
achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
Safety notesGWarning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
ABS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.GWarning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp ! 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.
62Driving safety systemsSafety and security
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 62

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.
LOW RANGE mode
The LOW RANGE mode is available on
vehicles with enhanced off-road package.
In the following situations you should switch
to the LOW RANGE mode:
R during off-road driving
R before driving through water
R when towing up or down on steep gradients
With LOW RANGE selected, the engine’s
power delivery and the shifting behavior of
the automatic transmission are adjusted.
Furthermore, the ABS, the ESP ®
, and the
4-ETS functions especially adapted to off-
road travel are activated.
For more information on off-road driving, see
“Off-road driving” ( Y page 262).
For information on driving safety systems
during LOW RANGE mode, see “Driving safety
systems” ( Y page 61).
Gear ranges
There are two possible settings.
HIGH
RANGERoad position for all normal
driving situations.
(LOW RANGE mode off)LOW
RANGEOff-road position for
traveling on rough terrain.
(LOW RANGE mode on)
Also use the off-road
position when driving on-
road on steep gradients,
especially when towing a
trailer.
LOW RANGE acts by raising
the engine’s gear ratio. The
vehicle travels at roughly
third the speed compared to
when in HIGH RANGE
position, leading to an
increase in the engine’s
drive power.GWarning!
Always wait until the procedure of shifting
from HIGH RANGE to LOW RANGE – and from
LOW RANGE to HIGH RANGE – has been
entirely completed. During this procedure do
not turn off the engine or shift the automatic
transmission into another gear.
If you do not wait until the shifting procedure
has been entirely completed then it might not
be correctly performed. The transfer case
might be in neutral, thus interrupting the
transfer of power between the engine and the
drive axle.
The vehicle is then freely movable, even if a
gear has been selected, and could
unintentionally be set into motion –
particularly on up – or downhill grades. This
could lead to an accident and cause injury to
yourself and others.
Please observe related messages appearing
in the multifunction display.
120Transfer caseControls in detail
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 120

Switching LOW RANGE mode
Switching LOW RANGE mode on
(switching from HIGH RANGE to LOW
RANGE)
! The shifting procedure can only be
performed when the following conditions
are met:
RThe engine is running.
RThe automatic transmission is in neutral
position N.
RThe vehicle speed does not exceed
25 mph (40 km/h).
iThere is no reset to HIGH after the ignition
has been switched off.
XPress LOW RANGE switch :.
Indicator lamp ; flashes.
If the system senses that all conditions are
met, it will switch from HIGH RANGE to
LOW RANGE. A chime sounds and LOW
RANGE indicator = appears in the
multifunction display.
Indicator lamp ; on LOW RANGE
switch : comes on continuously,
indicating that the LOW RANGE mode has
been activated.
iYou can cancel the procedure by pressing
the LOW RANGE switch again while the
indicator lamp is flashing.
Switching LOW RANGE mode off
(switching from LOW RANGE to HIGH
RANGE)
! The shifting procedure can only be
performed when the following conditions
are met:
RThe engine is running.
RThe automatic transmission is in neutral
position N.
RThe vehicle speed does not exceed
43 mph (70 km/h).
iThere is no reset to LOW after the ignition
has been switched off.
XPress LOW RANGE switch :.
Indicator lamp ; flashes.
If the system senses that all conditions are
met, it will switch from LOW RANGE to
HIGH RANGE. A chime sounds and LOW
RANGE indicator = disappears from the
multifunction display.
Indicator lamp ; on LOW RANGE
switch : goes out, indicating that the LOW
RANGE mode has been deactivated.
iYou can cancel the procedure by pressing
the LOW RANGE switch again while the
indicator lamp is flashing.
For messages in the multifunction display,
see the “Practical hints” section
(Y page 303).
Differential locks
Vehicles with enhanced off-road package are
equipped with automatic locks for the center
Differential locks121Controls in detailX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 121Z

menu, see the “Controls in detail” section
(Y page 131).
Example illustration
ACenter differential completely locked
! If the differential locks have been
manually engaged, the tires will scuff on the
road surface when cornering because the
differences between the individual wheel
rotation speeds will not be compensated
for.
iThe differential locks are reset to AUTO
mode after the ignition has been switched
off for longer than 10 seconds.
Instrument cluster
Introduction
For a full view illustration of the instrument
cluster, see “Instrument cluster”
(Y page 28).
GWarning!
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
Rspeed
Routside temperature
Rwarning/indicator lamps
Rmalfunction/warning messages
Rfailure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.
:To dim instrument cluster illumination;Reset button =To brighten instrument cluster
illumination
For information on changing the instrument
cluster settings, e.g. the language, see
(Y page 133).
Activating the instrument cluster
The instrument cluster is activated when you
Ropen the driver’s door
Rswitch on the ignition
Rpress button :, ; or =
iOpening the driver’s door or pressing
button :, ; or = without switching on
the ignition activates the instrument
cluster illumination only for 30 seconds.
Adjusting the instrument cluster
illumination
XTo brighten illumination: Press and hold
button = until the desired level of
illumination is reached.
XTo dim illumination: Press and hold
button : until the desired level of
illumination is reached.
124Instrument clusterControls in detail
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 124

iThe instrument cluster illumination is
dimmed or brightened automatically to suit
ambient light conditions.
The instrument cluster illumination will also
be adjusted automatically when you switch
on the vehicle’s exterior lamps.
iWith the exterior lighting switched on, the
brightness of the switches in the center
console will also be adjusted when using
button : or =.
Resetting trip odometer
XMake sure you are viewing the standard
display (Y page 128) in the multifunction
display.
XPress and hold the reset button in the
instrument cluster (Y page 124) until the
trip odometer is reset.
Tachometer
The red marking on the tachometer
(Y page 29) denotes excessive engine speed.
! Avoid driving at excessive engine speeds,
as it may result in serious engine damage
that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
To help protect the engine, the fuel supply is
interrupted if the engine is operated within
the red marking.
Control system
Introduction
The control system is activated as soon as the
starter switch is in position 1 (Y page 80).
The control system enables you to call up
information about your vehicle and to change
vehicle settings.
For example, you can use the control system
to find out when your vehicle is next due for
maintenance service, to set the language for
messages in the instrument cluster display,
and much more.
GWarning!
A driver’s attention to the road and traffic
conditions must always be his/her primary
focus when driving.
For your safety and the safety of others,
selecting features through the multifunction
steering wheel should only be done by the
driver when traffic and road conditions permit
it to be done safely.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.
The control system relays information to the
multifunction display.
Multifunction steering wheel
The displays in the multifunction display and
the settings in the control system are
controlled by using the buttons on the
multifunction steering wheel.
Control system125Controls in detailX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 125Z

Please refer to separate COMAND system
operating instructions for instructions on how
to activate the route guidance system.
Off-road menu
The Off-road menu displays the messages for
air suspension, differential locks and the
direction into which you are currently driving.
XPress button V or U repeatedly until
one of the following messages appears in
the multifunction display.
Vehicles with air suspension:
Vehicles with air suspension and differential
locks:
For information on air suspension, see “Air
suspension program” (Y page 159).
For information on differential locks, see
“Differential locks” (Y page 121).
For information on the compass, see
“Compass” (Y page 223).
Distronic menu
Use the Distronic menu to display the
current settings for your Distronic system.
The information shown in the multifunction
display depends on whether the Distronic
system is activated or deactivated.
Please refer to the “Driving systems” section
of this manual (Y page 147) for instructions
on how to activate Distronic.
Vehicle status message memory
menu
Use the Vehicle status message memory
menu to scan malfunction and warning
messages that may be stored in the memory.
Such messages appear in the multifunction
display and are based on conditions or
system status the vehicle’s system has
recorded.
The Vehicle status message memory menu
only appears if messages have been stored.
GWarning!
Malfunction and warning messages are only
indicated for certain systems and are
intentionally not very detailed. The
malfunction and warning messages are
simply a reminder with respect to the
operation of certain systems. They do not
replace the owner’s and/or driver’s
responsibility to maintain the vehicle’s
operating safety. Have all required
maintenance and safety checks performed on
the vehicle. Bring the vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to address the
malfunction and warning messages.
XPress button V or U repeatedly until
the Vehicle status message memory
menu appears in the multifunction display.
If conditions have occurred causing status
messages to be recorded, the number of
messages appears in the multifunction
display.
Control system131Controls in detailX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 131Z

XPress button & or *.
The stored messages will now be displayed
in the order in which they have occurred.
For malfunction and warning messages,
see “Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display” (Y page 287).
iAfter you have scrolled through all
recorded status messages, the first
recorded message appears again.
Should the vehicle’s system record any
conditions while driving, the number of
messages will reappear in the multifunction
display when the SmartKey in the starter
switch is turned to position 0 or removed
from the starter switch. With KEYLESS-GO,
the number of messages will reappear when
you turn off the engine by pressing the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and open the
driver’s door.
Except for high-priority messages, the vehicle
status message memory will be cleared when
you switch off the ignition.
Settings menu
Introduction
In the Settings menu there are two
functions: The function To reset, press
reset button for 3 seconds, with which
you can reset all the settings to the original
factory settings and a collection of submenus
with which you can make individual settings
for your vehicle.
The following settings and submenus are
available in the Settings menu:
RResetting to factory settings
(Y page 132)
RSubmenus in the Settings menu
(Y page 133)
RInstrument cluster submenu
(Y page 133)
RTime/Date submenu (Y page 135)
RLighting submenu (Y page 136)
RVehicle submenu (Y page 138)
RComfort submenu (Y page 139)
Resetting to factory settings
You can reset the settings of all submenus to
the factory settings.
For safety reasons, the function Lamp
Circuit Headlamp in the Lighting
submenu cannot be reset while driving.
The following message appears in the
multifunction display:
Settings
Cannot be
completely reset
to factory settings
when engine is running.
XPress button V or U repeatedly until
the Settings menu appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress the reset button in the instrument
cluster (Y page 124) for approximately
3 seconds.
The request to press the reset button once
more to confirm appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress the reset button once more.
The settings you have changed will not be
reset unless you confirm the action by
pressing the reset button a second time. After
132Control systemControls in detail
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 132

The following functions are available:
RSelecting speedometer/odometer display
mode (Y page 134) (Canada only)
RSelecting digital speedometer display
mode (Y page 134)
RSelecting language (Y page 134)
RSelecting display (digital speedometer or
outside temperature) for status indicator
(Y page 135)
Selecting speedometer/odometer
display mode (Canada only)
XPress button V or U repeatedly until
the Settings menu appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress button &.XMove the selection marker with button
W or X to the Instrument
Cluster submenu.
XPress button & or * repeatedly until
the message Display Unit
Speedometer/Odometer appears in the
multifunction display.
The selection marker is on the current
setting.
XPress button W or X to set
speedometer/odometer unit to Km or
Miles.
Selecting digital speedometer display
mode
XPress button V or U repeatedly until
the Settings menu appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress button &.XMove the selection marker with button
W or X to the Instrument
Cluster submenu.
XPress button & or * repeatedly until
the message Display Unit Digital
Speedometer appears in the multifunction
display.
The selection marker is on the current
setting.
XPress button W or X to set digital
speedometer unit to Km or Miles.
Selecting language
XPress button V or U repeatedly until
the Settings menu appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress button &.XMove the selection marker with button
W or X to the Instrument
Cluster submenu.
XPress button & or * repeatedly until
the message Language appears in the
multifunction display.
The selection marker is on the current
setting.
XPress button W or X to select the
language to be used for the multifunction
display messages.
134Control systemControls in detail
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 134