Page 165 of 474

163 Controls in detail
Control system
Instrument cluster submenu
Access the 
INST. CLUS.
 submenu via the 
SETTINGS
 menu. Use the 
INST. CLUS.
 sub-
menu to change the instrument cluster dis-
play settings. The following functions are 
available:Selecting temperature display mode
Move the selection marker with 
theæ orç button to the 
INST. 
CLUS.
 submenu.
Press buttonj ork repeatedly 
until you see this message in the multi-
function display: 
TEMP. INDICATOR
.
The selection marker is on the current 
setting.
Pressæ orç to set the temper-
ature unit to degrees Celsius (
°C) or de-
grees Fahrenheit (
°F).Selecting multifunction display mode
Move the selection marker with 
theæ orç button to the 
INST. 
CLUS.
 submenu.
Press buttonj ork repeatedly 
until you see this message in the multi-
function display: 
DISPLAY VALUES IN
.
The selection marker is on the current 
setting.
Press æ or ç to set speedome-
ter unit to 
MILES
 or 
KM.
Function
Page
Select temperature display 
mode
164
Select multifunction display 
mode
163
Select language
164
Select tire inflation pressure unit
164 
     
        
        Page 221 of 474
219 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Distronic displays in the speedometer 
dialSet speedIf Distronic is activated, one or two seg-
ments come on around the set speed.
SegmentsIf Distronic detects a vehicle directly 
ahead, the segments from the speed of the 
vehicle ahead to the set speed come on.
If Distronic calculates that there is a dan-
ger of collision (
page 225):
The red Distronic warning lampl in 
the instrument cluster comes on.
An intermittent warning sounds.
Immediately brake the vehicle to avoid 
a collision.
Under no circumstances should the 
driver await the intermittent warning 
sound before braking. See the follow-
ing warning note.
The intermittent warning sound ceases 
and the red Distronic warning 
lampl goes out when the neces-
sary distance to the vehicle ahead is 
again established.
iThe vehicle speed displayed on the 
speedometer can briefly vary from the 
speed setting on the Distronic system. 
     
        
        Page 227 of 474

225 Controls in detail
Driving systems
The distance warning function on/off but-
ton and thumbwheel for setting distance 
are located on the lower part of the front 
center console.
1Distance warning function on/off but-
ton
2Thumbwheel for setting distanceIncreasing distance
Increasing the distance setting causes Dis-
tronic to maintain a greater following dis-
tance to the vehicle ahead.
Turn thumbwheel2 towards¯.
Decreasing distance
Decreasing the distance setting causes 
Distronic to maintain a shorter following 
distance to the vehicle ahead.
Turn thumbwheel2 towards®.Distance warning function
When Distronic is deactivated, this func-
tion will continue to warn you when recog-
nizing a stationary obstacle or a slower 
vehicle moving in the vehicle’s path and 
the danger of a collision exists:
The distance warning lampl in the 
instrument cluster comes on.
An intermittent warning sounds.
If these warnings are issued, you must 
brake manually to maintain a safe distance 
and avoid a collision with the vehicle 
ahead.
When pressing the brake pedal, the warn-
ing sound stops. The warning sound also 
stops when the distance to the vehicle 
ahead is sufficient again without applying 
the brake pedal. In this case the distance 
warning lampl also extinguishes. 
     
        
        Page 254 of 474

252 Controls in detailUseful featuresCigarette lighters
1Center console cigarette lighter
Make sure the ignition is switched on.
All the lamps in the instrument cluster 
should come on.
Push in cigarette lighter1.
The lighter will pop out automatically 
when hot.1Rear door lighters
Make sure the ignition is switched on.
All the lamps in the instrument cluster 
should come on.
Lightly touch the back of the ashtray to 
open it (
page 251).
Push in cigarette lighter1.
The lighter will pop out automatically 
when hot.
Warning!
G
Never touch the heating element or sides of 
the lighter; they are extremely hot. Hold the 
knob only.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the 
SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 
from the starter switch, take it with you, and 
lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unat-
tended in the vehicle, or with access to an 
unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehi-
cle equipment may cause an accident 
and/or serious personal injury.iThe lighter socket can be used to ac-
commodate electrical accessories up 
to a maximum 85 W.
iOperation of the rear door lighters is 
only possible, if the override switch 
(page 78) is deactivated. 
     
        
        Page 255 of 474

253 Controls in detail
Useful features
Heated steering wheel*
The steering wheel heating warms up the 
leather area of the steering wheel.
The stalk with the heated steering wheel 
switch is on the lower left-hand side of the 
steering wheel.
1Switching on
2Indicator lamp
3Switching offSwitching on
Switch on ignition (
page 34).
All the lamps in the instrument cluster 
should come on.
Turn switch at the tip of stalk in the di-
rection of arrow1. 
The steering wheel is heated. Indicator 
lamp2 comes on.
Switching off
Turn switch at the tip of stalk in direc-
tion of arrow3. 
The steering wheel heating is turned 
off. Indicator lamp2 goes out.
Warning!
G
Never touch the heating element or sides of 
the lighter; they are extremely hot. Hold the 
knob only.
To avoid possible injury to children sitting in 
the rear seat, deactivate the operation of 
the rear door windows, see (
page 78). De-
activation of the rear windows also deacti-
vates the lighters.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the 
SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 
from the starter switch, take it with you, and 
lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unat-
tended in the vehicle, or with access to an 
unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehi-
cle equipment may cause an accident 
and/or serious personal injury.
iThe steering wheel heating does not 
turn off automatically.  
     
        
        Page 264 of 474

262 Controls in detailUseful features
Remote door unlock
In case you have locked your vehicle unin-
tentionally (e.g. SmartKey inside vehicle), 
and the reserve SmartKey is not handy:
Contact the Mercedes-Benz Response 
Center at 1-800-756-9018 (in the USA) 
or 1-888-923-8367 (in Canada).
You will be asked to provide your pass-
word which you provided when you 
completed the subscriber agreement.
Then return to your vehicle and press 
the trunk lid button for a minimum of 
20 seconds until the SOS button is 
flashing.
The message
 CALL CONNECTED 
ap-
pears in the multifunction display.
As an alternative, you may unlock the vehi-
cle via Internet using the ID and password 
sent to you shortly after the completion of 
your acquaintance call.
The Response Center will then unlock your 
vehicle with the remote door unlocking 
feature.
iWhen a Tele Aid call has been initiated, 
the audio system or the COMAND* 
system audio is muted and the 
selected mode (radio or CD) pauses. 
The optional cellular phone (if installed) 
switches off. If you must use this 
phone, the vehicle must be parked. 
Disconnect the coiled cord and place 
the call. The COMAND* navigation 
system (if engaged) will continue to 
run. The display in the instrument 
cluster is available for use, and spoken 
commands are only available by press-
ing the RPT button on the COMAND* 
unit. A pop-up window will appear in 
the COMAND* display to indicate that 
a Tele Aid call is in progress.
iThe remote door unlock feature is avail-
able if the relevant cellular phone net-
work is available.
The SOS button will flash and the mes-
sage
 CALL CONNECTED 
will appear in 
the multifunction display to indicate re-
ceipt of the door unlock command.
Once the vehicle is unlocked, a Re-
sponse Center specialist will attempt 
to establish voice contact with the ve-
hicle occupants.
If the trunk lid button was pressed for 
more than 20 seconds before door un-
lock authorization was received by the 
Response Center, you must wait 
15 minutes before pressing the trunk 
lid button again. 
     
        
        Page 337 of 474

335 Operation
Vehicle care
Light alloy wheels
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care 
should be used for regular cleaning of the 
light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week with 
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care, us-
ing a soft bristle brush and a strong spray 
of water.
Follow the instructions on container.
Instrument cluster
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.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 soft lint-free cloth and apply 
with light pressure.
Headliner and shelf below rear window
Clean with 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. Only use clear, 
lukewarm water and soap. Do not dry the 
webbing at temperatures above 176°F 
(80°C) or in direct sunlight.
iOnly use acid-free cleaning materials. 
Acid may cause corrosion or damage 
the clear coat.
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 340 of 474

338 Practical hintsWhat to do if …?Lamps in instrument cluster
General information:If any of the following lamps in the instru-
ment cluster fails to come on during the 
bulb self-check when switching on theignition, have the respective bulb checked 
and replaced if necessary.Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
-
The yellow ABS malfunction in-
dicator 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 multi-
function display).
The brake system is still functioning nor-
mally but without the ABS available.
If the ABS control unit is malfunctioning, 
other systems such as Parktronic*, 
Distronic*, and 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 mul-
tifunction display (
page 347).
Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as 
possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increas-
es the risk of an accident.
The charging voltage has fallen below 
10 volts and the ABS has switched off.
The battery may not be charged sufficiently.
Switch off electrical consumers that are 
currently not needed, e.g. seat heat-
ing*.
If necessary, have the generator 
(alternator) and battery checked.
When the voltage is above this value again, 
the ABS is operational again.