XPull remote tailgate opening/closing
switch : until the tailgate begins to open.
An acoustic warning sounds when the
tailgate begins to open.
Closing
GObserve Safety notes, see page 53.GWarning!
Maintain sight of the area around the rear of
the vehicle while operating the tailgate with
the door-mounted remote tailgate switch.
Monitor the closing procedure carefully to
make sure no one is in danger of being
injured.
To interrupt the closing procedure, press or
pull the door-mounted remote tailgate switch.
If the tailgate comes into contact with an
object while closing, the closing procedure is
stopped and the tailgate reopens. This may
happen if luggage has been piled too high, for
example.
XTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 1 or 2.
XPress remote tailgate opening/closing
switch : until the tailgate begins to close.
An acoustic warning sounds when the
tailgate begins to close.
XInterrupting the closing procedure:
Press or pull remote tailgate opening/
closing switch :.
Limiting opening height of tailgate
You can limit the opening height of the
tailgate. The tailgate can be set to stop at a
point that is between half open and
approximately 8 in (20 cm) before fully open.
This can be useful, for example, when the
space above the tailgate is not sufficient.
! Make sure there is sufficient space to
open the tailgate when limiting the opening
height. Otherwise the tailgate could be
damaged. To avoid damage, limit the
opening height outdoors.
Activating
XOpen the tailgate: Pull on handle
(Y page 72) or press and hold button
F on the SmartKey until the tailgate
opens.
XStop opening procedure: When the
tailgate is in the desired position, press
tailgate closing switch (Y page 73) or pull
on handle once more.
XPress and hold the tailgate closing switch
in the tailgate (Y page 73) until you hear a
short acoustic signal.
The opening height of the tailgate is limited.
The tailgate will now stop at the stored
position when opened.
iPull on the tailgate handle once more
after the tailgate has stopped automatically
to open the tailgate completely. The limited
opening height remains stored.
Deactivating
XPress and hold the tailgate closing switch
in the tailgate (Y page 73) until you hear
two short, consecutive acoustic signals.
Locking and unlocking75Controls in detailX204_AKB; 3; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T19:16:58+02:00 - Seite 75Z
In addition, the rear view camera contains
guidelines to help you with driving in reverse.
GWarning!
Make sure no persons or animals are in or
near the area in which you are parking/
maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be
injured.
GWarning!
The rear view camera is only an aid and may
display obstacles
Rfrom a distorted perspective
Rinaccurately
Rmay not display obstacles at all
The rear view camera does not relieve you of
the responsibility to be cautious. Take care
and pay careful attention. The rear view
camera may not show objects which are
Rvery close to the rear bumper
Runder the rear bumper
Rabove the tailgate handle
You are responsible for safety at all times and
must continue to pay attention to the
immediate surroundings when parking and
maneuvering. This includes the area behind,
in front of, and beside the vehicle. Otherwise
you could endanger yourself and/or others.
GWarning!
The rear view camera either will not function
or will not function to its full capability if
Rthe tailgate is open
Rit is raining very hard, snowing or foggy
Rit is night or you are parking/maneuvering
your vehicle in an area where it is very dark
Rthe camera is exposed to a very bright white
light
Rthe immediate surroundings are
illuminated with fluorescent light (the
display may flicker)
Rthere is a sudden change in temperature,
e.g. if you drive into a heated garage from
the cold (lens condensation)
Rthe camera lens is dirty or covered
Rthe rear of your vehicle is damaged
In this case, have the position and setting
of the camera checked by a qualified
specialist workshop. Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you contact a Mercedes-
Benz Center for this purpose.
Do not use the rear view camera in these
situations. Otherwise you could injure
yourself or others and/or damage property
including your vehicle while parking/
maneuvering.
GWarning!
Use of rear view camera can be dangerous if
you are color-blind or have impaired color
vision.
Only use rear view camera if you can see and
distinguish all colored guidelines shown by
rear view camera on the COMAND system
display.
Camera lens : must be free of dirt, ice,
snow, and slush to function properly. Clean
the camera lens regularly. Being careful not
to scratch or damage the camera lens, see
“Cleaning the rear view camera lens”
(Y page 254).
Driving systems175Controls in detailX204_AKB; 3; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T19:16:58+02:00 - Seite 175Z
XSwitch on the ignition.XPush and hold the roof panel switch in
direction of arrow ; (Y page 184) until the
roller sunblinds are fully retracted.
XPush and hold the roof panel switch in
direction of arrow ; until the tilt/sliding
panel is opened approximately 4 inch
(10 cm).
XPull and hold the roof panel switch in
direction of arrow = until the tilt/sliding
panel is fully closed.
XKeep holding the roof panel switch in
direction of arrow = for approximately
1 second.
XPull and hold the roof panel switch in
direction of arrow = (Y page 184) until the
roller sunblinds are fully extended.
XKeep holding the roof panel switch in
direction of arrow = for approximately
1 second.
XCheck the express operation feature of the
tilt/sliding panel (Y page 185).
If the tilt/sliding panel opens completely,
the roof is synchronized. Otherwise repeat
the above steps.
Loading and storing
Loading instructions
GWarning!
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible using cargo tie-down rings and
fastening materials appropriate for the weight
and size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
Load distribution
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the weight
of the vehicle including:Rfuel
Rtools
Rspare wheel
Rinstalled accessories
Rpassengers
Rluggage/cargo
It must never exceed the load limit and the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for your
vehicle. The load limit and the GVWR are
specified on the placard located on the
driver’s door B-pillar (Y page 227).
In addition, the load must be distributed so
that the weight on each axle never exceeds
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the
front and rear axle. The GVWR and GAWR for
your vehicle are indicated on the certification
label located on the driver’s door B-pillar
(Y page 227).
For more information, see “Tire and Loading
Information” (Y page 228).
The handling characteristics of a fully loaded
vehicle depend greatly on the load
distribution. It is therefore recommended to
load the vehicle according to the illustration
Loading and storing187Controls in detailX204_AKB; 3; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T19:16:58+02:00 - Seite 187Z
shown. The heaviest items are to be placed
towards the front of the vehicle.
Please pay attention to and comply with the
following instructions when loading the
vehicle and transporting cargo:
RAlways place items being carried against
front or rear seat backrests, and fasten
them as securely as possible.
RThe heaviest portion of the cargo should
always be kept as low as possible against
front or rear seat backrests.
Roof rack
For information about further roof rack
equipment, contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
GWarning!
Only use roof racks approved by Mercedes-
Benz for your vehicle model to avoid damage
to the vehicle.
Follow the manufacturer’s installation
instructions. Otherwise, an improperly
attached roof rack system or its load could
become detached from the vehicle.
Do not exceed the maximum roof load of
165 lb (75 kg).
Take into consideration that when the roof
rack is loaded, the handling characteristics
are different from those when operating the
vehicle without the roof rack loaded.
Make sure
Ryou can raise the panorama roof with
power tilt/sliding panel completely
Ryou can open the tailgate completely
Parcel nets
GWarning!
Parcel nets are intended for storing light-
weight items only, such as road maps, mail,
etc.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges, or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
parcel nets. In an accident, during hard
braking, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Parcel nets cannot protect transported goods
in the event of an accident.
Parcel nets are located in the front passenger
footwell and on the left trunk side wall.
Cargo tie-down rings
Your vehicle is equipped with four cargo tie-
down rings.
Always follow loading instructions
(Y page 187).
Cargo tie-down rings, cargo compartment
Cargo tie down ring, second-row footwell (Canadaonly)
Carefully secure cargo by applying even load
on all cargo tie-down rings : with a rope of
sufficient strength to hold down the cargo.
188Loading and storingControls in detail
X204_AKB; 3; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T19:16:58+02:00 - Seite 188
Hooks
Three hooks are located in the cargo
compartment.
Use the hooks to secure light-weight items
only. The maximum permissible weight per
hook is 9 lbs (4 kg).
Coat hooks on the tailgate
GWarning!
The tailgate may close if too great a load is
placed on the coat hooks.
You and/or others could be trapped and
injured.
Only use the coat hooks for light clothing.
Expanding cargo volume
To expand the cargo volume, you can fold the
left and right rear seat backrests.
The two sections can be folded separately to
enlarge the cargo volume.
GWarning!
Always lock the seat backrest in its upright
position when the rear seat bench is
occupied, or the extended cargo volume is not
in use.
Check for secure locking by pushing and
pulling on the seat backrest.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo.
GWarning!
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
Folding rear seat backrest forward
XInsert the rear seat head restraints fully
(Y page 80).
XPull left and/or right release handle ; in
direction of arrow.
The respective seat backrest : is
released.
XFold the respective seat backrest :
forward.
XIf necessary, move the driver’s and/or front
passenger seat forward (Y page 79).
XAdjust the front seats to desired position.Loading and storing189Controls in detailX204_AKB; 3; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T19:16:58+02:00 - Seite 189Z
XOpening: Pull release catch and swing the
storage compartment cover : upward in
direction of arrow.
Storage compartments under cargo
compartment floor
GWarning!
If items are stored in the compartment, make
sure compartment is securely closed.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, they could be thrown around
inside the vehicle, and cause injury to vehicle
occupants.
XOpening: Roll up cargo compartment
cover blind (Y page 190) and fold visible
part upward.
XPush in floor handle : as indicated by
arrow.
XPull floor handle : and swing cargo
compartment floor ; upward.
XRelease securing hook = (located below
the cargo compartment floor) from holder.
XEngage securing hook = on upper cargo
compartment lip ?.
iThe storage compartments A and B can
be used to store small, light, and flat
objects.
! To prevent damage, always disengage the
securing hook from upper cargo
compartment lip and lower the cargo
compartment floor before closing the
tailgate.
XClosing: Disengage the securing hook =
from upper cargo compartment lip ?.
XEngage securing hook = on holder
(located below the cargo compartment
floor).
XLower the cargo compartment floor ;.194Loading and storingControls in detail
X204_AKB; 3; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T19:16:58+02:00 - Seite 194
The SOS button will flash and the message
Connecting Call will appear in the
multifunction display to indicate receipt of
the door unlock command.
If the tailgate recessed handle was pulled
for more than 20 seconds before door
unlock authorization was received by the
Customer Assistance Center, you must
wait 15 minutes before pulling the tailgate
recessed handle again.
Remote door lock
If you have forgotten to lock your vehicle and
are no longer near it, you can have it locked
remotely through the Customer Assistance
Center.
The vehicle can be remotely locked within
four days after the ignition has been switched
off.
XContact the Customer Assistance Center
at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) (USA only) or
1-888-923-8367 (Canada only).
You will be asked to provide your password.
When you are inside your vehicle the next
time and switch on the ignition, the message
Tele Aid Doors locked by remote
control will appear on the multifunction
display.
i The remote door lock feature is available
if the relevant cellular phone network is
available and data connection is possible.
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services
In the event your vehicle was stolen:
XReport the incident to the police.
The police will issue a numbered incident
report.XPass this number on to the Customer
Assistance Center along with your
password.
The Customer Assistance Center will then
attempt to covertly contact the vehicle’s
Tele Aid system. Once the vehicle is
located, the Customer Assistance Centerwill contact the local law enforcement and
you. The vehicle’s location will only be
provided to law enforcement.
i If the anti-theft alarm stays on for more
than 30 seconds, the Tele Aid system will
notify the Customer Assistance Center
automatically.
Garage door opener
The integrated remote control can operate up
to three separately controlled devices
compatible with HomeLink ®
or some other
systems.
GWarning!
Before programming the integrated remote
control to a garage door opener or gate
operator, make sure people and objects are
out of the way of the device to prevent
potential harm or damage. When
programming a garage door opener, the door
moves up or down. When programming a gate
operator, the gate opens or closes.
Do not use the integrated remote control with
any garage door opener that lacks safety stop
and reverse features as required by U.S.
federal safety standards (this includes any
garage door opener model manufactured
before April 1, 1982). A garage door that
cannot detect an object - signaling the door
to stop and reverse - does not meet current
U.S. federal safety standards.
When programming a garage door opener,
park vehicle outside the garage.
Do not run the engine while programming the
integrated remote control. Inhalation of
exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All
exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide (CO),
and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness
and possible death.
Useful features205Controls in detailX204_AKB; 3; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T19:16:58+02:00 - Seite 205Z
XMake sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P (Y page 103).XEngage the parking brake for the vehicle
( Y page 102).XClose all doors and the tailgate.XAttach the trailer.XPlug in all electrical connectors.
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
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 84) 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 106). Select 4, 3 ,
2 or 1.
A lower gear and reduction of speed
reduces the chance of engine overloading
and/or overheating.
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 passing248Driving instructionsOperation
X204_AKB; 3; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T19:16:58+02:00 - Seite 248