XMake sure the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button is inserted in the starter switch
( Y page 80).
i
To start the engine with the SmartKey
instead of the KEYLESS-GO function,
remove the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
from the starter switch. Proceed as
described in “With SmartKey”
( Y page 104).
XDepress the brake pedal during the starting
procedure.XDo not depress the accelerator pedal.XGasoline engine: Press the KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button once.
The engine starts automatically.XDiesel engine: Press the KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button once.
The engine preglows and starts
automatically.
i If the engine is at operating temperature,
the time the engine needs to preglow is
reduced.
Starting difficulties
! Remember that extended starting
attempts can drain the battery.
The engine does not start. You can hear
the starter.
There could be a malfunction in the engine
electronics or in the fuel supply system.
Carry out the following steps:
XIf you are starting the engine with the
SmartKey: Turn the SmartKey in the starter
switch to position 0 and repeat the starting
procedure.XIf you are starting the engine with KEYLESS-
GO: Close any doors that may be open to
allow for better detection of the SmartKey.
or
XRemove the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button from the starter switch.XStart the engine with the SmartKey as radio
signals from another source may be
interfering with the KEYLESS-GO function.XRepeat the starting procedure.
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
The engine does not start. You cannot
hear the starter.
The battery may not be charged sufficiently.
XGet a jump start ( Y page 336).
If the engine will not start despite a jump
start:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
The starter has been exposed to excessive
temperatures.
XLet the starter cool for about 2 minutes.XRepeat the starting procedure.
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
Driving off
GWarning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
! Do not run a cold engine at high engine
speeds. Running a cold engine at high
engine speeds may shorten the service life
of the engine. This is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
ML 63 AMG: At engine temperatures below
68‡ (20†), the engine’s maximum speed
Driving and parking105Controls in detail164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 105Z
Hand-held remote control A is not part of the
vehicle equipment.
Programming the integrated remote
controlXStep 1: Switch on the ignition.XStep 2: If you have previously programmed
a signal transmitter button and wish to
retain its programming, proceed to step 3.
or
XIf you are programming the integrated
remote control for the first time, press and
hold the two outer signal transmitter
buttons ; and ? and release them when
indicator lamp : begins to flash after
approximately 20 seconds.
Do not hold the buttons for longer than
30 seconds.
This procedure erases any previous
settings for all three channels and
initializes the memory. If you later wish to
program a second and/or third hand-held
transmitter to the remaining two signal
transmitter buttons, do not repeat this step
and begin directly with step 3.XStep 3: Hold the end of hand-held remote
control A of the device you wish to train
approximately 2 to 12 in (5 to 30 cm) away
from the signal transmitter button ( ;, =
or ? ) to be programmed, while keeping
indicator lamp : in view.XStep 4: Using both hands, simultaneously
press hand-held remote control button B
and the desired signal transmitter button
( ; , = or ?). Do not release the buttons
until step 5 is completed.
Indicator lamp : will flash, first slowly and
then rapidly.
i Indicator lamp : flashes immediately
the first time the signal transmitter button
is programmed. If this button has already
been programmed, the indicator lamp will
start flashing after 20 seconds.
XStep 5: After indicator lamp : changes
from a slow to a rapidly flashing light,
release the hand-held remote control
button and the signal transmitter button.XStep 6: Press and hold the just-trained
signal transmitter button ( ;, = or ?) and
observe indicator lamp :.
If indicator lamp : stays on constantly,
programming is complete and your device
should activate when the respective signal
transmitter button ( ;, = or ?) is pressed
and released.
i If indicator lamp : flashes rapidly for
approximately 2 seconds and then turns to
a constant light, continue with
programming steps 8 through 12 as your
garage door opener may be equipped with
the “rolling code” feature.
XStep 7: To program the remaining two
signal transmitter buttons, repeat the steps
above starting with step 3.
Rolling code programming
To train a garage door opener (or other rolling
code devices) with the rolling code feature,
follow these instructions after completing the
“Programming” portion (steps 1 through 6) of
this text. For your convenience and to
complete the procedure faster, you might
want to have someone assist you.
XStep 8: Locate the “training” button on the
garage door opener motor head unit.
i Exact location and color of the button may
vary by garage door opener brand.
Depending on manufacturer, the “training”
button may also be referred to as “learn” or
“smart” button. If there is difficulty locating
the transmitting button, refer to the garage
door opener Operator’s Manual.
XStep 9: Press the “training” button on the
garage door opener motor head unit.
The “training light” is activated.
You have 30 seconds to initiate the
following two steps.Useful features205Controls in detail164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 205Z
XStep 10: Return to the vehicle and firmly
press, hold for 2 seconds and release the
programmed signal transmitter button ( ;,
= or ?).XStep 11: Press, hold for 2 seconds and
release same signal transmitter button a
second time to complete the training
process.
i Some garage door openers (or other
rolling code equipped devices) may require
you to press, hold for 2 seconds and
release the same signal transmitter button
a third time to complete the training
process.
XStep 12: Confirm the garage door
operation by pressing the programmed
signal transmitter button ( ;, = or ?).XStep 13: To program the remaining two
signal transmitter buttons, repeat the steps
above starting with step 3.
Gate operator/Canadian programming
Canadian radio-frequency laws require
transmitter signals to “time-out” (or quit)
after several seconds of transmission which
may not be long enough for the integrated
signal transmitter to pick up the signal during
programming. Similar to this Canadian law,
some U.S. gate operators are designed to
“time-out” in the same manner.
If you live in Canada or if you are having
difficulties programming a gate operator
(regardless of where you live) by using the
programming procedures, replace step 4 with
the following:
XStep 4: Press and hold the signal
transmitter button ( ;, = or ?). Do not
release this button until it has been
successfully trained.XWhile still holding down the signal
transmitter button ( ;, = or ?), “cycle”
your hand-held remote control button B
as follows: Press and hold button B for
2 seconds, then release it for 2 seconds,
and again press and hold it for 2 seconds.Repeat this sequence on the hand-held
remote control until the frequency signal
has been learned.
Upon successful training, indicator
lamp : will flash slowly and then rapidly
after several seconds.XProceed with programming step 5 and
step 6 to complete.
i Upon completion of programming the
integrated remote control, make sure you
retain the hand-held remote control that
came with the garage door opener, gate
operator or other device. You may need it
for use in other vehicles, for future
programming of an integrated remote
control, or simply for continued use as a
hand-held remote control to operate the
respective device in other situations.
Reprogramming a single signal
transmitter button
To program a device using a signal
transmitter button previously trained, follow
these steps:
XSwitch on the ignition.XPress and hold the desired signal
transmitter button ( ;, = or ?). Do not
release the button.
Indicator lamp : will begin to flash after
20 seconds.XWithout releasing the signal transmitter
button, proceed with programming starting
with step 3.
Operation of integrated remote control
XSwitch on the ignition.XSelect and press the appropriate
integrated signal transmitter button ( ;,
= or ?) to activate the remote controlled
device.
The integrated remote control transmitter
continues to send the signal as long as the
button is pressed – up to 20 seconds.206Useful featuresControls in detail
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The lowest value listed must be selected
when determining how the vehicle and
trailer are loaded.
R The tongue weight at the hitch ball must be
added to the rear axle weight to prevent
exceeding the rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). The GAWR is indicated on
the certification label located on the
driver’s door B-pillar ( Y page 227).
i Mercedes-Benz recommends loading the
trailer in such a manner that it has a tongue
weight between 8 % and 15 % of the GTW.
i The weight of other accessories,
passengers and cargo will reduce the
maximum trailer weight and tongue weight
your vehicle can tow.
Checking weights of vehicle and trailer
R To assure that the towing vehicle and trailer
are in compliance with the maximum
permissible weight limits, have the loaded
rig (towing vehicle including driver,
passengers and cargo, trailer fully loaded)
weighed on a commercial scale.
R Check the vehicle’s front and rear gross
axle weight, the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
and tongue weight.
The values as measured must not exceed
the weight limits listed under “Vehicle and
trailer weights and ratings” ( Y page 254).
Coupling a trailer GWarning!
Vehicles with air suspension program: 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
switch 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 110).XEngage the parking brake for the vehicle
( Y page 107).XStart the engine ( Y page 103).XVehicles with vehicle level control:
Select the highway level ( Y page 156).XVehicles with Adaptive Damping System
(ADS):
Set the ADS to AUTO or COMF
( Y page 156).XTurn off the engine ( Y page 108).Driving instructions255Operation164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 255Z
! Do not use chrome cleaner on ornamental
moldings. Although ornamental moldings
may have chrome appearance, they could
be made of anodized aluminum that will be
damaged when cleaned with chrome
cleaner. Instead, use a damp cloth to clean
those ornamental moldings.
For very dirty ornamental moldings of
which you are sure are chrome-plated, use
a chrome cleaner. If in doubt whether an
ornamental molding is chrome-plated,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Headlamps, brake lamps, tail lamps,
side markers, turn signal lenses
XUse a mild vehicle wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo,
with plenty of water.
! Only use window cleaning solutions that
are suitable for plastic lamp lenses.
Window cleaning solutions which are not
suitable may damage the plastic lamp
lenses of the headlamps. Therefore, do not
use abrasives, solvents or cleaners that
contain solvents.
Cleaning the driving systems sensors
XSwitch off the ignition.XClean Distronic system sensor cover : by
hand.
To clean Distronic system sensor cover :
and the bumper area near sensors ; observe
the following:
RUse a mild vehicle wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo,
with plenty of water.
RUse a soft, non-scratching cloth.
! If you use a power washer to clean the
sensor covers, observe the following:
RFollow the instructions provided by the
power washer manufacturer.
RMaintain a distance between the sensor
covers and the nozzle of the power
washer.
Cleaning the rear view camera lens
XOnly use clean water and a soft, non-
scratching cloth to clean rear view camera
lens :.
Be careful not to apply wax to rear view
camera lens : when waxing the vehicle. If
necessary, remove the wax using the
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo with
plenty of water.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsbSwitch
Off LightsYou have removed the SmartKey from the starter switch,
opened the driver’s door and left the headlamps on or
removed the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO from the vehicle
and left the headlamps on.XTurn the exterior lamp switch to $ or Ã
( Y page 93).
or
XWith the rear fog lamp switched on: Push in the exterior
lamp switch to its stop.bTail Lamp
Left
or
Tail Lamp
RightThe left or right tail lamp is malfunctioning.
Rear lamps with bulbs: A substitute bulb is being used.
Rear lamps with LEDs: This message will only appear if all
LEDs have stopped working.XRear lamps with bulbs: Replace the bulb as soon as
possible ( Y page 311).XRear lamps with LEDs: Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.bCornering
Lamp Left
or
Cornering
Lamp RightThe left or right corner-illuminating front fog lamp is
malfunctioning.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.bTrailer
Brake LampThe left or right trailer brake lamp is malfunctioning.XReplace the bulb as soon as possible.bTrailer
Tail Lamp
Left
or
Trailer
Tail Lamp
RightThe left or right trailer tail lamp is malfunctioning.XReplace the bulb as soon as possible.bTrailer
Turn
Signal
Left
or
Trailer
Turn
Signal
RightThe left or right trailer turn signal lamp is malfunctioning.XReplace the bulb as soon as possible.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display295Practical hints164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 295Z
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsbTurn
Signal
Rear Left
or
Turn
Signal
Rear RightThe left or right rear turn signal lamp is malfunctioning. A
substitute bulb is being used.XRear lamps with bulbs: Replace the bulb as soon as
possible ( Y page 311).XRear lamps with LEDs: Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.bTurn
Signal
Front Left
or
Turn
Signal
Front
RightThe left or right front turn signal lamp is malfunctioning. A
substitute bulb is being used.XReplace the bulb as soon as possible ( Y page 311).bTurn
Signal
Left
Mirror
or
Turn
Signal
Right
MirrorThe turn signal in the left or right exterior rear view mirror is
malfunctioning. This message will only appear if all LEDs have
stopped working.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
Tires
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionshTire
pressure(s
) Please
CorrectThe tire inflation pressure is too low in at least one tire.
or
The tire inflation pressure of the individual tires differ from
each other significantly.XCheck and correct tire inflation pressure as required
( Y page 221).hTire
Pressure
Caution:
Tire
DefectAt least one tire is deflating.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 319).296Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionshTire
Pressure
Check
TiresThe tire inflation pressure in at least one tire is significantly
below the reference value.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers.XCheck and adjust tire inflation pressure as required.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 319).GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may
lose control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up
and possibly a fire.
GWarning!
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect
handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear
unevenly, increase stopping distance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are
more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.
What to do if …
Lamps in instrument cluster
Notes
If any of the following lamps in the instrument
cluster fails to come on during the bulb self-
check when switching on the ignition, have
the respective bulb checked and replaced if
necessary.
When you switch on the ignition, all lamps
(except low-beam headlamp indicator lamp,
high-beam headlamp indicator lamp, and turn
signal indicator lamps unless activated) in the
instrument cluster come on. If a lamp in the
instrument cluster fails to come on when the
ignition is switched on, have it checked and
replaced if necessary.What to do if …297Practical hints164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 297Z