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
Index9212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 9
Brake pads ..................................... 287
Child seat ...................................... 279
Coolant .......................................... 295
Corner-illuminating lamps ..............303
Cruise control ................................ 279
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 280
Doors ............................................. 293
EBP ................................................ 289
Engine oil ....................................... 298
ESC ............................... 288, 289, 290
Fog lamps .............................. 300, 302
Front passenger front air bag ........276
Gas cap .......................................... 298
High-beam lamps ........................... 301
Hood .............................................. 293
Lane Keeping Assist ......................283
License plate lamps .......................301
Light sensor ................................... 302
Low-beam lamps ............................ 302
Parking brake ................................ 289
Parking lamps ................................ 301
Power steering ............................... 295
PRE-SAFE ®
.................................... 274
Radar sensors ................................ 282
Reserve fuel ................................... 298
Reverse lamp ................................. 300
Side marker lamps .........................300
SmartKey ....................................... 293
SRS ................................................ 290
Tele Aid .......................................... 290
Tire inflation pressure ............284, 304
Tire pressure monitor ....................285
Tires ...................................... 284, 304
Trunk ............................................. 293
Turn signals ................................... 303
Washer fluid ................................... 294
Multifunction steering wheel
Adjustment ...................................... 93
Buttons .......................................... 126
Cleaning ......................................... 265
Easy-entry/exit feature ...........93, 145
Gearshift control ............................ 122
Heating ............................................ 94
Memory function .............................. 96
Overview .......................................... 30N
Navigation system see Separate operating instructions
Navi menu .......................................... 134
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints ............................................. 54
Resetting ....................................... 316
Nets, parcel ....................................... 199
Night View Assist Plus ...................... 172
Cleaning the windshield in front of
the camera .................................... 263
Normal occupant weight .................. 251
Number, vehicle identification
(VIN) ................................................... 346
O
Occupant Classification System see OCS (Occupant Classification
System)
Occupant distribution ....................... 251
Occupant safety
Air bags ........................................... 37
BabySmart™ .................................... 46
Children and air bags .......................37
Children in the vehicle .....................56
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type
(ISOFIX) ........................................... 59
Fastening the seat belts ................... 50
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (Canada
only) ........................................ 46, 313
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (USA only) ........43, 314
Infant and child restraint systems .... 56
Introduction ..................................... 36
ISOFIX (Child seat anchors –
LATCH-type) ..................................... 59
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 43
PRE-SAFE ®
....................................... 53
Seat belts .................................. 39, 48
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ................................................ 43
Self-test ........................................... 46
Odometer ........................................... 129
Index13212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 13
Oil, oil levelsee Engine oil
On-board computer
see Control system
One-touch gearshifting ..................... 121
Operating safety .................................. 22
Ornamental moldings, cleaning ....... 262
Overhead control panel ...................... 33
P
Paintwork, cleaning .......................... 261
Paintwork code ................................. 347
Panic alarm .......................................... 61
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel ...................................... 195
Cleaning ......................................... 265
Operation ....................................... 195
Roller sunblinds ............................. 194
Synchronizing ................................ 196
Parcel nets ......................................... 199
Parking ............................................... 113
Parking Guidance ..................168, 170
Parktronic system ..........................165
Parking and standing lamp
Replacing bulbs ............................. 319
Parking brake .................................... 113
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 289
Parking Guidance .............................. 168
Canceling ....................................... 171
Detecting a parking space .............169
Parking .......................................... 170
Parking position
Exterior rear view mirrors ................95
Transmission position ....................118
Parktronic system
Cleaning system sensors ...............263
Malfunction .................................... 168
Minimum distance .........................167
Sensor range ................................. 166
Switching on/off ........................... 168
System sensors ............................. 166
Warning indicators ...................27, 167
Parts service ...................................... 346
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
(Canada only) see Front passenger front air bag
off indicator lamp (Canada only)
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
(USA only) see Front passenger front air bag
off indicator lamp (USA only)
Passenger safety
see Occupant safety
Pedals ................................................. 254
Pelvis air bags ..................................... 42
Phone see Telephone
Plastic parts, cleaning ...................... 265
Power assistance .............................. 254
Power outlets .................................... 207
Power seats see Seats
Power steering
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 295
Power tilt/sliding sunroof
Operation ....................................... 192
Synchronizing ................................ 194
Power washer .................................... 261
Power windows ................................. 105
Cleaning ......................................... 264
Operation ....................................... 105
Rear door window, override
switch .............................................. 60
Synchronizing ................................ 107
Practical hints ................................... 268
Preglow indicator lamp ..................... 110
PRE-SAFE ®
............................................ 53
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 274
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ................................. 69
Activating/deactivating .................137
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 274
Problems
While driving .................................. 112
With vehicle ..................................... 23
With wipers .................................... 105
Product information ............................ 20
Production options weight ............... 25114Index212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 14
Safety notes ..................................... 48
Telltale ............................... 29, 52, 307
Seat heating ......................................... 92
Seating capacity ................................ 238
Seats ..................................................... 87
Adjustment ...................................... 87
Drive-dynamic multicontour seat .....91
Easy-entry/exit feature ....................93
Heating ............................................ 92
Memory function .............................. 96
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 293
Split rear seat bench .....................199
Ventilation ....................................... 92
Securing cargo
Cargo tie-down rings ...................... 199
Selective setting
see Key, SmartKey
Selector lever
see Gear selector lever
Self-test
BabySmart™ .................................... 47
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 46
Tele Aid .......................................... 208
Service
see Maintenance
Service, parts .................................... 346
Service and warranty information ..... 20
Service intervals see Maintenance System, Service
indicator message
Service life (tires) .............................. 242
Service menu ..................................... 138
Settings
Factory setting (KEYLESS-GO) .........79
Factory setting (SmartKey) ..............77
Memory function .............................. 96
Menu ............................................. 139
Selective setting (KEYLESS-GO) .......79
Selective setting (SmartKey) ............77
Shelf below rear window, cleaning .. 266
Side impact air bags ........................... 41
Side marker lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 262
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 300Sidewall (tires) .................................. 251
SmartKey see Key, SmartKey
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
see Key, SmartKey
Snow chains ...................................... 252
Snow tires see Winter tires
Spare wheel ....................................... 353
Mounting ....................................... 323
Storage location ............................ 271
Speedometer ....................................... 28
Speed settings
Cruise control ................................ 147
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 155
Resume function ...................148, 156
SRS
Indicator lamp .................................. 29
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Indicator lamp ......................... 36, 308
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 290
Standing water, driving through ...... 257
Starter switch positions
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 86
SmartKey ......................................... 85
Starting difficulties (engine) ............ 110
Starting the engine ........................... 109
Steering column see Multifunction steering wheel,
Adjustment
Steering wheel
see Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel gearshift control ..... 122
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services ... 212
Storage compartments ..................... 201
Storing tires ....................................... 243
Sunroof see Power tilt/sliding sunroof
Sunshade
Rear window .................................. 205
Sun visors .................................. 204, 205
Suspension tuning see AIRMATIC 16Index212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 16
iIn winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of most of the driving
systems described in this section is only
achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
Safety notesGWarning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
ABSGObserve Safety notes, see page 62.GWarning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp ! in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal. The pulsation indicates that the
ABS is in the regulating mode.
XKeep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal while you feel the pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver
XKeep continuous full pressure on the brake
pedal.62Driving safety systemsSafety and security
212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 62
GWarning!
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety
systems such as the BAS or the ESC are also
switched off. Observe indicator and warning
lamps that may come on as well as messages
in the multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
BAS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the brakes
very quickly, the BAS provides full brake
boost automatically, thereby potentially
reducing the braking distance.
XApply continuous full braking pressure until
the emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes
function again as normal. The BAS is then
deactivated.
GWarning!
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
BAS PLUS
The Brake Assist System PLUS (BAS PLUS)
operates in emergency braking situations and
uses radar sensors to assess the traffic
situation. BAS PLUS assists you in braking at
speeds above approximately 20 mph
(30 km/h).
When traveling in Canada in a vehicle not
registered in Canada, you must switch off the
radar sensor system ( Y page 144). Canadian
law does not permit the use of the radar
sensor system for vehicles from outside of
Canada.
When you switch off the radar system, the
following functions are deactivated:
R BAS PLUS
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ( Y page 69)
R DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 149)GWarning!
BAS PLUS is a convenience system designed
to assist the driver during vehicle operation.
The responsibility for the vehicle speed and
the distance to the vehicle ahead, including
most importantly brake operation to assure
safe stopping distance, always remains with
the driver.
Always pay attention to traffic conditions
even while BAS PLUS is switched on.
Otherwise, you may not be able to recognize
dangerous situations until it is too late and
could cause an accident. Personal or fatal
injury to you or others may be the result.
i This device has been approved by the FCC
as a “Vehicular Radar System”. The radar
sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removal, tampering, or
altering of the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
BAS PLUS detects obstacles that are in your
driving path for a sufficient period of time to
permit the system to recognize these
obstacles. If you approach the detected
obstacle quickly, BAS PLUS calculates the
level of brake power boost appropriate for the
circumstance to supply when the driver
applies the brakes.
When you step quickly on the brake pedal in
an emergency braking situation, BAS PLUS
automatically regulates the brake power
Driving safety systems63Safety and security212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 63Z
ESCGObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is
operational as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESC recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual
wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESC works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESC is
especially useful while driving off and on wet
or slippery road surfaces. The ESC also
stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESC warning lamp ä in the instrument
cluster comes on when you switch on the
ignition. It goes out when the engine is
running.
GWarning!
Never switch off the ESC when you see the
ESC warning lamp ä flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESC cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! 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 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 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.
! The ESC will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
as specified in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
i The DISTRONIC PLUS and cruise control
switch off automatically when the ESC
engages.
Electronic Traction System
(ETS/4-ETS) GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The ETS (Electronic Traction System) and
4-ETS (four-wheel Electronic Traction
System, vehicles with 4MATIC only) are
components of the ESC. The ETS/4-ETS
improves the vehicle’s ability to utilize
available traction, especially under slippery
road conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel. Vehicles with 4MATIC also
transfer more power to the wheel(s) with
traction.
When you switch off the ESC, the
ETS/4-ETS is still enabled.
Driving safety systems65Safety and security212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 65Z
Vehicle equipment ..............................76
Locking and unlocking .......................76
Starter switch positions .....................85
Seats ....................................................87
Multifunction steering wheel .............93
Mirrors .................................................94
Memory function .................................96
Lighting ................................................97
Wipers ................................................104
Power windows .................................105
Driving and parking ..........................109
Automatic transmission ...................114
Transfer case ....................................124
Instrument cluster ............................125
Control system ..................................126
Driving systems ................................146
Climate control system ....................180
Rear window defroster .....................191
Power tilt/sliding sunroof ...............192
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel ......................................194
Loading and storing ..........................197
Useful features .................................203
75Controls in detail212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 75