2010 MERCEDES-BENZ R320 brakes

Effect
A
Neutral position
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive axle. When the
brakes
are released, the vehicle can
be moved freely (pushed or towed).
To avoid damage to the
transmission, never shift the
automatic transmission into neutral
position N while driving.
Exception: If the ESP ®
is switched
off or malfunctioning, shift the
automatic transmission into neutral
position N if the vehicle is in danger
of skidding.
! Coasting the vehicle, or driving
for any other reason with the
automatic transmission in neutral
position N can result in
transmission damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty. 7
Drive position
The automatic transmission shifts
automatically. All forward gears are
available.
Driving tips
Kickdown Use the kickdown when you want maximum
acceleration.
X
U.S. vehicles: Fully depress the
accelerator pedal.
Depending on the engine speed the
automatic transmission shifts into a lower
gear.
X Canada vehicles:
Depress the accelerator
pedal past the point of resistance.
Depending on the engine speed the
automatic transmission shifts into a lower
gear. Rocking the vehicle Rocking the vehicle by shifting the automatic
transmission directly between drive position
D and reverse gear
R can help free a vehicle
stuck in mud or snow. The engine control
system of this vehicle electronically limits
directly shifting the automatic transmission
between drive position D and reverse gear R
to

very low speeds, i.e. approximately 5 mph
(9 km/h). To shift the automatic transmission
directly between drive position D and reverse
gear R, move the gear selector lever up or
down past the resistance point.
Working on the vehicle G
Warning!
When working on the vehicle, engage the
parking brake and shift the automatic
transmission into park position P. Otherwise
the

vehicle could roll away which could result
in an accident and/or serious personal injury.
Towing a trailer X
When you tow a trailer, shift into a lower
gear range manually if the automatic
transmission hunts between gears on
inclines.
A

lower gear range and reduction of speed
reduces the potential to overload or to
overheat the engine.
For more information on trailer towing, see
“Trailer towing”
(Y page 256). Gear ranges
With the automatic transmission in drive
position D, you can limit or extend the gear
range, see “One-touch gearshifting”
(Y page 120). Automatic transmission
119
Controls in detail
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 119 Z

The vehicle speed displayed on the
speedometer can briefly vary from the speed
setting on the Distronic system.
When the Distronic detects a vehicle directly
ahead, the cruise control speed
segments
; appear in the speedometer.
These segments represent the difference
between the set speed of your vehicle : and
the speed of the preceding vehicle =.
If the Distronic calculates that there is a
danger of collision, the distance warning lamp
· in the instrument cluster comes on and
an intermittent warning sounds.
X Immediately apply the brakes to avoid a
collision.
Under no circumstances should the driver
await the intermittent warning sound
before braking.
The intermittent warning sound ceases and
the distance warning lamp · goes out
when the necessary distance to the vehicle
ahead is established again. G
Warning!
An intermittent warning sounds and the
distance warning lamp · in the instrument
cluster is illuminated if the Distronic system
calculates that the distance to the vehicle
ahead and your vehicle’s current speed
indicate that the Distronic will not be capable
of slowing the vehicle sufficiently to maintain
the preset following distance, which creates
a danger of a collision. Immediately brake the vehicle to increase
your distance to the preceding vehicle. The
warning sound is intended as a final caution
in which you should intercede with your own
braking inputs to avoid a potentially
dangerous situation. Do not wait for the
operation of the warning signal to intercede
with your own braking. This will result in
potentially dangerous emergency braking
which will not always result in an impact being
avoided.
Tailgating increases the risk of an accident.
G
Warning!
The Distronic brakes your vehicle with a
maximum deceleration of 6.5 ft/s 2
(2 m/s 2
).
This corresponds to approximately 20% of the
maximum deceleration of your vehicle.
You must also apply the brakes yourself to
avoid a collision. The Distronic brakes the
vehicle in an effort to restore the preset
distance or to maintain the set speed. The
brake pedal is automatically applied as this
happens which results in the brake pedal
moving
Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times,
including the area under the brake pedal.
Objects stored in this area may impair pedal
movement which could interfere with the
braking ability of the Distronic system.
Do not place your foot under the brake pedal
– your foot could become caught.
Distronic menu in the control system Use the DISTRONIC menu to display the
current settings for your Distronic system.
The information shown in the multifunction
display depends on whether the Distronic
system and/or the distance warning function
are activated or deactivated.
i
To activate or deactivate the Distronic
system, see ( Y page 148) or see
(Y page 150).
To activate or deactivate the Distance
warning function, see (Y page 138). Driving systems
147Controls in detail
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 147 Z

Setting stored speed (Resume function)
G
Warning!
The set speed stored in memory should only
be set again if prevailing road conditions and
legal speed limits permit. Possible
acceleration or deceleration differences
arising from returning to the preset speed
could
cause an accident and/or serious injury
to you and others.
X Briefly pull the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow ? (Y page 148).
If no speed is stored, the current speed is
set and stored.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Deactivating Distronic X
Depress the brake pedal.
or
X Briefly push the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow = (Y page 148).
The cruise control speed segments in the
speedometer dial will go out and the
following message appears briefly in the
multifunction display: DISTRONIC Off
The last set speed is stored for later use.
The last stored speed is deleted from memory
when the engine is turned off.
The Distronic switches off automatically
when you depress the brake pedal or you
engage the parking brake. In this case, the
cruise control speed segments in the
speedometer dial will go out.
The

Distronic also switches off automatically
when
R the vehicle speed falls below 20 mph
(30 km/h)
R the ESP ®
is in operation
R the ESP ®
is switched off with the ESP ®
switch R
the ESP ®
has switched off due to a
malfunction
R you shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N while driving
The cruise control speed segments in the
speedometer dial goes out and an acoustic
warning will sound. Observe additional
messages in the multifunction display that
may appear. G
Warning!
Distronic switches off and releases the brakes
when the vehicle decelerates below the
minimum speed of 20 mph (30 km/h) by
operation of the system. At that time the
driver must apply the brakes in order to
reduce vehicle speed further or bring it to a
stop.
Depressing the accelerator pedal does not
deactivate the Distronic. After a brief
acceleration (e.g. for passing), the Distronic
will resume the last set speed.
Setting the following distance in
Distronic You can set the specified following distance
for Distronic by varying the time setting
between

1.0 and 2.0 seconds. Using this time
setting and the current speed of your vehicle,
Distronic calculates and sets the required
following distance to the preceding vehicle.
The set distance will be shown in the
multifunction display. G
Warning!
It is up to the driver to exercise discretion to
select the appropriate setting given road
conditions, traffic, driver’s preferred driving
style and applicable laws and driving
recommendations

for safe following distance.150
Driving systems
Controls in detail
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 150

Offset driving
A vehicle traveling in your lane but offset from
your direct line of travel may not be detected
by the Distronic. There will be insufficient
distance to the preceding vehicle.
Lane changing
The Distronic has not yet detected the vehicle
changing lanes. There will be insufficient
distance to the lane-changing vehicle.
Narrow vehicles
Because of their narrow profile, the vehicles
traveling near the outer edges of the lane have not yet been detected by the Distronic.
There will be insufficient distance to the
preceding vehicles.
Distance warning function This function warns you at a vehicle speed of
above approximately 20 mph (30 km/h) in
the following cases:
R
At the current speed, the distance between
your vehicle and the preceding vehicle is
too low for several seconds. The distance
warning lamp · in the instrument
cluster comes on.
R You are gaining on a preceding vehicle
rapidly. An intermittent warning sounds
and the distance warning lamp · in the
instrument cluster comes on.
If these warnings are issued, you must apply
the brakes to maintain a safe distance and
avoid a collision with the preceding vehicle.
When depressing the brake pedal, the
warning sound ceases. The warning sound
will also cease when the distance to the
preceding vehicle is sufficient again without
applying the brakes. In this case, the distance
warning lamp · will also go out. G
Warning!
If the distance warning lamp · in the
instrument cluster comes on while driving
and/or an intermittent warning sounds,
immediate attention on the part of the driver
is required. As required by the traffic
situation, apply the brakes and navigate
around a possible obstacle. However, do not
drive by relying on the distance warning
function, as this will result in an emergency
braking application. This will not always
enable you to avoid a collision, especially
when traveling on varying road surface
conditions and with varying driver reaction.
Complex driving situations are not always
fully recognized by the distance warning
function. This could result in wrong or missing
distance warnings. 152
Driving systemsControls in detail
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 152

distance between the vehicle and an obstacle
visually and audibly.
The Parktronic system is activated
automatically when
R
you switch on the ignition
and
R you release the parking brake
and
R the automatic transmission is in drive
position D, reverse gear R, or neutral
position N
The Parktronic system deactivates at speeds
above approximately 11 mph (18 km/h). At
lower speeds, the Parktronic system
activates again.
The Parktronic system also deactivates when
you shift the automatic transmission into
park position P or engage the parking brake.
The Parktronic system monitors the
surroundings of your vehicle with six sensors
in the front bumper and four sensors in the
rear bumper. To function properly, sensors
: must be free
of dirt, ice, snow and slush. Clean
sensors : regularly. Be careful not to
scratch or damage sensors :, see “Cleaning
the driving systems sensors” (Y page 265). G
Warning!
The Parktronic is a supplemental system. It is
not intended to, nor does it replace, the need
for extreme care. The responsibility during parking and other critical maneuvers always
remains with the driver.
G
Warning!
Make sure no persons or animals are in or
near the area in which you are parking/
maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be
injured.
! Special attention must be paid to objects
with smooth surfaces or low silhouettes
(e.g. trailer couplings, painted posts,
elevated crossbars or road curbs). Such
objects may not be detected by the system
and can damage the vehicle.
During parking maneuvers, pay special
attention to objects located above or below
the height of the sensors (e.g. street curbs,
painted posts, or trailer hitches etc.). The
Parktronic system will not detect such
objects at close range and damage to your
vehicle or the object may result.
! Ultrasonic signals from outside sources
(e.g. truck air brakes, car wash, or
jackhammers) may impair the operation of
the Parktronic system.
Range of the sensors Driving systems
157Controls in detail
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 157 Z

R
Front area: An intermittent acoustic
warning lasting a maximum of 2 seconds
will sound as the first red distance segment
illuminates. A constant acoustic warning
lasting a maximum of 2 seconds will sound
for the second red distance segment. The
signal is canceled when the automatic
transmission is shifted into park
position P or the parking brake is engaged.
R Rear area: An intermittent acoustic
warning lasting a maximum of 2 seconds
will sound as the first red distance segment
illuminates. A constant acoustic warning
lasting a maximum of 2 seconds will sound
for the second red distance segment. The
signal is canceled when the automatic
transmission is shifted into drive
position D, or park position P, or the
parking brake is engaged.
Switching the Parktronic system on/
off The Parktronic system switches on
automatically when the ignition is switched
on.
X
Switching off: Press Parktronic
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on.
X Switching on: Press Parktronic switch :
again. Trailer towing The rear Parktronic sensors will be
deactivated when you have established the
electrical connection between your vehicle
and the trailer you are about to tow.
!
The distance between the sensors in the
bumpers and an obstacle is referred to as
the minimum range of the Parktronic. A
trailer hitch will reduce the distance to an
obstacle. Keep this in mind to avoid any
damage.
Parktronic system malfunction There is a malfunction in the Parktronic
system, if only the red distance segments
illuminate and an acoustic warning sounds.
The Parktronic system will switch off
automatically after 20 seconds and indicator
lamp
; in Parktronic switch : comes on.
X Have the Parktronic system checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.
If only the red distance segments illuminate
and no acoustic warning sounds, the
Parktronic system sensors are dirty (e.g. dirt,
ice, snow and slush). Another cause could be
interference from other radio or ultrasonic
signals (e.g. truck air brakes, car wash, or
jackhammers). The Parktronic system will
switch off automatically after 20 seconds and
indicator lamp ; in Parktronic switch :
comes on.
X Switch off the ignition.
X Clean the Parktronic system sensors
(Y page 265).
X Switch on the ignition.
or
X Check the Parktronic system operation at
another location to rule out interference
from outside radio or ultrasonic signals. Rear view camera
The rear view camera is an optical parking aid. Driving systems
159Controls in detail
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 159 Z

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
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 227 Z

i
The recommended tire inflation pressures
for your vehicle can be found on
Rthe Tire and Loading Information placard
located on the driver’s door B-pillar
(Y page 236)
R the tire inflation pressure label on the
inside of the fuel filler flap
The tire inflation pressures are not listed in
the Operator’s Manual. G
Warning!
The tire pressure loss warning system does
not
provide a warning for wrongly selected tire
inflation pressures. Always adjust tire
inflation pressure according to the Tire and
Loading Information placard on the driver’s
door B-pillar or on the tire inflation pressure
label located on the inside of the fuel filler flap.
The tire pressure loss warning system does
not replace regular checks of the tire inflation
pressures since a gradual pressure loss in
more than one tire cannot be detected by the
tire pressure loss warning system.
The tire pressure loss warning system is not
able to issue a warning due to a sudden
dramatic loss of tire inflation pressure (e.g.
tire blowout caused by a foreign object). In
this case bring the vehicle to a halt by carefully
applying the brakes and avoiding abrupt
steering maneuvers.
Restarting the tire pressure loss warning
system
The tire pressure loss warning system must
be restarted in the following situations:
R after you have changed the tire inflation
pressure
R after you have replaced the wheels or tires
R after you have installed new wheels or tires
X Using the Tire and Loading Information
placard on the driver’s door

B-pillar or, if
available, the tire inflation pressure label on
the inside of the fuel filler flap, make sure
the tire inflation pressure of all four tires is
correct. G
Warning!
The tire pressure loss warning system can
only
warn you in a reliable manner if you have
set the correct tire inflation pressures for
each tire.
If an incorrect tire inflation pressure was set,
the system will monitor the pressure
according to the incorrect value.
X Switch on the ignition.
X Make sure the standard display appears in
the multifunction display

(Y page 126).
X Press button * or & on the
multifunction steering wheel repeatedly
until the following message appears in the
multifunction display:
Run Flat Indicator
Active
Menu: R-Button
X Press the reset button (Y page 122).
The following message will appear in the
multifunction display:
Restart
Run Flat Indicator?
X If you wish to confirm: Press button
W.
The following message will appear in the
multifunction display:
Run Flat Indicator
Restarted
After a certain “learning phase”, the tire
pressure loss warning system checks the
set pressure values for all four tires.
X If you wish to cancel:
Press button X.
Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (Advanced TPMS), (USA only) Your vehicle is equipped with the Advanced
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS).

It measures the tire inflation pressure
in the vehicle’s tires and issues warnings in
case of pressure loss in one or more of the
tires. 232
Tires and wheels
Operation
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 232