2008 MERCEDES-BENZ R-CLASS MPV change time

Thank you for choosing Mercedes-Benz.
Before you drive off, familiarise yourself with
your vehicle and read this manual. This will
help you to obtain the maximum pleasure
from your vehicle and to avoid endangering
yourself and others.
Items of optional equipment are marked with
an asterisk *.
The equipment in your vehicle may vary,
depending on the model, the ordered items,
the country specifications and availability.
The illustrations in this manual show a left-
hand-drive vehicle. The arrangement of the
switches, levers, stowage compartments,
etc. will differ accordingly in a right-hand-
drive vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz is constantly updating its
vehicles to the state of the art and therefore
reserves the right to introduce changes in
design, equipment and technical features at
any time. You cannot, therefore, base any
claims on the data, illustrations or descrip-
tions in this manual.
Please consult a Mercedes-Benz Service
Centre if you have any questions.
The Owner’s Manual, Brief Instructions,
Service Booklet and supplements related to
vehicle equipment belong with the vehicle.
You should always keep them in the vehicle and pass them on to the new owner if you sell
the vehicle.
The technical documentation team at
Daimler AG wishes you safe and pleasant
motoring.
i
You can get to know the important fea-
tures of your vehicle in German and in
English in the interactive Owner's Manual
on the Internet at:
www.mercedes-benz.de/betriebsanlei-
tung
251_AKB; 5; 7, en-GB
wobuchh
,V ersion: 2.10.6
2008-05-11T14:51:51+02:00 - Seite 1 Dateiname: 6515_1825_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

5
CD player/CD changer
Operation (on-board computer) . . .126
Central locking
Automatic locking (on-board com-
puter) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134
Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
KEYLESS GO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70, 71
Central locking/unlocking button . ..75
Central unlocking Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
KEYLESS GO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70, 71
Centre console
2nd row of seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195
Changing a wheel
see Flat tyre
Child-proof locks
Rear doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Side windows (rear) . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Children
in the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Restraint systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Child seat
Automatic recognition . . . . . . . . . . .50
Automatic recognition (malfunc-
tion) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .280
Child seat lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
ISOFIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
On the front-passenger seat . . . . . .49
Recommendation s.. . . . . . . . . . . . .53Suitable positions . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.51
TopTether . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Child seat lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Cigarette lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .206
Cockpit Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
COMAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123
On-board computer . . . . . . . . . . . .123
see separate Operating Instructions
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212
Display message . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260
Constant headlamp mode
Setting (on-board computer) . . . . .132
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
Convenience closing . . . . . . . . . . . ..108
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .223
Checking the level . . . . . . . . . . . . .223
Display message . . . . . .265, 269, 270
Mixture ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360
Temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . .125
Cornering light
Display message . . . . . . . . . . . . . .270
Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140
Display message . . . . . . . . . .263, 264
Cup holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183 D
Dashboard see Cockpit
see Instrument cluster
Date
Setting (on-board computer) . . . . .131
Daytime driving lights
see Constant headlamp mode
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board com-
puter) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133
Interior lighting (on-board com-
puter) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133
Diesel
Low outside temperatures . . . . . . .220
Diesel engine
Winter driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .220
Digital speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . ..125
Setting the unit (on-board com-
puter) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131
Dipped-beam headlamps
Display message . . . . . . . . . . . . . .270
Symmetrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235
Display message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..255
Service indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . .242
Symbol messages . . . . . . . . . . . . .264
Text messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256 Index
251_AKB; 5; 7, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.10.6 2008-05-11T14:51:51+02:00 - Seite 5Dateiname: 6515_1825_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Protection of the environment
16 Protection of the environment
H
Environmental note
Daimler's declared policy is one of integra-
ted environmental protection.
The objectives are for the natural resources
which form the basis of our existence on
this planet to be used sparingly and in a
manner which takes the requirements of
both nature and humanity into account.
You too can help to protect the environ-
ment by operating your vehicle in an envi-
ronmentally-responsible manner.
Fuel consumption and the rate of engine,
transmission, brake and tyre wear depend
on the following factors:
R Operating conditions of your vehicle
R Your personal driving style
You can influence both factors.
You should bear the following in mind:
Operating conditions
R Avoid short trips as these increase fuel
consumption.
R Make sure that the tyre pressures are
always correct. R
Do not carry any unnecessary weight.
R Keep an eye on the vehicle's fuel con-
sumption.
R Remove roof racks once you no longer
need them.
R A regularly serviced vehicle will contrib-
ute to environmental protection. You
should therefore adhere to the service
intervals.
R Always have maintenance work carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Personal driving style
R Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
R Do not warm up the engine with the vehi-
cle stationary.
R Drive carefully and maintain a safe dis-
tance from the vehicle in front.
R Avoid frequent, sudden acceleration.
R Change gear in good time and use each
gear only up to 2
/ 3of its maximum engine
speed.
R Switch off the engine in stationary traffic. Returning used vehicles
Mercedes-Benz will take back your
Mercedes-Benz to dispose of it in an environ-
mentally-responsible manner, in accordance
with the European Union (EU) End of Life
Vehicles Directive.
The End of Life Vehicles Directive applies to
vehicles of up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, in
accordance with national regulations. For
several years, Mercedes-Benz has been
meeting all the legal requirements for a
design which allows for recycling and re-use.
There is a network of return points and dis-
assembly plants which can recycle your vehi-
cle in an environmentally-responsible man-
ner. The options for recycling vehicles and
parts are constantly being developed and
improved. This means that your Mercedes-
Benz will also continue to meet even the
increased recycling quotas in the future in
good time. You can obtain further information
from your national Mercedes-Benz homepage
or your national hotline number. Introduction
251_AKB; 5; 7, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.10.6 2008-05-11T14:51:51+02:00 - Seite 16Dateiname: 6515_1825_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Opening and closing
68 Opening and closing
Key
The vehicle's equipment includes two keys
with remote control. Each key contains an
emergency key element.
The key is configured at the factory to cen-
trally lock and unlock the following:
R the doors
R the tailgate
R the fuel filler flap G
Risk of accident
If children are left unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could:
R open a door from the inside at any time,
even if it has been locked
R start the vehicle using a key which has
been left in the vehicle
R release the parking brake
They could endanger themselves and oth-
ers. Never leave children unsupervised in
the vehicle. Always take the key with you
when leaving the vehicle, even if you are
only leaving it for a short time. 1
j To lock the vehicle
2 i To unlock, open* or close* the tail-
gate
3 k To unlock the vehicle
4 Battery check lamp
i You can also open/close the side win-
dows and the sliding/tilting sunroof* or the
panorama sliding sunroof *with the key.
You can open them using the summer
opening feature (Y page 108). You can
close them using the convenience closing
feature (Y page 108). Factory settings X
To unlock centrally: press thekbut-
ton.
The turn signals flash once. The locking
knobs in the doors pop up. The anti-theft
alarm system* is deactivated.
When it is dark, the surround lighting also
comes on if it is activated in the on-board
computer.
i If you do not open either a door or the
tailgate after you have unlocked the vehi-
cle, it will automatically relock after approx-
imately 40 seconds.
X To lock centrally: press thejbutton.
The turn signals flash three times if the
doors and tailgate are closed. The locking
knobs in the doors drop down. The anti-
theft alarm system* and the immobiliser
are primed.
Individual settings You can change the setting of the locking
system in such a way that pressing the
k
button only unlocks the driver's door
and the fuel filler flap. This could be useful if
you frequently travel on your own. Controls
* optional
251_AKB; 5; 7, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.10.6 2008-05-11T14:51:51+02:00 - Seite 68Dateiname: 6515_1825_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Opening and closing
69
X
To change the setting: press thek
and j buttons simultaneously for
approximately six seconds until the battery
check lamp flashes twice.
The key now functions as follows:
X To unlock the driver's door: press the
k button once.
X To unlock centrally: press thekbut-
ton twice.
X To lock centrally: press thejbutton.
Restoring the factory settings X
Press the kandj buttons simulta-
neously for approximately six seconds until
the battery check lamp flashes twice. KEYLESS GO key*
The optional equipment supplied with your
vehicle includes two KEYLESS GO keys. You
can start, lock or unlock the vehicle using the
KEYLESS GO key. To do this, you need only
carry the KEYLESS GO key on your person.
When you touch the surface of the sensors on
the vehicle's door handles, KEYLESS GO
establishes a radio connection between the
vehicle and the key. The distance between
the KEYLESS GO key and the vehicle's door
handle from which you wish to lock or unlock
the vehicle, must not be greater than 1 m.
When you pull the door handle, the following
unlock centrally if the factory settings have
not been changed:
R the doors
R the tailgate
R the fuel filler flap
If you pull on the handle of the tailgate, only
the tailgate of your vehicle is unlocked.
When starting the engine and whilst driving,
KEYLESS GO also checks whether a valid
KEYLESS GO key is in the vehicle by periodi-
cally establishing radio contact. G
Risk of accident
If children are left unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could open a door from the inside,
even if it has been locked. Or they could
start the vehicle if a valid KEYLESS GO key
is in the vehicle and they press the KEY-
LESS GO button on the ignition lock. They
could endanger themselves and others.
Never leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle. Switch off the engine and take the
KEYLESS GO key with you, even if you are
only leaving the vehicle for a short time. 1
j To lock the vehicle
2 i To unlock, open* or close* the tail-
gate
3 k To unlock the vehicle
4 Battery check lamp Controls
* optional
251_AKB; 5; 7, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.10.6 2008-05-11T14:51:51+02:00 - Seite 69 ZDateiname: 6515_1825_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Opening and closing
70
i
You can also use the KEYLESS GO key to
open and close the side windows and the
sliding/tilting sunroof* or the panorama
sliding sunroof *.You can open them using
the summer opening feature
(Y page 108). You can close them using
the convenience closing feature
(Y page 108).
i If the vehicle has been parked for a long
time, you must pull the door handle to acti-
vate the KEYLESS GO functions.
Important notes R
If the KEYLESS GO key is removed from the
vehicle (e.g. in luggage or an article of
clothing), it will no longer be possible to
lock or start the vehicle.
R If the KEYLESS GO key is removed from the
vehicle while the engine is running, e.g. if
the front passenger leaves the vehicle with
the KEYLESS GO key, the following mes-
sage will appear in the multi-function dis-
play as you pull away: Key not detec-
ted.
R If the KEYLESS GO key is in the vehicle, the
vehicle can be started at any time. If you
have left the KEYLESS GO key in the vehi-
cle, the following message will appear in the multi-function display when you lock
the vehicle:
Key still in vehicle.
Factory settings X
To unlock centrally: pull the door handle.
The turn signals flash once. The locking
knobs in the doors pop up. The anti-theft
alarm system* is deactivated.
When it is dark, the surround lighting also
comes on if it is activated in the on-board
computer.
i If you do not open either a door or the
tailgate after you have unlocked the vehi-
cle, it will automatically relock after approx-
imately 40 seconds.
i There is a danger of the vehicle being
unlocked unintentionally. This could occur
if the KEYLESS GO key is within one metre
of the vehicle and the door handle is
splashed with water. This could also occur
when cleaning the door handle. 1
Locking button on the door handle
X To lock centrally: press locking button
1 on the door handle.
The turn signals flash three times. The lock-
ing knobs in the doors drop down. The anti-
theft alarm system* and the immobiliser
are primed.
Individual settings You can change the setting of the locking
system. When you now grasp the door handle
on the driver's door, you will only unlock the
driver's door and the fuel filler flap. This could
be useful if you frequently travel on your own.
X
To change the setting: press thek
and j buttons simultaneously for Controls
* optional
251_AKB; 5; 7, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.10.6 2008-05-11T14:51:51+02:00 - Seite 70Dateiname: 6515_1825_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Seat belts
94 Seat belts
Wearing seat belts
Seat belts are the most effective means of
restraining the movement of vehicle occu-
pants in the event of an accident. This
reduces the risk of vehicle occupants coming
into contact with the vehicle interior. G
Risk of injury
A seat belt which is not worn correctly, or
which has not been engaged in the seat belt
buckle correctly, cannot perform its inten-
ded protective function. Under certain cir-
cumstances this could cause severe or
even fatal injuries.
Make sure that all occupants – in particular,
pregnant women – wear their seat belt cor-
rectly at all times.
R The seat belt must pass closely over your
body and must not be twisted. You
should therefore avoid wearing bulky
clothing (e.g. a winter coat). The shoulder
belt section must be routed across the
middle of your shoulder – on no account
across your neck or under your arm – and
pulled tight against your upper body. The
lap belt must always pass across your lap
as low down as possible, i.e. over your hip joints – not across your abdomen. If
necessary, push down the belt strap
slightly and then retighten it in the roll-up
direction.
R Do not route the belt strap across sharp
or fragile objects, especially if these are
located on or in your clothing, e.g. spec-
tacles, pencils, keys, etc. The seat belt
strap could be damaged and tear in an
accident and you or other vehicle occu-
pants could be injured.
R Only one person should use each seat
belt at any one time. Children must never
travel sitting on the lap of other occu-
pants. It would not be possible to restrain
the child in the event of a sudden change
in direction, braking or an accident. This
could result in severe or even fatal inju-
ries to the child and other occupants.
R Persons less than 1.50 m tall cannot
wear the seat belts correctly. For this
reason, secure persons less than 1.50 m
tall in specially designed, suitable
restraint systems.
R Children less than 1.50 m tall or under
12 years of age cannot wear the seat
belts properly. Therefore, always secure
these children in suitable child restraint systems on suitable vehicle seats. You
can find more information under "Chil-
dren in the vehicle" in the "Safety" sec-
tion of the Owner's Manual. Follow the
manufacturer's installation instructions
when fitting the child restraint system.
R Do not secure any objects with a seat belt
if the seat belt is also being used by one
of the vehicle's occupants. G
Risk of injury
The seat belt does not offer the intended
level of protection unless the backrest is
almost vertical. Under certain circumstan-
ces this could cause severe or even fatal
injuries.
Before starting a journey, make sure that
the seat is properly adjusted and that the
backrest is almost vertical. G
Risk of injury
A dirty or damaged seat belt or a seat belt
that has been subjected to a load in an
accident or modified no longer offers the
intended level of protection. Under certain
circumstances this could cause severe or
even fatal injuries. Controls
251_AKB; 5; 7, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.10.6 2008-05-11T14:51:51+02:00 - Seite 94Dateiname: 6515_1825_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Lights
97tracted from the road and traffic conditions
and you could lose control of the vehicle as
a result of the seat moving. This could
cause an accident.
G
Risk of accident
Only adjust the steering wheel when the
vehicle is stationary and do not pull away
until the steering wheel adjustment mech-
anism is locked in position. You might oth-
erwise drive without the steering wheel
adjustment mechanism being locked in
position. As a result you could be distracted
from road and traffic conditions by an unex-
pected movement of the steering wheel
and thereby cause an accident.
The steerability of the vehicle is however
not affected.
X Check whether seat 3and the head
restraint are adjusted properly
(Y page 77).
Make sure that:
R you are as far away from the driver's front
airbag as possible
R you are sitting in a normal upright posi-
tion
R you can fasten the seat belt properly R
you have moved the backrest to an
almost vertical position
R you have set the seat angle so that your
thighs are gently supported
R you can depress the pedals properly
R you have adjusted the head restraint so
that the back of your head is supported
at eye level by the central area of the
head restraint
X Check whether steering wheel 1is adjus-
ted properly (Y page 88).
Make sure that:
R you can hold the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent
R you can move your legs freely
R you can see all the displays in the instru-
ment cluster clearly
X Check whether you have fastened seat belt
2 properly (Y page 94).
It should:
R fit snugly across your body
R be routed across the middle of your
shoulder
R routed in your pelvic area across the hip
joints Lights
Light switch
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you drive with the lights switched
on even during the daytime. In some coun-
tries, daytime operation of headlamps varies
due to legal and voluntary requirements. In
these countries, the dipped-beam headlamps
are automatically switched on when the
engine is started.
i If you drive in countries in which traffic
drives on the opposite side of the road to
the country where the vehicle is registered,
oncoming traffic may be dazzled by the
asymmetrical dipped-beam headlamps.
Have the headlamps changed to symmet-
rical dipped beam when driving in these
countries. You can obtain information
about this from any Mercedes-Benz Service
Centre. Controls
251_AKB; 5; 7, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.10.6 2008-05-11T14:51:51+02:00 - Seite 97 ZDateiname: 6515_1825_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight