2008 MERCEDES-BENZ ML350 Adjust

251 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Switching Downhill Speed Regulation on
Press DSR switch1 (page 250).
The indicator lamp2 comes on.
The message
DSR and the set speed ap-
pear in the multifunction display.
For information on how to program the set
speed while driving, see “Adjusting Down-
hill Speed Regulation speed with DSR
switched on” (
page 251).Switching Downhill Speed Regulation off
Press DSR switch1 (page 250).
The indicator lamp2 goes out.
The message
DSR Off appears in the
multifunction display.Adjusting Downhill Speed Regulation
speed with DSR switched on
With the DSR switched on (
page 250),
the speed setting can be changed using
the cruise control lever.
The cruise control lever is the uppermost
lever on the left-hand side of the steering
column.
Cruise control lever
1Increase set speed
2Reduce set speed
You can change the set speed between
3 - 10 mph (Canada: 4 - 18 km/h).
iThe DSR can only be switched on if the vehi-
cle speed is below 18 mph (Canada: 30 km/h).
iIf the DSR is switched on at a speed above
18 mph (Canada: 30 km/h), the message
DSR
Max. Speed 18 mph
(Canada: 30 km/h) ap-
pears in the multifunction display.
iAt a speed above approximately 21 mph
(Canada approximately: 35 km/h), the DSR is
automatically switched off. The message
DSR
Off
appears in the multifunction display and an
acoustic signal sounds. For information on how
to switch DSR on again, see “Switching Downhill
Speed Regulation on” (
page 251).

252 Controls in detail
Driving systems
You can increase or reduce the set speed
in two ways.
Adjustment in 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h)
increments
Increase set speed:
Briefly lift the cruise control lever up to
the resistance point in direction of
arrow1 (
page 251).
Release the cruise control lever.
The vehicle speed increases in incre-
ments of 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h).Reduce set speed:
Briefly press the cruise control lever
down to the resistance point in direc-
tion of arrow2 (
page 251).
Release the cruise control lever.
The vehicle speed decreases in incre-
ments of 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h).
Each time the set speed is changed,
DSR will appear in the multifunction dis-
play and the changed set speed is
shown.Adjustment in 5 mph
(Canada: 10 km/h) increments
Increase set speed:
Briefly lift the cruise control lever up
past the resistance point in direction of
arrow1 (
page 251).
Release the cruise control lever.
The vehicle speed increases in incre-
ments of 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h).
Reduce set speed:
Briefly press the cruise control lever
down past the resistance point in direc-
tion of arrow2 (
page 251).
iThe set value is increased or decreased in
1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h) increments each time
you lift or depress the cruise control lever to the
resistance point.
iThe set speed is canceled when DSR is
switched off. If DSR is switched on again, DSR
will use the programmed default speed
(
page 178).
iThe set value is increased or decreased in
5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h) increments each time
you lift or depress the cruise control lever past
the resistance point.

253 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Release the cruise control lever.
The vehicle speed decreases in incre-
ments of 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h).
Each time the set speed is changed,
DSR will appear in the multifunction dis-
play and the newly set speed is shown.
Off-road driving program
The off-road driving program is designed to
assist the driver when driving off-road in
terrain and crossing water. The off-road
driving program adjusts the engine power
and shifting of the automatic transmission
to be more suitable for the off-road use of
the vehicle. In addition, the ABS, ESP
®, and
4-ETS designed for off-road use are
automatically activated.
In the following situations you should
switch to the off-road driving program:

during off-road driving

when crossing water (page 324)

when towing up or down on steep
gradientsThe switch is located on the upper part of
the center console.
1Switch for off-road driving program
2Indicator lamp
iThe new speed is set and the vehicle will
accelerate or decelerate. Keep in mind that it
may take a brief moment until the vehicle has
reached the new set speed.
iThe set speed is canceled when DSR is
switched off. If DSR is switched on again, DSR
will use the programmed default speed
(
page 178).
iIn the ML 63 AMG, the off-road driving
program is switched on and off via the control
system (
page 159).

256 Controls in detail
Driving systems
The parked vehicle begins adjusting to the
set vehicle level as soon the doors and tail-
gate are

unlocked
or

opened or closed with the vehicle
unlocked
In order to operate the vehicle level control
switch (
page 257), however, the engine
must be running.
For information on off-road driving, see
“Off-road driving” (
page 319).
Warning!G
Make sure that no one is near the wheel
housing or under the vehicle when you lower
the vehicle while it is standing still. Limbs
could become wedged into or under the ve-
hicle.
For safety reasons, the vehicle can only be
lowered with all doors and the tailgate
closed. Lowering is interrupted if a door or
the tailgate is opened and will continue after
the door is closed again.
Warning!G
Please be aware that by raising the vehicle
level, the center of gravity also rises. There-
fore, always ensure that the vehicle level is
as low as possible. With higher ride height
the ESP
® may activate earlier in certain
situations.
Adapt your speed and driving to possible
changed driving behavior of the vehicle after
changing the vehicle level. The ESP
® cannot
prevent accidents, including those resulting
from excessive speed. The ESP
® cannot pre-
vent the natural laws of physics from acting
on the vehicle.
!Keep in mind that in rough or uneven ter-
rain, adjusting the vehicle to a lower level may
cause the vehicle underbody to come in contact
with the ground and result in damage to the vehi-
cle underbody. Always make sure the vehicle has
sufficient ground clearance before adjusting it to
a lower level.
!Before jacking up the vehicle with equip-
ment that lifts one or more of the wheels com-
pletely off of the ground, remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch.
!Please also note the information in the
section on towing (
page 499).

258 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Basic settings (ML 63 AMG only)
The following vehicle chassis ride heights
can be selected using the vehicle level
switch in the center console:
How much the vehicle is lowered or raised
depends on the ADS setting selected. At
the raised level, the vehicle is 2.9 in
(73 mm) higher than at the Highway level
with ADS AUTO.Raised level
Only select the raised level if appropriate
for the driving situation encountered.
Otherwise:

Fuel consumption may increase.

Handling characteristics of the vehicle
may be unfavorable.
Start the engine (page 40).
If indicator lamp2 (
page 257) is off.
Press switch1 (page 257).
Indicator lamp2 flashes. The vehicle
adjusts to the raised level.The following message appears in the mul-
tifunction display while the level is being
set:
When the raised level is reached, indicator
lamp2 (
page 257) comes on continu-
ously and the following message appears
in the multifunction display for 5 seconds:
LevelDriving situation
RaisedFor off-road driving or driv-
ing in rough terrain. The in-
dicator lamp is on.
HighwayFor driving on paved roads
in fair or better condition.
The indicator lamp is off.
iThe third available level is the high-speed
level that is set automatically.
iYou can select the raised level at speeds up
to 40 mph (64 km/h). At higher speeds, the
messagen
Level Selection Not
Permitted
appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
iThe message can be cleared by pressing
theèÿk or buttonj on the
multifunction steering wheel.

259 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Highway level
Start the engine (page 40).
If indicator lamp2 (
page 257) is on.
Press switch1 (page 257).
Indicator lamp2 flashes. The vehicle
adjusts to the highway level.
The following message appears in the
multifunction display while the level is
being set:When the highway level is reached, indica-
tor lamp2 (
page 257) goes out. and
the following message appears in the
multifunction display for 5 seconds:
Parktronic system*
!Keep in mind that in rough or uneven roads,
adjusting the vehicle to a lower level may cause
the vehicle underbody to come in contact with
the road and result in damage to the vehicle un-
derbody. Always make sure the vehicle has suffi-
cient ground clearance before adjusting it to a
lower level.
iThe message can be cleared by pressing
theèÿk or buttonj on the
multifunction steering wheel.
iThe vehicle is lowered automatically to the
highway level if:

the vehicle speed is above 55 mph
(88 km/h)

the speed stays between 40 mph (64 km/h)
and 55 mph (88 km/h) for approximately
20 seconds
Warning!G
Parktronic is a supplemental system. It is
not intended to, nor does it replace, the
need for extreme care. The responsibility
during parking and other critical maneuvers
always remains with the driver.
Special attention must be paid to objects
with smooth surfaces or low silhouettes
(e.g. trailer couplings, painted posts, or road
curbs). Such objects may not be detected by
the system and can damage the vehicle.


289 Controls in detail
Useful features
Power outlet in cargo compartment
Switch on the ignition (page 40).
Flip up cover and insert electrical plug
(cigarette lighter type).
Floormats
1Retainer pin
2Eyelet
Removing
Pull floormat off of retainer pins1.
Remove the floormat.
Installing
Lay down the floormat in the respective
footwell.
Press the floormat eyelets2 onto re-
tainer pins1.
Warning!G
Whenever you are using floormats, make
sure there is enough clearance and that the
floormats are securely fastened.
Floormats should always be securely fas-
tened using eyelets2 and retainer pins1
(
page 289).
Before driving off, check that the floormats
are securely in place and adjust them if nec-
essary. A loose floormat could slip and
hinder proper functioning of the pedals.
Do not place several floormats on top of
each other as this may impair pedal move-
ment.
iTo install or remove the floormat more easi-
ly, move the driver’s seat or front passenger seat
as far to the rear as possible (
page 44).

294 Controls in detail
Useful features
Installing a different mobile phone cra-
dle
Example illustration
1Contact plate
2Recesses
3Mobile phone cradle
Insert mobile phone cradle3 into
recesses2 of contact plate1.
Push mobile phone cradle3 forward
until it engages.
Tele Aid
Shortly after the completion of your
Tele Aid acquaintance call, you will receive
a user ID and password. By visiting
www.mbusa.com and selecting “Tele Aid”
(USA only), you will have access to account
information, remote door unlock and
more.The Tele Aid system
(Tele
matic Alarm Identification on
D
emand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response:

automatic and manual emergency

roadside assistance

information
The Tele Aid system is operational provid-
ing that the vehicle’s battery is charged,
properly connected, not damaged and cel-
lular and GPS coverage is available.
The speaker volume of a Tele Aid call can
be adjusted by using the volume control on
the COMAND system or on the multifunc-
tion steering wheel. To raise, turn the rota-
ry volume control on COMAND system
clockwise or press buttonæ on the
multifunction steering wheel. To lower,
turn the rotary volume control on
COMAND system control counterclock-
wise or press buttonç on the multi-
function steering wheel.
!The initial activation of the Tele Aid system
may only be performed by completing the sub-
scriber agreement and placing an acquaintance
call using the ¡button. Failure to complete
either of these steps will result in a system that
is not activated.
If you have any questions regarding activation,
please call the Response Center at
1-800-756-9018 (in the USA) or
1-888-923-8367 (in Canada).