51 Getting started
Driving
Switching on windshield wipers
Turn the combination switch to the
desired position depending on the
intensity of the rain.
0Windshield wipers off
IIntermittent wiping
IINormal wiper speed
IIIFast wiper speed
iVehicles without rain sensor:
When the vehicle is standing still, the
wiper speed returns to next lower
setting.
Vehicles with rain sensor*:
Intermittent wiping interval is
dependent on wetness of windshield.
After the initial wipe, pauses between
wipes are automatically controlled by
the rain sensor.
!Vehicles with rain sensor*:
Do not leave windshield wipers in
intermittent setting when the vehicle is
taken to an automatic car wash or
during windshield cleaning. Wipers will
operate in the presence of water
sprayed on the windshield, and wipers
may be damaged as a result.
The switch should not be left in
intermittent setting as the wipers will
wipe the windshield once every time
the engine is started. Dust that
accumulates on the windshield might
scratch the glass and/or damage the
wiper blades when wiping occurs on a
dry windshield.
118 Controls in detailInstrument clusterTachometer
The red marking on the tachometer
(page 24) denotes excessive engine
speed.
To help protect the engine, the fuel supply
is interrupted if the engine is operated
within the red marking.
Outside temperature indicator
The outside temperature is indicated in the
multifunction display (
page 119). For
information on how to select the unit of the
indicated temperature, i.e. degrees
Celsius (°C) or degrees Fahrenheit (°F),
see “Selecting temperature display mode”
(
page 133).The temperature sensor is located in the
front bumper area. Due to its location, the
sensor can be affected by road or engine
heat during idling or slow driving. This
means that the accuracy of the displayed
temperature can only be verified by com-
parison to a thermometer placed next to
the sensor, not by comparison to external
displays (e.g. bank signs, etc.).
When moving the vehicle into colder ambi-
ent temperatures (e.g. when leaving your
garage), you will notice a delay before the
lower temperature is displayed.
A delay also occurs when ambient temper-
atures rise. This prevents inaccurate tem-
perature indications caused by heat
radiated from the engine during idling or
slow driving.
!Avoid driving at excessive engine
speeds, as it may result in serious
engine damage that is not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Warning!
G
The outside temperature indicator is not de-
signed to serve as an ice-warning device and
is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the freez-
ing point do not guarantee that the road sur-
face is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
162 Controls in detailGood visibilityAutomatic antiglare rear view mirrors*
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
mirror.
The rear view mirror will not react if
reverse gearR is engaged
the interior lighting is turned on
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, when transporting cargo
which covers the rear window.
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
allow the liquid to come into contact with
eyes, skin, clothing, or respiratory system.
In case it does, immediately flush affected
area with water, and seek medical help if
necessary.
Warning!
G
Exercise care when using the passen-
ger-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
interior 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 and by applying plenty of
water.
217 Controls in detail
Power windows
Stopping windows
Press or pull respective switch again.Opening and closing the windows with
the SmartKey
The tilt/sliding sunroof* (
page 221) will
also be opened or closed when the power
windows are operated with the SmartKey .
!If the upward movement of the window
is blocked during the closing
procedure, the window will stop and
open slightly.
Remove the obstruction, pull the
switch again past the resistance point
and release.
If the window still does not close when
there is no obstruction, then pull and
hold the switch again. The side window
will then close without the obstruction
sensor function
Warning!
G
Driver’s door only:
If within five seconds you again pull the
switch past the resistance point and
release, the automatic reversal will not
function.
Warning!
G
Never operate the windows or tilt/sliding
sunroof* if there is the possibility of anyone
being harmed by the opening or closing pro-
cedure.
In the event that the procedure causes
potential danger, the procedure can be
immediately halted by releasing the
transmit button on the SmartKey. To reverse
direction of movement, press buttonŒ
for opening or‹ for closing.
264 OperationDriving instructionsControl and operation of radio transmitter
COMAND*, radio and telephone*Telephones* and two-way radios
Radio transmitters, such as a portable
telephone or a citizens band unit should
only be used inside the vehicle if they are
connected to an antenna that is installed
on the outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation
instructions regarding use of an external
antenna.
Catalytic converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with
monolithic-type catalytic converters, an
important element in conjunction with the
oxygen sensors to achieve substantial
control of the pollutants in the exhaust
emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our
recommended maintenance instructions
as outlined in your Maintenance Booklet.
Warning!
G
Please do not forget that your primary
responsibility is to drive the vehicle safely.
Only operate the COMAND (Cockpit
Management and Data System), radio or
telephone
1 if road, weather and traffic
conditions permit.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet
(approximately 14 m) every second.
1Observe all legal requirements.
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,
possibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury.
!To prevent damage to the catalytic
converters, only use 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.
313 Practical hints
What to do if …
When the message
At next gas station
add 1.0 qt engine oil
(Canada:
1.0 l
)
appears while the engine is running and at
operating temperature, the engine oil level
has dropped to approximately the mini-
mum level.When this occurs, the warning will first
come on intermittently and then stay on if
the oil level drops further.
Visually check for oil leaks. If no obvious oil
leaks are noted, drive to the nearest
service station where the engine oil should
be topped to the required level with an
approved oil specified in the Factory
Approved Service Products pamphlet.
Display symbol
Display messages
Possible cause
Suggested solution
:
Engine oil level
Visit workshop.
The engine oil has dropped to a critical
level.
Check the engine oil level
(page 272) and add oil as required
(page 274).
If you must add engine oil frequently,
have the engine checked for possible
leaks.
Oil sensor malfunction
Visit workshop.
The measuring system is malfunctioning.
Have the measuring system checked
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.!The engine oil level warnings should
not be ignored. Extended driving with
the symbol displayed could result in
serious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
316 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display symbol
Display message
Possible cause
Possible solution
.
High beam left
The left high beam lamp is
malfunctioning.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
High beam right
The right high beam lamp is
malfunctioning.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
License plate lamp,
left
The left license plate lamp is
malfunctioning.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
License plate lamp,
right
The right license plate lamp is
malfunctioning.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Light sensor
Drive to workshop
The lamp sensor is malfunctioning.
The headlamps switch on automatically.
In the control system, set lamp
operation to manual (
page 140).
Switch on the headlamps using the
exterior lamp switch (
page 108).
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Low beam left
The left low beam lamp is malfunctioning.
Halogen headlamp:
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Bi-Xenon* headlamp:
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
385 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
TM1
air bag deactivation
system
This system detects if a special system
compatible child restraint seat is
installed on the front passenger seat.
The system will automatically deacti-
vate the passenger front air bag when
such a seat is properly installed
(the56indicator lamp located
in the center console comes on). See
an 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
passenger front air bag if a
BabySmartTM compatible child seat is
installed.
BAS
(B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)
System for potentially reducing braking
distances in emergency braking
situations. The system is activated
when it senses an emergency based on
how fast the brake is applied.
Bi-Xenon headlamps*
Headlamps which use an electric arc as
the light source and produce a more
intense light than filament headlamps.
Bi-Xenon headlamps produce low
beam and high beam.CAC
(C
ustomer A
ssistance C
enter)
Mercedes-Benz customer service
center, which can help you with any
questions about your vehicle and
provide assistance in the event of a
breakdown.
CAN system
(C
ontroller A
rea N
etwork)
Data bus network serving to control
vehicle functions such as door locking
or windshield wiping depending on
vehicle settings and/or ambient
conditions.
Cockpit
All instruments, switches, buttons and
indicator/warning lamps in the
passenger compartment needed for
vehicle operation and monitoring.
1BabySmart
TM is a trademark of Siemens
Automotive Corp.