Page 311 of 473

310 OperationTires and wheelsQuality grades can be found, where appli-
cable, on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to
these grades.Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1
1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly
from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.Traction
The traction grades, from highest to low-
est, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades rep-
resent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
Treadwear
Traction
Temperature
200
AA
A
Warning!
G
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Page 319 of 473

318 OperationWinter drivingSnow chainsSnow chains should only be driven on
snow-covered roads at speeds not to ex-
ceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains
as soon as possible when driving on roads
without snow.
Please observe the following guidelines
when using snow chains:
Use of snow chains is not permissible
with all wheel/tire combinations
(page 435).
Use snow chains in pairs and on rear
wheels only. Follow the manufacturer’s
mounting instructions.
Only use snow chains that are ap-
proved by Mercedes-Benz. Any autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center will be
glad to advise you on this subject.
Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check
local and state laws before installing
snow chains.
Do not use snow chains on the spare
wheel (
page 440).
Do not use snow chains on wheels with
MOExtended tires* (
page 439).
!
When driving with snow chains, always se-
lect setting 1 of the level control system
(
page 225). Other settings may result in dam-
age to your vehicle.
!
Some tire sizes do not leave adequate clear-
ance for snow chains. To help avoid serious dam-
age to your vehicle or tires, use of snow chains is
not permissible with
285/35 R18 97W
285/35 R18 97Y
285/35 ZR18 97Y
285/30 ZR19 98Y XL (Extra Load)
!
If snow chains are mounted to the front
wheels, they may scrape against the body or axle
components. The tires or the vehicle could be
damaged as a result.
i
When driving with snow chains, you may
wish to deactivate the ESP
® (page 91) before
setting the vehicle in motion. This will improve
the vehicle’s traction.
Page 334 of 473
333 Practical hints
What to do if …
Problem
Possible cause/consequence
Suggested solution
v
The yellow ABS/ESP
® warning
lamp flashes while driving.
The ESP
®, ABS, or traction control has come
into operation because of detected traction
loss in at least one tire.
The cruise control and the Distronic* system
are deactivated.
When driving off, apply as little throt-
tle as possible.
While driving, ease up on the acceler-
ator.
Adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road and weather condi-
tions.
Do not deactivate the ESP
®.
Exceptions: (
page 91).
Failure to follow these instructions in-
creases the risk of an accident.
Page 457 of 473

456 IndexDelayed switch-off
Exterior lamps 160
Interior lighting 161
Department of Transportation see DOT
Difficulties
While driving 59
With starting the engine 53
Digital clock see Clock
Digital speedometer 145
Dimensions, Vehicle 442
Dipstick see Oil dipstick
Direction of rotation (tires) 286
Displays
Digital speedometer 145
Distronic* 215
Maintenance service indicator 319
Multifunction display 139
Outside temperature 138, 145
Symbol messages 365
Text messages 349
Vehicle status message memory 152
Vehicle status messages 347
Distance to empty (range), Trip
computer 165Distance warning function* 224
Activating 225
Deactivating 225
Intermittent warning sound 224
Symbol 217
Distronic indicator lamp* 27
Distronic* 213
“Resume” function 220
Activating 218
Cleaning system sensor cover 325
Control system 151, 217
Distance warning function 224
Driving hints 222
System sensor cover 325
Warning and indicator lamps 215,
216, 224, 339
Door
Control panel 36
Handle, Inside 36
Locking/unlocking,
KEYLESS-GO* 39, 64
Locking/unlocking, Mechanical
key 391, 393
Locking/unlocking, SmartKey 38, 63
Messages in the multifunction
display 374Opening from inside 111
Storage compartment 233
Door control panel 36
Door handle 36
DOT 312
Drinking and driving 259
Driving
Abroad 268
Driving off 262
Electro-hydraulic brake system 95
Hydroplaning 264
In winter 266, 316
Instructions 54, 259
Problems 59
Safety systems 87
Systems 209
Through standing water 267
With Distronic* 222
Driving safety systems 87
ABS 87
BAS 87, 89
Electro-hydraulic brake system 87,
92
Electronic traction system 91
ESP
®
87, 89
Page 468 of 473

467 Index
Submenus see Control system submenus
Summer opening feature 201
Sun blind see Sunshade
Sun visors 182
Sunshade 208
Closing 208
Opening 208
Suspension tuning
For regular driving style 228
For sporty driving style 228
Suspension tuning (ABC) 225
Switching on headlamps 55
Symbol
Distance warning function* 217
Synchronizing
ESP
®
355
Power windows 198
Synchronizing time with head unit 157
T
Tachometer 29, 138
Tail lamps 398, 402
Cleaning lenses 325
Technical data
Electrical system 441
Main dimensions 442
Rims and tires 435Weights 443
Windshield and headlamp washer
system 452
Tele Aid 244
Emergency calls 245
Information 248
Initiating an emergency call
manually 246
Messages in display 384
Roadside Assistance 247
SOS button 33, 246
Tele Aid system 244
Telephone* 30, 243
Answering a call 166
Dialing 166
Ending a call 167
Loading phone book* 167
Messages in display 384
Operating 165
Redialing 167
Telephones and two-way radios 268
Temperature
Outside temperature indicator 138
Sensor, Interior 33
Tires 292
Tightening torque 412Time
Settings (control system) 157
TIN 314
Tire
Vehicle maximum load on 314
Tire and Loading Information 287
Tire and loading terminology 312
Tire care and maintenance 284
Tire Identification Number see TIN
Tire inflation pressure
Checking 273, 291, 292
Checking tire pressure electronically
with the Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS)*, (Canada only) 298
Tire inflation pressure see the placard on
the fuel filler flap
Tire inspection 284
Tire load rating 314
Tire ply composition and material
used 314
Tire speed rating 265, 304, 314
Tire terminology 312
Tire traction 265