Page 16 of 498

15 Introduction
Symbols
Symbols
Trademarks:
ESP
® is a registered trademark of 
DaimlerChrysler.
BabySmart
TM is a trademark of 
Siemens Automotive Corp.
SIRIUS and related marks are trade-
marks of Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.
The following symbols are found in this 
Operator’s Manual:
* Optional equipment is identified 
with an asterisk. Since standard 
equipment varies between models, 
the descriptions and illustrations in 
this manual may differ slightly from 
the actual equipment of your vehi-
cle.
This symbol points to instructions for 
you to follow.
A number of these symbols appearing 
in succession indicates a multiple-step 
procedure.
 Page This symbol tells you where to 
look for further information on a 
topic.
This continuation symbol marks 
an interrupted procedure which 
will be continued on the next 
page.
-> In the glossary of technical 
terms, this symbol is used to 
indicate cross-references to 
term definitions.
DISPLAY
Words appearing in the multi-
function display are printed in 
the type shown here.
Warning!
G
Warning notices draw your attention to haz-
ards that may endanger your health or life, 
or the health or life of others.!Highlights hazards that may result in 
damage to your vehicle.iHelpful hints or further information you 
may find useful. 
     
        
        Page 136 of 498

135 Controls in detail
Lighting
Manual headlamp mode
The low beam headlamps and the parking 
lamps can be switched on and off with the 
exterior lamp switch.
Automatic headlamp mode
The following lamps switch on and off au-
tomatically depending on the brightness of 
the ambient light:
Low beam headlamps
Tail and parking lamps
License plate lamps
Side marker lamps
Turn the exterior lamp switch to posi-
tion U.
With the SmartKey in starter switch 
position1 or the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop 
button once, only the parking lamps will 
switch on and off automatically.
When the engine is running, the low beam 
headlamps, the tail and parking lamps, the 
license plate lamps, and the side marker 
lamps will switch on and off automatically.
iWith the SmartKey removed from the 
starter switch or the engine turned off 
with KEYLESS-GO* and the driver’s 
door open a warning sounds if the park-
ing lamps or low beam headlamps are 
switched on.
The message 
Switch off lamps
 
appears in the multifunction display.
Warning!
G
If the exterior lamp switch is set toU,
the headlamps may switch off unexpect-
edly when the system senses bright 
ambient light, for example light from 
oncoming traffic.
the headlamps will not be automatically 
switched on under foggy conditions.
To minimize risk to you and to others, acti-
vate headlamps by turning exterior lamp 
switch to B when driving or when traffic 
and/or ambient lighting conditions require 
you to do so.
In low ambient lighting conditions, only 
switch from positionU to B with the 
vehicle at a standstill in a safe location. 
Switching fromU to B will briefly 
switch off the headlamps. Doing so while 
driving in low ambient lighting conditions 
may result in an accident.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an 
aid to the driver. The driver is responsible for 
the operation of the vehicle's lights at all 
times. 
     
        
        Page 181 of 498

180 Controls in detailAutomatic transmissionDriving tips
Accelerator position
Your driving style influences the 
transmission’s shifting behavior:
Less throttle Earlier upshifting
More throttle Later upshifting
Kickdown
Use kickdown when you want maximum 
acceleration.
Press the accelerator past the point of 
resistance.
The transmission shifts into a lower 
gear.
Ease on the accelerator when you have 
reached the desired speed. 
The transmission shifts up again.
Stopping
When you stop briefly, e.g. at traffic lights:
Leave the transmission in gear.
Hold the vehicle with the brake.
When you stop longer with the engine 
idling and/or on a hill:
Set the parking brake.
Move the gear selector lever to 
positionP.Maneuvering
When you maneuver in tight areas, 
e.g. when pulling into a parking space:
Control the vehicle speed by gradually 
releasing the brakes.
Accelerate gently.
Never abruptly step on the accelerator.
Working on the vehicleWarning!
G
When working on the vehicle, set the 
parking brake and move gear selector lever 
to positionP. Otherwise the vehicle could 
roll away. 
     
        
        Page 414 of 498

413 Practical hints
Replacing bulbs
Notes on bulb replacement
Use only 12 volt bulbs of the same type 
and with the specified watt rating. 
Switch lights off before changing a bulb 
to prevent short circuits.
Always use a clean lint-free cloth when 
handling bulbs.
Your hands should be dry and free of oil 
and grease.
If the newly installed bulb does not light 
up, visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz 
Center.Have the LEDs and bulbs for the following 
lamps replaced by an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center:
Additional turn signals in the exterior 
rear view mirrors
High mounted brake lamp
Bi-Xenon* lamps
Front fog lamps
Front side marker lamps
Rear lamps (except license plate 
lamps)
Warning!
G
Bulbs and bulb sockets can be very hot. Al-
low the lamp to cool down before changing 
a bulb.
Keep bulbs out of reach of children.
Halogen lamps contain pressurized gas. A 
bulb can explode if you:
touch or move it when hot
drop the bulb
scratch the bulb
Wear eye and hand protection.
Because of high voltage in Xenon lamps, it is 
dangerous to replace the bulb or repair the 
lamp and its components. We recommend 
that you have such work done by a qualified 
technician.
iHave the headlamp adjustment 
checked regularly. 
     
        
        Page 437 of 498

436 Practical hintsJump starting
Always make sure the jumper cables 
are not on or near pulleys, fans or other 
parts that move when the engine is 
started or running.
The main battery is located in the trunk un-
derneath the luggage box (
page 401).
Make sure the two vehicles do not 
touch.
Turn off all electrical consumers.
Apply parking brake.
Shift gear selector lever to positionP.
Connect positive terminals1 and3 
of the batteries with the jumper cable. 
Clamp cable to charged battery3 
first.
1Positive terminal of discharged battery
2Negative terminal of discharged bat-
tery
3Positive terminal of charged battery
4Negative terminal of charged battery
Start engine of the vehicle with the 
charged battery and run at idle speed.
Connect negative terminals4 and2 
of the batteries with the jumper cable. 
Clamp cable to charged battery4 
first.
Start the engine of the disabled vehi-
cle.
Now you can again turn on the electrical 
consumers. Do not turn on the lights under 
any circumstances.
Remove the jumper cables first from 
negative terminals2 and4 and then 
from positive terminals1 and3.
Now you can turn on the lights.
Have the battery checked at the near-
est authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
G
Keep flames or sparks away from battery. 
Do not smoke.
Observe all safety instructions and precau-
tions when handling automotive batteries 
(page 299).
!Never invert the terminal connections!
iThe message 
Malfunction - electric 
consumers switched off
 may appear 
in the instrument cluster. It will disap-
pear as soon as the battery is suffi-
ciently charged.