Windowbag
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Windows Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .309
see Side windows
Windscreen
Infrared reflective . . . . . . . . . . . . . .284
Windscreen washer fluid
Topping up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .295
Windscreen washer system . . . . . ..295
Windscreen wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . ..199
Malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .361
Replacing the wiper blades . . . . . .372
Winter driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . .302, 303
Winter tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .302
Limiting the speed (on-board com-
puter) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .245
Wiper blades
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .309
Replacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .372
WMA
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Wooden trim
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .312 18
Index 216_AKB; 2; 3, en-GB
bjanott,
Version: 2.11.7.7 2009-02-27T14:54:17+01:00 - Seite 18Dateiname: 6515230602_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 04. Mar 2009 11:14:36; WK
aged or subjected to a load in an accident
checked immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop. X
Fold upholstery cover :and the Velcro
fastener upwards.
X Attach the child seat to both securing
rings ;. Observe the manufacturer's
installation instructions.
Override feature for the rear side win-
dows G
Risk of accident and injury
Activate the override switch for the windows
in the rear compartment if children are trav-
elling in the vehicle. Otherwise, the children
could open the windows while the vehicle is
moving and injure themselves or others. X
To activate: press button :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up. The rear side
windows can only be operated using the
switches on the driver's door. X
To deactivate: press button:.
Indicator lamp ;goes out. You can oper-
ate the rear side windows using the
switches in the rear compartment. Driving safety systems
Overview of driving safety systems
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock Braking System)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R BAS PLUS* ( Brake Assist System Plus*)
R Adaptive brake lamps
R ESP ®
( Electronic Stability Program)
R EBV (electronic brake-power distribution)
R ADAPTIVE BRAKE
R Distance warning function* (vehicles with
Distronic*)
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake* (vehicles with Distronic
Plus*)
i In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tyres (M+S tyres) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the driv-
ing safety systems described in this section
work as effectively as possible. G
Risk of accident
The risk of an accident is significantly
increased by driving too fast. This is particu-
larly the case when cornering as well as on
wet or slippery roads or when driving too close
to the vehicle in front.
The driving safety systems described in this
section can neither reduce this risk nor over-
ride the laws of physics.
For this reason, always adapt your driving
style to suit prevailing road and weather con-
ditions. Maintain sufficient distance from
other road users and objects on the road. 48
Driving safety systemsSafety
* optional
216_AKB; 2; 3, en-GB
bjanott,
Version: 2.11.7.7 2009-02-27T14:54:17+01:00 - Seite 48
Dateiname: 6515230602_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 04. Mar 2009 11:14:49; WK
tional braking, depress the brake pedal
repeatedly rather than continuously.
G
Risk of accident
Never depress the brake pedal continuously
while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never cause
the brakes to rub by applying constant slight
pedal pressure. This causes the brake system
to overheat, increases the braking distance
and can lead to the brakes failing completely. G
Risk of accident
Do not change down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. This could
cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and
the vehicle could skid.
You can set a variable or permanent limit
speed:
R variable for speed limits, e.g. in built-up
areas
R permanent for long-term speed restric-
tions, e.g. for driving on winter tyres
(Y page 245) G
Risk of accident
Speedtronic is only an aid designed to assist
driving. You are responsible for the vehicle's
speed and for braking in good time.
i The speed indicated in the speedometer
may differ slightly from the limit speed
stored.
Variable Speedtronic With the cruise control lever, you can operate
cruise control or Distronic*/Distronic Plus*
and variable Speedtronic.
The LIM indicator lamp on the cruise control
lever indicates which system you have selec-
ted:
R LIM indicator lamp off:
Cruise control or Distronic*/Distronic
Plus* is selected.
R LIM indicator lamp lit: Variable Speedtronic is selected.
You can use the cruise control lever to limit
the speed to any speed above 30 km/h while
the engine is running. :
To store the current speed or a higher
speed
; LIM indicator lamp
= To store the current speed or to call up
the last stored speed
? To store the current speed or a lower
speed
A To switch between cruise control or Dis-
tronic*/Distronic Plus* and variable
Speedtronic
B To deactivate variable Speedtronic
Selecting variable Speedtronic X
Check whether LIM indicator lamp ;is on.
If it is on, variable Speedtronic is already
selected.
If it is not, press the cruise control lever in
the direction of arrow A.
LIM indicator lamp ;in the cruise control
lever lights up. Variable Speedtronic is
selected. G
Risk of accident
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the limit speed stored.
Only use Speedtronic when you do not have
to accelerate suddenly to a speed higher than
the stored limit speed allows. You could, oth-
erwise, cause an accident. Driving systems
243Controls
* optional
216_AKB; 2; 3, en-GB
bjanott,
Version: 2.11.7.7 2009-02-27T14:54:17+01:00 - Seite 243 Z
Dateiname: 6515230602_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 04. Mar 2009 11:16:01; WK
more than 20 km/h from the stored speed.
You will hear a warning tone if this is the case.
G
Risk of accident
It is not possible to deactivate variable Speed-
tronic by braking.
i The last speed stored is cleared when you
switch off the engine.
Permanent Speedtronic i
Permanent Speedtronic is only available
in certain countries.
You can use the on-board computer to limit
the speed permanently to a value between
160 km/h (e.g. for driving with winter tyres)
and the maximum speed.
Just before the stored speed is reached, it
appears in the multi-function display.
Permanent Speedtronic remains active, even
if variable Speedtronic is deactivated.
You cannot exceed the stored limit speed,
even if you depress the accelerator pedal
beyond the pressure point (kickdown).
Setting permanent Speedtronic
X Press the =or; button to select the
Settings menu.
X Press the :or9 button to select
SPEEDTRONIC.
X To change this, press a. X
Press the abutton again.
X Press the :or9 button to set per-
manent Speedtronic in increments of ten
(240 km/h to 160 km/h). Permanent Speedtronic is deactivated with the
off
setting.
X Press ato save the entry. HOLD
HOLD assists the driver in the following sit-
uations:
R when pulling away, especially on steep
slopes
R when manoeuvring on steep slopes
R when waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the
driver having to depress the brake pedal.
The braking effect is cancelled and HOLD
deactivated when you depress the accelera-
tor pedal to pull away.
Activation conditions You can activate HOLD if:
R
the vehicle is stationary.
R the engine is running.
R the driver's door is closed or your seat belt
is fastened.
R the electric parking brake is released.
R the bonnet is closed.
R the automatic transmission is in position
R, Nor D. If the automatic transmission is
in position R, the boot lid must be closed.
Activating HOLD X
Make sure that the activation conditions
are met.
X Depress the brake. Driving systems
245Controls
216_AKB; 2; 3, en-GB
bjanott, Version: 2.11.7.7 2009-02-27T14:54:17+01:00 - Seite 245 Z
Dateiname: 6515230602_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 04. Mar 2009 11:16:01; WK
Sports tuning
The firmer suspension tuning in sports mode
ensures even better contact with the road.
Select this mode if you prefer firm suspension
tuning.
X
If indicator lamp ;
; is off: press but-
ton :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up. You have selec-
ted the suspension for a sporty driving
style.
The ABC Active Body Control SPORT
message appears in the multi-function dis-
play.
Comfort tuning
In comfort mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are more comfortable. Select
this mode if you prefer comfortable handling.
X If indicator lamp ; ;is on: press but-
ton :.
Indicator lamp ;goes out. You have selec-
ted the suspension for a comfortable driv-
ing style.
The ABC Active Body Control COM‐
FORT message appears in the multi-func-
tion display. 4MATIC* (permanent four-wheel
drive)
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are per-
manently driven. Together with ESP ®
, it
improves the traction of your vehicle when- ever a drive wheel spins due to insufficient
grip. G
Risk of accident
4MATIC cannot reduce the risk of an accident
if you drive too fast.
If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip:
R only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary when pulling away.
R accelerate less when driving.
R adapt your driving style to suit road and
traffic conditions.
i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tyres (M+S tyres), with snow
chains if necessary. PARKTRONIC
G
Risk of accident
PARKTRONIC is only an aid and may not
detect all obstacles. It does not relieve you of
the responsibility of paying attention.
You are always responsible for safety and
must continue to pay attention to your imme-
diate surroundings when parking and
manoeuvring. You could otherwise endanger
yourself and others. G
Risk of injury
Make sure that no persons or animals are in
the manoeuvring range. Otherwise, they
could be injured.
PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with
ultrasound. It assists you when parking by
displaying the distance between your vehicle
and an obstacle. It also emits a warning tone
when you approach an obstacle.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when
you switch on the ignition, release the electric
parking brake or start the engine and shift the
automatic transmission to D,Ror N. Driving systems
249Controls
* optional
216_AKB; 2; 3, en-GB
bjanott,
Version: 2.11.7.7 2009-02-27T14:54:17+01:00 - Seite 249 Z
Dateiname: 6515230602_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 04. Mar 2009 11:16:02; WK
Running-in notes
............................... 290
Refuelling ........................................... 290
Engine compartment ........................292
Tyres and wheels .............................. 296
Winter driving ................................... 302
Driving tips ........................................ 304
Driving abroad ................................... 306
Service ............................................... 306
Care .................................................... 307 289Operation
216_AKB; 2; 3, en-GB
bjanott,
Version: 2.11.7.7 2009-02-27T14:54:17+01:00 - Seite 289
Dateiname: 6515230602_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 04. Mar 2009 11:16:25; WK
res, tears, bulges on tyres and deformation,
cracks or severe corrosion on wheels), at
least every 14 days, as well as after driving
off-road or on rough roads. Damaged
wheels can cause a loss of tyre pressure.
R Regularly check the tyre tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the whole
width of the tyre (Y page 298). If neces-
sary, turn the front wheels to full lock in
order to inspect the inner side of the tyre
surface.
R All wheels must have a valve cap to protect
the valve against dirt and moisture. Do not
fit anything onto the valve (such as tyre
pressure monitoring systems) other than
the standard valve cap or other valve caps
approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehi-
cle.
R Regularly check the pressure of all the tyres
including the spare tyre*, particularly prior
to long trips, and correct the pressure as
necessary (Y page 298).
Notes on driving R
While driving, pay attention to vibrations,
noises and unusual handling characteris-
tics, e.g. pulling to one side. This may indi-
cate that the wheels or tyres are damaged.
If you suspect that a tyre is defective,
reduce your speed and stop the vehicle as
soon as possible to check the wheels and
tyres for damage. Hidden tyre damage
could also be causing the unusual handling
characteristics. If you find no signs of dam-
age, have the wheels and tyres examined
at a specialist workshop, for example at a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
R When parking your vehicle, make sure that
the tyres do not get deformed by the kerb
or other obstacles. If it is necessary to drive
over kerbs, speed humps or similar eleva-
tions, try to do so slowly and at an obtuse angle. Otherwise, the tyres, particularly the
sidewalls, can get damaged. Direction of rotation
Tyres with a specified direction of rotation
have additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk
of aquaplaning. You will only gain these ben-
efits if the correct direction of rotation is
observed.
An arrow on the sidewall of the tyre indicates
its correct direction of rotation.
i You may fit a spare tyre* against the
direction of rotation. MOExtended run-flat system*
The MOExtended run-flat system allows you
to continue driving the vehicle even when one
or more tyres lose all air pressure.
The MOExtended run-flat system may only be
used in conjunction with the tyre pressure
loss warning system or with the tyre pressure
monitor* and on wheels specifically tested by
Mercedes-Benz.
i Vehicles with the MOExtended run-flat
system are not equipped with the TIREFIT
kit. 34
It is therefore recommended to additionally
equip your vehicle with the TIREFIT kit when
fitting tyres that do not feature run-flat
properties, e.g. winter tyres.
i A TIREFIT kit is available from any quali-
fied specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-
Benz Service Centre.
You will find notes on driving with a flat tyre
in the "Practical advice" section
(Y page 381).
34 Only for certain countries. Tyres and wheels
297Operation
* optional
216_AKB; 2; 3, en-GB
bjanott,
Version: 2.11.7.7 2009-02-27T14:54:17+01:00 - Seite 297 Z
Dateiname: 6515230602_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 04. Mar 2009 11:16:27; WK
Tyre tread
G
Risk of accident
Bear in mind that:
R tyre grip decreases rapidly on wet roads
when the tread depth is less than 3 mm.
Thus, you should replace tyres that have
insufficient tread.
R winter tyres should be replaced when the
tread depth is 4 mm or less as they will no
longer provide adequate grip.
R the tread on a tyre may not wear evenly.
Thus, you should regularly check the tread
depth and the condition of the tread across
the entire width of all tyres. If necessary,
turn the steering wheel so that you can see
the tyre tread more easily.
You could otherwise lose control of the vehi-
cle and cause an accident due to the reduced
grip of the tyres on the road. Tyre pressures
i You will find a table of tyre pressures for
various operating conditions on the inside
of your vehicle's fuel filler flap.
The applicable value for the spare
wheel*/"Minispare" emergency spare
wheel* is stated on the spare wheel and in
the technical data section. G
Risk of accident
Tyre pressure that is either too high or too low
has a negative effect on the vehicle’s driving
safety, which could lead you to cause an acci-
dent. Therefore, you should regularly check
the pressure of all the tyres, particularly prior
to long trips, and correct the pressure as nec-
essary.
To test tyre pressure, use a suitable pressure
gauge. The outer appearance of a tyre does
not permit any reliable conclusion about the
tyre pressure. On vehicles fitted with the elec-
tronic tyre pressure monitor*, the tyre pres- sure can be checked in the on-board com-
puter. G
Risk of accident
Do not fit anything else to the tyre valve other
than the standard valve cap. In particular, ret-
rofitted tyre pressure monitors which are
screwed on to the valve may overload it and
cause it to fail. Due to their design, the valve
is kept open continuously, which may lead to
air loss. G
Risk of accident
Should the tyre pressure drop repeatedly:
R check the tyre for foreign bodies.
R check whether the wheel is losing air or the
valve is leaking.
R make sure that only a valve cap approved
by Mercedes-Benz has been fitted on the
tyre valve.
Tyre pressures that are too low have a nega-
tive effect on vehicle safety, which could lead
to your causing an accident.
If possible, you should only correct tyre pres-
sures when the tyres are cold. Depending on
the ambient temperature, the speed you are
driving at and the load on the tyres, the tyre
temperature and thus the tyre pressure may
change by approximately 0.1 bar per 10 †.
Take this into account when checking the
pressure of warm tyres and only correct it if
it is too low for the current operating condi-
tions.
Driving with tyre pressure that is too high or
too low can:
R shorten the service life of the tyres
R increase the likelihood of tyre damage
R have a negative effect on handling charac-
teristics (e.g. by causing aquaplaning)
i The tyre pressure values given for low
loads are minimum values which offer you
good ride comfort characteristics.
However, you can also use the values given
for higher loads. These are permissible and 298
Tyres and wheelsOperation
* optional
216_AKB; 2; 3, en-GB
bjanott,
Version: 2.11.7.7 2009-02-27T14:54:17+01:00 - Seite 298
Dateiname: 6515230602_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 04. Mar 2009 11:16:27; WK