
are located on the front passenger door and
on the rear doors.
i Operating the rear door windows from
the rear is not possible when you activate
the override switch (Y page 60).
GObserve Safety notes, see page 55.GWarning!
When opening or closing the door windows,
make sure there is no danger of anyone being
harmed by the opening/closing procedure.
The door windows are equipped with the
express operation and automatic reversal
function. If in express operation mode a door
window encounters an obstruction that
blocks its path, the automatic reversal
function will stop the door window and open
it slightly.
The door windows operate differently when
the switch is pulled and held. See the “Closing
when a door window is blocked” section in
this chapter for details.
The closing of the door windows can be
immediately halted by releasing the switch or,
if the switch was pulled past the resistance
point and released, by either pressing or
pulling the respective switch.
If a door window encounters an obstruction
that blocks its path in a circumstance where
you are closing the door windows by pressing
and holding button & on the SmartKey or
by pressing and holding the lock button
(vehicles with KEYLESS-GO) on an outside
door handle, the automatic reversal function
will not operate.
Activate the override switch when children
are riding in the back seats of the vehicle. The
children may otherwise injure themselves,
e.g. by becoming trapped in the door window
opening.
GWarning!
Do not keep any part of your body up against
the window pane when opening a window. The
downward motion of the pane may pull that
part of your body down between the window
pane and the door frame and trap it there. If
there is a risk of entrapment, release the
switch and pull it to close the window.
iYou can also open or close the door
windows using the SmartKey, see
“Summer opening feature” (Y page 102)
and “Convenience closing feature”
(Y page 102).
iAfter switching off the ignition or
removing the SmartKey from the starter
switch, you can operate the door windows
until you open the driver’s or front
passenger door. If no door was opened you
can operate the door windows for up to
5 minutes.
XSwitch on the ignition.XOpening/closing: Press or pull and hold
switch : to ? to the resistance point.
The corresponding door window moves
downward or upward until you release the
switch.
XExpress operation: Press or pull
switch : to ? past the resistance point
and release.
The corresponding door window opens or
closes completely.
XStopping during express operation:
Press or pull the respective switch again.
Power windows101Controls in detail164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 101Z

is restricted in order to protect it from
damage. Avoid driving your vehicle at full
speed when the engine is cold to prevent
premature engine wear and/or diminished
comfort.
! If an acoustic warning sounds and the
message Release Parking Brake
appears in the multifunction display when
driving off, you have forgotten to release
the parking brake.
Release the parking brake.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel. This may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
! 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 135).
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 244).
For information on off-road driving, see “Off-
road driving” ( Y page 248).
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.
106Driving and parkingControls in detail
164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 106

Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
iIn an emergency you can turn off the
engine while driving by pressing and
holding the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
for approximately 3 seconds.
If you have started the engine with the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and cannot
turn it off as described above:
XRemove the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button from the starter switch.
XInsert the SmartKey into the starter switch.
The engine turns off. The starter switch is
in position 0 (Y page 79).
Automatic transmission
Introduction
For information on driving with an automatic
transmission, see “Driving and parking”
(Y page 103).
GWarning!
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure the pedals
still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
GWarning!
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not recognize
potential danger.
! Allow the engine to warm up under low
load use. Do not place full load on the
engine until the operating temperature has
been reached.
Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period when driving off on
slippery road surfaces.
This may cause serious damage to the
engine and the drivetrain which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
iDuring the brief warm-up, transmission
upshifting is delayed. This allows the
catalytic converter (gasoline engine) or
oxidation catalyst (diesel engine) to heat up
more quickly to operating temperature.
Gear selector lever
Gearshift pattern for automatic transmission
:Button for selecting park position PjPark positionkReverse geariNeutral positionhDrive positionGWarning!
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
Automatic transmission109Controls in detail164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 109Z

The current gear range appears in the
multifunction display.:Gear range indicator Effect=With this selection you can use the
braking effect of the engine.
5Allows the use of the engine’s
braking effect when driving
Ron steep downgrades
Rin mountainous regions
Runder extreme operating
conditions
4For maximum use of the engine’s
braking effect on very steep or
lengthy downgrades.
Automatic shift program
The automatic shift program is available on
ML 63 AMG only.
Program mode selector switch
C ComfortFor standard driving
(Y page 114)
S SportFor sporty driving
(Y page 114)
M ManualFor manual gearshifting
(Y page 115)
The current program mode appears in the
multifunction display.
:Program mode indicator
You should only change the program mode
when the automatic transmission is in park
position P.
The last selected automatic program mode
(C or S) is active when the engine is restarted.
XPress the program mode selector switch
repeatedly until the letter of the desired
program mode appears in the multifunction
display.
Selecting program mode C means:
RThe vehicle starts out more gentle, both
forward and reverse, except when driving
off with full throttle.
RTraction and driving stability are improved
on icy roads.
RUpshifts occur earlier even when you give
more gas. The engine then operates at
lower revolutions and the wheels are less
likely to spin.
Selecting program mode S means that
upshifts occur later.
114Automatic transmissionControls in detail
164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 114

:Vehicle supply voltage indicator
RACETIMER
GWarning!
The RACETIMER feature is only for use on
roads and in conditions where high speed
driving is permitted. Racing on public roads is
prohibited under all circumstances. The driver
is and must always remain responsible for
following posted speed limits.
The RACETIMER allows you to time and save
driving stretches.
XPress button V or U repeatedly until
the AMG menu appears in the
multifunction display.
XPress button & repeatedly until the
RACETIMER appears in the multifunction
display.
:RACETIMER;Lap number
You can start the RACETIMER when the
engine is running or the starter switch is in
position 2 (Y page 79).
While the RACETIMER is being displayed, you
cannot adjust the audio volume using buttons
W or X.
XStarting: Press button W.XDisplaying intermediate time: Press
button X while the timer is running.
The intermediate time is shown for
5 seconds.
XStopping: Press button W.
When you stop the vehicle and turn the
SmartKey to position 1 (Y page 79) or, in
vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, turn off the
engine and do not open the driver’s door, the
RACETIMER stops timing. Timing is resumed
when you press button W after switching
the ignition back on or restarting the engine.
Saving lap time and starting a new lap
You can save up to nine laps.
XPress button X while the timer is
running.
The intermediate time will be shown for
5 seconds.
XPress button X within 5 seconds.
The intermediate time shown will be saved
as a lap time.
The RACETIMER begins timing the new lap.
The new lap begins to be timed as soon as
the intermediate time is called up.
:RACETIMER;Best lap time=Lap number
Resetting current lap
XPress button W while the timer is
running.
The timer stops.
XPress button X.
The lap time is reset to “0”.
124Control systemControls in detail
164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 124

Redialing
The control system stores the most recently
dialed phone numbers. This eliminates the
need to search through your entire phone
book.
XPress button U or V repeatedly until
the message TEL appears in the
multifunction display.XPress button 6.
The first number in the redial memory
appears in the multifunction display.XPress button & or * repeatedly until
the desired number or name appears in the
multifunction display.XPress button 6.
The control system dials the selected
phone number.
Driving systems
Introduction
This section describes the following driving
systems of your vehicle:
R Cruise control
R Distronic
R Distance warning function (only available
with Distronic)
R Hill-start assist system
R Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR)
R Off-road driving program
R Air suspension program (Adaptive
Damping System (ADS) and vehicle level
control)
R All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
R Parktronic system
R Rear view camera
The driving safety systems ABS, BAS, EBP,
ESP ®
and 4-ETS are described in the “Safety
and security” section ( Y page 61).
Cruise control
The cruise control maintains the speed you
set for your vehicle automatically.
The use of the cruise control is recommended
for driving at a constant speed for extended
periods of time.
The currently set speed or last set speed
(“Resume” function) appears in the status
indicator of the multifunction display:
R USA only: e.g. Cruise 55 Miles
R Canada only: e.g. ¯ 90 Km/h
i The cruise control should not be activated
during off-road driving.GWarning!
The cruise control is a convenience system
designed to assist the driver during vehicle
operation. The driver is and must always
remain responsible for the vehicle’s speed
and for safe brake operation.
Only use the cruise control if the road, traffic,
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy
traffic because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid
changes in tire traction can result in wheel
spin and loss of control.
R Deactivate the cruise control when driving
in fog.
The “Resume” function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed.
Driving systems141Controls in detail164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 141Z

XBriefly pull the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow ?.
If no speed is stored, the current speed is
set and stored.XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
The last stored speed is deleted from memory
when the engine is turned off.
Distronic
Safety notes
When activated, the Distronic adaptive cruise
control increases the driving convenience
afforded by the cruise control while traveling
on expressways and other major roadways.
R If the Distronic distance sensor detects a
slower moving vehicle directly ahead, your
vehicle speed will be reduced so that you
follow that vehicle at your preset following
distance.
R If there is no vehicle directly ahead of you,
the Distronic will function in the same way
as standard cruise control ( Y page 141).
GWarning!
The Distronic requires familiarity with its
operational characteristics. We strongly
recommend that you review the following
information carefully before operating the
system.
GWarning!
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not recognize
potential danger.
GWarning!
When the Distronic is braking, the brake pedal
is retracted (i.e. depressed automatically).
The pedals’ range of motion must not be
impeded by any obstacles:
R Do not place any objects in the footwell.
R Make sure that the floormats and carpets
are securely in place.
R Do not rest your foot underneath the brake
pedal, as it could otherwise be trapped.
You could otherwise cause an accident and
injure yourself and/or others.
GWarning!
The Distronic is a convenience system. Its
speed adjustment reduction capability is
intended to make cruise control more
effective and usable when traffic speeds vary.
It is not however, intended to, nor does it,
replace the need for extreme care.
The responsibility for the vehicle’s speed,
distance to the preceding vehicle and, most
importantly, brake operation to ensure a safe
stopping distance, always remains with the
driver.
The Distronic cannot take street and traffic
conditions into account. Complex driving
situations are not always fully recognized by
the Distronic. This could result in wrong or
missing distance warnings.
GWarning!
The Distronic adaptive cruise control is not a
substitute for active driving involvement. It
does not react to pedestrians or on stationary
objects, nor does it recognize or predict the
lane curvature or the movement of preceding
vehicles.
The Distronic can only apply 20% of the
maximum braking power of the vehicle.
It is the driver’s responsibility at all times to
be attentive to the road, weather and traffic
conditions. Additionally, the driver must
provide the steering, braking and other driving
144Driving systemsControls in detail
164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 144

inputs necessary to remain in control of the
vehicle.
High-frequency sources such as toll stations,
speed measuring systems etc. can cause the
Distronic system to malfunction.GWarning!
The Distronic cannot take road and traffic
conditions into account. Only use the
Distronic if the road, weather and traffic
conditions make it advisable to travel at a
constant speed.
GWarning!
Use of the Distronic can be dangerous on
slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire traction
can result in wheel spin and loss of control.
The Distronic does not function in adverse
sight and distance conditions. Do not use the
Distronic during conditions of fog, heavy rain,
snow or sleet.
GWarning!
The Distronic cannot take weather conditions
into account. Switch off the Distronic or do
not switch it on if:
R roads are slippery or covered with snow or
ice. The wheels could lose traction while
braking or accelerating, and the vehicle
could skid.
R the Distronic system sensor cover is dirty
or visibility is diminished due to snow, rain
or fog, for example. The distance control
system functionality could be impaired.
Always pay attention to surrounding traffic
conditions even while the Distronic is
switched on. Otherwise, you may not be able
to recognize dangerous situations until it is
too late. This could cause an accident in which
you and/or others could be injured.
GWarning!
The “Resume” function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed.GWarning!
Close attention to road and traffic conditions
is imperative at all times, regardless of
whether or not the Distronic is activated.
Use of the Distronic can be dangerous on
winding roads or in heavy traffic because
conditions do not allow safe driving at a
constant speed.
The Distronic will not react to stationary
objects in the roadway (e.g. a stopped vehicle
in a traffic jam or a disabled vehicle). The
Distronic will also not respond to oncoming
vehicles.
Switch off the Distronic:
R when changing from the left to the right
lane if vehicles are moving more slowly in
the left lane
R when entering a turn lane or highway off
ramp
R in complex driving situations, such as in
highway construction zones
In these situations, the Distronic will continue
to maintain the set speed unless deactivated.
The Distronic is designed and intended only
to maintain a set speed and keep a set
distance from moving objects in front of it.
i This device has been approved by the FCC
as a “Vehicular Radar System”. The radar
sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removal, tampering, or
altering of the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Driving systems145Controls in detail164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 145Z