2008 MERCEDES-BENZ R-CLASS MPV ESP

Driving sys
tems 155If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient
grip:
R Only depress the accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
R Accelerate less when driving.
R Adapt your driving style to suit road and
traffic conditions.
i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tyres (M+S tyres), with snow
chains if necessary.
! When testing the parking brake, operate
the vehicle only briefly (for a maximum of
ten seconds) on a brake dynamometer.
When doing this, turn the key to position
0 or 1in the ignition. Failure to do this can
cause damage to the drive train or the
brake system.
! A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a twin-axle dyna-
mometer. If you wish to operate the vehicle
on such a dynamometer, please consult a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre in advance.
You could otherwise damage the drive train
or the brake system. Parktronic*
G
Risk of accident
Parktronic is only an aid and may not detect
all obstacles. It is not a substitute for atten-
tive driving.
You are always responsible for safety and
must continue to pay attention to your
immediate surroundings when parking and
manoeuvring. You could otherwise endan-
ger yourself and others. G
Risk of injury
Make sure that no persons or animals are
in the manoeuvring range. Otherwise, they
could be injured.
Parktronic is an electronic parking aid. It indi-
cates visually and audibly the distance
between your vehicle and an object.
Parktronic is activated automatically when
you:
R switch on the ignition
R release the parking brake
R shift the automatic transmission to D,Ror
N
Parktronic is deactivated at speeds above
18 km/h. It is reactivated at lower speeds. Parktronic monitors the area around your
vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper
and four sensors in the rear bumper.
1
Example: sensors in the front bumper,
left-hand side
Range of the sensors The sensors must be free of dirt, ice and
slush, otherwise they may not function cor-
rectly. Clean the sensors regularly, taking
care not to scratch or damage them
(Y
page 247). Controls
* optional
251_AKB; 5; 7, en-GB
wobuchh
, Version: 2.10.6 2008-05-11T14:51:51+02:00 - Seite 155 ZDateiname: 6515_1825_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Driving sys
tems 158 G
Risk of accident
The reversing camera is only an aid and may
display obstacles in a distorted manner,
incorrectly or even not display them at all.
The reversing camera does not relieve you
of the responsibility to pay attention. The
camera cannot show objects:
R that are very close to the rear bumper.
R that are underneath the rear bumper.
R above the tailgate handle.
You are always responsible for safety and
must continue to pay attention to your
immediate surroundings when parking and
manoeuvring. This applies to the areas
behind, in front of and next to the vehicle.
You could otherwise endanger yourself and
others. G
Risk of accident
Under the following circumstances, the
reversing camera will not function, or func-
tion in a limited manner:
R if the tailgate is open.
R in heavy rain, snow or fog.
R at night or in very dark places.
R if the camera is exposed to very bright
white light.
R if the area is lit by fluorescent light (the
display may flicker).
R if there is a sudden change in tempera-
ture, e.g. when driving into a heated
garage in winter. R
if the camera lens is dirty or obstructed.
R if the rear of your vehicle is damaged.
Have the camera position and setting
checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop in this case. Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you use a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre for this purpose.
Do not use the reversing camera in these
types of situation. You could otherwise
injure others or damage objects and your
vehicle while you are parking.
Activating the reversing camera X
Make sure that the key is in position 2in
the ignition lock.
X Engage reverse gear.
The area behind the vehicle is shown in the
COMAND APS display. Controls
251_AKB; 5; 7, en-GB
wobuchh
,V ersion: 2.10.6
2008-05-11T14:51:51+02:00 - Seite 158 Dateiname: 6515_1825_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Sliding sunroof
178
Heater booster function on vehicles
with a diesel engine The heater booster function helps the engine
to reach its operating temperature faster dur-
ing its warm-up phase, as well as helping to
heat the vehicle interior faster. The heater
booster function switches on if outside tem-
peratures are low and the coolant tempera-
ture is less than 70 †. Sliding sunroof
Sliding/tilting sunroof*
G
Risk of injury
Children could injure themselves if they
operate the sliding/tilting sunroof.
Never leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle. Always take the KEYLESS–GO
key* with you when leaving the vehicle,
even if you are only leaving it for a short
time. G
Risk of injury
Make sure that nobody can become trap-
ped when you are opening and closing the
sliding/tilting sunroof. If there is a risk of
entrapment, release the switch and push it
briefly in any direction to stop the sliding/
tilting sunroof. G
Risk of injury
The glass in the sliding/tilting sunroof
could break in an accident. If you are not
wearing a seat belt, there is a risk that you
could be thrown through the opening in the
event of the vehicle overturning. Therefore,
always wear a seat belt to reduce the risk
of injuries. !
Only open the sliding/tilting sunroof if it
is free of snow and ice. Otherwise, mal-
functions may occur.
Do not allow anything to protrude from the
sliding/tilting sunroof. The seals could oth-
erwise be damaged.
i Resonance noises can occur in addition
to the usual airflow noises when the slid-
ing/tilting sunroof is open. They are caused
by minor pressure fluctuations in the vehi-
cle interior.
Change the position of the sliding/tilting
sunroof or open a side window slightly to
reduce or eliminate these noises.
i It is also possible to open and close the
sliding/tilting sunroof from the outside
using the "Summer opening" (Y page 108)
and "Convenience closing" (Y page 108)
features respectively.
When PRE-SAFE ®
* has been activated, the
sliding/tilting sunroof closes automatically in
the event of danger, leaving a small gap open. Controls
* optional
251_AKB; 5; 7, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.10.6 2008-05-11T14:51:51+02:00 - Seite 178Dateiname: 6515_1825_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Sliding sunroof
181Panorama sliding sunroof* with roller
sunblinds
Panorama sliding sunroof G
Risk of injury
Make sure that nobody can become trap-
ped when closing the panorama sliding sun-
roof. If there is a risk of entrapment, release
the switch and push it briefly in any direc-
tion to stop the panorama sliding sunroof. G
Risk of injury
Children could injure themselves if they
operate the panorama sliding sunroof.
Never leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle. Always take the KEYLESS GO
key* with you when leaving the vehicle,
even if you are only leaving it for a short
time. G
Risk of injury
The glass in the panorama sliding sunroof
could break in an accident. If you are not
wearing a seat belt, there is a risk that you
could be thrown through the opening in the
event of the vehicle overturning. Therefore,
always wear a seat belt to reduce the risk
of injuries. !
Only open the panorama sliding sunroof
if it is free of snow and ice. Otherwise, mal-
functions may occur.
Do not allow anything to protrude from the
panorama sliding sunroof. The seals could
otherwise be damaged.
i When the panorama sliding sunroof is
open, resonance noises may occur as well
as the usual airflow noises. They are caused
by minor pressure fluctuations in the vehi-
cle interior. Change the position of the pan-
orama sliding sunroof or open a side
window slightly to reduce or eliminate
these noises.
i It is also possible to open and close the
panorama sliding sunroof from the outside
using the "Summer opening" (Y page 108)
and "Convenience closing" (Y page 108)
features respectively.
In a dangerous situation, PRE-SAFE ®
closes
the panorama sliding sunroof automatically,
leaving a small gap open. The switch is on the front overhead control
panel. 1
To open
2 To close/lower
3 To raise
X Make sure that the key is in position 2in
the ignition lock.
Opening
X To open manually: press the switch in the
direction of arrow 1and hold it until the Controls
* optional
251_AKB; 5; 7, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.10.6 2008-05-11T14:51:51+02:00 - Seite 181 ZDateiname: 6515_1825_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Loading and stowing
190 Enlarging the luggage compartment
To enlarge the luggage compartment, the rear
bench seats of the 2nd and 3rd rows of seats
can be folded forwards separately. You can
enlarge the luggage compartment partially
(Y page 190) or fully ( Ypage 191). G
Risk of injury
Do not carry heavy or hard objects inside
the vehicle or in the luggage compartment
unless they are secured.
Otherwise, you and other vehicle occu-
pants could be injured by objects being
thrown around the vehicle in the event of
sharp braking, a sudden change in direction
or an accident.
When using the luggage compartment
enlargement feature, you must always fully
fold down the respective backrests and
attach the safety net. G
Risk of poisoning
Always drive with the tailgate closed.
Exhaust fumes could otherwise enter the
vehicle interior.
! If you want to fold the outer seats down
in the 2nd row of seats, the front seats must
not be in the rearmost position. Otherwise, you could damage the front seats and the
2nd row outer seats.
! Close the cup holder* before folding
down the 2nd row of seats. You could oth-
erwise damage the seats or cup holder.
Enlarging the luggage compartment
partially Folding the seats in the 3rd row forwards
X
Move the head restraint of the correspond-
ing seat down fully ( Ypage 83). 1
Backrest release handle
2 Retainer for the seat belt
3 Backrest X
Clamp the seat belt behind retainer 2.
X Pull release handle 1of backrest 3
upwards in the direction of the arrow.
Backrest 3is released.
X Fold backrest 3slowly forwards.
Seat cushion 1is released and moves
automatically to a vertical position. 1
Seat cushion
2 Loop
3 Backrest
i Loop 2can be used to pull the backrests
of the 3rd row of seats upright when the
seats are moved into the original position
(Y page 81). Controls
251_AKB; 5; 7, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.10.6 2008-05-11T14:51:51+02:00 - Seite 190Dateiname: 6515_1825_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Loading and stowing
192Luggage compartment floor position
Folding the outer seats of the 2nd row of
seats
! If you want to fold the outer seats down
in the 2nd row of seats, the front seats must
not be in the rearmost position. Otherwise,
you could damage the front seats and the
2nd row outer seats.
X Move the seat concerned in the 2nd row to
its rearmost position (Y page 81).
X Remove the centre console* for the
2nd row of seats, if installed
(Y page 195).
i On vehicles with a long wheelbase, the
centre console* for the 2nd row of seats
can remain in place if it has been installed in the forward position (position 1)
(Y
page 195). However, the loading area
will not be level. The stowage compartment
and cup holder will only be illuminated if the
centre console is fitted in the rear position
(position 0) (Y page 195).
X Remove the head restraints of the seats
concerned (Y page 83). 1
Backrest
2 Release catch
3 Seat cushion
X Lay the head restraints on the seat cushion
of the corresponding seat.
X Relieve the pressure on backrest 1and
pull release lever 2upwards in the direc- tion of the arrow beyond the pressure point
to the stop.
Backrest
1and the seat are unlocked.
X Fold backrest 1forwards until it is resting
horizontally on seat cushion 3. 1
Backrest
2 Seat cushion
X Now push backrest 1down further until
seat cushion 2engages on the floor.
Folding the seats in the 3rd row forwards
X Push down the respective head restraints
in the 3rd row as far as they will go
(Y page 83). Controls
* optional
251_AKB; 5; 7, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.10.6 2008-05-11T14:51:51+02:00 - Seite 192Dateiname: 6515_1825_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Loading and stowing
200 tion suddenly or are involved in an accident,
and could cause you an injury.
You can use the safety net in two different
positions: 1
Bracket behind the B-pillar
2 Bracket behind the C-pillar
R The brackets behind B-pillar 1are
required for the full luggage compartment
enlargement (Y page 191).
The corresponding lashing eyelets
to tighten the net are located in the footwell
of the 2nd row of seats (Y page 188).
R The brackets behind C-pillar 2are
required for the partial luggage compart-
ment enlargement (Y page 190). The corresponding lashing eyelets to ten-
sion the net are located in the luggage
compartment (Y
page 188).
Preparing the safety net
X Open the two Velcro fasteners on the
safety net holder.
X Unroll and unfold the safety net.
The upper and lower guide rods must
engage audibly.
Attaching the safety net Guide rod inserted behind B-pillar
1
Retainer
2 Guide rod X
Insert guide rod 2into retainer 1in the
direction of the arrow.
X Slide guide rod 2forwards into retainer
1 in the direction of the arrow.
Tightening the safety net Seat belt reel holder behind the front seats
1
Belt hook
2 Lashing eyelet
3 Strap
X Insert belt hook 1into lashing eyelet 2
in the direction of the arrow.
X Pull tensioning strap 3by the loose end in
the direction of the arrow until the safety
net is tight.
X After a short distance, check the tension of
the safety net and retighten it if necessary. Controls
251_AKB; 5; 7, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.10.6
2008-05-11T14:51:51+02:00 - Seite 200 Dateiname: 6515_1825_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Tyres and wheels
224
X
Add windscreen washer concentrate to the
washer fluid all year round. G
Risk of fire
Windscreen washer concentrate is highly
flammable. Fire, naked flames and smoking
are prohibited when windscreen washer
concentrate is being handled.
Use
R a windscreen washer fluid additive
such as MB Summerwash to prevent
smearing (for temperatures above freez-
ing).
R a windscreen washer fluid additive with
antifreeze properties such as MB Winter-
wash (if there is a risk of frost).
X Mix the windscreen washer fluid in a con-
tainer beforehand. Adapt the mixing ratio
to the outside temperatures.
! Only use windscreen washer fluid which
is suitable for plastic lamp lenses. Unsuit-
able windscreen washer fluid could dam-
age the plastic lamp lenses of the head-
lamps.
X To open: pull cap1upwards by the tab.
X To close: press cap 1onto the filler neck
until it clicks into place. Tyres and wheels
Points to remember
! For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz rec-
ommends that you only use tyres and
wheels which have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz specifically for your vehi-
cle. These tyres have been specially adap-
ted for use with the control systems, such
as ABS or ESP ®
, and are marked as follows:
R MO = Mercedes-Benz Original
R MOE = Mercedes-Benz Original Extended
(with run-flat characteristics)*
*Mercedes-Benz Original Extended tyres
should only be used on wheels that have
been specifically approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
If you use other tyres and wheels,
Mercedes-Benz cannot accept any respon-
sibility for damage that may result from
this. Further information about tyres,
wheels and approved combinations can be
obtained from any Mercedes-Benz Service
Centre.
If you use tyres other than those tested and
recommended for Mercedes-Benz vehi-
cles, characteristics such as handling, vehi-
cle noise emissions and fuel consumption may be adversely affected. In addition, the
wheels may come into contact with the
body or axle components when heavily loa-
ded or when driving with snow chains. This
could result in damage to the tyres or the
vehicle.
! Retreaded tyres are neither tested nor
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be detec-
ted on retreaded tyres. As a result,
Mercedes-Benz cannot guarantee vehicle
safety if retreaded tyres are fitted. Do not
fit used tyres if you have no information
about their previous usage. G
Risk of accident
If wheels or tyres other than those which
have been tested are fitted:
R the brakes or chassis components could
be damaged
R wheel and tyre clearances can no longer
be guaranteed
This could cause an accident.
Modification work on the brake system and
wheels is not permitted, nor is the use of
spacer plates or brake dust shields. This inva- Operation
* optional
251_AKB; 5; 7, en-GB
wobuchh
,V ersion: 2.10.6
2008-05-11T14:51:51+02:00 - Seite 224 Dateiname: 6515_1825_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight