
433 Technical terms
ETD
(E
mergency T
ensioning D
evice)
Device which deploys in certain frontal 
and rear collisions exceeding the sys-
tem's threshold to tighten the seat 
belts. ->SRS
FSS (Canada vehicles)
(F
lexible S
ervice S
ystem)
Maintenance service indicator in the 
multifunction display that informs the 
driver when the next vehicle mainte-
nance service is due. FSS evaluates en-
gine temperature, oil level, vehicle 
speed, engine speed, distance driven 
and the time elapsed since your last 
maintenance service, and calls for the 
next maintenance service accordingly.
GAWR
(G
ross A
xle W
eight R
ating)
(
page 323)Gear range
Number of gears which are available to 
the automatic transmission for shifting. 
The automatic gear shifting process 
can be adapted to specific operating 
conditions using the selector lever.
GPS
(G
lobal P
ositioning S
ystem)
Satellite-based system for relaying 
geographic location information to and 
from vehicles equipped with special re-
ceivers.
GVW
(G
ross V
ehicle W
eight)
(
page 323)
GVWR
(Gross V
ehicle W
eight R
ating)
(
page 324)Head-thorax air bag
Installed in the doors, these air bags 
protect occupants during side impact 
collisions exceeding a preset thresh-
old. Unlike normal side air bags, 
head-thorax air bags are also designed 
to provide protection for the head area.
Instrument cluster
The displays and indicator/warning 
lamps in the driver’s field of vision, in-
cluding the tachometer, speedometer, 
coolant temperature and fuel gauge.
Kickdown
Depressing the accelerator past the 
point of resistance shifts the automatic 
transmission down to the lowest possi-
ble gear. This very quickly accelerates 
the vehicle and should not be used for 
normal acceleration needs.
Kilopascal (kPa)
(
page 324) 

434 Technical termsLine of fall
The direct line an object moves down-
hill when influenced by the force of 
gravity alone.
Locking knob
Button on the door which indicates 
whether the door is locked or un-
locked. Pushing the locking knob down 
on an individual door from inside locks 
that door.
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles)
Maintenance service indicator in the 
multifunction display that informs the 
driver when the next vehicle mainte-
nance service is due. The Maintenance 
System in your vehicle tracks distance 
driven and the time elapsed since your 
last maintenance service, and calls for 
the next maintenance service accord-
ingly.Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(
page 324)
Maximum load rating
(page 324)
Maximum tire inflation pressure
(page 324)
Memory function
Used to store three individual seat, 
steering wheel and mirror positions for 
each SmartKey.
MON
(Motor O
ctane N
umber)
The Motor Octane Number for gasoline 
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.Multifunction display
Two display fields in the instrument 
cluster used to present information 
provided by the control system.
Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel with buttons for operat-
ing the control system.
Normal occupant weight
(
page 324)
Overspeed range
Engine speeds within the red marking 
of the tachometer dial. Avoid this 
engine speed range, as it may result in 
serious engine damage that is not 
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited 
Warranty.
Poly-V-belt drive
Drives engine components (alternator, 
AC compressor, etc.) from the engine. 

439 Index
A
ABS 80
Braking 80
Description 431
Display message 350
Emergency brake maneuver 80
Indicator lamp 342
Accelerator position, automatic 
transmission 159
Accessory weight 323
Accident 55
Adjusting (Getting started) 37
Air bags 63
BabySmart
TM air bag deactivation 
system 75
BabySmartTM air bag deactivation 
system, description 431
BabySmartTM compatible child 
seat 74
BabySmartTM self-test 76
Children 64
Front 68
Head-thorax 69
Head-thorax, description 433
Kneebag 68Passenger front air bag off indicator 
lamp 76
Safety guidelines 66
Air conditioning
Automatic climate control 188
Climate control 178
Air conditioning refrigerant 424
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
AIRSCARF neck level heating 
(Seats) 102
Description 431
Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
Alignment bolt (Vehicle tool kit) 369, 
391
Description 431
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 427
Antilock brake system see ABS
Anti-theft systems 85
Activating 86
Alarm system 85
Canceling alarm 86
Canceling alarm (Tow-away) 87
Deactivating 86
Immobilizer 85
Tow-away alarm 86
Transporting the vehicle 87Ashtray 253
Aspect ratio 323
AUDIO menu (Control system) 123
Audio system 191
Adjusting balance 196
Adjusting sound functions 195
Adjusting volume 195
Audio and telephone, operation 191
Button and soft key operation 194
CD changer 209
CD operation 207
Introduction to satellite radio 
(USA only) 202
Operating and display elements 192
Operating safety 191
Operation 194
Radio operation 197
Returning sound functions to factory 
settings 196
Returning volume distribution to 
factory settings 197
Switching on/off 194
Telephone muting 197
Telephone operation 216
Weather band 201 

440 IndexAuto-dimming for rear view mirrors 168
Automatic climate control
Air conditioning 188
Air distribution 186
Air recirculation mode 186
Air volume 186
Automatic mode, basic setting 185
Control panel 185
Defrosting 189
Overview 182
REST 189
Switching off 190
Temperature 185
Automatic locking
Control system 141
When driving 97
Automatic shift program 158
Automatic transmission 152
Accelerator position 159
Automatic transmisson fluid 
(ATF) 293
Comfort program mode 158
Driving 50
Emergency operation 
(Limp Home Mode) 166
Fluid level 293Gear ranges 155
Gear selector lever 152
Gear selector lever 
(Unlocking manually) 376
Gear selector lever position 152, 156
Gear shifting malfunctions 166
Gearshift pattern 48
Kickdown 159
Manual shifting 154
One-touch gearshifting 154
Program mode selector switch 158B
BabySmart
TM
Air bag deactivation system 75
Air bag deactivation system, 
description 431
Compatible child seat 74, 75
Compatible child seats, 
description 431
Passenger front air bag off indicator 
lamp 75
Self-test 76
Back-up lamp 381
Bar 323
BAS 81
Description 431
Display message 351
Battery (SmartKey)
Replacing 378
Battery (Vehicle) 294, 396
Charging 397
Disconnecting 397
Jump starting 399
Removing 397
Bead 323 

441 Index
Bi-Xenon
Description 431
Headlamps 381
Bolts
For spare wheel 373
Brake Assist System see BAS
Brakes 274
Brake fluid 286, 424
Display message 356
Salty roads 274
SLK 55 AMG 275
Warning lamp 343
Break-in period 272
Bulbs
Front/rear lamps 380
Replacing 380
Buttons (Audio system) 194C
CAC 431
California, important notice 11
CAN system, description 432
Capacities 
(Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.) 422
Catalytic converter 282
CD
Changer 250
Player/changer, operation 125
CD changer (Audio system) 207, 209
CD operation (Audio system) 207
Center console
Lamp 347
Overview 28
Central locking
Automatic (Control system) 141
Automatic (When driving) 97
From outside (SmartKey) 59
Locking/unlocking from inside 97
Central locking/unlocking switches 98
Certification label 410
CHECK ENGINE indicator lamp 344Child safety
Air bags 64
Children in the vehicle 73
Cigarette lighter 254
Cleaning tires 299
Climate control 172
Air conditioning 178
Air distribution 176
Air recirculation mode 176
Air volume 176
Control panel, overview 175
Defrosting 181
Maximum cooling 179
Rear window defroster 171
Switching on/off 175
Temperature 175
Clock 116
Cockpit
Description 432
Overview 22
Cold tire inflation pressure 323
Collapsible tire, description 432
Collapsible wheel chock 371 

442 IndexCOMAND 116
Description 432
Navigation 126
Radio transmitter 281
Combination switch 110
High beam flasher 110
High beam headlamps 52, 110
Low beam headlamps 52
Turn signals 52
Turn signals, additional in 
mirrors 381
Windshield wipers 53
Comfort driving
Transmission program mode 158
Compatible child seat see Baby Smart
TM
Control system 117
AUDIO menu 123
Automatic locking 141
Calling up range 146
CD player/CD changer 125
Clock, hours 134
Clock, minutes 134
Convenience submenu 142
Coolant temperature 122
Date, day 136Date, month 135
Date, year 136
Daytime running lamp mode 137
Description 432
Easy-entry/exit feature 142
Fuel consumption statistics 144
Functions 118
Instrument cluster submenu 131
Interior lighting delayed shut-off 140
Key-dependency 143
Language 132
Lighting submenu 137
Locator lighting 138
Maintenance service indicator 329
Menus 118
Messages in display 348
Multifunction display 117
Multifunction steering wheel 118
NAV menu 126
Night security illumination 139
Outside temperature/speed 132
Overview (Menus) 120
Overview (Settings submenus) 130
Parking position 144Radio station 124
Resetting all settings 128
Resetting single settings 129
Satellite radio (USA only) 124
Settings menu 127
Settings submenus 129
Speed/outside temperature 123
Speedometer, display mode 131
Standard display 122
Submenus, selecting and 
scrolling 129
TEL menu 146
Temperature, display mode 131
Time and date synchronization with 
head unit 133
Time/date submenu 133
Trip computer menu 144
Vehicle status message memory 
menu 126
Vehicle submenu 141
Controller Area Network see CAN system
Convenience closing
Power windows 235
Retractable hardtop 242 

443 Index
Coolant 293
Adding water 286
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 427
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. 426
Technical data 422
Temperature 283
Temperature, checking 
(Control system) 122
Cornering fog lamps (Lighting) 111
Cruise control 244
Canceling 246
Cruise control lever 244
Description 432
Display message 351
Driving uphill/downhill 246
Fine adjustment 248
Saving current speed 245
Set to last stored speed 248
Setting higher/lower speed 247
Cup holder 252
Cleaning 339
Curb weight 323
Customer Assistance Center see CACD
Date (Control system)
Day 136
Month 135
Year 136
Daytime running lamp mode 108
Control system 137
Deep water see Standing water
Defrosting see Automatic climate control
Defrosting see Climate control
Department of Transportation see DOT
Differential, driving after 
replacement 272
Difficulties with starting 49
Direction of rotation (Tires) 300
Display elements (Audio system) 192
Display text see Messages in display
Door
Control panel, overview 31
Entry lamps 114
Doors
Locking from outside 92
Opening from inside 94
Unlocking from outside 92
Unlocking with Tele Aid 263DOT 323
Downshifting
Automatic transmission 154
Drink holder see Cup holder
Drinking and driving 273
Driver’s air bag see Air bags
Driver’s door
Locking in an emergency 375
Unlocking in an emergency 374
Driving 50
And drinking 273
Automatic transmission 50
Brakes 274
Catalytic converter 282
Coolant temperature 283
Driving off 276
Emission control 282
Fuel saving 273
General instructions 44, 273
Hydroplaning 277
In winter 279
Manual transmission 50
On salty roads 274
Parking 276
Pedals 273 

444 Index
Power assistance 273
Radio transmitters, control and 
operation 281
Standing water 280
Tires 277
Tires (Speed rating) 278
Tires (Traction) 278
Traveling abroad 281
Driving safety systems 80
ABS 80
BAS 81
ESP 82
Driving systems
Cruise control 244
Driving the first 
1000 miles/1500 km 272E
Easy-entry/exit feature (Seats) 99
Control system 142
Electric air pump 371
Electrical outlet 254
Electrical system
Technical data 419
Electronic Stability Program see ESP
Emergency call (911) 229
Emergency call system 257
GPS 258
Initiating an emergency call 259
Requirements 257
Tele Aid 258
Emergency operation 
(Limp Home Mode) 166
Emergency operations
Locking driver’s door and trunk 375
Releasing trunk lid from inside 96
Remote door unlock 263
Retractable hardtop 377
Selector lever, unlocking 
manually 376Unlocking the vehicle 374
Unlocking trunk 375
Unlocking vehicle 374
Emergency tensioning device see ETD
Emission control 282
Information label 410
Engine
Cleaning see Vehicle care
Compartment 287
Driving after replacement 272
Number (Label) 410
Number, description 432
Starting (Automatic transmission) 48
Starting (Manual transmission) 48
Technical data 412
Turning off with SmartKey 58
Engine oil 288, 424
Adding 292
Additives 424
Checking level (Control system) 289
Checking level (Dipstick) 291
Consumption 288
Display message 290
Viscosity 432