Page 325 of 514

324 OperationEngine compartmentHood
OpeningWarning!
G
Do not pull the release lever while the vehi-
cle is in motion. Otherwise the hood could 
be forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose 
and injure you and/or others.Warning!
G
If you see flames or smoke coming from the 
engine compartment, or if the coolant tem-
perature indicator indicates that the engine 
is overheated, do not open the hood. Move 
away from vehicle and do not open the hood 
until the engine has cooled. If necessary, 
call the fire department.
Warning!
G
You could be injured when the hood is open 
– even when the engine is turned off.
Parts of the engine can become very hot. To 
prevent burns, let the engine cool off com-
pletely before touching any components on 
the vehicle. Comply with all relevant safety 
precautions.Warning!
G
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of 
moving parts when the hood is open and the 
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for ap-
proximately 30 seconds or even restart af-
ter the engine has been turned off. Stay 
clear of fan blades.
Warning!
G
The engine is equipped with a transistorized 
ignition system. Because of the high voltage 
it is dangerous to touch any components (ig-
nition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic 
socket) of the ignition system
with the engine running
while starting the engine
if ignition is “on” and the engine is 
turned manually 
     
        
        Page 326 of 514
325 Operation
Engine compartment
1Release lever
Pull release lever1.
The hood is unlocked. 2Handle for opening the hood
Lift the hood slightly.
Handle2 will extend out of the radia-
tor grille.
Pull handle2 to its stop out of radia-
tor grille.
Lift bottom of hood at edge of radiator 
grille.
The hood will be automatically held 
open at shoulder height by gas-filled 
struts. 
!
To avoid damage to the windshield wipers or 
hood, never open the hood if the wiper arms are 
folded forward away from the windshield.
!
To avoid damage to handle2 never pull up 
the hood on handle2. 
     
        
        Page 399 of 514
398 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display message
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
DISTRONIC
currently unavailable
See Operator’s Manual
Distronic* is switched off and is 
temporarily unavailable. 
Distronic* is deactivated if:
the Distronic* cover in the ra-
diator grille is dirty
its function is impaired by 
heavy precipitation or fog
If necessary, clean the Distronic* cover in the area of 
the radiator grille (
page 372).
Restart the vehicle.
or
Distronic* becomes operational again without the engine 
being restarted when:
dirt on the radiator grille has fallen off while driving 
(e.g. slush or snow)
the system recognizes full sensor availability (due to 
lessening rain or the road surface drying)
the message in the multifunction display disappears
the speed last stored flashes in the display for 
5 seconds.
You can operate Distronic* as usual again. 
     
        
        Page 469 of 514

468 Practical hintsTowing the vehicleMercedes-Benz recommends that the vehi-
cle be transported with all wheels off the 
ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel 
lift/dolly equipment. This method is pref-
erable to other types of towing.When circumstances do not permit the 
recommended towing methods, the vehi-
cle may be towed with all wheels on the 
ground or front wheels raised (except vehi-
cles with 4MATIC) only so far as necessary 
to have the vehicle moved to a safe loca-
tion where the recommended towing 
methods can be employed.!
Do not tow-start the vehicle.
!
Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equipment 
with SmartKey in starter switch turned to 
position0.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Towing 
with sling-type equipment over bumpy roads will 
damage radiator and supports.
To prevent damage during transport, do not tie 
down vehicle by its chassis or suspension parts.
Switch off the tow-away alarm and the automatic 
central locking. 
!
Vehicles with 4MATIC:
Do not tow with one axle raised. Doing so could 
damage the transfer case, which is not covered 
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
All wheels must be on or off the ground. Observe 
instructions for towing the vehicle with all 
wheels on the ground.
Warning!
G
If circumstances require towing the vehicle 
with all wheels on the ground, always tow 
with a tow bar if:
the engine will not run
there is a malfunction in the brake 
system
there is a malfunction in the power sup-
ply or in the vehicle’s electrical system
as that will be necessary to adequately con-
trol the towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on 
the ground, make certain the SmartKey is in 
starter switch position2.
If the SmartKey is left in the starter switch 
position0 for an extended period of time, it 
can no longer be turned in the switch. In this 
case, the steering is locked. To unlock, re-
move SmartKey from starter switch and re-
insert.