Resetting the maintenance service
indicator
In the event that the maintenance service on
your vehicle is not carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, you can have the
maintenance service indicator reset.
The automotive maintenance facility carrying
out the maintenance service will find the
information for resetting the maintenance
service indicator in the maintenance-relevant
literature for your vehicle.
Such literature is available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or directly from
Mercedes-Benz.
! If the maintenance service indicator was
reset inadvertently, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center correct it.
Only reset the maintenance service
indicator if the proper maintenance service
has been performed. Not following the
proper maintenance service as described
in the Maintenance Booklet will result in
engine damage and/or other vehicle
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Vehicle care
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Notes
Regular and proper care will help to maintain
the value of your vehicle.
GWarning!
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the
particular container. Always open your
vehicle’s doors or windows when cleaning the
inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not
designed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock away cleaning products and keep
them out of reach of children.
! When cleaning the vehicle, do not use
scouring agents. Never apply strong force
and only use a soft, wet cloth or sponge.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the
surface to be cleaned.
While in operation, even while parked, your
vehicle is subjected to varying external
influences which, if gone unchecked, can
attack the paintwork as well as the vehicle
underbody and cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by extreme
and varying climatic conditions, but also by:
R Air pollution
R Road salt
R Tar
R Gravel and stone chipping
To avoid paint damage, you should
immediately remove:
R Grease and oil
R Fuel
R Coolant
R Brake fluid
R Bird droppings
R Insects
R Tree resins etc.
Frequent washing reduces and/or eliminates
the aggressiveness and potency of the above
adverse influences.
More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions:
R near the ocean
R in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)
R during winter operation
You should check your vehicle from time to
time for stone chipping or other damage. Any192Vehicle careOperation
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsSRSRestraint
System
Malfunctio
n Service
RequiredThere is a malfunction in the Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS). The air bags or the Emergency Tensioning Devices
(ETDs) could deploy unexpectedly or fail to activate in an
accident.XDrive with added caution to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center and have the system checked
immediately.SRSRestraint
System
Service
RequiredThere is a malfunction in the Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS). The air bags or the Emergency Tensioning Devices
(ETDs) could deploy unexpectedly or fail to activate in an
accident.XDrive with added caution to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center and have the system checked
immediately.GWarning!
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not be
operational.
For your safety, we strongly recommend that you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the system checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be activated when needed
in an accident, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in injury.
Driving systems
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsAASService
RequiredOn inclines, the vehicle may start to roll down upon releasing
the accelerator pedal.XContinue driving with added caution.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
Cruise
Cont. And
SPEEDTRONI
CInoperativ
eThe cruise control is malfunctioning.XHave the cruise control checked at an authorized
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Safety systemsDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsGTele Aid
Inoperativ
eOne or more main functions of the Tele Aid system are
malfunctioning.XHave the Tele Aid system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Driving systems
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions©Transfer
Case
Service
RequiredThe transfer case is malfunctioning.XDo not switch the transfer case on.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.©TC Shift
Procedure
CanceledThe shift process in the transfer case was canceled because
of a malfunction.XRepeat the shift process ( Y page 93).©TC Shift
Conditions
Not
FulfilledYou have not met the shift conditions for a selection process
in the transfer case.XRepeat the shift process ( Y page 93).©TC In
NeutralNo gear has been selected in the transfer case, it is in
Neutral .XEngage transfer case to gear position HIGH or LOW
( Y page 93).GWarning!
If the transfer case is in Neutral, the park
position P of the automatic transmission will
not hold the vehicle. The parking brake must
be engaged to hold the vehicle in place.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display209Practical hints463_AKB; 3; 35, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T20:59:56+02:00 - Seite 209Z
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions#The battery has insufficient voltage.XTurn off unnecessary electrical consumers.XHave the battery and the alternator checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.#The battery was charged with a battery charger or jump
started.XHave the battery and the alternator checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.4Engine
Oil Level
Service
RequiredThe engine oil has dropped to a critical level.XCheck the engine oil level ( Y page 153) and add engine oil
as required ( Y page 155).XIf you must add engine oil frequently, have the engine
checked for possible leaks.You have added too much engine oil. There is a risk of
damaging the engine or the catalytic converter.XHave oil siphoned or drained off. Observe all legal
requirements with respect to its disposal.It may be that there is water in the engine oil.XHave the engine oil at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.The measuring system is malfunctioning.XHave the measuring system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.4At next
gas
station
add 1.0
qt engine
oil.
(USA only)
At next
gas
station
add 1.0
liter
engine
oil.
(Canada
only)The engine oil level is too low.XAdd engine oil ( Y page 155) and check the engine oil level
( Y page 153).XIf you must add engine oil frequently, have the engine
checked for possible leaks.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display213Practical hints463_AKB; 3; 35, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T20:59:56+02:00 - Seite 213Z
If the message At next gas station add
1 qt. (Canada: 1 liter) engine oil.
appears while the engine is running and at
operating temperature, the engine oil level
has dropped to approximately the minimum
level.
The message will be stored in the vehicle
status message memory after you have
cleared it from the multifunction display.
Visually check for oil leaks. If there are no
obvious oil leaks, drive to the nearest servicestation to refill your engine oil to the required
level.
For information on approved engine oils
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! Engine oil level warnings should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the symbol
displayed could result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions4Engine
Oil Level
Stop,
Turn
Engine OffThe engine oil level is too low. There is a danger of engine
damage.XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so.XTurn off the engine.XAdd engine oil ( Y page 155) and check the engine oil level
( Y page 153).8Reserve
FuelThe fuel level has dropped below the reserve mark.XRefuel at the next gas station.8Gas cap
is open.A loss of pressure has been detected in the fuel system. The
fuel cap may not be closed properly or the fuel system may
be leaking.XCheck the fuel cap ( Y page 151).XIf it is not closed properly: Close the fuel cap.XIf it is closed properly: Have the fuel system checked at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.´Clean
Fuel
FilterThere is water in the fuel filter.XHave the water drained at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.214Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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XDo not exceed the maximum speed of
50 mph (80 km/h).
Battery
Safety notes
A battery should always be sufficiently
charged in order to achieve its rated service
life. Refer to Maintenance Booklet for battery
maintenance intervals.
If you use your vehicle mostly for short-
distance trips, you will need to have the
battery charge checked more frequently.
When replacing a battery, always use a
battery approved by Mercedes-Benz.
If you do not intend to operate your vehicle
for an extended period of time, contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center about
steps you need to observe.
GWarning!
Observe all safety instructions and
precautions when handling automotive
batteries.
Risk of explosion.Fire, open flames and
smoking are prohibited
when handling batteries.
Avoid creating sparks.
Battery acid is caustic. Do
not allow it to come into
contact with skin, eyes or
clothing.
Wear suitable protective
clothing, especially gloves,
apron and faceguard.
Wear eye protection.
Rinse any acid spills
immediately with clear
water. Contact a physician
if necessary.
Keep children away.Follow the instructions in
this Operator’s Manual.
A battery contains materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly. A
large 12 V storage battery contains lead.
Recycling of the battery is the preferred
method of disposal. Many states (USA only)
or provinces (Canada only) require sellers of
batteries to accept the old battery for
recycling.
GWarning!
Failure to follow these instructions can result
in severe injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting.
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.
GWarning!
Do not place metal objects on the battery as
this could result in a short circuit.
Use leak-proof batteries only to avoid the risk
of acid burns in the event of an accident.
Take care that you do not become statically
charged, e.g. by wearing synthetic clothing or
rubbing against textiles. For this reason, you
also should not pull or push the battery over
carpets or other synthetic materials.
Never touch the battery first. First touch the
outside body of the vehicle in order to release
any possible electrostatic charges.
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Vehicle equipment ............................254
Parts service .....................................254
Warranty coverage ...........................254
Identification labels ..........................254
Vehicle specification G 550
(463.237) ...........................................256
Vehicle specification G 55 AMG
(463.271) ...........................................257
Rims and tires ...................................258
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. ......260
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Vehicle equipment
iThis Operator’s Manual describes all
features, standard or optional, potentially
available for your vehicle at the time of
purchase. Please be aware that your
vehicle might not be equipped with all
features described in this manual.
Parts service
All authorized Mercedes-Benz Centers
maintain a stock of Genuine Mercedes-Benz
Parts required for maintenance and repair
work. In addition, strategically located parts
distribution centers provide quick and
reliable parts service.
More than 300 000 different parts for
Mercedes-Benz models are available.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts are subjected
to stringent quality inspections. Each part has
been specifically developed, manufactured or
selected for and adapted to Mercedes-Benz
vehicles.
Therefore, Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts
should be installed.
! Do not use non-genuine Mercedes-Benz
parts and accessories not authorized by
Mercedes-Benz. Doing so could damage
the vehicle, which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Also, it
could compromise the vehicle’s durability
or safety.
Warranty coverage
Your vehicle is covered under the terms of the
warranties printed in the Service and
Warranty Information booklet.
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
exchange or repair any defective parts
originally installed in the vehicle in
accordance with the terms of the following
warranties:
RNew Vehicle Limited Warranty
REmission System Warranty
REmission Performance Warranty
RCalifornia, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island, and Vermont Emission
Control Systems Warranty
RState Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon
Laws)
Replacement parts and accessories are
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Parts and
Accessories warranties, copies of which are
available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information booklet
Should you lose your Service and Warranty
Information booklet, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center arrange for a
replacement. It will be mailed to you.
Identification labels
254Identification labelsTechnical data
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