259 Controls in detail
Useful features
The cigarette lighter is located in the cen-
ter console compartment in front of the
center armrest (
page 28).
1Cigarette lighter
Switch on the ignition (
page 36).
Push in cigarette lighter1.
The lighter will pop out automatically
when hot.
Power outlet
The power outlet is located in the rear stor-
age compartment in the rear center con-
sole.
1Power outlet
2Cover
Slide cover2 back.
!The lighter socket can be used to
accommodate 12V DC electrical
accessories (up to a maximum 85 W)
designed for use with the standard
“cigarette lighter” plug type. Keep in
mind, however, that connecting acces-
sories to the lighter socket (for exam-
ple extensive connecting and
disconnecting, or using plugs that do
not fit properly) can damage the lighter
socket. With the socket damaged, the
lighter may no longer be able to be
placed in the heating (pushed-in) posi-
tion, or the lighter may pop out too ear-
ly with the lighter not hot enough.
To help avoid damaging the cigarette
lighter socket, we recommend con-
necting 12V DC electrical accessories
designed for use with a standard “ciga-
rette lighter” plug type to the 12V pow-
er outlets (
page 259) in your vehicle
whenever possible.
iThe power outlet can be used to ac-
commodate 12-V DC electrical acces-
sories (e.g. air pump, auxiliary lamps)
up to a maximum 180 W.
280 OperationDriving instructionsPower assistance
Brakes
Warning!
G
The brake system requires electrical energy
for operation.
A malfunction in the vehicle’s power supply
or electrical system may impair brake
system operation and switch it into its emer-
gency operation mode. In such a case, the
red brake warning lamp (
page 354) and
warning messages in the instrument cluster
(
page 363) come on while driving. To
brake, the driver must then apply signifi-
cantly greater brake pedal pressure and
depress the pedal much further to obtain
the expected braking effect. If necessary,
apply full pressure to the brake pedal.
Brakes may only be applied to the front
wheels. Stopping distance is increased!
If there is a malfunction in the
electro-hydraulic brake system, we recom-
mend that the vehicle be transported with
all wheels off the ground using flatbed or ap-
propriate wheel lift/dolly equipment. A tow
bar must be used if circumstances do not
permit the use of the recommended towing
methods and the vehicle requires towing
with all four wheels on the ground. Towing
the vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is only permissible for distances up
to 30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to
exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). For more infor-
mation, refer to “Towing the vehicle”
(page 437). For more information, see
“Electro-hydraulic brake system”
(page 89).
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle.
Warning!
G
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through wa-
ter deep enough to wet brake components,
the first braking action may be somewhat
reduced and increased pedal pressure may
be necessary to obtain expected braking ef-
fect. Maintain a safe distance from vehicles
in front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their effec-
tiveness. It may not be possible to stop the
vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an acci-
dent.
281 Operation
Driving instructions
To help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to
parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes.
If your brake system is normally only sub-
jected to moderate loads, you should occa-
sionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads.
Refer to the description of the Brake Assist
System (BAS) (
page 86).If the parking brake is released and the
brake warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter stays on, there is a malfunction in the
electro-hydraulic brake system
(
page 89) or the brake fluid level in the
reservoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the res-
ervoir.
Have the brake system inspected by quali-
fied technicians immediately. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Only install brake pads and brake fluid
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
After hard braking, it is advisable to drive
on for some time, rather than immediately
park, so that the air stream will cool down
the brakes faster.
Warning!
G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking ma-
neuvers.
Warning!
G
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially impaired. This
could result in an accident.
Be certain to read and observe the warning
notices on brake pad replacement
(page 374).!When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes
by shifting into a lower gear to use the
engine’s braking power. This helps pre-
vent overheating of the brakes and
reduces brake pad wear.
352 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Lamps in instrument clusterGeneral information:
If any of the following lamps in the instru-
ment cluster fails to come on during thebulb self-check when switching on the igni-
tion, have the respective bulb checked and
replaced if necessary.Problem
Possible cause/consequence
Suggested solution
-
The yellow ABS indicator 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 multifunction
display).
The electro-hydraulic brake system is still
functioning normally but without the ABS
available.
If the ABS control unit is malfunctioning, oth-
er systems such as the Parktronic system*,
Distronic*, or 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
multifunction display (
page 363).
Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions in-
creases the risk of an accident.
The charging voltage has fallen below
10 volts. The ABS has switched off.
The battery may not be sufficiently charged.
Switch off electrical consumers that
are currently not needed, e.g. seat
heating.
If necessary, have the generator and
battery checked.
When the voltage is above this value
again, the ABS is operational again.
357 Practical hints
What to do if …
Problem
Possible cause/consequence
Suggested solution
D
The red coolant warning lamp
comes on when the engine is
running.
There is insufficient coolant in the reservoir.
If this warning lamp comes on frequently,
there is a leak in the cooling system.
If the coolant level is correct, the electric
radiator fan may be broken.
Immediately add coolant to prevent
engine from overheating
(page 297).
Have the cooling system checked.
If the coolant temperature is below
266°F (130°C), you can continue
driving to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Avoid high engine loads (e.g. driving
uphill) and stop-and-go driving.
D
The red coolant warning lamp
comes on while driving and you
hear a warning sound.
The coolant temperature has exceeded
266°F (130°C).
Stop as soon as possible and allow
the engine and coolant to cool down.
l
The red distance warning lamp
comes on while driving.
You are too close to the vehicle in front of you
to maintain selected speed.
Apply the brakes immediately to in-
crease the following distance.
Warning!
G
Driving when your engine is badly overheat-
ed can cause some fluids which may have
leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns and can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine
if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle
and do not stand near the vehicle until the
engine has cooled down.
485 Index
Front seats
Heating* 128
FSS (Canada vehicles) 339
FSS (Flexible Service System) 474
Fuel 291
Fuel reserve warning lamp 358
Premium unleaded gasoline 291
Fuel consumption statistics
After start 171
Since last reset 171
Fuel filler flap 290
Locking 290
Opening 290
Unlocking 290
Fuel requirements 466
Fuel tank
Filler flap 290
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. 461
Fuse box in trunk 442
Fuses 441
Fuse chart 441
Fuse extractor 441
Replacing 441
Spare fuses 441G
Garage door opener* 270
Gasoline see Fuel 291
GAWR 332
Gear range 474
Automatic transmission 181
Limiting 181
Shifting into optimal 183
Gear selector lever
Cleaning 349
Position 178
Global
Locking 101
Locking with KEYLESS-GO* 107
Unlocking 100
Unlocking with KEYLESS-GO* 107
Global Positioning System (GPS) 474
Glove box 251
Good visibility 191
GPS 474
Gross Axle Weight Rating see GAWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating see GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight see GVW
GVW 332
GVWR 333H
Hands-free microphone 29
Hard plastic trim items, cleaning 349
Hazard warning flasher 140
Head restraint
Active head restraint 74, 124
Head restraints
resetting activated 407
Headlamps
Automatic headlamp mode 135
Bi-Xenon* 472
Cleaning lenses 346
Cleaning system* 191
Deactivating 59
Headliner, cleaning 350
Heated seats* 128
Height adjustment
Head restraints 41
Steering wheel 41
Vehicle level 239
High beam flasher 53, 138
High beam headlamps
Replacing bulbs 415
Switching on 53, 138
High mounted brake lamp 412
491 Index
Rear passenger compartment
Air vents 210
Rear storage compartment in the rear
center console 253
Rear view mirrors auto-dimming 191
Rear view mirrors see Mirrors
Rear window defroster 195
Rear window sunshade* 194
Recommended tire inflation
pressure 333
Regular checks 291
Releasing seat belts 60
Remote control
SmartKey 98
Remote controls
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 103
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) 269
Replacing bulbs
Front lamps 414
High beam headlamps 415
License plate lamps 416
Low beam headlamps 414
Parking lamps 415
Tail lamps 416
Turn signal lamp 415Reporting safety defects 18
Reserve fuel
Message in display 384
Reset button in the instrument
cluster 158
Reset tool
Despositori 407
Resetting
Maintenance service indicator 341
Restraint system see Infant and child
restraint systems
Rims 333
Roadside assistance 12, 265
RON 291
RON (Research Octane Number) 476
Roof rack* 246
Rotating tires 335
Rubber parts, cleaning 349
Run Flat Indicator* 314S
Safety
Driving safety systems 84
Occupant 64
Reporting defects 18
Safety belts see Seat belts
Seat belt force limiter 73
Seat belts 70
Cleaning 350
Fastening 46
Messages in display 392
Proper use of 48, 72
Safety guidelines 68
Telltale 358
Seat cushion depth
Adjusting 126
Seat heating*
Switching off 129
Switching on 129
Seat ventilation*
Switching off 130
Switching on 130
Seating capacity 306
492 IndexSeats 124
Adjusting 39
Drive-dynamic seat* 127
Easy entry/exit feature* 42
Heating* 128
Multicontour seat* 126
Ventilation* 130
Securing cargo 250
Selecting display 161
Selector lever
Lock 49, 176
Message in the display 369
Position (automatic
transmission) 176
Self-test
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 79
Tele Aid 263
Service and warranty information 10
Service life
Tires 302
Setting
Date 163
Temperature (interior) 203Settings
Date 163
Factory, KEYLESS-GO* 107
Factory, SmartKey 100
Individual, Vehicle 157
Menus and submenus 149
Resetting all, Control system 157
Selective, KEYLESS-GO* 107
Selective, SmartKey 101
Suspension tuning 238
Time 162
Settings menu
Functions in 157
Submenus 158
Shelf below rear window, cleaning 350
Shift lock 477
Shifting
Gear selector lever positions 178
Into optimal gear range
(automatic transmission) 183
Into optimal gear range
(CLS 500) 185
Into optimal gear range
(CLS 55 AMG) 187Side impact air bags 70
Side marker lamps
Cleaning lenses 346
Side windows
Stopping 216
Synchronizing power windows 216
Sidewall 333
Ski sack* (Canada only) 247
SmartKey 98
Battery check lamp 101
Checking the batteries 102, 109
Factory setting 100
Global locking 101
Global locking and unlocking 100
Global unlocking 100
Locking 61
Loss of 103
positions in starter switch 36
Remote control 98
Restoring to factory setting 102, 108
Selective setting 101, 107
Starting the engine 50
Turning off the engine 60
Unlocking with 34