351 Operation
Tires and wheels
Checking tire pressure electronically
with the Advanced Tire Pressure Moni-
toring System* (Advanced TPMS*)The TPMS only functions on wheels that
are equipped with the proper electronic
sensors. It monitors the tire inflation pres-
sure, as selected by the driver, in all four
tires. A warning is issued to alert you to a
decrease in pressure in one or more of the
tires.
Tire pressure inquiries are made using the
multifunction display.The present inflation
pressures are displayed only after a few
minutes’ travel time.
Switch on the ignition (
page 34).
Press thej or kbutton until
the current inflation pressures for each
tire appear in the multifunction display.
iThe Advanced T
ire P
ressure M
onitoring
S
ystem* (Advanced TPMS*) is
equipped with a combination low tire
pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale in
the instrument cluster (
page 24). De-
pending on how the telltale illuminates,
it indicates a low tire pressure condi-
tion or a malfunction in the TPMS sys-
tem itself:
If the telltale illuminates continu-
ously, one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. There is
no malfunction in the TPMS.
If the telltale flashes for 60 seconds
and then stays illuminated, the
TPMS system itself is not operating
properly.
iPossible differences between the read-
ings of a tire pressure gauge of an air
hose, e.g. gas station equipment, and
the vehicle’s control system can occur.
Usually the readings issued by the con-
trol system are more precise.
iWhen the message
Tire pressure
display appears after driving sev-
eral minutes
appears in the display,
the individual inflation pressure values
are matched with the tires. The individ-
ual values are displayed after a few
minutes driving.
iWith a spare wheel without wheel sen-
sor mounted, the system may still indi-
cate the tire inflation pressure of the
removed wheel for some minutes. If
this happens, keep in mind that the in-
dicated value where the spare wheel is
mounted does not reflect the actual
spare tire inflation pressure.
377 Operation
Vehicle care
Ornamental moldings
For regular cleaning and care of very dirty
chrome-plated parts, use a chrome clean-
er.
Headlamps, tail lamps, side markers,
turn signal lenses
Use a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo,
with plenty of water.
To prevent scratches, never apply strong
force and only use a soft, non-scratchy
cloth when cleaning the lenses. Do not
attempt to wipe dirty lenses with a dry
cloth or sponge.Cleaning the Parktronic* system
sensors
1Parktronic* system sensors
Clean the sensors1 on the bumpers
using a mild car wash detergent, such
as Mercedes-Benz approved Car
Shampoo, with plenty of water and a
soft, non-scratchy cloth.When using a steam cleaner or power
washer, aim nozzle only briefly from a min-
imum distance of 12 in (30 cm) at
sensors1.
Do not apply strong pressure to the sensor
cover, applying strong pressure may
damage the sensor cover.
To prevent scratches, never apply strong
force and only use a soft, non-scratchy
cloth when cleaning the sensor. Do not
attempt to wipe dirty sensors with a dry
cloth or sponge.
406 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display message
Possible cause
Possible solution
Tire pressure display
appears after driving
several minutes
The tire inflation pressure is being checked.
Drive the vehicle for a few minutes.
Tire pressure monitor
inoperative
The Advanced TPMS* is malfunctioning.
Have the Advanced TPMS* checked by an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Tire pres. monitor
inoperative
No wheel sensors
There are wheels without wheel sensors
mounted (e.g. winter tires).
Have the Advanced TPMS* checked by an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Have the wheel sensors install by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Tire pres. monitor
Wheel sensor missing
One or more sensors defect (e.g. battery in
one or more wheel sensor is empty).
One or more wheels without wheel sensors
mounted (e.g. spare tire).
Have the Advanced TPMS* checked by an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Have the wheel sensors install by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
The tire pressure for the respective tire is not shown
in the multifunction display.
Tire pres. monitor
temporarily
unavailable
The Advanced TPMS* is unable to monitor
the tire pressure due to
a nearby radio interference source.
excessive wheel sensor temperatures.
As soon as the causes of the malfunction have been
removed, the Advanced TPMS* automatically be-
comes active again after a few minutes driving.
415 Practical hints
What to do if …
When the
Add 1 qt. engine oil when
next refueling
(Canada:
1 liter
) mes-
sage appears while the engine is running
and at operating temperature, the engine
oil level has dropped to approximately the
minimum level.
When this occurs, the warning will first
come on intermittently and then stay on if
the oil level drops further.Visually check for oil leaks. If no obvious oil
leaks are noted, drive to the nearest
service station where the engine oil should
be topped to the required level with an ap-
proved oil specified in the Factory
Approved Service Products pamphlet.
Display symbol
Display messages
Possible cause
Possible solution
N
Engine oil level
Visit workshop
The engine oil has dropped to a
critical level.
Check the engine oil level (
page 328)
(ML 500 only), or (
page 330) (ML 350
only) and add oil as required
(
page 331).
If you must add engine oil frequently, have
the engine checked for possible leaks.
Oil sensor malfunction
Visit workshop
The measuring system is mal-
functioning.
Have the measuring system checked by
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.
!The engine oil level warnings should
not be ignored. Extended driving with
the symbol displayed could result in
serious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
420 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display symbol
Display messages
Possible cause
Possible solution
.
Light sensor
Drive to workshop
The lamp sensor is malfunction-
ing. The headlamps switch on
automatically.
In the control system, set lamp operation
to manual mode.
Switch on headlamps using the exterior
lamp switch.
Low beam,
left
The left low beam lamp is mal-
functioning.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center as soon as possible.
Low beam,
right
The right low beam lamp is mal-
functioning.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center as soon as possible.
Marker lamp
,
front left
The front left side marker lamp is
malfunctioning.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Marker lamp
,
front right
The front right side marker lamp
is malfunctioning.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Parking lamp, front left
Substitute bulb on
The left parking lamps are mal-
functioning. A substitute bulb is
being used.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center as soon as possible.
Parking lamp, front right
Substitute bulb on
The right parking lamps are mal-
functioning. A substitute bulb is
being used.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center as soon as possible.
504 Technical termsMaximum tire inflation pressure
(
page 366)
Modular COMAND System
Information and operating center for
vehicle sound and communications
systems, including the radio and the ra-
dio and navigation system, as well as
for other optional equipment (CD
changer, telephone, etc.).
Memory function*
Used to store three individual seat,
steering wheel and exterior mirror
positions.
MON
(Motor O
ctane N
umber)
The Motor Octane Number for gasoline
as determined by a standardized meth-
od. It is an indication of a gasoline’s
ability to resist undesired detonation
(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
The display field in the instrument clus-
ter used to present information provid-
ed by the control system.
Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel with buttons for operat-
ing the control system.
Normal occupant weight
(
page 366)
OCS
(Occupant C
lassification S
ystem)
The system automatically turns the
front passenger front air bag on or off
based on the classified occupant size
category determined by weight sensor
readings from the seat.
Overspeed range
Engine speeds within the red marking
on the tachometer dial. Avoid this en-
gine speed range, as it may result in se-
rious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.Parktronic (Parking assist)*
System which uses visual and acoustic
signals to assist the driver during park-
ing maneuvers.
Poly-V-belt drive
Drives engine-components (alternator,
AC compressor, etc.) from the engine.
Power train
Collective term designating all compo-
nents used to generate and transmit
motive power to the drive axles, includ-
ing
Engine
Clutch/torque converter
Transmission
Transfer case
Drive shaft
Differential
Axle shafts/axles
505 Technical terms
Production options weight
(
page 366)
PSI
(P
ounds per s
quare i
nch) (
page 366)
Recommended tire inflation pressure
(
page 366)
REST
(Residual engine heat utilization)
Feature that uses the engine heat
stored in the coolant to heat the vehi-
cle interior for a short time after the en-
gine has been turned off.
Restraint systems
Seat belts, belt tensioner, air bags and
child restraints, lower anchors and
tethers for children (LATCH). As inde-
pendent systems, their protective func-
tions complement one another.
Rim
(page 367)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.
Sidewall
(
page 367)
SRS
(Supplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Air bags, air bag control unit (with
crash sensor), emergency tensioning
device. Though independent systems,
they are closely interfaced to provide
effective occupant protection.Tele Aid* System
(T
elematic A
larm I
dentification on
D
emand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, Roadside Assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially
activated 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.
519 Index
L
Labels, identification 484
Lamp bulbs, exterior 443
Lamps, exterior
Front 443
Light sensor 420
Messages in display 418, 420
Rear 444
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS 382
Air bag Off 72
Battery (SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*) 114
Battery (SmartKey) 108
Brakes 383
CHECK ENGINE 385, 386
CHECK Engine malfunction
indicator lamp 386
Engine diagnostics 385, 386
ESP
®
387
Front fog lamps 138
Fuel reserve 388
Rear fog lamp 138
Seat belts 388, 389
SRS 390Language
Multifunction display 164
Setting 164
LATCH type child seat anchors 88
LATCH type child seat mounts 88
Layout of poly-V-belt drive (ML 350) 485
Layout of poly-V-belt drive (ML 500) 485
Leather upholstery*
Cleaning 380
Lever
For cruise control 238
License plate lamps
Messages in display 419
Replacing bulbs 444, 451
Light alloy wheels
Cleaning 379
Light sensor 420
Lighter see cigarette lighterLighting 138
Automatic headlamp mode 139
Cargo compartment lamp 147
Daytime running lamp mode 140
Door entry lamps 147
Front fog lamps 142
High beams 142
Instrument cluster illumination 148
Interior 145
Locator lighting 141
Low beam 138
Manual headlamp mode 139
Night security illumination 141
Parking lamps 138
Rear fog lamp 142
Settings (control system) 167
Standing lamps 138
Limiting the gear range 187
Limp Home Mode 192
Line of fall 503