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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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
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
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
Automatic transmission
Gearshift pattern for automatic transmission
:Button for selecting park position PjPark positionkReverse geariNeutral positionhDrive position
For more information on how to operate the
gear selector lever, see “Automatic
transmission” (Y page 109).
XMake sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P.
The transmission position indicator in the
multifunction display should be on P
(Y page 112).
With SmartKey
XDo not depress the accelerator pedal.XGasoline engine: Turn the SmartKey in the
starter switch to position 3 (Y page 79) and
release it.
The engine starts automatically.
XDiesel engine: Turn the SmartKey in the
starter switch to position 2 (Y page 79).
Preglow indicator lamp % in the
instrument cluster comes on.
XAs soon as preglow indicator lamp %
goes out, turn the SmartKey in the starter
switch to position 3 and release it.
The engine starts automatically.
iIf the engine is at operating temperature,
preglow indicator lamp % may not stay
on and you can start the engine without
preglowing.
With KEYLESS-GO
GWarning!
As long as the SmartKey is in your vehicle, the
vehicle can be started. Therefore, never leave
children unattended in the vehicle, as they
could otherwise accidentally start the engine.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Do
not leave children unattended in the vehicle,
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.
You can start your vehicle without the
SmartKey in the starter switch using the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
The SmartKey must be located in the vehicle.
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
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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
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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.
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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
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GWarning!
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
Rspeed
Routside temperature
Rwarning/indicator lamps
Rmalfunction/warning messages
Rfailure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.
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.
:To dim instrument cluster illumination;Reset button =To brighten instrument cluster
illumination
For information on changing the instrument
cluster settings, e.g. the language, see
(Y page 130).
Activating the instrument cluster
The instrument cluster is activated when you
Ropen the driver’s door
Rswitch on the ignition
Rpress button :, ; or =
iOpening the driver’s door or pressing
button :, ; or = without switching on
the ignition activates the instrument
cluster illumination only for 30 seconds.
Adjusting the instrument cluster
illumination
XTo brighten illumination: Press and hold
button = until the desired level of
illumination is reached.
XTo dim illumination: Press and hold
button : until the desired level of
illumination is reached.
iThe instrument cluster illumination is
dimmed or brightened automatically to suit
ambient light conditions.
The instrument cluster illumination will also
be adjusted automatically when you switch
on the vehicle’s exterior lamps.
iWith the exterior lighting switched on, the
brightness of the switches in the center
console will also be adjusted when using
button : or =.
Resetting trip odometer
XMake sure you are viewing the standard
display (Y page 122) in the multifunction
display.
XPress and hold the reset button in the
instrument cluster (Y page 117) until the
trip odometer is reset.
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