
Armrest, front
 
Storage compartment  .................... 349
Storage tray/telephone
compartment
 ................................. 349
Armrest, rear  
Storage compartment  ....................349
Ashtray  ............................................... 352
Aspect ratio (tires)  ............................ 393
Assistance menu  ............................... 212
Audio Aux  ........................................... 172
Audio menu ........................................ 207
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors  .....272
Automatic central locking  ................257
Automatic headlamp mode  ..............275
Automatic interior lighting control  ..279
Automatic shift program  ..................296
Automatic transmission ................... 291
Automatic shift program  ................296
Gear range indicator  ......................295
Gear ranges  ................................... 295
Gear selector lever  ........................291
Hill-start assist system .................. 315
Kickdown ....................................... 295
Kickdown (manual shift program) .. 299
Manual shift program ..................... 298
One-touch gearshifting  ..................297
Program mode indicator ................ 296
Program mode selector switch
(automatic shift program)  ..............296
Program mode selector switch
(manual shift program)  ..................298
Shifting procedure ......................... 293
Steering wheel gearshift control .... 297
Transmission position indicator ..... 294
Transmission positions .................. 294
AUX  
Audio  ............................................. 172
Media interface .............................. 183
Sockets .......................................... 173
Video  ............................................. 172
Axle oils  .............................................. 491 B
Backrest see Seats   
                                               
Backup lamps  
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 446
Bar (air pressure unit)  ....................... 393
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 57
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS)  .................................................... 57
Batteries, SmartKey  
Checking condition  ........................255
Replacing ....................................... 461
Battery, Vehicle  ................................. 469
Charging  ........................................ 471
Jump starting ................................. 471
Messages in the multifunction
display  ................................... 425, 444
Bead (tire) .......................................... 393
Beverage holders see Cup holders                                       
Blind Spot Assist ............................... 335
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 423
Switching on or off ......................... 213
Bluetooth ®
 interface ......................... 138
Brake Assist System see BAS                                                    
Brake Assist System PLUS
see BAS PLUS                                          
Brake fluid  
Checking level  ............................... 373
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 434
Brake lamps  
Cleaning lenses ............................. 406
Brake pads  
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 428
Brakes  ................................................ 398
High-performance brake system .... 400
Warning lamp ................................. 451
Break-in period  .................................. 366
Bulbs see Replacing bulbs                                  Index
5 216_AKB; 3; 90, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-15T11:47:50+02:00 - Seite 5 

Lighting
 .............................................. 274
Daytime running lamp mode  ..........276
Exterior  
.......................................... 275
Interior  ........................................... 279
Limp-home mode .............................. 299
Load index (tires)  ......................389, 394
Loading see Vehicle loading                                  
Locking the vehicle  
KEYLESS-GO  .................................. 253
Manually  ........................................ 461
SmartKey ....................................... 252
Loss of  
Key  ................................................ 256
Service and Warranty Information
booklet .......................................... 480
Low-beam headlamps ....................... 275
Exterior lamp switch ...................... 275
Switching on  .................................. 275
Lubricants .......................................... 490M
Maintenance  ........................................ 21
Maintenance Call, automatic (Tele
Aid)  ..................................................... 359
Maintenance System  Service indicator display  
................402
Service indicator message ............. 402
Service term exceeded  ..................402
Manual headlamp mode (Low-
beam headlamps)  .............................. 275
Manual shift program  .......................298
Maximum engine speed see Vehicle specification                         
Maximum loaded vehicle weight  .....394
Maximum load rating (tires)  .............394
Maximum permissible tire
inflation pressure .............................. 394
Mechanical key see Key, Mechanical                                
Media interface ................................. 183
Memory function ............................... 273
Menus see Control system menus                      
Minispare wheel
see Spare wheel                                        Mirrors
 ............................................... 271
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors .... 272
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position .......................................... 272
Exterior rear view mirrors 
..............271
Interior rear view mirror ................. 271
Memory function ........................... 273
Power folding exterior rear view
mirrors ........................................... 273
Vanity mirror .................................. 351
MON (Motor Octane Number)  ..........494
Motor Octane Number see MON                                                  
MP3 .................................................... 162
Multifunction display ........................ 203
Symbol messages .......................... 428
Text messages ............................... 416
Vehicle status messages ............... 414
Multifunction display messages  
ABC (Active Body Control) ............. 419
ABS ....................................... 429, 430
Active headlamps  .......................... 446
Advanced Parking Guidance  ..........423
Advanced TPMS ............................. 426
Air bags ......................................... 417
AIRMATIC ...................................... 437
Alternator .............................. 425, 444
Automatic
transmission .......................... 424, 425
Backrests ....................................... 439
Battery ................................... 425, 444
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 423
Brake fluid  ..................................... 434
Brake pads ..................................... 428
Coolant .......................................... 442
Corner-illuminating lamps .............. 449
Cruise control ................................ 420
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 421
Doors ............................................. 439
EBP  ................................................ 430
Engine oil ....................................... 444
ESC ............................... 429, 430, 435
Fog lamps  .............................. 446, 448
Front passenger front air bag  ........417
Gas cap .......................................... 445
High-beam lamps ........................... 447
Hood .............................................. 439
License plate lamps ....................... 44712
Index 216_AKB; 3; 90, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-15T11:47:50+02:00 - Seite 12 

P
Paintwork, cleaning  ..........................404
Paintwork code  ................................. 481
Panic alarm .......................................... 55
Parcel nets  ......................................... 348
Park Assist ......................................... 324
Cleaning system sensors  ...............406
Collision warning  ........................... 327
Messages in the multifunction
display
 ........................................... 422
Range  ............................................ 325
Switching on/off ........................... 327
System sensors  ............................. 406
Warning indicators ......................... 326
Parking ............................................... 288
Advanced Parking Guidance  ..........327
Park Assist  ..................................... 324
Parktronic system  ..........................321
Parking Guidance, Advanced ........... 327
Parking position  
Exterior rear view mirrors .............. 272
Transmission position .................... 294
Parktronic system  
Cleaning system sensors  ...............406
Malfunction .................................... 324
Minimum distance ......................... 322
Sensor range  ................................. 322
Switching on/off ........................... 323
System sensors  ............................. 322
Warning indicators ......................... 323
Parts service ...................................... 480
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp see Front passenger front air bag
off indicator lamp                                     
Passenger safety
see Occupant safety                                
Pedals ................................................. 397
Phone see Telephone                                          
Phone book  ........................................ 146
Plastic parts, cleaning ...................... 409
Power assistance  .............................. 398
Power closing assist for doors and
trunk lid  .............................................. 261
Power outlets  .................................... 353
Power seats see Seats                                                  Power tilt/sliding sunroof
 
Operation ....................................... 345
Synchronizing
 ................................ 347
Power washer  .................................... 404
Power windows  ................................. 282
Cleaning ......................................... 408
Operation ....................................... 282
Rear side window, override switch ... 55
Synchronizing ................................ 283
Practical hints ................................... 412
PRE-SAFE ®
 ............................................ 49
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 416
PRE-SAFE ®
 Brake  ................................. 62
Activating/deactivating ................. 213
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 416
Problems 
While driving .................................. 288
With vehicle ..................................... 23
With wipers  .................................... 281
Product information  ............................20
Production options weight  ...............394
Program mode selector switch  
Automatic shift program  ................296
Manual shift program ..................... 298
Proximity key
see Key, SmartKey                                   
PSI (air pressure unit) ....................... 394 R
RACETIMER  ........................................ 209
Radar sensors  
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 424
Switching on or off
 ......................... 216
Radio .................................................. 152
HD Radio™ .................................... 154
Satellite radio ................................ 157
Selecting stations .......................... 207
Radio transmitters  ............................401
Rain sensor see Intermittent wiping                            
Rear axle oil  ....................................... 491
Rear fog lamp see Fog lamps                                           14
Index 216_AKB; 3; 90, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-15T11:47:50+02:00 - Seite 14 

Treadwear indicators .............
386, 395
Vehicle maximum load on  .............. 395
Wear pattern 
.................................. 388
Winter tires  ............................ 395, 486
Tire speed rating  .......................390, 395
Top tether see Children in the vehicle                       
Total load limit ................................... 395
Towing  
Towing eye bolt .............................. 474
Vehicle  ........................................... 473
Towing eye bolt  ................................. 474
Traction ...................................... 387, 395
Traffic messages ............................... 125
Transfer case ..................................... 299
Transmission see Automatic transmission                    
Transmission fluid level  .................... 371
Transmission gear selector lever see Gear selector lever                            
Transmission positions  ....................294
Traveling abroad  ............................... 401
Tread (tires)  ....................................... 395
Tread depth (tires)  ....................386, 395
Treadwear  .......................................... 387
Treadwear indicators (tires) .... 386, 395
Trip menu  ........................................... 204
Trunk  
Closing ........................................... 258
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 439
Opening ......................................... 258
Opening/closing system ............... 259
Opening-height restriction ............. 193
Trunk lid emergency release .......... 260
Unlocking manually  .......................461
Valet locking .................................. 261
Turning off the engine  ......................290
Turn signals ....................................... 277
Cleaning lenses ............................. 406
Indicator lamps ................................ 29
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 449 U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards  .................................. 387, 395
Units  Selecting speedometer display
mode ............................................. 215
Unleaded gasoline, premium ........... 493
Unlocking the vehicle  
KEYLESS-GO  .................................. 253
Manually
 ........................................ 460
SmartKey ....................................... 252
Upholstery, cleaning  .........................409
USB devices (media interface)  .........183
USB socket  ........................................... 72
Useful features .................................. 350 V
Valet locking  ...................................... 261
Vehicle  
Battery ........................................... 469
Care  ............................................... 403
Control system .............................. 201
Identification Number (VIN) ........... 480
Individual settings  ..........................214
Locking/unlocking  ........................ 252
Lowering (wheel change)
 ............... 469
Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety  .............................. 22
Towing  ........................................... 473
Unlocking/locking manually .......... 460
Vehicle dimensions
see Vehicle specification                         
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ................................................... 480
Vehicle jack see Jack                                                    
Vehicle level control
see AIRMATIC                                          
Vehicle lighting  .................................. 274
Vehicle loading  
Instructions .................................... 347
Load limit  ....................................... 382
Terminology  ................................... 393
Vehicle maximum load on the tire ... 395 18
Index 216_AKB; 3; 90, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-15T11:47:50+02:00 - Seite 18 

Calling up the parking position
X
Switch on the ignition.
X Press button =, to select the passenger-
side exterior rear view mirror.
X Shift the automatic transmission into
reverse gear  R.
The passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror moves to the stored parking
position.
The passenger-side exterior rear view mirror
returns to its previously stored driving
position
R when you switch off the ignition
R 10 seconds after you have put the gear
selector lever out of reverse gear  R
R immediately once your vehicle exceeds a
speed of approximately 6 mph (10 km/h)
R immediately when you press button  ? to
select the driver’s side exterior rear view
mirror
i If you adjust the exterior rear view mirrors
while they are in the parking position, the
new exterior rear view mirror position is
stored as a new parking position. Power folding exterior rear view 
mirrors
!  Before you drive the vehicle through an
automatic car wash, fold in the exterior rear
view mirrors. Otherwise they may get
damaged.
Folding in and out automatically  The function must be activated in the
COMAND system (Y page 192).
The exterior rear view mirrors fold in
automatically as soon as the vehicle is locked
from the outside.
The exterior rear view mirrors fold out
automatically as soon as the vehicle is
unlocked and the driver’s or passenger door
are subsequently opened. Folding in and out manually i
The mirrors do not fold out if they have
been folded in manually. Please make sure
both mirrors are folded out before driving
off.
The exterior rear view mirrors can vibrate if
they are not folded out completely. X
Folding in:  Briefly press button :.
Both exterior rear view mirrors fold in.
X Folding out:  Briefly press button :.
Both exterior rear view mirrors fold out.
!  If an exterior rear view mirror housing is
forcibly pushed forward (hit from the rear),
reposition it manually by applying firm
pressure until it snaps back into place.
If an exterior rear view mirror housing is
forcibly pushed rearward (hit from the
front), press button  : to fold mirrors in.
Then press button  : again to fold mirrors
out. Do not force mirrors by hand as this
may damage the adjustment mechanism.
The mirror housing is then properly
positioned and you can adjust the mirror in
the usual manner. Memory function
Notes
With the memory function you can store up
to three different configurations per front
seat. Memory function
273Controls in detail
216_AKB; 3; 90, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-15T11:47:50+02:00 - Seite 273 Z   

children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could
release the electronic parking brake and/or
shift the automatic transmission out of park
position P, either of which could result in an
accident and/or serious personal injury.
Releasing electronic parking brake 
manually
X
Switch on the ignition.
X Pull handle  :.
The red indicator lamp  F (USA only)
or ! (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster goes out.
 Releasing electronic parking brake 
automatically
The electronic parking brake releases
automatically when all of the following
conditions are fulfilled:
R The engine is running.
R The automatic transmission is in drive
position D or reverse gear  R. With the
automatic transmission in reverse gear R
the trunk lid must be closed.
R The hood is closed.
R You have fastened your seat belt.
R You depress on the accelerator pedal. i
If you have not fastened your seat belt,
the following conditions must be met in
order for the electronic parking brake to
release automatically:
R The driver’s door is closed and you shift
the automatic transmission out of park
position P.
or
R The driver’s door is closed and you drive
faster than 2 mph (3 km/h).
Engaging electronic parking brake 
manually
X Press handle  :.
The red indicator lamp  F (USA only)
or ! (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster comes on.
i You can engage the electronic parking
brake even when the SmartKey is removed
from the starter switch.
Engaging electronic parking brake 
automatically
The electronic parking brake engages
automatically when the HOLD function
(Y page 316) or DISTRONIC PLUS
(Y page 304) brings your vehicle to a
standstill. In addition, at least one of the
following conditions must be met:
R The engine is turned off.
R The driver’s door is opened and the seat
belt is not inserted in the seat belt buckle.
R The hood lock is released.
R The trunk lid is opened while the automatic
transmission is in reverse gear R.
R The vehicle is stationary for an extended
period of time.
The red indicator lamp  F (USA only)
or ! (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster comes on.
i In addition to engaging the electronic
parking brake, the automatic transmission
may shift into park position P
automatically. Driving and parking
289Controls in detail
216_AKB; 3; 90, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-15T11:47:50+02:00 - Seite 289 Z   

the vehicle through an automatic conveyor-
type car wash, observe the following
instructions.
G
Warning!
When leaving the SmartKey in the starter
switch, do not leave children unattended in
the  vehicle. 
It is possible for children to switch
on the ignition which could result in
unsupervised use of vehicle equipment.
Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment could
result in an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
With SmartKey:
X Make sure the ignition is switched on.
X With the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal and keep it pressed.
X Shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X If engaged release the electronic parking
brake manually.
X Switch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the starter switch.
With KEYLESS-GO:
X Make sure the ignition is switched on.
X With the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal and keep it pressed.
X Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Remove the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button from the starter switch.
X Insert the SmartKey into the starter switch.
X Switch on the ignition.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
pressed.
X Shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N.
X Release the brake pedal. X
If engaged release the electronic parking
brake manually.
X Switch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the starter switch.
Shifting into reverse gear R X
With the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal.
X Move the gear selector lever up past the
resistance point.
Shifting into drive position D X
With the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal.
X Move the gear selector lever down past the
resistance point. Shifting procedure
The  automatic 
transmission selects individual
gears automatically, depending on
R the selected gear range ( Y page 295)
R the selected program mode:
C/S (Y page 296)
or
M (AMG vehicles only) ( Y page 298)
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the vehicle speed
With drive position D selected, you can
influence transmission shifting by
R limiting the gear range
R extending the gear range
R changing the gears manually (AMG vehicles
only) Automatic transmission
293
Controls in detail
216_AKB; 3; 90, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-15T11:47:50+02:00 - Seite 293 Z 

Effect
=
With this selection you can use the
braking effect of the engine.
5
Allows the use of the engine’s
braking effect when driving
R
on steep downgrades
R in mountainous regions
R under extreme operating
conditions 4
For maximum use of the engine’s
braking effect on very steep or
lengthy downgrades.
Automatic shift program
The program mode selector switch is used to
adjust
R the shift program
R the suspension tuning of the AIRMATIC or
the ABC system
R the engine control Program mode selector switch
C Comfort For comfort driving
S Sport For sporty driving Program mode selector switch on AMG vehicles
C Comfort For standard driving
S Sport For sporty driving
M Manual For manual gearshifting
The current program mode appears in the
multifunction display.
:
Program mode indicator 
You should only change the program mode
when the automatic transmission is in park
position P.
The last selected automatic program mode
(C or  S) is active when the engine is restarted.
X Press the program mode selector switch
repeatedly until the letter of the desired
program mode appears in the multifunction
display. 296
Automatic transmissionControls in detail
216_AKB; 3; 90, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-15T11:47:50+02:00 - Seite 296