Page 28 of 514

27 At a glance
Instrument cluster
Item
Page
1
LLeft turn signal 
indicator lamp
2
vESP
® warning lamp
379
3
Speedometer
4
Multifunction display
155
5
lDistance warning lamp
Vehicles without Distronic*: 
Warning lamp without func-
tion. It illuminates when the 
ignition is on. It should go out 
when the engine is running.
385
6
KRight turn signal 
indicator lamp
7
Coolant temperature 
indicator with:
153
•Coolant temperature 
warning lamp
384
Item
Page
8
Tachometer with:1Supplemental 
Restraint System (SRS) 
indicator lamp
 388
-Antilock Brake System 
(ABS) indicator lamp
378
386
BLow beam headlamp 
indicator lamp
56
AHigh beam headlamp 
indicator lamp
56
9
Main odometer with:
Gear selector lever 
position 
189
Program mode 
193
a
Clock with:
174
;Brake warning lamp, 
USA only
381
3Brake warning lamp, 
Canada only
381
Item
Page
úEngine malfunction 
indicator lamp, 
USA only
382
±Engine malfunction 
indicator lamp, 
Canada only
382
HLow tire pressure tell-
tale*, Canada only
389
b
Fuel display with:AFuel tank reserve 
warning lamp
385
c
Reset button for:
Resetting trip odometer
153
Adjusting instrument 
cluster illumination
152
Confirming new time 
settings
174 
     
        
        Page 153 of 514

152 Controls in detailInstrument clusterA full view illustration of the instrument 
cluster can be found in the “At a glance” 
section of this manual (
page 26).
1Reset button
The instrument cluster is activated when 
you
open a door
switch on the ignition (
page 37)
press the reset button1
switch on the exterior lamps
You can modify the instrument cluster set-
tings in the instrument cluster submenu of 
the control system (
page 172).Adjusting instrument cluster illumina-
tion
Use the reset button1 to adjust the illu-
mination brightness for the instrument 
cluster.
To brighten illumination
Turn the reset button1 in the instru-
ment cluster clockwise.
The instrument cluster illumination will 
brighten.
To dim illumination
Turn the reset button1 in the instru-
ment cluster counterclockwise.
The instrument cluster illumination will 
dim.
Warning!
G
No messages will be displayed if either the 
instrument cluster or the multifunction dis-
play is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see infor-
mation about your driving conditions, such 
as speed or outside temperature, warning/ 
indicator lamps, malfunction/warning mes-
sages or the failure of any systems. Driving 
characteristics may be impaired.
If you must continue to drive, please do so 
with added caution. Visit an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
i
The instrument cluster illumination is 
dimmed or brightened automatically to suit am-
bient light conditions.
The instrument cluster illumination will also be 
adjusted automatically when you switch on the 
vehicle’s exterior lamps. 
     
        
        Page 213 of 514

212 Controls in detailDual-zone automatic climate controlDeactivating
Press button orQ 
(page 208) or (
page 209).
The 
AUTO
 indicator for air volume in the 
display4 (
page 208) or 
(
page 209) goes out. The automatic 
function for air volume is switched off, 
and air volume is controlled according 
to the desired setting. Automatic air 
distribution remains switched on.
or
Press air distribution button5 
(page 208) or (
page 209).
The 
AUTO
 indicator for air distribution in 
the display4 (
page 208) or 
(
page 209) goes out. The automatic 
function for air distribution is switched 
off, and air distribution is controlled ac-
cording to the desired position. Auto-
matic air volume remains switched on.
Setting the temperature
Use temperature controls1 and7 
(page 208) or (
page 209) to separate-
ly adjust the air temperature on each side 
of the passenger compartment. You 
should raise or lower the temperature set-
ting in small increments, preferably start-
ing at 72°F (22°C). The climate control will 
adjust to the set temperature as fast as 
possible.
Increasing
Turn temperature control 1 and/or 
7 (
page 208) or (
page 209) 
slightly clockwise.
The climate control system will corre-
spondingly adjust the interior air tem-
perature.Decreasing
Turn temperature control1 and/or 
7 (
page 208) or (
page 209) 
slightly counterclockwise.
The climate control system will corre-
spondingly adjust the interior air tem-
perature. 
     
        
        Page 323 of 514

322 OperationAt the gas station
Replace fuel cap by turning it clockwise 
until it audibly engages.
Close the fuel filler flap.
Check regularly and before a long trip
1Windshield washer system and head-
lamp cleaning system*
2Brake fluid 
3Coolant levelWindshield washer system and 
headlamp cleaning system*
For information on refilling the reservoir, 
see “Windshield washer system and head-
lamp cleaning system*” (
page 331).
Brake fluid
For information on brake fluid, see “Fuels, 
coolants, lubricants, etc.” (page 489).
i
Leaving the engine running and the fuel cap 
open can cause the yellow fuel tank reserve 
warning lamp to flash and the malfunction indi-
cator lamp? (USA only) or the malfunction 
indicator lamp± (Canada only) to illuminate.
For more information, see also “Practical hints” 
(
page 382). 
i
Only use premium unleaded gasoline with a 
minimum Posted Octane Rating of 91 (average of 
96 RON / 86 MON). Information on gasoline 
quality can normally be found on the fuel pump.
For more information on gasoline, see the 
Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet 
(USA only) or contact an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center. 
i
Opening the hood, see (
page 324).
!
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 381).
 
     
        
        Page 330 of 514

329 Operation
Engine compartment
Coolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water 
and anticorrosion/antifreeze. To check 
the coolant level, the vehicle must be 
parked on level ground and the engine 
must be cool.
The coolant expansion tank is located on 
the driver’s side of the engine compart-
ment. 
1Marking bar in the expansion tank
2Cap
3Coolant expansion tank
Using a rag, turn the cap2 slowly ap-
proximately one half turn counterclock-
wise to release any excess pressure.
Continue turning the cap2 counter-
clockwise and remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level:
for cold coolant: reaches marking 
bar1 in the expansion tank3
for warm coolant: is approximately 
0.6 in (1.5 cm) higher
Add coolant as required.
Replace and tighten cap2.
For more information on coolant, see the 
“Technical data” section (
page 491).
Warning!
G
In order to avoid any potentially serious 
burns:
Use extreme caution when opening the 
hood if there are any signs of steam or 
coolant leaking from the cooling system, 
or if the coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates that the coolant is overheated.
Do not remove pressure cap on coolant 
reservoir if coolant temperature is 
above 158°F (70°C). Allow engine to 
cool down before removing cap. The 
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and 
is under pressure.
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine 
parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene gly-
col which may burn if it comes into con-
tact with hot engine parts.
Using a rag, slowly open the cap approx-
imately 
1/2 turn to relieve excess pres-
sure. If opened immediately, scalding 
hot fluid and steam will be blown out un-
der pressure. 
     
        
        Page 434 of 514
433 Practical hints
Where will I find ...?
Operational position
Turn crank handle clockwise.
Before storing the vehicle jack in its 
compartment:
It should be fully collapsed.
The handle must be folded in (storage 
position).Spare wheel 
If your vehicle is equipped with a spare 
wheel (Minispare or collapsible tire), it is 
located in the cargo compartment under-
neath the third row seat cushions and foot-
well (
page 431) or underneath the cargo 
compartment floor (
page 430). To ac-
cess the spare wheel, fold seat cushions 
and footwell up (
page 431). 
1Vehicle tool kit
Wheel bolt wrench and Jack
2Spare wheel
3Luggage bowlRemoving the spare wheel
Turn luggage bowl3 counterclock-
wise.
Remove spare wheel2.
Storing the spare wheel
Place spare wheel2 in wheel well.
Turn luggage bowl3 clockwise to its 
stop to secure the spare wheel.
i
Vehicles with collapsible tire 
(E 63 AMG only):
The electric air pump is underneath the luggage 
bowl3. 
 
     
        
        Page 436 of 514
435 Practical hints
Unlocking/locking in an emergency
Unlocking/locking in an emergency
Unlocking the vehicle
If you cannot unlock the vehicle with the 
SmartKey or SmartKey with 
KEYLESS-GO*, open the driver’s door us-
ing the mechanical key. Removing the mechanical key
1Mechanical key locking tab
2Mechanical key
Move locking tab1 in direction of ar-
row. 
Slide mechanical key2 out of the 
housing.Unlocking the driver’s door
Insert the mechanical key2 into the 
driver’s door lock until it stops.
Turn mechanical key2 counterclock-
wise to position1 until the locking 
knobs move up.
The driver’s door is unlocked.
Pull door handle to open the driver’s 
door.
i
Unlocking your vehicle with the mechanical 
key and opening the driver’s door or the cargo 
compartment will trigger the anti-theft alarm sys-
tem. 
To cancel the alarm, Insert the SmartKey or 
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* in the starter 
switch.
1
Unlocking
2
Mechanical key 
     
        
        Page 438 of 514
437 Practical hints
Unlocking/locking in an emergency
Remove the mechanical key2 out of 
the SmartKey (
page 435).
Insert the mechanical key2 into the 
driver’s door lock until it stops.
Turn the mechanical key2 clockwise 
to position1.
The driver’s door is locked.Manually unlocking the gear selector 
lever
In case of power failure, the gear selector 
lever can be manually unlocked, e.g. to tow 
the vehicle.
1Pin
Open the storage compartment in the 
center armrest (
page 283).
Take out the cup holder (
page 284).
Insert a suitable object1 (e.g. a pin) 
through the hole and press the pin 
downward. 
Remove pin1. 
1
Locking
2
Mechanical key
i
This procedure does not arm the anti-theft 
alarm system, nor does it lock the fuel filler flap.
i
The gear selector lever is locked again when 
moving it to positionP.