2008 MERCEDES-BENZ R320 ignition

281 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Permanent four-wheel drive (4MATIC)*
Your vehicle is equipped with permanent
four-wheel drive (4MATIC). Both, the front
and rear axles, are powered at all times
when the vehicle is being operated. The
4MATIC improves traction in conjunction
with the ESP
® (page 101) and the
Electronic Traction System (
page 103).
Parktronic* (Parking assist)
Warning!G
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insuffi-
cient traction:

While driving off, apply as little throttle
as possible.

While driving, ease up on the accelera-
tor.

Adapt your speed and driving style to
the prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents re-
sulting from excessive speed.
!Operational or performance test must only
be conducted on a two-axle dynamometer. If
such tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake system or
the transfer case which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!Because the ESP® operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position0 or1 or
KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button in
position0or1) when testing the parking brake
on a brake test dynamometer and such testing
should be no longer than 10 seconds.
Active braking action through the ESP
® may
otherwise seriously damage the brake system
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
iIn winter operation, the maximum effective-
ness of the 4MATIC is only achieved with winter
tires (
page 398) or snow chains as required.
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.
The operational function of the Parktronic
system can be affected by dirty sensors,
especially at times of snow and ice, see
“Cleaning the Parktronic* system sensors”
(
page 408).
Interference caused by other ultrasonic
signals (e.g. working jackhammers, car
wash, or the air brakes of trucks) can cause
the system to send erratic indications, and
should be taken into consideration.

282 Controls in detail
Driving systems
The Parktronic system is an electronic aid
designed to assist the driver during
parking maneuvers. It visually and audibly
indicates the relative distance between the
vehicle and an obstacle.
The Parktronic system is automatically
activated when you

switch on the ignition or start the
engine
and

release the parking brake
and

set the automatic transmission to
positionD,R, orNThe Parktronic system deactivates at
vehicle speeds exceeding approximately
11 mph (18 km/h). At lower vehicle
speeds, the Parktronic system turns on
again.
The Parktronic system also deactivates
when you set the automatic transmission
to positionP or depress the parking brake
pedal.
The Parktronic system monitors the
surroundings of your vehicle with six sen-
sors in the front bumper and four sensors
in the rear bumper.
1Sensors in the front bumperRange of the sensors
To function properly, the sensors must be
free of dirt, ice, snow and slush. Clean the
sensors regularly, being careful not to
scratch or damaging the sensors, see
“Cleaning the Parktronic* system sensors”
(
page 408).
Warning!G
Make sure no persons or animals are in the
area in which you are maneuvering. You
could otherwise injure them.
!During parking maneuvers, pay special
attention to objects located above or below the
height of the sensors (e.g. planters or trailer
hitches).
The Parktronic system will not detect such
objects at close range and damage to your
vehicle or the object may result.
Ultrasonic signals from outside sources (e.g.
working jackhammers, car wash or the air brakes
of trucks) may impair the operation of the
Parktronic system.

285 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Switching on
Press Parktronic switch1 once more.
Indicator lamp2 goes out.
Parktronic system malfunction
If only the red distance segments illumi-
nate and an acoustic warning sounds,
there is a malfunction in the Parktronic
system. The Parktronic system will auto-
matically switch off after 20 seconds and
the indicator lamp in the Parktronic switch
comes on.
Have the Parktronic system checked
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center as soon as possible.If only the red distance segments illumi-
nate and no acoustic warning sounds, the
Parktronic system sensors are dirty (e.g.
slush, snow or ice) or there is an interfer-
ence from other radio or ultrasonic signals
(e.g. working jackhammers, car wash or
the air brakes of trucks). The Parktronic
system will automatically switch off after
20 seconds and the indicator lamp in the
Parktronic switch comes on.
Switch off the ignition (page 39).
Clean the Parktronic system sensors
(
page 408).
Switch on the ignition (page 39).
or
Check the Parktronic system operation
at another location to rule out interfer-
ence from outside radio or ultrasonic
signals.
Rear view camera*
iThe Parktronic system switches on
automatically when you switch on the ignition
(
page 39).
Warning!G
The rear view camera is only an aid and may
display obstacles from a distorted perspec-
tive or inaccurately, or may not display ob-
stacles at all. The rear view camera does not
relieve you of the responsibility to be cau-
tious, take care and pay careful attention.
The rear view camera may not show objects
which are

very close to the rear bumper

under the rear bumper

above the tailgate handle
You are responsible for safety at all times
and must continue to pay attention to the
immediate surroundings when parking and
maneuvering. This includes the area behind,
in front of and beside the vehicle. Otherwise
you could endanger yourself or others.

287 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Switching the rear view camera
on and off
Switch on the ignition (page 39).
Shift the automatic transmission to
positionR (
page 190).
The area behind the vehicle appears in
the COMAND system display.
Shift the automatic transmission to
positionP,N orD to switch off the rear
view camera.
iThe area behind the vehicle is shown in the
COMAND system display as a mirror image, like
in the rear view mirror.
iThe image from the rear view camera will
no longer be displayed if you select another
function on the COMAND system while reverse
gear R is engaged. To display the image again,
disengage and reengage reverse gear R.

313 Controls in detail
Useful features
1Ashtray cover
2Ashtray insert
Push on ashtray insert 2 and pull it
out upwards.
Reinstalling ashtray insert
Insert ashtray insert 2 into opening.
Push down ashtray insert 2 until it
engages.
Close ashtray cover 1.
Cigarette lighter
Switch on the ignition (page 39).1Cover
2Cigarette lighter
Open cover1 (page 311).
Push in cigarette lighter2.
The cigarette lighter will pop out auto-
matically when hot.
Take out cigarette lighter2.
Warning!G
Never touch the heating element or sides of
the cigarette lighter; they are extremely hot.
Hold the knob only.
Make sure that any children traveling with
you do injure themselves or start a fire with
the hot cigarette lighter.
When leaving the vehicle always remove the
SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
from the starter switch, take it with you, and
lock the vehicle. Do not leave children
unattended in the vehicle, or with access to
an unlocked vehicle. A child’s unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an
accident and/or serious personal injury.

314 Controls in detail
Useful features
Power outletsPower outlets are located

in the front passenger footwell
(
page 314)

in the second-row footwell
(
page 315)

on the right-hand side of the cargo
compartment (
page 315)
Power outlet in front passenger
footwell
Switch on the ignition (page 39).
Flip up cover and insert electrical plug
(cigarette lighter type).
!The lighter socket can accommodate 12V
DC electrical accessories (up to a maximum of
85 W) designed for use with the standard “ciga-
rette lighter” plug type. Keep in mind, however,
that connecting accessories to the lighter socket
(for example extensive connecting and discon-
necting, or using plugs that do not fit properly)
can damage the lighter socket. With the socket
damaged, the lighter may no longer be able to be
placed in the heating (pushed-in) position, or the
lighter may pop out too early with the lighter not
hot enough.
To help avoid damaging the cigarette lighter
socket, we recommend connecting 12V DC elec-
trical accessories designed for use with the stan-
dard “cigarette lighter” plug type to the
12V power outlets (
page 314) in your vehicle
whenever possible.
!The cigarette lighter is not designed for use
with the electric air pump (
page 499). Use a
power outlet (
page 314) for electric air pump
operation.
iIf the engine is off, and the cigarette lighter
is being used extensively, the vehicle battery
may become discharged.
!If you use all power outlets in the vehicle,
make sure that the maximum current drawn
does not exceed 55 A.
iThe power outlets can be used to
accommodate 12V DC electrical accessories
(e.g. air pump, auxiliary lamps) up to a maximum
of 240 W.
If the engine is off and the power outlets are
being used extensively, the vehicle battery may
become discharged.
iYou can use the power outlets, except for
the power outlet in the front center console,
even if the ignition is switched off.
An emergency shut-off feature ensures that the
vehicle’s electrical voltage does not fall below a
minimum level. If the voltage drops to this mini-
mum level, the power outlets are automatically
switched off. This ensures that enough power
remains to start the engine.

315 Controls in detail
Useful features
Power outlet in second-row footwell
Switch on the ignition (page 39).
Flip up cover and insert electrical plug
(cigarette lighter type).Power outlet in cargo compartment
Switch on the ignition (page 39).
Flip up cover and insert electrical plug
(cigarette lighter type).
Rear center console*
The rear center console is located between
the second-row seats.
The rear center console contains:

Storage compartment (page 306)

Cupholder (page 310)
iWhen fully expanding the cargo compart-
ment, the rear center console has to be removed
from the vehicle in order for the cargo compart-
ment floor to be an even plane (
page 293).

318 Controls in detail
Useful features
Heated steering wheel*
The steering wheel heating warms up the
leather area of the steering wheel.
The stalk is located on the lower left-hand
side of the steering wheel.
1Switching on
2Switching off
3Indicator lampSwitching on
Switch on the ignition (page 39).
Turn switch at the tip of stalk in the
direction of arrow1.
The steering wheel is heated. Indicator
lamp3 comes on.Switching off
Turn switch at the tip of stalk in the
direction of arrow2.
The heated steering wheel is switched
off. Indicator lamp3 goes out.
For information on the steering wheel, see
“Multifunction steering wheel”
(
page 158).
iThe steering wheel heating is temporarily
suspended while indicator lamp3 remains on
when

the temperature of the vehicle interior is
above 86°F (30°C)

the temperature of the steering wheel is
above 95°F (35°C)
When these conditions do not apply anymore,
steering wheel heating continues.
iIndicator lamp3 flashes or goes out

in case of power surge or undervoltage

in case of a steering wheel heating malfunc-
tion
iThe steering wheel heating switches off
automatically when you remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch or, on vehicles with
KEYLESS-GO*, when you switch off the ignition
(
page 39) and open the driver’s door.