Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD),
seat belt force limiter
The seat belts for the front seats and rear
outer seats are equipped with ETDs and seat
belt force limiters.
The ETDs are designed to activate in the
following cases:
R in frontal or rear-end impacts exceeding
the system’s preset deployment threshold
R if the restraint systems are operational and
functioning correctly, see “SRS indicator
lamp” ( Y page 32)
The ETDs for the front seats will only activate
if the front seat belts are fastened (latch plate
properly inserted into buckle).
The ETDs for the rear outer seats will activate
with or without the respective seat belts
fastened.
In an impact, the ETDs remove slack from the
seat belts in such a way that the seat belts fit
more snugly against the body. Seat belt force
limiters, when activated, are employed to
help reduce the peak force exerted by the
seat belts on occupants during a crash.
i The ETDs do not correct an incorrect seat
position or incorrectly worn seat belts.
The ETDs do not pull occupants back
toward the seat backrest.
GWarning!
Pyrotechnic ETDs that were activated must be
replaced.
For your safety, when disposing of the
pyrotechnic ETDs always follow our safety
instructions. These are available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Correct driver seat adjustmentGWarning!
In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle
control the following must be done before the
vehicle is put into motion:
R seat adjustment
R head restraint adjustment
R steering wheel adjustment
R rear view mirror adjustment
R fastening of seat belts
Steering wheel
GObserve Safety notes, see page 70.XPosition the steering wheel properly
( Y page 71).
Make sure:
R You can reach the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent at the elbows.
R You can move your legs freely.
R All displays (including malfunction and
indicator lamps) on the instrument cluster
are clearly visible.
Seat belt
GObserve Safety notes, see page 39.XFasten and position your seat belt correctly
( Y page 41).
Make sure:
R The seat belt is always fitted snugly.
R Adjust the seat belt so that the shoulder
section is located as close as possible to
the middle of the shoulder.
R Place the lap portion of the seat belt as low
as possible on your hips.
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When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
Activating
XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
Deactivating
XSwitch on the ignition.
iStarting the engine will also deactivate
the immobilizer.
In the event that the engine cannot be
started (yet the vehicle’s battery is
charged), the system is not operational.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the
USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
Anti-theft alarm system
Once the alarm system has been armed, a
visual and audible alarm is triggered when
someone opens
Ra door
Rthe tailgate
Rthe hood
The alarm will stay on even if the activating
element, a door, for example, is closed
immediately.
The alarm system will also be triggered when
Rthe vehicle is opened with the mechanical
key
Ra door is opened from the inside
Rthe tailgate is opened from the inside
To cancel the alarm after it has been
triggered, see “Canceling the alarm”
(Y page 57).
XArming: Lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey.
The turn signal lamps flash three times to
indicate that the vehicle is locked. Indicator
lamp : flashes to indicate that the alarm
system is armed.
iIf the turn signal lamps do not flash three
times, a door or the tailgate may not be
properly closed.
Close the respective element.
XDisarming: Unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey.
The turn signal lamps flash once to indicate
that the alarm system is disarmed.
iUnless you open a door or the tailgate
within approximately 40 seconds after
unlocking the vehicle:
RThe vehicle will be locked again.
RThe anti-theft alarm system will be
rearmed.
Tow-away alarm
Once the tow-away alarm is armed, a visual
and audible alarm will be triggered when
someone attempts to raise the vehicle.
To cancel the alarm after it has been
triggered, see “Canceling the alarm”
(Y page 57).
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XArming: Lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey.
The tow-away alarm is armed after about
30 seconds automatically.
XDisarming: Unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey.
The tow-away alarm remains disarmed until
you lock the vehicle again.
Disabling tow-away alarm
To prevent triggering the tow-away alarm,
disable the tow-away alarm feature before
towing the vehicle, or when parking on a
surface subject to movement, such as a ferry
or auto train.
XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
XPress tow-away alarm switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on briefly.
XExit and lock the vehicle.
The tow-away alarm remains disabled until
you lock the vehicle again.
Canceling the alarm
To cancel the alarm, do one of the following:
XInsert the SmartKey into the starter switch.XPress button % or & on the
SmartKey.
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out when the vehicle is pushed or towed or is
on a test stand.
Locking and unlocking from the inside
GObserve Safety notes, see page 46.
You can lock or unlock the vehicle from the
inside using the central locking or unlocking
switch. This can be useful, for example, if you
want to lock the vehicle before starting to
drive.
The central locking or unlocking switch does
not lock or unlock the fuel filler flap.
XLocking: Press central locking switch ;.
When all doors and the tailgate are closed,
the vehicle locks.
XUnlocking: Press central unlocking
switch :.
You can open a locked front door from the
inside. Open door only when conditions are
safe to do so.
If the vehicle was previously locked with the
central locking switch
Rand the SmartKey is set to factory settings,
the complete vehicle is unlocked when a
front door is opened from the inside
Rand the SmartKey is set to selective
settings, only the front door opened from
the inside is unlocked
If the vehicle has been locked centrally with
the SmartKey, it will not unlock using the
central unlocking switch.
TailgateGWarning!
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.
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.
! The tailgate swings up and beyond the
rear bumper when opening. Therefore,
make sure there is sufficient clearance
above and behind the vehicle.
Opening the tailgate from the outside
XUnlock the vehicle (Y page 60).XPress lock cylinder : and pull on
handle ;.
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XAllow the engine and coolant to cool off.XCheck the coolant level and add coolant if
necessary (Y page 156).
In case of accident
If the vehicle is leaking fuel:
XDo not start the engine under any
circumstances.
XExit the vehicle at a safe distance from the
roadway.
XNotify local fire and/or police authorities.
If the extent of the damage cannot be
determined:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
If no damage on major assemblies, fuel
system, and engine mount can be
determined:
XStart the engine in the usual manner.
Parking
GWarning!
Do not park this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system. These materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
Vehicle movement can cause serious
personal injury or damage to the vehicle or
the vehicle drivetrain. Therefore, always do
the following before turning off the engine and
leaving the vehicle:
RKeep right foot on the brake pedal.
REngage the parking brake.
RShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
RSlowly release the brake pedal.
RWhen parked on an incline, always turn the
front wheels towards the road curb.
RTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 0 and remove the SmartKey from
the starter switch.
RTake the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle when leaving.
Parking brake
GWarning!
Engaging the parking brake while the vehicle
is in motion can cause the rear wheels to lock
up. You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident. In addition, the vehicle’s
brake lights do not light up when the parking
brake is engaged.
GWarning!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with
you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could
release the parking brake and/or shift the
automatic transmission out of park position
P, either of which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
XReleasing: Pull up slightly on parking brake
lever : and press release button ;.
XPush parking brake lever : down to its
original position.
When the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running, the brake warning lamp
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EffectBPark position
Shift the automatic transmission
into park position P only when the
vehicle is stopped. The park
position is not intended to serve as
a brake when the vehicle is parked.
Rather, the driver should always
engage the parking brake in
addition to shifting the automatic
transmission into park position P to
secure the vehicle.
The SmartKey can only be removed
from the starter switch with the
gear selector lever in park position
P . With the SmartKey removed from
the starter switch, the gear selector
lever is locked in park position P.
If the vehicle’s electrical system is
malfunctioning, the gear selector
lever could remain locked in park
position P. To unlock the gear
selector lever manually, see
“Manually unlocking the gear
selector lever” ( Y page 230).CReverse gear
Shift the automatic transmission
into reverse gear R only when the
vehicle is stopped.EffectANeutral position
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive axle. When the
brakes are released, the vehicle can
be moved freely (pushed or towed).
To avoid damage to the
transmission, never shift the
automatic transmission into neutral
position N while driving.
Exceptions:
R If the ESP ®
is deactivated or
malfunctioning, shift the
automatic transmission into
neutral position N if the vehicle is
in danger of skidding.
R Shift the automatic transmission
into neutral position N if you have
to shift the transfer case.
! Coasting the vehicle, or driving
for any other reason with the
automatic transmission in
neutral position N can result in
transmission damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.7Drive position
The automatic transmission shifts
automatically. All forward gears are
available.
Driving tips
Kickdown
Use the kickdown when you want maximum
acceleration.
XDepress the accelerator pedal past the
point of resistance.
Depending on the engine speed the
automatic transmission shifts into a lower
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Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! 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.
! 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 and/or the transfer case which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
iIn winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the 4MATIC is only
achieved with winter tires (Y page 179) or
snow chains as required.
Rear Parking Assist system
The Rear Parking Assist system is an
electronic parking aid with ultrasonic sensors
designed to assist the driver during parking
maneuvers. It indicates the relative distance
between the rear of the vehicle and an
obstacle visually and audibly.
The Rear Parking Assist system is activated
automatically when you switch on the ignition
and the automatic transmission is in reverse
gear R.
The Rear Parking Assist system monitors the
rear surroundings of your vehicle with four
sensors in the rear bumper.
To function properly, sensors : must be free
of dirt, ice, snow and slush. Clean
sensors : regularly, being careful not to
scratch or damage sensors :, see “Cleaning
the Rear Parking Assist system sensors”
(Y page 195).
GWarning!
The Rear Parking Assist is a supplemental
system. It is not intended to, nor does it
replace, the need for extreme care. The
responsibility during parking and other critical
maneuvers always remains with the driver.
GWarning!
Make sure no persons or animals are in or
near the area in which you are parking/
maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be
injured.
! Special attention must be paid to objects
with smooth surfaces or low silhouettes
(e.g. trailer couplings, painted posts,
elevated crossbars or road curbs). Such
objects may not be detected by the system
and can damage the vehicle.
During parking maneuvers, pay special
attention to objects located above or below
the height of the sensors (e.g. street curbs,
painted posts, or trailer hitches etc.). The
Rear Parking Assist system will not detect
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XSwitch on the ignition.XOpening, closing, raising and lowering
manually: Move and hold the sunroof
switch to the resistance point in direction
of arrow : to ?.
XRelease the sunroof switch when the
desired position is reached.
XExpress opening: To open the tilt/sliding
sunroof completely, move the sunroof
switch past the resistance point in
direction of arrow ? and release.
XStopping during express opening: Move
the sunroof switch in any direction.
Loading and storing
Loading instructions
GWarning!
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible using cargo tie-down rings and
fastening materials appropriate for the weight
and size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
Load distribution
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the weight
of the vehicle including:Rfuel
Rtools
Rspare wheel
Rinstalled accessories
Rpassengers
Rluggage/cargo
It must never exceed the load limit and the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for your
vehicle. The load limit and the GVWR are
specified on the placard located on the
driver’s door B-pillar (Y page 254).
In addition, the load must be distributed so
that the weight on each axle never exceeds
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the
front and rear axle. The GVWR and GAWR for
your vehicle are indicated on the certification
label located on the driver’s door B-pillar
(Y page 254).
For more information, see “Tire and Loading
Information” (Y page 166).
The handling characteristics of a fully loaded
vehicle depend greatly on the load
distribution. It is therefore recommended to
load the vehicle according to the illustration
shown. The heaviest items are to be placed
towards the front of the vehicle.
i The cargo compartment is the preferred
place to carry objects. The expanded cargo
volume (Y page 130) should only be used
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