i
Leaving the engine running and the fuel
filler cap open can cause the yellow fuel
tank
reserve warning lamp to flash and the
malfunction indicator lamp ! (USA
only) or ; (Canada only) to illuminate.
For more information, see also “Practical
hints” (Y page 305).
X Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
KEYLESS-GO: Open the driver’s door (this
puts the starter switch in position 0, same
as with the SmartKey removed from the
starter switch). The driver’s door then can
be closed again.
X Opening: Press fuel filler flap : at the
point indicated by the arrow.
X Turn fuel filler cap ; counterclockwise.
X Take off fuel filler cap ;.
! The fuel filler cap is tethered to the fuel
filler neck. Do not drop the cap. It could
damage the vehicle paint finish.
X Set fuel filler cap ; on fuel filler flap :.
X Fully insert filler nozzle unit and refuel.
X Only fill your tank until the filler nozzle unit
cuts out – do not top off or overfill .
X Closing: Turn fuel filler cap ; clockwise
until it audibly engages.
X Close fuel filler flap :.
Low outside temperatures (diesel
engine) !
Do not fill the tank with gasoline. Do not
blend
diesel fuel with gasoline or kerosene.
The fuel system and engine will otherwise
be damaged, which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
To prevent malfunctions, diesel fuel with
improved cold flow characteristics is offered
in the winter months. Check with your fuel
retailer. Check regularly and before a long trip
For information on quantities and
requirements
of operating agents, see “Fuels,
coolants, lubricants, etc.” (Y page 350).
Check the following:
R Engine oil level ( Y page 224)
R Tire inflation pressure ( Y page 230)
R Coolant level ( Y page 225)
R Vehicle lighting ( Y page 313)
R Washer system and headlamp cleaning
system (Y page 226)
R Brake fluid ( Y page 227) Engine compartment
Hood
G
Warning!
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This
could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/or others.
Opening G
Warning!
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature display to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away from the vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department. G
Warning!
You could be injured when the hood is open –
even when the engine is turned off.
Parts of the engine can become very hot. To
prevent
burns, let the engine cool completely
before touching any components on the 222
Engine compartment
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For more information on engine oil, see
“Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.”
(Y page 350).
For information on messages in the
multifunction display concerning engine oil,
see the “Practical hints” section
(Y page 293).
Adding engine oil
!
Only use approved engine oils and oil
filters required for vehicles with
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).
The following will result in engine or
emission control system damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty:
R Using engine oils and oil filters of
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System.
R Changing of oil and oil filter at change
intervals longer than those called for by
the Maintenance System.
R Using any oil additives. Example illustration: R 350
X
Unscrew filler cap : from filler neck.
X Add engine oil as required. Be careful not
to overfill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water. !
Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the engine
and emission control system not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
X Screw filler cap : back on filler neck.
For more information on engine oil, see the
“Technical data” section ( Y page 350) and
(Y page 352). Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need to
be checked. If you notice transmission fluid
loss or gearshifting malfunctions, have an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check the
transmission. Coolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water and
anticorrosion/antifreeze.
When checking the coolant level, the vehicle
must be parked on level ground, and the
coolant temperature must be below 158‡
(70†). G
Warning!
In order to avoid any potentially serious burns:
R Use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system, or
if the coolant temperature display indicates
that the coolant is overheated.
R Do not remove the cap on the coolant
expansion tank if the coolant temperature
is above 158‡ (70†). Allow the engine to
cool down before removing the cap. The
coolant expansion tank contains hot fluid
and is under pressure.
R Using a rag, slowly open the cap
approximately 1
/ 2 turn to relieve excess
pressure. If opened immediately, scalding Engine compartment
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hot fluid and steam will be blown out under
pressure.
R Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts. X
Using a rag, slowly open cap ;
approximately 1
/ 2 turn to relieve excess
pressure.
X Continue turning cap ; counterclockwise
and remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level
R for cold coolant: reaches marking
bar : in coolant expansion tank =
R for warm coolant: is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) higher
X Add coolant as required.
X Screw cap ; back on and tighten it.
For more information on coolant, see the
“Technical data” section ( Y page 351) and
(Y page 355). Washer system and headlamp
cleaning system
G
Warning!
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on hot engine parts, because it may
ignite and burn. You could be seriously
burned. !
Always use washer solvent/antifreeze
where temperatures may fall below
freezing point. Failure to do so could result
in damage to the washer system/fluid
reservoir.
! Only use washer fluid which is suitable for
plastic lenses. Improper washer fluid can
damage the plastic lenses of the
headlamps.
! Do not use distilled or deionized water in
the washer fluid reservoir. Otherwise, the
washer fluid level sensor could be
damaged. Fluid for the washer system, rear window
washer system, and the headlamp cleaning
system is supplied from washer fluid
reservoir ;.
During all seasons, use MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate “MB SummerFit”. Mix it
with water or premixed washer solvent/
antifreeze depending on the ambient
temperature (
Y page 357).
X Opening washer fluid reservoir: Pull tab
of cap : upwards.
X Refill the washer fluid reservoir.
X Closing washer fluid reservoir: Press
cap : onto filler hole until it engages.
For more information, see “Washer system
and headlamp cleaning system”
(Y page 351). 226
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Do not attempt to straighten out the tow
vehicle
and trailer by increasing the speed.
R If the transmission shifts between gears on
inclines repeatedly, shift to a lower gear
range manually ( Y page 119). Select 4, 3,
2 or 1.
A lower gear and reduction of speed
reduces the chance of engine overloading
and/or overheating.
R When going down an incline, shift into a
lower gear and use the engine’s braking
effect.
Avoid riding the brakes, thus overheating
the vehicle and trailer brakes (if so
equipped).
R If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
is on, turn off the air conditioning system.
Engine coolant heat can be additionally
vented by opening the windows, switching
the climate control fan speed to high and
setting the temperature control to the
maximum.
R During a passing maneuver extreme care
must be exercised since your vehicle with
a trailer will require additional passing
distance ahead than when driving without
a trailer.
Because your vehicle and trailer is longer
than your vehicle alone, you will also need
to go much farther ahead of the passed
vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Decoupling a trailer G
Warning!
Vehicles with AIRMATIC: While you are
coupling or decoupling a trailer, make sure
nobody locks or unlocks the vehicle and/or
opens or closes doors or the tailgate.
The vehicle’s level could change and you
could endanger yourself and/or others as a
result. Make sure that you do not operate the ADS
switch or the vehicle level control system
when coupling/decoupling the trailer.
X Make sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P (Y page 116).
X Engage the parking brake for the vehicle
(Y page 114).
X Start the engine (Y page 110).
X Close all doors and the tailgate.
X Engage the parking brake for the trailer. G
Warning!
Vehicles with AIRMATIC: As soon as you
disconnect
the electrical connection between
the trailer and the vehicle, the vehicle will
lower. To help avoid personal injury, make
sure no one is near the wheel housing or
underneath the vehicle before the electrical
connection is disconnected.
When you decouple the trailer, the vehicle is
temporarily raised because the springs are
relieved of load. Be especially careful during
this process, as you could otherwise injure
yourself and/or others. Make sure that any
persons remaining in the vehicle do not press
the switches for vehicle level control or the
ADS.
X Disconnect all electrical plug connectors.
X Decouple the trailer.
X Make sure that the trailer coupling is free
of load.
X Turn off the engine ( Y page 114). Driving abroad
If
you plan to drive the vehicle outside the U.S.
or Canada, you should request dealer
network information for your destination from
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Driving instructions
259
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Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions+ Key Not
Detected
(message
appears in
white) The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is momentarily not detected.
X
Change the position of the SmartKey in the vehicle.
X If necessary, remove the KEYLESS-GO button from the
starter switch ( Y page 80).
X Operate the vehicle with the SmartKey in the starter switch. + Pull
starting
button
out then
insert
key. The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is permanently not detected.
X
Remove the KEYLESS-GO button from the starter switch
(Y page 80).
X Operate the vehicle with the SmartKey in the starter switch.
X Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. ~ Bluetooth
Ready The telephone has not yet been connected to the COMAND
system via Bluetooth
®
.
X Connect the telephone to the COMAND system via
Bluetooth ®
. ¥ Top Up
Washer
Fluid
The fluid level has dropped to approximately
1
/ 3 of total
reservoir capacity.
X Add washer fluid ( Y page 226).Engine
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions+ Top Up
Coolant
See
Operator’s
Manual The coolant level is too low.
X
Add coolant (Y page 225).
X If you have to add coolant frequently, have the cooling
system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. G
Warning!
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn
if it comes into contact with hot engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
! Do not ignore the low engine coolant level warning. Extended driving with the message
and
symbol displayed may cause serious engine damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Do not drive without sufficient amount of coolant in the cooling system. The engine will
overheat causing major engine damage. 290
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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Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X Solutions? Coolant
Stop car,
switch
engine
off. The poly-V-belt could be broken.
X
Stop the vehicle immediately as soon as it is safe to do so.
X Turn off the engine immediately.
X Check the poly-V-belt.
X If it is broken: Do not continue to drive. Otherwise the
engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump
which may result in damage to the engine. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
X If it is intact: Do not continue to drive the vehicle with this
message displayed. Doing so could result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
X Observe the coolant temperature in the multifunction
display.
X Drive to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately. ? The radiator cooling fan is malfunctioning.
X
Observe the coolant temperature in the multifunction
display.
If
the coolant temperature is below 248‡ (120†), you may
continue driving to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
X Avoid placing heavy loads on the engine (e.g. by driving
uphill) as well as stop-and-go traffic.
X Have the fan replaced as soon as possible. # The battery is no longer charging.
Possible causes:
R
alternator malfunctioning
R broken poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronic system
X Stop immediately in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so and check the poly-V-belt.
X If it is broken: Do not continue to drive. Otherwise the
engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump
which may result in damage to the engine. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
X If it is intact: Drive to the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center immediately. Adjust driving to be consistent
with reduced braking responsiveness. 292
Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display
Practical hints
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Spare wheel
! Compare the recommended tire inflation pressure for your vehicle with the tire inflation
pressure on the yellow label located on the spare wheel rim.
If
the tire inflation pressure on the yellow label on the spare wheel rim differs from the values
given in this Operator’s Manual, inflate the tire to the recommended tire inflation pressure
given on the yellow label on the spare wheel rim.
i Please note that the tire inflation pressure of the spare wheel differs from the tire inflation
pressure of the road tires.
i The R 350 BlueTEC does not have a spare wheel. Model R 350
Rim
6.5 B x 18 H2
Wheel offset
1.58 in (40 mm)
Collapsible tire
29 195/75-18 106P
Recommended tire inflation pressure
44 psi (3.0 bar)
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Capacities
Vehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. Therefore only use
products tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
For information on tested and approved
products, contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or visit www.mbusa.com (USA
only). G
Warning!
Comply with all valid regulations with respect
to handling, storing, and disposing of service fluids. Otherwise you could endanger persons
or the environment.
Keep service fluids out of the reach of
children.
For health reasons, you should prevent
service
fluids from coming into direct contact
with your skin or clothing.
If a service fluid is swallowed, contact a
physician immediately. Model Capacity Fuels, coolants,
lubricants, etc.
Engine with oil
filter
R 350 BlueTEC 9.0 US qt (8.5 l) Approved engine
oils
R 350 8.5 US qt (8.0 l)
Automatic
transmission
All models 9.5 US qt (9.0 l) MB Automatic
Transmission Fluid
29
Must not be used with snow chains. 350
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Technical data
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