circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP
®
when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESP ®
. This allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for
example
R when driving with snow chains
R in deep snow
R in sand or gravel G
Warning!
Switch on the ESP ®
immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESP ®
will not
stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to skid
or a wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESP ®
,
R the ESP ®
does not stabilize the vehicle
R the engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
R the 4-ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
R the ESP ®
continues to operate when you
are braking
R the cruise control or the Distronic system
cannot be activated
R the cruise control or the Distronic system
switch off if activated
i When the ESP ®
is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP ®
warning lamp d in the instrument
cluster flashes. However, the ESP ®
will
then not stabilize the vehicle. X
With the engine running, press ESP ®
switch : until the ESP ®
warning lamp
d in the instrument cluster comes on.
The ESP ®
is switched off. G
Warning!
When the ESP ®
warning lamp d is
illuminated continuously, the ESP ®
is
switched off or is not operational due to a
malfunction. Vehicle stability in standard
driving maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP ®
.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period with the ESP ®
switched
off. This may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Switching on the ESP ® X
Press ESP ®
switch : until the ESP ®
warning lamp d in the instrument
cluster goes out.
You are now again in normal driving mode
with the ESP ®
switched on.
ESP ®
trailer stabilization If the trailer you are towing should begin to
sway, the rig can only be stabilized by
immediately applying the brakes hard.
Steering during this maneuver will not help to
stabilize the rig.66
Driving safety systemsSafety and security
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 66
Vehicle equipment ..............................
70
Locking and unlocking .......................70
Starter switch positions ..................... 79
Seats .................................................... 81
Multifunction steering wheel .............91
Mirrors ................................................. 93
Memory function ................................. 96
Lighting ................................................ 97
Wipers ................................................ 103
Power windows ................................. 106
Driving and parking .......................... 110
Automatic transmission ................... 115
Transfer case .................................... 122
Instrument cluster ............................122
Control system .................................. 123
Driving systems ................................ 142
Overview of climate control sys-
tem functions and air vents ............. 162
Climate control ................................. 164
3-zone automatic climate control ... 170
Rear window defroster ..................... 180
Power tilt/sliding sunroof ...............181
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel ...................................... 184
Loading and storing ..........................186
Useful features ................................. 201 69Controls in detail
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 69
Position 1
X
Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
once.
This supplies power for some electrical
consumers, such as radio functions.
i If you now press the KEYLESS-GO start/
stop button
R once more, the ignition (position 2) is
switched on
R twice more the power supply is again
switched off
Ignition (or position 2) X
Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
twice.
This supplies power for all electrical
consumers.
All lamps (except low-beam headlamp
indicator lamp, high-beam headlamp
indicator lamp, and turn signal indicator
lamps unless activated) in the instrument
cluster
come on. If a lamp in the instrument
cluster fails to come on when the ignition
is switched on, have it checked and
replaced if necessary. If a lamp in the
instrument cluster remains on after
starting the engine or comes on while
driving, refer to “Lamps in instrument
cluster” ( Y page 299).
i If you now press the KEYLESS-GO start/
stop
button once, the power supply is again
switched off. Seats
Safety notes
G
Warning!
In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle
control
the following must be done before the
vehicle is put into motion:
R seat adjustment
R head restraint adjustment
R steering wheel adjustment
R rear view mirror adjustment
R fastening of seat belts G
Warning!
Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving.
Adjusting the seat while driving could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest
in an excessively reclined position as
this can be dangerous. You could slide under
the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under
it, the seat belt would apply force at the
abdomen or neck. That could cause serious
or fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat
belts provide the best restraint when the
wearer is in a position that is as upright as
possible and seat belts are properly
positioned on the body. G
Warning!
Your seat must be adjusted so that you can
correctly fasten your seat belt.
Observe the following points:
R Adjust
the seat backrest until your arms are
slightly angled when holding the steering
wheel.
R Adjust the seat to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely. The
position should be as far back as possible
with the driver still able to operate the
controls properly. Seats
81
Controls in detail
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 81 Z
R
Adjust the head restraint so that it is as
close
to the head as possible. The center of
the head restraint must support the back of
the head at eye level.
R Never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being
adjusted.
Failure to do so could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. G
Warning!
The power seats can be operated at any time.
Therefore, do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. A child’s unsupervised access to a
vehicle could result in an accident and/or
serious personal injury. G
Warning!
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
appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler
restraint, or booster seat recommended for
the size and weight of the child. For additional
information, see “Children in the vehicle”.
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and/
or the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint. G
Warning!
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. Do not drive the vehicle without the seat head
restraints. Head restraints are intended to
help reduce injuries during an accident.
Seat adjustment
! When moving the seats, make sure there
are no items in the footwell or behind the
seats. Otherwise, you could damage the
seats and/or the items.
Power seats !
When the second-row seats are folded
forward, e.g. for cargo volume expansion,
the front seats may not be moved to the
rearmost position. Otherwise you could
damage the front and second-row seats.
! When
adjusting the seat backrest tilt and
head restraint height, make sure the sun
visor is folded up. If the head restraint is in
the uppermost position, it could hit and
damage the sun visor.
i Vehicles without memory function:
The seats can be adjusted within 5 minutes
after either front door has been opened.
The counter resets each time
R you open or close a front door
R you insert the SmartKey into the starter
switch
R you remove the SmartKey from the
starter switch
R you switch the ignition on or off
Just like in vehicles with memory function,
the power seats can be operated at any
time when the ignition is switched on.
i The memory function (Y page 96) lets
you store the settings for the seat position
together with the settings for the steering
wheel (electrical) and exterior rear view
mirrors. 82
Seats
Controls in detail
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 82
Seat heating
Front seat heating switches
The switches for the outboard second-row
seat heating are located in the rear center
console.
Rear seat heating switches
The red indicator lamps
; in front or rear
seat heating switch : come on to show
which heating level you have selected.
The seat heating switches from level 3 (high)
to level 2 after approximately 5 minutes.
The seat heating switches from level 2 to level
1 (low) after approximately 10 minutes.
After approximately 20 minutes in level 1, the
seat heating switches off automatically.
X Switch on the ignition.
X Switching on: Press respective seat
heating switch :.
Three red indicator lamps ; in the
respective seat heating switch : come on.X
Continue pressing respective seat heating
switch : until desired seat heating level is
reached.
X Switching off: Press respective seat
heating switch : repeatedly until all
indicator lamps ; go out.
If one or more of indicator lamps ; in
respective seat heating switch : are
flashing, there is insufficient voltage available
since too many electrical consumers are
turned on. The seat heating switches off
automatically.
The seat heating will switch back on again
automatically as soon as sufficient voltage is
available. Multifunction steering wheel
Safety notes
G
Warning!
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
Adjusting the steering wheel while driving, or
driving without the steering wheel adjustment
feature locked could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.
The electrical steering wheel adjustment
feature can be operated at any time.
Therefore, do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. A child’s unsupervised access to a
vehicle could result in an accident and/or
serious personal injury.
Make sure
R you can reach the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent at the elbows
R you can move your legs freely
R all displays (including malfunction and
indicator lamps) on the instrument cluster
are clearly visible Multifunction steering wheel
91Controls in detail
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 91 Z
Steering wheel adjustment, manual
X
Unlocking: Pull release handle : out to
its stop limit.
X Move steering wheel to the desired
position.
X Locking: Push release handle : back to
its original position.
X Make 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
X
Adjusting steering wheel in or out: Move
stalk in direction of arrows :.
X Adjusting steering wheel up or down:
Move stalk in direction of arrows ;.
i You can store the settings for the steering
wheel with the memory function
(Y page 96). 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 137). G
Warning!
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:
R Move steering wheel adjustment stalk.
R Press one of the memory position buttons.
R Press 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.
i The last set steering wheel position is
stored when the ignition is switched off or
the position is stored in memory
(Y page 97).
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 1.92
Multifunction steering wheelControls in detail
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 92
i
When 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. G
Warning!
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. X
Switch on the ignition.
X Switching on: Turn switch at the tip of the
stalk in direction of arrow :.
Indicator lamp = comes on.
i The 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.
X Switching off: Turn switch at the tip of
stalk in direction of arrow ;.
Indicator lamp = goes out.
i Indicator lamp = flashes or goes out in
case of power surge or undervoltage or if
the steering wheel heating malfunctions.
i The 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 123). Mirrors
Notes
Adjust the interior and exterior rear view
mirrors before driving so that you have a good
view of the road and traffic conditions. Mirrors
93Controls in detail
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 93 Z
Each memory position button on the driver’s
side can store all of the following settings:
R
Seat position
R Steering wheel position
R Exterior rear view mirrors’ position G
Warning!
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
X Adjust the seats.
X On the driver’s side, also adjust the
steering wheel and exterior rear view
mirrors to the desired positions.
X Press 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 memory
X Press 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.
i Releasing the memory position button
stops movement to the stored positions
immediately. Lighting
Notes
i If 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.
i Vehicles 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. Exterior lamp switch
1 W
Standing lamps, left
2 X Standing lamps, right
3 $ Off
Daytime running lamp mode
4 Ã Automatic headlamp mode
Daytime running lamp mode Lighting
97Controls in detail
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 97 Z