2010 MERCEDES-BENZ R320 warning

and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the
brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp ! indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Braking At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal. The pulsation indicates that the
ABS is in the regulating mode.
X
Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal while you feel the pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely

braking power and the ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver X
Keep continuous full pressure on the brake
pedal. G
Warning!
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety
systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also
switched off. Observe indicator and warning
lamps that may come on as well as messages
in the multifunction display that may appear. If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering
capability

and extending the braking distance. BAS
G
Observe Safety notes, see page 63.
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency
situations. If you apply the brakes
very quickly, the BAS provides full brake
boost automatically, thereby potentially
reducing the braking distance.
X Apply continuous full braking pressure until
the emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes
function again as normal. The BAS is then
deactivated. G
Warning!
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore,

the braking distance may increase. EBP
G
Observe Safety notes, see page 63.
The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP)
enhances braking effectiveness by allowing
the

rear brakes to supply a greater proportion
of the braking effort in straight-line braking
without a loss of vehicle stability. G
Warning!
If the EBP malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics. 64
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ESP
® G
Observe Safety notes, see page 63.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP ®
) is
operational as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESP ®
recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual
wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESP ®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The
ESP ®
is especially useful while driving off and
on wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP ®
also stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster flashes when the ESP ®
is
engaged. G
Warning!
Never switch off the ESP ®
when you see the
ESP ®
warning lamp d flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Only

conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system or the transfer case which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
! Because the ESP ®
operates
automatically,

the engine and ignition must
be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button in position 0 or 1) when the parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer. Such testing should be no
longer than 10 seconds.
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! The ESP ®
will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
as specified in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
i The Distronic system and cruise control
switch off automatically when the ESP ®
engages.
Electronic Traction System (4-ETS) G
Observe Safety notes, see page 63.
The 4-ETS (four-wheel Electronic Traction
System) is a component of the ESP ®
. The
4-ETS

improves the vehicle’s ability to utilize
available traction, especially under slippery
road conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel. In addition, more power is
transferred to the wheel(s) with traction.
When you switch off the ESP ®
, the 4-ETS is
still enabled.
Switching off the ESP ® G
Warning!
The ESP ®
should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the Driving safety systems
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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
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The ESP
®
will assist you in such situations.
The ESP ®
recognizes when the trailer starts
swaying and will apply the brakes to reduce
the
vehicle speed to a non-critical speed that
allows the vehicle-trailer combination to
stabilize.
The ESP ®
trailer stabilization is functional at
vehicle speeds above approximately 40 mph
(65 km/h) when the ESP ®
is switched on. G
Warning!
The system will not be able to assist when the
trailer jackknifes
R if the ESP ®
has switched off due to a
malfunction
R on wet or icy roads
R on roads with slippery surface
R in sand or gravel
Trailers with a high center of gravity may tip
over

before the system recognizes swaying of
the trailer. Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents unauthorized
persons from starting your vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
Activating X
With SmartKey: Remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch.
X With KEYLESS-GO:
Turn off the engine and
open the driver’s door.
Deactivating X
Switch on the ignition.
i Starting the engine will also deactivate
the immobilizer. In the event that the engine cannot be
started (yet the vehicle’s battery is
charged), the system is not operational.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center

or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the
USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada). Anti-theft alarm system
Once the alarm system has been armed, a
visual and audible alarm is triggered when
someone opens
R a door
R the tailgate
R the hood
The alarm will stay on even if the activating
element, a door, for example, is closed
immediately.
The

alarm system will also be triggered when
R the vehicle is opened with the mechanical
key
R a door is opened from the inside
To cancel the alarm after it has been
triggered, see “Canceling the alarm”
(Y page 68).
i If the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, the Tele Aid system initiates a
call to the Response Center automatically.
The Tele Aid system will initiate the call
provided that
R you have subscribed to the Tele Aid
service
R the Tele Aid service has been activated
properly
R the necessary mobile phone, power
supply and GPS coverage are available Anti-theft systems
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If the vehicle was previously locked with the
central locking switch
R
and the SmartKey is set to factory settings,
the complete vehicle is unlocked when a
front door is opened from the inside
R and the SmartKey is set to selective
settings, only the front door opened from
the inside is unlocked
If the vehicle has been locked centrally with
the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO, it will not
unlock using the central unlocking switch. Tailgate
G
Warning!
Make sure the tailgate is closed when the
engine is running and while driving. Among
other dangers, deadly carbon monoxide (CO)
gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
A minimum height clearance of 7.20 ft
(2.20 m) is required to open the tailgate.
Opening the tailgate from the outside X
Pull on handle :.
In vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: The
vehicle must be unlocked.
X Pull tailgate upwards to open. Closing the tailgate from the outside G
Observe Safety notes, see page 55. G
Warning!
To prevent possible personal injury, always
keep hands and fingers away from the cargo
compartment opening when closing the
tailgate. Be especially careful when small
children are around. X
Lower tailgate by pulling firmly on
handles :.
X Close tailgate with hands placed flat on it.
Once the tailgate touches the latch, the
tailgate will pull itself shut automatically.
Opening the tailgate from the inside G
Warning!
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle. Children could open the tailgate from
the inside, which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
! Always make sure there is sufficient
overhead clearance.
You can unlock the tailgate from the third-row
seats and then open it manually. Locking and unlocking
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X
Push handle : in direction of arrow ; and
hold it there.
X From this position, lift handle : in
direction of arrow = and hold it there.
The tailgate is released and can be opened
manually.
i If you do not open the tailgate within a few
seconds, the tailgate lock will engage again
automatically. Additionally, the tailgate will
relock automatically if the vehicle was
locked when the tailgate was released from
the inside.
If the tailgate lock does not engage
automatically and, if applicable, the tailgate
does not relock after a few seconds, you
have to close the tailgate manually
(Y page 75). Power tailgate
G
Warning!
Make sure the tailgate is closed when the
engine is running and while driving. Among
other dangers, deadly carbon monoxide (CO)
gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
! The tailgate swings open upwards
automatically. Always make sure there is
sufficient overhead clearance.
A minimum height clearance of 7.20 ft
(2.20 m) is required to open the tailgate. In vehicles with power tailgate, you can
R
open and close the tailgate from the inside
and the outside electrically
R limit the opening height of the tailgate
R interrupt the opening/closing procedure at
any time by
-pressing or pulling the door-mounted
remote tailgate opening/closing switch
- pulling the outside handle on the tailgate
- pressing the tailgate closing switch
- pressing the KEYLESS-GO locking/
closing switch
Notes for operating the tailgate with the
SmartKey:
You can also open, close, and stop the
tailgate by pressing button F on the
SmartKey.
The prerequisites for this are:
R No SmartKey is inserted in the starter
switch.
R KEYLESS-GO: The vehicle’s on-board
electronics must have status 0
(Y page 80).
Opening the tailgate from the outside You can unlock and open the tailgate
simultaneously from the outside when the
vehicle is stationary.
X
Press and hold button F on the
SmartKey until the tailgate unlocks and
begins to open.
While the tailgate is opening, an acoustic
warning sounds.
or
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Pull on the
handle ( Y page 75). 76
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Closing the tailgate from the outside
G
Observe Safety notes, see page 55. G
Warning!
Monitor the closing procedure carefully to
make sure no one is in danger of being
injured. To prevent possible personal injury,
always keep hands and fingers away from the
cargo compartment opening when closing the
tailgate. Be especially careful when small
children are around. To stop the closing
procedure, do one of the following:
R Press or pull the remote tailgate opening/
closing switch on the driver’s door.
R Press the tailgate closing switch.
R Press the KEYLESS-GO locking/closing
switch.
R Pull outside handle on the tailgate.
R When no SmartKey is inserted in the starter
switch (vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Make
sure the vehicle’s on-board electronics
have status 0): Press button F on the
SmartKey.
Do not leave the SmartKey in the vehicle. You
may lock yourself out.
If the vehicle was previously centrally locked
with the SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO, the
tailgate will lock automatically when it is
closed. The turn signal lamps flash three
times to confirm locking. Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO
X
Press tailgate closing switch : or press
and hold button F on the SmartKey until
the tailgate begins to close.
If the tailgate comes into contact with an
object while closing, the closing procedure is
stopped and the tailgate reopens. This may
happen if luggage has been piled too high, for
example.
Closing the tailgate and locking the
vehicle from the outside (vehicles with
KEYLESS-GO) G
Observe Safety notes, see page 55. G
Warning!
Monitor the closing procedure carefully to
make sure no one is in danger of being
injured. To prevent possible personal injury,
always keep hands and fingers away from the
cargo compartment opening when closing the
tailgate. Be especially careful when small
children are around. To stop the closing
procedure, do one of the following:
R Press or pull the remote tailgate opening/
closing switch on the driver’s door.
R Press the tailgate closing switch.
R Press the KEYLESS-GO locking/closing
switch.
R Pull outside handle on the tailgate.
R When no SmartKey is inserted in the starter
switch (vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Make
sure the vehicle’s on-board electronics Locking and unlocking
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have status 0): Press button
F on the
SmartKey.
You can close the tailgate and lock the vehicle
simultaneously from the outside using the
KEYLESS-GO locking/closing switch. X
Make sure you have the SmartKey with you.
X Press KEYLESS-GO locking/closing
switch : briefly.
The tailgate closes.
Once the tailgate and all doors are closed:
R
The vehicle locks.
R The turn signals flash three times to
confirm locking.
R The locking knobs in the doors move
down.
R The anti-theft alarm system is armed.
If the tailgate comes into contact with an
object while closing, the closing procedure is
stopped and the tailgate reopens. This may
happen if luggage has been piled too high, for
example.
The closing process is stopped if the system
cannot recognize a SmartKey with KEYLESS-
GO anymore. Make sure the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO is within approximately 3 ft
(1 m) of the tailgate. Repeat the closing
procedure if necessary.
The tailgate remains unlocked when a
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is recognized
inside the vehicle to prevent a possible
inadvertent lockout. In this case, the turn
signals will not flash and the anti-theft alarm
will be triggered when the tailgate is opened. Opening/closing the tailgate from the
inside Opening
G
Observe Safety notes, see page 76. G
Warning!
Maintain sight of the area around the rear of
the vehicle while operating the tailgate with
the door-mounted remote tailgate switch.
Monitor the opening procedure carefully to
make sure no one is in danger of being
injured.
To interrupt the opening procedure, press or
pull the door-mounted remote tailgate switch.
When the SmartKey is not inserted in the
starter switch (vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
Make sure the vehicle’s on-board electronics
have status 0): Press button F on the
SmartKey.
You can unlock and open the tailgate
simultaneously from the driver’s seat when
the vehicle is stationary. X
Pull remote tailgate opening/closing
switch : until the tailgate begins to open.
While the tailgate is opening, an acoustic
warning sounds.
Closing G
Observe Safety notes, see page 55. G
Warning!
Maintain sight of the area around the rear of
the vehicle while operating the tailgate with 78
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