2008 MERCEDES-BENZ R320 cruise control

271 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Setting to last stored speed
(“Resume” function)
Briefly pull the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow4 (
page 268).
The Distronic resumes to the last set
speed.
Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
The last set speed or, if no speed is stored,
the current set speed appears in the
multifunction display for approximately
5seconds.Deactivating Distronic
There are several ways to deactivate the
Distronic system:
Step on the brake pedal.
or
Briefly tip the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow3 (
page 268).
Distronic will be deactivated. The last set
speed will be stored in memory.
Warning!G
The set speed stored in memory should only
be set again if prevailing road conditions
permit. Possible acceleration or decelera-
tion differences arising from returning to the
preset speed could cause an accident
and/or serious injury to you and others.
iThe following message appears in the multi-
function display for approximately 5 seconds:
DISTRONIC Off.
The last stored set speed is deleted when the
engine is turned off.
iThe Distronic switches off automatically
when

you step on the brake pedal

you depress the parking brake pedal
In this case, the Distronic speed segments in the
speedometer (
page 265) will go out.

the vehicle speed is below 20 mph
(30 km/h)

the ESP® is in operation

the ESP® is switched off with the ESP®
switch (
page 104)

the ESP® has switched off due to a
malfunction (
page 435)

you set the automatic transmission toN
while driving
The Distronic speed segments in the speedome-
ter (
page 265) will go out and an acoustic
warning will sound.

272 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Setting the following distance in
Distronic
You can set the specified following
distance for Distronic by varying the time
setting between 1.0 and 2.0 seconds. Us-
ing this time setting and the current speed
of your vehicle, Distronic calculates and
sets the required following distance to the
preceding vehicle. The set distance will be
shown in the multifunction display
(
page 267).
The distance setting switch for the time
setting is located on the cruise control
lever on the left-hand side of the steering
column.
1Distance setting switch
2To decrease distance
3To increase distance
Warning!G
Distronic switches off and releases the
brakes when the vehicle decelerates below
the minimum speed of 20 mph (30 km/h)
by operation of the system. At that time the
driver must apply the brakes in order to
reduce vehicle speed further or bring it to
astop.
!Setting the automatic transmission toN
while driving cancels the Distronic. However, the
automatic transmission should not be set toN
while driving except to coast when the vehicle is
in danger of skidding (e.g. on icy roads).
iDepressing the accelerator pedal does not
deactivate the Distronic. After a brief accelera-
tion (e.g. for passing), the Distronic will resume
the last set speed.
Warning!G
It is up to the driver to exercise discretion to
select the appropriate setting given road
conditions, traffic, driver’s preferred driving
style and applicable laws and driving recom-
mendations for safe following distance.

346 Operation
Driving instructions
Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
shift the automatic transmission to
positionN. Try to keep the vehicle under
control by corrective steering action.Road salts and chemicals can adversely af-
fect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce
the normal brake effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn
roads can bring road-salt-impaired braking
efficiency back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking
efficiency should be tested as soon as
possible after driving is resumed.
For more information, see “Winter driving”
(
page 398).
iFor information on driving with snow chains,
see “Snow chains” (
page 399).
Warning!G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of control loss.
Warning!G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Warning!G
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure that snow is kept clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around the vehicle with the
engine running. Otherwise, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle
interior resulting in unconsciousness and
death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation,
open a window slightly on the side of the
vehicle not facing the wind.
Warning!G
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the freez-
ing point do not guarantee that the road sur-
face is free of ice.

430 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
ABSUnavailable
See Operator’s ManualThe self-diagnosis has not yet been
completed yet.The display will clear after driving a short
distance at a vehicle speed of above
12 mph (20 km/h).
Cruise
Control And
SPEEDTRONIC

InoperativeThe cruise control is malfunctioning.Have cruise control checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.
Cruise
Control––– MPHYou have attempted to set a
speed while driving below
20 mph (30 km/h).Accelerate to a speed exceeding
20 mph (30 km/h) and set the speed
(
page 257).
The ESP® is switched off.Switch on the ESP® (page 105).
The automatic transmission is set to
position P, R, or N.Set the automatic transmission to
positionD (
page 190).
The vehicle is secured with the
parking brake.Release the parking brake (page 56).

548 Index
Climate control 208
Air conditioning, Cooling 219
Air conditioning refrigerant 538
Air distribution 213
Air recirculation mode 216
Air vents, Front 208, 214
Air vents, Rear 220
Air volume 214
Control panel, Front 210
Control panel, Rear 220
Deactivating system 212
Defogging 216
Defrosting 214
Rear passenger compartment 220
Residual heat utilization (REST) 219
Clock 26, 176
Cockpit 24
Cold tire inflation pressure 394
Collapsible tire 471, 532
Collapsible wheel chock 471
Combination switch 58, 59, 61, 147
Compass 334
Control system 180Control and operation of radio
transmitters 348
Control system 157
Multifunction display 157
Multifunction steering wheel 158
Resetting to factory default 171
Control system menus 160
AIRMATIC*/Compass 168
AUDIO 165
Distance warning function* 185
Distronic* (Canada only) 168
NAV* 167
Settings 170
Standard display 164
TEL* 187
Trip computer 185
Vehicle status message memory 169
Control system submenus 161, 163
Comfort* 183
Instrument cluster 174
Lighting 177
Time/Date 176
Vehicle 180Coolant 360, 537, 541
Anticorrosion/antifreeze mixing ratio
and quantity 541
Capacities 537
Checking coolant level 360
Messages in the multifunction
display 448–450
Temperature 350
Corner-illuminating front fog lamps* 148
Messages in the multifunction
display 456
Replacing bulbs 480, 481
Cruise control 257
Activating 258
Messages in the multifunction
display 430
Cup holders 308
Front center console 308
Rear center console* 310
Curb weight 394
Customer Assistance Center see CAC

550 Index
Drinking and driving 339
Driving 50
Abroad 348
Hydroplaning 344
In winter 346, 398
Instructions 50, 339
Problems 62
Safety systems 99
Systems 257
Through standing water 347
With Distronic* 273
Driving off 56
Driving safety systems
ABS 99
BAS 101
EBP 105
ESP
®101
ETS/4-ETS 103
Driving systems 257
AIRMATIC* 276
Cruise control 257
Distronic* (Canada only) 262
Parktronic* 281
Rear view camera* 285
Driving tips 197
Kickdown 197E
Easy-entry/exit feature* 128
Control system 184
EBP 105
Indicator and warning lamps 416
Electric air pump 499
Electrical fuses see Fuses
Electrical system, Technical data 533
Electronic Brake Proportioning see EBP
Electronic Stability Program see ESP
®
Electronic Traction System see ETS/4-ETS
Emergency calls
Tele Aid* 323
Emergency, In case of
Battery, Jump starting 511
First aid kit 467
Flat tire 492
Fuses 518
Hazard warning flasher 150
Instrument cluster, Indicator
lamps 414–422
Roadside Assistance 12, 325
Towing the vehicle 513Emergency operation
Locking/unlocking the vehicle 474
Remote door unlock, Tele Aid* 328
Tailgate, Opening from the
inside 120
Emergency operation (Limp-Home
Mode) 202
Emergency tensioning device see ETD
Emission control 350
Information label 525
System warranties 10
Engine
Belt layout 526
Break-in recommendations 338
Cleaning 405
Compartment 356
Malfunction indicator lamp 29, 417
Maximum engine speed 155, 527
Number 525
Starting 53
Tachometer 29, 155
Technical data 527
Turning off 66

557 Index
Multifunction display
messages 427–466
ABS 429, 436
AIRMATIC* 465
Brake fluid 447
Brake pads 445
Coolant 448–450
Cruise control 430
Doors 452
EBP 446
Engine coolant 448–450
ESP
®435, 436
Fog lamps, Front 456
Fog lamps, Rear 458
Front passenger front air
bag 438–441
Fuel cap 452
Gear selector lever 437
Headlamps 455–460
Hood 452
Key, SmartKey 454
Key, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 453, 454Lamps 457
Lamps, exterior 455
Low tire pressure 442, 462, 463
Parking brake 446
Parking lamps 458
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 453
SRS 437
Tele Aid* 461
Telephone* 461
Windshield washer fluid 461
Multifunction steering wheel 30, 158
Button operation 158
N
Navigation system* 167
See separate COMAND system
operating instructions
Net, Cargo* 301
Net, Parcel 307
Neutral gear position, Automatic
transmission 190, 194
New vehicle, Break-in period 338
Night security illumination 146, 179
Normal occupant weight 395
Number, Vehicle Identification
(VIN) 524, 525O
Occupant Classification System see OCS
Occupant distribution 395
Occupant safety 70
Active head restraint 86
Air bags 72
Children and air bags 73, 89
Children in the vehicle 87
Fastening the seat belts 50
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp 77, 81, 82
Infant and child restraint systems 88
LATCH-type child seat anchors 91
OCS 77
OCS, Messages in the multifunction
display 438–441
Seat belts 50, 74
OCS 77
Messages in the multifunction
display 438
Self-test 82

561 Index
Seats 128
Adjusting 43
Easy entry/exit feature 128
Heating* 139
Memory function* 141
Multicontour seat* 132
Ventilation* 140
Securing cargo 290
Selector lever see Gear selector lever
Self-test
Lamps in the instrument cluster 414
OCS 82
Tele Aid* 323
Service and warranty information 10
Service intervals see Maintenance, Service
indicator message 402
Service life
Tires 364
Vehicle battery 503
Service, Parts 522
Service see Maintenance
Service system see Maintenance SystemSettings
AIRMATIC* 276
Clock 176
Comfort functions* 183
Control system menus 160, 162
Control system
submenus 161, 163, 171
Date 176
Distance warning function* 185
Factory, SmartKey 112
Factory, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 116
Individual, Vehicle 170
Instrument cluster 174
Language, multifunction display 175
Lighting 177
Memory function* 141
Resetting all, Control system 171
Selective, SmartKey 112
Selective, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 117
Time 176
Vehicle level control* 277Shift program mode, Automatic
transmission 200
Shifting, Automatic transmission 190
Side impact air bags 76
Side marker lamps
Cleaning lenses 407
Messages in the multifunction
display 458
Replacing bulbs 480, 481
Side windows see Power windows
Sidewall 395
SmartKey see Key, SmartKey 110
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* see Key,
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 113
Snow chains 399
Snow tires see Winter tires
Spare fuses 467
Spare wheel 471, 532
Inflating 499
Mounting 493
Wheel bolts 467, 498
Speed settings
Cruise control 261
Distronic* (Canada only) 268
Speedometer 27
Spinning see Tires, Direction of rotation