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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iThe last set steering wheel position is
stored when the ignition is switched off or
the position is stored in memory
(Y page 92).
With the easy-entry/exit feature activated,
the steering wheel tilts upwards when you
remove the SmartKey from the starter switch.
The steering wheel also tilts upwards when
you open the driver’s door with the SmartKey
in starter switch position 0 or 1 or the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in position 1.
iWhen the current position for the steering
wheel is in the uppermost tilt position, the
steering wheel will no longer be able to
move upward when the easy-entry/exit
feature is activated.
The adjustment procedure is briefly
interrupted when the engine is started.
GWarning!
Let the system complete the adjustment
procedure before setting the vehicle in
motion. All steering wheel adjustment must
be completed before setting the vehicle in
motion. Driving off with the steering wheel
still adjusting could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.
Crash-responsive exit aid
When you open the driver’s door after an
accident has occurred, the steering column
moves up. The position of the SmartKey in the
starter switch is insignificant. This function
facilitates exiting as well as rescue of vehicle
occupants.
The crash-responsive exit aid can only be
triggered when the easy-entry/exit feature is
activated via the control system.
Heated steering wheel
The steering wheel heating warms up the
leather area of the steering wheel.
XSwitch on the ignition.XSwitching on: Turn switch at the tip of the
stalk in direction of arrow :.
Indicator lamp = comes on.
iThe steering wheel heating may be
suspended temporarily. However, indicator
lamp = remains on. The steering wheel
heating is suspended when the
temperature of the vehicle interior is above
86‡ (30†). It is also suspended when the
temperature of the steering wheel is above
95‡ (35†).
When these conditions do not apply
anymore, steering wheel heating
continues.
XSwitching off: Turn switch at the tip of
stalk in direction of arrow ;.
Indicator lamp = goes out.
iIndicator lamp = flashes or goes out in
case of power surge or undervoltage or if
the steering wheel heating malfunctions.
iThe steering wheel heating switches off
automatically when you remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch or, on
vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, when you
switch off the ignition and open the driver’s
door.
For more information on the steering wheel,
see “Multifunction steering wheel”
(Y page 119).
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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.
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Memory function
Notes
With the memory function you can store up
to three different configurations per front
seat.
Each memory position button on the driver’s
side can store all of the following settings:
RSeat position
RSteering wheel position
RExterior rear view mirrors’ position
GWarning!
Do not activate the memory function while
driving. Activating the memory function while
driving could cause the driver to lose control
of the vehicle.
Each memory position button on the front
passenger side can store the setting of the
seat position.
Storing positions into memory
XAdjust the seats.XOn the driver’s side, also adjust the
steering wheel and exterior rear view
mirrors to the desired positions.
XPress memory button M once and within
3 seconds press memory position button
1, 2 or 3.
When the settings are stored to the
selected position, an acknowledgement
signal sounds.
Recalling positions from memoryXPress and hold desired memory position
button 1, 2 or 3 until the seat has moved
to the stored position completely. On the
driver’s side, also wait for the steering
wheel and exterior rear view mirrors to
move to the stored position.
iReleasing the memory position button
stops movement to the stored positions
immediately.
Lighting
Notes
iIf you drive in countries with left-hand
driving, you must have the headlamps
modified for symmetrical low beams.
Relevant information can be obtained at
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
iVehicles equipped with active Bi-Xenon
headlamps:
The active Bi-Xenon headlamps increase
usable illumination over conventional
headlamps because they follow the
curvature of the road ahead. The beams of
the active Bi-Xenon headlamps shift to
either side according to the vehicle’s
steering angle and speed.
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USA only
You can only switch on the high-beam
headlamps in low ambient lighting conditions.
The high-beam flasher is available at all times.
XFor nighttime driving turn the exterior lamp
switch to position L or à to permit
activation of the high-beam headlamps.
When the engine is running, and you turn the
exterior lamp switch to position T or
L, the manual headlamp mode has
priority over the daytime running lamp mode.
The corresponding exterior lamps come on
(Y page 93).
Fog lamps
Fog lamps cannot be switched on with the
exterior lamp switch in position Ã.
GWarning!
In low ambient lighting or foggy conditions,
only switch from position à to L with
the vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching from à to L will briefly
switch off the headlamps. Doing so while
driving in low ambient lighting conditions may
result in an accident.
Fog lamps will operate with the parking lamps
and/or the low-beam headlamps on. Fog
lamps should only be used in conjunction with
low-beam headlamps. Consult your State or
Province Motor Vehicle Regulations
regarding permissible lamp operation.
XSwitch on the ignition.XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
T or L (Y page 93).
XSwitching on front fog lamps: Pull out the
exterior lamp switch to first stop.
The green indicator lamp N in the
exterior lamp switch comes on.
XSwitching on rear fog lamp: Pull out the
exterior lamp switch to second stop.
The rear fog lamp, the front fog lamps, the
green and the yellow indicator lamp R
in the exterior lamp switch come on.
XSwitching off front fog lamps/rear fog
lamp: Push in the exterior lamp switch to
its stop.
Locator lighting and night security
illumination
Locator lighting and night security
illumination are described in the “Control
system” section, see “Switching locator
lighting on or off” (Y page 133) and
“Switching night security illumination
(Headlamps delayed shut-off feature) on or
off” (Y page 134).
Combination switch
Turn signals
XPress the combination switch in direction
of arrow ; or ?.
The corresponding turn signal indicator
lamp ! or # in the instrument
cluster flashes.
The combination switch resets automatically
after major steering wheel movements.
iTo signal minor directional changes such
as changing lanes, press the combination
switch only to point of resistance and
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Rwith the front fog lamps switched off
Rwhen the engine is running
Switching on
XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
L or Ã.
or
XActivate the daytime running lamp mode
(Y page 94).
XSwitch on the left or right turn signal,
depending on whether you are turning left
or right.
The respective front fog lamp comes on. If
you have switched on the turn signal for
one side but turn the steering wheel in the
other direction, the corner-illuminating
front fog lamp on the side of the turn signal
comes on.
or
XTurn the steering wheel in the desired
direction.
Driving forward: The front fog lamp on the
side of your steering direction comes on.
Driving in reverse: The front fog lamp
opposite to your steering direction comes
on.
The corner-illuminating front fog lamps will
come on automatically depending on the
steering angle, even if you did not switch on
either turn signal. If the corner-illuminating
front fog lamps came on automatically, they
will also go out automatically depending on
the steering angle and vehicle speed.
The corner-illuminating front fog lamps
temporarily come on on both sides of the
vehicle if you turn the steering wheel in one
direction and then again in the other direction
shortly thereafter.
The corner-illuminating front fog lamp
remains lit for a short time only. It then goes
out automatically.
Switching offXSwitch off the left or right turn signal.
or
XSteer straight ahead.
iThere may be a brief delay before the
corner-illuminating front fog lamps go out.
Interior lighting in the front
:p Left front reading lamp on/off;v Rear interior lighting on/off=~ Automatic control on/off?c Front interior lighting on/off Ap Right front reading lamp on/offBFront interior lightingCFront reading lamps DFront interior lighting
Automatic control
XActivating: Press button ~.
Button ~ disengages and sits flush with
the other buttons.
The interior lighting comes on when you
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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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