191 Controls in detail
Automatic climate control
Deactivating the automatic climate control systemDeactivating
It is possible to completely deactivate the
automatic climate control system.
Press button M (
page 184).
The indicator lamp on button M
comes on.Reactivating
There are several ways to reactivate the
automatic climate control system:
Press any button on the automatic cli-
mate control panel (
page 184).
The indicator lamp on button M
switches off.
or
Turn one of the control knobs on the
automatic climate control.
The indicator lamp on button M
switches off.
iWhen the air conditioning is switched
off, the outside air supply and circula-
tion are also switched off. Only choose
this setting for a short time. Otherwise
the windows could fog up.
iUnder certain circumstances, e.g.
when the fuel system is too hot and
needs to be cooled, the cooling switch-
es on again automatically. The red lamp
on the ± button the automatic cli-
mate control panel flashes.
After cooling the fuel system sufficient-
ly, the air conditioning switches off
again and the red lamp stops flashing.
192 Controls in detailAutomatic climate controlAir conditioning
The air conditioning is operational while
the engine is running and cools the interior
air to the temperature set by the operator.Deactivating
It is possible to deactivate the air condi-
tioning (cooling) function of the automatic
climate control system. The air in the vehi-
cle will then no longer be cooled or dehu-
midified.
Press ± button (
page 184).
The indicator lamp on the ±
button comes on.Activating
Moist air can fog up the windows. You can
dehumidify the air with the air condition-
ing.
Press ± button again (
page 184).
The indicator lamp on the ± button
goes out.
The air conditioning uses the refrigerant
R134A. This refrigerant is free of CFCs
which are harmful to the ozone layer.
iCondensation may drip out from under-
neath the vehicle. This is normal and
not an indication of a malfunction.
iUnder certain circumstances, e.g.
when the fuel system is too hot and
needs to be cooled, the cooling switch-
es on again automatically. The red lamp
on the ± button the automatic cli-
mate control panel flashes.
After cooling the fuel system sufficient-
ly, the air conditioning switches off
again and the red lamp stops flashing.
!If you press the ± button on the au-
tomatic climate control panel and it
starts to flash, this indicates that the
air conditioning is losing refrigerant.
The compressor has turned off. The air
conditioning cannot be turned on
again.
Have the air conditioning checked at
the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
212 Controls in detailUseful featuresWhen the connection is established, the
message
Call connected
appears in the
multifunction display. The Tele Aid system
will transmit data generating the vehicle
identification number, model, color and lo-
cation (subject to availability of cellular
and GPS signals).
A voice connection between the Roadside
Assistance dispatcher and the occupants
of the vehicle will be established.
Describe the nature of the need for as-
sistance.
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
dispatcher will either dispatch a qualified
Mercedes-Benz technician or arrange to
tow your vehicle to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. For services such
as labor and/or towing, charges may ap-
ply. Refer to the Roadside Assistance
Manual for more information.These programs are only available in the
USA:
Sign and Drive services: Services such
as jump start, a few gallons of fuel or
the replacement of a flat tire are ob-
tainable.iThe indicator lamp in the Roadside
Assistance button• remains illumi-
nated in red for approximately
10 seconds during the system
self-check after switching on the igni-
tion (together with the SOS button and
the Information button¡).
See system self-check (
page 209) if
the indicator lamp does not come on in
red or stays on longer than approxi-
mately 10 seconds.
If the indicator lamp in the Roadside
Assistance button• is illuminated
continuously and there was no voice
connection to the Response Center es-
tablished, then the Tele Aid system
could not initiate a Roadside
Assistance call (e.g. the relevant cellu-
lar phone network is not available). The
message
Call failed!
appears in the
multifunction display.
Roadside Assistance calls can be ter-
minated using the ìbutton on the
multifunction steering wheel.
231 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 tire
inflation pressures.
Remove unnecessary loads.
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
Maintenance Booklet and as required
by the maintenance service display.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
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
Pedals
Warning!
G
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs
and driving are very dangerous combina-
tions. 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.
Objects stored in this area may impair pedal
movement.
239 Operation
Driving instructions
Telephones and two-way radios
Radio transmitters, such as a portable
telephone or a citizens band unit should
only be used inside the vehicle if they are
connected to an antenna that is installed
on the outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation
instructions regarding use of an external
antenna.
Catalytic converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with
monolithic-type catalytic converters, an
important element in conjunction with the
oxygen sensors to achieve substantial
control of the pollutants in the exhaust
emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our
recommended maintenance instructions
as outlined in your Maintenance Booklet.
Warning!
G
Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. with-
out being connected to an external antenna)
from inside the vehicle while the engine is
running. Doing so could lead to a malfunc-
tion of the vehicle’s electronic system,
possibly resulting in an accident and
personal injury.
!To prevent damage to the catalytic
converters, only use premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise excessive unburned fuel
may reach the catalytic converter,
causing it to overheat and potentially
start a fire.
Warning!
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or
operate this vehicle in areas where combus-
tible materials such as grass, hay or leaves
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials could be ignited
and cause a vehicle fire.Warning!
G
The exhaust areas on the engine hood and
between the doors and front wheels get very
hot. Avoid contact with them, otherwise
there is the risk of severe burns.
241 Operation
At the gas station
At the gas station
Refueling
The fuel filler flap is located on the
right-hand side of the vehicle towards the
rear. Locking/unlocking the vehicle with
the SmartKey automatically locks/unlocks
the fuel filler flap.
Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
Open the fuel filler flap by pushing at
the point indicated by arrow.
The fuel filler flap opens.
Turn fuel cap counterclockwise and
hold on to it until possible pressure is
released.
Take off cap and set it in the recess on
the fuel filler flap.
To prevent fuel vapors from escaping
into open air, fully insert filler nozzle
unit.
Only fill your tank until the filler nozzle
unit cuts out – do not top up or
overfill.
Warning!
G
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
injury. Whenever you are around gasoline,
avoid inhaling fumes and skin contact,
extinguish all smoking materials. Never
allow sparks, flame or smoking materials
near gasoline!
iOnly use premium unleaded gasoline
with a minimum Posted Octane Rating
of 91 (average of 96 RON/86 MON).
Information on gasoline quality can
normally be found on the fuel pump.Warning!
G
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create
pressure in the system which could cause a
gas discharge. This could cause the gas to
spray back out when removing the fuel
pump nozzle, which could cause personal
injury.
242 OperationAt the gas station
Replace fuel cap by turning it clockwise
until it audibly engages.
Close the fuel filler flap until you hear
the latch close shut.
Check regularly and before a long trip
1Coolant
2Engine oil
3Brake fluidCoolant
For normal replenishing, use water (pota-
ble water quality). For more information,
see “Coolant” (
page 250) and see “Fu-
els, coolants, lubricants, etc.”
(
page 377).
Engine oil level
For more information on engine oil level,
see “Engine oil” (
page 247).
Brake fluid
iMore information on gasoline can be
found in the Factory Approved Service
Products pamphlet.
Leaving the engine running and the fuel
cap open can cause theú malfunc-
tion indicator lamp (USA only) or
the± malfunction indicator lamp
(Canada only) to illuminate.
For more information, see “Practical
hints” (
page 301).
iOpening the hood, see (
page 244).
!If you find that the brake fluid in the
brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
minimum mark or below, have the
brake system checked for brake pad
thickness and leaks immediately.
Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center immediately. Do not add brake
fluid as this will not solve the problem.
For more information, see “Practical
hints” (
page 300).
257 Operation
Tires and wheels
Direction of rotation
Unidirectional tires offer added advan-
tages, such as better hydroplaning perfor-
mance. To benefit, however, you must
make sure the tires rotate in the direction
specified.
An arrow on the sidewall indicates the
intended direction of rotation (spinning) of
the tire.
Loading the vehicle
Two labels on your vehicle show how much
weight it may properly carry.
The Tire and Loading Information
placard (Example A) or the Vehicle Tire
Information placard (Example B) can be
found on the driver’s door B-pillar. This
placard tells you important information
about the number of people that can be
in the vehicle and the total weight that
can be carried in the vehicle. It also
contains information on the proper size
and recommended tire inflation
pressures for the original equipment
tires on your vehicle.
The Certification label found on the
driver’s door A-pillar (
page 368) tells
you about the gross weight capacity of
your vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR in-
cludes the weight of the vehicle, all oc-
cupants, fuel and cargo. The
Certification label also tells you about
the front and rear axle weight capacity,
called the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR). The GAWR is the total allow-
able weight that can be carried by a sin-
gle axle (front or rear). Never exceed
the GVWR or GAWR for either the front
axle or rear axle.
Warning!
G
19" turbine-style wheels:
The wheels must be mounted corresponding
to the labelling on the inside of the rim,
where LEFT refers to the left-hand side of
the vehicle and RIGHT to the right-hand side
of the vehicle, both seen in direction of trav-
el. When unidirectional tires are mounted,
make sure that they rotate in the direction
specified. Otherwise, the driving stability of
the vehicle will be adversely affected, espe-
cially when driving at high speeds.