damping is adjusted individually for each
wheel. Driving safety and tire comfort are
increased.
The fine tuning of the damping is dependent
on:
Ryour driving style
Rroad surface conditions
Ryour personal settings (Comfort, Sport, or
Sport+)
When you start the engine, the Comfort
driving mode is selected automatically.
XStart the engine.
Sporty damping adjustment
The firmer suspension tuning in Sport driving
mode provides enhanced road contact.
Select this mode for example, on winding
highways.
XPress damping system switch :.
Indicator lamp ? comes on. The Sport
driving mode with a firmer suspension
tuning is selected.
The message AMG Suspension System
SPORT appears in the multifunction display.
Sport+ damping adjustment
The very firm chassis and suspension setup
in Sport+ driving mode provides best possible
road contact. Only select this setting for
driving on closed circuits.
XPress damping system switch : until
indicator lamps = and ? are on.
The Sport+ driving mode is selected.
The message AMG Suspension System
SPORT+ appears in the multifunction
display.
Comfort damping adjustment
Vehicle handling in Comfort driving mode is
softer. Select this mode when you prefer a
more comfortable driving style on straight
freeways.
XPress damping system switch : until
indicator lamps = and ? are off.
The Comfort driving mode is selected.
The message AMG Suspension System
COMFORT appears in the multifunction
display.
Storing and calling up settings
When you have selected the driving mode
(Comfort, Sport, or Sport+) and the program
mode (Y page 121), you can store, call up,
and display the settings using AMG
button ; when the engine is running.
Pressing AMG button ; when the ignition is
switched on, displays the current settings
only.
XStoring: Press and hold AMG button ;
until an acoustic signal sounds.
The current settings are stored and
appears in the multifunction display.
XCalling up and displaying: Press AMG
button ;.
The stored driving mode and program
mode are in effect and the settings appear
in the multifunction display.
XDisplaying: Tap AMG button ;.
The stored and/or currently active settings
appear in the multifunction display.
Parktronic system
The Parktronic system with Parking Guidance
is an electronic parking aid with ultrasonic
sensors designed to assist the driver during
parking maneuvers. The Parktronic system
Driving systems165Controls in detail212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 165Z
The brake fluid level is correct when it is
between lower mark (MIN) ; and upper
mark (MAX) : of the brake fluid reservoir.
Tires and wheels
Safety notes
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for information on tested and recommended
rims and tires for summer and winter
operation. They can also offer advice
concerning tire service and purchase.
GWarning!
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as shown
on the original part. For further information
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged. Also, the
operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct.
GWarning!
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can result
in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be
recognized on retreads. The operating safety
of the vehicle cannot be assured when such
tires are used.
GWarning!
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible
damage to your vehicle has occurred, you
should turn on the hazard warning flashers,
carefully slow down, and drive with caution to
an area which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
tire dealer for repairs.GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
could lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed
with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire.
Important guidelines
R Only use sets of tires and rims of the same
type and make.
R Tires must be of the correct size for the rim.
R Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate speeds.
R Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can cause tire
inflation pressure loss and damage to the
tire beads.
R If the vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
inflation pressure and correct as required.
R Do not allow your tires to wear down too
far. Adhesion properties on wet roads are
sharply reduced at tread depths of less
than 1
/ 8 in (3 mm).
R When replacing individual tires, you should
mount new tires on the front wheels first
(on vehicles with same-sized wheels all
around).
228Tires and wheelsOperation
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XConnect negative terminal ? of charged
battery B with negative terminal A with
a jumper cable. Clamp the cable to
negative terminal ? of charged battery
B first.XStart engine of the vehicle with the
discharged battery and run at idle speed.
You can now turn on the electrical
consumers. Do not switch on the
headlamps under any circumstances.XRemove the jumper cables from negative
terminals ? and A first.XRemove the jumper cables from positive
terminals ; and =.
You can now switch on the headlamps.XSlide cover : from positive terminal =
back.XHave the battery checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Towing the vehicle
Safety notes
GWarning!
The vehicle is braked when the HOLD function
or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Therefore,
deactivate the HOLD function or DISTRONIC
PLUS if the vehicle is to be towed.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that the vehicle
be transported with all wheels off the ground
using flatbed or appropriate wheel lift/dolly
equipment. This method is preferable to other
types of towing.
! To prevent damage during transport, do
not tie down vehicle by its chassis or
suspension parts.
If circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the vehicle
may be towed with all wheels on the ground
or front axle raised (except vehicles with
4MATIC) only so far as necessary to have the
vehicle moved to a safe location where the
recommended towing methods can be
employed.
! Before towing the vehicle observe the
following instructions:
R Do not tow-start the vehicle. You could
otherwise seriously damage the
automatic transmission which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
R Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment over
bumpy roads will damage radiator and
supports.
R Towing of the vehicle should only be
done using the properly installed towing
eye bolt. Never attach a tow cable, tow
rope or tow rod to the vehicle chassis,
frame or suspension parts.GWarning!
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
! Avoid pulling the vehicle abruptly or
diagonally, since it could result in damage
to the chassis alignment.
! Do not use the towing eye bolt for
recovery, as this could damage the vehicle.
If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
i If the battery is disconnected or
discharged
R the SmartKey will not turn in the starter
switch
R the automatic transmission will remain in
park position P
For more information see “Battery”
( Y page 336) or “Jump starting”
( Y page 338).
340Towing the vehiclePractical hints
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