267 Operation
Driving instructions
Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move gear selector lever to positionN or in
case of manual transmission declutch.
Try to keep the vehicle under control by
corrective steering action.Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce
the normal braking effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn
roads can bring road-salt-impaired braking
efficiency back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking
efficiency should be tested as soon as
possible after driving is resumed.
For more information, see “Winter driving”
(
page 308).
iFor information on driving with snow chains,
see “Snow chains” (
page 309).
Warning!G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced
vehicle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not
prevent this type of control loss.
Warning!G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Warning!G
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monox-
ide (CO) gases may enter vehicle interior re-
sulting in unconsciousness and death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation,
open a window slightly on the side of the
vehicle not facing the wind.
Warning!G
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the
road surface is free of ice.
428 Index
SRS 25, 59, 330
Turn signals 25
Language, Setting 134
LATCH-type child seat anchors see
Children in the vehicle
Leather upholstery,
Cleaning and care of 320
License plate lamps
Messages in display 351
Replacing bulbs 368
Light alloy wheels
Cleaning 317
Technical data 404, 405
Light sensor 349
Message in display 349
Lighter see Cigarette lighter
Lighting, Exterior and interior 109
Limp-home mode 159
Loading see Vehicle loading
Loading terminology 304
Loading the vehicle 284
Locator lighting 112, 140
Loss of keys 95
Loss of Service and
Warranty Information Booklet 397Low beam headlamps
Indicator lamp 25
Messages in display 351
Replacing bulbs 368, 370
Switching on 50
Lubricants 409
Technical data 409
Lumbar support* 105
M
Main dimensions 408
Main fuse box
In passenger compartment 392
Main odometer 121
Maintenance 12, 310
Calling up
service indicator display 312
Clearing
service indicator message 311
FSS (Canada vehicles) 310
Maintenance System 310
Resetting service indicator 312
Service indicator message 310
Service term exceeded 312
Vehicles with E85 fuel 415Maintenance System 310
Manual headlamp mode see Headlamps
Manual seat see Seat, Manual 35
Manual transmission 149, 150
Gearshift lever 46, 150
Shift positions 150
Starting the engine 46
Maximum load rating, Tires 305
Maximum loaded vehicle weight 305
Maximum tire inflation pressure 305
MB Tex upholstery,
Cleaning and care of 320
Mechanical key 361
Memory function* see Steering wheel
Menus see Control system
Microphone, Hands-free 29
Minispare wheel see Spare wheel
Mirrors
Adjusting 41
Auto-dimming* 161
Exterior rear view mirror 42
Interior rear view mirror 42, 160
Mobile phone see Telephone*