XInsert mechanical key ; into the lock
cylinder.
XTurn mechanical key ; counterclockwise
to position 1 until the locking knob moves
up.
The driver’s door is unlocked.
XRemove mechanical key ;.XPress lock cylinder and pull on door handle
to open the driver’s door.
Unlocking the tailgate
GWarning!
The tailgate swings open to one side. Always
make sure there is sufficient clearance for the
tailgate.
Make sure the tailgate is closed when the
engine is running and while driving. Among
other dangers, deadly carbon monoxide (CO)
gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
XInsert mechanical key = into the lock
cylinder.
XTurn mechanical key = counterclockwise
to position 2.
XRemove mechanical key =.XPress lock cylinder and pull on door
handle : to open the tailgate.
Locking the vehicle
If you cannot lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey, lock it as follows:
XOpen the driver’s door.XClose the front passenger door, the rear
doors, and the tailgate.
XPress the central locking switch
(Y page 63).
The locking knobs of the front passenger
door, the rear doors, and the tailgate move
down.
XIf the vehicle battery is disconnected or
drained: Press down the locking knobs on
the front passenger door, the rear doors,
and the tailgate.
XExit the vehicle.XClose the driver’s door.XRemove mechanical key ; from the
SmartKey (Y page 228).
XInsert mechanical key ; into the lock
cylinder.
XTurn mechanical key ; clockwise to
position 1.
The vehicle is locked.
XTurn mechanical key ; back and remove
it from the lock cylinder.
XCheck if the tailgate is locked.XIf necessary, lock the tailgate with the
mechanical key (Y page 64).
iThis procedure does not arm the anti-
theft alarm system, nor does it lock the fuel
filler flap.
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Brush guard (USA only)
Example illustration G 55 AMG
GWarning!
The brush guard is designed solely to enhance
the appearance of the vehicle and help
protect grille and headlights from minor
mishaps, either on- or off road.
Since the safety characteristics are limited in
the event of an accident, brush guard are not
intended to prevent injury or damage in the
event of an accident. Also check state and
local regulations on installation and use.
Raise and lower brush guard in an open space
with plenty of room.
iOnly lower brush guard to clean
headlamps.
XLowering: While holding brush guard
firmly, open quick lock ; using locking and
unlocking handle :.
XGently lower brush guard until it reaches its
fully lowered position.
XRaising and securing: Flip up brush guard
until it contacts end stop joint ?.
Quick lock stop pin must engage the cross
slot recess in lock =.
XNow turn quick lock ; so that quick
lock ; makes contact with end stop
joint ?.
XLock quick lock ; on both sides of brush
guard using locking and unlocking
handle :.
! Make sure both quick stop pins are
seated fully in lock.
Replacing SmartKey batteries
If the batteries in the SmartKey are
discharged, the vehicle can no longer be
locked or unlocked. It is recommended to
have the batteries replaced at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
GWarning!
Batteries contain poisonous and corrosive
substances. Therefore, keep the batteries out
of reach of children.
If a battery is swallowed, seek medical help
immediately.
GWarning!
SmartKey batteries contain perchlorate
material, which may require special handling
and regard for the environment. Check with
your local government’s disposal guidelines.
California residents, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/
HazardousWaste/Perchlorate/
index.cfm.
Batteries contain materials that can harm the
environment if disposed of improperly.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred method
of disposal. Many states (USA only) or
provinces (Canada only) require sellers of
batteries to accept old batteries for recycling.
When inserting the batteries, make sure they
are clean and free of lint.
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When replacing batteries, always replace
both batteries.
iThe required replacement batteries are
available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Replacement batteries: Lithium, type
CR 2025 or equivalent.
XRemove the mechanical key from the
SmartKey (Y page 228).
XPress mechanical key ; into the SmartKey
opening until battery compartment
cover : opens. Do not keep the cover
shut.
XRemove the battery compartment cover.XPat the SmartKey against the palm of your
hand until battery = falls out.
XInsert the new battery with the positive
terminal (+) facing up. Use a lint-free cloth.
XInsert the tabs of the battery compartment
cover into the housing and press the cover
closed.
XCheck the operation of the SmartKey.
Replacing bulbs
Safety notes
Safe vehicle operation depends on proper
exterior lighting and signaling to a large
degree.
Correct headlamp adjustment is extremely
important. Have headlamps checked and
readjusted at regular intervals and when a
bulb has been replaced. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
headlamp adjustment.
GWarning!
Bulbs and bulb sockets can be very hot. Allow
the lamp to cool down before changing a bulb.
Keep bulbs out of reach of children.
Halogen lamps contain pressurized gas. A
bulb can explode if you
Rtouch or move it when hot
Rdrop the bulb
Rscratch the bulb
Wear eye and hand protection.
Because of high voltage in Xenon lamps, it is
dangerous to replace the bulb or repair the
lamp and its components. We recommend
that you have such work done by a qualified
technician.
iSince replacing bulbs is a technically
highly demanding process, we recommend
to have them replaced at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
iIf the headlamps or front fog lamps are
fogged up on the inside as a result of high
humidity, driving the vehicle a distance with
the lights on should clear up the fogging.
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iDo not overtighten securing screws :.
Otherwise tail lamp lens ; could be
damaged.
XG 55 AMG only: Reinstall rear lamp
guard : (Y page 237).
Rear fog lamp/Backup lamp
The following description applies to both, the
rear fog lamp and the backup lamp.
Example illustration: Rear fog lamp
XLoosen and remove securing screws :.XRemove lamp lens ;.XGently press onto bulb = and turn
counterclockwise out of its bulb socket.
XGently press the new bulb into the bulb
socket and turn clockwise until it engages.
XReinstall lamp lens ;.XInstall and tighten securing screws :.
iDo not overtighten securing screws :.
Otherwise lamp lens ; could be damaged.
License plate lampsXLoosen and remove securing screws :.XRemove license plate lamp lens ;.XReplace tubular bulb =.XReinstall license plate lamp lens ;.XInstall and tighten securing screws :.
iDo not overtighten securing screws :.
Otherwise license plate lamp lens ; could
be damaged.
Replacing wiper blades
Safety notes
GWarning!
For safety reasons, switch off the wipers and
remove the SmartKey from the starter switch
before replacing a wiper blade. Otherwise, the
wiper motor could suddenly turn on and cause
injury.
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GWarning!
Wiper blades are components that are subject
to wear and tear. Replace the wiper blades
twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall.
Otherwise the windows will not be wiped
properly. As a result, you may not be able to
observe surrounding traffic conditions and
could cause an accident.
! Never open the hood when a front wiper
arm is folded forward.
Hold on to the wiper when folding a wiper
arm back. If released, the force of the
impact from the tensioning spring could
crack the windshield or the rear window.
Do not allow a wiper arm to contact the
windshield glass or the rear window
without a wiper blade inserted.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have
this work carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
Removing wiper blades
! Do not pull on the wiper blade inserts.
They could tear.
XFold the wiper arm forward until it snaps
into place.
XTurn wiper blade ; at a right angle to wiper
arm =.
XPress safety tab : of attachment link ?
down and slide wiper blade ; from the end
of wiper arm =.
XRemove wiper blade ;.
Installing wiper blades
XGuide wiper blade : so that opening goes
through wiper arm ?.
XPress wiper blade : into wiper arm ?
until safety tab ; engages in attachment
link =.
XFold the wiper arm backward to rest on the
windshield.
! Make sure the wiper blades are installed
properly. Improperly installed wiper blades
may cause windshield damage.
Flat tire
Safety notes
When you replace the vehicle’s tires, you can
use the spare wheel as a regular road wheel.
However, the spare tire may not be older than
6 years. In addition, the rim and tire must be
of same size and model as the regular road
wheels.
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GWarning!
If the spare tire is more than 6 years old or is
not the same model as the regular tires, have
the spare tire replaced with a new tire at the
nearest Mercedes-Benz Center.
Never operate the vehicle with more than one
spare wheel mounted.
GWarning!
G 55 AMG:
Rim and tire size of spare wheel and regular
wheel differ. Handling will be adversely
affected when the spare wheel is used.
Do not exceed the maximum speed of 50
mph (80 km/h).
Preparing the vehicle
XWhenever possible, park the vehicle in a
safe distance from moving traffic on a hard,
flat surface.XTurn on the hazard warning flasher.XTurn the steering wheel so that the front
wheels are in a straight-ahead position.XEngage the parking brake.XShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.XTurn off the engine.XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.XHave any passenger exit the vehicle at a
safe distance from the roadway. Open
doors only when conditions are safe to do
so.
Mounting the spare wheel
Introduction
XPrepare the vehicle as described
( Y page 240).GWarning!
You must remove the spare wheel from the
spare wheel carrier before lifting the vehicle.
Otherwise the vehicle could fall off the jack
and injure you or others.
XRemove the spare wheel from the spare
wheel carrier.XTake the vehicle tool kit out of the vehicle.XTake the jack out of the vehicle.
For information on where to find the
respective items, see “Where will I find ...?”
( Y page 200) and ( Y page 201).
i Vehicles without spare wheel are not
factory-equipped with the tools required for
a wheel change such as a jack or a wheel
wrench. Some tools required for a wheel
change are specific to your vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center to obtain the tools approved for
your vehicle. This section describes the
wheel change using the tools approved and
recommended for your vehicle.
Lifting the vehicle
GWarning!
When jacking up the vehicle, only use the jack
which has been specifically approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle.
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up
the vehicle under the axle housing. Make sure
the jack is positioned correctly under the axle
housing. The jack must always be vertical
when in use, especially on inclines or
declines.
The jack is intended only for lifting the vehicle
briefly for wheel changes. It is not suited for
performing maintenance work under the
vehicle. To help avoid personal injury, use the
jack only to lift the vehicle during a wheel
change.
Never get beneath the vehicle while it is
supported by the jack. Keep hands and feet
away from the area under the lifted vehicle.
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Do not rub the battery with rags or cloths. The
battery could explode if touched due to
electrostatic charge or due to spark
formation.
! As any other battery, the battery may
discharge if you do not operate the vehicle
for an extended period of time. Have the
battery disconnected at a qualified
workshop or an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center in such a case. You may also
connect an accessory battery charge unit
expressly approved by Mercedes-Benz for
your vehicle model to maintain the battery
charge. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for further information.
The battery, the battery ventilation hose
and the lateral plug must always be
securely installed when the vehicle is in
operation.
! Never loosen or detach battery terminal
clamps while the engine is running or the
SmartKey is in the starter switch.
Otherwise the alternator and other
electronic components could be severely
damaged.
Have the battery checked regularly at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Refer to Maintenance Booklet for
maintenance intervals or contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
further information.
Charging the battery
GWarning!
Never charge a battery while still installed in
the vehicle unless the accessory battery
charge unit approved by Mercedes-Benz is
being used. Gases may escape during
charging and could cause an explosion that
may result in personal injury, paint damage or
corrosion.
An accessory battery charge unit specially
adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz is
available. It permits the charging of the
battery in its installed position. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
information and availability.
Charge battery in accordance with the
separate instructions for the accessory
battery charger.
Have the battery charged at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. If you charge the
battery yourself, follow the operating
instructions for your charging device.
Only use a battery charge unit with a
maximum charging voltage of 14.8 V.XCharge battery in accordance with the
instructions of the battery charger
manufacturer.
Jump starting
GWarning!
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and
can lead to a battery explosion and severe
injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting or
jump starting. You might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery can
result in it exploding, causing personal injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
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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 towing eye. Never attach
a tow cable, tow rope or tow rod to the
vehicle chassis, frame or suspension
parts.
! When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, the gear selector lever must
be in neutral position N and the SmartKey
must be in starter switch position 2.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, the vehicle may be towed only
for distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at
a speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
If the vehicle is towed with one axle raised
(observe instructions regarding flexible
drive shaft and propeller shafts), the engine
must be shut off and the SmartKey must be
in starter switch position 1. Otherwise, the
4-ETS may become engaged which may
cause loss of towing control.GWarning!
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow with
a tow bar if:
R the engine will not run
R there is a malfunction in the brake system
R there is a malfunction in the power supply
or in the vehicle’s electrical system
This is necessary to adequately control the
towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make sure the SmartKey is in
starter switch position 2.
If the SmartKey is left in the starter switch
position 0 for an extended period of time, it
can no longer be turned in the switch. In this
case, the steering is locked. To unlock,
remove SmartKey from starter switch and
reinsert.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 243) or “Jump starting”
( Y page 244).
For information on manually unlocking the
gear selector lever, see ( Y page 230).
i When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, note the following:
With the automatic central locking
activated and the SmartKey in starter
switch position 2, the vehicle doors lock if
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