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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Inflation pressuresee Tires, Inflation pressure
Infrared reflecting windshield ......... 208
Inside door handle .............................. 74
Instrument cluster ............................ 117
Illumination .................................... 118
Lamps ............................................ 297
Multifunction display .....................121
Instrument lighting
see Instrument cluster, Illumination
Instrument panel
see Instrument cluster
Instruments and controls
see Cockpit
Interior lighting
Delayed shut-off ............................ 135
Emergency lighting ..........................98
Front ................................................ 97
Front reading lamps .........................97
Rear ................................................. 98
Rear reading lamps ..........................98
Interior rear view mirror ..................... 89
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ....... 90
Interior storage spaces
see Storage compartments
Intermittent wiping
Rain sensor ...................................... 99
J
Jack ..................................................... 270
Jump starting ..................................... 336
K
Key, Mechanical
Loss of ............................................. 73
Replacing ......................................... 74
Unlocking/locking manually ..........306
Key, SmartKey
Battery check lamp ..........................73
Checking batteries ...........................73
Factory setting ........................... 71, 72
Global locking (KEYLESS-
GO) .................................................. 73
Global locking (SmartKey) ................ 71
Global unlocking (KEYLESS-
GO) ............................................ 72, 73
Global unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 71
Important notes on KEYLESS-GO .....72
Locking/unlocking ........................... 70
Loss of ............................................. 73
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 286, 287
Opening and closing the power
tilt/sliding sunroof .........................102
Opening and closing the windows . 102
Remote control ................................ 70
Replacing ......................................... 74
Replacing batteries ........................309
Restoring to factory setting .......71, 73
Selective setting ........................71, 73
Starter switch positions ...................79
KEYLESS-GO
Starter switch positions ...................80
Kickdown ........................................... 113
Kickdown (manual shift program) ... 117
Kilopascal (air pressure unit) ........... 240
L
Labels
Certification ................................... 346
Emission control information .........347
Tire and Loading Information
placard ........................................... 227
Tire inflation pressure ....................220
Lamps, exterior
Exterior lamp switch ........................93
Front .............................................. 312
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 293
Rear ............................................... 312
Switching on/off .............................. 93
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS .......................................... 28, 298
Brakes ..................................... 28, 299
Center console ................................ 31
Distance warning
lamp .............................. 146, 151, 302
Engine malfunction ..................29, 303
ESP ®
........................................ 28, 301
Fog lamps ........................................ 95
Front passenger front air bag off
(Canada only) .......................... 46, 305
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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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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
Wood trims, cleaning ........................ 266Index19164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 19
The PRE-SAFE®
system takes preventive
measures to better protect the occupants
from the possibility of personal injuries in the
following hazardous situations:
R emergency braking maneuvers with the
Brake Assist System (BAS) ( Y page 63)
activated
R critical dynamic driving situations, e.g.
when the vehicle has been caused to
understeer or oversteer because it has
exceeded its physical limitations or in case
of evasive steering maneuvers at speeds
above approximately 85 mph (140 km/h)
PRE-SAFE ®
takes the following measures
when it is activated:
R The front seat belts are pre-tensioned
automatically.
R Vehicles with front passenger seat memory
function: If the passenger seat is in an
unfavorable position, the seat will be
adjusted to a position that seeks to better
protect the occupant.
R If the vehicle is in a critical dynamic driving
situation, the door windows close, except
for a minimal gap that remains open.
R Vehicles with power tilt/sliding sunroof: If
the vehicle is in a critical dynamic driving
situation, the tilt/sliding sunroof also
closes, except for a minimal gap that
remains open.
If the closing procedure of any of these
elements is blocked, it will stop and open
slightly.
Once the hazardous situation no longer exists
and an accident has been avoided, the seat
belt pre-tensioning is deactivated. All of the
PRE-SAFE ®
settings can be re-adjusted
following the critical driving event.
If the seat belts do not release:XAdjust the seat backrest or seat slightly to
the rear until the seat belt tension is
reduced.
The locking mechanism releases.! When moving the seats, make sure there
are no items in the footwell or behind the
seats. Otherwise, you could damage the
seats and/or the items.
For information on the seat belt adjustment
function as an integrated comfort feature of
PRE-SAFE ®
, see ( Y page 51).
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints
The NECK-PRO active front head restraints
are intended to offer the driver and front
passenger increased protection from
whiplash-type injuries. In the event of a rear-
end collision, the NECK-PRO active front head
restraints on the front seats are designed to
move forward in the direction of travel. They
thus provide the head with increased support
earlier on in the collision sequence. The
NECK-PRO active front head restraints will
move forward whether the seats are occupied
or not.
GWarning!
Do not attach any objects (e.g. hangers) to the
head restraint posts. Otherwise, the NECK-
PRO active front head restraints may not be
able to function properly or offer the intended
degree of protection they were designed for
in the event of a rear-end collision.
GWarning!
Only use seat or head restraint covers which
have been tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz for your vehicle model.
Using other seat or head restraint covers may
interfere with or prevent the activation of the
NECK-PRO active front head restraints and/
or the deployment of the front side impact air
bags.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for availability.
When the NECK-PRO active front head
restraints have been triggered in an accident,
the NECK-PRO active front head restraints
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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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achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
Safety notesGWarning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
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.
ABSGObserve Safety notes, see page 62.GWarning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp ! indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal. The pulsation indicates that the
ABS is in the regulating mode.
XKeep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal while you feel the pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver
XKeep continuous full pressure on the brake
pedal.62Driving safety systemsSafety and security
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iIf you now press the KEYLESS-GO start/
stop button
R once more, the ignition (position 2) is
switched on
R twice more the power supply is again
switched off
Ignition (or position 2) XPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
twice.
This supplies power for all electrical
consumers.
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. If a lamp in the
instrument cluster remains on after
starting the engine or comes on while
driving, refer to “Lamps in instrument
cluster” ( Y page 297).
i
If you now press the KEYLESS-GO start/
stop button once, the power supply is again
switched off.
Seats
Safety notes
GWarning!
In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle
control the following must be done before the
vehicle is put into motion:
R seat adjustment
R head restraint adjustment
R steering wheel adjustment
R rear view mirror adjustment
R fastening of seat belts
GWarning!
Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving.
Adjusting the seat while driving could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined position as
this can be dangerous. You could slide under
the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under
it, the seat belt would apply force at the
abdomen or neck. That could cause serious
or fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat
belts provide the best restraint when the
wearer is in a position that is as upright as
possible and seat belts are properly
positioned on the body.
GWarning!
Your seat must be adjusted so that you can
correctly fasten your seat belt.
Observe the following points:
R Adjust the seat backrest until your arms are
slightly angled when holding the steering
wheel.
R Adjust the seat to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely. The
position should be as far back as possible
with the driver still able to operate the
controls properly.
R Adjust the head restraint so that it is as
close to the head as possible. The center of
the head restraint must support the back of
the head at eye level.
R Never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being
adjusted.
Failure to do so could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
GWarning!
The power seats can be operated at any time.
Therefore, do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. A child’s unsupervised access to a
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