
Armrest, front
Storage compartment ....................193
Ashtrays ............................................. 196
Aspect ratio (tires) ............................ 240
Audio/DVD menu .............................. 126
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ........ 90
Automatic central locking .......... 74, 135
Automatic headlamp mode ................ 93
Automatic interior lighting control .... 97
Automatic locking when driving ...... 135
Automatic shift program .................. 114
Automatic transmission ................... 109
Automatic shift program ................114
Emergency operation (limp-home
mode) ............................................ 117
Gear range indicator ......................114
Gear ranges ................................... 113
Gear selector lever ........................109
Hill-start assist system ..................152
Kickdown ....................................... 113
Kickdown (manual shift program) ..117
Manual shift program ..................... 115
One-touch gearshifting ..................115
Program mode indicator ................114
Program mode selector switch
(automatic shift program) ..............114
Program mode selector switch
(manual shift program) ..................116
Shifting procedure .........................111
Steering wheel gearshift control ....115
Towing a trailer .............................. 113
Transmission position indicator .....112
Transmission positions ..................112
AUX socket ........................................ 193
Axle oils .............................................. 357
B
BabySmart™
Air bag deactivation system .............46
Self-test ........................................... 47
Backrest
see Seats
Backup lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 293
Bar (air pressure unit) ....................... 240
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 63
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking condition ..........................73
Replacing ....................................... 309
Battery, Vehicle ................................. 334
Charging ........................................ 336
Jump starting ................................. 336
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 280, 290
Bead (tire) .......................................... 240
Beverage holders see Cup holders
Bleeding the fuel system (diesel
engine) ............................................... 331
BlueTEC
AdBlue ®
tank ................................. 331
AdBlue ®
tank capacity ...................358
Brake fluid
Checking level ............................... 217
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 284
Brake lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 263
Brake pads
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 283
Brakes ................................................ 245
High-performance brake system ....246
Parking brake ........................ 107, 247
Warning lamp ................................. 299
Break-in period .................................. 210
Bug cover (Radiator) ......................... 214
Bulbs see Replacing bulbs
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) ... 23
California retail buyers and
lessees, important notice for ............. 21
Calls (phone) ...................................... 139
Can holders see Cup holders
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................. 356
Cargo compartment
Cargo net ....................................... 191
Cargo volume, expanding ..............189
Cover blind .................................... 190
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Fuse box ........................................ 344
Hooks ............................................ 189
Tie-down rings ............................... 188
Cargo compartment cover blind ...... 190
Cargo net ........................................... 191
Cargo tie-down rings ......................... 188
Carpets, cleaning .............................. 265
Carriers .............................................. 187
Center console
Lower part ....................................... 32
Upper part ....................................... 31
Central locking
Automatic ................................ 74, 135
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 71
Locking/unlocking from inside ........75
SmartKey ......................................... 70
Central locking/unlocking switch ..... 75
Certification label .............................. 346
Children in the vehicle
Air bags ........................................... 37
BabySmart™ air bag deactivation
system ............................................. 46
Child safety locks (rear doors) .........60
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type ....59
Indicator lamp, front passenger
front air bag off (Canada only) .........46
Indicator lamp, front passenger
front air bag off (USA only) ..............42
Infant and child restraint systems .... 56
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 42
Override switch ................................ 60
Safety notes ..................................... 55
Tether anchorage points ..................58
Top tether ........................................ 58
Child safety
see Children in the vehicle
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type
see Children in the vehicle
Chrome-plated exhaust tip,
cleaning .............................................. 266
Cigarette lighter ................................ 196
Climate control system .................... 165
3-zone automatic climate control ..173
Air conditioning .....................169, 178
Air conditioning refrigerant ............359
Air distribution ....................... 171, 180Air recirculation mode ...........172, 182
Air volume ............................. 171, 181
Automatic mode ....................170, 179
Climate control .............................. 167
Deactivating system ..............169, 178
Front defroster ...................... 171, 181
Residual heat and
ventilation .............................. 172, 183
Temperature .......................... 170, 179
Clock ............................................ 28, 132
Cockpit ................................................. 27
Cold tire inflation pressure .............. 240
Collapsible tire (spare wheel) .......... 356
Collapsible wheel chock ................... 270
COMAND system see separate COMAND system
operating instructions
Combination switch ............................ 95
Comfort submenu
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 136
Fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors ................................... 137
Seat belt adjustment feature .........136
Compass
Calling up ....................................... 207
Control system .................................. 119
Multifunction display .....................121
Multifunction steering wheel .........119
Resetting to factory settings ..........129
Control system menus ...................... 121
AIRMATIC/Compass ...................... 127
AMG ............................................... 123
Audio/DVD .................................... 126
Distronic ........................................ 128
Navigation ..................................... 127
Off-road Mode ............................... 125
Settings ......................................... 129
Standard display ............................ 122
Telephone ...................................... 139
Trip computer ................................ 138
Vehicle configuration .....................137
Vehicle status message memory ...128
Control system submenus
Comfort ......................................... 135
Instrument cluster .........................130
Lighting .......................................... 133
Time/Date ..................................... 132
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Program mode selector switch
Automatic shift program ................114
Manual shift program ..................... 116
Proximity key
see Key, SmartKey
PSI (air pressure unit) ....................... 241
R
RACETIMER ........................................ 124
Radiator ..................................... 214, 242
Radio
Selecting stations ..........................126
Radio transmitters ............................ 257
Rain sensor see Intermittent wiping
Rear axle oil ....................................... 357
Rear center console ashtray see Ashtrays
Rear doors
Child safety locks ............................ 60
Rear door window
Override switch ................................ 60
Rear fog lamp
see Fog lamps
Rear lamps
see Tail lamps
Rear seat head restraints
see Head restraints
Rear view camera .............................. 163
Cleaning the camera lens ..............263
Rear window defroster ..................... 183
Rear window wiper/washer ............. 100
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ..................................... 219, 241
Refilling
AdBlue ®
......................................... 332
Refrigerant, air conditioning ............ 359
Refueling ............................................ 210
Regular checks .................................. 212
Reminder, Seat belt see Seat belts, Telltale
Remote control
see Key, SmartKey
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) ......... 203
Replacing
Key .................................................. 74
Replacing bulbs ................................. 311
Reporting safety defects .................... 24
Research Octane Number see RON
Reserve fuel
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 291
Warning lamp ................................... 29
Reset button ................................ 28, 118
Reset tool (NECK-PRO active front
head restraints) ................................. 309
Restraint systems see Occupant safety
Rims ........................................... 241, 352
Roadside Assistance ................... 21, 201
RON (Research Octane Number) ..... 360
Rubber parts, cleaning ...................... 264
Run-flat tires see MOExtended tires
S
Safety
Driving safety systems .....................61
Occupant safety ............................... 36
Reporting defects ............................ 24
Safety belts
see Seat belts
Seat belt force limiter ......................... 52
Seat belts ............................................. 48
Adjustment function ........................51
Children in the vehicle .....................55
Cleaning ......................................... 265
Fastening ......................................... 50
Height adjustment ...........................51
Proper use of ................................... 48
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Safety notes ..................................... 48
Telltale ..................................... 29, 300
Seat heating ......................................... 86
Seating capacity ................................ 228
Seats ..................................................... 81
Adjustment ...................................... 81
Easy-entry/exit feature ....................87
Folding (expanding cargo volume) . 189
Heating ............................................ 86
Memory function .............................. 92
Multicontour seat ............................ 85
Ventilation ....................................... 85
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Securing cargo
Cargo tie-down rings ...................... 188
Selective setting
see Key, SmartKey
Selector lever
see Gear selector lever
Self-test
BabySmart™ .................................... 47
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 45
Tele Aid .......................................... 199
Service
see Maintenance
Service, parts .................................... 346
Service and warranty information ..... 20
Service intervals see Maintenance System, Service
indicator message
Service life (tires) .............................. 232
Settings
Factory setting (KEYLESS-GO) .........72
Factory setting (SmartKey) ..............71
Memory function .............................. 92
Menu ............................................. 129
Selective setting (KEYLESS-GO) .......73
Selective setting (SmartKey) ............71
Side impact air bags ........................... 40
Side marker lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 263
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 293
Sidewall (tires) .................................. 241
SmartKey see Key, SmartKey
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
see Key, SmartKey
Snow chains ...................................... 243
Snow tires see Winter tires
Spare wheel ....................................... 352
Mounting ....................................... 324
Storage location ............................ 271
Speedometer ............................... 28, 146
Speed settings
Cruise control ................................ 142
Distronic ........................................ 148
Resume function ...................143, 149Sport Utility Vehicle
see SUV
SRS
Indicator lamp ...................29, 36, 301
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 285
Standing water, driving through ...... 247
Starter switch positions
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 80
SmartKey ......................................... 79
Starting difficulties (engine) ............ 105
Starting the engine ........................... 103
Steering column see Multifunction steering wheel,
Adjustment
Steering wheel
see Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel gearshift control ..... 115
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services ... 204
Storage compartments ..................... 192
Storing tires ....................................... 233
Stranded vehicle ............................... 342
Sunroof see Power tilt/sliding sunroof
Sun visors .......................................... 195
Suspension tuning see Air suspension program
SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) ................. 22
T
Tachometer .................................. 29, 119
Overspeed range ........................... 119
Tailgate
Closing ............................................. 75
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 286
Opening ........................................... 75
Power tailgate .................................. 76
Unlocking manually .......................307
Tail lamps ........................................... 312
Cleaning lenses ............................. 263
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 295
Tar stains ........................................... 261
Technical data
Air conditioning refrigerant ............359
Brake fluid ..................................... 359
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Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety .............................. 23
Towing ........................................... 338
Unlocking/locking manually ..........306
Vehicle configuration menu ............. 137
Vehicle dimensions see Vehicle specification
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ................................................... 346
Vehicle jack see Jack
Vehicle level control
see Air suspension program
Vehicle lighting .................................... 92
Vehicle loading
Cargo tie-down rings ...................... 188
Cargo volume, expanding ..............189
Carriers .......................................... 187
Instructions .................................... 186
Load limit ....................................... 228
Terminology ................................... 239
Vehicle maximum load on the tire ... 242
Vehicle specification
ML 350 .......................................... 348
ML 350 4MATIC ............................. 349
ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC ...............348
ML 550 4MATIC ............................. 350
ML 63 AMG ................................... 351
Vehicle status message memory .... 128
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 268
Vehicle washing see Vehicle care
Vehicle weights
see Vehicle specification
W
Warning lamps see Lamps, Indicator and warning
Warning sounds
Distance warning function .............151
Distronic ........................................ 146
Driver’s or passenger’s seat belt .....51
Parking brake ................................ 284
Parktronic system ..........................163
Seat belt telltale ............................ 300
Warranty coverage ............................ 346
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................................ 364
Washer fluid
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 288
Mixing ratio .................................... 364
Refilling .......................................... 217
Washing the vehicle .......................... 260
Wear pattern (tires) .......................... 234
Weights (vehicle) see Vehicle specification
Wheel
Changing ....................................... 319
Removing ....................................... 327
Spare ............................................. 319
Tightening torque ........................... 330
Wheels, sizes ..................................... 352
Wheels, Tires and .............................. 218
Window curtain air bags ..................... 41
Windows see Power windows
Windows, cleaning ............................ 264
Windshield
Cleaning wiper blades .................... 264
Infrared reflecting ..........................208
Washer fluid ................................... 364
Wipers ............................................. 98
Windshield wipers
Replacing wiper blades ..................318
Winter cover .............................. 214, 242
Winter driving
Instructions .................................... 243
Radiator cover ............................... 242
Snow chains .................................. 243
Tires ............................................... 242
Winter tires ................................ 242, 352
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Make sure:
R The seat belt is always fitted snugly.
R Adjust the seat belt so that the shoulder
section is located as close as possible to
the middle of the shoulder.
R Place the lap portion of the seat belt as low
as possible on your hips.
Seat and head restraintGObserve Safety notes, see page 81.XPosition seat = and head restraint
properly. See ( Y page 82) for seat and
head restraint adjustment.
Observe the following points:
R Always be in a properly seated position.
R The position should be as far rearward from
the front air bag in the steering wheel as
possible, while still permitting proper
operation of vehicle controls.
R Adjust the seat to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely.
R The seat must be adjusted so that you can
correctly fasten and position your seat belt.
R The seat backrest must be in a position that
is as nearly upright as possible.
R Adjust the seat cushion so that the front
edge of the seat cushion lightly supports
your legs.
R Adjust the head restraint so that it is as
close to the head as possible and the
center of the head restraint supports the
back of the head at eye level.
R Never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while the seat is being
adjusted.
Children in the vehicle
Safety notes
If an infant or child is traveling with you in the
vehicle:
XSecure the child using an infant or child
restraint appropriate to the age and size of
the child.XMake sure the infant or child is properly
secured at all times while the vehicle is in
motion.GWarning!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch. Always
take the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in
the vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. A child’s unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. The children
could
R injure themselves on parts of the vehicle
R be seriously or fatally injured through
excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold
R injure themselves or cause an accident with
vehicle equipment that can be operated
even if the SmartKey is removed from the
starter switch or removed from the vehicle,
such as seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment, or the memory function
If children open a door, they could injure other
persons or get out of the vehicle and injure
themselves or be injured by following traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system’s
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and the child could be burned by these
parts.
GWarning!
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger or cargo compartment unless they
are firmly secured in place.
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Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child’s risk of injury in the event
of
R strong braking maneuvers
R sudden changes of direction
R an accident
Infant and child restraint systemsGObserve Safety notes, see page 55.
We recommend all infants and children be
properly restrained at all times while the
vehicle is in motion.
Canada only:
Only use a BabySmart™ compatible child
restraint for the front passenger seat in this
vehicle.
All lap/shoulder belts except the driver’s seat
belt have special seat belt retractors for
secure fastening of child restraints.
To fasten a child restraint, follow the child
restraint manufacturer’s instructions for
mounting.
To activate the special seat belt retractor:
XPull the shoulder belt out completely and
let it retract.
During seat belt retraction, a ratcheting
sound can be heard to indicate that the
special seat belt retractor is activated.
The seat belt is now locked.XPush down on child restraint to take up any
slack.
To deactivate the special seat belt retractor:
XRelease the seat belt buckle and let the
seat belt retract completely.
The seat belt can then again be used in the
usual manner.
To deactivate the special seat belt retractor
for the front passenger seat, the front
passenger seat must be in the most backward
position.
GWarning!
Never release the seat belt buckle while the
vehicle is in motion, since the special seat belt
retractor will be deactivated.
i Information on child seats with mounting
fittings for tether anchorages
( Y page 58).
For information on LATCH-type child seat
anchors ( Y page 59).
The use of infant or child restraints is required
by law in all 50 states, the District of
Columbia, the U.S. territories and all
Canadian provinces.
Infants and small children should be seated
in an appropriate infant or child restraint
system. They must be properly secured in
accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions for the child restraint. All infant
or child restraint systems must comply with
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
213 and 225 and Canadian Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards 213 and 210.2.
A statement by the child restraint
manufacturer of compliance with these
standards can be found on the instruction
label on the restraint and in the instruction
manual provided with the restraint.
When using any infant restraint, toddler
restraint, or booster seat, make sure to
carefully read and follow all manufacturer’s
instructions for installation and use.
Please read and observe warning labels
affixed to the inside of the vehicle and to
infant or child restraints.
GWarning!
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained in the rear
seating positions than in the front seating
position. Thus, we strongly recommend that
children be placed in the rear seats whenever
possible. Regardless of seating position,
children 12 years old and under must be
seated and properly secured in an appropriate
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accident, they could be crushed between the
occupant and seat belt.
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and/
or the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
Children too big for a toddler restraint must
ride in seats using regular seat belts. Position
shoulder belt across chest and shoulder, not
face or neck. A booster seat may be
necessary to achieve proper seat belt
positioning for children over 41 lb (18 kg) until
they reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt
fits properly without a booster.
When the child restraint is not in use, remove
it from the vehicle or secure it with the seat
belt to prevent the child restraint from
becoming a projectile in the event of an
accident.
Installation of infant and child restraint
systems
GObserve Safety notes, see page 55.GWarning!
Always lock the seat backrests in their upright
position when the rear seats are occupied by
passengers. Lock the seat backrests in their
upright position after installing top tether
straps or when the extended cargo
compartment is not in use. Make sure that
seat backrests are secured properly by
pushing and pulling on the seat backrests. If
a seat backrest is not locked properly, the
seat backrest could fold. The child seat would
no longer be supported properly or positioned
to provide its intended benefit. That could
cause serious or even fatal injuries.
This vehicle is equipped with tether
anchorages for a top tether strap at each of
the rear seating positions.
Top tether straps enable an additional
connection to be made between child
restraint systems secured with LATCH-type
anchors and rear seats. This can further
reduce the risk of injury.
XPress in lower part of anchorage ring
cover : on the seat backrest on which a
child seat is to be installed.
XPull on upper part of anchorage ring
cover : to remove cover.
XStore anchorage ring cover : in a
convenient place (e.g. glove box).
XMove the respective head restraint to its
uppermost position (Y page 84).
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