! Vehicles with 4MATIC:
Only conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system or the transfer case which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC:
Because the ESC operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or
1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in
position 0 or 1) when the electronic parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer.
Active braking action through the ESC may
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Vehicles without 4MATIC:
Because the ESC operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or
1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in
position 0 or 1) when the electronic parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer or when the vehicle is being
towed with one axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESC may
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
If your brake system is only subjected to
moderate loads, you should occasionally test
the effectiveness of the brakes by applying
above-normal braking pressure at higher
speeds. This will also enhance the grip of the
brake pads.GWarning!
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Refer to the description of the Brake Assist
System (BAS) ( Y page 63) or BAS PLUS
( Y page 63).
High-performance brake system and
ceramic brake system
The high-performance brake system and
ceramic brake system is only available on
E 63 AMG.
GWarning!
New vehicle brake pads and disks, and
replacement brake pads and disks may take
several hundred miles of driving until they
provide optimum braking efficiency. Until that
time, you may need to use increased brake
pedal pressure while braking. Please be aware
of this and adjust your driving and braking
accordingly during this break-in period.
Excessive high-demand braking will cause
correspondingly high brake wear. Please be
attentive to the brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster and brake condition
messages in the multifunction display.
Especially for high performance driving, it is
important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
The high-performance brake system is
designed to operate under the extremely high
operating demands required to
accommodate the performance capabilities
of the vehicle.
The brakes may produce a squeaking-type
noise depending on the
R vehicle speed
R brake force applied
R ambient conditions, e.g. temperature and
humidity
As with any brake system, the wear of
individual brake system components such as
brake pads or disks strongly depends on your
driving style and the conditions under which
you operate the vehicle. Thus, a driving style
calling for high-demand braking will cause
your vehicle’s brakes to wear more quickly.
256Driving instructionsOperation
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Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or
damage due to negligent or incorrect care
cannot always be removed or repaired with
the vehicle-care products recommended
here. In such cases it is best to seek aid at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The following topics deal with the cleaning
and care of your vehicle and give important
“how-to” information as well as references to
Mercedes-Benz approved vehicle-care
products.
Power washer
! Follow the instructions provided by the
power washer manufacturer on
maintaining a distance between the vehicle
and the nozzle of the power washer.
Never use a round nozzle to power-wash
tires. The intense jet of water can result in
damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.
Always keep the jet of water moving across
the surface. Do not aim directly at electrical
parts, electrical connectors, seals, or other
rubber parts.
i Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
If a door handle is hit by a strong jet of
water, and a SmartKey is within
approximately 3 ft (1 m) of the vehicle, it
could be inadvertently locked or unlocked.
Tar stains
Quickly remove tar stains before they dry and
become more difficult to remove. A tar
remover is recommended.
Paintwork, painted body components
! Affixing stickers, magnets, adhesive tape
or similar materials to painted body
components may damage the paintwork.
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should
be applied when water drops on the paint
surface do not “bead up”. This should
normally be done every 3 to 5 months,
depending on the climate and washing
detergent used.
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner
should be applied if the paint surface shows
signs of embedded dirt (i.e. loss of gloss).
Do not apply any of these products or wax if
your vehicle is parked in the sun or if the hood
is still hot.XUse the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick for
quick and provisional repairs of minor paint
damage (i.e. chips from stones, vehicle
doors, etc.).
Engine cleaning
Prior to cleaning the engine compartment,
make sure to protect electrical components
and connectors from contact with water and
cleaning agents.
Corrosion protection, such as MB
Anticorrosion Wax should be applied to the
engine compartment after every engine
cleaning. Before applying, all control linkage
bushings and joints should be lubricated. The
poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be
protected from any wax.
Vehicle washing
In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces of
road salt as soon as possible.
When washing the vehicle underbody, do not
forget to clean the inner sides of the wheels.
i Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
If a door handle is hit by a strong jet of
water, and a SmartKey is within
approximately 3 ft (1 m) of the vehicle, it
could be inadvertently locked or unlocked.
Hand-wash
XDo not use hot water or wash your vehicle
in direct sunlight.XOnly use a soft, wet cloth or sponge to
clean the vehicle.Vehicle care261Operation212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 261Z
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.
! Do not clean the lens of the Night View
Assist Plus camera. If the camera lens is
dirty, please contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
XUse recessed handle : of camera cover to
swing camera cover downward.
XClean inside of windshield in front of
camera ; with a soft, non-scratching
cloth.
! If you use a windshield cleaning product,
make sure that none of the cleaning
product comes into contact with the lens
of the Night View Assist Plus camera.
XUse recessed handle : of camera cover to
swing camera cover up.
Cleaning the windows and the wiper
blades
! Never open the hood when the wiper arms
are folded forward.
GWarning!
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and
remove SmartKey from starter switch before
cleaning the windshield and/or the wiper
blades. Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Make
sure the vehicle’s on-board electronics have
status 0. Otherwise, the wiper motor could
suddenly turn on and cause injury.
! Do not pull on the wiper blade inserts.
They could tear.
XFold the wiper arms forward until they snap
into place.
XClean the windshield and the wiper blade
inserts with a clean cloth and mild
detergent solution.
XUse a soft, clean cloth and a mild window
cleaning solution on all outside and inside
glass surfaces.
An automotive glass cleaner is
recommended.
! Fold the windshield wiper arms back onto
the windshield before turning the SmartKey
in the starter switch or pressing the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
Hold on to the wiper when folding the wiper
arm back. If released, the force of the
impact from the tensioning spring could
crack the windshield.
! To clean the window interior, do not use
a dry cloth, abrasives, solvents or cleaners
containing solvents. Do not touch the
inside of the windows with hard objects
such as an ice scraper or ring. Doing so may
damage the windows.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsService
RequiredDo Not
Shift
Gears
Visit
DealerIn addition an acoustic warning sounds.
The automatic transmission cannot be shifted out of the
current transmission position because of a malfunction.
If the automatic transmission is in drive position D:XWithout shifting the automatic transmission out of drive
position D, drive to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If the automatic transmission is set to position neutral
position N, reverse gear R or park position P:
XDo not drive.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.Only
Shift to
'P' when
Vehicle
is
StationaryYou have attempted to shift the automatic transmission into
park position P although the vehicle was still in motion.XStop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.XShift the automatic transmission to park position P.Shift to
'P' or 'N'to Start
EngineYou have attempted to start the engine with the KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button while the automatic transmission was in
reverse gear R or drive position D.XShift the automatic transmission into park position P or
neutral position N. Make sure the brake pedal is depressed.Auxiliary
BatteryMalfunctio
nThe backup battery for the automatic transmission is no
longer charging.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Tires
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsCheck
Tire
PressureThen
Restart
Run Flat
IndicatorThere has been a warning message about a loss in the tire
inflation pressure and the tire pressure loss warning system
was not restarted yet.XMake sure the correct tire inflation pressure is set for each
tire.XThen restart the tire pressure loss warning system
( Y page 232).Run Flat
IndicatorInoperativ
eThe tire pressure loss warning system is malfunctioning.XHave the tire pressure loss warning system checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.284Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+Key Does
Not
Belong to
VehicleThe SmartKey in the starter switch does not belong to the
vehicle.XRemove the SmartKey from the starter switch.+Replace
Key
BatteryThe batteries in the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO are
discharged.XReplace the batteries ( Y page 317).+Key Not
Detected
(message
appears in
red)The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is not detected while the
engine is running because the SmartKey is not in the vehicle.XStop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.XEngage the parking brake.XSearch for the SmartKey.
The vehicle cannot be locked centrally nor can the engine
be started again after the engine is stopped.+Key Not
Detected
(message
appears in
red)The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is not detected while the
engine is running because there is strong radio-frequency
interference.XStop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.XEngage the parking brake.XRemove the KEYLESS-GO button from the starter switch
( Y page 86).XOperate the vehicle with the SmartKey in the starter switch.+Key Not
Detected
(message
appears in
white)The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is momentarily not detected.XChange the position of the SmartKey in the vehicle.XIf necessary, remove the KEYLESS-GO button from the
starter switch ( Y page 86).+Remove
'Start'
Button
and
Insert KeyThe KEYLESS-GO system is malfunctioning.XRemove the KEYLESS-GO button from the starter switch
( Y page 86).XOperate the vehicle with the SmartKey in the starter switch.¥Check
Washer
FluidThe washer fluid in the washer fluid reservoir has fallen below
the minimum level.XAdd washer fluid ( Y page 227).294Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsbAuto Lamp
Function
Inoperativ
eThe light sensor is malfunctioning. The headlamps come on
automatically.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
To switch off the headlamps (U.S. vehicles only):
XSwitch off the daytime running lamp mode in the control
system ( Y page 141).XSwitch off the headlamps using the exterior lamp switch
( Y page 97).bCheck
Left Low
Beam
or
Check
Right Low
BeamThe left or right low-beam lamp is malfunctioning.XHalogen headlamp: Replace the bulb as soon as possible
( Y page 318).XBi-Xenon headlamp: Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.bCheck
Rear Left
Fog LampThe rear fog lamp is malfunctioning. This message will only
appear if all LEDs have stopped working.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.bSwitch
Off LightsYou have removed the SmartKey from the starter switch,
opened the driver’s door and left the headlamps on or
removed the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO from the vehicle
and left the headlamps on.XTurn the exterior lamp switch to $ or c
( Y page 97).
or
XWith the fog lamps switched on: Push in the exterior
lamp switch to its stop.bCheck
Left Tail
and Brake
Lamps
or
Check
Right
Tail and
Brake
LampsThe left or right tail lamp/brake lamp is malfunctioning. This
message will only appear if all LEDs have stopped working.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.302Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsUSA only:
45
The front passenger
front air bag off
indicator lamp
illuminates and
remains illuminated
with the weight of a
typical adult or
someone larger than a
small individual on the
front passenger seat.The system is malfunctioning.XHave the system checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display and
follow corrective steps ( Y page 272).GWarning!
If the 45 indicator lamp illuminates
and remains illuminated with the weight of a
typical adult or someone larger than a small
individual on the front passenger seat, do not
have any passenger use the front passenger
seat until the system has been repaired.ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsUSA only:
45
The front passenger
front air bag off
indicator lamp does not
illuminate and/or does
not remain illuminated
with the weight of a
typical 12-month-old
child in a standard child
restraint or less on the
front passenger seat.The system is malfunctioning.XMake sure there is nothing between seat cushion and child seat
and check installation of the child seat.XMake sure no objects applying supplemental weight onto the
seat are present.XIf the front passenger front air bag off indicator lamp remains
out, have the system checked as soon as possible at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Do not transport a child on
the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display and
follow corrective steps ( Y page 272).GWarning!
If the 45 indicator lamp does not
illuminate or remains out with the weight of a
typical 12-month-old child in a standard child
restraint or less on the front passenger seat,
do not transport a child on the front
passenger seat until the system has been
repaired.
Unlocking/locking manually
Unlocking the vehicle
If you cannot unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO, unlock the
driver’s door and the trunk using the
mechanical key.
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The anti-theft alarm system will trigger when
you
Runlock the driver’s door or the trunk with
the mechanical key
and
Ropen the driver’s door or the trunk
To cancel the alarm, insert the SmartKey into
the starter switch.
Removing the mechanical key
XMove locking tab : in the direction of
arrow.
XSlide mechanical key ; out of the housing.
Unlocking the driver’s door
XInsert mechanical key ; into the driver’s
door lock.
XTurn mechanical key ; counterclockwise
to position 1.
XPull the door handle to open the driver’s
door.
XTurn mechanical key ; back and remove
it from the driver’s door lock.
Unlocking the trunk
A minimum height clearance of 5.78 ft
(1.76 m) is required to open the trunk lid.
XInsert mechanical key ; into the trunk lid
lock.
XTurn mechanical key ; counterclockwise
to position 1.
! When you open the trunk, the trunk lid
swings open upwards. Always make sure
there is sufficient overhead clearance.
XTurn mechanical key ; back and remove
it from the trunk lid lock.
Locking the vehicle
If you cannot lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO, lock it as
follows:
XOpen the driver’s door.XClose the front passenger door, the rear
doors, and the trunk.
XPress the central locking switch
(Y page 81).
The locking knobs of the front passenger
door and the rear doors move down.
XIf the vehicle battery is disconnected or
drained: Press down the locking knobs on
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