2008 MERCEDES-BENZ R350 gas type

57 Getting started
Driving
After a cold start, the automatic transmis-
sion shifts at a higher engine revolution.
This allows the catalytic converter
(gasoline engine) or the oxidation catalyst
(diesel engine) to reach its operating tem-
perature earlier.For more information, see
“Driving instructions” (
page 339).
!If you hear a warning signal and the
message
Release Parking Brake appears in
the multifunction display when driving off, you
have forgotten to release the parking brake.
Release the parking brake (
page 56).
iOnce the vehicle is in motion, the automatic
central locking system engages and the locking
knobs drop down.
The automatic door lock feature can be
deactivated (
page 183).
You can open a locked door from the inside.
Open door only when conditions are safe to
do so.
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 loss of control.
Warning!G
It is dangerous to shift the gear selector
lever out ofP orN if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not
firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
!Shift the automatic transmission to
positionP orR only when the vehicle is stopped
in order to avoid damaging the transmission.
!Do not run cold engine at high engine
speeds. Running a cold engine at high engine
speeds may shorten the service life of the
engine.
!Simultaneously depressing the accelerator
pedal and applying the brakes reduces engine
performance and causes premature brake and
drivetrain wear.

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.

349 Operation
Driving instructions
Catalytic converter (gasoline engine)
Your vehicle is equipped with
monolithic-type catalytic converters, an
important element in conjunction with the
oxygen sensors to achieve substantial
control of the pollutants in the exhaust
emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our
recommended maintenance instructions
as outlined in your Maintenance Booklet.Oxidation catalyst (diesel engine)
Your vehicle is equipped with an oxidation
catalyst, an important element in conjunc-
tion with the oxygen sensors to achieve
substantial control of the pollutants in the
exhaust emissions. Keep your vehicle in
proper operating condition by following
our recommended maintenance instruc-
tions as outlined in your Maintenance
Booklet.
!To prevent damage to the catalytic convert-
ers, use only premium unleaded gasoline in this
vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine operation
should be repaired promptly. Otherwise,
excessive unburned fuel may reach the catalytic
converter, causing it to overheat and potentially
start a fire.
Warning!G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble materials such as grass, hay or leaves
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials could be ignited
and cause a vehicle fire.
Warning!G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or
operate this vehicle in areas where combus-
tible materials such as grass, hay or leaves
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials could be ignited
and cause a vehicle fire.

482 Practical hints
Replacing bulbs
Notes on bulb replacement

Only use 12-volt bulbs of the same type
and with the specified watt rating.

Switch the lights off before changing a
bulb to prevent short circuits.

Always use a clean lint-free cloth when
handling bulbs.

Your hands should be dry and free of oil
and grease.

If the newly installed bulb does not
come on, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.Have the LEDs and bulbs for the following
lamps replaced by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center:

the additional turn signal lamps in the
exterior rear view mirrors

the high mounted brake lamp

the Bi-Xenon* low beam lamps

the Bi-Xenon* high beam flasher spot-
light

the front side marker lamps
Warning!G
Bulbs and bulb sockets can be very hot.
Allow the lamp to cool down before chang-
ing a bulb.
Keep bulbs out of reach of children.
Halogen lamps contain pressurized gas.
A bulb can explode if you:

touch or move it when hot

drop the bulb

scratch the bulb
Wear eye and hand protection.
Because of high voltage in Xenon lamps, it is
dangerous to replace the bulb or repair the
lamp and its components. We recommend
that you have such work done by a qualified
technician.!Do not replace the bulbs yourself. You could
otherwise damage the LEDs or parts of the
vehicle. Only have the LEDs replaced by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

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