
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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Driving 
Abroad  ........................................... 257
Hydroplaning  ................................. 247
Instructions  ........................... 103, 244
In winter  ........................................ 243
Off-road  ......................................... 248
Problems  ....................................... 106
Safety systems  ................................ 61
Systems  ......................................... 141
Through standing water  .................247
With Distronic  ................................ 150
Driving and parking  
Safety notes  .................................. 103
Driving off  .................................. 105, 247
Driving safety systems  ....................... 61
ABS  .................................................. 62
BAS  .................................................. 63
EBP  .................................................. 63
ESP ®
 ................................................ 63
ETS/4-ETS  ....................................... 64
Driving systems  
Air suspension program  .................155
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) ................ 159
Cruise control  ................................ 141
Distronic  ........................................ 144
Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR)  ..152
Hill-start assist system  ..................152
Off-road driving program  ...............155
Parktronic system  ..........................160
Rear view camera  .......................... 163
Driving tips, automatic
transmission  ...................................... 113
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)  .... 152
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 286
E
Easy-entry/exit feature  .............. 87, 136
EBP (Electronic Brake
Proportioning)  ...................................... 63
Electrical system  
Improper work on or
modifications  ................................... 23
Power outlets ................................. 197
Electrical system (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification                          
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
                                                  
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4-ETS                                          
Emergency, in case of  
First aid kit ..................................... 268
Flat tire  .......................................... 319
Hazard warning flasher  ....................96
Roadside Assistance ................ 21, 201
Towing the vehicle  .........................338
Emergency calls  
Tele Aid  .......................................... 200
Emergency engine shutdown  ........... 344
Emergency operations  
Limp-home mode  ........................... 117
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid)  .......203
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD                                                     
Emission control  ............................... 258
Information label ............................ 347
System warranties  ...........................20
Engine  
Break-in recommendations  ............210
Cleaning ......................................... 262
Compartment  ................................ 212
Malfunction indicator
lamp  ........................................ 29, 303
Messages in the multifunction
display  ........................................... 288
Number .......................................... 347
Starting  .......................................... 103
Turning off  ..................................... 108
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification                          
Engine compartment  
Radiator  ......................................... 214
Engine coolant
see Coolant                                               
Engine oil  
Adding  ........................................... 215
Additives  ........................................ 359
Checking level  ............................... 214
Consumption  ................................. 214
Messages in the multifunction
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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
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of anyone being harmed by the closing
procedure.
If potential danger exists, proceed as follows:
R Release button  & to stop the closing
procedure. To open, press and hold button
% . To continue the closing procedure
after making sure that there is no danger of
anyone being harmed by the closing
procedure, press and hold button  &.
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
R Release the lock button on the outside door
handle to stop the closing procedure.
R Immediately pull on the same outside door
handle and hold firmly. The door windows
and the tilt/sliding sunroof will open for as
long as the door handle is held but the door
not opened.
With SmartKey
The SmartKey must be in close proximity to
the driver’s outside door handle.
XAim transmitter eye of the SmartKey at the
driver’s outside door handle.XPress and hold button  & on the
SmartKey until the door windows and the
tilt/sliding sunroof are closed completely.XRelease button  & on the SmartKey to
interrupt the closing procedure.
With KEYLESS-GO
The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO must be
located outside the vehicle within
approximately 3 ft (1 m) of a door.
XClose all doors.XPress and hold the lock button on an
outside door handle ( Y page 73) until the
door windows and the tilt/sliding sunroof
are closed completely.XRelease the lock button on the outside door
handle to interrupt the closing procedure.Driving and parking
Safety notes
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!
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
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.
Starting the engine
GWarning!
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
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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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XGive very little gas.XHave the problem checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
The coolant temperature is above 
248‡ (120†)
The coolant is too hot and is no longer cooling
the engine.
XStop the vehicle in a safe location as soon
as possible.XTurn off the engine immediately.XAllow the engine and coolant to cool off.XCheck the coolant level and add coolant if
necessary ( Y page 216).
In case of accident 
If the vehicle is leaking fuel:
XDo not start the engine under any
circumstances.XExit the vehicle at a safe distance from the
roadway.XNotify local fire and/or police authorities.
If the extent of the damage cannot be
determined:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
If no damage on major assemblies, fuel
system, and engine mount can be
determined:
XStart the engine in the usual manner.
Parking
GWarning!
Do not park this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system. These materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
Vehicle movement may result in serious
personal injury or damage to the vehicle or
vehicle drivetrain. Therefore, always do the
following before turning off the engine and
leaving the vehicle:
R Keep right foot on the brake pedal.
R Engage the parking brake.
R Shift the automatic transmission into park
position  P.
R Slowly release the brake pedal.
R When parked on an incline, always turn the
front wheels towards the road curb.
R Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position  0 and remove the SmartKey from
the starter switch, or press the KEYLESS-
GO start/stop button.
R Take the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle when leaving.
Parking brake GWarning!
Engaging the parking brake while the vehicle
is in motion can cause the rear wheels to lock
up. You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident. In addition, the vehicle’s
brake lights do not light up when the parking
brake is engaged.
GWarning!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with
you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could
release the parking brake and/or shift the
automatic transmission out of park position
P , either of which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
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XReleasing: Pull on release handle :.
When the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running, the brake warning lamp
$ (USA only) or J (Canada only) in
the instrument cluster goes out.
XEngaging: Step on parking brake
pedal ; firmly.
When the engine is running, the brake
warning lamp $ (USA only) or J
(Canada only) in the instrument cluster
comes on.
Turning off the engine
GWarning!
Do not turn off the engine before the vehicle
has come to a complete stop. With the engine
not running, there is no power assistance for
the brake and steering systems. In this case,
it is important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is
necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.
iIf the engine cannot be turned off as
described, see “Emergency engine
shutdown” (Y page 344).
XShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
XEngage the parking brake.
iAlways engage the parking brake in
addition to shifting the automatic
transmission into park position P.
iObserve instructions if you want the
automatic transmission to remain in
neutral position N, see “Remaining in
neutral position N” (Y page 111).
With SmartKey 
XTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 0.
XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
When you turn off the engine using the
SmartKey, and remove the SmartKey from
the starter switch or open a front door, the
automatic transmission will shift into park
position P automatically.
GWarning!
Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N automatically.
Always shift the automatic transmission into
park position P before turning off the engine.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
With KEYLESS-GO
XPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
With the driver’s door closed, the starter
switch is now in position 1. With the driver’s
door opened, the starter switch is set to
position 0, same as the SmartKey removed
from the starter switch (Y page 79).
When you turn off the engine using the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and open a
front door, the automatic transmission will
shift into park position P automatically.
GWarning!
Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N automatically.
Always shift the automatic transmission into
park position P before turning off the engine.
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Redialing 
The control system stores the most recently
dialed phone numbers. This eliminates the
need to search through your entire phone
book.
XPress button  U or V  repeatedly until
the message  TEL appears in the
multifunction display.XPress button  6.
The first number in the redial memory
appears in the multifunction display.XPress button  & or *  repeatedly until
the desired number or name appears in the
multifunction display.XPress button  6.
The control system dials the selected
phone number.
Driving systems
Introduction
This section describes the following driving
systems of your vehicle:
R Cruise control
R Distronic
R Distance warning function (only available
with Distronic)
R Hill-start assist system
R Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR)
R Off-road driving program
R Air suspension program (Adaptive
Damping System (ADS) and vehicle level
control)
R All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
R Parktronic system
R Rear view camera
The driving safety systems ABS, BAS, EBP,
ESP ®
 and 4-ETS are described in the “Safety
and security” section ( Y page 61).
Cruise control
The cruise control maintains the speed you
set for your vehicle automatically.
The use of the cruise control is recommended
for driving at a constant speed for extended
periods of time.
The currently set speed or last set speed
(“Resume” function) appears in the status
indicator of the multifunction display:
R USA only: e.g.  Cruise 55 Miles
R Canada only: e.g.  ¯ 90 Km/h
i The cruise control should not be activated
during off-road driving.GWarning!
The cruise control is a convenience system
designed to assist the driver during vehicle
operation. The driver is and must always
remain responsible for the vehicle’s speed
and for safe brake operation.
Only use the cruise control if the road, traffic,
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy
traffic because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid
changes in tire traction can result in wheel
spin and loss of control.
R Deactivate the cruise control when driving
in fog.
The “Resume” function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed.
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