2008 MERCEDES-BENZ ML SUV warning

Instrument cluster
29Function Page
1 ABS warning lamp
288
2 LIM indicator lamp
154
3
ESP
®
warning lamp 289
4 Display unit for the speed-
ometer
5
Distance warning lamp*
4 61
6 Brake system warning lamp
290
7 Tyre pressure warning
lamp*
5 291
8 Turn signal indicator lamp,
left
94
9 Adjusts the instrument
cluster lighting: dimmer
a Reset button
114
b Adjusts the instrument
cluster lighting: brighter
c Turn signal indicator lamp,
right
94 Function Page
d Seat belt warning lamp
291
e Diesel engine: preglow indi-
cator lamp
103
f SRS warning lamp 41,
290 g Engine diagnostics warning
lamp
291
h Main-beam indicator lamp
95
j Rev counter
114
k Fuel gauge
l Fuel filler cap location: cap
is on the right at the rear
m Reserve tank warning lamp
293
n Total distance recorder
120
o Trip meter
114
p Multi-function display
114
q Gearshift program display
111 Function Page
r Transmission position dis-
play
108
s Depending on the setting in
the on-board computer:
120
• outside temperature
6
• digital speedometer t Speedometer
128
u Clock
129
4
On vehicles without Distronic* the symbol lights up briefly but has no function.
5 Only on vehicles with tyre pressure monitor*.
6 Vehicles for the United Kingdom: the outside temperature is always displayed in the digital speedometer. At a glance
* optional
164_AKB; 5; 5, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.10.6 2008-05-11T11:55:12+02:00 - Seite 29Dateiname: 6515_4293_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Centre console
31Centre console
Upper section (not ML 63 AMG) Function Page
1
Controls COMAND APS*
and the audio system – see
the respective operating
instructions
2 Controls Thermatic or
Thermotronic*
171
Switches the rear window
heating on/off
182
3 Switches the hazard warn-
ing lamps on/off
95
4 Automatic transmission
gearshift program selection
button
111
5 Switches the right-hand
seat heating* on
/off 82
6 Switches the right-hand
seat ventilation* on
/off 81
7 Switches the auxiliary heat-
ing* on
/off 184
8 59
warning
lamp 8 50 Function Page
9 Engages the differential
locks*
143
a Selects
/deselects LOW
RANGE* off-road gear 141
b Activates/deactivates DSR
139
c
Vehicle level control*: rai-
ses/lowers the vehicle
158
d Deactivates/activates
ESP
® 59
e
Selects ADS* settings 157
f Switches the left-hand seat
ventilation* on/off
81
g Switches the left-hand seat
heating* on/off
82
h Deactivates/activates
Parktronic (PTS)*
166
8
The warning lamp also lights up briefly when you turn the key to position 2 in the ignition lock on vehicles without automatic child seat recognition on the front-
passenger seat*. It has no function, however, and does not indicate that the front-passenger seat is equipped with automatic child seat recognition*. At a glance
* optional
164_AKB; 5; 5, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.10.6 2008-05-11T11:55:12+02:00 - Seite 31Dateiname: 6515_4293_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Centre console
32 Upper section (only ML 63 AMG)
Function Page
1
Controls COMAND APS*
and the audio system – see
the respective operating
instructions
2 Controls Thermatic or
Thermotronic*
171
Switches the rear window
heating on/off
182
3 Switches the hazard warn-
ing lamps on/off
95
4 Automatic transmission
gearshift program selection
button*
112
5
Vehicle level control*: rai-
ses/lowers the vehicle
158
6 Switches the right-hand
seat heating* on
/off 82
7 Switches the right-hand
seat ventilation* on
/off 81 Function Page
8 Switches the auxiliary heat-
ing* on
/off 184
Deactivates/activates
Parktronic (PTS)*
166
9 59
warning
lamp 9 50
a Deactivates/activates
ESP
® 59
b
Selects ADS* settings 157
c Switches the left-hand seat
ventilation* on/off
81
d Switches the left-hand seat
heating* on/off
82
e Activates/deactivates DSR
139
9
The warning lamp also lights up briefly when you turn the key to position 2 in the ignition lock on vehicles without automatic child seat recognition on the front-
passenger seat*. It has no function, however, and does not indicate that the front-passenger seat is equipped with automatic child seat recognition*. At a glance
* optional
164_AKB; 5; 5, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.10.6 2008-05-11T11:55:12+02:00 - Seite 32Dateiname: 6515_4293_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Occupant safety
41carry out any modifications on the restraint
systems.
Never tamper with electronic components
and their software.
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
The SRS reduces the risk of occupants com-
ing into contact with the vehicle's interior in
the event of an accident. It can also reduce
the forces to which occupants are subjected
during an accident.
The SRS consists of:
R The 1 warning lamp
R belt tensioners
R belt force limiters
R airbags
The 1 1 warning lamp The SRS functions are checked regularly
when you turn on the ignition and when the
engine is running. Malfunctions can therefore
be detected in good time.
The
1 warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out no later than a few seconds
after the engine is started. G
Risk of injury
If SRS is malfunctioning, individual systems
may be activated unintentionally or not be
deployed in the event of an accident with
heavy braking.
A malfunction has occurred if the 1
warning lamp:
R does not light up when you switch on the
ignition
R does not go out after the engine has been
running for a few seconds
R lights up again once the engine is running
In this case, have SRS checked immedi-
ately at a qualified specialist workshop.
Triggering of belt tensioners, belt force
limiters and airbags In the event of a collision, the sensor in the
airbag control unit evaluates important phys-
ical data such as duration, direction and force
of the vehicle deceleration or acceleration.
Based on the evaluation of this data and
depending on the vehicle's rate of longitudi-
nal deceleration in a collision, in the first
stage the airbag control unit pre-emptively
triggers the belt tensioners.i
The front belt tensioners can only be trig-
gered if the belt tongue is correctly
engaged in the seat belt buckle.
The front airbags are only deployed if there is
an even higher rate of vehicle deceleration in
a longitudinal direction.
Your vehicle has adaptive, dual stage front
airbags. When the first activation threshold is
reached, the front airbag is filled with enough
propellant gas to reduce the risk of injuries.
The front airbag is only fully inflated if a sec-
ond threshold is reached within a few milli-
seconds, due to the control unit having
detected further deceleration.
Criteria for triggering belt tensioners and
airbags
In the first stage of a collision, the airbag con-
trol unit evaluates the duration and direction
of vehicle acceleration or deceleration in
order to determine whether it is necessary to
trigger the belt tensioner and/or airbag.
The belt tensioner and airbag triggering
thresholds are variable and are adapted to the
rate of deceleration of the vehicle. This proc-
ess is pre-emptive in nature as the airbag
must be deployed during – and not at the end
of – the collision. Safety
164_AKB; 5; 5, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.10.6 2008-05-11T11:55:12+02:00 - Seite 41 ZDateiname: 6515_4293_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Occupant safety
42
i
Airbags are not deployed in all types of
accidents. They are controlled by complex
sensor technology and evaluation logic.
This process is pre-emptive in nature as
airbag deployment must take place during
the impact and must be adapted to provide
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. This is the case if, for
example, very rigid vehicle parts such as lon-
gitudinal 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 2nd row are equipped with belt ten-
sioners. The front seat belts are also fitted
with belt buckle tensioners.
!
Do not engage the seat belt tongue in the
buckle on the front-passenger seat if the seat is not occupied. Otherwise the belt
tensioner could be activated in an emer-
gency.
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 the
forces exerted by the belt force limiters on
the occupant over a greater area.
The belt tensioners/belt buckle tensioners
are triggered when the ignition is switched
on:
R only if the restraint systems are operational
(the 1 warning lamp lights up after the
ignition is switched on and goes out once
the engine is running)(Y page 41)
R for each three-point seat belt in the front of
the vehicle when the belt tongue is
engaged in the buckle Safety
164_AKB; 5; 5, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.10.6 2008-05-11T11:55:12+02:00 - Seite 42Dateiname: 6515_4293_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Occupant safety
43
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
during the initial stages of impact
R in certain situations if the vehicle over-
turns, and the system determines that it
can provide additional protection
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 1 warning lamp lights up.
i If the belt buckle tensioners have been
triggered on the front seats, the buckle will
be pulled down and will be almost flush with
the upper edge of the seat. The 1warn-
ing lamp comes on. G
Risk of injury
The belt buckle tensioners on the front
seats only function if the belt buckles can
be pulled down without obstruction. They
must not be restricted in any way. For this
reason, do not hold the belt buckles and do
not place any objects under the belt buck-
les. Otherwise, the tensioning of the belt by
the buckle is restricted or will not function and will not provide any additional protec-
tion. G
Risk of injury
If the seat belt tensioners have been trig-
gered, they provide no additional protec-
tion in the event of another accident.
Therefore, have belt tensioners which have
been triggered replaced at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Comply with safety regulations when dis-
posing of belt tensioners. Any Mercedes-
Benz Service Centre can provide details of
these regulations.
Airbags Airbag deployment slows down and restricts
the movement of the vehicle occupant.
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 1 warning lamp lights up.
The SRS/AIRBAG identification indicates the
location of the airbags. G
Risk of injury
Airbags provide additional protection; they
are not, however, a substitute for seat
belts.
Observe the following notes to reduce the
risk of serious or even fatal injury if an air-
bag is deployed:
R all vehicle occupants — in particular preg-
nant women — must wear their seat belt
correctly at all times and lean back
against the backrest, which should be
positioned as close to the vertical as pos-
sible. The head restraint must support
the back of the head at about eye level.
R always secure children less than 1.50 m
tall or under 12 years of age in suitable
child restraint systems.
R all vehicle occupants must select a seat
position that is as far away from the air-
bag as possible. The driver's seat posi-
tion must allow the vehicle to be driven
safely. The driver's chest should be as far
away from the middle of the driver's front
airbag cover as possible.
R move the front-passenger seat as far
back as possible, especially if a child is Safety
164_AKB; 5; 5, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.10.6 2008-05-11T11:55:12+02:00 - Seite 43 ZDateiname: 6515_4293_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Occupant safety
44 secured in a child restraint system on the
seat.
R vehicle occupants – in particular, chil-
dren – must not lean their head into the
area of the window in which the sidebag/
windowbag is deployed.
R Rearward-facing child restraint systems
must not be fitted to the front-passenger
seat unless the front-passenger front air-
bag has been disabled. The front-
passenger front airbag of a vehicle fitted
with automatic child seat recognition* is
only disabled when a child restraint sys-
tem with automatic child seat recogni-
tion is fitted to the front-passenger seat.
The 5 PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
warning lamp must be constantly lit.
If the front-passenger seat of your vehicle
does not have automatic child seat rec-
ognition*, or your rearward-facing child
restraint system does not have such a
feature, children must be secured in a
child restraint system on a suitable seat
in the rear. If you secure a forward-facing
child restraint system to the front-
passenger seat, you must move the front-
passenger seat as far back as possible. R
make sure there are no heavy or sharp-
edged objects in pockets of clothing.
R do not lean forwards, e.g. over the cover
of the driver's front airbag, particularly
when the vehicle is in motion.
R do not put your feet on the dashboard.
R only hold the steering wheel by the rim.
This allows the airbag to inflate fully. You
could be injured if the airbag is deployed
and you are holding the inside of the
steering wheel.
R do not lean on the doors from inside the
vehicle.
R make sure that there are no people, ani-
mals or objects between the vehicle
occupants and the area of deployment of
the airbag.
R do not place any objects between the
seat backrest and the door.
R do not hang any hard objects, for exam-
ple coat hangers, on the grab handles or
coat hooks.
R do not attach accessories, e.g. cup hold-
ers, to the doors. It is not possible to rule out a risk of injuries
caused by an airbag due to the high speed
at which the airbag is required to deploy.
G
Risk of injury
The airbag's functionality can only be guar-
anteed if the following parts are not cov-
ered and no badges or stickers are
attached to them:
R padded steering wheel boss
R knee airbag cover below the steering col-
umn
R front-passenger front airbag cover
R outer side of seats G
Risk of injury
When an airbag deploys, a small amount of
powder is released. The powder may cause
short-term breathing difficulties to persons
suffering from asthma or other pulmonary
conditions.
In order to prevent potential breathing dif-
ficulties you should leave the vehicle as
soon as it is safe to do so. You can also open
the window to allow fresh air to enter the
interior. The powder does not constitute a
health hazard and does not indicate that
there is a fire in the vehicle. Safety
* optional
164_AKB; 5; 5, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.10.6 2008-05-11T11:55:12+02:00 - Seite 44Dateiname: 6515_4293_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Occupant safety
45G
Risk of injury
The airbag parts are hot after the airbag has
been deployed. Do not touch them, other-
wise you may burn yourself.
Have the airbags checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. Otherwise, occupants
are not protected by the airbags in the
event of another accident.
Front airbags
The front airbags are designed to increase
protection for the driver's and front-
passenger head and chest.
The driver's front airbag and front-passenger
front airbag are deployed:
R at the start of an accident with a high rate
of vehicle acceleration or deceleration in a
longitudinal direction
R if the system determines that airbag
deployment can offer additional protection
to that provided by the seat belt
R if the seat belt is fastened
R independently of other airbags in the vehi-
cle
R if the vehicle overturns, but only if the sys-
tem detects high vehicle deceleration in a
longitudinal direction 1
Driver's front airbag
2 Front-passenger front airbag
Driver's front airbag 1deploys in front of the
steering wheel; front-passenger front airbag
2 deploys in front of and above the glove
compartment.
On vehicles with automatic child seat recog-
nition in the front-passenger seat*, front-
passenger front airbag 2is only deployed if
the 5 PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF warning
lamp in the centre console is not lit
(Y page 50). This means that there is not a
child restraint system with automatic child
seat recognition* fitted to the front-
passenger seat or that a child restraint sys-
tem with automatic child seat recognition*
has been fitted to the front-passenger seat
incorrectly. Driver's knee airbag
i
The driver's knee airbag is only available
in certain countries.
The driver's knee airbag can help reduce the
risk of injury to the knees, thighs and lower
legs. 1
Driver's knee airbag
Driver's knee airbag 1is always deployed
along with the driver's front airbag and
inflates underneath the steering column.
Sidebags G
Risk of injury
If you wish to use seat covers, Mercedes-
Benz recommends that, for safety reasons,
you only use seat covers that have been
approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Safety
* optional
164_AKB; 5; 5, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.10.6 2008-05-11T11:55:12+02:00 - Seite 45 ZDateiname: 6515_4293_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight