
Selector lever positions.
...................85
Shift ranges. ..................................... 86
Trailer towing. ................................... 88
Axle load, permissible
Rear (trailer towing) ........................254 B
Bag hook............................................. 136
Ball coupling Fitting ............................................. 162
Removing....................................... .165
BAS (Brake Assist)............................... 52
Battery Changing (key).. .............................. 216
Charging. ........................................ 234
Checking (key). ............................... 216
Check lamp (key). ........................... 216
Disconnecting ................................. 233
Display message ............................. 184
Jump-starting. ................................. 234
Maintenance (vehicle)..................... 232
Reconnecting.................................. 234
Removing/fitting. ........................... 233
Vehicle battery. .............................. 232
Belt force limiters
Activation.......................................... 35
Belt height adjustment ........................72
Belt tensioners Activation.......................................... 35
Belt warning.......................................... 72
Bonnet
Bonnet catch .................................. 147
Display message ............................. 183
Opening/closing ............................ 146
Bonnet release lever
Release leve r.................................. 147
Boot
Automatic opening. ....................60, 61
Boot lid
Opening/closing. .............................. 59
Brake Assist
see BAS
Brake fluid .......................................... 248
Display message (luxury multi-
function steering wheel) .................185
Display message (multi-function
steering wheel). .............................. 180Brake lamps
Adaptive............................................ 52
Display message..................... 188, 191
Brakes
Parking brake................................... .84
Warning lamp..................................2 02
Brake system
Display message ............................. 185
Bulb
see Lamp
Bulbs
Brake lamp. .................................... 220
Display messages (multi-function
steering wheel). .............................. 194
Licence plate lamp.......................... 220
Overview. ........................................ 218
Rear foglamp. ................................. 220
Replacing. ....................................... 219
Reversing lamp. .............................. 220
Tail lamp ......................................... 220
Turn signal lamp. ....................219, 220 C
Care..................................................... 167
Automatic car wash. .......................168
Dashboard. ..................................... 170
Headlamps. .................................... 169
High-pressure cleaners. ..................168
Panorama sliding sunroo f............... 170
Parktronic. ...................................... 171
Plastic trim. .................................... 170
Rear window. .................................. 169
Reversing camera. ..........................172
Seat covers.................................... .170
Side windows ................................. 169
Steering wheel boss. ......................170
Tail pipes ........................................ 171
Trailer tow hitch. ............................. 172
Trim strips ...................................... 171
Windscreen. .................................... 169
Wiper blades.. ................................. 169
Wooden strips................................. 171
CD player/CD changer
Operating (on-board computer,
luxury multi-function steering
wheel). .............................................. 99 Index
5 X204_AKB; 1; 5, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.11.4
2008-10-15T13:20:56+02:00 - Seite 5 Dateiname: 6515_0671_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Exterior viewFunctionPage
:Luggage compartment59
Vehicle tool kit175
;Rear window heating125
=Lights218
?Fuel filler flap144
ADemisting the windscreen124
Cleaning the windows169
BPanorama sliding sunroof*127
FunctionPage
CExterior mirrors67
DWindscreen wipers79
EOpening the bonnet146
Engine oil148
Coolant149
FTowing236
GTyres and wheels150
Flat tyre222
22Exterior view
At a glance
* optional
X204_AKB; 1; 5, en-GB
wobuchh, Version: 2.11.4
2008-10-15T13:20:56+02:00 - Seite 22 Dateiname: 6515_0671_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

calculated, additional protection for the
vehicle occupants. Not all airbags are
deployed in an accident.
The different airbag systems work inde-
pendently of each other. However, the
deployment of each individual system will
depend on the type of accident determined
by the control system in the first stages of
the collision (head-on collision, side impact
and overturn) and the extent of the acci-
dent (in particular, the vehicle's rate of
deceleration or acceleration).
The rate of vehicle deceleration or accelera-
tion and the direction of the force are basi-
cally determined by:
R the distribution of forces during the colli-
sion
R the collision angle
R the deformation characteristics of the vehi-
cle
R the characteristics of the object with which
the vehicle has collided, e.g. the other vehi-
cle
Factors which can only be seen and measured
after a collision has occurred do not play a
decisive role in the deployment of an airbag,
nor do they provide an indication of it.
The vehicle may be deformed significantly,
e. g. on the bonnet or the wing, without an
airbag being deployed. This is the case if only
parts which are relatively easily deformed are
affected and the necessary deceleration does
not occur. Conversely, airbags may be
deployed even though the vehicle suffers only
minor deformations. For example, this is the
case if very rigid vehicle parts such as longi-
tudinal body members are affected and suf-
ficient deceleration occurs as a result.
Belt tensioners, belt force limiters The front seat belts and the outer seat belts
in the rear are equipped with belt tensioners.
!
Do not engage the seat belt tongue on the
front-passenger's seat if the seat is not occupied. The belt tensioners could other-
wise be triggered in an accident.
If the seat belt is also equipped with a belt
force limiter, the force exerted by the seat
belt on the seat occupant is reduced.
Belt tensioners tighten the seat belts in an
accident, pulling them close against the body.
i Belt tensioners do not correct incorrect
seat positions or incorrectly fastened seat
belts.
Belt tensioners do not pull occupants back
towards the backrest.
The front belt force limiters are synchronised
with the front airbags, which distribute a pro-
portion of the deceleration forces exerted on
the occupant over a greater area.
The belt tensioners cannot be triggered when
the ignition is switched on unless:
R the restraint systems are operational, see
6 warning lamp
R the belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on
each lap-shoulder belt in the front of the
vehicle
Depending on the type and severity of an
accident, the belt tensioners may be trig-
gered:
R in the event of a head-on or rear-end colli-
sion if the vehicle decelerates or acceler-
ates rapidly in a longitudinal direction dur-
ing the initial stages of impact
R in the event of a side impact if the vehicle
is subjected to high lateral acceleration/
deceleration
If the airbags are deployed, you will hear a
bang and a small amount of powder may also
be released. Only in rare cases will the bang
affect your hearing. The powder that escapes
does not generally constitute a health hazard.
The 6 warning lamp lights up. G
Risk of injury
If the seat belt tensioners have been trig-
gered, they provide no additional protection
in the event of another accident. Therefore, 36 Occupant safetySafety
X204_AKB; 1; 5, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.11.4 2008-10-15T13:20:56+02:00 - Seite 36Dateiname: 6515_0671_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

X
To deactivate: press button:.
The d warning lamp in the instrument
cluster light up. G
Risk of accident
If the d warning lamp in the instrument
cluster is continuously lit when the engine is
running, ESP ®
is deactivated or not available
due to a malfunction. There is an increased
risk of your vehicle skidding in certain situa-
tions.
You should always adapt your driving style to
suit prevailing road and weather conditions.
X To activate: press button :.
The d warning lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Off-road ESP ®
*(Vehicles with off-road
engineering package*) An ESP
®
system specifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically once the off-
road drive program (Y page 107)is activated.
It intervenes with a delay if there is oversteer-
ing or understeering, thus improving traction. EBV (electronic brake force distribu-
tion)
EBV monitors and controls the brake pres-
sure on the rear wheels to improve driving
stability during braking. G
Risk of accident
If EBV is malfunctioning, the brake system is
still available with full brake boosting effect.
However, the rear wheels can still lock, e.g.
under full braking. This could cause you to
lose control of your vehicle and cause an acci-
dent. You should therefore adapt your driving
style to the different handling characteristics. Anti-theft systems
Immobiliser
The immobiliser prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct key.
X To activate: remove the key from the igni-
tion lock.
X To deactivate: turn the key to position 2
in the ignition lock. ATA* (anti-theft alarm system)
A visual and audible alarm is triggered when
the alarm system is primed and you open:
R a door
R a door using the emergency key element
R the tailgate
R the bonnet
The alarm is not switched off even if you close
a door again. 54 Anti-theft systemsSafety
* optional
X204_AKB; 1; 5, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.11.4 2008-10-15T13:20:56+02:00 - Seite 54Dateiname: 6515_0671_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

In order to ensure the direct flow of fresh air
through the air vents into the vehicle interior,
please observe the following notes:
R
keep the air inlet between the windscreen
and the bonnet free of blockages, such as
ice, snow or leaves.
R never cover the vents or air inlet and outlet
grilles in the vehicle interior.
i For draught-free ventilation, adjust the
sliders of the air vents to the centre detent
position.
Setting the centre air vents :
Centre air vent, left
; Centre air vent, right
= Thumbwheel for centre air vent, right
? Thumbwheel for centre air vent, left
X To open/close: turn thumbwheels =
and ?up or down.
Setting the side air vents X
To open/close: turn thumbwheel =up or
down.
i Demister vent :is never completely
shut, even if side air vent ;is shut.
Setting the glove compartment air vent The glove compartment can be ventilated
when 2-zone Thermatic/3-zone
Thermotronic* is activated, e. g. for cooling
its contents. The level of airflow depends on
the airflow and air distribution settings.
!
Close the glove compartment air vent
when heating mode is activated. At high
outside temperatures, open the air vent
and activate the "cooling with air dehumid-
ification" function. Otherwise, tempera-
ture-sensitive items stored in the glove
compartment could be damaged. :
Air vent thumbwheel
; Air vent
X To open/close: turn thumbwheel :
clockwise or anti-clockwise. Air conditioning
123Controls
* optional
X204_AKB; 1; 5, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.11.4 2008-10-15T13:20:56+02:00 - Seite 123 ZDateiname: 6515_0671_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

!
In countries in which diesel with a higher
sulphur content is available (e.g. 0.035 per-
cent by weight), the engine oil should be
renewed at more frequent intervals. More
information about intervals for changing
the engine oil can be obtained from any
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
! The use of fuels which do not meet the
requirements of EN 590 or German stand-
ard DIN 51628 can cause increased wear,
and damage the engine and the exhaust
system.
Do not use the following:
R marine diesel
R heating oil
R bio-diesel
R vegetable oil
R petrol
R paraffin
R kerosene
Do not add such fuels to diesel fuel and do
not use any special additives (exception:
flow improvers – see "Low outside temper-
atures").
Damage caused by the use of unapproved
fuels or additives is not covered by the war-
ranty.
Further information on "Fuel" (Y page 245) .
Low outside temperatures The flow properties of diesel may be inade-
quate at low ambient temperatures.
To prevent operating problems, diesel fuel
with improved cold flow qualities is available
during the winter months. Your vehicle must
be refuelled with winter diesel at tempera-
tures of – 5 † or below.
You can use winter diesel at temperatures
down to about – 20 †without any problems.
If only "summer diesel" or less cold-resistant
"winter diesel" (e.g. in Mediterranean
regions) is available, you should add an amount of flow improver to the fuel corre-
sponding to the outside temperature.
Mix the additive with the diesel in good time,
before the flow properties of the diesel
become inadequate. Otherwise, malfunctions
can only be rectified by heating the entire fuel
system, e.g. by parking the vehicle in a heated
garage.
Flow improver
The effectiveness of a flow improver is not
guaranteed with every fuel. Observe the infor-
mation provided by the manufacturer when
using a flow improver. Only use flow improv-
ers that have been tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz. You can obtain further infor-
mation from any Mercedes-Benz Service
Centre. Engine compartment
Bonnet
G
Risk of accident
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. If you do so, the bonnet may open
up and block your view.
Opening G
Risk of injury
There is a risk of injury if the bonnet is open,
even if the engine is not running.
Some engine components can become very
hot.
To avoid the risk of burns, only touch those
components described in the Owner’s Manual
and observe the relevant safety notes. G
Risk of injury
The radiator fan between the radiator and the
engine can start automatically, even if the key
has been removed from the ignition lock. For
this reason, you must not reach into the fan
rotation area. Otherwise, you could be
injured. 146 Engine compartmentOperation
X204_AKB; 1; 5, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.11.4 2008-10-15T13:20:56+02:00 - Seite 146Dateiname: 6515_0671_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Vehicles with a petrol engine:
The electronic ignition system uses high volt-
age. For this reason, you must never touch
components of the ignition system (ignition
coil, ignition cable, spark plug connector or
test socket) when:
R the engine is running.
R the engine is being started.
R the ignition is switched on and the engine
is being cranked by hand.
You could otherwise suffer an electric shock
and be seriously or even fatally injured.
Vehicles with a diesel engine:
The electronic injection control uses high volt-
age. Therefore, never touch fuel injection sys-
tem components when:
R the engine is running.
R the engine is being started.
R the ignition is switched on.
You could otherwise suffer an electric shock
and be seriously or even fatally injured.
X Make sure that the windscreen wipers are
switched off. G
Risk of injury
The windscreen wipers and wiper linkage
could be set in motion.
When the bonnet is open, you or others could
be injured by the wiper rods.
Make sure that the windscreen wipers are
switched off and that the key has been pulled
out of the ignition lock before opening the
bonnet. The bonnet release lever is located in the
driver's footwell. X
Pull bonnet release lever :.
The bonnet is released.
! Make sure that the windscreen wipers
are not folded away from the windscreen.
Otherwise, you could damage the wind-
screen wipers or the bonnet.
The handle for opening the bonnet is located
above the radiator grille. X
Reach into the gap, pull bonnet catch han-
dle ;up and lift the bonnet.
Closing G
Risk of injury
Make sure that nobody can become trapped
as you close the bonnet.
X Lower the bonnet and let it fall from a
height of approximately 20 cm.
X Check that the bonnet has engaged prop-
erly. Engine compartment
147Operation
X204_AKB; 1; 5, en-GB
wobuchh, Version: 2.11.4 2008-10-15T13:20:56+02:00 - Seite 147 ZDateiname: 6515_0671_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

i
If the bonnet can be raised slightly, it is
not properly engaged. Open it again and
close it with a little more force. Engine oil
Depending on driving style, the vehicle con-
sumes up to 0.8 l oil per 1,000 km. The oil
consumption may be higher than this when
the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at
high engine speeds.
Further information on engine oil
(Y page 246).
Checking the engine oil level When doing so:
R
the vehicle should be parked on level
ground.
R the engine should be switched off for at
least five minutes if the engine is at normal
operating temperature.
R the engine should be switched off for at
least 30 minutes if the engine is not at
operating temperature (i.e. if you only start
the engine briefly). Example: vehicles with a petrol engine Example: vehicles with a diesel engine
X Pull oil dipstick :out of the oil dipstick
tube.
X Wipe off oil dipstick :.
X Insert oil dipstick :into the oil dipstick
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
The oil level is correct if the level is between
minimum mark =and maximum
mark ;.
X Top up the oil if necessary.
Topping up the engine oil H
Environmental note
When topping up the oil, take care not to spill
any. Oil must not be allowed to escape into
the soil or waterways. You would otherwise be
damaging the environment. Example: vehicles with a petrol/diesel engine
X
Turn cap :anti-clockwise and remove it.
X Top up with the amount of oil required . 148 Engine compartmentOperation
X204_AKB; 1; 5, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.11.4 2008-10-15T13:20:56+02:00 - Seite 148Dateiname: 6515_0671_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight