Page 7 of 491

ContentsDriving systems ................................. 228
Cruise control............................... 228
Distronic*..................................... 232
Airmatic DC (Dual Control)* ......... 244
Loading .............................................. 247
Split rear bench seat .................... 247
Expanding the cargo
compartment................................ 249
Loading instructions ..................... 250
Cargo tie-down rings .................... 251
Cargo management system*
(Canada only) ............................... 252
Storage box in cargo
compartment (Canada only) ......... 255
Twin roller blind ............................ 256
Useful features .................................. 259
Storage compartments................. 259
Cup holders .................................. 262
Ashtrays ....................................... 265
Cigarette lighter ........................... 266
12-V socket* ................................ 266
Heated steering wheel* ............... 267
Floormats ..................................... 268
Telephone*................................... 268
Tele Aid* ...................................... 269
Garage door opener ..................... 277
Operation......................................... 283
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 284
Driving instructions............................ 285
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 285
Drinking and driving ..................... 285
Pedals .......................................... 285
Power assistance ......................... 286
Brakes .......................................... 286
Driving off .................................... 288
Parking ......................................... 288
Tires ............................................. 288
Hydroplaning ................................ 289
Tire traction.................................. 290
Tire speed rating .......................... 290
Winter driving instructions ........... 291
Standing water ............................. 292
Passenger compartment .............. 293
Driving abroad.............................. 293
Control and operation of radio
transmitter ................................... 293
Catalytic converter ....................... 294
Emission control .......................... 294
Coolant temperature .................... 295At the gas station .............................. 296
Refueling ...................................... 296
Check regularly and before a
long trip ....................................... 297
Engine compartment ......................... 299
Hood ............................................ 299
Engine oil ..................................... 300
Transmission fluid level ................ 303
Coolant level ................................ 303
Battery ......................................... 305
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*......... 306
Tires and wheels................................ 307
Important guidelines .................... 307
Tire care and maintenance........... 308
Direction of rotation..................... 310
Loading the vehicle ...................... 310
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ....................................... 316
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 318
Tire labeling ................................. 323
Load identification ....................... 327
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................. 327
Maximum tire load ....................... 329
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 329
Page 261 of 491
260 Controls in detailUseful featuresStorage compartment in the center
console (no CD changer* installed)
1Opening / closing button
Press button1 to open.
The control panel swings out upward
and the storage compartment extends
out.
Press button1 to close.Storage space under center armrest
(Vehicles with cup holder in the center
console)
1Storage compartment
2Storage tray
Opening storage tray
Pull handle2.
Opening storage compartment
Pull handle1.
iPrior to closing the glove box, close the
compartment for glasses first.
iNever place any medications in the
storage compartment. If there is a pow-
er failure, the storage compartment
cannot be opened.
Page 263 of 491

262 Controls in detailUseful featuresCup holders
Depending on production date, your vehi-
cle is equipped with cup holders in either
the center console (
page 262) or in the
center armrest (
page 263).
Cup holder in the center console
Briefly press the marking in the back of
the cover.
The cover opens.
Briefly press marking on the cup hold-
er.
The cup holder extends automatically.
Warning!
G
In order to help prevent spilling liquids on
vehicle occupants, only use containers that
fit into the cup holder. Use lids on open con-
tainers and do not fill containers to a height
where the contents, especially hot liquids,
could spill during braking, vehicle maneu-
vers, or in an accident.
When not in use, keep the cup holder
closed. An open cup holder may cause injury
to you or others when contacted during
braking, vehicle maneuvers, or in an acci-
dent.
Keep in mind that objects placed in the cup
holder may come loose during braking, vehi-
cle maneuvers, or in an accident and be
thrown around in the vehicle interior. Ob-
jects thrown around in the vehicle interior
may cause an accident and/or serious per-
sonal injury.
iThe cup holder can be removed for
cleaning. Clean the cup holder only
with clear, lukewarm water. Make sure
to insert the cup holder in the guides
when reinstalling it.
Page 264 of 491
263 Controls in detail
Useful features
1Left cup holder
2Right cup holder
Removing cup holder
Take out the cup holder.
Using two fingers in the horizontal slot
at the upper rear side of the cup holder,
lift cup holder upwards to remove.Storage compartment with cup holder
in the center armrest
The storage compartment in the center
armrest contains a removable dual cup
holder.
Opening storage compartment
1Cover
Slide cover1 in direction of arrow2.
Cup holder in the center armrest3Dual cup holder
4Telephone* compartment
Closing storage compartment
Slide cover1 back.iThe cup holder can be removed to in-
crease storage space and for cleaning.
Clean the cup holder only with clear,
lukewarm water.
Make sure to insert the cup holder in
the guides when reinstalling it
(page 264).
Page 265 of 491
264 Controls in detailUseful featuresRemoving cup holder
1Cup holder
2Locking pins
Move both locking pins2 in direction
of arrow.
Take cup holder out upward.Reinstalling cup holder
3Locking pins
Insert cup holder.
Move both locking pins3 in direction
of arrow.Rear cup holder
Briefly press the front of the armrest.
The cup holder extends automatically.
Page 350 of 491

349 Operation
Vehicle care
Instrument cluster
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist-
ened in a 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 a soft, lint-free cloth and apply
with light pressure.
Headliner and shelf below rear window
Clean with a 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. Use only clear,
lukewarm water and soap. Do not dry the
webbing at temperatures above 176°F
(80°C) or in direct sunlight.
iUse only acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid could lead to corrosion.
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.
Page 406 of 491
405 Practical hints
Unlocking / locking in an emergency
Locking the vehicle
If you are unable to lock the vehicle with
the SmartKey, lock it with the mechanical
key as follows:
Close the passenger doors and the tail-
gate.
Press the central locking switch in the
cockpit (
page 123).
Check to see whether the locking
knobs on the passenger doors are still
visible. If necessary, push them down
manually.
Slide mechanical key2 out of the
SmartKey.
Lock the driver’s door with the me-
chanical key.
Fuel filler flap emergency release
1Release knob
Remove right-side tail trim.
Turn release knob1 clockwise (ar-
row).
The fuel filler flap can know be opened.Manually unlocking the gear selector
lever
In the case of power failure, the transmis-
sion selector lever can be manually un-
locked, e.g. to tow the vehicle.
Depending on production date, your vehi-
cle is equipped with cup holders in either
the center console or in the center arm-
rest.
Cup holder in the center console
1Pin
Page 407 of 491
406 Practical hintsUnlocking / locking in an emergency
Open the storage compartment in the
center console (
page 263).
Take out the cup holder (
page 263).
Hold the cover at a 45° angle.
Insert a suitable object1 (e.g. a pin)
through the hole and press the pin
downward.
Remove pin1. Cup holder in the center armrest
1Pin
Open the storage compartment in the
center armrest (
page 263).
Take out the cup holder (
page 263).
Insert a suitable object1 (e.g. a pin)
through the hole and press the pin
downward.
Remove pin1.
iThe selector lever is locked again when
moving it to positionP.
iThe selector lever is locked again when
moving it to positionP.