
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) ............ 178
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) ................................................ 178
H
Hard plastic trim items, cleaning .... 196
Hazard warning flasher ....................... 78
Headlamp cleaning system ................ 78
Headlamps
Automatic headlamp mode ..............75
Bi-Xenon ........................................ 234
Cleaning lenses ............................. 194
Cleaning system .............................. 78
Daytime running lamp mode ............76
Delayed shut-off ............................ 110
High-beam flasher ............................ 77
High-beam headlamps .....................77
Low-beam headlamps ......................75
Replacing bulbs ............................. 233
Switch .............................................. 74
Headliner, cleaning and care of ....... 196
Head restraints .................................... 65
Adjustment ................................ 65, 67
Folding back .................................... 68
Rear seat head restraints ................. 68
Heated steering wheel ........................ 72
Height adjustment
Seat belt outlet ................................ 43
Seats ............................................... 65
High-beam flasher ............................... 77
High-beam headlamps ................ 77, 234
Hill-start assist system ..................... 117
Hood ................................................... 152
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 210
Horn ...................................................... 25
Hydroplaning ..................................... 184
I
Identification labels .......................... 254
Identification number, vehicle
(VIN) ................................................... 255
Ignition ........................................... 65, 86
Immobilizer .......................................... 55
Infant and child restraint systems see Children in the vehicle
Inflation pressure
see Tires, Inflation pressure
Inside door handle .............................. 62
Instrument cluster ........................ 26, 98
Illumination ...................................... 98
Lamps ............................................ 219
Multifunction display .....................101
Instrument lighting
see Instrument cluster, Illumination
Instrument panel
see Instrument cluster
Instruments and controls
see Cockpit
Interior lighting
Cargo compartment lamps ..............81
Delayed shut-off ............................ 111
Front ................................................ 79
Front reading lamps .........................79
Rear ................................................. 80
Rear reading lamps ..........................80
Interior rear view mirror ..................... 72
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ....... 73
Interior storage spaces
see Storage compartments
Intermittent wiping ............................. 82
Rain sensor ...................................... 82
ISOFIX (Child seat anchors –
LATCH-type) see Children in the vehicle
J
Jack ..................................................... 201
Jump starting ..................................... 244
K
Key, Mechanical
Loss of ............................................. 61
Replacing ......................................... 62
Unlocking/locking manually ..........228
Key, SmartKey
Battery check lamp ..........................61
Checking batteries ...........................61
Factory setting ................................. 61
Global locking (SmartKey) ................ 61
Global unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 61
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Vehicle equipment
i This 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.
Occupant safety
Introduction
In this section you will learn the most
important facts about the restraint system
components of the vehicle.
The restraint systems are:
R Seat belts
R Child restraints
R
Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren
(LATCH) also known as ISOFIX
Additional protection potential is provided by:
R
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with
- Air bags
- Air bag control unit (with crash sensors)
-
Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD) for
front and rear outer seat belts
- Seat belt force limiter
R Air bag system components with
- Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp
- Front passenger seat with BabySmart™
air bag deactivation system
Although the systems are independent, their
protective functions work in conjunction with
each other.
GWarning!
Modifications to or work improperly
conducted on restraint system components
or their wiring, as well as tampering with
interconnected electronic systems, can lead
to the restraint systems no longer functioning
as intended.
Air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices
(ETDs), for example, could deploy
inadvertently or fail to deploy in accidents
although the deceleration threshold for air
bag deployment is exceeded. Therefore,
never modify the restraint systems. Do not
tamper with electronic components or their
software.
i See “Children in the vehicle”
( Y page 46) for information on
R infants and children traveling with you in
the vehicle
R restraint systems for infants and children
SRS indicator lamp
The SRS system conducts a self-test when
the ignition is switched on and in regular
intervals while the engine is running. This
facilitates detection of system malfunctions.
The SRS indicator lamp + in the
instrument cluster comes on when the
ignition is switched on. It goes out no later
than a few seconds after the engine has been
started.
The SRS components are in operational
readiness when the SRS indicator lamp
+ is not lit while the engine is running.
GWarning!
The SRS self-check has detected a
malfunction when the SRS indicator lamp
+
R does not come on at all
R fails to go out after approximately
4 seconds after the engine was started
R comes on after the engine was started or
while driving
For your safety, we strongly recommend that
you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center immediately to have the system
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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.GWarning!
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety
systems such as the BAS or the ESP ®
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.
LOW-RANGE ABS
During off-road driving, a special low-range
system for the ABS is operational with the
transfer case in position LOW ( Y page 93).
An improved braking action (dig-in effect) is
obtained for vehicles speeds of up to 37 mph
(60 km/h) through a change in the ABS
control function.
BAS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 52.
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.
EBB
GObserve Safety notes, see page 52.
The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) enhances
braking effectiveness by allowing the rear
brakes to supply a greater proportion of the
braking effort in straight-line braking without
a loss of vehicle stability.
GWarning!
If the EBB malfunctions, the brake system is
still functioning. However, the rear wheels
may lock up during hard braking. You may to
lose control over the vehicle and possibly
cause an accident. Adjust your driving style to
the non-operating status of the EBB.
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ESP®GObserve Safety notes, see page 52.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®
) 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 ESP ®
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
ESP ®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The
ESP ®
is especially useful while driving off and
on wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP ®
also stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster flashes when the ESP ®
is
engaged.
GWarning!
Never switch off the ESP ®
when you see the
ESP ®
warning lamp d 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 ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! 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.
! Because the ESP ®
operates
automatically, the engine and ignition must
be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1) when the parking brake is
being tested on a brake test dynamometer.
Such testing should be no longer than 10
seconds.
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! The ESP ®
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.
Electronic Traction System (4-ETS) GObserve Safety notes, see page 52.
The 4-ETS (four-wheel Electronic Traction
System) is a component of the ESP ®
. The
4-ETS improves the vehicle’s ability to utilize
available traction, especially under slippery
road conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel. In addition, more power is
transferred to the wheel(s) with traction.
The 4-ETS function is available between
vehicle speeds of 0 mph ( km/h) and 37 mph
(60 km/h).
When you switch off the ESP ®
, the 4-ETS is
still enabled.
Switching off the ESP ®
GWarning!
The ESP
®
should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
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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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Replacing the SmartKey
Only you, or someone authorized by you can
order a replacement key from any Mercedes-
Benz Center. In order to do so, the Mercedes-
Benz Center will require proof of identity and
vehicle ownership with original documents,
including the following:
If you are the current owner of the vehicle:
Rthe vehicle’s current state registration
Ra current identity card, passport, or drivers
license
If you are an authorized person:
Rthe vehicle’s current state registration
Ra current identity card, passport, or drivers
license for the authorized individual
Rsigned and dated authorization from the
owner of the vehicle for which the key is
being requested
iDuplicated or photocopied
documentation will not be accepted.
Activating the key
Once you, or an authorized person, has
provided the appropriate documents, the
Mercedes-Benz Center will need to
synchronize the key to your vehicle before it
can be used. In order to do so, the Mercedes-
Benz Center need access to your vehicle.
Opening the doors from the inside
You can open a door from the inside even
when it is locked unless it is secured with the
child safety lock (Y page 50).
Open door only when conditions are safe to
do so.
Example illustration driver’s door
If the vehicle has previously been locked with
the SmartKey, opening a door or the tailgate
from the inside will trigger the anti-theft alarm
system.
To cancel the alarm, see (Y page 57).
XFront doors: Pull on inside door
handle ; on the respective front door.
If the door was locked, locking knob : will
move up.
XRear doors: Pull up locking knob on the
respective rear door to unlock door.
XPull on the inside door handle on the
respective rear door.
Automatic central locking
You can switch the automatic central locking
on or off using the control system
(Y page 111).
The doors and the tailgate lock automatically
when the vehicle is set into motion.
You can open a locked front door from the
inside. Open door only when conditions are
safe to do so.
The doors and the tailgate are designed to
unlock automatically after an accident if the
force of the impact exceeds a preset
threshold.
The vehicle locks automatically when the
ignition is switched on and the wheels are
turning at a vehicle speed of above 9 mph
(15 km/h). You could therefore lock yourself
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Starter switch positions
SmartKey
GObserve Safety notes, see page 46.
Starter switch
gFor removing SmartKey (gear selector
lever must be in park position P)
1Power supply for some electrical
consumers, e.g. wipers
2Ignition (power supply for all electrical
consumers) and driving position
3Starting position
When you switch on the ignition, all lamps in
the instrument cluster come on. The low-
beam headlamp indicator lamp, high-beam
headlamp indicator lamp, and turn signal
indicator lamps will only come on if activated.
If a lamp in the instrument cluster fails to
come on when the ignition is switched on,
have it checked and replaced if necessary. If
a lamp in the instrument cluster remains on
after starting the engine or comes on while
driving, refer to “Lamps in instrument cluster”
(Y page 219).
If the SmartKey is left in starter switch
position 0 for an extended period of time, it
can no longer be turned in the starter switch.
In this case, the steering is locked. To unlock,
remove SmartKey from the starter switch and
reinsert.
The steering is locked when the SmartKey is
removed from the starter switch.
XAlways remove the SmartKey from the
starter switch when the engine is not in
operation.
This will help to prevent accelerated vehicle
battery discharge or a completely
discharged vehicle battery.
If the SmartKey cannot be turned in the
starter switch, the vehicle battery may not be
sufficiently charged.
XCheck the vehicle battery and charge it if
necessary (Y page 244).
or
XGet a jump start (Y page 244).
Seats
Safety notes
GWarning!
In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle
control the following must be done before the
vehicle is put into motion:
Rseat adjustment
Rhead restraint adjustment
Rsteering wheel adjustment
Rrear view mirror adjustment
Rfastening of seat belts
GWarning!
Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving.
Adjusting the seat while driving could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined position as
this can be dangerous. You could slide under
the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under
it, the seat belt would apply force at the
abdomen or neck. That could cause serious
or fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat
belts provide the best restraint when the
wearer is in a position that is as upright as
possible and seat belts are properly
positioned on the body.
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GWarning!
Your seat must be adjusted so that you can
correctly fasten your seat belt.
Observe the following points:
RAdjust the seat backrest until your arms are
slightly angled when holding the steering
wheel.
RAdjust the seat to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely. The
position should be as far back as possible
with the driver still able to operate the
controls properly.
RAdjust the head restraint so that it is as
close to the head as possible. The center of
the head restraint must support the back of
the head at eye level.
RNever place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being
adjusted.
Failure to do so could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
GWarning!
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained in the rear
seating positions than in the front seating
position. Thus, we strongly recommend that
children be placed in the rear seats whenever
possible. Regardless of seating position,
children 12 years old and under must be
seated and properly secured in an
appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler
restraint, or booster seat recommended for
the size and weight of the child. For additional
information, see “Children in the vehicle”.
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and/
or the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
GWarning!
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint so that it is as close
to the head as possible and the center of the
head restraint supports the back of the head
at eye level. This will reduce the potential for
injury to the head and neck in the event of an
accident or similar situation.
Do not drive the vehicle without the seat head
restraints. Head restraints are intended to
help reduce injuries during an accident.
Seat adjustment
! When moving the seats, make sure
Rthere are no items in the footwell or
behind the seat
Rthe cup holder next to the armrest is
removed
Rthe cup holder in the front passenger
footwell is folded closed
Otherwise, you could damage the seats.
Power seats
iThe memory function (Y page 73) lets
you store the settings for the seat position
together with the settings for the steering
wheel and the exterior rear view mirrors.
XSwitch on the ignition.
or
XOpen the respective door.66SeatsControls in detail
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