
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 295
Temperature gauge ........................ 125
Warning lamp ................................. 311
Corner-illuminating lamps ................ 102
Replacing bulbs ............................. 319
Cruise control .................................... 146
Activating ....................................... 147
Canceling ....................................... 147
Changing the set speed .................148
Last stored speed ..........................148
Lever .............................................. 147
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 279
Resume function ............................ 148
Setting current speed ....................147
Cup holders ........................................ 203
Curb weight ....................................... 250
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 23
Customer Relations Department ....... 23
D
Damping system ............................... 163
Dashboard see Instrument cluster
Data recording ..................................... 23
Daytime running lamp mode .............. 98
Switching on or off ......................... 141
Deep water
see Standing water
Defroster
Front (Climate control system) ......189
Rear window .................................. 191
Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps ................................ 142
Interior lighting .............................. 143
Department of Transportation
see DOT
Diesel fuel
see Fuel
Difficulties
While driving .................................. 112
With starting .................................. 110
Dimensions (vehicle)
see Vehicle specification
Direction of rotation (tires) .............. 241
Displays
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 151
Maintenance service indicator .......258
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 272
Multifunction display .....................128
Symbol messages ..........................287
Text messages ............................... 274
Trip computer ................................ 129
Vehicle status message memory ...139
Vehicle system settings .................139
DISTRONIC PLUS ............................... 149
Cleaning system sensors ...............263
Displaying the distance graphic .....152
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 151
Distance warning lamp ..........151, 309
Driving ........................................... 154
Driving with .................................... 157
Lever .............................................. 153
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 280
Resume function ............................ 156
Sensor cover .................................. 263
Speed settings ............................... 155
Stopping ........................................ 155
Door control panel .............................. 34
Door handles ........................................ 34
Doors
Child safety locks ............................ 60
Locking/unlocking (KEYLESS-GO) ...77
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........76
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 293
Opening from inside ......................... 80
Remote door lock (Tele Aid) ........... 212
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......211
Unlocking (Mechanical key) ...........314
DOT (Department of
Transportation) .................................. 250
Drinking and driving ......................... 254
Drive-dynamic multicontour seat ...... 91
Driving
Abroad ........................................... 257
Hydroplaning ................................. 257
Instructions ........................... 109, 254
In winter ........................................ 253
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ESC (Electronic Stability Control) ...... 65
ETS/4-ETS ....................................... 65
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................... 288, 289, 290
Warning lamp ................................. 309
ETD (Emergency Tensioning
Device) ................................................. 52
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
ETS/4-ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ................................................ 65
Express operation
Panorama roof ............................... 195
Power windows .............................. 105
Tilt/sliding sunroof ........................192
Exterior lamp switch ........................... 97
Exterior rear view mirrors .................. 95
Parking position ............................... 95
Exterior view of vehicle ...................... 26
F
Fastening the seat belts ..................... 50
First aid kit ......................................... 268
Flat tire ............................................... 323
Lowering the vehicle ......................328
Mounting the spare wheel .............323
Preparing the vehicle .....................323
Spare wheel ........................... 323, 358
TIREFIT (tire repair kit) ...................329
Floormats ........................................... 217
Fluids
Automatic transmission fluid .........360
Brake fluid ..................................... 361
Capacities ...................................... 359
Engine coolant ............................... 361
Engine oil ....................................... 360
Power steering fluid .......................360
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ........................................... 361
Fog lamps ............................................. 99
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 300, 302
Four-wheel drive
see All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
Front air bags
see Air bags
Front axle oil ...................................... 360
Front lamps
see Headlamps
Front passenger front air bag ............ 40
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 276
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (Canada only) ..... 46, 313
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (USA only) .......... 43, 314
Fuel ..................................................... 220
Additives ........................................ 364
Capacity, fuel tank .........................361
Diesel fuel ...................................... 363
Drive sensibly–safe fuel .................254
Fuel consumption statistics ...........130
Fuel filler flap and cap ...................222
Fuel tank reserve warning lamp .....310
Premium unleaded gasoline ...........362
Refueling ........................................ 220
Requirements ................................ 363
Fuel filler flap ..................................... 222
Opening manually ..........................316
Fuel gauge ......................................... 126
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. ........ 359
Fuel system, bleeding (diesel
engine) ............................................... 333
Fuel tank
Capacity ........................................ 361
Fuel filler flap and cap ...................222
Refueling ........................................ 220
Fuses .................................................. 343
G
Garage door opener .................... 33, 212
Gasoline see Fuel
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) ... 250
Gear range ......................................... 120
Indicator ........................................ 120
Limiting .......................................... 122
Shifting into optimal ......................122
Gear selector lever ............................ 115
Cleaning ......................................... 265
Gearshift pattern ........................... 115
Shifting procedure .........................118
Transmission position indicator .....118
Transmission positions ..................118
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Rear ............................................... 104
Rear reading lamps ........................104
Interior rear view mirror ..................... 94
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ....... 95
Interior storage spaces
see Storage compartments
Intermittent wiping ........................... 104
Rain sensor .................................... 104
IR emitter
Replacing bulbs ............................. 319
ISOFIX (Child seat anchors –
LATCH-type) see Children in the vehicle
J
Jack ..................................................... 270
Jump starting ..................................... 338
K
Key, Mechanical
Loss of ............................................. 79
Replacing ......................................... 80
Unlocking/locking manually ..........314
Valet locking .................................... 85
Key, SmartKey
Battery check lamp ..........................79
Checking batteries ...........................79
Factory setting ........................... 77, 79
Global locking (KEYLESS-
GO) .................................................. 79
Global locking (SmartKey) ................ 77
Global unlocking (KEYLESS-
GO) .................................................. 79
Global unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 77
Important notes on KEYLESS-GO .....78
Locking/unlocking ........................... 76
Loss of ............................................. 79
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 293
Opening, trunk ................................. 82
Opening and closing the power
tilt/sliding sunroof or the
panorama roof ............................... 107
Opening and closing the windows . 107
Remote control ................................ 76
Replacing ......................................... 80
Replacing batteries ........................317
Restoring to factory setting .......77, 79
Selective setting ........................77, 79
Starter switch positions ...................85
KEYLESS-GO
Starter switch positions ...................86
Kickdown ........................................... 119
Kickdown (manual shift program) ... 124
Kilopascal (air pressure unit) ........... 250
Knee bag .............................................. 40
L
Labels
Certification ................................... 346
Emission control information .........347
Tire and Loading Information
placard ........................................... 237
Tire inflation pressure ....................230
Lamps, exterior
Exterior lamp switch ........................97
Front .............................................. 319
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 299
Switching on/off .............................. 97
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS .......................................... 29, 305
Adaptive Highbeam Assist .............100
Brakes ........................................... 305
Coolant .......................................... 311
Distance warning lamp ..........151, 309
Engine malfunction ........................310
ESC .......................................... 29, 309
ESC OFF ........................................ 308
Fog lamps ........................................ 99
Front passenger front air bag off
(Canada only) .......................... 46, 313
Front passenger front air bag off
(USA only) ................................ 43, 314
Fuel tank reserve ........................... 310
High-beam headlamps .............29, 100
Instrument cluster .........................304
Low-beam headlamps ................30, 98
Low tire pressure/TPMS
malfunction telltale ........................312
Seat belt telltale ................29, 52, 307
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SRS .......................................... 36, 308
Turn signals ..................................... 29
Lane Keeping Assist .......................... 177
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 283
Switching on or off ......................... 138
LATCH-type child seat anchors (ISOFIX)
see Children in the vehicle
License plate lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 301
Light alloy wheels, cleaning ............. 265
Lighter see Cigarette lighter
Lighting ................................................ 97
Daytime running lamp mode ............98
Exterior ............................................ 97
Interior ........................................... 103
Limp-home mode .............................. 124
Load index (tires) ...................... 246, 250
Loading see Vehicle loading
Locator lighting ................................. 142
Locking the vehicle
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 77
Manually ........................................ 315
SmartKey ......................................... 76
Loss of
Key .................................................. 79
Service and Warranty Information
booklet .......................................... 346
Low-beam headlamps ......................... 98
Exterior lamp switch ........................97
Indicator lamp .................................. 30
Replacing bulbs ............................. 319
Switching on .................................... 98
Lubricants .......................................... 359
Lumbar support ................................... 89
M
Maintenance ........................................ 21
Maintenance System
Service indicator display ................259
Service indicator message .............258
Service term exceeded ..................259
Manual headlamp mode (Low-
beam headlamps) ................................ 98
Manual shift program ....................... 122
Maximum engine speed see Vehicle specification
Maximum loaded vehicle weight ..... 250
Maximum load rating (tires) ............. 250
Maximum permissible tire
inflation pressure .............................. 251
Mechanical key see Key, Mechanical
Media interface ................................. 201
Memory function ................................. 96
Menus see Control system menus
Minispare wheel
see Spare wheel
Mirrors .................................................. 94
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ....... 95
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position ............................................ 95
Exterior rear view mirrors ................95
Interior rear view mirror ...................94
Memory function .............................. 96
Vanity mirror .................................. 205
MOExtended system ......................... 329
MOExtended tires ..................... 329, 353
MON (Motor Octane Number) .......... 363
Motor Octane Number see MON
Multifunction display ........................ 128
Symbol messages ..........................287
Text messages ............................... 274
Vehicle status messages ...............272
Multifunction display messages
ABS ....................................... 288, 289
Active headlamps .......................... 299
Advanced TPMS ............................. 285
Air bags ......................................... 276
Air filter .......................................... 299
AIRMATIC ...................................... 292
Alternator .............................. 284, 297
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................292
Automatic
transmission .......................... 283, 284
Backrests ....................................... 293
Battery ................................... 284, 297
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 281
Brake fluid ..................................... 28912Index212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 12

Exterior view
iThis Operator’s Manual describes all features, standard or optional, potentially available
for your vehicle at the time of purchase. Please be aware that your vehicle might not be
equipped with all features described in this manual.
FunctionPage:Trunk:Locking and unlocking76Opening and closing81Valet locking85;Rear window defroster191=Rear lamps318?Fuel filler flap220AExterior rear view mirrors95Parking position95BRoof:Power tilt/sliding sunroof192Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel194
CWindshield:Wiping with washer fluid105FunctionPageCleaning264DDoors:Locking and unlocking76,
314
EWipers104Wiper blades, replacing322Wiper blades, cleaning264FHood223GFront lamps318HHeadlamp cleaning system102IFront towing eye341JTires and wheels228Rims and tires353KRear towing eye34126Exterior viewAt a glance
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The rear door windows can no longer be
operated using the respective switch
located in the rear doors.
You can still operate the rear door windows
using the switches located on the door
control panel of the driver’s door.
XDeactivating: Press override switch :
again.
Indicator lamp ; goes out.
The rear door windows can be operated
again using the respective switch located
in the rear doors.
For more information on power windows, see
the “Controls in detail” section
(Y page 105).
Panic alarm
XActivating: Press and hold !
button : for at least 1 second.
An audible alarm and flashing exterior
lamps will operate.
XDeactivating: Press ! button : again.
or
XInsert the SmartKey into the starter switch.
or
XPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO must be
inside the vehicle.
iUSA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2. this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
iCanada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1.This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Driving safety systems
Introduction
This section contains information about the
following driving safety systems:
RABS (Antilock Brake System)
RAdaptive Brake
RBAS (Brake Assist System)
RBAS PLUS (Brake Assist System PLUS)
REBP (Electronic Brake Proportioning)
RESC (Electronic Stability Control)
RPRE-SAFE® Brake (Preventive Occupant
Safety System Brake)
Driving safety systems61Safety and security212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 61Z

Multifunction steering wheel
Safety notes
GWarning!
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
Adjusting the steering wheel while driving
could cause the driver to lose control of the
vehicle.
The electrical steering wheel adjustment
feature can be operated at any time.
Therefore, 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.
Make sure
Ryou can reach the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent at the elbows
Ryou can move your legs freely
Rall displays (including malfunction and
indicator lamps) on the instrument cluster
are clearly visible
Steering wheel adjustment
XAdjusting steering wheel up or down:
Move stalk in direction of arrows :.
XAdjusting steering wheel in or out: Move
stalk in direction of arrows ;.
iThe memory function (Y page 96) lets
you store the settings for the steering
wheel together with the settings for the
seat position and the exterior rear view
mirrors.
Easy-entry/exit feature
This feature allows the driver an easier entry
into and exit from the vehicle. When entering
and exiting the vehicle, the steering wheel is
in its uppermost position.
The easy-entry/exit feature can be activated
or deactivated in the Convenience submenu
of the control system (Y page 145).
GWarning!
You must make sure no one can become
trapped or injured by the moving steering
wheel when the easy-entry/exit feature is
activated.
To stop steering wheel movement, move
steering wheel adjustment stalk or press one
of the memory position buttons.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Children could open the driver’s door and
unintentionally activate the easy-entry/exit
feature, which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
With the easy-entry/exit feature activated,
the steering wheel will return to its last set
position when you close the driver’s door with
the ignition switched on. The steering wheel
will also return to its last set position when
you insert the SmartKey into the starter
switch or press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button once with the driver’s door closed.
iThe last set steering wheel position is
stored when the ignition is switched off or
the position is stored in memory
(Y page 97).
With the easy-entry/exit feature activated,
the steering wheel tilts upwards when you
remove the SmartKey from the starter switch.
The steering wheel also tilts upwards when
you open the driver’s door with the SmartKey
Multifunction steering wheel93Controls in detail212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 93Z

Exterior rear view mirrorsGWarning!
Exercise care when using the passenger-side
exterior rear view mirror. The mirror surface
is convex (outwardly curved surface for a
wider field of view). Objects in mirror are
closer than they appear. Check your interior
rear view mirror and glance over your
shoulder before changing lanes.
iYou can store the settings for the exterior
rear view mirror position with the memory
function (Y page 96).
XSwitch on the ignition.XPress button : for the driver’s side
exterior rear view mirror or button ; for
the passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror.
The indicator lamp in the respective button
comes on.
If you do not make adjustments to the
selected exterior rear view mirror within
15 seconds, the indicator lamp goes out.
You will then have to select the desired
exterior rear view mirror again before
adjustments can be made. Adjustments
can only be made with the indicator lamp
for the respective exterior rear view mirror
button illuminated.
XPress adjustment button = up, down, left
or right according to the desired setting.
! If an exterior rear view mirror was forcibly
hit from the front, manually snap it back
into place.
iAt low ambient temperatures, the exterior
rear view mirrors will be heated
automatically.
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors
The exterior rear view mirror on the driver’s
side and the interior rear view mirror will
respond automatically to glare when the
ignition is switched on and incoming light
from headlamps falls on the sensor in the
interior rear view mirror.
The rear view mirrors will not react if the
automatic transmission is set to reverse gear
R or the interior lighting is switched on.
GWarning!
The auto dimming function does not react if
incoming light is not aimed directly at sensors
in the interior rear view mirror.
The interior rear view mirror and the exterior
rear view mirror on the driver’s side do not
react, for example, if the rear window
sunshade is in raised position.
Light hitting the mirror(s) at certain angles
(incident light) could blind you. As a result,
you may not be able to observe traffic
conditions and could cause an accident.
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position
To assist during parking maneuvers, you can
set the passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror so that you can see the rear wheel and
the road curb.
Setting and storing the parking position
Mirrors95Controls in detail212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 95Z