normally be done every 3 to 5 months,
depending on the climate and washing
detergent used.
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner
should be applied if the paint surface shows
signs of embedded dirt (i.e. loss of gloss).
Do not apply any of these products or wax if
your vehicle is parked in the sun or if the hood
is still hot.XUse the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick for
quick and provisional repairs of minor paint
damage (i.e. chips from stones, vehicle
doors, etc.).
Engine cleaning
Prior to cleaning the engine compartment,
make sure to protect electrical components
and connectors from contact with water and
cleaning agents.
Corrosion protection, such as MB
Anticorrosion Wax should be applied to the
engine compartment after every engine
cleaning. Before applying, all control linkage
bushings and joints should be lubricated. The
poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be
protected from any wax.
Vehicle washing
In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces of
road salt as soon as possible.
When washing the vehicle underbody, do not
forget to clean the inner sides of the wheels.
i Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
If a door handle is hit by a strong jet of
water, and a SmartKey is within
approximately 3 ft (1 m) of the vehicle, it
could be inadvertently locked or unlocked.
Hand-wash
XDo not use hot water or wash your vehicle
in direct sunlight.XOnly use a soft, wet cloth or sponge to
clean the vehicle.XOnly use a mild vehicle wash detergent,
such as Mercedes-Benz approved Car
Shampoo.XThoroughly spray the vehicle with a
diffused jet of water.XDo not spray directly towards the
ventilation intake.XUse plenty of water and rinse the sponge
and chamois frequently.XRinse with clean water and dry with a
chamois thoroughly.
Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on the
finish.
Automatic car wash
GWarning!
The vehicle is braked when the HOLD function
or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Therefore,
deactivate the HOLD function or DISTRONIC
PLUS before the vehicle is washed in an
automatic car wash.
You can have your vehicle washed in an
automatic car wash from the start. Brushless
car washes are preferable.
XTo protect the filter system, activate the air
recirculation mode using rocker switch
g on the climate control panel.
!
Do not clean your vehicle in an automatic
touchless car wash which uses caustic
spray. Caustic spray will damage the paint
or ornamental moldings.
If the vehicle is very dirty, prewash it before
running it through the automatic car wash.
! Make sure the combination switch is set
to wiper setting $. Otherwise, the rain
sensor could activate and cause the wipers
to move unintentionally. This may lead to
vehicle damage.
Due to the width of the vehicle, fold in
exterior rear view mirrors prior to running
the vehicle through an automatic car wash
to prevent damage to the mirrors.
442Vehicle careOperation
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Vehicle equipment ............................450
Where will I find ...? ..........................450
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display .......................452
What to do if … ..................................489
Unlocking/locking manually ...........499
Resetting activated NECK-PRO
active front head restraints .............501
Replacing batteries (SmartKey,
remote control, headphone) ............502
Replacing bulbs .................................504
Replacing wiper blades ....................507
Flat tire ..............................................508
Battery ...............................................512
Jump starting ....................................514
Towing the vehicle ............................516
Fuses ..................................................519
449Practical hints221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 449
XTake the collapsible wheel chock from the
vehicle tool kit (Y page 450).
XSetting up: Tilt both plates upward :.XFold the lower plate outward ;.XGuide the tabs of the lower plate all the way
into the openings of base plate =.
For information on where to place wheel
chocks when changing a wheel, see “Lifting
the vehicle” (Y page 509).
Jack
GWarning!
Only use the jack supplied with your vehicle
to lift the vehicle briefly for wheel changes. If
you use the jack for any other purpose, you or
others could be injured, as the jack is
designed only for the purpose of changing a
wheel.
When using the jack, observe the safety notes
in the “Mounting the spare wheel” section and
the notes on the jack.
XTake the jack from the vehicle tool kit
(Y page 450).
Storage position
XTurn the crank handle in the direction of
arrow as far as it will go.
Operational position
XTurn the crank handle clockwise.
Before placing the jack back into the vehicle
tool kit:
XFully collapse the jack.XFold in the crank handle (storage position).
Spare wheel
GObserve Safety notes, see page 508.
The spare wheel is located in the space
underneath the trunk floor.
XRemoving: Open the trunk (Y page 279).XLift the trunk floor using the floor handle.XEngage the trunk floor handle on the upper
trunk lip.
! To prevent damage, always disengage the
floor handle from the upper trunk lip and
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lower the trunk floor before closing the
trunk.
XRemove spare wheel mounting = by
turning it counterclockwise.
iVehicle tool kit box ; can only be
removed together with spare wheel
mounting =.
After removing spare wheel mounting =,
you can disengage vehicle tool kit box ;
from spare wheel mounting =.
XRemove spare wheel :.
The spare wheel bolts are located in a
container on the spare wheel rim.
XTake off the spare wheel bolts.
For information on mounting the spare wheel,
see “Flat tire” (Y page 508).
Storing the spare wheel after use
XPlace spare wheel : into the spare wheel
well (Y page 452).
XSecure spare wheel : by turning spare
wheel mounting = clockwise
(Y page 452).
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.
High-priority messages are shown in red in
the multifunction display. Messages of lower
priority are shown in yellow or white.
Certain messages of high priority cannot be
cleared from the multifunction display using
a or % on the multifunction steering
wheel (Y page 221).
Other messages of high priority and
messages of less immediate priority can be
cleared from the multifunction display using
a or %. They are then stored in the
vehicle status message memory
(Y page 233). 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.
GWarning!
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.
GWarning!
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
Rspeed
Routside temperature
Rwarning/indicator lamps
452Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)ABS and
ESC
Inoperativ
e See
Oper.
ManualIn addition, the yellow ESC warning lamp ÷, the yellow
ESC OFF warning lamp å, and the yellow ABS indicator
lamp ! come on.
The brake system is still functioning normally but due to a
malfunction, the ABS, the BAS, the BAS PLUS, the ESC, the
hill-start assist system, the HOLD function, the Adaptive
Brake Lights, the PRE-SAFE ®
system, and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are unavailable.
The ATTENTION ASSIST is disabled.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)ABS and
ESC
Currently
Unavailabl
e See
Oper.
ManualIn addition, the yellow ESC warning lamp ÷, the yellow
ESC OFF warning lamp å, and the yellow ABS indicator
lamp ! come on.
The brake system is still functioning normally but temporarily
the ABS, the BAS, the BAS PLUS, the ESC, the hill-start assist
system, the HOLD function, the Adaptive Brake Lights, the
PRE-SAFE ®
system, and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are
unavailable.
The self-diagnosis may not be completed yet.
The ATTENTION ASSIST is disabled.XDrive a short distance with added caution at a vehicle speed
of above 12 mph (20 km/h).
When the message disappears, the ESC is available again.
If the message does not disappear:
XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)ABS and
ESC
Currently
Unavailabl
e See
Oper.
ManualIn addition, the yellow ESC warning lamp ÷, the yellow
ESC OFF warning lamp å, and the yellow ABS indicator
lamp ! come on.
The brake system still functions normally but due to
insufficient power supply, the ABS, the BAS, the BAS PLUS,
the ESC, the hill-start assist system, the HOLD function, the
Adaptive Brake Lights, the PRE-SAFE ®
system, and the
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are unavailable.
The ATTENTION ASSIST is disabled.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.
When the voltage is above the required value again, the ABS,
the BAS, the BAS PLUS, the ESC, the hill-start assist system,
the HOLD function, the Adaptive Brake Lights, the
PRE-SAFE ®
system, and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are operational
again and the message should disappear.
If the message does not disappear:
XHave the alternator and the battery checked.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
$
(USA only)
J
(Canada
only)EBR, ABS,
and ESC
Inoperativ
e See
Oper.
ManualIn addition, the yellow ESC warning lamp ÷, the yellow
ESC OFF warning lamp å, and the yellow ABS indicator
lamp ! come on and an acoustic warning sounds.
The brake system is still functioning normally but due to a
malfunction, the ABS, the BAS, the BAS PLUS, the EBP, the
ESC, the HOLD function, the Adaptive Brake Lights, the PRE-
SAFE ®
system, and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are unavailable.
The ATTENTION ASSIST is disabled.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
468Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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Safety systemsDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions÷Inoperativ
e See
Oper.
ManualIn addition, the yellow ESC warning lamp ÷ and the yellow
ESC OFF warning lamp å come on.
The brake system is still functioning normally but due to a
malfunction, the BAS, the BAS PLUS, the ESC, the hill-start
assist system, the HOLD function, the Adaptive Brake Lights,
the PRE-SAFE ®
system, and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are
unavailable.
The ATTENTION ASSIST is disabled.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
÷Currently
Unavailabl
e See
Oper.
ManualIn addition, the yellow ESC warning lamp ÷ and the yellow
ESC OFF warning lamp å come on.
The brake system is still functioning normally but without the
BAS, the BAS PLUS, the ESC, the hill-start assist system, the
HOLD function, the Adaptive Brake Lights, the PRE-SAFE ®
system, and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake available.
The ATTENTION ASSIST is disabled.XDrive a short distance with added caution at a vehicle speed
of above 12 mph (20 km/h).
When the message disappears, the ESC is available again.
If the message does not disappear:
XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
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VehicleDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions:The trunk is open.XClose the trunk ( Y page 280).MYou are driving with the hood open.XStop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as it is safe to
do so.XClose the hood ( Y page 405).
There is otherwise danger of an accident.
CYou are driving with at least one door open.
The display symbol shows you which doors are open.XClose all doors.EShift to PYou have attempted to turn off the engine with the KEYLESS-
GO start/stop button and opened the driver’s door with the
automatic transmission not shift to park position P.XShift the automatic transmission to park position P
( Y page 317).
or
XClose the driver’s door.ÂKey
Detected
In VehicleA SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO left in the vehicle was
recognized while trying to lock the vehicle from the outside.XTake the SmartKey out of the vehicle.ÂDon’t
Forget
Your KeyThis message appears for a maximum of 60 seconds if the
driver’s door is opened with the engine turned off and no
SmartKey in the starter switch. This message is only a
reminder.XTake the SmartKey with you when leaving the vehicle.ÂTake Your
Key From
IgnitionYou have forgotten to remove the SmartKey.XRemove the SmartKey from the starter switch.ÂObtain a
New KeyThe SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO must be replaced.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.ÂClose
Doors to
Lock
VehicleYou tried to lock the vehicle but not all doors were closed.XClose doors and lock the vehicle again.478Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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