
to have selected manual drive program
M(Y
page 147) .By doing so, you will make
use of the braking effec tofthe engine. This
relieves the load on the brake system and
prevents the brakes from overheating and
wearing too quickly. If you need additional
braking, depress the brake pedal repeatedly
rather than continuously.
You can set a variable or permanent limit
speed:
R variable for speed limits, e.g. in built-up
areas
R permanent for long-term speed restric-
tions, e.g. when driving with winter tyres
fitted (Y page 154)
i The speed indicated in the speedometer
may differ slightly from the limit speed
stored.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Never depress the brake pedal continuously
while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never cause
the brakes to rub by applying constant slight
pedal pressure. This causes the brake system
to overheat, increases the braking distance
and can lead to the brakes failing completely. G
WARNING
Do not change down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. This could
cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and
the vehicle could skid. G
WARNING
SPEEDTRONIC is only an aid designed to
assist driving. You are responsible for the
vehicle's speed and for braking in good time.
Variable SPEEDTRONIC General notes
With the cruise control lever, you can operate
cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS and vari-
able SPEEDTRONIC. The LIM indicator lamp on the cruise control
lever indicates which system you have selec-
ted:
R LIM indicator lamp off: cruise control or
DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.
R LIM indicator lamp on: variable SPEED-
TRONIC is selected.
You can use the cruise control lever to limit
the speed to any speed above 30 km/h while
the engine is running. :
To store the current speed or a higher
speed
; LIM indicator lamp
= To store the current speed or call up the
last stored speed
? To store the current speed or a lower
speed
A To switch between cruise control or DIS-
TRONIC PLUS and variable SPEEDTRONIC
B To deactivate variable SPEEDTRONIC
Selecting variable SPEEDTRONIC G
WARNING
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the limit speed stored.
Only use variable SPEEDTRONIC if you will not
have to accelerate suddenly to a speed above
that stored as the limit speed. You could oth-
erwise cause an accident.
You can only exceed the limit speed stored if
you deactivate variable SPEEDTRONIC:
R using the cruise control lever
R by depressing the accelerator pedal
beyond the pressure point (kickdown) 152
Driving systemsDriving and parking

G
WARNING
The vehicle can be braked when DISTRONIC
PLUS is activated. For this reason, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS if the vehicle is to be set in
motion by other means (e.g. in a car wash or
by towing).
General notes DISTRONIC PLUS regulates the speed and
automatically helps you maintai nthe dis-
tance to the vehicle detected in front. DIS-
TRONIC PLUS brakes automatically so that
the set speed is not exceeded.
You must select a lower gear in good time on
long and steep downhill gradients, especially
if the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer. For
this, you need to have selected manual drive
program M(Ypage 147). By doing so, you will
make use of the braking effect of the engine.
This relieves the load on the brake system and
prevents the brakes from overheating and
wearing too quickly.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a slower-moving
vehicle in front, your vehicle is braked in order
to maintain the preset distance to the vehicle
in front.
If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC
PLUS operates in the same way as cruise
control in the speed range between
30 km/h and 200 km/h. If avehicle is driving
in front of you, DISTRONIC operates in the
speed range between 0km/h and
200 km/h.
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS on roads with
steep gradients.
Cruise control lever With the cruise control lever, you can operate
DISTRONIC PLUS and variable SPEED-
TRONIC. The LIM indicator lamp on the cruise control
lever indicates which system you have selec-
ted:
R
LIM indicator lamp off: DISTRONIC PLUS
is selected.
R LIM indicator lamp on: variable SPEED-
TRONIC is selected. :
To store the current spee dorahigher
speed
; To set the specified minimum distance
= LIM indicator lamp
? To store the current speed or call up the
last stored speed
A To store the current speed or a lower
speed
B To switch between DISTRONIC PLUS and
variable SPEEDTRONIC
C To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS
Selecting DISTRONIC PLUS
X Check whether LIM indicator lamp =is off.
If it is off, DISTRONIC PLUS is already selec-
ted.
If it is not, press the cruise control lever in
the direction of arrow B.
LIM indicator lamp =in the cruise control
lever goes out. DISTRONIC PLUS is selec-
ted. Driving systems
155Driving and parking Z

permissible maximum speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations is above 100 km/h.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be differen tincomparison
to when driving without a trailer and it will
consume more fuel.
Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. Vehicles with
automatic transmission: in order to do so, you
will need to have switched to manual drive
program Min advance (Y page 139).
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, SPEEDTRONIC or DIS-
TRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to prevent the
vehicle from gaining speed. This relieves the
load on the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly. If you need additional braking,
depress the brake pedal repeatedly rather
than continuously.
i Vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion: if the accelerator pedal is depressed
briefly on downhill gradients while manual
drive program Mis temporarily activated,
the automatic transmission may switch
back to the last active automatic drive pro-
gram Eor S.T he automatic transmission
may shift to a higher gear. This can reduce
the engine's braking effect.
Driving tips If the trailer swings from side to side:
X
Do not accelerate.
X Do not counter-steer.
X Brake if necessary. R
Maintain a greater distance from the vehi-
cle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine,
and consequently the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decrease with increas-
ing altitude. Folding out the ball coupling
G
WARNING
Make sure that the ball coupling is engaged,
either in its folded-out or folded-in position,
and that the indicator lamp is off.
Do not turn the release wheel when a trailer
is coupled up. Otherwise, the trailer might
detach.
Before you can tow a trailer with your vehicle,
you must fold out the ball coupling.
The release wheel is located behind the left-
hand side trim panel in the boot. X
To open the cover: turn handle:anti-
clockwise and fold down cover ;and
remove it. Towing
atrailer
183Driving an d parking Z

Example: vehicles with a cove
rover the stowage
compartment
X To open: push the lower section of
cover :.
The cover opens.
X To remove the insert: lift insert=
up ; and out.
X To refit the insert: press insert=into the
holder until it engages.
i If you remove the ashtray insert, you can
use the resulting compartment for stow-
age.
Ashtray in the rear-compartment centre
console X
To open: pull cover ;out by its top edge.
X To remove the insert: pull out insert:
beyond the stop.
X To fit the insert: fit insert:from above
into the holder and press down into the
holder until it engages. Cigarette lighter
G
WARNING
Only hold the hot cigarette lighter by its knob.
Otherwise, you might burn yourself.
Make sure that children travelling in the vehi-
cle are not able to injure themselves on the
hot cigarette lighter or cause a fire with it. Example: vehicles with a cover over the stowage
compartment
X
Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X To open: push the lower section of
cover :.
The ashtray opens.
X Press in cigarette lighter ;.
Cigarette lighter ;will pop out automati-
cally when the heating element is red-hot. 12
Vsockets
Points to observe before use X
Turn the key to position 1in the ignition
lock.
The sockets can be used for accessories with
a maximum current draw of 180 W (15A).
Accessories include such items as lamps, or
chargers for mobile phones.
If you use the sockets for long periods when
the engine is switched off ,the battery may
discharge.
i An emergency cut-offe nsures thatthe on-
board voltage does not drop too low. If the Features
257Stowing and features Z

You can obtain further information, e.g.
regarding service work, fro
maMercedes-
Benz Service Centre or directly from
Mercedes-Benz.
Driving abroad
An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network
is also available in other countries. The
Service Hotline's current telephone numbers
for use when you are abroad are to be found
in the "Mercedes-Benz Service24h" section
of the Service Booklet. Care
Notes on care
H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible man-
ner.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film.
! Do not park up the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after clean-
ing. Braking heats the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings, thus drying them. The
vehicle can then be parked up.
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term. Use care products and cleaning agents rec-
ommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz. Care of the exterior
Automatic car wash G
WARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. This could cause an accident. For
this reason, following a car wash, drive with
particular care until the brakes are dry. G
WARNING
The vehicle is braked when the HOLD function
or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Therefore,
deactivate the HOLD function and DISTRONIC
PLUS before the vehicle is washed in an auto-
matic car wash.
! Make sure that the automatic transmis-
sion is in position Nwhen washing your
vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The vehi-
cle could be damaged if the transmission is
in another position.
! Make sure that:
R the side windows and sliding sunroof are
closed completely.
R the blower for the ventilation/heating is
switched off (OFF button is depressed/
airflow control is turned to position 0).
R the windscreen wiper switch is at posi-
tion 0.
The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
Wash off excess dirt before cleaning the vehi-
cle in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windscreen and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the wind-
screen. Care
267Maintenance and care Z

If you use fuels withou
tthese additives for a
longer period of time, there may be a build-up
of carbon deposits. These will form especially
on the inlet valves and in the combustion
chamber.
This could lead to engine running problems,
e.g.:
R longer engine warm-up phase
R uneven idle
R engine noise
R misfiring
R loss of power
In areas where petrol with the required addi-
tives is not available, carbon deposits can
build up. In this case, Mercedes-Ben zrecom-
mends the use of additives that have been
approved for Mercedes-Benzv ehicles; see
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
Consult a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre to
view a list of approved products. Observe the
instructions for use in the product descrip-
tion.
Do no tmix other fuel additives with fuel. This
causes unnecessary costs and could damage
the engine.
Diesel (EN 590) Fuel grade
G
WARNING
Do not use petrol to refuel vehicles with a die-
sel engine. Do not mix diesel with petrol. This
would result in damage to the fuel system and
engine, which could lead to a vehicle fire.
! When refuelling, only use diesel fuel that
conforms to the European standard EN 590
or is of equivalen tquality. Fuel that does
not conform to EN 590 can lead to
increased wear as well as damage to the
engine and exhaust system.
! Do no tuse the following:
R marine diesel
R heating oil R
bio-diesel
R vegetable oil
R petrol
R paraffin
R kerosene
Do not mix these fuels with diesel fuels and
do not use any special additives. Other-
wise, this can lead to damage to the engine.
This excludes flow improver; see "Low out-
side temperatures".
! Vehicles with adiesel particle filter: in
countries outside the EU, only refuel with
low-sulphur Euro diesel with a sulphur con-
ten tunde r50p pm; otherwise the emission
control system could be damaged.
! Vehicles without adiesel particle fil-
ter: in countries where only diesel fuel with
a high sulphur conten tis available, you will
need to carry out your vehicle's oil change
at shorter intervals. More information
aboutt he interval for oil change can be
obtained from any qualified specialist
workshop.
Usually you will find information about the
fuel grade on the pump. If you cannot find the
label on the petrol pump, ask the filling sta-
tion staff.
i For more information, contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
Information on refuelling (Y page 141).
Low outside temperatures
In winter months, diesel fuel with an improved
cold flow quality is available. In Europe, the
EN 590 standard defines various climate-
dependent temperature categories. Malfunc-
tions can be avoided by refuelling with diesel
fuel that corresponds to the climatic specifi-
cations outlined in EN 590. At unusually low
outside temperatures, it is possible that the
flow characteristics of the diesel fuel could be
insufficient .Accordingly, diesel fuel from
warmer areas may not be suitable for opera-
tion in colder climati cconditions. Service products and capacities
313Technical data Z

i
Further information on country-specific
fuel properties can be obtained from oil
companies, e.g. at filling stations.
Flow improver
To improve the low-temperature resistance of
diesel fuel, a flow improve rcan be attached.
The effectiveness of a flow improve ris not
guaranteed for every fuel.
Only use flow improvers tested and approved
by Mercedes-Benz.D uringuse, please
observe the information on operation.
Correct dosage and sufficient mixing are deci-
sive in improving low-temperature resistance
with the flow improver. Overdosage can
potentially even decrease low-temperature
resistance and must therefore be avoided.
Follow the manufacturer's guidelines on dos-
age.
Mix the additive into the diesel in good time,
before the flow characteristics of the diesel
become insufficient. Otherwise, malfunctions
can arise through heating the fuel system,
e.g. through parking in a heated garage.
More information aboutr ecommended flow
improvers can be obtained from any qualified
specialist workshop.
Notes on fuel consumption H
Environmental note
CO 2(carbon dioxide) is the gas which scien-
tists believe to be principally responsible for
global warming (the greenhouse effect). Your
vehicle's CO 2emissions are directly related to
fuel consumption and therefore depend on:
R efficien tuse of the fuel by the engine
R driving style
R other non-technical factors, such as envi-
ronmental influences or road conditions
You can minimise your vehicle's CO 2emis-
sions by driving carefully and having it serv-
iced regularly. The vehicle will use more fuel than usual in
the following situations:
R
at very low outside temperatures
R in urban traffic
R on short journeys
R in mountainous terrain
R when towing a trailer
i Only for certain countries: you can find
the current consumption and emission val-
ues of your vehicle in the COC documents
(EU CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY). These
documents are delivered with your vehicle.
The consumption figures were in each case
based on the currently applicable version:
R for vehicles up to and including the EURO
4s tandard, in accordance with EU Direc-
tive 80/1268/EEC
R for vehicles above the EURO 5standard,
in accordance with Regulatio n(EC) No.
715/2007
Deviations fro mthese values may occur
under normal operating conditions. Engine oil
Points to remember The quality of the engine oil is decisive for the
function and service life of an engine. After
extensive tests, Mercedes-Ben
zapproves
engine oils that correspond to the current
technical standard.
Therefore, only Mercedes-Benz approved
engine oils may be used in Mercedes-Benz
engines.
Further information on tested and approved
engine oils can be obtained from any
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. Mercedes-
Ben zrecommends that you have the oil
change carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop. Mercedes-Benza pproval is indica-
ted on the oil container by the inscription "MB
Approval" and the corresponding designa-
tion, e.g. MB Approval 229.51. 314
Service products and capacitiesTechnical data

can be obtained at any qualified specialist
workshop or on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.co
m.
i Have the brake fluid regularly checked at
a qualified specialist workshop.
There is usually a notice in the engine com-
partment to remind you when the next
brake fluid change is due. Coolant
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Antifreeze is highly flammable. Fire, naked
flames and smoking are prohibited whe nhan-
dling antifreeze.
If antifreeze comes into contact with hot
engine parts, it may ignite and you could burn
yourself. Do no tspill any antifreeze on hot
engine parts.
! Only add coolant that has been premixed
with the desired antifreeze protection. You
could otherwise damage the engine.
Further information on coolants can be
found in the Mercedes-Benz Specifications
for Service Products, MB Specifications for
Service Products 310.1, e.g. on the Inter-
net at http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
Or contact a qualified specialist workshop.
! Always use a suitable coolant mixture,
even in countries where high temperatures
prevail.
Otherwise, the engine cooling system is not
sufficiently protected from corrosion and
overheating.
! The engine cooling system is filled with
coolant, which must be renewed after
15 years or after 250,000 kilometres at the
latest. The coolant is a mixture of water and anti-
freeze/corrosion inhibitor. It performs the
following tasks:
R
anti-corrosion protection
R antifreeze protection
R raising the boiling point
If antifreeze/corrosion inhibito ris present in
the correct concentration, the boiling point of
the coolant during operation will be around
130 †.
The antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor concentra-
tion in the engine cooling system should:
R be at least 50%. This will protect the engine
cooling system against freezing down to
around -37 †.
R not exceed 55% (antifreeze protection
down to -45 †). Otherwise, heat will not be
dissipated as effectively.
If the vehicle has lost coolant, top it up with
equal amounts of water and antifreeze/cor-
rosion inhibitor. Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends an antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor con-
centrate in accordance with MB Specifica-
tions for Service Products 310.1.
i When the vehicle is first delivered, it is fil-
led with a coolant mixture that ensures
adequate antifreeze and corrosion protec-
tion. Washer fluid
G
WARNING
Windscreen washer fluid/antifreeze is highly
flammable.A void spilling windscreen washer
fluid/antifreeze on hot engine components as
it can ignite and burn. Severe burns could be
the result.
! Only use washer fluid that is suitable for
plastic lamp lenses, e.g. MB SummerFit or
MB WinterFit. Unsuitable washer fluid
could damage the plastic lenses of the
headlamps. 316
Service products and capacitiesTechnical data