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
Multifunction steering wheelFunctionPage:Multifunction display121;Press button ~:to end a call139to reject an incoming call139Press button 6:to answer a call139to dial5139to redial5139Press button W or X:to select submenus in the
Settings menu130
to set valuesto set the volumePress button ? to turn
the Voice Control System
on6, see separate operating
instructions.
=Press button V or U
to select next/previous
menu.119
FunctionPagePress button & or *
briefly:
to move within a menuto select previous or next
track, scene or stored
station within Audio/DVD
menu126
to switch to the phone book
and select a name or
number within Telephone
menu139
Press and hold button
& or *:
to select previous or next
track with quick search or
to select previous or next
station in station list or
wave band within Audio/
DVD menu126
to start the quick search in
the phone book within
Telephone menu139
Press button A to turn
the Voice Control System
off6, see separate operating
instructions.
5Function only available in telephone menu.6Vehicles without Voice Control System: Button without function.
30Multifunction steering wheelAt a glance
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When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat occupant is classified as
being up to or less than the weight of a typical
12-month-old child in a standard child
restraint, the 42 indicator lamp
will illuminate when the engine is started and
remain illuminated, indicating that the front
passenger front air bag is deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat is classified as being empty,
the 42 indicator lamp will
illuminate when the engine is started and
remain illuminated, indicating that the front
passenger front air bag is deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat occupant is classified as
being heavier than the weight of a typical
12-month-old child seated in a standard child
restraint or as being a small individual (such
as a young teenager or a small adult), the
42 indicator lamp will illuminate
for approximately 6 seconds when the engine
is started and then, depending on occupant
weight sensor readings from the seat, remain
illuminated or go out. With the
42 indicator lamp illuminated,
the front passenger front air bag is
deactivated. With the 42
indicator lamp out, the front passenger front
air bag is activated.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat occupant is classified as an
adult or someone larger than a small
individual, the 42 indicator lamp
will illuminate for approximately 6 seconds
when the engine is started and then goes out,
indicating that the front passenger front air
bag is activated.
If the 42 indicator lamp is
illuminated, the front passenger front air bag
is deactivated and will not be deployed.If the 42 indicator lamp is not
illuminated, the front passenger front air bag
is activated and will be deployed
R in the event of certain frontal impacts
R if impact exceeds a preset deployment
threshold
R independently of the side impact air bags
If the front passenger front air bag is
deployed, the rate of inflation will be
influenced by
R the rate of relevant vehicle deceleration as
assessed by the air bag control unit
R the front passenger’s weight category as
identified by the OCS
For more information on air bag display
messages in the multifunction display, see
( Y page 275).GWarning!
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained in the rear
seating positions than in the front seating
position. Thus, we strongly recommend that
children be placed in the rear seats whenever
possible. Regardless of seating position,
children 12 years old and under must be
seated and properly secured in an appropriate
infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster
seat recommended for the size and weight of
the child.
The infant or child restraint must be properly
secured with the vehicle’s seat belt, the seat
belt and top tether strap, or lower anchors and
top tether strap, fully in accordance with the
child seat manufacturer’s instructions.
Occupants, especially children, should always
sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt
properly and use an appropriately sized infant
restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
Occupant safety43Safety and security164_AKB; 7; 31, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-11T12:07:36+02:00 - Seite 43Z
must be reset. Otherwise, the NECK-PRO
active front head restraints cannot offer any
additional protection in the event of another
rear-end collision.
For information on resetting the activated
NECK-PRO active front head restraints, see
“Resetting activated head restraints”
(Y page 309).
You cannot remove the NECK-PRO active
front head restraints.
GWarning!
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
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. This will reduce the potential for
injury to the head and neck in the event of an
accident or similar situation.
For information on head restraint adjustment,
see “Head restraint height” (Y page 83), or
see “Head restraint fore and aft adjustment”
(Y page 83).
Correct driver seat adjustment
GWarning!
In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle
control the following must be done before the
vehicle is put into motion:
Rseat adjustment
Rhead restraint adjustment
Rsteering wheel adjustment
Rrear view mirror adjustment
Rfastening of seat belts
Steering wheel
GObserve Safety notes, see page 86.XPosition steering wheel : properly. See
(Y page 87) for manual adjustment and
(Y page 87) for electrical adjustment.
Make sure:
RYou can reach the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent at the elbows.
RYou can move your legs freely.
RAll displays (including malfunction and
indicator lamps) on the instrument cluster
are clearly visible.
Seat belt
GObserve Safety notes, see page 48.XFasten and position your seat belt ;
correctly (Y page 50).
54Occupant safetySafety and security
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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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GWarning!
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety
systems such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also
switched off. Observe indicator and warning
lamps that may come on as well as messages
in the multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
Off-road ABS (vehicles with 4MATIC)
Vehicles with 4MATIC have a special ABS off-
road feature. With the off-road driving
program switched on ( Y page 155), the ABS
designed for off-road driving is activated
automatically.
When applying the brakes at speeds below
18 mph (30 km/h), the front wheels are
locked cyclically to shorten the braking
distance (dig-in effect). This will restrict
steering the vehicle.
BAS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the brakes
very quickly, the BAS provides full brake
boost automatically, thereby potentially
reducing the braking distance.
XApply continuous full braking pressure until
the emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes
function again as normal. The BAS is then
deactivated.
GWarning!
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
EBPGObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP)
enhances braking effectiveness by allowing
the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion
of the braking effort in straight-line braking
without a loss of vehicle stability.
GWarning!
If the EBP malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
ESP ®
GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®
) is
operational as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESP ®
recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual
wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESP ®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The
ESP ®
is especially useful while driving off and
on wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP ®
also stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster flashes when the ESP ®
is
engaged.
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Important notes on using KEYLESS-GO
RYou can also use the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO like a normal SmartKey
( Y page 70).
R You can combine KEYLESS-GO functions
with normal SmartKey functions (e.g.
unlocking with KEYLESS-GO and locking
with button &).
R Always carry the SmartKey with you.
R Never store the SmartKey together with:
- Electronic items such as a mobile phone
or another SmartKey
- Metallic objects such as coins or metal
foil
Doing so could impair the function of the
KEYLESS-GO system.
R To lock or unlock the vehicle, the SmartKey
must be located outside the vehicle within
approximately 3 ft (1 m) of a door or the
tailgate.
R When the vehicle has been parked for more
than 72 hours, the KEYLESS-GO function is
deactivated. Pull an outside door handle
and switch on the ignition once to activate
the KEYLESS-GO function.
R If the SmartKey is positioned farther away
from the vehicle, the system may no longer
recognize the SmartKey. The vehicle
cannot be locked or the engine started via
the KEYLESS-GO system.
R If the SmartKey is removed from the vehicle
(e.g. if a passenger exits the vehicle with
the SmartKey)
- when pressing the KEYLESS-GO start/
stop button or trying to lock the vehicle
with the lock button on an outside door
handle the message Key Not
Detected appears in the multifunction
display
- with the engine running, the red message
Key Not Detected appears in the
multifunction display while driving off
Find the SmartKey or change its present
location immediately (e.g. place it on the
front passenger seat or insert it in shirt
pocket).
R If you have started the engine with the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button, you can
turn it off again by
- pressing the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button
- inserting the SmartKey into the starter
switch when the vehicle is at a standstill
and the automatic transmission is in park
position P
R The vehicle could be inadvertently
unlocked if the SmartKey is within 3 ft (1 m)
of the vehicle and
- an outside door handle is splashed with
water
or
- you attempt to clean an outside door
handle
R Remember that the engine can be started
by anyone with a SmartKey that is left
inside the vehicle.
Possibility 1 (One SmartKey in the vehicle,
one SmartKey outside the vehicle):
If you leave the SmartKey behind when
exiting and locking the vehicle, no message
appears in the multifunction display.
Possibility 2 (One SmartKey in the vehicle,
no SmartKey outside the vehicle):
When exiting and trying to lock the vehicle,
the message Key Detected In Vehicle
appears in the multifunction display. The
vehicle will not be locked.
Factory setting XGlobal unlocking: Grasp an outside door
handle.72Locking and unlockingControls in detail
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Make sure
Ryou can reach the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent at the elbows
Ryou can move your legs freely
Rall displays (including malfunction and
indicator lamps) on the instrument cluster
are clearly visible
Steering wheel adjustment, manual
XUnlocking: Pull release handle : out to
its stop limit.
XMove steering wheel to the desired
position.
XLocking: Push release handle : back to
its original position.
XMake sure the steering wheel is securely
locked by trying to move it up and down as
well as in and out before driving off.
Steering wheel adjustment, electrical
XAdjusting steering wheel in or out: Move
stalk in direction of arrows :.
XAdjusting steering wheel up or down:
Move stalk in direction of arrows ;.
iYou can store the settings for the steering
wheel with the memory function
(Y page 92).
Easy-entry/exit feature
This feature allows the driver an easier entry
into and exit from the vehicle. When entering
and exiting the vehicle, the steering wheel is
in its uppermost position.
The easy-entry/exit feature can be activated
or deactivated in the Comfort submenu of the
control system (Y page 135).
GWarning!
You must make sure no one can become
trapped or injured by the moving steering
wheel when the easy-entry/exit feature is
activated.
To stop steering wheel movement do one of
the following:
RMove steering wheel adjustment stalk.
RPress one of the memory position buttons.
RPress memory button M.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Children could open the driver’s door and
unintentionally activate the easy-entry/exit
feature, which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
With the easy-entry/exit feature activated,
the steering wheel will return to its last set
position when you close the driver’s door with
the ignition switched on. The steering wheel
will also return to its last set position when
you insert the SmartKey into the starter
switch or press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button once with the driver’s door closed.
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