Brake fluid level
! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum
mark or below, have the brake system
checked for brake pad thickness and leaks
immediately. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately. Do
not add brake fluid as this will not solve the
problem. For more information, see
“Practical hints”.
When checking the brake fluid level, the
vehicle must be parked on level ground. The brake fluid level is correct when it is
between lower mark (MIN)
; and upper
mark (MAX) : of the brake fluid reservoir. Tires and wheels
Safety notes
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for information on tested and recommended
rims and tires for summer and winter
operation. They can also offer advice
concerning tire service and purchase. G
Warning!
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as shown
on the original part. For further information
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged. Also, the operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct.
G
Warning!
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can result
in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be
recognized on retreads. The operating safety
of the vehicle cannot be assured when such
tires are used. G
Warning!
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible
damage to your vehicle has occurred, you
should turn on the hazard warning flashers,
carefully slow down, and drive with caution to
an area which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
tire dealer for repairs. G
Warning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
could lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed
with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire. Important guidelines
R Only use sets of tires and rims of the same
type and make.
R Tires must be of the correct size for the rim. Tires and wheels
227Operation
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When using the engine’s braking power, a
drive wheel may not spin for an extended
period of time, e.g. on slippery road
surfaces. This may cause serious damage
to
the drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Continuous or hard braking G
Warning!
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their
effectiveness. It may not be possible to stop
the vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an
accident.
After hard braking, it is advisable to drive on
for
some time, rather than immediately park,
so that the air stream will cool down the
brakes faster.
Wet roads G
Warning!
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without
applying the brakes or through water
deep enough to wet brake components, the
first braking action may be somewhat
reduced and increased pedal pressure may be
necessary to obtain expected brake effect.
Maintain a safe distance from vehicles in
front.
To help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet or salt-covered roads, it is
advisable to brake the vehicle with
considerable force prior to parking. The heat
generated serves to dry the brakes.
Salt-covered roads G
Warning!
A layer of salt on the brake discs and the brake
linings may cause a delay in the braking
effect, resulting in a significantly increased braking distance, which could lead to an
accident.
To avoid this danger, you should:
R
occasionally brake carefully when you are
driving on salt-covered roads, so that any
layer of salt that may have built up on the
brake discs and the brake linings is
removed without putting other road users
at risk
R maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care
R carefully apply the brakes at the end of a
trip and immediately after commencing a
new
trip, so that salt residues are removed
from the brake disc
Brake service !
The brake fluid level in the reservoir may
be
too low if the brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on and an
acoustic warning sounds although the
parking brake is released. Observe
additional messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the
reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected
immediately. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Only install brake pads and use brake fluid
recommended by Mercedes-Benz. G
Warning!
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle
can be degraded to an extent that safe
braking is substantially impaired. This could
result in an accident. 254
Driving instructions
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attack the paintwork as well as the vehicle
underbody and cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by extreme
and varying climatic conditions, but also by:
R
Air pollution
R Road salt
R Tar
R Gravel and stone chipping
To avoid paint damage, you should
immediately remove:
R Grease and oil
R Fuel
R Coolant
R Brake fluid
R Bird droppings
R Insects
R Tree resins etc.
Frequent
washing reduces and/or eliminates
the aggressiveness and potency of the above
adverse influences.
More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions:
R near the ocean
R in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)
R during winter operation
You should check your vehicle from time to
time for stone chipping or other damage. Any
damage should be repaired as soon as
possible to prevent corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underbody of
the vehicle. A prerequisite for a thorough
check is a washing of the underbody followed
by a thorough inspection. Damaged areas
need to be re-undercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the factory
with a wax-base rustproofing in the body
cavities which will last for the lifetime of the
vehicle. Post-production treatment is neither
necessary nor recommended by Mercedes-
Benz because of the possibility of incompatibility between materials used in the
production process and others applied later.
We have selected vehicle-care products and
compiled recommendations which are
specially matched to our vehicles and which
always
reflect the latest technology. You can
obtain Mercedes-Benz approved vehicle-care
products at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or
damage due to negligent or incorrect care
cannot always be removed or repaired with
the vehicle-care products recommended
here. In such cases it is best to seek aid at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The following topics deal with the cleaning
and care of your vehicle and give important
“how-to” information as well as references to
Mercedes-Benz approved vehicle-care
products.
Power washer !
Follow the instructions provided by the
power washer manufacturer on
maintaining
a distance between the vehicle
and the nozzle of the power washer.
Never use a round nozzle to power-wash
tires. The intense jet of water can result in
damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.
Always keep the jet of water moving across
the surface. Do not aim directly at electrical
parts, electrical connectors, seals, or other
rubber parts.
i Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
If a door handle is hit by a strong jet of
water, and a SmartKey is within
approximately 3 ft (1 m) of the vehicle, it
could be inadvertently locked or unlocked.
Tar stains Quickly remove tar stains before they dry and
become more difficult to remove. A tar
remover is recommended. Vehicle care
263
Operation
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Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only) EBV, ABS,
ESP
Inoperativ
e See
Operator’s
Manual The brake system is still functioning normally but due to a
malfunction, the ABS, the BAS, the EBP, the ESP
®
, and the
PRE-SAFE ®
system are unavailable.
X Continue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.
X Adjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.
X Have the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible. $
(USA only)
!
(Canada
only) Release
Parking
Brake You are driving with the parking brake engaged. In addition
an acoustic warning sounds.
X
Release the parking brake. $
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only) Check
Brake
Fluid
Level There is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
Risk of accident!
X
Stop the vehicle in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so.
X Engage the parking brake
X Do not drive any further.
X Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem. G
Warning!
Driving with the message Check Brake Fluid Level displayed can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum mark
or below, have the brake system checked for brake pad thickness and leaks. 286
Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display
Practical hints
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Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions? Coolant
Stop car,
switch
engine
off. The coolant is too hot.
X
Stop the vehicle immediately as soon as it is safe to do so.
X Turn off the engine immediately.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Only start the engine again after the message disappears.
You could otherwise damage the engine.
X Observe the coolant temperature in the multifunction
display.
X If the temperature rises again: Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
During severe operation conditions and stop-and-go city
traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to 248‡
(120†). G
Warning!
Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam
from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening the
engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
! The engine should not be operated with the coolant temperature above 248‡ (120†).
Doing so may cause serious damage which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty. Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display
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Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
!
d
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
driving. In addition, the
yellow
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp, and the
yellow ESP ®
warning
lamp come on and an
acoustic warning
sounds. The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP) switched off due to a
malfunction.
The
ABS, the BAS, the ESP ®
and PRE-SAFE ®
are also switched off.
X Have the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident. $ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
driving and an acoustic
warning sounds. You are driving with the parking brake engaged.
X
Release the parking brake. $ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
the engine is running
and an acoustic
warning sounds. There is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
Risk of accident!
X
Do not drive any further. Stop the vehicle in a safe location as
soon as it is safe to do so.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Read and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display
(Y page 274).
X Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem. G
Warning!
Driving with the brake warning lamp
illuminated can result in an accident. Have
your
brake system checked immediately if the
brake warning lamp stays on. Do not add
brake fluid before checking the brake system.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result
in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
! If
you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum
mark or below, have the brake system
checked for brake pad thickness and leaks. What to do if …
301
Practical hints
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Model Capacity Fuels, coolants,
lubricants, etc.
Front axle
All models 1.2 US qt (1.1 l) Hypoid gear oil
Rear axle
All models 1.2 US qt (1.1 l) Hypoid gear oil
Transfer case
All models 0.53 US qt (0.5 l) MB Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Power steering
All models approx. 1.3 US qt (1.2 l) MB Power Steering
Fluid or approved
Dexron III ATF
Brake system
All models 0.85 US qt (0.8 l) MB Brake Fluid
(DOT 4+)
Cooling system
All models approx. 10.0 US qt (9.5 l) MB 325.0
Anticorrosion/
Antifreeze
Fuel tank
All models 21.1 US gal (80.0 l) Gasoline engine:
Premium unleaded
gasoline (Minimum
Posted Octane 91
[Avg. of
96 RON/86 MON])
Diesel engine:
ULTRA-LOW
SULFUR HIGHWAY
DIESEL FUEL
(15 ppm SULFUR
MAXIMUM)
Fuel tank
reserve
All models approx. 3.4 US gal (13.0 l)
AdBlue
®
tank R 350 BlueTEC 7.5 US gal (28.2 l)
AdBlue
®
complying
with ISO 22241 Air
conditioning
system
All models — R134a refrigerant
and special
PAG lubricant oil
(never R 12)
Washer system
and headlamp
cleaning
system
All models 8.0 US qt (7.6 l) MB Windshield
Washer
Concentrate
30
(Y page 357)
Washer fluid mixing
ratio ( Y page 357) 30
Mixed with water or commercially available premixed washer solvent/antifreeze. Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
351Technical data
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Approved engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their
suitability in our engines and durability for our
service intervals. Therefore, only use
approved engine oils and oil filters required
for vehicles with the Maintenance System.
For a listing of approved engine oils and oil
filters, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! Using engine oils and oil filters of a
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System, or
changing of oil and oil filter at change
intervals longer than those called for by the
Maintenance System will result in engine or
emission control system damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Please follow Maintenance System
recommendations for scheduled oil
changes. Failure to do so will result in
engine or emission control system damage
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Mercedes-Benz recommends MOBIL OIL.
Use the table below to determine the
MB sheet number. Model Engine,
type MB sheet
number
R 350 BlueTEC 642 229.51
R 350 272 229.5
i
MB sheet numbers are printed on the
outside of oil containers. Viscosity grades for engine oils Using the chart below, select oil viscosity
according to the lowest air temperature
expected before the next oil change.
Engine oil additives
! Do not blend oil additives with engine oil.
They may damage the engine. Damage or
malfunctions resulting from blending oil
additives are not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty. Air conditioning refrigerant
R134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil are used in the air conditioning
system.
! Never use R 12 (CFC) or mineral-based
lubricating oil. Otherwise damage to the
system will occur. Brake fluid
G
Warning!
During vehicle operation, the boiling point of
the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from the
atmosphere.
Under extremely strenuous operating
conditions, this moisture content can lead to 352
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