500 Operation
Driving instructions
Brakes
To help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to
parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes.
If your brake system is normally only sub-
jected to moderate loads, you should occa-
sionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads.Refer to the description of the Brake Assist
System (BAS or BAS Plus*) (
page 66).
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid level in
the reservoir.
The brake fluid level in the reservoir may
be too low if the red brake warning lamp in
the instrument cluster comes on while the
engine is running and an acoustic warning
sounds (
page 569). Observe additional
messages in the multifunction display that
may appear (
page 580).
Have the brake system inspected
immediately. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!G
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through wa-
ter deep enough to wet brake components,
the first braking action may be somewhat
reduced and increased pedal pressure may
be necessary to obtain expected braking
effect. Maintain a safe distance from
vehicles in front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their effec-
tiveness. It may not be possible to stop the
vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an
accident.
!Because the ESP® operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position0 or1 or
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button* in position0
or1) when
the electronic parking brake is being tested
on a brake test dynamometer
the vehicle is being towed with the
front/rear axle raised
Active braking action through the ESP
® may oth-
erwise seriously damage the brake system.
Warning!G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking ma-
neuvers.
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501 Operation
Driving instructions
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Only install brake pads and brake fluid
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
After hard braking, it is advisable to drive
on for some time, rather than immediately
park, so that the air stream can cool down
the brakes faster.Driving off
Apply the brakes to test them briefly after
driving off. Perform this procedure only
when the road is clear of other traffic.
Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not
place full load on the engine until the oper-
ating temperature has been reached.
Warning!G
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially impaired. This
could result in an accident.
!When driving down long and steep grades,
relieve the load on the brakes by shifting into a
lower gear to use the engine’s braking power.
This helps prevent overheating of the brakes and
reduces brake pad wear.
When using the engine’s braking power, a drive
wheel may not spin for an extended period of
time, e.g. on slippery road surfaces.
This may cause serious damage to the drivetrain
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Lim-
ited Warranty.
!When driving off on a slippery surface, do
not allow a drive wheel to spin for an extended
period with the ESP
® switched off. Doing so may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited War-
ranty.
!Simultaneously depressing the accelerator
pedal and applying the brakes reduces engine
performance and causes premature brake wear
and drivetrain wear.
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563 Operation
Vehicle care
Light alloy wheels
If possible, clean wheels once a week.
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel
Care, a soft bristle brush and a strong
spray of water for cleaning the light
alloy wheels.Plastic and rubber parts
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution.
Wipe with a cloth moistened in a luke-
warm solution.
The surface may temporarily change
color. If this is the case, wait for it to
dry.Hard plastic trim items
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Interior
Care, a soft, lint-free cloth and apply
with light pressure.
Steering wheel
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thor-
oughly or clean with Mercedes-Benz
approved Leather Care.
!Only use acid-free cleaning materials. Acid
may cause corrosion or damage the clear coat.
!The vehicle should not be parked for an
extended period of time immediately after it has
been cleaned, especially not after the wheel rims
have been cleaned with wheel rim cleaner.
Wheel rim cleaners can lead to increased
corrosion of the brake disks and brake pads.
Non-approved wheel cleaners may also damage
the wheel paint if the car is not driven after
cleaning. Therefore, the vehicle’s brake system
should always be warmed-up before it is parked
after cleaning. To do so, please drive your vehicle
for several minutes to allow the brakes to dry.
When applying Mercedes-Benz approved Tire
Care and Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care
products, take care not to spray them on the
brake disks.
Warning!G
Do not use cleaners or cockpit care sprays
containing solvents to clean the cockpit or
the steering wheel. Cleaners containing sol-
vents will make the surface porous and vehi-
cle occupants could suffer serious injuries
from plastic parts coming loose in the event
of air bag deployment.
!Do not use oil, wax or scouring agents on
these parts.
Never apply strong force and only use a soft,
non-scratching cloth when cleaning the surface.
Do not attempt to wipe the surface with a dry
cloth or sponge.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the sur-
face.
!Never apply strong force and only use a soft,
non-scratching cloth when cleaning the surface.
Do not attempt to wipe the surface with a dry
cloth or sponge.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the sur-
face.
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598 Practical hints
What to do if …?
Display Possible cause/consequencePossible solution
Service
See Oper. ManualCL 600:
The brake system sensors are malfunction-
ing. The brake system continues to function
normally with full brake force boost.Continue driving with added caution.
Have the system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
(USA only)
(Canada only)
Brake wearThe brake pads have reached their wear
limit.Have the brake pads replaced as soon as
possible.
!Brake pad thickness must be visually
checked by a qualified technician at the intervals
specified in the Maintenance Booklet.
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695 Index
B
Backup lamps
Replacing bulbs 642
Bar 545
BAS 66
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking battery condition 332
Replacing 639
Batteries, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Checking battery condition 332
Replacing 639
Batteries, vehicle 655
Charging 658
Discharged, Jump starting 660
Disconnecting 657
For electrical consumers 655
For starter 655
Message in display 608
Reconnecting 659
Removing 658
Bead 545
Beverage holder see Cup holder
Bluetooth
®
Settings (COMAND) 232
Brake assist system (BAS Plus) 67
Brake assist system (BAS) 66Brake fluid 511, 685, 687
Brake lamp bulbs 642
Brake lamp, high mounted 642
Brake pads
Message in display 598
Brake warning lamp 31
Brakes 500
Warning lamp 31, 567
Break-in period 498
Bulbs, replacing 641
Additional turn signals 642
Brake lamps 642
Fog lamps 642
Front lamps 642
High beam 642
High mounted brake lamp 642
License plate lamps 642
Low beam 642
Parking and standing lamps 642
Rear fog lamp 642
Turn signal lamps 642C
California retail buyers and lessees,
important notice for 15
Can holder see Cup holder
Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants 684
Carpets, Cleaning and care of 564
Catalytic converter 507
CD
Ejecting (COMAND) 113
Loading (COMAND) 111
Menu overview (COMAND) 114
Playback options (COMAND) 119
Selecting a medium (COMAND) 117
Selecting a track (COMAND) 117
CD (COMAND) 107
Central locking
Automatic 334
Locking/unlocking from inside 335
Central locking/unlocking switches 335
Certification label 674
Change of address or ownership 16
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706 Index
Messages in display see
Multifunction display messages
Microphone, Hands-free 37
Minispare wheel 634, 681
Mounting 649
Mirrors
Activating exterior rear
view mirror parking position 356
Adjusting 353
Auto-dimming for rear
view mirrors 355
Exterior rear view mirrors 353
Interior rear view mirror 353
Mobile phone see Telephone*
Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety 20
MON 510, 685
MP3
Menu overview (COMAND) 114
Operation (COMAND) 115
Playback options (COMAND) 119
Selecting a folder (COMAND) 118
Selecting a medium (COMAND) 117
Selecting a track (COMAND) 117
MP3 (COMAND) 107Multicontour adjustments see
Drive-dynamic multicontour seats*
Multifunction display 256
Multifunction display messages
ABC 593
ABS 594
Batteries, vehicle 608
Brake fluid 596
Brake pads 598
Coolant 610
Coolant level 609
Cruise control 582
DISTRONIC Plus* 583
Doors 612
EBP (Electronic
Brake Proportioning) 597
Electronic parking brake 599
Engine oil 514, 623
ESP
®594, 605
Fog lamps 619
Front passenger front air bag 585
Fuel cap 613
Gear selector
lever 585, 589, 591, 592, 631
Headlamps 617
Hood 613Key, SmartKey 615
Key, SmartKey
with KEYLESS-GO* 614
Lamps, exterior 617
License plate lamps 619
Light sensor 617
Night View Assist* 622
Park Assist* 589
PRE-SAFE
®589, 595
Restraint systems 626
Seat backrest 631
Side marker lamps 620
SRS 626
Tail lamps 621
Tele Aid 628
Trunk 631
Windshield washer fluid 631
Multifunction steering wheel 257
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