251 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Front sensors
Rear sensorsMinimum distance
If the system detects an obstacle in this
range, all the distance warning segments
illuminate and you hear a warning signal. If
the obstacle is closer than the minimum
distance, the actual distance might no
longer be indicated by the system.Center
approx. 40 in (100 cm)
Corners
approx. 24 in (60 cm)
Center
approx. 48 in (120 cm)
Corners
approx. 32 in (80 cm)
!During parking maneuvers, pay special
attention to objects located above or
below the height of the sensors (e.g.
planters or trailer hitches). The
Parktronic system will not detect such
objects at close range and damage to
your vehicle or the object may result.
Ultrasonic signals from outside sourc-
es (e.g. truck air brakes, car wash or
jackhammers) may impair the opera-
tion of the Parktronic system.
Center
approx. 8 in (20 cm)
Corners
approx. 6 in (15 cm)
265 Controls in detail
Useful features
Cup holders
Depending on production date, your vehi-
cle is equipped with cup holders in either
the center console (
page 265) or in the
center armrest (
page 266).
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.
303 Operation
Engine compartment
Engine compartment
Hood
Opening
1Hood release
Pull lever1 downwards.
The hood is unlocked and handle2
will extend out of the radiator grille.
2Handle for opening the hood
Pull handle2 to its stop out of radia-
tor grille.
Pull up on the hood (do not pull up on
the handle) and then release it.
The hood will be automatically held
open at shoulder height by gas-filled
struts.
Warning!
G
Do not pull the release lever while the vehi-
cle is in motion. Otherwise the hood could
be forced open by passing air flow.
!To avoid damage to the windshield wip-
ers or hood, never open the hood if the
wiper arms are folded forward away
from the windshield.
Warning!
G
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running. Make sure the hood is
properly closed before driving. When closing
the hood, use extreme caution not to catch
hands or fingers.
The radiator fan may continue to run for ap-
proximately 30 seconds or even restart af-
ter the engine has been turned off. Stay
clear of fan blades.
304 OperationEngine compartment
Closing
Let the hood drop from a height of ap-
proximately 1 ft (30 cm).
The hood will lock audibly.
Check to make sure the hood is fully
closed.
If you can raise the hood at a point
above the headlamps, then it is not
properly closed. Open it again and let it
drop with somewhat greater force.
Engine oil
The amount of oil your engine needs will
depend on a number of factors, including
driving style. Higher oil consumption can
occur when
the vehicle is new
the vehicle is driven frequently at
higher engine speeds
Engine oil consumption checks should only
be made after the vehicle break-in period.
Warning!
G
If you see flames or smoke coming from the
engine compartment, or if the coolant tem-
perature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheated, do not open the hood. Move
away from vehicle and do not open the hood
until the engine has cooled. If necessary,
call the fire department.Warning!
G
Gasoline engine: The engine is equipped
with a transistorized ignition system. Be-
cause of the high voltage it is dangerous to
touch any components (ignition coils, spark
plug sockets, diagnostic socket) of the igni-
tion system
with the engine running
while starting the engine
if ignition is “on” and the engine is
turned manually
Warning!
G
Be careful that you do not close the hood on
anyone.
iDo not use any special lubricant addi-
tives, as these may damage the drive
assemblies. Using special additives not
approved by Mercedes-Benz may
cause damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
More information on this subject is
available at any Mercedes-Benz
Center.
328 OperationTires and wheelsGeneral:
Depending on the design standards used,
the tire size molded into the sidewall may
have no letter or a letter preceding the tire
size designation.
No letter preceding the size designation
(as illustrated above): Passenger car tire
based on European design standards.
Letter “P” preceding the size designation:
Passenger car tire based on U.S. design
standards.
Letter “LT” preceding the size designation:
Light Truck tire based on U.S. design
standards.
Letter “T” preceding the size designation:
Temporary spare tires which are high
pressure compact spares designed for
temporary emergency use only. Tire width
The tire width1 (
page 327) indicates
the nominal tire width in mm.
Aspect ratio
The aspect ratio2 (page 327) is the
dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width and is
expressed in percentage. The aspect ratio
is arrived at by dividing section height by
section width.
Tire code
The tire code3 (
page 327) indicates
the tire construction type. The “R” stands
for radial tire type. Letter “D” means diag-
onal or bias ply construction; letter “B”
means belted-bias ply construction.
At the tire manufacturer's option, any tire
with a speed capability above 149 mph
(240 km/h) can include a “ZR” in the size
designation (for example: 245/40 ZR 18).
For additional information, see “Tire speed
rating” (
page 329).Rim diameter
The rim diameter4 (
page 327) is the
diameter of the bead seat, not the
diameter of the rim edge. Rim diameter is
indicated in inches (in).
Tire load rating
The tire load rating5 (page 327) is a
numerical code associated with the
maximum load a tire can support.
For example, a load rating of 91 corre-
sponds to a maximum load of 1 356 lbs
(615 kg) the tire is designed to support.
See also “Maximum tire load”
(
page 333) where the maximum load as-
sociated with the load index is indicated in
kilograms and lbs.
337 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 stan-
dard equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so
equipped, air conditioning and additional
optional equipment, but without passen-
gers 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.
GVW (G
ross V
ehicle W
eight)
The GVW comprises the weight of the
vehicle including fuel, tools, spare wheel,
installed accessories, passengers and
cargo and, if applicable, trailer tongue
load. The GWV must never exceed the
GWVR indicated on the certification label
located on the driver's door B-pillar.
376 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display symbol
Display messages
Possible cause
Possible solution
Front passenger
airbag deactivated
See Operator’s Manual
Air bag is deactivated while
driving even though an
adult or someone larger
than a small individual is
occupying the front pas-
senger seat. Forces acting
on the seat may make the
system sense a decrease
in weight.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as possible
and check the following:
Do not lean on armrests or lift yourself up using han-
dle over the door.
Adjust the seat in a height position (
page 38).
Make sure that no objects which apply forces to the
seat are present (e.g. objects such as books, brief-
cases etc. lodged underneath, behind or around the
seat). Such forces may cause the system to sense
that an occupant of a lesser weight than actually
present is on the front passenger seat.
Re-position yourself.
Sit properly belted in a nearly upright position with
your back against the seat backrest.
If performing any of the above corrective steps is
successful, the message
Front passenger airbag
activated
will appear in the multifunction display,
confirming the situation has been remedied.
(Continued on next page)
411 Practical hints
Unlocking/locking in an emergency
Unlocking the trunk
A minimum height clearance of 5.90 ft
(1.80 m) is required to open the trunk lid.
If you are unable to unlock the trunk with
the SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO*, open the
trunk with the mechanical key.
The handle is located above the rear li-
cense plate recess.
1Unlocking in an emergency
2Handle
Insert the mechanical key into the
trunk lid lock.
Turn the mechanical key counterclock-
wise to position1 and hold it in this
position.
Pull trunk lid handle2 and lift the
trunk lid.
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
trunk.
Press the central locking switch in the
cockpit (
page 119).
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 (
page 411).
Check if the trunk is locked.
!Always make sure there is sufficient
overhead clearance.iUnlocking your vehicle with the me-
chanical key will trigger the anti-theft
alarm system. To cancel the alarm, do
one of the following:
Press buttonŒ or‹ on the
SmartKey.
Insert the SmartKey in the starter
switch.
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*:
Grasp the outside door handle.
Press the start/stop button.