475 Technical terms
PTC heating element
(P
ositive T
emperature C
oefficient)
Electronic component that warms up 
quickly as electricity is supplied to it 
and is used as a ->heater booster sys-
tem in diesel vehicles.
Restraint systems
Seat belts, belt tensioners, air bags and 
child restraint systems. As indepen-
dent systems, their protective func-
tions complement one another.
RON
(R
esearch O
ctane N
umber)
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line as determined by a standardized 
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line's ability to resist undesired detona-
tion (knocking). The average of both 
the ->MON (Motor Octane Number) 
and RON (Research Octane Number) is 
posted at the pump, also known as 
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.SBC 
(S
ensotronic B
rake C
ontrol) 
Electronically controlled hydraulic 
braking system for increased braking 
safety and comfort.
Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock 
prevents the transmission selector le-
ver from being moved out of positionP 
without the ignition or engine on and 
brake pedal depressed.
SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning de-
vice and air bags. Though independent 
systems, they are closely interfaced to 
provide effective occupant protection.Tele Aid System
(T
elematic A
larm I
dentification on D
e-
mand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three 
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, roadside assistance 
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber 
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
vided that the vehicle’s battery is 
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is 
available.
Telematics*
A combination of the terms “telecom-
munications” and “informatics”.
Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug 
wrench) with which threaded fasteners 
such as wheel bolts are tightened. 
483 Index
Delayed switch-off
Interior lighting 165
Department of Transportation see DOT
Dialing
A number (telephone) 172
Diesel fuel 300
Difficulties
While driving see Problems while 
driving 53
With starting 48
Digital speedometer 150
Direction of rotation (tires) 314
Discharged battery
Jump starting 436
Disconnecting
Vehicle battery 434
Display
Selecting 158, 159Displays
Digital speedometer 150
Distronic* 237
Maintenance service indicator 343
Messages 305
Selecting 158
Showing malfunctions 153
Distance
Decreasing in Distronic* 243
Increasing in Distronic* 243
Warning function 243
Distance to empty (range)
Calling up 170
Distance warning function* 243
Activating 244
Deactivating 244
DTR* warning lamp 243
Intermittent warning sound 243
Symbol in multifunction display 152Distronic* 235, 472
Activated 239
Activating 240
Calling up settings 152, 238
Cleaning system sensor 351
Cruise control lever 239
Deactivated 239
Deactivating 242
Deceleration 238
Decreasing distance 243
Displays in the speedometer dial 237
Distance warning function 243
Driving hints 244
Increasing distance 243
Intermittent signal tone 237
Menu 238
Messages in display 370
Sensor cover 351
Setting a higher speed 240
Setting a slower speed 241
Setting the current speed 240
Setting the following distance in 
Distronic 242
Warning and indicator lamps 237
Door control panel 30
Door entry lamps 140 
501 Index
Vehicle care
Cup holder 353
Distronic* system sensor cover 351
Engine cleaning 350
Gear selector lever 353
Hard plastic trim items 353
Leather upholstery 354
Light alloy wheels 353
Ornamental moldings 350
Paintwork 349
Parktronic* system sensor 351
Plastic and rubber parts 354
Power washer 349
Seat belts 353
Steering wheel 353
Tar stains 349
Vehicle washing 350
Window cleaning 352
Wood trims 354
Vehicle level
Changing 249
Setting 249
Automatic 249
Manual 249
Vehicle level control system*
Airmatic DC* 247Vehicle loading terminology 337
Vehicle maximum load on the tire 339
Vehicle status message memory 153
Calling up 153
Vehicle tool kit 409
Alignment bolt 409
Fuse extractor 409
Hex-socket wrench 409
Open-end wrench 409
Screwdriver 409
Spare fuses 409
Towing eye bolt 409
Universal pliers 409
Wheel wrench 409
Vehicle washing 350
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) 476
Voice control system* 476W
Warning lamps see Lamps, indicator and 
warning
Warning sounds
Distance warning function* 243
Distronic* 237
Drivers seat belts 67
Parking brake 49
Parktronic system* 253
Warranty coverage 447
Washing the vehicle 348
Wear pattern (tires) 340
Weights 460
Wheel change 425
Tightening torque 431
Wheels
Tires and wheels 311
Window curtain airbags 66
Windows see Side windows 218
Windshield
Defogging 198, 211
Refilling washer fluid 310
Replacing wiper blades 424
Washer fluid 310