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 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.XEngage the parking brake for the trailer.XDisconnect all electrical plug connectors.XDecouple the trailer.XMake sure that the trailer coupling is free
of load.
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
transmitters
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 11
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 audio system or
COMAND 11
(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.
Engine adjustments should not be altered in
any way. Moreover, the specified service
procedures must be carried out regularly
according to Mercedes-Benz servicing
requirements. For details refer to the
Maintenance Booklet.
GWarning!
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.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
11 Observe all legal requirements.Driving instructions249OperationX204_AKB; 3; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T19:16:58+02:00 - Seite 249Z
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should
be applied when water drops on the paint
surface do not “bead up”. This should
normally be done every 3 to 5 months,
depending on the climate and washing
detergent used.
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner
should be applied if the paint surface shows
signs of embedded dirt (i.e. loss of gloss).
Do not apply any of these products or wax if
your vehicle is parked in the sun or if the hood
is still hot.XUse the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick for
quick and provisional repairs of minor paint
damage (i.e. chips from stones, vehicle
doors, etc.).
Engine cleaning
Prior to cleaning the engine compartment,
make sure to protect electrical components
and connectors from contact with water and
cleaning agents.
Corrosion protection, such as MB
Anticorrosion Wax should be applied to the
engine compartment after every engine
cleaning. Before applying, all control linkage
bushings and joints should be lubricated. The
poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be
protected from any wax.
Vehicle washing
In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces of
road salt as soon as possible.
When washing the vehicle underbody, do not
forget to clean the inner sides of the wheels.
Hand-wash
XDo not use hot water or wash your vehicle
in direct sunlight.XOnly use a soft, wet cloth or sponge to
clean the vehicle.XOnly use a mild vehicle wash detergent,
such as Mercedes-Benz approved Car
Shampoo.XThoroughly spray the vehicle with a
diffused jet of water.XDo not spray directly towards the
ventilation intake.XUse plenty of water and rinse the sponge
and chamois frequently.XRinse with clean water and dry with a
chamois thoroughly.
Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on the
finish.
Automatic car wash
You can have your vehicle washed in an
automatic car wash from the start. Brushless
car washes are preferable.
XTo protect the filter system, activate the air
recirculation mode using button g on
the climate control panel.
! Do not clean your vehicle in an automatic
touchless car wash which uses caustic
spray. Caustic spray will damage the paint
or ornamental moldings.
If the vehicle is very dirty, prewash it before
running it through the automatic car wash.
! Make sure the combination switch is set
to wiper setting $. Otherwise, the rain
sensor could activate and cause the wipers
to move unintentionally. This may lead to
vehicle damage.
Due to the width of the vehicle, fold in
exterior rear view mirrors prior to running
the vehicle through an automatic car wash
to prevent damage to the mirrors.
XWhen taking the vehicle through an
automatic conveyor-type car wash:
Make sure the automatic transmission
remains in neutral position N.
When leaving the automatic car wash, make
sure the mirrors are folded out.
After running the vehicle through an
automatic car wash, wipe any wax off of the
windshield and the wiper blade inserts. This
will prevent smears and reduce wiping noise
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsCheck
Child
Seat
PositionSee
Operator's
ManualVehicles with BabySmart™ (Canada only):
The BabySmart™ child seat is not positioned correctly.
Risk of injury!XInstall the BabySmart™ child seat in correct position.Vehicles with BabySmart™ (Canada only):
The sensor for child seat recognition is malfunctioning.
Risk of injury!XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.GWarning!
If the 45 indicator lamp remains illuminated with an adult occupant on the front passenger
seat even after performing the above corrective steps, do not have any passenger use the front
passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
Driving systems
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsCruise
ControlInoperativ
eThe cruise control is malfunctioning.
In addition an acoustic warning sounds.XHave the cruise control checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.Cruise
Control- - - mphOne of the activation conditions for cruise control has not
been fulfilled. You may have attempted to set a speed below
20 mph (30 km/h).XDrive faster than 20 mph (30 km/h) if the situation allows
and set the speed.XCheck the activation conditions for cruise control
( Y page 169).
Vehicle
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsShift to
'P' or 'N'to Start
EngineYou have attempted to start the engine 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.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display267Practical hintsX204_AKB; 3; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T19:16:58+02:00 - Seite 267Z
BrakeProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions!The yellow ABS
indicator lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The ABS has detected a malfunction and switched off. The BAS,
the ESP ®
, and the EBP are also switched off.
The brake system is still functioning normally but without the
systems specified above available.
If the ABS control unit is malfunctioning, other systems such as
the navigation system or the automatic transmission may also be
malfunctioning.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 262).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
!The yellow ABS
indicator lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The ABS has switched off due to insufficient power supply.
The battery might not be charged sufficiently.
When the voltage is above the required value again, the ABS is
operational again. The ABS indicator lamp should go out.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 262).XIf the ABS indicator lamp does not go out: Have the alternator
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Rear wiper bladeXInsert wiper blade ; into wiper arm :.XHold wiper arm : and engage wiper
blade ; by pushing it in direction of arrow
until it locks into place.
XCheck whether the wiper blade is securely
fastened.
XFold wiper arm : to rest on the rear
window.
Make sure to hold on to the wiper when
folding the wiper arm back.
! Make sure the wiper blade is installed
properly. An improperly installed wiper
blade may cause rear window damage.
Flat tire
Safety notes
GWarning!
The dimensions of the spare wheel are
different from those of the road wheels. As a
result, the vehicle handling characteristics
change when driving with a spare wheel
mounted. Adapt your driving style
accordingly.
The spare wheel is for temporary use only.
When driving with a spare wheel mounted,
ensure proper tire inflation pressure and do
not exceed a vehicle speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h).
Contact the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible to have the
spare wheel replaced with a regular road
wheel.
Never operate the vehicle with more than one
spare wheel mounted.
Do not switch off the ESP® when a spare
wheel is mounted.
Preparing the vehicle
XWhenever possible, park the vehicle in a
safe distance from moving traffic on a hard,
flat surface.
XTurn on the hazard warning flasher.XTurn the steering wheel so that the front
wheels are in a straight-ahead position.
XEngage the parking brake.XShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
XTurn off the engine.XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
or
XVehicles with 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 can then be closed again.
Open doors only when conditions are safe
to do so.
XHave any passenger exit the vehicle at a
safe distance from the roadway. Open
doors only when conditions are safe to do
so.
Mounting the spare wheel
Introduction
XPrepare the vehicle as described
(Y page 312).
XTake the following out of the vehicle:
Rspare wheel
Rjack
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transmission which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Jump starting should only be performed
using the jump-start terminals located in
the engine compartment.
Avoid repeated and lengthy starting
attempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine using a
battery quick-charge unit.
If the engine does not run after several
unsuccessful starting attempts, have it
checked at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by
repeated failed starting attempts may
damage the catalytic converter and may
present a fire risk.
Make sure the jumper cables do not have
loose or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not touch
any other metal part while the other end is
still attached to a battery.
If the battery is discharged, the engine can be
started with jumper cables and the fully
charged battery of another vehicle or an
equivalent starter pack. Observe the
following:
R Access to the battery is not possible on all
vehicles. If you cannot access the battery
of the other vehicle, provide jump start
power by an external battery or starter
pack.
R Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic converter
are cold.R Do not jump start the engine or charge the
battery if the battery is frozen. Let the
battery thaw out first.
R Only jump start from batteries with the
same voltage rating (12 V). Jump starting
with a more powerful battery could damage
the vehicle’s electrical system. Such
damage will not be covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
R Only use jumper cables with sufficient
cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.
R Always make sure the jumper cables are
not on or near pulleys, fans or other parts
that move when an engine is started or
running.
R Should the battery be drained completely,
let the donating power source charge the
vehicle for several minutes before
reattempting the starting process.
The jump-start contacts are located in the
engine compartment on the passenger side.XMake sure the two vehicles do not touch.XSwitch off all electrical consumers.XEngage the parking brake.XMake sure the automatic transmission is in
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vehicle moved to a safe location where the
recommended towing methods can be
employed.
! Before towing the vehicle observe the
following instructions:
RDo not tow-start the vehicle. You could
otherwise seriously damage the
automatic transmission which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
RDo not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment over
bumpy roads will damage radiator and
supports.
RTowing of the vehicle should only be
done using the properly installed towing
eye bolt. Never attach a tow cable, tow
rope or tow rod to the vehicle chassis,
frame or suspension parts.
GWarning!
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
! Avoid pulling the vehicle abruptly or
diagonally, since it could result in damage
to the chassis alignment.
! Do not use the towing eye bolt for
recovery, as this could damage the vehicle.
If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
iIf the battery is disconnected or
discharged
Rthe SmartKey will not turn in the starter
switch
Rthe automatic transmission will remain in
park position P
For more information see “Battery”
(Y page 317) or “Jump starting”
(Y page 319).
For information on manually unlocking the
gear selector lever, see (Y page 301).
Installing towing eye bolt
Depending on whether you are towing a
vehicle or you are being towed, the towing eye
bolt can be screwed into threaded holes
which are located behind covers on each
bumper.
The towing eye bolt is supplied with the
vehicle tool kit, located in the cargo
compartment underneath the cargo
compartment floor (Y page 260).
XTake the towing eye bolt out of the space
underneath the cargo compartment floor.
Removing cover in front bumper
XPress mark on cover : as indicated by the
arrow.
XLift cover : off to reveal the threaded hole
for the towing eye bolt.
Removing cover in rear bumper
GWarning!
In order to avoid possible serious burns or
injury, use extreme caution when removing
the rear cover, because the rear exhaust pipe
is extremely hot.
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remove SmartKey from starter switch and
reinsert.GWarning!
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
XMake sure the ignition is switched on.XWith the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal and keep it pressed.XShift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N.XRelease the brake pedal.XIf engaged, release the parking brake.XSwitch on the hazard warning flasher
( Y page 90).
!
The vehicle may be towed only for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
i While being towed with the hazard
warning flasher in use, use the combination
switch in the usual manner to signal turns.
Only the selected turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard
warning flasher will operate again.
Towing with one axle raised
! The vehicle may be towed only for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: Do not tow with
one axle raised. Doing so could damage the
transfer case, which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
All wheels must be on or off the ground.
Observe instructions for towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground.
When towing the vehicle with one axle raised,
the wheels on the ground have to move freely.
Therefore follow the respective steps below,
after the front or the rear axle being raised:
Towing with the front axle raisedXMake sure the ignition is switched on.XWith the vehicle at a standstill, depress the
brake pedal and keep it pressed.XShift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N.XRelease the brake pedal.XIf engaged, release the parking brake.XSwitch off the automatic central locking
( Y page 124).XSwitch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the starter switch.XSwitch on the hazard warning flasher
( Y page 90).
!
Because the ESP ®
operates
automatically, the engine and ignition must
be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1) when the vehicle is being
towed with one axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Towing with the rear axle raised
XSwitch off the ignition and remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch.XSwitch on the hazard warning flasher
( Y page 90).XTake the SmartKey with you when leaving
the vehicle.
Stranded vehicle
Freeing a stranded vehicle, on which the
wheels are dug into sand or mud, should be
done with the greatest of care, especially if
the vehicle is heavily loaded.
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