2006 MERCEDES-BENZ R500 roof

262 Controls in detailPanorama roof with power tilt/sliding panel*Raising
You can raise the tilt/sliding panel at the
rear for better ventilation of the vehicle in-
terior.
Press and hold the roof panel switch in
direction of arrow3 (
page 260).
Release the roof panel switch when the
tilt/sliding panel has reached the de-
sired position.
Lowering

Pull and hold the roof panel switch in
direction of arrow4 (
page 260) un-
til the tilt/sliding panel has lowered
and closed completely.Fully opening (Express-open) the pan-
orama roof with tilt/sliding panel

Pull the roof panel switch past the
resistance point in direction of
arrow1 (
page 260) and release.
The tilt/sliding panel opens complete-
ly.
Stopping the panorama roof with
tilt/sliding panel during Express-open

Move the roof panel switch in any di-
rection.
The tilt/sliding panel will stop in its cur-
rent position.Synchronizing the panorama roof with
power tilt/sliding panel
The tilt/sliding panel and its roller sun-
blinds must be synchronized

after the battery has been
disconnected or discharged


after a malfunction


if the tilt/sliding panel does not open
smoothly!Do not attempt to open or close the
tilt/sliding panel before the tilt/sliding
panel is properly synchronized. The
tilt/sliding panel could otherwise
lock-up in the open position.
If the tilt/sliding panel cannot be
closed or synchronized, see an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center or call Roadside Assistance
(page 315).

263 Controls in detail
Panorama roof with power tilt/sliding panel*

Switch off the ignition (
page 38) and
remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*:

Switch off the ignition (
page 39).

Open the driver’s door (this puts the
starter switch in position 0, same as
with the SmartKey removed from the
starter switch). The driver’s door then
can be closed again.

Remove the fuse securing the
tilt/sliding panel from the fuse box
(page 504).

Reinsert the fuse in the fuse box.

Switch on the ignition (
page 38).

Push and hold the roof panel switch in
direction of arrow2 (
page 260) un-
til the roller sunblinds are fully closed.

Keep holding the roof panel switch in
direction of arrow2 (
page 260) for
approximately 1 second.

Pull and hold the roof panel switch in
direction of arrow1 (
page 260) un-
til the roller sunblinds are fully opened.

Keep holding the roof panel switch in
direction of arrow1 (
page 260) for
approximately 1 second.

Press and hold the roof panel switch in
direction of arrow3 (
page 260) un-
til the tilt/sliding panel is fully raised at
the rear.

Push and hold the roof panel switch in
direction of arrow2 (
page 260) un-
til the tilt/sliding panel is fully closed.

Keep holding the roof panel switch in
direction of arrow2 (
page 260) for
approximately 1 second.

Open the tilt/sliding panel using the
Express-open feature (
page 262).
If the tilt/sliding panel opens com-
pletely, the roof is synchronized.
If the tilt/sliding sunroof does not open
completely:

Repeat the above steps.
iFor information on which fuse box con-
tains the fuse for the power tilt/sliding
panel, see the fuse chart provided with
the vehicle tool kit (
page 455).

276 Controls in detailDriving systemsMinimum distance
If the system detects an obstacle in this
range, all the distance warning segments
illuminate and you hear a warning signal. If
the obstacle is closer than the minimum
distance, the actual distance may no
longer be indicated by the system.Warning indicators
Visual signals indicate to the driver the rel-
ative distance between the sensors and an
obstacle. The warning indicator for the
front area is located above the center air
vents in the dashboard. The warning indi-
cator for the rear area is located in the rear
passenger compartment under the roof.
Front area warning indicator1Left side of the vehicle
2Right side of the vehicle
3Readiness indicatorsEach warning indicator is divided into five
yellow and two red distance segments for
either side of the vehicle. The Parktronic
system is ready when the yellow readiness
indicators3 are illuminated.
The current transmission position deter-
mines which warning indicator will be
activated.
Center
approx. 8 in (20 cm)
Corners
approx. 6 in (15 cm)
Transmission
position
Warning indicator
D
Front area activated
R or N
Front and rear area
activated
P
Neither activated

279 Controls in detail
Loading
Loading
Roof rack*
1Trim cover

Flip roof trim covers 1 open.

Attach the roof rack to the attachment
points under roof trim covers 1.
Follow roof rack manufacturer’s instal-
lation instructions.
For further information, inquire at your
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Warning!
G
Only use the roof rack when the basic carri-
er bars have been completely mounted. The
left and right rails are only stabilized by
means of the basic carriers being mounted.
Follow the manufacturer’s installation
instructions. Otherwise, an improperly
attached roof rack system or its load could
become detached from the vehicle.
Do not exceed the maximum roof load of
220 lb (100 kg).
Take into consideration that when the roof
rack is loaded, the handling characteristics
are different from those when operating the
vehicles without the roof rack loaded.
!Use only those roof racks approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model.
Follow manufacturer’s installation in-
structions. The vehicle could otherwise
be damaged.
When loading the roof rack, make sure

the tilt/sliding sunroof* (or
tilt/sliding panel*) can be com-
pletely raised at the rear


the tilt/sliding panel and the tail-
gate can be completely opened

331 Operation
Driving instructions
Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Fuel consumption, to a great extent,
depends on driving habits and operating
conditions.
To save fuel you should:

Keep tires at the recommended infla-
tion pressures.


Remove unnecessary loads.


Remove roof rack when not in use.


Allow engine to warm up under low
load use.


Avoid frequent acceleration and decel-
eration.


Have all maintenance work performed
at the intervals specified in the Mainte-
nance Booklet and as required by the
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or
FSS PLUS (Canada vehicles). Contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.Fuel consumption is also increased by
driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go
traffic, on short trips and in hilly area.
Drinking and driving
PedalsPower assistance
Warning!
G
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs
and driving are a very dangerous combina-
tion. Even a small amount of alcohol or
drugs can affect your reflexes, perceptions
and judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you
drink or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Warning!
G
Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times. Ob-
jects stored in this area may impair pedal
movement.Warning!
G
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 ve-
hicle.

387 Operation
Tires and wheels
Maximum load rating
The maximum load in kilograms and
pounds that can be carried by the tire.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight and production
options weight.
Maximum tire inflation pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should ever be put in the tire
under normal driving conditions.
Normal occupant weight
The number of occupants the vehicle is
designed to seat, multiplied by
68 kilograms (150 lbs).
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle
at their designated seating positions.Production options weight
The combined weight of those installed
regular production options weighing over
5 lbs (2.3 kilograms) in excess of those
standard items which they replace, not
previously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty
battery, and special trim.
PSI (P
ounds per s
quare i
nch)
A standard unit of measure for air pressure
-> bar, kilopascal (kPa).
Recommended tire inflation pressure
Recommended tire inflation pressure
listed on placard located on driver’s door
B-pillar for normal driving conditions.
Provides best handling, tread life and
riding comfort.Rim
A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube
assembly upon which the tire beads are
seated.
Sidewall
The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead.
TIN (T
ire I
dentification N
umber)
Unique identifier which facilitates efforts
by tire manufacturers to notify purchasers
in recall situations or other safety matters
concerning tires and gives purchases the
means to easily identify such tires. The TIN
is comprised of “Manufacturer’s identifica-
tion mark”, “Tire size”, “Tire type code”
and “Date of manufacture”.
Tire load rating
Numerical code associated with the
maximum load a tire can support.

395 Operation
Vehicle care
Vehicle care
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
While in operation, even while parked, your
vehicle is subjected to varying external in-
fluences which, if gone unchecked, can at-
tack the paintwork as well as the
underbody and cause lasting damage.Such damage is caused not only by ex-
treme and varying climatic conditions, but
also by:


Air pollution


Road salt


Tar


Gravel and stone chipping
To avoid paint damage, you should imme-
diately remove:


Grease and oil


Fuel


Coolant


Brake fluid


Bird droppings


Insects


Tree resins, etc.
Frequent washing reduces and / or elimi-
nates the aggressiveness and potency of
the above adverse influences.More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions:


near the ocean


in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)


during winter operation
You should check your vehicle from time to
time for stone chipping or other damage.
Any damage should be repaired as soon as
possible to prevent corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underbody
of the vehicle. A prerequisite for a thor-
ough check is a washing of the underbody
followed by a thorough inspection. Dam-
aged areas need to be re-undercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the facto-
ry with a wax-base rustproofing in the body
cavities which will last for the lifetime of
the vehicle. Post-production treatment is
neither necessary nor recommended by
Mercedes-Benz because of the possibility
of incompatibility between materials used
in the production process and others ap-
plied later.
Warning!
G
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the partic-
ular container. Always open your vehicle’s
doors or windows when cleaning the inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not de-
signed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock away cleaning products and
keep them out of reach of children.

401 Operation
Vehicle care
Cleaning the panorama roof with
tilt/sliding panel*
The rear part of the tilt/sliding panel* has
a protective layer on the inside. 
Use a soft, clean cloth and a mild win-
dow cleaning solution.
An automotive glass cleaner is recom-
mended.Light alloy wheels
If possible, clean wheels once a week.

Use Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel
Care, a soft bristle brush and a strong
spray of water for cleaning the light al-
loy wheels.
Plastic and rubber parts

Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution.
Instrument cluster and cup holders

Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution.

Wipe with a cloth moistened in a luke-
warm solution.
!Do not use a dry cloth, abrasives, sol-
vents or cleaners containing solvents.
Do not touch the protective layer with
hard objects such as an ice scraper or
ring. Never apply strong force and only
use a soft, non-scratching cloth when
cleaning the rear part of the tilt/sliding
panel*.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage
the protective layer.
!Only use acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid may cause corrosion or damage
the clear coat.!The vehicle should not be parked for an
extended period of time immediately
after it has been cleaned, especially not
after the wheel rims have been cleaned
with wheel rim cleaner. Wheel rim
cleaners can lead to increased corro-
sion of the brake disks and brake pads.
Therefore, the vehicle’s brake system
should always be warmed-up before it
is parked after cleaning. To do so,
please drive your vehicle for several
minutes to allow the brakes to dry.
When applying Mercedes-Benz ap-
proved Tire Care and Mercedes-Benz
approved Wheel Care products, take
care not to spray them on the brake
disks. !Do not use oil or wax on these parts.!To prevent scratches, do not use scour-
ing agents.