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 Vehicles with AIRMATIC:
Set the vehicle level to highway
(Y page 154) and set the ADS to AUTO or
COMF (Y page 153).
X Turn off the engine ( Y page 114).
X Close all doors and the tailgate.
X Attach the trailer.
X Plug in all electrical connectors.
i Vehicles with AIRMATIC:
When you are towing a trailer, the vehicle
level
always remains in the highway setting.
The following applies additionally when
towing a trailer:
R The vehicle is lowered to the highway
level when it reaches a speed of 5 mph
(8 km/h) if not set to highway level.
R The highspeed level is not available.
The restrictions that apply to towing also
apply when using accessories that are
connected to the trailer power socket, such
as a bicycle rack.
Towing a trailer There are many different laws, including
speed limit restrictions, having to do with
trailer
towing. Make sure your rig will be legal,
not only for where you reside, but also for
where you will be driving. A good source for
this information can be the police or local
authorities.
Note the following, when driving with a trailer:
R In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning, stopping and backing up
in an area which is free of traffic.
R Before you start driving check the
-trailer hitch
- break-away switch
- safety chains
- electrical connections
- lighting
- tires
R Adjust the mirrors
(Y page 94) to permit
unobstructed view beyond rear of trailer.
R If the trailer has electric brakes, start your
vehicle and trailer moving slowly, and then
apply only the trailer brake controller by
hand to make sure the brakes are working
properly.
R Always secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shifts while driving.
R When towing a trailer, check occasionally
to make sure the load is secure, and that
trailer lighting and brakes (if so equipped)
are functioning properly.
R Take into consideration that when towing a
trailer, the handling characteristics are
different and less stable from those when
operating the vehicle without a trailer.
It is important to avoid sudden maneuvers.
R The vehicle and trailer combination is
heavier, and therefore limited in
acceleration and climbing ability, and has a
larger braking distance.
It is more prone to reacting to cross wind
gusts, and requires more sensitive steering
input.
R If possible, do not brake abruptly, but
rather engage the brake slightly at first to
permit the trailer to activate its brake. Then
increase the braking force.
! If the trailer should begin to sway, reduce
the vehicle’s speed immediately. 258
Driving instructions
Operation
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 258
Calling up the maintenance service
indicator display
i The menu overview can be found on
(Y page 126).
You can call up the maintenance service
indicator display at any time to check when
the next maintenance service is required.
X Switch on the ignition.
X Press button V or U on the
multifunction steering wheel repeatedly
until the standard display
(Y page 126)
appears in the multifunction display.
X Press button * or & on the
multifunction steering wheel until the
maintenance
service indicator display with
the service symbol ¯ and the
maintenance service deadline appears in
the multifunction display.
i If
the battery was disconnected, the days
of disconnection will not be included in the
count shown by the maintenance service
indicator. To arrive at the true maintenance
service deadline, you will need to subtract
these days from the days shown in the
maintenance service indicator message or
maintenance service indicator display.
Do not confuse the maintenance service
indicator with the engine oil level indicator
4. Resetting the maintenance service
indicator
In
the event that the maintenance service on
your vehicle is not carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, you can have the
maintenance service indicator reset.
The automotive maintenance facility carrying
out the maintenance service will find the
information for resetting the maintenance
service indicator in the maintenance-relevant
literature for your vehicle. Such literature is available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or directly from
Mercedes-Benz.
!
If the maintenance service indicator was
reset inadvertently, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center correct it.
Only reset the maintenance service
indicator
if the proper maintenance service
has been performed. Resetting the system
without performing the proper
maintenance service as called for by the
maintenance service indicator will result in
engine damage and/or other vehicle
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty. Vehicle care
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Notes Regular and proper care will help to maintain
the value of your vehicle.
G
Warning!
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the
particular container. Always open your
vehicle’s
doors or windows when cleaning the
inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not
designed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock away cleaning products and keep
them out of reach of children.
! When cleaning the vehicle, do not use
scouring agents. Never apply strong force
and only use a soft, wet cloth or sponge.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the
surface to be cleaned.
While in operation, even while parked, your
vehicle is subjected to varying external
influences which, if gone unchecked, can 262
Vehicle care
Operation
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 262
Light alloy wheels
If possible, clean wheels once a week.
X
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care,
a soft bristle brush and a strong spray of
water for cleaning the light alloy wheels.
! Only use acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid may cause corrosion or damage the
clear coat.
! The vehicle should not be parked for an
extended period of time immediately after
it
has been cleaned. This applies especially
after the wheel rims have been cleaned
with wheel rim cleaner. Wheel rim cleaners
can lead to increased corrosion of the
brake disks and brake pads. Non-approved
wheel cleaners may also damage the wheel
paint if the vehicle is not driven after
cleaning.
Therefore, the vehicle’s brake system
should always be warmed-up before it is
parked after cleaning. Drive your vehicle for
several minutes to allow the brakes to dry.
When applying Mercedes-Benz approved
Tire Care and Mercedes-Benz approved
Wheel Care products, take care not to
spray them on the brake disks.
Plastic and rubber parts X
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild
detergent
for delicate fabrics as a washing
solution.
X Wipe with a cloth moistened in a lukewarm
solution.
The
surface may temporarily change color.
If this is the case, wait for it to dry. G
Warning!
Do not use cleaners or cockpit care sprays
containing
solvents to clean the cockpit or the
steering wheel. Cleaners containing solvents
will make the surface porous and vehicle
occupants could suffer serious injuries from
plastic parts coming loose in the event of air
bag deployment. !
Do not use oil, wax or scouring agents.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the
surface.
Hard plastic trim items
X Use Mercedes-Benz approved Interior Care
on
a soft, lint-free cloth and apply with light
pressure.
COMAND display !
You
must switch off the COMAND display
and allow it to cool prior to cleaning.
! Do not use any liquids or cleaning agents.
These can damage or even destroy the
COMAND display screen.
X Use a standard microfiber cloth and apply
with light pressure.
Steering wheel X
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly
or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved
Leather Care.
Carpets X
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Carpet and
Fabric Care for cleaning the carpets.
Headliner X
Use a soft bristle brush or a dry-shampoo
cleaner in case of excessive dirt.
Seat belts X
Only use clear, lukewarm water and soap.
! The seat belts must not be treated with
chemical cleaning agents. Do not dry the
seat belts at temperatures above
176‡
(80†) or in direct sunlight. Vehicle care
267
Operation
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 267 Z
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display
Notes
Warning and malfunction messages appear in
the multifunction display located in the
instrument cluster.
Certain warning and malfunction messages
are accompanied by an audible signal.
Address these messages accordingly and
follow the additional instructions given in this
Operator’s Manual.
Selecting the Vehicle status message
memory menu in the control system
(Y page 130) displays both cleared and
uncleared messages.
High-priority messages appear in the
multifunction display in red color.
Certain messages of high priority cannot be
cleared from the multifunction display using
the reset button (Y page 122) or button
&, *, U or V on the
multifunction steering wheel.
Other messages of high priority and
messages of less immediate priority can be
cleared from the multifunction display using
the reset button or button &, *,
U or V on the multifunction steering
wheel. They are then stored in the Vehicle
status message memory menu
(Y page 130). Remember that clearing a
message will only make the message
disappear. Clearing a message will not
correct the condition that caused the
message to appear. G
Warning!
All categories of messages contain important
information which should be taken note of
and, where a malfunction is indicated,
addressed as soon as possible at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Failure to repair the condition noted may
cause
damage not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty, or result in property
damage or personal injury. G
Warning!
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
R speed
R outside temperature
R warning/indicator lamps
R malfunction/warning messages
R failure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If
you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.
On the pages that follow, you will find a
compilation of the most important warning
and malfunction messages that may appear.
For your convenience the messages are
divided into text messages ( Y page 275) and
symbol messages ( Y page 285).274
Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display
Practical hints
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 274
Text messages
Safety systems Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X SolutionsABS 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 ESP
®
, and the PRE-
SAFE ®
system are unavailable.
X Continue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.
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. ABS ABS, ESP
Unavailabl
e
See
Operator’s
Manual The self-diagnosis may not be completed yet.
The
display will clear after driving a short distance at a vehicle
speed of above 12 mph (20 km/h). ABS ABS, ESP
Unavailabl
e See
Operator’s
Manual The brake system still functions normally but due to
insufficient power supply, the ABS, the BAS, the ESP
®
, and
the PRE-SAFE ®
system are unavailable.
When
the voltage is above the required value again, the ABS,
the BAS, the ESP ®
, and the PRE-SAFE ®
system are
operational again and the message should disappear.
X If the message does not disappear: Have the system
checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible. ESP Inoperativ
e See
Operator’s
Manual
In addition, the yellow ESP
®
warning lamp d comes on.
The brake system is still functioning normally but due to a
malfunction the BAS, the ESP ®
, and the PRE-SAFE ®
system
are unavailable.
The ABS may not be operational.
X Continue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.
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. Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display
275
Practical hints
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 275 Z
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X SolutionsESP Unavailabl
e See
Operator’s
Manual The brake system still functions normally but due to
insufficient power supply the ESP
®
, the BAS, and the
PRE-SAFE ®
system are unavailable.
X Continue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.
When the voltage is above the required value again, the
ESP ®
, the BAS, and the PRE-SAFE ®
system are operational
again and the message in the multifunction display should
disappear.
If the message in the multifunction display does not
disappear:
X Have the alternator and the battery checked.
X Have the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible. ESP Unavailabl
e See
Operator’s
Manual
If the yellow ESP
®
warning lamp d flashes while driving
and this message appears, the Electronic Traction System
(4-ETS) has switched off to prevent overheating of the drive
wheel brakes.
As
soon as the brakes have cooled off, the Electronic Traction
System (4-ETS) switches on again.
The message in the multifunction display disappears and the
ESP ®
warning lamp d goes out. ESP Unavailabl
e See
Operator’s
Manual The self-diagnosis may not be completed yet.
The
display will clear after driving a short distance at a vehicle
speed of above 12 mph (20 km/h). PRE-SAFE Inoperativ
e See
Operator’s
Manual
The PRE-SAFE
®
system has failed. All other occupant safety
systems, such as the air bags, are still available.
X Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible. 276
Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display
Practical hints
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 276
Tires
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X SolutionsCheck
tires, then
restart
Run Flat
Indicator. There has been a warning message about a loss in the tire
inflation pressure and the tire pressure loss warning system
was not restarted yet.
X
Make sure the correct tire inflation pressure is set for each
tire.
X Then restart the tire pressure loss warning system
(Y page 231). Run Flat
Indicator Inoperativ
e The tire pressure loss warning system is malfunctioning.
X
Have the tire pressure loss warning system checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Tire
Pressure Check
Tires The tire pressure loss warning system indicates that the tire
inflation pressure is too low in at least one tire.
X
Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers. Observe the traffic
situation around you.
X Check the tires and, if necessary, change the wheel
(Y page 319).
X Check and adjust tire inflation pressure as required
(Y page 230).
X Restart the tire pressure loss warning system after
adjusting the tire inflation pressure values
(Y page 231). Tire
pressure
displayed
after driving
for a few
minutes. The tire inflation pressure is being checked by the Advanced
TPMS.
X
Drive the vehicle for a few minutes. Tire
Pressure
Monitor Inoperativ
e The Advanced TPMS is malfunctioning.
X
Have the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Tire
Pressure
Monitor Inoperativ
e No
Wheel
Sensors There are wheels without appropriate wheel sensors mounted
(e.g. winter tires).
X
Have the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
X Have the appropriate wheel sensors installed at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display
283
Practical hints
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 283 Z
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X SolutionsTire
Pressure
Monitor Wheel
Sensor
Missing At least one sensor is defect (e.g. battery is empty).
The respective tire is indicated by
– – instead of the tire
inflation pressure in the multifunction display.
X Have the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
X Have the wheel sensors installed at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. At least one wheel without appropriate wheel sensors is
mounted (e.g. spare tire).
The respective tire is indicated by
– – instead of the tire
inflation pressure in the multifunction display.
X Have the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
X Have the wheel sensors installed at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Tire
Pressure
Monitor Currently
Unavailabl
e The Advanced TPMS cannot monitor the tire inflation pressure
due to a nearby radio interference source or insufficient
power supply.
As
soon as the causes of the malfunction have been rectified,
the Advanced TPMS becomes active again automatically after
a few minutes of driving. Tire
Pressure(s
) Please
Correct The tire inflation pressure is too low in at least one tire.
or
The tire inflation pressures of the individual tires differ from
each other significantly.
The tire inflation pressure values are shown in the
multifunction display.
X
Check and correct tire inflation pressure as required
(Y page 230).
X Restart the Advanced TMPS ( Y page 235).Caution:
Tire
Defect At least one tire is deflating.
The respective tire is indicated in the multifunction display.
X
Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers.
X If necessary, change the wheel (Y page 319). 284
Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US
d2ureepe,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 284