238 OperationDriving instructionsStanding water
Passenger compartmentDriving abroad
Abroad, there is an extensive
Mercedes-Benz service network at your
disposal. If you plan to drive into areas
which are not listed in the index of your
Mercedes-Benz Center directory, you
should request pertinent information from
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Control and operation of radio
transmitters
Radio and telephone
!Do not drive through flooded areas or
water of unknown depth. Before driving
through water, determine its depth.
Never accelerate before driving into
water. The bow wave could force water
into the engine and auxiliary equip-
ment, thus damaging them.
If you must drive through standing wa-
ter, drive slowly to prevent water from
entering the passenger compartment
or the engine compartment. Water in
these areas could cause damage to
electrical components or wiring of the
engine or transmission, or could result
in water being ingested by the engine
through the air intake causing severe
internal engine damage. Any such
damage is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Warning!
G
Always fasten items being carried as
securely as possible.
In an accident, during hard braking or sud-
den maneuvers, loose items will be thrown
around inside the vehicle, and cause injury
to vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
The trunk is the preferred place to carry
objects.
Warning!
G
Please do not forget that your primary
responsibility is to drive the vehicle safely.
Only operate the radio or telephone
1 if road,
weather and traffic conditions permit.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet
(approximately 14 m) every second.
1Observe all legal requirements.
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.
268 OperationTires and wheelsWarning!
G
When the tire inflation pressure monitoring
system warning light is lit, one or more of
your tires is significantly under-inflated. You
should stop in a safe location and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper tire inflation pressure as
indicated on the vehicle’s tire information
placard. Driving on a significantly under-in-
flated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability. Each tire, including the
spare, should be checked monthly when
cold and set to the recommended tire infla-
tion pressure as specified in the vehicle
placard and owner’s manual.
iThe recommended tire inflation pres-
sures for your vehicle can be found on
the tire placard located on the driver’s
door B-pillar. The tire inflation pres-
sures are not listed in the owner’s
manual.Warning!
G
The tire inflation pressure monitor does not
indicate a warning for wrongly selected tire
inflation pressures. Always adjust tire infla-
tion pressure according to the placard on
the driver’s door B-pillar or, if available, the
inside of the fuel filler flap.
The tire inflation pressure monitor is not
able to issue a warning due to a sudden dra-
matic loss of tire inflation pressure (e.g. tire
blowout caused by a foreign object). In this
case bring the vehicle to a halt by carefully
applying the brakes and avoiding abrupt
steering maneuvers.
iOperating radio transmission equip-
ment (e.g. wireless headsets, two-way
radios) in or near the vehicle could
cause the tire inflation pressure
monitor to malfunction.Warning!
G
Follow recommend tire inflation pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear excessively and/or unevenly,
adversely affect handling and fuel economy,
and are more likely to fail from being over-
heated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires
can adversely affect handling and ride
comfort, wear unevenly, increase stopping
distance, and result in sudden deflation
(blowout) because they are more likely to
become punctured or damaged by road
debris, potholes etc.
281 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tire ply material
1Plies in sidewall
2Plies under tread
This marking tells you about the type of
cord and number of plies in the sidewall
and under the tread.
Tire and loading terminology
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power
seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as
factory-installed equipment (whether
installed or not).
Air pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi), or kilopascal (kPa) or
bars.
Aspect ratio
Dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width
expressed in percentage.Bar
Another metric unit for air pressure. There
are 14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi)
to 1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa)
to 1 bar.
Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the
rim.
Cold tire inflation pressure
Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle
has been sitting for at least three hours or
driven no more than one mile (1.6 km).
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with stan-
dard equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so
equipped, air conditioning and additional
optional equipment, but without passen-
gers and cargo.
iFor illustration purposes only. Actual
data on tires are specific to each vehi-
cle and may vary from data shown in
above illustration.
313 Practical hints
What to do if ...
Left display
Right display
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
Tire pres. monitor
reactivated
The tire pressure monitoring system is using
the current pressure values as the basis for
monitoring.
Tire pressure
displayed only
when ignition
is on
The tire inflation pressure is being checked.
Switch on the ignition (
page 40).
Tire pres.
monitor
temporarily
unavailable
The tire inflation pressure monitor is unable
to monitor the tire inflation pressure due to
the presence of several wheel sensors in
the vehicle.
excessive wheel sensor temperatures.
a nearby radio interference source.
unrecognized wheel sensors mounted.
Remove any extra wheel sensors
from the vehicle.
As soon as the causes of the malfunc-
tion have been removed, the tire pres-
sure monitoring system automatically
becomes active again.
Warning!
G
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle.
You may lose control of the vehicle. Contin-
ued driving with a flat tire will cause exces-
sive heat build-up and possibly a fire.
391 Index
A
ABS 79, 385
Indicator lamp 29, 299
Messages in the multifunction
display 309
ABS/ESP
®
Warning lamp 29, 298
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 173
Accessory weight 281
Accident 56
ACL 385
Messages in the multifunction
display 312
Additional turn signals, Exterior
mirror 349
Air conditioning system see Automatic cli-
mate control
Air distribution 187
Air pressure 281
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air recirculation mode 188
Air vents 183
Air volume 186Airbags 63
Children 64
Front, Driver 68
Front, Passenger 68
Head-thorax 68, 69
Knee 68
Safety guidelines 67
Airbrake 31, 87
Automatic mode 89
Emergency braking 89
Manual mode 88
Message in the multifunction
display 315
Test Mode 88
Warning lamp 29, 303
Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 377, 382
Antiglare, Interior rear view mirror 179
Antilock Brake System see ABS
Anti-theft systems
Anti-theft alarm system 90
Immobilizer 90
Tow-away alarm 92Anti-theft wheel nuts 285
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning
Armrest 200
Ashtray 202
Aspect ratio 281
AUDIO menu 123
Audio system 31, 143
Button and soft key operation 146
Cassette operation 152
CD operation 156
Location 143
Operating and display elements 144
Operating safety 143
Operation 146
Radio operation 149
Switching on/off 146
Telephone operation 160, 204
Auto-dimming, Interior rear view
mirror 179
Automatic car wash 293
Automatic central locking, Control
system 103, 137
393 Index
Body surface 292
Brake
Electrohydraulic brake system 84
Brake Assist System see BAS
Brake fluid 377, 379
Checking 242
Messages in the multifunction
display 300, 317
Brake lamps 349
High mounted 349
Messages in the multifunction
display 330
Brake pads
Messages in the multifunction
display 318
Brakes 232
Warning lamp 29, 300
Break-in the vehicle 230
Bulbs
Messages in the multifunction
display 330
Replacing 348C
CAC 385
California retail buyers and lessees, impor-
tant notice for 15
Call priority, Tele Aid 214
CAN system 386
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants 377
Cargo area see Trunk
Cassette player 152
Catalytic converter 239
CD changer 156
Location 157
CD player 124
Cellular phone
Delayed switch-off time 206
Inserting the cradle 205
Making calls in hands-free mode 207
Making calls in private mode 206
Re-inserting 207
Removing the cradle 205
Center console
Lower part 32
Upper part 31
Center storage compartment 201Central locking
Automatic 103, 137
Central locking switch 31
Locking/unlocking from inside 103
Central locking switch 103
Children in the vehicle 72
Airbags 64
Indicator lamp, front passenger front
airbag 75
Infant and child restraint systems 62,
75, 77
Cigarette lighter 202
Clock 29, 131
Setting time 131
Cockpit 26, 386
Cold tire inflation pressure 281
Combination switch 27, 53, 109
Compact guide 343
Control and operation of radio
transmitters 238
Control system 117, 386
Multifunction display 117
Multifunction steering wheel 118
Resetting to factory default 127
401 Index
Parking lamps 105
Message in the multifunction
display 332
Replacing bulbs 348
Parts service 366
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
Indicator lamp 75, 306
Passenger compartment 238
Passenger safety see Occupant safety
Pedals 231
Performance enhancement system,
Airbrake 87
Phone see Telephone
Poly-V-belt drive 388
Layout 369
Power assistance 232
Power outlet 203
Power train 388
Power washer 293
Power windows 193
Cleaning 294
Operating 193
Synchronizing 195
Practical hints 296
Premium unleaded gasoline 379Problems
While driving 56
With the vehicle 21
Product information 13
Production options weight 282
Program mode selector switch, Automatic
transmission 173, 388
PSI 283
Push starting 356
R
Radio
Operation 149
Selecting stations 123
Radio transmitters 238
Range (distance to empty) 139
Reading lamp 112
Rear fog lamp see Fog lamps
Rear lamps see Tail lamps
Rear view mirrors see Mirrors
Rear window defroster 181
Recommended tire inflation
pressure 283
Recovery services, Stolen vehicle
(Tele Aid) 215
Redial memory 142
Refrigerant, Air conditioning 378Refueling 241
Regular checks 242
Remote control, SmartKey 96
Remote door unlock, Tele Aid 215
Replacing bulbs 348
Reporting safety defects 22
Research Octane Number see RON
Reset button, in Instrument cluster 113,
289
Residual heat utilization 190
Restraint systems 62
Airbags 62, 63
Children in the vehicle 72
Emergency Tensioning Device
(ETD) 62, 72
Seat belts 62, 69
Rims 283, 371
Roadside Assistance 16, 211
RON 241, 388
Roof rack 227
S
Safety
Driving safety systems 79
Occupant 62
Reporting defects 22
Safety belts see Seat belts