Ashtrays ............................................. 211
Aspect ratio (tires) ............................ 255
Audio/DVD menu .............................. 129
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ........ 94
Automatic central locking .......... 74, 138
Automatic headlamp mode ................ 98
Automatic interior lighting control .. 101
Automatic locking when driving ...... 138
Automatic transmission ................... 114
Emergency operation (limp-home
mode) ............................................ 119
Gear range indicator ......................118
Gear ranges ................................... 118
Gear selector lever ........................114
Hill-start assist system ..................155
Kickdown ....................................... 117
One-touch gearshifting ..................118
Shifting procedure .........................116
Steering wheel gearshift control ....118
Towing a trailer .............................. 118
Transmission position indicator .....116
Transmission positions ..................116
AUX socket ........................................ 207
Axle oils .............................................. 369
B
BabySmart™
Air bag deactivation system .............46
Self-test ........................................... 47
Backrest
see Seats
Backup lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 310
Bar (air pressure unit) ....................... 255
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 63
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking condition ..........................73
Replacing ....................................... 326
Battery, Vehicle ................................. 348
Charging ........................................ 350
Jump starting ................................. 350
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 296, 308
Bead (tire) .......................................... 255
Beverage holders see Cup holders
Bleeding the fuel system (diesel
engine) ............................................... 345
BlueTEC
AdBlue ®
tank ................................. 346
AdBlue ®
tank capacity ...................369
Brake fluid
Checking level ............................... 233
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 300
Brake lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 277
Brake pads
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 299
Brakes ................................................ 260
Parking brake ........................ 112, 261
Warning lamp ................................. 316
Break-in period .................................. 226
Bug cover (Radiator) ......................... 230
Bulbs see Replacing bulbs
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) ... 23
California retail buyers and
lessees, important notice for ............. 21
Calls (phone) ...................................... 142
Can holders see Cup holders
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................. 368
Cargo compartment
Cargo net ....................................... 206
Cargo volume, expanding ..............201
Cover blind .................................... 205
Fuse box ........................................ 357
Hooks ............................................ 201
Tie-down rings ............................... 200
Cargo compartment cover blind ...... 205
Cargo net ........................................... 206
Cargo tie-down rings ......................... 200
Carpets, cleaning .............................. 280
Carriers .............................................. 196
Center console
Lower part ....................................... 33
Upper part ....................................... 31
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Resume function ............................ 147
Setting current speed ....................145
Cup holders ........................................ 209
Curb weight ....................................... 255
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 23
Customer Relations Department ....... 23
D
Dashboard see Instrument cluster
Data recording ..................................... 24
Date, Setting ...................................... 135
Daytime running lamp mode .............. 99
Switching on or off ......................... 136
Deep water
see Standing water
Defroster
Rear window .................................. 191
Windshield ............................. 179, 189
Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps ................................ 137
Interior lighting .............................. 138
Department of Transportation
see DOT
Diesel engine
Preglow indicator lamp ....................29
Diesel fuel
see Fuel
Differential locks ............................... 121
A few words about .........................122
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 123, 302
Switching ....................................... 122
Difficulties
While driving .................................. 111
With starting .................................. 110
Digital clock
see Clock
Digital speedometer ......................... 129
Dimensions (vehicle) see Vehicle specification
Direction of rotation (tires) .............. 246
Displays
Digital speedometer ......................129
Distronic ........................................ 149
Maintenance service indicator .......273
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 287
Multifunction display .....................127
Outside temperature .............129, 135
Symbol messages ..........................299
Text messages ............................... 288
Trip computer ................................ 141
Vehicle status message memory ...131
Vehicle system settings .................132
Distronic ............................................ 147
Cleaning system sensor cover .......278
Control system .............................. 131
Distance warning function .............155
Distance warning
lamp ...................................... 149, 319
Driving with .................................... 153
Menu ............................................. 150
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 294
Resume function ............................ 152
Sensor cover .................................. 278
Speed settings ............................... 151
Door control panel .............................. 34
Door handles ........................................ 34
Doors
Child safety locks ............................ 60
Locking/unlocking (KEYLESS-GO) ...71
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........70
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 304
Opening from inside ......................... 74
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......219
Unlocking (Mechanical key) ...........323
DOT (Department of
Transportation) .................................. 255
Downhill Speed Regulation see DSR
Drinking and driving ......................... 259
Driving
Abroad ........................................... 272
Hydroplaning ................................. 262
Instructions ........................... 108, 259
In winter ........................................ 258
Off-road ......................................... 262
Problems ....................................... 111
Safety systems ................................ 61
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Through standing water .................262
With Distronic ................................ 153
Driving and parking
Safety notes .................................. 108
Driving off .................................. 110, 261
Driving safety systems ....................... 61
4-ETS ............................................... 64
ABS .................................................. 62
BAS .................................................. 63
EBP .................................................. 63
ESP ®
................................................ 63
Driving systems
Air suspension program .................159
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) ................ 166
Cruise control ................................ 144
Distronic ........................................ 147
Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) ..155
Hill-start assist system ..................155
Off-road driving program ...............158
Parktronic system ..........................166
Rear view camera .......................... 169
Driving tips, automatic
transmission ...................................... 117
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) .... 155
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 303
E
Easy-entry/exit feature .............. 92, 139
EBP (Electronic Brake
Proportioning) ...................................... 63
Electrical system
Improper work on or
modifications ................................... 23
Power outlets ................................. 212
Electrical system (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
Electronic Traction System
see 4-ETS
Emergency, in case of
First aid kit ..................................... 284
Flat tire .......................................... 336
Hazard warning flasher ..................101
Roadside Assistance ................ 21, 216
Towing the vehicle .........................352
Emergency calls
Tele Aid .......................................... 215
Emergency engine shutdown ........... 357
Emergency operations
Limp-home mode ........................... 119
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......219
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD
Emission control ............................... 272
Information label ............................ 361
System warranties ...........................20
Engine
Break-in recommendations ............226
Cleaning ......................................... 276
Compartment ................................ 228
Malfunction indicator
lamp ........................................ 29, 320
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 306
Number .......................................... 361
Starting .......................................... 108
Turning off ..................................... 113
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Engine compartment
Radiator ......................................... 230
Engine coolant
see Coolant
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 231
Additives ........................................ 371
Checking level ............................... 230
Consumption ................................. 230
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 308
Oil dipstick ..................................... 230
Recommended engine oils and oil
filter ............................................... 370
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .............................................. 63
4-ETS ............................................... 64
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 289, 300
Off-road ESP ®
.................................. 65
Trailer stabilization ........................... 65
Warning lamp ................................. 3188IndexX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 8
Problems under-/overinflation ......236
Retreads ........................................ 233
Rims and tires (technical data) ......365
Rotation ......................................... 249
Service life ..................................... 247
Sizes .............................................. 365
Snow chains .................................. 258
Speed rating .......................... 252, 256
Storing ........................................... 248
Temperature .......................... 235, 249
Terminology ................................... 254
TIREFIT (tire repair kit) ...................337
Tire Identification Number .............256
Tire pressure loss warning system . 237
TPMS low tire pressure/
malfunction telltale ........................321
Traction ................................. 248, 256
Tread ............................................. 257
Tread depth ........................... 247, 257
Treadwear ...................................... 248
Treadwear indicators .............247, 257
Vehicle maximum load on ..............257
Wear pattern .................................. 249
Winter tires ............................ 257, 365
Tire speed rating ....................... 252, 256
Tongue Weight Rating see TWR
Top tether
see Children in the vehicle
Total load limit ................................... 256
Towing
Towing eye bolt .............................. 353
Trailer .................................... 118, 269
Vehicle ........................................... 352
Towing eye bolt ................................. 353
Traction ...................................... 248, 256
Trailer towing ............................ 118, 269
Coupling a trailer ........................... 270
Decoupling ..................................... 271
Electrical connections .................... 269
Towing ........................................... 270
Trailer hitch ................................... 269
Weights and ratings .......................269
Transfer case ..................................... 119
Gear ranges ................................... 120
LOW RANGE mode ......................... 120
Switching LOW RANGE mode ........121Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission fluid level .................... 231
Transmission gear selector lever see Gear selector lever
Transmission positions .................... 116
Traveling abroad ............................... 272
Tread (tires) ....................................... 257
Tread depth (tires) .................... 247, 257
Treadwear .......................................... 248
Treadwear indicators (tires) .... 247, 257
Trip computer menu ......................... 141
Trip odometer, resetting ................... 125
Turning off the engine ...................... 113
Turn signals ....................................... 100
Cleaning lenses ............................. 277
Indicator lamps ................................ 28
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 313
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating) ........... 257
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards .................................. 248, 257
Units
Selecting digital speedometer
display mode ................................. 134
Selecting speedometer/
odometer display mode .................134
Unleaded gasoline, premium ........... 371
Unlocking the vehicle
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 71
Manually ........................................ 323
SmartKey ......................................... 70
Upholstery, cleaning ......................... 280
Useful features .................................. 209
V
Vehicle
Battery ........................................... 348
Care ............................................... 275
Control system .............................. 125
Identification Number (VIN) ...........360
Locking/unlocking ........................... 70
Lowering (wheel change) ...............344
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Product Information
Please observe the following in your own best
interest:
We recommend using Genuine Mercedes-
Benz Parts as well as conversion parts and
accessories explicitly approved by us for your
vehicle model.
We have tested these parts to determine their
reliability, safety and special suitability for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
We are unable to make an assessment for
other products and therefore cannot be held
responsible for them, even if in individual
cases an official approval or authorization by
governmental or other agencies should exist.
Use of such parts and accessories could
adversely affect the safety, performance or
reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use
them.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts and pre-
approved conversion parts and accessories
are available at any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center. In addition, you will receive
comprehensive information on permissible
technical modifications and expert
installations.
Operator’s Manual
Notes
This Operator’s Manual contains a great deal
of useful information. We urge you to read it
carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of
the vehicle, we urge you to follow the
instructions and warnings contained in this
Operator’s Manual. Ignoring them could
result in damage to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others. Vehicle damage
caused by failure to follow instructions is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
We continuously strive to improve our
product and ask for your understanding that
we reserve the right to make changes in
design and equipment. Therefore,
information, illustrations, and descriptions in
this Operator’s Manual might differ from your
vehicle.
Vehicle equipment
Your vehicle may have some or all of the
equipment described in this manual.
Therefore, you may find explanations for
optional equipment not installed in your
vehicle. If you have any questions about
operating particular equipment, any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad
to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Optional equipment is also described in this
manual, including operating instructions
wherever necessary. Since they are special-
order items, the descriptions and illustrations
herein may vary slightly from the actual
equipment of your vehicle.
If there are any equipment details that are not
shown or described in this Operator’s
Manual, any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center will be glad to inform you of correct
care and operating procedures. The
Operator’s Manual and Maintenance Booklet
are important documents and should be kept
with the vehicle.
Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information
booklet contains detailed information about
the warranties covering your Mercedes-Benz,
including:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission System Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
20IntroductionX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 20
conjunction with a properly positioned and
fastened seat belt.
Side impact air bags
GObserve Safety notes, see page 37.GWarning!
The pressure sensors for side impact air bag
control are located in the doors. Do not
modify any components of the doors or door
trim panels including, for example, the
addition of door speakers.
Improper repair work on the doors or the
modification or addition of components to the
doors create a risk of rendering the side
impact air bags inoperative or causing
unintended air bag deployment. Work on the
doors must therefore only be performed by
qualified technicians. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Front side impact air bags : and rear side
impact air bags ; are designed to provide
increased protection for the thorax but not
the head, neck and arms.
The side impact air bags are deployed
Ron the impacted side of the vehicle
Rin instances with a high rate of lateral
vehicle deceleration or acceleration
Rregardless of whether the seat belts on the
impacted side of the vehicle are in use
Rindependently of the front air bags
Rindependently of the ETDs
Vehicles with OCS (USA only): The front
passenger side impact air bag will not deploy
if the OCS senses that the front passenger
seat is empty and the front passenger seat
belt is not fastened. With the front passenger
seat empty and the seat belt fastened, the
front passenger side impact air bag will
deploy independently of the empty seat.
Whether a seat belt is recognized as fastened
depends on whether or not the latch plate is
properly inserted into the buckle.
The side impact air bags are not deployed in
side impacts which do not exceed the
system’s deployment threshold.
The side impact air bags will not deploy in the
event of a rollover unless the vehicle’s rate of
lateral deceleration or acceleration exceeds
the preset deployment threshold for the side
impact air bags.
! Vehicles with BabySmart™ air bag
deactivation system (Canada only): Do not
place objects heavier than 20 lb (9 kg) on
the front passenger seat. This could cause
the front or side impact air bag on the front
passenger side to deploy in a crash which
exceeds the system’s deployment
threshold.
GWarning!
Only use seat covers which have been tested
and approved by Mercedes-Benz for your
vehicle model. Using other seat covers may
interfere with or prevent the deployment of
the side impact air bags. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
availability.
Occupant safety41Safety and securityX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 41Z
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
Off-road ABS
With the off-road driving program switched
on, or with the transmission in LOW RANGE
mode, the ABS designed for off-road driving
is activated automatically.
When applying the brakes at speeds below
18 mph (30 km/h), the front wheels are
locked cyclically to shorten the braking
distance (dig-in effect). This will restrict
steering the vehicle.
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.
EBP
GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP)
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 EBP malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
ESP ®
GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
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.
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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 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button in 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.
i The Distronic system and cruise control
switch off automatically when the ESP ®
engages.
Electronic Traction System (4-ETS) GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
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.
When you switch off the ESP ®
, the 4-ETS is
still enabled.
XIf conditions require, switch on the off-road
driving program ( Y page 158) or the LOW
RANGE mode ( Y page 119).
Off-road 4-ETS
With the off-road driving program switched on
( Y page 158), or the transmission in LOW
RANGE mode ( Y page 120), the 4-ETS
designed for off-road use is activated
automatically.
Switching off the ESP ®
GWarning!
The ESP
®
should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP ®
when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESP ®
. This allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for
example
R when driving with snow chains
R in deep snow
R in sand or gravel
64Driving safety systemsSafety and security
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