2008 MERCEDES-BENZ R320 brakes

393 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tire ply material
1Plies in sidewall
2Plies under tread
This marking tells you about the type of
cord and number of plies in the sidewall
and under the tread.Tire and loading terminology
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power
seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as
factory-installed equipment (whether
installed or not).
Air pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi), or kilopascal (kPa) or
bars.
Aspect ratio
Dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width
expressed in percentage.
Warning!G
The temperature grade for this tire is estab-
lished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underin-
flation, or excessive loading, either sepa-
rately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
iFor illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary
from data shown in above illustration.

395 Operation
Tires and wheels
Maximum load rating
The maximum load in kilograms and
pounds that can be carried by the tire.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory weight,
total load limit and production options
weight.
Maximum tire inflation pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should ever be put in the tire
under normal driving conditions.
Normal occupant weight
The number of occupants the vehicle is
designed to seat, multiplied by
68 kilograms (150 lbs).
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle
at their designated seating positions.Production options weight
The combined weight of those installed
regular production options weighing over
5 lbs (2.3 kilograms) in excess of those
standard items which they replace, not
previously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty
battery, and special trim.
PSI (P
ounds per square inch)
A standard unit of measure for air pressure
-> bar, kilopascal (kPa).
Recommended tire inflation pressure
Recommended tire inflation pressure for
normal driving conditions is listed on the
Tire and Loading Information placard
located on the driver’s door B-pillar.
Provides best handling, tread life and
riding comfort. If so equipped, supplemen-
tal information pertaining to special driving
situations can be found on the tire inflation
pressure label on the inside of the fuel filler
flap.Rim
A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube
assembly upon which the tire beads are
seated.
Sidewall
The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead.
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
Unique identifier which facilitates efforts
by tire manufacturers to notify purchasers
in recall situations or other safety matters
concerning tires and gives purchases the
means to easily identify such tires. The TIN
is comprised of “Manufacturer’s identifica-
tion mark”, “Tire size”, “Tire type code”
and “Date of manufacture”.
Tire load rating
Numerical code associated with the
maximum load a tire can support.

410 Operation
Vehicle care
Cleaning the panorama roof with
tilt/sliding panel*
The rear part of the panorama roof has a
protective layer on the inside.
Use a soft, clean cloth and a mild
window cleaning solution.
An automotive glass cleaner is recom-
mended.Light alloy wheels
If possible, clean wheels once a week.
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel
Care, a soft bristle brush and a strong
spray of water for cleaning the light al-
loy wheels.Plastic and rubber parts
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution.
Wipe with a cloth moistened in a luke-
warm solution.
The surface may temporarily change
color. If this is the case, wait for it to
dry.
!Do not use a dry cloth, abrasives, solvents
or cleaners containing solvents. Do not touch
the protective layer with hard objects such as an
ice scraper or ring. Never apply strong force and
only use a soft, non-scratching cloth when clean-
ing the rear part of the tilt/sliding panel*.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the
protective layer.
!Only use acid-free cleaning materials. Acid
may cause corrosion or damage the clear coat.
!The vehicle should not be parked for an
extended period of time immediately after it has
been cleaned, especially not after the wheel rims
have been cleaned with wheel rim cleaner.
Wheel rim cleaners can lead to increased
corrosion of the brake disks and brake pads.
Non-approved wheel cleaners may also damage
the wheel paint if the car is not driven after
cleaning. Therefore, the vehicle’s brake system
should always be warmed-up before it is parked
after cleaning. To do so, please drive your vehicle
for several minutes to allow the brakes to dry.
When applying Mercedes-Benz approved Tire
Care and Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care
products, take care not to spray them on the
brake disks.
Warning!G
Do not use cleaners containing solvents or
cockpit care sprays to clean the cockpit or
the steering wheel. Cleaners containing sol-
vents will make the surface porous and vehi-
cle occupants could suffer serious injuries
from plastic parts coming loose in the event
of air bag deployment.

418 Practical hints
What to do if …
ProblemPossible cause/conse-
quenceSuggested solution
?(USA only)
±(Canada only)
The yellow engine malfunction
indicator lamp comes on while
driving.A loss of pressure has been
detected in the fuel system.
The fuel cap may not be closed
properly or the fuel system
may be leaky.Check the fuel cap (page 352).
If it is not closed properly:
Close the fuel cap.
If it is closed properly:
Have the fuel system checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.
Vehicles with diesel engine
only:
Your fuel tank is empty.After refueling start, turn off and
restart the engine three or four times in
succession.
The limp-home mode is canceled. You do
not need to have your vehicle checked.
lThe red distance warning lamp comes on
while driving and you hear a warning sound.You are gaining too rapidly on
the vehicle ahead of you.Apply the brakes immediately.
Carefully observe the traffic situation.
You may need to brake or maneuver to
avoid hitting an obstacle.
The Distronic* has recognized
a stationary obstacle on your
probable line of travel.

436 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
ESPUnavailable
See Operator’s ManualThe ESP® was deactivated because
of insufficient power supply. The
charging voltage has fallen below
10 volts.
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the ESP
®
available.
When the voltage is above this value again, the
ESP® is operational again and the message in
the multifunction display should disappear.
If the message in the multifunction display
does not disappear:
Have the generator (alternator) and the
battery checked.
Have the system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon
as possible.
If the yellow ESP® warning
lampv flashes while driving
and this message appears, the
Electronic Traction System has
switched off to prevent overheating
of the drive wheel brakes.As soon as the brakes have cooled off, the
Electronic Traction System switches on again.
The message in the multifunction display disap-
pears and the ESP
® warning lampv goes
out.
The self-diagnosis has not been
completed yet.The display will clear after driving a short
distance at a vehicle speed of above
12 mph (20 km/h).

498 Practical hints
Flat tire
Mounting the spare wheel
1Wheel bolt for 18", 19", and 20" light al-
loy wheels
2Wheel bolt for spare wheel (located in
cargo compartment with spare wheel)
Clean contact surfaces of wheel and
wheel hub.
Guide spare wheel onto the alignment
bolt and push it on.
Insert wheel bolts and tighten them
slightly.
Unscrew the alignment bolt, install last
wheel bolt and tighten slightly.
!Wheel bolts2 must be used when mount-
ing the spare wheel with collapsible tire.
The use of any wheel bolts other than wheel
bolts2 for the spare wheel with collapsible tire
will physically damage the vehicle’s brakes.
!To avoid paint damage, place wheel flat
against hub and hold it there while installing first
wheel bolt.
Warning!G
Always replace wheel bolts that are
damaged or rusted.
Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.
Damaged wheel hub threads should be
repaired immediately. Do not continue to
drive under these circumstances! Contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
Incorrect wheel bolts or improperly tight-
ened wheel bolts can cause the wheel to
come off. This could cause an accident.
Make sure to use the correct wheel bolts.
Warning!G
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel
bolts. Other wheel bolts may come loose.
Do not tighten the wheel bolts when the
vehicle is raised. Otherwise the vehicle
could fall off the jack.

547 Index
Bleeding the fuel system (diesel
engine) 502
Bolts, Spare wheel 498
Bottle opener 309
Brake Assist System see BAS
Brake fluid 539
Checking 355
Messages in the multifunction
display 447
Brake lamp
Cleaning lenses 407
Messages in the multifunction
display 455–460
Replacing bulbs 480
Brake pads 340
Messages in the multifunction
display 445
Brakes 340
Warning lamp 415
Break-in the vehicle 338
Bulbs, replacing see Replacing bulbsC
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) 17
California retail buyers and lessees,
Important notice for 11
Call priority, Tele Aid* 328
Can holder see Cup holder
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants 536
Card holder 32, 309
Cargo compartment
Tie-down rings 290
Cargo compartment cover blind 299
Cargo net* 301
Cargo tie-down rings 290
Carpets, Cleaning 411
Catalytic converter (gasoline
engine) 349
CD changer* 167, 304
CD player 167
Center console 31
Central locking 183
Automatic 126
Locking/unlocking from the
inside 126Central locking switch 126
Certification label 524, 525
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator
lamp 417, 418
Checking tire pressure electronically
Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (Advanced TPMS)*, (Canada
only) 379
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS), (USA only) 376
Child safety
Infant and child restraint systems 88
Children in the vehicle 87
Air bags 73, 89
Blocking rear door window
operation 97
Indicator lamp, Front passenger front
air bag 81
Infant and child restraint
systems 91, 92
LATCH-type child seat anchors 91
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) 77
Cigarette lighter 313

555 Index
Messages in the multifunction
display 453–454
Opening the power windows
(Summer opening feature) 244
Opening the tilt/sliding panel*
(Summer opening feature) 244
Opening the tilt/sliding sunroof*
(Summer opening feature) 244
Remote control 113
Replacing batteries 479
Selective settings 117
Start/stop button 41
Starter switch positions 39, 41
Starting the engine 54
Turning off engine 66
Unlocking and opening, Power
tailgate* 121
Kickdown 197
Kilopascal 394L
Labels 524
Certification label 524
Emission control information 525
Engine number 525
Paint code 524
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) 525
Lamps, exterior 481
Front 481
Light sensor, Messages in the multi-
function display 455
Messages in the multifunction
display 455–460
Rear 481
Lamps, Indicator and warning
ABS 27, 414, 415
Brakes 27, 415
Center console 31, 425
CHECK ENGINE 29, 417, 418
Distance warning lamp* 266
Engine diagnostics 29, 417, 418
ESP
®27, 419
Front passenger front
air bag off 76, 77, 81, 82, 425Fuel reserve 29, 424
High beam headlamps 29
Instrument cluster 26, 414
Parktronic* 283, 284
Preglow indicator, Diesel engine 29
Seat belt telltale 29, 82, 420
Seat heating* 139
Seat ventilation* 140
SRS 29, 70, 85, 424
Turn signals 27
Language, Setting 174
LATCH-type child seat anchors see
Children in the vehicle
Leather upholstery, Cleaning and
care of 412
License plate lamps 481
Messages in the multifunction
display 457
Replacing bulbs 481, 488
Light alloy wheels, Cleaning 410
Light sensor
Messages in the multifunction
display 455
Lighter see Cigarette lighter