2010 MERCEDES-BENZ R350 towing

Armrest, rear

Storage compartment .................... 199
Ashtrays ............................................. 204
Aspect ratio (tires) ............................ 249
Audio/DVD menu .............................. 128
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ........ 94
Automatic central locking ..........74, 137
Automatic headlamp mode ................98
Automatic interior lighting control ..102
Automatic locking when driving ......137
Automatic shift program ..................120
Automatic transmission ................... 115
Automatic shift program ................120
Emergency operation (limp-home
mode) ............................................ 121
Gear range indicator ......................120
Gear ranges ................................... 119
Gear selector lever ........................116
Hill-start assist system .................. 153
Kickdown ....................................... 119
One-touch gearshifting ..................120
Program mode indicator ................120
Program mode selector switch
(automatic shift program) ..............120
Shifting procedure ......................... 118
Steering wheel gearshift control .... 121
Towing a trailer .............................. 119
Transmission position indicator ..... 118
Transmission positions .................. 118
AUX socket ........................................ 198
Axle oils .............................................. 351B
BabySmart™
Air bag deactivation system ............. 45
Self-test

........................................... 47
Backrest
see Seats
Backup lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 295
Bar (air pressure unit) ....................... 249
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 64
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking condition ..........................73
Replacing ....................................... 310Battery, Vehicle
................................. 333
Charging ........................................ 335
Jump starting ................................. 336
Messages in the multifunction
display

................................... 282, 292
Bead (tire) .......................................... 249
Beverage holders see Cup holders
Bleeding the fuel system (diesel
engine) ............................................... 331
BlueTEC
AdBlue ®
tank ................................. 331
AdBlue ®
tank capacity ................... 351
Brake fluid
Checking level ............................... 227
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 286
Brake lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 265
Brake pads
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 285
Brakes ................................................ 253
Parking brake ........................ 114, 255
Warning lamp ................................. 301
Break-in period .................................. 220
Bug cover (Radiator) ......................... 224
Bulbs see Replacing bulbs C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) ...23
California retail buyers and
lessees, important notice for .............21
Calls (phone) ...................................... 140
Can holders see Cup holders


Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................. 350
Cargo compartment
Cargo net ....................................... 196
Cargo volume, expanding ..............189
Cover blind .................................... 194
Fuse box ........................................ 342
Hooks ............................................ 189
Tie-down rings ............................... 188
Cargo compartment cover blind ...... 194 Index
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Driving off
.................................. 112, 255
Driving safety systems ....................... 63
4-ETS
............................................... 65
ABS .................................................. 63
BAS .................................................. 64
EBP .................................................. 64
ESP ®
................................................ 65
Driving systems
AIRMATIC ...................................... 153
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) ................ 156
Cruise control ................................ 142
Distronic ........................................ 145
Hill-start assist system .................. 153
Parktronic system ..........................156
Rear view camera .......................... 159
Driving tips, automatic
transmission ...................................... 119E
Easy-entry/exit feature .............. 92, 137
EBP (Electronic Brake
Proportioning) ......................................

64
Electrical system
Improper work on or
modifications ................................... 22
Power outlets ................................. 206
Electrical system (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®

Electronic Traction System
see 4-ETS
Emergency, in case of
First aid kit ..................................... 270
Flat tire .......................................... 319
Hazard warning flasher ..................101
Roadside Assistance ................ 21, 210
Towing the vehicle .........................338
Emergency calls
Tele Aid .......................................... 209
Emergency engine shutdown ...........342
Emergency operations
Limp-home mode ........................... 121
Remote door unlock ...................... 212
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD Emission control
............................... 260
Information label ............................
345
System warranties ........................... 20
Engine
Break-in recommendations ............220
Cleaning ......................................... 264
Compartment ................................ 222
Malfunction indicator
lamp ........................................ 29, 305
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 290
Number .......................................... 345
Starting .......................................... 110
Turning off ..................................... 114
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Engine compartment
Radiator ......................................... 224
Engine coolant
see Coolant
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 225
Additives ........................................ 352
Checking level ............................... 224
Consumption ................................. 224
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 293
Oil dipstick ..................................... 224
Recommended engine oils and oil
filter ............................................... 352
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .............................................. 65
4-ETS ............................................... 65
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 275, 286
Trailer stabilization ........................... 66
Warning lamp ................................. 303
ETD (Emergency Tensioning
Device) ................................................. 52
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Express operation
Panorama roof ............................... 184
Power windows .............................. 106
Tilt/sliding sunroof ........................181
Exterior lamp switch ........................... 97
Exterior rear view mirrors ..................94
Fold-in function .............................. 1388
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Telephone
............................................. 30
Answering/ending a call ................ 141
Hands-free microphone ...................33
Menu ............................................. 140
Operation ....................................... 140
Phone book .................................... 141
Redialing ........................................ 142
Temperature
Interior temperature ..............168, 176
Outside .................................. 127, 133
Tether anchorage points
see Children in the vehicle
Tie-down rings ................................... 188
Tightening torque Wheels ........................................... 330
Time setting ....................................... 133
TIN (Tire Identification Number) ...... 250
Tire and Loading Information
placard ............................................... 236
Tire and loading terminology ...........248
TIREFIT ............................................... 320
Tire Identification Number see TIN
Tire inflation pressure
Checking ........................................ 230
Important notes on ........................ 229
Label on the inside of fuel filler
flap ................................................ 230
Placard on driver’s door B-pillar ..... 236
Tire labeling ....................................... 244
Tire load rating .................................. 249
Tire ply composition and material
used .................................................... 250
Tire pressure loss warning system . 231
Tire repair kit see TIREFIT
Tires ........................................... 227, 347
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ............................................ 232
Air pressure ................................... 228
Care and maintenance ................... 241
Cleaning ......................................... 242
Direction of rotation, spinning .......240
Important notes on tire inflation
pressure ........................................ 229
Inflation pressure ........................... 230Information placard .......................
236
Inspection ...................................... 241
Labeling ......................................... 244
Load index ............................. 245, 249
Load rating .................................... 249
Messages in the multifunction
display
................................... 283, 298
MOExtended .................................. 347
Ply composition and material
used ............................................... 250
Problems under-/overinflation ...... 230
Retreads ........................................ 227
Rims and tires (technical data) ...... 347
Rotation ......................................... 243
Service life ..................................... 241
Sizes .............................................. 347
Snow chains .................................. 252
Speed rating .......................... 246, 250
Storing ........................................... 242
Temperature .......................... 229, 243
Terminology ................................... 248
TIREFIT (tire repair kit) ................... 320
Tire Identification Number ............. 250
Tire pressure loss warning system . 231
TPMS low tire pressure/
malfunction telltale ........................ 306
Traction ................................. 242, 250
Tread ............................................. 251
Tread depth ........................... 241, 251
Treadwear ...................................... 242
Treadwear indicators ............. 241, 251
Vehicle maximum load on ..............251
Wear pattern .................................. 243
Winter tires ............................ 251, 347
Tire speed rating .......................246, 250
Tongue Weight Rating see TWR
Top tether
see Children in the vehicle
Total load limit ................................... 250
Towing
Towing eye bolt .............................. 338
Trailer .................................... 119, 256
Vehicle ........................................... 338
Towing eye bolt ................................. 338
Traction ...................................... 242, 250
Trailer towing ............................ 119, 256
Coupling a trailer ........................... 257 Index
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Decoupling ..................................... 259
Electrical connections
.................... 256
Towing ........................................... 258
Trailer hitch ................................... 256
Weights and ratings ....................... 256
Transfer case ..................................... 122
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission fluid level .................... 225
Transmission gear selector lever see Gear selector lever
Transmission positions ....................118
Traveling abroad ............................... 259
Tread (tires) ....................................... 251
Tread depth (tires) ....................241, 251
Treadwear .......................................... 242
Treadwear indicators (tires) .... 241, 251
Trip computer menu .........................139
Trip odometer, resetting ................... 123
Turning off the engine ......................114
Turn signals ....................................... 100
Cleaning lenses ............................. 265
Indicator lamps ................................ 28
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 298
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating) ........... 251U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards .................................. 242, 251
Units Selecting digital speedometer
display mode

................................. 132
Selecting speedometer/
odometer display mode ................. 132
Unleaded gasoline, premium ........... 353
Unlocking the vehicle
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 71
Manually ........................................ 308
SmartKey ......................................... 70
Upholstery, cleaning .........................268
Useful features .................................. 201 V
Vehicle
Battery ........................................... 333
Care ............................................... 262
Control system .............................. 123
Identification Number (VIN) ........... 344
Locking/unlocking

........................... 70
Lowering (wheel change) ...............329
Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety .............................. 22
Towing ........................................... 338
Unlocking/locking manually .......... 308
Vehicle dimensions
see Vehicle specification
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ................................................... 344
Vehicle jack see Jack
Vehicle level control
see AIRMATIC
Vehicle lighting .................................... 97
Vehicle loading
Cargo tie-down rings ...................... 188
Cargo volume, expanding ..............189
Instructions .................................... 186
Load limit ....................................... 237
Roof rack ....................................... 187
Terminology ................................... 248
Vehicle maximum load on the tire ... 251
Vehicle specification
R 350 ............................................. 346
R 350 BlueTEC ............................... 346
Vehicle status message memory .... 130
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 270
Vehicle washing see Vehicle care
Vehicle weights
see Vehicle specification W
Warning lamps see Lamps, Indicator and warning


Warning sounds
Distance warning function .............152
Distronic ........................................ 147
Driver’s or passenger’s seat belt ..... 5118
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Exterior view
i
This Operator’s Manual describes all features, standard or optional, potentially available
for your vehicle at the time of purchase. Please be aware that your vehicle might not be
equipped with all features described in this manual. Function Page
:
Rear lamps 312
;
Fuel filler flap 220
=
Exterior rear view mirrors 94
?
Power tilt/sliding sunroof 181
Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel
184
A
Windshield:
Wiping with washer fluid 105
Cleaning 266
B
Doors:
Locking and unlocking 70
Locking and unlocking
manually
308
C
Wipers 103
Wiper blades, replacing 317 Function Page
Wiper blades, cleaning 266
D
Hood 222
E
Front lamps 312
F
Headlamp cleaning system 101
G
Front towing eye 338
H
Tires and wheels 227
Rims and tires 347
I
Rear towing eye 338
J
Rear window wiper/washer 105
Wiper blade, replacing 317
Wiper blade, cleaning 266
K
Tailgate 75
Power tailgate 76
L
Rear window defroster 18026
Exterior viewAt a glance
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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
Driving safety systemsSafety and security
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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
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X
Activating/deactivating: Activate or
deactivate the distance warning function in
the control system (Y page 138).
When activated, the distance warning
function indicator Ä appears in the
multifunction display. Hill-start assist system
G
Warning!
The hill-start assist system is not designed to
function as a parking brake. It does not
prevent the vehicle from moving when parked
on an incline.
Always engage the parking brake in addition
to shifting the automatic transmission into
park position P.
On uphill grades, the hill-start assist system
maintains the pressure in the brake system
for approximately 1 second after you have
released the brake pedal. Therefore, you can
start off smoothly without the vehicle moving
immediately after releasing the brake pedal.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Shift the automatic transmission into drive
position D or reverse gear R.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Carefully depress the accelerator pedal.
The hill-start assist system is inactive
R when starting off on a level road or downhill
grades
R with the automatic transmission in neutral
position N
R with the parking brake engaged
R if the ESP ®
has switched off due to a
malfunction Rear-axle level control
The rear-axle level control adjusts the vehicle
level for the rear axle. The rear-axle level
control is beneficial because it keeps the vehicle level at the rear axle constant,
independent of the load.
i
Observe the information on towing a
trailer, see “Trailer towing” ( Y page 256). AIRMATIC
The AIRMATIC lets you select the chassis and
suspension setup. The chassis and
suspension setup adjusts the damping
behavior and the ride height for your vehicle.
The AIRMATIC consists of two components.
The Adaptive Damping System (ADS)
(Y page 153) and the vehicle level control
(Y page 154). Adaptive Damping System (ADS)
The Adaptive Damping System (ADS) is
controlled electronically and operates
continuously. It adjusts the damping
characteristics to the current operating and
driving conditions. The damping is adjusted
individually for each wheel. Driving safety and
tire comfort are increased.
The fine tuning of the damping is dependent
on:
R your driving style
R road surface conditions
R your personal settings The following settings are available:
R
AUTO (for normal driving situations) Driving systems
153Controls in detail
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