Have the brake system inspected
immediately. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Only install brake pads and use brake fluid
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.GWarning!
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that safe
braking is substantially impaired. This could
result in an accident.
! 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.
If your brake system is only subjected to
moderate loads, you should occasionally test
the effectiveness of the brakes by applying
above-normal braking pressure at higher
speeds. This will also enhance the grip of the
brake pads.
GWarning!
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Refer to the description of the Brake Assist
System (BAS) ( Y page 63).
Parking brake
When driving on wet roads or dirt covered
surfaces, road salt and/or dirt can get into
the parking brake.
To prevent corrosion and a reduction in the
braking power of the parking brake, observe
the following:
XFrom time to time, lightly engage the
parking brake before driving off.XDrive a distance of approximately 110 yds
(100 m) at a maximum speed of 12 mph
(20 km/h).GWarning!
While performing this procedure please
assure that the vehicle is stopped before
applying the parking brake. Otherwise the
rear wheels could lock up. You could lose
control of the vehicle and cause an accident.
In addition, the vehicle’s brake lights do not
light up when the parking brake is engaged.
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when you engage the parking brake.
Driving off
Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not place
full load on the engine until the operating
temperature has been reached.
! When driving off on a slippery surface, do
not allow a drive wheel to spin for an
extended period with the ESP ®
switched
off. Doing so may cause serious damage to
the drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Driving instructions261OperationX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 261Z
The values as measured must not exceed
the weight limits listed under “Vehicle and
trailer weights and ratings” ( Y page 269).
Coupling a trailer GWarning!
While you are coupling or decoupling a trailer,
make sure nobody locks or unlocks the
vehicle and/or opens or closes doors or the
tailgate.
The vehicle’s level could change and you
could endanger yourself and/or others as a
result.
Make sure that you do not operate the ADS
button or the vehicle level control system
when coupling/decoupling the trailer.
Observe maximum permitted trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most states and all Canadian provinces
require
R safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer
The chains should be criss-crossed under
the trailer tongue. They must be attached
to the hitch receiver, and not to the
vehicle’s bumper or axle.
Make sure to leave enough slack in the
chains to permit turning corners.
R a separate brake system at various trailer
weights
R a break-away switch on trailers with a
separate brake system.
Check with your local state laws for specific
requirements.
The switch activates the trailer brakes in
the possible event that the trailer might
separate from the tow vehicle.
! Do not connect a trailer brake system (if
trailer is so equipped) directly to the
vehicle’s hydraulic brake system, as your
vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes. If
you do, neither the vehicle’s brakes nor the
trailer’s brakes will function properly.
i The provided vehicle electrical wiring
harness for trailer towing has a brake signal
wire for hook-up to a brake controller.XMake sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P (Y page 115).XEngage the parking brake for the vehicle
( Y page 112).XStart the engine ( Y page 108).XSelect the highway level ( Y page 159).XVehicles with Adaptive Damping System
(ADS):
Set the ADS to AUTO or COMF
( Y page 159).XTurn off the engine ( Y page 113).XClose all doors and the tailgate.XAttach the trailer.XPlug in all electrical connectors.
i
When you are towing a trailer, the vehicle
level always remains in the highway setting.
The following applies additionally when
towing a trailer:
R The vehicle is lowered to the highway
level when it reaches a speed of 5 mph
(8 km/h) if not set to highway level.
R The highspeed level is not available.
The restrictions that apply to towing also
apply when using accessories that are
connected to the trailer power socket, such
as a bicycle rack.
Towing a trailer
There are many different laws, including
speed limit restrictions, having to do with
trailer towing. Make sure your rig will be legal,
not only for where you reside, but also for
where you will be driving. A good source for
this information can be the police or local
authorities.
Note the following, when driving with a trailer:
R In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle’s behavior, you should
270Driving instructionsOperation
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 270
vehicle and/or opens or closes doors or the
tailgate.
The vehicle’s level could change and you
could endanger yourself and/or others as a
result.
Make sure that you do not operate the ADS
button or the vehicle level control system
when coupling/decoupling the trailer.XMake sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P (Y page 115).XEngage the parking brake for the vehicle
( Y page 112).XStart the engine ( Y page 108).XClose all doors and the tailgate.XEngage the parking brake for the trailer.GWarning!
As soon as you disconnect the electrical
connection between the trailer and the
vehicle, the vehicle will lower. To help avoid
personal injury, make sure no one is near the
wheel housing or underneath the vehicle
before the electrical connection is
disconnected.
When you decouple the trailer, the vehicle is
temporarily raised because the springs are
relieved of load. Be especially careful during
this process, as you could otherwise injure
yourself and/or others. Make sure that any
persons remaining in the vehicle do not press
the switches for vehicle level control or the
ADS.
XDisconnect all electrical plug connectors.XDecouple the trailer.XMake sure that the trailer coupling is free
of load.XTurn off the engine ( Y page 113).
Driving abroad
If you plan to drive the vehicle outside the U.S.
or Canada, you should request dealer
network information for your destination from
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Control and operation of radio
transmitter
Safety notes
GWarning!
Please do not forget that your primary
responsibility is to drive the vehicle. A driver’s
attention to the road must always be his/her
primary focus when driving. For your safety
and the safety of others, we recommend that
you pull over to a safe location and stop
before placing or taking a telephone call.
If you choose to use the telephone 18
while
driving, please use the hands-free device and
only use the telephone when road, weather
and traffic conditions permit. Some
jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a
mobile telephone while driving a vehicle.
Only operate the COMAND 18
(Cockpit
Management and Data System) if road,
weather and traffic conditions permit.
Otherwise, you may not be able to observe
traffic conditions and could endanger yourself
and others.
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.
Emission control
Certain systems of the engine serve to keep
the toxic components of the exhaust gases
within permissible limits required by law.
These systems will function properly only
when maintained strictly according to factory
specifications. Any adjustments on the
engine should, therefore, be carried out only
by qualified Mercedes-Benz Center
authorized technicians.
18 Observe all legal requirements.272Driving instructionsOperation
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 272
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFront
Passenger
Airbag
Enabled
See
Operator’s
ManualUSA only:
The front passenger front air bag is activated while driving
even though a child, small individual, or object below the
system’s weight threshold is on the front passenger seat, or
the front passenger seat is empty. Objects on the seat or
forces acting on the seat may make the system sense
supplemental weight.XStop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as possible.XEngage the parking brake.XSwitch off the ignition.XOpen the front passenger door.XRemove child and child restraint from front passenger seat
and properly secure the child in rear seat employing the
child restraint if necessary.XRemove any other items from on and around the front
passenger seat and make sure the parcel net on the back
of the front passenger seat is empty.XMake sure no objects which apply forces to the seat are
present (e.g. objects such as books, briefcases etc. lodged
behind or around the seat, head restraints pushing against
roof etc.). The system may recognize such forces as
supplemental weight and sense that an occupant on the
front passenger seat is of a greater weight than actually
present.XKeep the seat unoccupied, close the front passenger door
and switch on the ignition.
Monitor the 42 indicator lamp in the center
console ( Y page 45) and the multifunction display in the
instrument cluster for the following:
With the seat unoccupied and the ignition switched on,
R the 42 indicator lamp in the center console
should illuminate and remain illuminated, indicating that
the OCS ( Y page 42) has deactivated the front passenger
front air bag.
R the message Front Passenger Airbag Enabled See
Operator’s Manual or the message Front Passenger
Airbag Disabled See Operator’s Manual should not
appear in the multifunction display at any time the seat is
unoccupied. Wait at least 60 seconds for the system to
complete the necessary check cycles and to make sure
neither message appears in the multifunction display.
Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display291Practical hintsX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 291Z
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFront
Passenger
Airbag
Disabled
See
Operator’s
ManualUSA only:
The front passenger front air bag is deactivated while driving
even though an adult or someone larger than a small
individual is occupying the front passenger seat. Forces
acting on the seat may make the system sense a decrease in
weight.XStop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as possible.XEngage the parking brake.XSwitch off the ignition.XHave the front passenger vacate the seat and exit the
vehicle.XAdjust the seat height to a higher position ( Y page 83).XMake sure no objects which apply forces to the seat are
present (e.g. objects such as books, briefcases etc. lodged
underneath, behind or around the seat). Such forces may
cause the system to sense that an occupant of a lesser
weight than actually present is on the front passenger seat.XKeep the seat unoccupied, close the front passenger door
and switch on the ignition.
Monitor the 42 indicator lamp in the center
console ( Y page 45) and the multifunction display in the
instrument cluster for the following:
With the seat unoccupied and the ignition switched on,
R the 42 indicator lamp in the center console
should illuminate and remain illuminated, indicating that
the OCS ( Y page 42) has deactivated the front passenger
front air bag.
R the message Front Passenger Airbag Enabled See
Operator’s Manual or the message Front Passenger
Airbag Disabled See Operator’s Manual should not
appear in the multifunction display at any time the seat is
unoccupied. Wait at least 60 seconds for the system to
complete the necessary check cycles and to make sure
neither message appears in the multifunction display.
If above conditions are met, you can occupy the front
passenger seat again. Depending on the front passenger
classification sensed by the OCS, the 42
indicator lamp will remain illuminated or go out.
If above conditions are not met, the system is not working
properly. Have the system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display293Practical hintsX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 293Z
VehicleDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsDepress
brake to
shift out
of P.You have attempted to shift the automatic transmission into
drive position D, reverse gear R or neutral position N without
depressing the brake pedal.XDepress the brake pedal.Door OpenVehicle
Not In
ParkYou have opened the driver’s door and the automatic
transmission is still in drive position D, reverse gear R or
neutral position N.XBefore you leave the vehicle, make sure the automatic
transmission is in park position P and the parking brake is
engaged.Drive to
workshop
without
shifting
gears.The automatic transmission cannot be shifted out of the
current transmission position because of a malfunction.
If the automatic transmission is in drive position D:XWithout shifting the automatic transmission out of drive
position D, drive to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If the automatic transmission is set to neutral position N,
reverse gear R or park position P:
XDo not drive.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.Only
shift to
P when
vehicle
is at a
standstill
.You have attempted to shift the automatic transmission into
park position P although the vehicle was still in motion.XStop the vehicle.Shift to
P or N to
start
engine.You have attempted to start the engine with the KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button while the automatic transmission was in
reverse gear R or drive position D.XShift the automatic transmission into park position P or
neutral position N. Make sure the brake pedal is depressed.Auxiliary
BatteryMalfunctio
nThe backup battery for the automatic transmission is no
longer charging.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.296Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 296
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)EBV, ABS,
ESP
Inoperativ
e See
Operator’s
ManualThe brake system is still functioning normally but due to a
malfunction, the ABS, the BAS, the EBP, the ESP ®
, and the
PRE-SAFE ®
system are unavailable.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.$
(USA only)
!
(Canada
only)Release
Parking
BrakeYou are driving with the parking brake engaged. In addition
an acoustic warning sounds.XRelease the parking brake.$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)Check
Brake
Fluid
LevelThere is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
Risk of accident!XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so.XEngage the parking brakeXDo not drive any further.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem.
GWarning!
Driving with the message Check Brake Fluid Level displayed can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum mark
or below, have the brake system checked for brake pad thickness and leaks.
300Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
X164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 300
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions8Diff.
Lock
System
Overheated
- Wait
briefly.The differential locks are too hot and have been deactivated
as a result.XContinue driving with added caution. The lock function is
unavailable.XWait for the lock system to cool down.
The differential locks will be reactivated as soon as they
have cooled down.8Stop
vehicle,
engage
parking
brake.A shifting procedure could not be completed. LOW RANGE is
in neutral position. There is no connection between the engine
and the drive wheels.XDo not attempt to continue driving. You could otherwise
damage the vehicle’s drivetrain.XStop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so.XEngage the parking brake.XPerform the shifting procedure again ( Y page 120).ÅService
Required
If parked
engage
pk. brake.The LOW RANGE system is malfunctioning.XDo not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h).XEngage the parking brake if parked.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.ÅMax.
Speed
25 MPHSpeed too high for shifting procedure.XContinue driving more slowly.
The shifting procedure will be performed.ÅMax.
Speed
40 MPHSpeed too high for shifting procedure.XContinue driving more slowly.
The shifting procedure will be performed.ÅShift
briefly
into N.You have reduced engine speed, but the automatic
transmission is not in neutral position N.XBriefly shift automatic transmission to neutral position N.ÅShifting
Process
Canceled
ReactivateThe shifting procedure was not carried out.XRepeat the shifting procedure if desired.ÃInoperativ
eDownhill Speed Regulation is malfunctioning.XHave the Downhill Speed Regulation checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display303Practical hintsX164_AKB; 5; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:30:16+02:00 - Seite 303Z