range indicator disappears from the
multifunction display.
The automatic transmission will shift from
the current gear range directly into drive
position D.
Shifting into optimal gear range
XPress and hold the gear selector lever to
the left in the D- direction.
The automatic transmission will select the
gear range suited for optimal acceleration
and deceleration automatically. This will
involve shifting down one or more gears.
Emergency operation (limp-home
mode)
If vehicle acceleration becomes less
responsive or sluggish or the automatic
transmission no longer shifts, the automatic
transmission is most likely operating in limp-
home (emergency operation) mode. In this
mode only second gear and reverse gear R
can be selected.
XStop the vehicle in a safe location.XShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.XTurn off the engine.XWait at least 10 seconds before restarting.XRestart the engine.XShift the automatic transmission into drive
position D (for second gear) or reverse gear
R .XHave the automatic transmission checked
at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.
Transfer case
This section applies to vehicles equipped with
all-wheel drive (4MATIC) only. Both the front
and rear axles are powered at all times when
the vehicle is being operated.
! 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) when
R the parking brake is being tested on a
brake test dynamometer
R towing the vehicle with the front or rear
axle raised (not permissible for vehicles
with 4MATIC)
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
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
R speed
R outside temperature
R warning/indicator lamps
R malfunction/warning messages
R failure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
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If you press and hold button : or
9 the system scrolls rapidly through the
list of names (quick search). After holding
button : or 9 for a short while the
scrolling speed increases. Release the
button to stop the quick search. The search
stops automatically at the end of the list.
Example illustration
:Selected name from the phone bookXIf the Symbol G appears on the right-hand
side of the name several entries are
present for the same name: Press button
6 or a and select the desired entry.
XPress button 6 or a.
The control system dials the selected
phone number.
If the connection is successful and this
feature is supported by your network
provider, the name of the party (if stored in
your phone book) you are calling will
appear in the multifunction display.
The control system stores the dialed
number in the redial memory.
or
XPress button ~ or % if you do not
want to make the call.
Redialing
The control system stores the most recently
dialed phone numbers. This eliminates the
need to search through your entire phone
book.
XPress button = or ; to select the
Tel menu.
XPress button 6.XPress button : or 9 to select the
desired number or name.
XPress button 6 or a.
The control system dials the selected
phone number.
Service menu
In the Service menu the following functions
are available:
RVehicle status message memory
(Y page 118)
RRestarting the tire pressure loss warning
system (Canada only) (Y page 223)
RChecking tire inflation pressure
electronically with the Advanced TPMS
(USA only) (Y page 224)
RCalling up the maintenance service
indicator display (Y page 251)
Vehicle status message memory
Use the vehicle status message memory
function to scan malfunction and warning
messages that may be stored in the system.
Such messages appear in the multifunction
display and are based on conditions or
system status the vehicle’s system has
recorded.
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
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vehicle may be much louder. You may need to
disable these system messages or adjust the
volume of these messages manually.
XSelecting audio AUX mode:
Press button h repeatedly until the
main menu for AUX operation appears.
or
XIn CD mode: Select CD/MP3 Q Aux.
The audio AUX menu appears. The medium in
the external audio source is heard, provided
it is connected and switched to playback.
iPlease refer to the relevant operating
guide for operation of the external audio
source.
The following settings can be made in the
audio AUX mode:
RVolume (Y page 133)
RBalance control and fader (Y page 133)
RBass and treble control (Y page 133)
RSurround sound (Y page 134)
iThe volume of external audio sources is
extremely variable. It is possible that a
device connected as an external audio
source will sound quieter or louder in the
vehicle or that the usual maximum volume
cannot be achieved. On certain devices the
volume can be set separately. In this case,
start at a moderate volume and increase it
slowly. In this way, you can determine
whether the system is capable of playback
without distortion, even at high volume.
Volume adjustment for the audio device
You can increase the volume for the AUX
socket in case the internal volume of the
connected audio device is too low. Use the
setting Boost for such devices.
You should set the system back to
Standard before connecting a different audio
device to the AUX socket.
XSelect Volume in AUX mode.
The selection list appears. The dot #
indicates the currently selected setting.
:Default setting;Volume boost
Switch back to CD mode
XPress button h.
or
XSelect Back To Disc in the audio AUX
menu.
Telephone
Safety precautions
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 mobile phone9 while
driving, please use the hands-free device and
only use the mobile phone when road,
weather and traffic conditions permit. Some
jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a
mobile phone while driving a vehicle.
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.
9Observe all legal requirements.Audio system155Controls in detailX204_AKB; 3; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T19:16:58+02:00 - Seite 155Z
Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (Advanced TPMS), (USA only)
Your vehicle is equipped with the Advanced
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS). It measures the tire inflation pressure
in the vehicle’s tires and issues warnings in
case of pressure loss in one or more of the
tires.
The TPMS is equipped with a combination low
tire pressure/ TPMS malfunction telltale in
the instrument cluster. Depending on how the
telltale illuminates, it indicates a low tire
pressure condition or a malfunction in the
TPMS system itself:
R If the telltale illuminates continuously, one
or more of your tires is significantly
underinflated. There is no malfunction in
the TPMS.
R If the telltale flashes for 60 seconds and
then stays illuminated, the TPMS system
itself is not operating properly.
The TPMS only functions on wheels that are
equipped with the proper electronic sensors.
GWarning!
The TPMS does not indicate a warning for
wrongly selected inflation pressures. Always
adjust tire inflation pressure according to the
Tire and Loading Information placard or the
supplemental tire inflation pressure
information on the inside of the fuel filler flap.
The TPMS is not able to issue a warning due
to a sudden dramatic loss of pressure (e.g. tire
blowout caused by a foreign object). In this
case bring the vehicle to a halt by carefully
applying the brakes and avoiding abrupt
steering maneuvers.
GWarning!
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked at least once a month
when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door B-
pillar or the tire inflation pressure label on the
inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the Tire and Loading Information placard
or the tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure
for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your
tires are significantly underinflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly underinflated tire causes the tire
to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability. Please note that
the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if underinflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with
the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately 1 minute and then
remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
exists. When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of
incompatible replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after224Tires and wheelsOperation
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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
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VehicleDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsAThe tailgate is open.XClose the tailgate ( Y page 71).?You are driving with the hood open.XStop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as it is safe to
do so.XClose the hood ( Y page 215).
There is otherwise danger of an accident.
;You are driving with at least one door open. The display
symbol shows you which doors are open.XClose all doors.+Key
Detected
In VehicleA SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO left in the vehicle was
recognized while trying to lock the vehicle from the outside.XTake the SmartKey out of the vehicle.+Don’t
Forget
Your KeyThis message appears for a maximum of 60 seconds if the
driver’s door is opened with the engine turned off and no
SmartKey in the starter switch. This message is only a
reminder.XTake the SmartKey with you when leaving the vehicle.+Take Your
Key From
IgnitionYou have forgotten to remove the SmartKey.XRemove the SmartKey from the starter switch.+Obtain A
New KeyThe SmartKey is malfunctioning.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.+Close
Doors To
Lock
VehicleYou tried to lock the vehicle but not all doors were closed.XClose doors and lock the vehicle again.+Key Does
Not
Belong to
VehicleThe SmartKey in the starter switch does not belong to the
vehicle.XRemove the SmartKey from the starter switch.+Replace
Key
BatteryThe batteries in the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO are
discharged.XReplace the batteries ( Y page 302).Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display277Practical hintsX204_AKB; 3; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T19:16:58+02:00 - Seite 277Z
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+Key Not
Detected
(message
appears in
red)The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is not detected while the
engine is running because the SmartKey is not in the vehicle.XStop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.XEngage the parking brake.XSearch for the SmartKey.
The vehicle cannot be locked centrally nor can the engine
be started again after the engine is stopped.+Key Not
Detected
(message
appears in
red)The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is not detected while the
engine is running because there is strong radio-frequency
interference.XStop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.XEngage the parking brake.XRemove the KEYLESS-GO button from the starter switch
( Y page 77).XOperate the vehicle with the SmartKey in the starter switch.+Key Not
Detected
(message
appears in
white)The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is momentarily not detected.XChange the position of the SmartKey in the vehicle.XIf necessary, remove the KEYLESS-GO button from the
starter switch ( Y page 77).+Remove
'Start'
Button
and
Insert KeyThe KEYLESS-GO system is malfunctioning.XRemove the KEYLESS-GO button from the starter switch
( Y page 77).XOperate the vehicle with the SmartKey in the starter switch.¥Check
Washer
FluidThe water level has dropped to approximately 1.1 US qts
(1.0 l).XAdd washer fluid ( Y page 217).278Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?Coolant
Low Stop
Vehicle!
Turn
Engine OffThe 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 gauge in the instrument
cluster.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.
! 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.
280Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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