215 Controls in detail
Useful features
Remote door unlock
In case you have locked your vehicle unin-
tentionally (e.g. SmartKey inside vehicle),
and the reserve SmartKey is not handy:
Contact the Mercedes-Benz Response
Center at 1-800-756-9018 (in the USA)
or 1-888-881-6611 (in Canada).
You will be asked to provide your pass-
word which you provided when you
completed the subscriber agreement.
Then return to your vehicle and pull the
trunk recessed handle for a minimum
of 20 seconds until the SOS button is
flashing.
The message
Connecting call
ap-
pears in the multifunction display.
As an alternative, you may unlock the vehi-
cle via Internet using the ID and password
sent to you shortly after the completion of
your acquaintance call.
The Response Center will then unlock your
vehicle with the remote door unlocking
feature.Stolen Vehicle Recovery services
In the event your vehicle was stolen:
Report the incident to the police.
The police will issue a numbered inci-
dent report.
Pass this number on to the
Mercedes-Benz Response Center along
with your password issued to you when
you subscribed to the service.
The Response Center will then attempt
to covertly contact the vehicle’s Tele
Aid system. Once the vehicle is locat-
ed, the Response Center will contact
the local law enforcement and you. The
vehicle’s location will only be provided
to law enforcement.
iThe remote door unlock feature is avail-
able if the relevant cellular phone net-
work is available.
The SOS button will flash and the mes-
sage
Connecting call
will appear in
the multifunction display to indicate re-
ceipt of the door unlock command.
Once the vehicle is unlocked,
a Response Center specialist may at-
tempt to establish voice contact with
the vehicle occupants.
If the trunk recessed handle was pulled
for more than 20 seconds before door
unlock authorization was received by
the Response Center, you must wait
15 minutes before pulling the trunk re-
cessed handle again.
iWhen the anti-theft alarm or the
tow-away alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, a call is initiated automat-
ically to the Response Center. See
anti-theft alarm system (
page 90)
and tow-away alarm (
page 92).
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.
249 Operation
Engine compartment
Adding engine oil
Using a rag, unscrew filler cap2 from
filler neck.
Add engine oil as required. Be careful
not to overfill with oil.Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water.
Screw the filler cap back on filler neck.
You will find further information about en-
gine oil in the “Technical data” section
(
page 378) and (
page 377).
Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need
to be checked. If you notice transmission
fluid loss or gear shifting malfunctions,
have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
check the transmission.
Warning!
G
The filler cap on the filler neck could be hot.
Use a rag when you unscrew the filler cap.
Otherwise you could burn yourself.
!Only use approved engine oils and oil
filters required for vehicles with
Maintenance System. For a listing of
approved engine oils and oil filters,
refer to the Factory Approved Service
Products pamphlet in your vehicle
literature portfolio, or contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Using engine oils and oil filters of
specification other than those
expressly required for the Maintenance
System, or changing of oil and oil filter
at change intervals longer than those
called for by the Maintenance System
will result in engine damage not cov-
ered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
!Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the
engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
329 Practical hints
What to do if ...
Left display
Right display
Possible cause/
consequence
Possible solution
±
Fuel system
malfunction
Visit
workshop
The fuel cooling system is
malfunctioning.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
A
Reserve fuel
The fuel level has fallen into the
reserve range.
Refuel at the next gas station (
page 241).
Check
fuel cap
See Oper. Manual
A loss of pressure has been de-
tected in the fuel system. The
fuel cap may not be closed
properly or the fuel system may
be leaky.
Check the fuel cap (
page 241).
If it is not closed properly:
Close the fuel cap.
If it is closed properly:
Have the fuel system checked by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
ì
Tel
Enter PIN
You have not yet entered your
PIN in you telephone.
Enter the PIN for your SIM card.
O
Close
hood
You are driving with the hood
open.
Close the hood (
page 244).
I
Remove
key
You have forgotten to remove
the SmartKey.
Remove the SmartKey from the starter switch.
Replace
key
No additional code available for
the SmartKey.
Have the SmartKey checked. Notify an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
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
397 Index
Fuel tank
Capacity 377
Filler flap 241
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. 377
Fuses 363
G
Garage door opener 216
Gasoline see Fuel
GAWR 282
Gear range
Automatic transmission 170
Canceling limit 169
Limiting 170
Shifting into optimal 169
Gear selector lever 32, 167
Lock 49, 51, 388
Position 167, 171
Position indicator 167
Gearshift
Indicator lamp 29
Program, Manual 173, 176
Global locking/unlocking see Key
Good visibility 179GPS 387
Gross Axle Weight Rating see GAWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating see GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight see GVW
GVW 282
GVWR 282
H
Hands-free microphone 33
Hazard warning flasher 110
Head/thorax airbag 69
Headlamp switch-off delay see Delayed
switch-off, exterior lamps
Headlamps
Automatic headlamp mode 106
Cleaning lenses 295
Cleaning system 179, 252, 383
Manual headlamp mode 106
Messages in the multifunction
display 331
Replacing bulbs 348
Switch 52, 105
Head-thorax airbag 75, 387
High beam flasher 53, 109
Replacing bulbs 348High beam headlamps
Indicator lamp 29
Messages in the multifunction
display 331
Replacing bulbs 348
Switching on 109
High mounted brake lamp 349
High-pressure cleaners 293
Hood 244
Messages in the multifunction
display 329
Horn 27
HVAC see Automatic climate control
Hydroplaning 236
I
Identification labels 368
Identification Number, Vehicle (VIN) 368
Ignition 40
Immobilizer 90
Indicator lamps see Lamps, Indicator and
warning
Infant and child restraint systems see Chil-
dren in the vehicle
Inflation pressure see Tires, Inflation pres-
sure
Inside door handle 34