Page 20 of 409

19 Introduction
Symbols
Symbols
Trademarks:
ESP
® is a registered trademark of
DaimlerChrysler.
HomeLink
® is a registered trademark
of Prince, a Johnson Controls Compa-
ny.
BabySmart
TM is a trademark of
Siemens Automotive Corp.The following symbols are found in this
Operator’s Manual:
* Optional equipment is identified
with an asterisk.
This symbol points to instructions for
you to follow.
A number of these symbols appearing
in succession indicates a multiple-step
procedure.
Page This symbol tells you where to
look for further information on a
topic.
This continuation symbol marks
an interrupted procedure which
will be continued on the next
page.
-> In the glossary of technical
terms, this symbol is used to in-
dicate cross-references to term
definitions.
Display
Words appearing in the multi-
function display are printed in
the type shown here.
Warning!
G
Warning notices draw your attention to haz-
ards that may endanger your health or life,
or the health or life of others.!Highlights hazards that may result in
damage to your vehicle.iHelpful hints or further information you
may find useful.
Page 53 of 409

52 Getting startedDrivingAfter a cold start, the transmission engag-
es at a higher revolution. This allows the
catalytic converter to reach its operating
temperature earlier.
Switching on headlamps
Low beam headlamps
The exterior lamp switch is located on the
dashboard to the left of the steering wheel.Exterior lamp switch1Lights off
2Low beam headlamps on
Turn switch toB.
For more information on headlamps, see
“Lighting” (
page 105).
!If you hear a warning signal and the
message:Release
parking brakeappears in the multifunction display
when driving off, you have forgotten to
release the parking brake.
Release the parking brake.!Do not run cold engine at high engine
speed. Running a cold engine at high
engine speed may shorten the service
life of the engine.
!Simultaneously depressing the acceler-
ator pedal and applying the brake re-
duces engine performance and causes
premature brake and drivetrain wear.iYou can open a locked door from the
inside. Open door only when conditions
are safe to do so.
You can deactivate the automatic lock-
ing using the control system
(page 137).
Page 107 of 409

106 Controls in detailLightingManual headlamp mode
The low beam headlamps and the parking
lamps can be switched on and off with the
exterior lamp switch.
Automatic headlamp mode
The following lamps switch on and off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light:
Low beam headlamps
Tail and parking lamps
License plate lamps
Side marker lamps
Turn the exterior lamp switch to
positionU.
With the SmartKey in starter switch
position1, only the parking lamps will
switch on and off automatically.
When the engine is running, the low
beam headlamps, the tail and parking
lamps, the license plate lamps, and the
side marker lamps will switch on and
off automatically.
Warning!
G
If the exterior lamp switch is set toU,
the headlamps may switch off unexpect-
edly when the system senses bright
ambient light, for example light from
oncoming traffic.
the headlamps will not be automatically
switched on under foggy conditions.
To minimize risk to you and to others,
activate headlamps by turning exterior lamp
switch toB when driving or when traffic
and/or ambient lighting conditions require
you to do so.
In low ambient lighting conditions, only
switch from positionU toB with the
vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching fromU toB will briefly
switch off the headlamps. Doing so while
driving in low ambient lighting conditions
may result in an accident.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid to the driver. The driver is responsible for
the operation of the vehicle's lights at all
times.iFog lamps cannot be switched on with
the exterior lamp switch in
positionU. For switching on the fog
lamps, turn the exterior lamp switch to
positionB first.
Page 175 of 409
174 Controls in detailAutomatic transmissionStopping
When you stop briefly, e.g. at traffic lights:
Leave the transmission in gear.
Hold the vehicle with the brake.
When you stop longer with the engine
idling and/or on a hill:
Set the parking brake.
Move the gear selector lever to
positionP.Maneuvering
When you maneuver in tight areas,
e.g. when pulling into a parking space:
Control the vehicle speed by gradually
releasing the brakes.
Accelerate gently.
Never abruptly step on the accelerator.
Working on the vehicle
Steering wheel gearshift control
You can change the gears manually on the
steering wheel or by using the gear
selector lever (
page 168).
The steering wheel gearshift buttons are
located on the left and right side of the
steering wheel.
1Left button: downshift
2Right button: upshift
Warning!
G
When working on the vehicle, set the
parking brake and move gear selector lever
to positionP. Otherwise the vehicle could
roll away.
Page 304 of 409

303 Practical hints
What to do if ...
Problem
Possible cause/consequence
Suggested solutions
<
The red Airbrake warning
lamp comes on while driving
and you hear a warning
sound.
The Airbrake or the central locking system
is malfunctioning.
Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately.
>
The red gearshift indicator
lamp comes on while you are
driving.
You are driving with the manual shift pro-
gram. The engine is in the overrevving
range.
Shift to the next higher gear. Otherwise the
fuel supply will be interrupted to prevent the
engine from overrevving.
A
The yellow reserve fuel warn-
ing lamp lights up while you
are driving.
The fuel level has fallen into the reserve
range.
Refuel at the nearest gas station
(page 241).
=
The engine oil temperature
indicator comes on in the
tachometer while you are
driving.
The engine oil has not yet reached its
operating temperature.
Warm up the engine and do not drive at full
power until the operating temperature has
been reached.
The symbol will go out as soon as the engine
oil has reached its operating temperature.
Page 335 of 409
334 Practical hintsWhat to do if ...Left display
Right display
Possible cause/
consequence
Possible solution
.
Turn signal
Rear left
Substitute
bulb on
The left rear turn signal lamp is
malfunctioning. A backup bulb
has been brought into use.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
Turn signal
Rear right
Substitute
bulb on
The right rear turn signal lamp
is malfunctioning. A backup
bulb has been brought into use.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
Visit
workshop
The display for the lights is mal-
functioning.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
<
Seat belt system
Drive to
workshop
The seat belt system is mal-
functioning.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
L
Tele Aid
Drive to
workshop
One or more main functions of
the Tele Aid system are mal-
functioning.
Have the Tele Aid system checked by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.