98 Safety and SecurityDriving safety systemsBraking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in
the regulating mode.
Keep firm and steady pressure on the
brake pedal while experiencing the
pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to
steer the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an indica-
tion of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.Emergency brake maneuver
Keep continuous full pressure on the
brake pedal.
For more information, see the “Practical
hints” section (
page 380).
Warning!
G
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the BAS
and the ESP
® are also switched off.
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the wheels
may lock during hard braking, reducing
steering capability and extending the brak-
ing distance.
Warning!
G
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction af-
forded. The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, atten-
tive, and skillful driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of an ABS equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner which could jeop-
ardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
188 Controls in detailAutomatic transmissionDriving tips
Accelerator position
Your driving style influences the
transmission’s shifting behavior:
Less throttle Earlier upshifting
More throttle Later upshifting
Kickdown
Use kickdown when you want maximum
acceleration.
Press the accelerator past the point of
resistance.
Depending on the engine speed the
transmission shifts into a lower gear.
Ease on the accelerator when you have
reached the desired speed.
The transmission shifts up again.Stopping
When you stop briefly, e.g. at traffic lights:
Leave the transmission in gear.
Hold the vehicle with the brake.
When you stop for a longer period of time
with the engine idling and/or on a hill:
Set the parking brake.
Move the gear selector lever to park
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 vehicleWarning!
G
When working on the vehicle, set the
parking brake and move gear selector lever
to park positionP. Otherwise the vehicle
could roll away.
324 OperationAt the gas stationWindshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*
For information on refilling the reservoir,
see “Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*”
(page 332).
Brake fluid
For information on brake fluid, see “Fuels,
coolants, lubricants etc.” (
page 491).Coolant
For normal replenishing, use water (pota-
ble water quality). For more information on
coolant, see “Coolant level” (
page 330)
and see “Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.”
(
page 491).
Engine oil level
For more information on engine oil level,
see “Engine oil” (
page 327).Vehicle lighting
Check function and cleanliness. For more
information on replacing light bulbs, see
“Replacing bulbs” (
page 443).
For more information, see “Exterior lamp
switch” (
page 137).
Tire inflation pressure
For more information, see “Checking tire
inflation pressure” (
page 342).
!
If you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum mark or
below, have the brake system checked for brake
pad thickness and leaks immediately. Notify an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
Do not add brake fluid as this will not solve the
problem. For more information, see “Practical
hints” (page 383).
375 Operation
Vehicle care
Cleaning the panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel
The rear part of the tilt/sliding panel has a
protective layer on the inside.
Use a soft, clean cloth and a mild win-
dow cleaning solution.
An automotive glass cleaner is recom-
mended.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 al-
loy 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.
!
Do not use a dry cloth, abrasives, solvents
or cleaners containing solvents. Do not touch
the protective layer with hard objects such as an
ice scraper or ring. Never apply strong force and
only use a soft, non-scratching cloth when clean-
ing the rear part of the tilt/sliding panel.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the pro-
tective layer.
!
Only use acid-free cleaning materials. Acid
may cause corrosion or damage the clear coat.
!
The vehicle should not be parked for an ex-
tended 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 corro-
sion of the brake disks and brake pads. Non-ap-
proved wheel cleaners may also damage the
wheel paint if the car is not driven after cleaning.
Therefore, the vehicle’s brake system should al-
ways 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.
422 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display symbol
Display message
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
.
Active headlamps
inoperative
The active Bi-Xenon* headlamp system is
malfunctioning.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Active headlamps
Auxiliary bulb on
The active Bi-Xenon* headlamps are mal-
functioning. Another light is being used.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Reverse lamp
left side
The left reverse lamp is malfunctioning.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Reverse lamp
right side
The right reverse lamp is malfunctioning.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Brake-/tail lamp, left
Auxiliary bulb on
The left brake/tail lamp is malfunction-
ing.
This message will only appear if a critical
number of LEDs have stopped working.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Brake-/tail lamp, right
Auxiliary bulb on
The right brake/tail lamp is malfunction-
ing.
This message will only appear if a critical
number of LEDs have stopped working.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
3rd brake lamp
The high mounted brake lamp is malfunc-
tioning.
This message will only appear if a critical
number of LEDs have stopped working.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
445 Practical hints
Replacing bulbs
Rear lamps Notes on bulb replacement
Only use 12 volt bulbs of the same type
and with the specified watt rating.
Switch lights off before changing a bulb
to prevent short circuits.
Always use a clean lint-free cloth when
handling bulbs.
Your hands should be dry and free of oil
and grease.
If the newly installed bulb does not light
up, visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Lamp
Type
7
High mounted brake
lamp
LED
8
Brake, tail, parking,
standing, backup lamp
and turn signal lamp.
Rear fog lamp (driver’s
side only)
HiP
LED*
9
License plate lamps
C5W
Warning!
G
Bulbs and bulb sockets can be very hot. Al-
low the lamp to cool down before changing
a bulb.
Keep bulbs out of reach of children.
Halogen lamps contain pressurized gas.
A bulb can explode if you:
touch or move it when hot
drop the bulb
scratch the bulb
Wear eye and hand protection.
Because of high voltage in Bi-Xenon* lamps,
it is dangerous to replace the bulb or repair
the lamp and its components. We recom-
mend that you have such work done by a
qualified technician.
501 Index
A
ABS 97
Indicator lamp 380
Messages in display 398, 413
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 188
Accessory weight 359
Accident 60
Active Bi-Xenon headlamps* see Head-
lamps
Active head restraints 87
Adaptive Damping System see ADS
ADS 265
Air bags 70
Children 71
Front, Driver 74
Front, Passenger 74
Safety guidelines 72
Side impact 75
Window curtain 75
Air conditioning refrigerant 495
Air conditioning system see Climate con-
trol system
Air conditioning, Cooling 217, 233
Air distribution 211, 228
Air pressure 359Air pressure see Tire inflation
pressure 342
Air pump, electric
Turning on 457
Air recirculation mode 214, 231
Air vents 211, 228
Air volume 212, 229
Airmatic DC (Dual Control)
Messages in display 430
Suspension tuning 265
Airmatic DC (Dual Control) 265
Vehicle level control 266
Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 434, 455
AMG menu 157
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 499
Antilock Brake System see ABS
Anti-theft systems 106
Anti-theft alarm system 106
Immobilizer 106
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning
Ashtrays 287
Aspect ratio 359AUDIO menu 161
Operating CD player 162
Selecting radio station 161
Selecting satellite radio* station 161
Audio search function 177
Audio system
CD mode 162
Auto-dimming
Rear view mirrors 198
Automatic central locking, Control
system 176
Automatic headlamp mode 138
Automatic lighting control, Interior
lighting 145
Automatic locking when driving 176
Automatic shift program 190
508 IndexHead restraints 129
Comfort head restraint, Adjusting 44
Folding back 130
Front seat, Adjusting 43
Rear seat, Removing and
installing 130
Headlamp cleaning system* 198
Headlamp shut-off delay see Delayed
shut-off, Exterior lamps
Headlamps
Active Bi-Xenon headlamps* 137
Automatic headlamp mode 138
Bi-Xenon* 137
Cleaning lenses 372
Cleaning system* 198
Halogen 446
High beam see High beam flasher
High beam see High beam headlamps
Low beam see Low beam headlamps
Manual headlamp mode 138
Replacing bulbs 446
Switch 56
Headliner and shelf below rear window,
Cleaning and care of 376
Heated seats* 132Heated steering wheel
(Canada only) 289
Height adjustment
Vehicle level control 266
High beam flasher 57, 142
High beam headlamps 57, 137, 444
Indicator lamp 27, 142
Replacing bulbs 444
Switching on 142
High mounted brake lamp 445
High-performance brake system
(E 63 AMG only) 312
Hood 325
Message in display 430
Horn 25
HVAC see Climate control system
Hydroplaning 314
I
Identification labels 476
Identification Number, Vehicle (VIN) 477
Ignition 38
Immobilizer 106
Indicator lamps see Lamps, indicator and
warning
Infant and child restraint systems see Chil-
dren in the vehicleInflation pressure see Tires, Inflation pres-
sure
Inside door handle 119
Instrument cluster 26, 148
Illumination brightness 148
Lamps 380
Multifunction display 151
Instrument lighting see Instrument cluster,
Illumination brightness
Instrument panel see Instrument cluster
Instruments and controls see Cockpit
Interior lighting
Delayed shut-off 176
Interior rear view mirror 47
Auto-dimming mirrors 198
Interior storage spaces see Storage com-
partments
J
Jack 432
Jump starting 464
K
Key, Mechanical 436
Loss of 119
Valet locking 126