
G
Garage door opener .................... 32, 204
Gasoline see Fuel
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) ... 240
Gear range ......................................... 113
Indicator ........................................ 114
Limiting .......................................... 115
Shifting into optimal ......................115
Gear selector lever ............................ 109
Cleaning ......................................... 265
Gearshift pattern ........................... 109
Shifting procedure .........................111
Transmission position indicator .....112
Transmission positions ..................112
Generator
see Alternator
Global locking/unlocking
see Key, SmartKey
Glove box ........................................... 193
Gross Axle Weight Rating see GAWR
Gross Trailer Weight
see GTW
Gross Vehicle Weight
see GVW
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
see GVWR
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) .............. 240
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) ............ 240
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) ................................................ 240
H
Halogen headlamps see Headlamps
Hard plastic trim items, cleaning .... 265
Hazard warning flasher ....................... 96
Headlamp cleaning system ................ 96
Headlamps
Active Bi-Xenon headlamps .............92
Adjusting aim ................................. 317
Automatic headlamp mode ..............93
Bi-Xenon .................................. 92, 312
Cleaning lenses ............................. 263
Cleaning system .............................. 96
Daytime running lamp mode ............94
Delayed shut-off ............................ 134
Halogen ......................................... 312
High-beam flasher ............................ 96
High-beam headlamps .....................96
Low-beam headlamps ......................93
Replacing bulbs ............................. 311
Switch .............................................. 93
Headliner, cleaning and care of ....... 265
Head restraints .................................... 81
Adjustment ................................ 81, 83
Folding back .................................... 84
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints ......................................... 53
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints, resetting .......................309
Rear seat head restraints ................. 84
Heated steering wheel ........................ 88
Height adjustment
Seat belt outlet ................................ 51
Seats ............................................... 81
Vehicle level control ......................156
High-beam flasher ............................... 96
High-beam headlamps ................ 96, 312
Indicator lamp .................................. 29
High-performance brake system ..... 246
Hill-start assist system ..................... 152
Hood ................................................... 212
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 286
Hooks ................................................. 189
Horn ...................................................... 27
HVAC see Climate control system
Hydroplaning ..................................... 247
I
Identification labels .......................... 346
Identification number, vehicle
(VIN) ................................................... 347
Ignition ................................... 79, 80, 104
Immobilizer .......................................... 66
Indicator lamps see Lamps, indicator and warning
Infant and child restraint systems
see Children in the vehicle
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Air filter .......................................... 292
Air suspension program .................285
Alternator .............................. 280, 290
Automatic
transmission .................................. 280
Battery ................................... 280, 290
Brake fluid ..................................... 284
Brake pads ..................................... 283
Coolant .......................................... 288
Corner-illuminating front fog
lamps ............................................. 295
Cruise control ................................ 278
Distronic ........................................ 278
Doors ............................................. 286
Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) ..286
EBP ................................................ 284
Engine oil ....................................... 291
ESP ®
...................................... 273, 284
Fog lamps .............................. 293, 294
Front passenger front air bag ........275
Gas cap .......................................... 292
High-beam lamps ........................... 294
Hood .............................................. 286
License plate lamps .......................294
Light sensor ................................... 294
Low-beam lamps ............................ 294
Parking brake ................................ 284
Parking lamps ................................ 294
PRE-SAFE ®
.................................... 274
Reserve fuel ................................... 291
Reverse lamp ................................. 293
Side marker lamps .........................293
SmartKey ............................... 286, 287
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO ..........286
SRS ................................................ 285
Tailgate .......................................... 286
Tail lamps ...................................... 295
Tele Aid .......................................... 285
Tire inflation pressure ............281, 296
Tire pressure monitor ....................281
Tires ...................................... 281, 296
Trailer brake lamps ........................295
Trailer tail lamps ............................ 295
Trailer turn signal lamps ................295
Turn signals ................................... 296
Washer fluid ................................... 288Multifunction steering wheel
Adjustment ...................................... 86
Buttons .......................................... 119
Cleaning ......................................... 265
Easy-entry/exit feature ...........87, 136
Gearshift control ............................ 115
Heating ............................................ 88
Memory function .............................. 92
Overview .......................................... 30
N
Navigation menu ............................... 127
Navigation system see Separate operating instructions
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints ............................................. 53
Resetting ....................................... 309
Nets, parcel ....................................... 188
Night security illumination .............. 134
Normal occupant weight .................. 241
Number, vehicle identification
(VIN) ................................................... 347
O
Occupant Classification System see OCS (Occupant Classification
System)
Occupant distribution ....................... 241
Occupant safety
Air bags ........................................... 37
BabySmart™ .................................... 46
Children and air bags .......................37
Children in the vehicle .....................55
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type ....59
Fastening the seat belts ................... 50
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (Canada
only) ........................................ 46, 305
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (USA only) ........42, 305
Infant and child restraint systems .... 56
Introduction ..................................... 36
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 42
PRE-SAFE ®
....................................... 52
Seat belts .................................. 39, 48
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OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ................................................ 42
Self-test ........................................... 45
Odometer ........................................... 121
Off-road driving ................................. 248
Checklist ............................... 249, 253
Crossing obstacles ........................252
Driving instructions ........................ 248
Driving on sand .............................. 252
Driving through water ....................251
Returning ....................................... 253
Ruts ............................................... 253
Steep terrain .................................. 250
Off-road driving program .................. 155
Off-road Mode menu ......................... 125
Oil, oil level see Engine oil
On-board computer
see Control system
One-touch gearshifting ..................... 115
Operating safety .................................. 23
Ornamental moldings, cleaning ....... 262
Outside temperature see Displays
Overhead control panel ...................... 32
P
Paintwork, cleaning .......................... 261
Paintwork code ................................. 347
Panic alarm .......................................... 61
Parcel nets ......................................... 188
Parking ............................................... 107
Parktronic system ..........................160
Parking brake ............................ 107, 247
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 284
Parking position
Exterior rear view mirrors ................90
Transmission position ....................112
Parktronic system
Cleaning system sensors ...............263
Malfunction .................................... 163
Minimum distance .........................161
Sensor range ................................. 161
Switching on/off ........................... 162
System sensors ............................. 160
Warning indicators ...................27, 161
Parts service ...................................... 346
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
(Canada only) see Front passenger front air bag
off indicator lamp (Canada only)
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
(USA only) see Front passenger front air bag
off indicator lamp (USA only)
Passenger safety
see Occupant safety
Pedals ................................................. 244
Phone see Telephone
Plastic parts, cleaning ...................... 264
Power assistance .............................. 244
Power outlets .................................... 197
Power seats see Seats
Power tailgate
Closing ............................................. 76
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 286
Opening ........................................... 76
Power tilt/sliding sunroof
Operation ....................................... 184
Synchronizing ................................ 186
Power washer .................................... 261
Power windows ................................. 100
Cleaning ......................................... 264
Operation ....................................... 100
Rear door window, override
switch .............................................. 60
Synchronizing ................................ 102
Practical hints ................................... 268
Preglow indicator lamp .............. 29, 104
PRE-SAFE ®
............................................ 52
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 274
Problems
While driving .................................. 106
With vehicle ..................................... 23
With wipers .................................... 100
Product information ............................ 20
Production options weight ............... 24114Index164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 14

Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 281, 296
MOExtended .................................. 352
Ply composition and material
used ............................................... 241
Problems under-/overinflation ......221
Retreads ........................................ 218
Rims and tires (technical data) ......352
Rotation ......................................... 234
Service life ..................................... 232
Sizes .............................................. 352
Snow chains .................................. 243
Speed rating .......................... 237, 241
Storing ........................................... 233
Temperature .......................... 220, 234
Terminology ................................... 239
TIREFIT (tire repair kit) ...................320
Tire Identification Number .............241
Tire pressure loss warning system . 222
TPMS low tire pressure/
malfunction telltale ........................304
Traction ................................. 233, 241
Tread ............................................. 242
Tread depth ........................... 232, 242
Treadwear ...................................... 233
Treadwear indicators .............232, 242
Vehicle maximum load on ..............242
Wear pattern .................................. 234
Winter tires ............................ 242, 352
Tire speed rating ....................... 237, 241
Tongue Weight Rating see TWR
Top tether
see Children in the vehicle
Total load limit ................................... 241
Towing
Towing eye bolt .............................. 339
Trailer .................................... 113, 254
Vehicle ........................................... 338
Towing eye bolt ................................. 339
Traction ...................................... 233, 241
Trailer towing ............................ 113, 254
Coupling a trailer ........................... 255
Decoupling ..................................... 257
Electrical connections .................... 254
Towing ........................................... 256
Trailer hitch ................................... 254
Weights and ratings .......................254Transfer case ..................................... 117
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission fluid level .................... 216
Transmission gear selector lever see Gear selector lever
Transmission positions .................... 112
Traveling abroad ............................... 257
Tread (tires) ....................................... 242
Tread depth (tires) .................... 232, 242
Treadwear .......................................... 233
Treadwear indicators (tires) .... 232, 242
Trip computer menu ......................... 138
Trip odometer, resetting ................... 118
Turning off the engine ...................... 108
Turn signals ......................................... 95
Cleaning lenses ............................. 263
Indicator lamps ................................ 28
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 296
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating) ........... 242
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards .................................. 233, 242
Units
Selecting digital speedometer
display mode ................................. 131
Selecting speedometer/
odometer display mode .................131
Unleaded gasoline, premium ........... 360
Unlocking the vehicle
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 71
Manually ........................................ 306
SmartKey ......................................... 70
Upholstery, cleaning ......................... 265
Useful features .................................. 194
V
Vehicle
Battery ........................................... 334
Care ............................................... 260
Control system .............................. 119
Identification Number (VIN) ...........346
Locking/unlocking ........................... 70
Lowering (wheel change) ...............329
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FunctionPageDMultifunction display with:Trip odometer118Main odometer121ETachometer with: 7 Seat belt telltale 51,
300
% Preglow indicator
lamp, diesel engine only 104
oré Recuperative Brake
System (RBS) warning
lamp, ML 450 HYBRID only4
+ Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)
indicator lamp
36,
301
L Low-beam headlamp
indicator lamp 93
; Engine malfunction
indicator lamp, Canada only303
! Engine malfunction
indicator lamp, USA only 303
K High-beam headlamp
indicator lamp 96
FunctionPageFuel gauge with: Fuel tank
reserve warning lamp 303
8 Fuel filler flap
indicator: The fuel filler flap
is located on the rear right-
hand side.
GMultifunction display with:Outside temperature
indicator or digital
speedometer (depending
on selected setting in the
control system)
123,
131
Transmission position
indicator112
Gear range indicator114Automatic transmission
program mode indicator114
Rear window wiper
indicator100
Downhill Speed Regulator
(DSR) indicator153
Off-road driving program
indicator1554See separate HYBRID Supplemental Operating Instructions.Instrument cluster29At a glance164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 29Z

iAt low ambient temperatures, the exterior
rear view mirrors will be heated
automatically.
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors
The exterior rear view mirror on the driver’s
side and the interior rear view mirror will
respond automatically to glare when the
ignition is switched on and incoming light
from headlamps falls on the sensor in the
interior rear view mirror.
The rear view mirrors will not react if the
automatic transmission is set to reverse gear
R or the interior lighting is switched on.
GWarning!
The auto-dimming function does not react if
incoming light is not aimed directly at sensors
in the interior rear view mirror.
The interior rear view mirror and the exterior
rear view mirror on the driver’s side do not
react, for example, when transporting cargo
which covers the rear window.
Light hitting the mirror(s) at certain angles
(incident light) could blind you. As a result,
you may not be able to observe traffic
conditions and could cause an accident.
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position
For more convenient parking, you can set the
passenger-side exterior rear view mirror so
that you can see the rear wheel and the road
curb.
Setting and storing the parking position
XSwitch on the ignition.XPress button =, to select the passenger-
side exterior rear view mirror.
XShift the automatic transmission into
reverse gear R.
The passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror moves to the preset parking
position.
XAdjust the passenger-side exterior rear
view mirror with adjustment button ; so
that you see the rear wheel and the road
curb.
The exterior rear view mirror parking
position is stored.
Calling up the parking position
XSwitch on the ignition.XPress button =, to select the passenger-
side exterior rear view mirror.
XShift the automatic transmission into
reverse gear R.
The passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror moves to the stored parking
position.
90MirrorsControls in detail
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The passenger-side exterior rear view mirror
returns to its previously stored driving
position
R10 seconds after you have put the gear
selector lever out of reverse gear R
Rimmediately once your vehicle exceeds a
speed of approximately 6 mph (10 km/h)
Rimmediately when you press button : to
select the driver’s side exterior rear view
mirror
Power-folding exterior rear view
mirrors
! Before you drive the vehicle through an
automatic car wash, fold in the exterior rear
view mirrors. Otherwise they may get
damaged.
Folding in and out automatically
The function must be activated in the
Convenience submenu (Y page 137).
The exterior rear view mirrors fold in
automatically as soon as the vehicle is locked
from the outside.
The exterior rear view mirrors fold out
automatically as soon as the vehicle is
unlocked and the driver’s or front passenger
door is subsequently opened.
Synchronizing
The power-folding rear view mirrors may have
to be synchronized after the vehicle battery
has been disconnected or discharged. If the
exterior rear view mirrors do not fold properly
upon locking or unlocking the vehicle, do the
following:
XMake sure the power-folding function in the
control system is activated (Y page 137).
XWhen the power-folding function is
activated and the exterior rear view
mirrors still do not fold properly: Fold
each exterior rear view mirror in completely
(Y page 91).
XFold each exterior rear view mirror out
completely (Y page 91).
When the exterior rear view mirrors fold
properly upon locking the vehicle, the exterior
mirrors are synchronized. Otherwise repeat
the above steps.
Folding in and out manually
The exterior rear view mirrors can vibrate if
they are not folded out completely.
XSwitch on the ignition.XFolding in: Briefly press button :.
Both exterior rear view mirrors fold in.
iAt speeds above approximately 30 mph
(47 km/h), you will not be able to fold the
exterior mirrors in.
XFolding out: Briefly press button :.
Both exterior rear view mirrors fold out.
! If an exterior rear view mirror housing is
forcibly pushed forward (hit from the rear)
or forcibly pushed rearward (hit from the
front), press button : to fold mirrors in.
Then press button : again to fold mirrors
out. Do not force mirrors by hand as this
may damage the adjustment mechanism.
The mirror housing is then properly
positioned and you can adjust the mirror in
the usual manner.
Make sure both rear view mirrors are folded
out before driving off.
Mirrors91Controls in detail164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 91Z

Switching on/off
Combination switch
1$ Windshield wipers off2Ä Slow intermittent wiping83Å Fast intermittent wiping94° Slow continuous wiping5¯ Fast continuous wipingBí Single wipe/ î Wiping with
washer fluid
XSwitch on the ignition.XTurn the combination switch to the desired
position, depending on the intensity of the
rain.
Intermittent wiping
Only switch on intermittent wiping under wet
weather conditions or in the presence of
precipitation.
When you select intermittent wiping, the rain
sensor is activated. The rain sensor sets a
suitable wiping interval depending on the
wetness of the sensor surface automatically.
! Do not leave windshield wipers on an
intermittent setting when the vehicle is
taken to an automatic car wash or during
windshield cleaning. Windshield wipers will
operate in the presence of water sprayed
on the windshield, and windshield wipers
may be damaged as a result.
! If you have set intermittent wiping, dirt on
the surface of the rain sensor or optical
effects may cause the windshield wipers to
wipe in an undesired fashion. This could
then damage the windshield wiper blades
or scratch the windshield. You should
therefore switch off the windshield wipers
when weather conditions are dry.
XTurn the combination switch to position
Ä or Å.
After the initial wipe, pauses between
wipes are controlled by the rain sensor
automatically.
Intermittent wiping is interrupted when the
vehicle is at a standstill and a front door is
opened. This protects persons getting into or
out of the vehicle from being sprayed.
Intermittent wiping will be continued when all
doors are closed andRthe automatic transmission is in drive
position D or reverse gear R
or
Rthe wiper setting is changed using the
combination switch
Single wipe
XPress the combination switch briefly in
direction of arrow B to the resistance
point.
The windshield wipers wipe one time
without washer fluid.
Wiping with washer fluid
XPress the combination switch in direction
of arrow B past the resistance point.
The windshield wipers operate with washer
fluid.
iTo prevent smears on the windshield or
noisy/chattering wiper blades, wipe with
washer fluid every now and then even when
it is raining.
8Rain sensor operation with low sensitivity.9Rain sensor operation with high sensitivity.
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