Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this pur-
pose. In particular, work relevant to safety or
on safety-related systems must be carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop.
The wheels could work loose if they are not
tightened to a torque of 150 Nm.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use wheel bolts of the
correct size which have been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
The wear patterns on the front and rear tyres
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Interchange the wheels before a clear wear
pattern has formed on the tyres. Front tyres
typically wear more on the shoulders and the
rear tyres in the centre.
On vehicles that have the same size front and
rear wheels you can interchange the wheels
every 5,000 km to 10,000 km depending on
the degree of tyre wear. Do not reverse the
direction of tyre rotation.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is interchanged. Check the tyre pressure and,
if necessary, restart the tyre pressure loss
warning system or the tyre pressure moni-
tor*.
! On vehicles fitted with a tyre pressure
monitor*, electronic components are loca-
ted in the wheel.
Tyre-fitting tools should not be applied in
the area of the valve, as this could damage
the electronic components.
Always have the wheels interchanged/
changed at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
i Vehicles with a tyre pressure monitor*
If the positions of the wheels on the vehicle
are changed, the tyre pressure may be tem-
porarily displayed in the wrong position.
This is rectified after a few minutes of driv-
ing; the tyre pressures are then displayed
in the correct positions. Winter driving
Points to remember
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. at a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre, at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Changing a wheel"
section (Y page 184). Winter tyres
At temperatures below +7 ˚C always use all-
weather tyres or winter tyres and always use
winter tyres in winter road conditions. Only
winter tyres displaying the isnowflake
symbol in addition to the M+S marking pro-
vide optimum grip in wintry road conditions.
Only these tyres will allow the ABS and
ESP ®
driving systems to function optimally in
winter, as these tyres have been designed
specifically for driving in snow.
Use winter tyres of the same make and tread
on all wheels to maintain safe handling char-
acteristics. G
Risk of accident
Winter tyres with a tread depth of less than
4 mm must be replaced immediately. They are
no longer suitable for winter use and can no
longer provide sufficient grip. This could
cause you to lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Always observe the maximum permissible
speed specified for the winter tyres you have
fitted. If you fit winter tyres which have a
lower maximum permissible speed than that
of the vehicle, affix an appropriate warning
sign in the driver's field of vision. This can be
obtained at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. from a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Under these circumstances, you should also
restrict the maximum speed of the vehicle
using permanent Speedtronic 27
to the maxi-
27 Only available for certain countries. Winter driving
185Operation
* optional
X164_AKB; 2; 3, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-31T14:14:58+02:00 - Seite 185 Z
Dateiname: 6515431202_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 01. Apr 2009 00:17:48; WK
You will require considerably more effort to
steer and brake and you could therefore lose
control of the vehicle and cause an accident.
Brakes
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. G
Risk of accident
Make sure that other road users are not
endangered by your braking.
Downhill gradients On long and steep downhill gradients, espe-
cially if the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer,
you must select shift range 1,2or 3in good
time.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, Speedtronic or Distronic*.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
the speed. This relieves the load on the brake
system and prevents the brakes from over-
heating and wearing too quickly. If you need
additional braking, depress the brake pedal
repeatedly rather than continuously.
Heavy and light loads If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but
drive on for a short while. This allows the air-
flow to cool the brakes more quickly. 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. If the brakes have been used only moderately,
you should occasionally test their effective-
ness. To do this, brake more firmly from a
higher speed. This improves the grip of the
brakes.
Wet roads If driving in heavy rain for a prolonged period
of time without braking, there may be a
delayed reaction from the brakes when brak-
ing for the first time. You must brake harder.
You must therefore maintain a greater dis-
tance from the vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet surface, brake firmly
while paying attention to the traffic condi-
tions. This way the brake discs will become
warm, drying more quickly, which will protect
them against corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salted
roads
G
Risk of accident
The layer of salt on the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings may cause a delay in the
braking effect, resulting in a significantly lon-
ger braking distance, which could lead to an
accident.
To avoid this danger, you should:
R occasionally brake carefully, without put-
ting other road users at risk, when you are
driving on salted roads. This helps to
remove any salt that may have started to
build up on the brake discs and the brake
pads/linings.
R maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care.
R carefully apply the brakes at the end of a
trip and immediately after commencing a
new trip, so that salt residues are removed
from the brake disc. Driving tips
187Operation
* optional
X164_AKB; 2; 3, en-GB
wobuchh
,V ersion: 2.11.8.1
2009-03-31T14:14:58+02:00 - Seite 187 Z
Dateiname: 6515431202_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 01. Apr 2009 00:17:49; WK
i
The key remains inserted when you
remove the ball coupling. X
Pull handwheel ?away from the ball cou-
pling in the direction of the arrow and turn
it clockwise until it engages.
The white dot on the ball coupling is aligned
with the red area on the handwheel.
X Insert the ball coupling vertically up into
ball coupling recess =in the direction of
the arrow until it engages. X
Handwheel ?turns automatically, aligning
green area Aon handwheel ?with white
dot Bon the ball coupling.
X Turn key :to the stop in the direction of
the arrow (lock).
X Remove key :.
X Press protective cap ;onto the lock. G
Risk of accident
The ball coupling is only securely mounted
when the green area on the handwheel is
aligned with the white dot on the ball coupling and the key can be removed. If the ball cou-
pling is not securely mounted, it may come
loose.
The ball coupling must be locked and the key
must be removed when towing a trailer. This
is the only way to guarantee that the ball cou-
pling is secured and cannot come loose while
the vehicle is in motion. If the ball coupling
cannot be locked and the key cannot be
removed, remove the ball coupling and clean
it.
If the ball coupling can still not be fitted
(locked) after it has been cleaned, remove the
ball coupling. The trailer tow hitch must then
not be used to tow a trailer, as safe operation
is not guaranteed.
Have the entire trailer coupling checked at a
qualified specialist workshop. Mercedes-
Benz recommends that you use a Mercedes-
Benz Service Centre for this purpose. In par-
ticular, work relevant to safety or on safety-
related systems must be carried out at a quali-
fied specialist workshop. :
Socket Coupling up and uncoupling a trailer
Coupling up a trailer G
Risk of injury
Never lock, unlock, open or close a vehicle
door or tailgate when coupling up or decou-
pling a trailer. The vehicle level could change
and you could endanger yourself or others. Trailer towing*
195Operation
* optional
X164_AKB; 2; 3, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-31T14:14:58+02:00 - Seite 195 Z
Dateiname: 6515431202_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 01. Apr 2009 00:17:51; WK
Observe the legal requirements in all coun-
tries concerned.
The fire extinguisher is located underneath
the front of the driver's seat. X
Pull tab :upwards.
X Remove fire extinguisher ;. Vehicle tool kit, TIREFIT, jack and
"Minispare" emergency spare
wheel*
The vehicle tool kit, TIREFIT, jack and
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel are in the
stowage space under the luggage compart-
ment floor. G
Risk of injury
The jack is designed only to raise and hold the
vehicle for a short time while a wheel is being
changed.
You must use axle stands if you are carrying
out work on the vehicle.
Make sure that the jack is placed on a firm,
non-slip, level surface. Do not use wooden
blocks or similar objects as a jack underlay.
Otherwise, the jack will not be able to achieve
its load-bearing capacity due to the restricted
height.
Do not start the engine at any time while a
wheel is being changed. Do not lie under the vehicle when it is being
supported by the jack. If you do not raise the
vehicle as described, it could slip off the jack
(e.g. if the engine is started or if a door or the
tailgate is opened or closed) and you could be
seriously injured.
i When using the jack, you should also
observe the safety notes in the "Flat tyre"
section (Y page 262).
X Open the luggage compartment floor
(Y page 208).
Vehicles with a TIREFIT kit/exterior
spare wheel bracket* :
TIREFIT kit 28
*
; Electric air pump 28
= Centring pin
? Safety net
A folding wheel chock
B Ratchet ring spanner
C Wheel wrench
D Warning triangle
E Jack 29
F Fuse allocation chart
G Towing eye
28 Not on vehicles with an exterior spare wheel bracket.
29 Depending on the date of production of the vehicle, the appearance and stowage location of the jack as well
as the other tools may differ from the illustrations. Where will I find...?
209Practical advice
* optional
X164_AKB; 2; 3, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-31T14:14:58+02:00 - Seite 209 Z
Dateiname: 6515431202_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 01. Apr 2009 00:17:56; WK
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X
X Solutions Tyre pres‐
sure moni‐
tor currently
unavaila‐
ble No sensor signals can be received due to radio interference.
The tyre pressure monitor* is temporarily malfunctioning.
X
Drive on.
The tyre pressure monitor* restarts automatically as soon
as the problem has been solved. Tyre pres‐
sure Check
tyres
G
Risk of accident
The tyre pressure loss warning system has detected a signif-
icant loss in pressure.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or
braking manoeuvres. Pay attention to traffic conditions as
you do so.
X Check the tyres.
X Check the tyre pressure. If necessary, correct the tyre pres-
sure (Y page 180).
X If necessary, repair any defective tyres or change the wheel
(Y page 262).
X Restart the tyre pressure loss warning system once the tyre
pressure is correct (Y page 182).Check
tyres, then
restart
Run Flat
Indicator A tyre pressure loss warning system display message
appeared.
X
Correct the tyre pressure on all tyres ( Ypage 180).
X Restart the tyre pressure loss warning system
(Y page 182). Run Flat
Indicator inopera‐
tive The tyre pressure loss warning system is faulty.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Please
correct tyre pres‐
sures
Vehicles with tyre pressure monitor*:
There is insufficient pressure in one or more tyres or the tyre
pressures on individual wheels differ too much.
X
Check the tyre pressures at the next opportunity. If neces-
sary, correct the tyre pressure (Y page 180).Cruise
control
and SPEED‐
TRONIC inopera‐
tive Speedtronic and cruise control are faulty.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. DISTRONIC
and SPEED‐
TRONIC inopera‐
tive
Distronic* and Speedtronic are malfunctioning.
X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 218
Display
messagesPractical advice
* optional
X164_AKB; 2; 3, en-GB
wobuchh
,V ersion: 2.11.8.1
2009-03-31T14:14:58+02:00 - Seite 218
Dateiname: 6515431202_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 01. Apr 2009 00:17:59; WK
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X
X Solutions h Tyre pres‐
sure
Check
tyres
G
Risk of accident
The tyre pressure in one or more tyres has dropped signifi-
cantly. The affected wheel is highlighted in the tyre pressure
display of the tyre pressure monitor*.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or
braking manoeuvres. Pay attention to traffic conditions as
you do so.
X Check the tyres.
X If necessary, repair any defective tyres or change the wheel
(Y page 262).
X Check the tyre pressure. If necessary, correct the tyre pres-
sure (Y page 180).
The display message will disappear automatically after you
have been driving for a few minutes with the corrected tyre
pressure. h Please
correct
tyre pres‐
sure(s)
Vehicles with tyre pressure monitor*: the pressure is insuffi-
cient in at least one of the tyres or the pressure difference
between the individual tyres is too great.
X
Check the tyre pressures at the next opportunity. If neces-
sary, correct the tyre pressure (Y page 180).+ Change
key bat‐
teries
The KEYLESS GO* key batteries are discharged.
X
Change the batteries ( Ypage 253). + Key does
not
belong to
vehicle You have put the wrong key in the ignition lock.
X
Use the correct key. 230
Display
messagesPractical advice
* optional
X164_AKB; 2; 3, en-GB
wobuchh
,V ersion: 2.11.8.1
2009-03-31T14:14:58+02:00 - Seite 230
Dateiname: 6515431202_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 01. Apr 2009 00:18:00; WK
Rear window wiper blade
G
Risk of injury
The wiper arm could be set in motion and
injure you if the windscreen wipers are
switched on.
Remove the key from the ignition lock before
replacing the wiper blade.
Removing X
Remove the key from the ignition lock.
X Fold wiper arm :away from the rear win-
dow until it engages.
X Position wiper blade ;at a right angle to
wiper arm :.
X Hold wiper arm :and press wiper
blade ;in the direction of the arrow until
it releases.
X Remove wiper blade ;.
Fitting X
Place the new wiper blade ;onto wiper
arm :.
X Hold wiper arm :and press wiper
blade ;in the opposite direction to the
arrow until it engages.
X Make sure that wiper blade ;is seated
correctly. X
Position wiper blade ;parallel to wiper
arm :.
X Fold wiper arm :back onto the rear win-
dow. Flat tyre
Flat tyre equipment variants
Your vehicle may be equipped with:
R a TIREFIT kit (Y page 209)
R a "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel* (Y page 210)
R a spare wheel * (Ypage 210) Preparing the vehicle
X Make sure that highway level* is selec-
ted 35
(Ypage 129).
X Stop the vehicle as far away as possible
from traffic on solid, non-slippery and level
ground.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps.
X Firmly depress the parking brake.
X Move the DIRECT SELECT selector lever to
P.
X All occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as
they get out of the vehicle.
X Make sure that no one is near the danger
area whilst a wheel is being changed. Any-
one who is not directly assisting in the
wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier.
X Switch off the engine.
X Vehicles without KEYLESS GO*: remove
the key from the ignition lock.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS GO*: open the
driver's door.
The on-board electronics have status 0,
which is the same as the key having been
removed.
35 Not on steel-sprung vehicles. 262
Flat tyrePractical advice
* optional
X164_AKB; 2; 3, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-31T14:14:58+02:00 - Seite 262
Dateiname: 6515431202_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 01. Apr 2009 00:18:09; WK
X
Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package*
or Off-Road Pro engineering package*:
remove the Start/Stop button from the
ignition lock.
X Get out of the vehicle.
X Close the driver’s door.
X Place the warning triangle (Y page 208) at
a suitable distance. Observe legal require-
ments.
i Only operate the electric air pump using
the socket in the footwell of the second row
of seats (Y page 163), even if the ignition
is turned off.
An emergency cut-off ensures that the on-
board voltage does not drop too low. If the
on-board voltage is too low, power to the
sockets is automatically cut-off. This
ensures that there is sufficient power to
start the engine. Using the TIREFIT kit
You can use the TIREFIT kit to seal small
punctures, particularly those in the tyre tread.
You can use TIREFIT at outside temperatures
down to -20 †. G
Risk of accident
In the following cases your safety is especially
endangered, as tyre sealant is insufficient if:
R there are cuts or punctures in the tyre
greater than 4 mm.
R the wheel rim is damaged.
R you have driven at very low tyre pressures
or on a flat tyre.
Do not drive any further. Consult a qualified
specialist workshop which has the necessary
specialist knowledge and tools to carry out
the work required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this pur-
pose. In particular, work relevant to safety or
on safety-related systems must be carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop. X
Do not remove any foreign objects which
have penetrated the tyre, e.g. screws or
nails.
X Remove the TIREFIT kit, the accompanying
"max. 80 km/h" sticker and the electric air
pump from the stowage well underneath
the luggage compartment floor
(Y page 209). X
Affix part :of the sticker within the driv-
er's field of vision.
X Affix part ;of the sticker near the valve
on the wheel with the defective tyre. G
Risk of injury
TIREFIT must not come into contact with your
skin, eyes or clothing.
R If TIREFIT comes into contact with your
eyes or skin, immediately rinse thoroughly
with clean water.
R Change out of clothing which has come into
contact with TIREFIT immediately.
R If an allergic reaction occurs, consult a doc-
tor immediately.
Keep TIREFIT away from children.
R If TIREFIT is swallowed, immediately rinse
your mouth out thoroughly and drink plenty
of water.
R Do not induce vomiting. Consult a doctor
immediately.
R Do not inhale TIREFIT fumes. Flat tyre
263Practical advice
* optional
X164_AKB; 2; 3, en-GB
wobuchh,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-31T14:14:58+02:00 - Seite 263 Z
Dateiname: 6515431202_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 01. Apr 2009 00:18:09; WK