
Central locking
Automatic ................................ 74, 138
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 71
Locking/unlocking from inside ........75
SmartKey ......................................... 70
Central locking/unlocking switch ..... 75
Certification label .............................. 360
Children in the vehicle
Air bags ........................................... 37
BabySmart™ air bag deactivation
system ............................................. 46
Child safety locks (rear doors) .........60
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type ....59
Indicator lamp, front passenger
front air bag off (Canada only) .........46
Indicator lamp, front passenger
front air bag off (USA only) ..............42
Infant and child restraint systems .... 56
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 42
Override switch ................................ 60
Safety notes ..................................... 55
Tether anchorage points ..................58
Top tether ........................................ 58
Child safety
see Children in the vehicle
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type
see Children in the vehicle
Chrome-plated exhaust tip,
cleaning .............................................. 281
Cigarette lighter ................................ 212
Climate control system .................... 172
3-zone automatic climate control ..181
Air conditioning .....................177, 186
Air conditioning refrigerant ............371
Air distribution ....................... 178, 188
Air recirculation mode ...........180, 190
Air volume ............................. 179, 189
Automatic mode ....................178, 187
Climate control .............................. 175
Deactivating system ..............177, 185
Front defroster ...................... 179, 189
Residual heat and
ventilation .............................. 180, 191
Temperature .......................... 178, 187
Clock ............................................ 28, 135
Cockpit ................................................. 27
Cold tire inflation pressure .............. 255Collapsible wheel chock ................... 286
COMAND system see separate COMAND system
operating instructions
Combination switch .......................... 100
Comfort submenu
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 139
Fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors ................................... 140
Seat belt adjustment feature .........139
Compass
Calling up ....................................... 223
Control system .................................. 125
Multifunction display .....................127
Multifunction steering wheel .........125
Resetting to factory settings ..........132
Control system menus ...................... 127
Audio/DVD .................................... 129
Distronic ........................................ 131
Navigation ..................................... 130
Off-road ......................................... 131
Settings ......................................... 132
Standard display ............................ 128
Telephone ...................................... 142
Trip computer ................................ 141
Vehicle configuration .....................140
Vehicle status message memory ...131
Control system submenus
Comfort ......................................... 139
Instrument cluster .........................133
Lighting .......................................... 136
Time/Date ..................................... 135
Vehicle ........................................... 138
Coolant
Anticorrosion/antifreeze ...............374
Capacities ...................................... 369
Checking level ............................... 231
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 306
Cruise control .................................... 144
Activating ....................................... 145
Canceling ....................................... 146
Changing the set speed .................146
Last stored speed ..........................147
Lever .............................................. 145
Messages in the mutlifunction
display ........................................... 2946IndexX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 6

! Simultaneously depressing the
accelerator pedal and applying the brakes
reduces engine performance and causes
premature brake and drivetrain wear which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
i Once the vehicle is in motion, the
automatic central locking function engages
and the locking knobs in the doors move
down.
The automatic central locking function can
be switched off ( Y page 138).
Automatic transmissionGWarning!
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission out of park position P or neutral
position N if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the
brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate
quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your right
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
! Only shift the automatic transmission into
reverse gear R or park position P when the
vehicle is stopped. Otherwise the
automatic transmission could be damaged.
XDepress the brake pedal.
The gear selector lever can now be used.XShift the automatic transmission into drive
position D or reverse gear R.
i
Shifting the automatic transmission out of
park position P is only possible with the
brake pedal depressed.
Without the brake pedal depressed, the
gear selector lever can be moved up or
down. However, the parking pawl remains
engaged, not allowing shifting to occur.
XWait for the gear selection process to
complete before setting the vehicle in
motion.XIf engaged, release the parking brake.XRelease the brake pedal.XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
After a cold start, the automatic transmission
shifts at a higher engine speed. This allows
the catalytic converter (gasoline engine) or
the oxidation catalyst (diesel engine) to reach
its operating temperature earlier.
For more information on driving, see “Driving
instructions” ( Y page 259).
For information on off-road driving, see “Off-
road driving” ( Y page 262).
Problems while driving
The engine runs erratically and misfires
R Gasoline engine: An ignition cable may be
damaged.
R The engine electronics may not be
operating properly.
R Gasoline engine: Unburned gasoline may
have entered the catalytic converter and
damaged it.
XGive very little gas.XHave the problem checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
The coolant temperature is above
248‡ (120†)
The coolant is too hot and is no longer cooling
the engine.
XStop the vehicle in a safe location as soon
as possible.XTurn off the engine immediately.XAllow the engine and coolant to cool off.XCheck the coolant level and add coolant if
necessary ( Y page 231).Driving and parking111Controls in detailX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 111Z

Function:Standard display menu
(Y page 128)
;Audio/DVD menu (Y page 129)=Navigation menu (Y page 130)?Off-road menu (Y page 131)ADistronic menu (Y page 131)BVehicle status message
memory12 menu (Y page 131)
CSettings menu (Y page 132)DVehicle configuration menu
(Y page 140)
ETrip computer menu (Y page 141)FTelephone menu (Y page 142)
Standard display menu
Standard display
In the standard display, trip odometer : and
main odometer ; appear in the
multifunction display.
XIf you see another display, press button
V or U repeatedly until the standard
display appears.
XPress button & or * to select the
functions in the Standard display menu.
The following functions are available:
RRestarting the tire pressure loss warning
system (Y page 238) (Canada only)
RChecking tire inflation pressure with the
Advanced TPMS (Y page 239) (USA only)
RChecking coolant temperature
(Y page 128)
RCalling up digital speedometer or outside
temperature (Y page 129)
RCalling up maintenance service indicator
display (Y page 274)
Checking coolant temperature
GWarning!
Driving when your engine is overheated can
cause some fluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire. You
could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns which can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine
if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from
other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
XPress button & or * repeatedly until
the coolant temperature appears in the
multifunction display.
During severe operating conditions, e.g. stop-
and-go traffic, the coolant temperature may
rise close to 248‡ (120†).
! Excessive coolant temperature triggers a
warning in the multifunction display.
12The vehicle status message memory menu is only displayed if there is a message stored.128Control systemControls in detail
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iLeaving the engine running and the fuel
filler cap open can cause the yellow fuel
tank reserve warning lamp to flash and the
malfunction indicator lamp ! (USA
only) or ; (Canada only) to illuminate.
For more information, see also “Practical
hints” ( Y page 320).XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
KEYLESS-GO: Open the driver’s door. This
puts the starter switch in position 0, same
as with the SmartKey removed from the
starter switch. The driver’s door then can
be closed again.XOpening: Press fuel filler flap : at the
point indicated by the arrow.XTurn fuel filler cap ; counterclockwise.XTake off fuel filler cap ;.
!
The fuel filler cap is tethered to the fuel
filler neck. Do not drop the cap. It could
damage the vehicle paint finish.
XSet fuel filler cap ; on fuel filler flap :.XFully insert filler nozzle unit and refuel.XOnly fill your tank until the filler nozzle unit
cuts out – do not top off or overfill .XClosing: Turn fuel filler cap ; clockwise
until it audibly engages.
i Close the fuel filler flap before locking the
vehicle. Otherwise the flap locking pin will
prevent closing the fuel filler flap.
XClose fuel filler flap :.
Low outside temperatures (diesel
engine)
! Do not fill the tank with gasoline. Do not
blend diesel fuel with gasoline or kerosene.
The fuel system and engine will otherwise
be damaged, which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
To prevent malfunctions, diesel fuel with
improved cold flow characteristics is offered
in the winter months. Check with your fuel
retailer.
Check regularly and before a long trip
For information on quantities and
requirements of operating agents, see “Fuels,
coolants, lubricants, etc.” ( Y page 368).
Check the following:
R Engine oil level ( Y page 230)
R Tire inflation pressure ( Y page 237)
R Coolant level ( Y page 231)
R Vehicle lighting ( Y page 328)
R Washer system and headlamp cleaning
system ( Y page 232)
R Brake fluid ( Y page 233)
Engine compartment
Hood
GWarning!
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/or others.
Opening
GWarning!
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature display to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away from the vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department.
228Engine compartmentOperation
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RUsing a rag, slowly open the cap
approximately 1/2 turn to relieve excess
pressure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out under
pressure.
RDo not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts.
XUsing a rag, slowly open cap ;
approximately 1/2 turn to relieve excess
pressure.
XContinue turning cap ; counterclockwise
and remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level
Rfor cold coolant: reaches marking
bar : in coolant expansion tank =
Rfor warm coolant: is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) higher
XAdd coolant as required.XScrew cap ; back on and tighten it.
For more information on coolant, see the
“Technical data” section (Y page 369) and
(Y page 373).
Washer system and headlamp
cleaning system
GWarning!
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on hot engine parts, because it may
ignite and burn. You could be seriously
burned.
! Always use washer solvent/antifreeze
where temperatures may fall below
freezing point. Failure to do so could result
in damage to the washer system/fluid
reservoir.
! Only use washer fluid which is suitable for
plastic lenses. Improper washer fluid can
damage the plastic lenses of the
headlamps.
! Do not use distilled or deionized water in
the washer fluid reservoir. Otherwise, the
washer fluid level sensor could be
damaged.
Fluid for the washer system, rear window
washer system, and the headlamp cleaning
system is supplied from the washer fluid
reservoir.
During all seasons, use MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate “MB SummerFit”. Mix it
with water or premixed washer solvent/
antifreeze depending on the ambient
temperature (Y page 375).
XOpening washer fluid reservoir: Pull tab
of cap : upwards.
XRefill the washer fluid reservoir.XClosing washer fluid reservoir: Press
cap : onto filler hole until it engages.
232Engine compartmentOperation
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practice turning, stopping and backing up
in an area which is free of traffic.
R Before you start driving check the
- trailer hitch
- break-away switch
- safety chains
- electrical connections
- lighting
- tires
R Adjust the mirrors ( Y page 94) to permit
unobstructed view beyond rear of trailer.
R If the trailer has electric brakes, start your
vehicle and trailer moving slowly, and then
apply only the trailer brake controller by
hand to make sure the brakes are working
properly.
R Always secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shifts while driving.
R When towing a trailer, check occasionally
to make sure the load is secure, and that
trailer lighting and brakes (if so equipped)
are functioning properly.
R Take into consideration that when towing a
trailer, the handling characteristics are
different and less stable from those when
operating the vehicle without a trailer.
It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers.
R The vehicle and trailer combination is
heavier, and therefore limited in
acceleration and climbing ability, and has a
larger braking distance.
It is more prone to reacting to cross wind
gusts, and requires more sensitive steering
input.
R If possible, do not brake abruptly, but
rather engage the brake slightly at first to
permit the trailer to activate its brake. Then
increase the braking force.
! If the trailer should begin to sway, reduce
the vehicle’s speed immediately.Do not attempt to straighten out the tow
vehicle and trailer by increasing the speed.
R If the transmission shifts between gears on
inclines repeatedly, shift to a lower gear
range manually ( Y page 118). Select 4, 3 ,
2 or 1.
A lower gear and reduction of speed
reduces the chance of engine overloading
and/or overheating.
R On very steep inclines, not manageable
with automatic transmission in gear range
1 , switch on off-road driving program
( Y page 158) or LOW RANGE mode
( Y page 120).
R When going down an incline, shift into a
lower gear and use the engine’s braking
effect.
Avoid riding the brakes, thus overheating
the vehicle and trailer brakes (if so
equipped).
R If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
is on, turn off the air conditioning system.
Engine coolant heat can be additionally
vented by opening the windows, switching
the climate control fan speed to high and
setting the temperature control to the
maximum.
R During a passing maneuver extreme care
must be exercised since your vehicle with
a trailer will require additional passing
distance ahead than when driving without
a trailer.
Because your vehicle and trailer is longer
than your vehicle alone, you will also need
to go much farther ahead of the passed
vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Decoupling a trailer GWarning!
While you are coupling or decoupling a trailer,
make sure nobody locks or unlocks the
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EngineDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+Top Up
Coolant
See
Operator’s
ManualThe coolant level is too low.XAdd coolant ( Y page 231).XIf you have to add coolant frequently, have the cooling
system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.GWarning!
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn
if it comes into contact with hot engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
! Do not ignore the low engine coolant level warning. Extended driving with the message
and symbol displayed may cause serious engine damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Do not drive without sufficient amount of coolant in the cooling system. The engine will
overheat causing major engine damage.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?Coolant
Stop car,
switch
engine
off.The coolant is too hot.XStop the vehicle immediately as soon as it is safe to do so.XTurn off the engine immediately.XEngage the parking brake.XOnly start the engine again after the message disappears.
You could otherwise damage the engine.XObserve the coolant temperature in the multifunction
display.XIf the temperature rises again: Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
During severe operation conditions and stop-and-go city
traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to 248‡
(120†).
GWarning!
Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening the
engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
306Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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! The engine should not be operated with the coolant temperature above 248‡ (120†).
Doing so may cause serious damage which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?Coolant
Stop car,
switch
engine
off.The poly-V-belt could be broken.XStop the vehicle immediately as soon as it is safe to do so.XTurn off the engine immediately.XCheck the poly-V-belt.XIf it is broken: Do not continue to drive. Otherwise the
engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump
which may result in damage to the engine. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.XIf it is intact: Do not continue to drive the vehicle with this
message displayed. Doing so could result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.XObserve the coolant temperature in the multifunction
display.XDrive to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately.?The radiator cooling fan is malfunctioning.XObserve the coolant temperature in the multifunction
display.
If the coolant temperature is below 248‡ (120†), you may
continue driving to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.XAvoid placing heavy loads on the engine (e.g. by driving
uphill) as well as stop-and-go traffic.XHave the fan replaced as soon as possible.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display307Practical hintsX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 307Z