Page 304 of 505

303 Operation
Driving instructions
Refer to the description of the Brake Assist
System (BAS) (
page 90).
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 brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on and an
acoustic warning sounds although the
parking brake is released (
page 368).
Observe additional messages in the multi-
function display that may appear
(
page 389).
Have the brake system inspected
immediately. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.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 rec-
ommended 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.High-performance brake system
(CLK 63 AMG only)
The high-performance brake system is
designed to operate under the extremely
high operating demands required to
accommodate the performance capabili-
ties of the vehicle. The brakes may
produce a squeaking-type noise depending
on the
vehicle speed
brake force applied
ambient conditions, e.g. temperature
and humidity
As with any brake system, the wear of indi-
vidual brake system components such as
brake pads or discs strongly depends on
your driving style and the conditions under
which you operate the vehicle. Thus, a driv-
ing style calling for high demand braking
will cause your vehicle’s brakes to wear
more quickly.
Warning!G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
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.
Page 367 of 505

366 Practical hints
What to do if …?
Lamps in instrument clusterGeneral information:
If any of the following bulbs in the instru-
ment cluster fails to come on during thebulb self-check when switching on the igni-
tion, have the respective bulb checked and
replaced if necessary.
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
-The yellow ABS indicator lamp
comes on while the engine is
running.The ABS has detected a malfunction and has
switched off. The BAS and the ESP® are also
switched off (see messages in the multifunc-
tion display).
The brake system is still functioning normally
but without the systems specified above.
If the ABS control unit is malfunctioning,
other systems such as the navigation
system* or the automatic transmission may
also be malfunctioning.
Continue driving with added caution.
Wheels will lock during hard braking,
reducing steering capability.
Read and observe messages in the
multifunction display (
page 378).
Have the system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions in-
creases the risk of an accident.
The charging voltage has fallen below
10 volts. The ABS has switched off.
The battery might not be charged sufficiently.Switch off electrical consumers that
are currently not needed, e.g. seat
heating*.
If necessary, have the generator and
battery checked.
When the voltage is above this value
again, the ABS is operational again.
Page 372 of 505

371 Practical hints
What to do if …?
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
•The red coolant warning lamp
comes on when the engine is
running.There is insufficient coolant in the reservoir.Add coolant to prevent engine from
overheating (
page 320).
If this warning lamp comes on frequently,
there is a leak in the cooling system.Have the cooling system checked.
If the coolant level is correct, the electric ra-
diator fan may be broken.If the coolant temperature is below
257 °F (125 °C), you can continue
driving to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Avoid high engine loads (e.g. driving
uphill) and stop-and-go driving.
•The red coolant warning lamp
comes on while driving and you
hear a warning sound.The coolant temperature has exceeded
257 °F (125 °C).Stop as soon as possible and allow
the engine and coolant to cool down.
Warning!G
Driving when your engine is overheated can
cause some fluids which may have leaked
into the engine compartment to catch fire.
You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns which can occur just by open-
ing the hood. Stay away from the engine if
you see or hear steam coming from it.Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle
and do not stand near the vehicle until the
engine has cooled down.
Page 496 of 505

495 Index
High beam headlamps
(Halogen) 428, 430
High mounted brake lamp 429
License plate lamps 428, 433
Low beam headlamps
(Bi-Xenon*) 428, 431
Low beam headlamps
(Halogen) 428, 430
Parking lamps 428, 431, 432
Side marker lamps 428
Standing lamps 428, 431, 432
Tail lamps 428, 432
Turn signal lamps 428
Turn signal lamps (Bi-Xenon*) 432
Turn signal lamps (Halogen) 431
Reporting safety defects 18
Reset button, In
instrument cluster 27, 136, 153, 154
Residual heat and ventilation* see REST*
REST* 209
Restraint system see
Children in the vehicle
Reverse gear position,
Automatic transmission 170, 172
Rims 348, 466
Roadside Assistance 12, 290Roll bar 81
Messages in display 386
Operating manually 413
Warning lamp 373
RON 313
Rubber parts, cleaning 363
Run Flat Indicator (Canada only) 334
S
Safety
Driving safety systems 88
Occupant 64
Reporting defects 18
Safety belts see Seat belts
Satellite radio* 222
Seat belts 75
Automatic comfort-fit feature 79
Cleaning 364
ETD 79
Fastening 47
Force limiter 79
Proper use of 49, 77
Safety guidelines 67
Telltale 27, 78
Seating capacity 327Seats, Multicontour* 121
Backrest contour 121
Backrest side bolsters 121
Cushion depth 121
Seats, Power 39, 119
Active head restraints 80
Adjustment 40
Easy entry/exit feature 44
Heating* 122
Memory function 124
Ventilation* 123
Selector lever see Gear selector lever
Self-test
OCS 75
Tele Aid 287
Service and Warranty Booklet
Loss of 461
Service and warranty information 10
Service intervals see
Maintenance, Service indicator
Service life, Tires 324
Service see Maintenance
Service System see
Maintenance service system
(U.S. vehicles) or
FSS (Canada vehicles)