Hazard warning flasher 116Headlamps 57
Seat heating* 106
Switching on
Audio system 198
Automatic central locking (control
system) 148
Cornering fog lamps* 115
ESP 85
Front fog lamps 113
Hazard warning flasher 116
Headlamps 51
High beams 114
Rear fog lamp 113
Seat heating* 106
Windshield wipers 53
Synchronizing
Panorama roof with power tilt/sliding
panel* 246
Power windows 240
T
Tachometer 25, 121
Displaying gear range 161
Overspeed range 121
Tail lamps
Cleaning 335
Replacing bulbs 385, 390Tar stains 334
Technical data
Air conditioner refrigerant 428
Brake fluid 428
Coolant 426
Coolants 432
Electrical system 423
Engine 418
Engine oil 428
Engine oil additives 428
Flexible fuel vehicles 431
Fuel requirements 429
Fuels 426
Gasoline additives 430
Lubricants 426
Main dimensions 424
Premium unleaded gasoline 429
Rims and tires 419
Weights 425
Windshield and headlamp* washer
system 427, 435
Windshield washer system 427
Tele Aid System* 261, 441