Hydroplaning ..................................... 140
I
Immobilizer .......................................... 59
Instrument cluster Overview .......................................... 26
Selecting the language (on-board
computer) ...................................... 163
Instrument cluster lighting .............. 163
Interior lighting Adjusting ......................................... 94
Automatic control ............................ 95
Cargo compartment lamp ................95
Delayed switch-off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 165
Manual control ................................. 95
Reading lamp ................................... 95
Rear interior lighting ........................96
J
Jack Storage location ............................ 229
Using ............................................. 233
Jump-starting ..................................... 238
K
Key positions SmartKey ....................................... 117
Kickdown ........................................... 123
L
Lamps Display message ............................ 172
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ................................................ 52
License plate lamp (display
message) ............................................ 173
Lighting see Lights ........................................ 90
Lights
Activating/deactivating the
interior lighting delayed switch-off
(on-board computer) ......................165
Cornering light function ...................94
Daytime running lamps ....................91
Display message ............................ 172
Driving abroad ................................. 90
Fog lamps ........................................ 92
Hazard warning lamps .....................93
High-beam headlamps .....................93
Light switch ..................................... 90
Low-beam headlamps ......................91
Rear fog lamp .................................. 92
Turn signals ..................................... 93
Limited Warranty ................................ 21
Load anchorage ................................. 196
Loading guidelines ............................ 192
Locking Automatic ........................................ 68
Emergency locking ........................... 68
From inside the vehicle (central
locking button) ................................. 67
Low-beam headlamp (display
message) ............................................ 172
Low-beam headlamps Automatic headlamps ......................91
Driving abroad ................................. 90
Lubricant additives
see Additives
Luggage compartment
Cover ............................................. 196
Luggage net ....................................... 194
Lumbar support 4-way lumbar support ......................81
Luxury head restraints ....................... 80
M
M+S tires ............................................ 248
Main-beam headlamps (display
message) ............................................ 173
Maintenance Battery ........................................... 235
Malfunction messages
see Display messages
Malfunctions
see Display messages
Malfunctions relevant to safety
Reporting ......................................... 20
Matte finish (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 223
Index9ProCarManuals.com
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................267
Unladen weight (definition) ............268
Wear indicator (definition) .............269
Wheel rim (definition) ....................267
Top Tether ............................................ 53
Tow-away alarm .................................. 60
Towing ................................................ 242
Important safety guidelines ...........240
Towing eye
Front .............................................. 240
Rear ............................................... 240
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 260
Transfer case Display message ............................ 182
Shift ranges ................................... 126
Transmission position display ......... 122
Transmission positions .................... 122
Transporting the vehicle .................. 241
Traveling uphill Brow of hill ..................................... 146
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 166
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 160
Turn signal
Display message ............................ 172
Turn signals ......................................... 93
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................... 269
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate
U
Ultrasonic backing up aid Function/notes ............................. 149
Malfunction .................................... 152
Range of the sensors .....................150
Warning display ............................. 150
Unlocking
Emergency unlocking .......................68
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 67
V
Vanity mirror Sun visor ........................................ 198
Vehicle
Data acquisition ............................... 21
Emergency unlocking .......................68
Equipment ....................................... 17
Individual settings (on-board
computer) ...................................... 162
Loading .......................................... 256
Lowering ........................................ 234
Maintenance .................................... 18
Parking up ..................................... 135
Raising ........................................... 233
Reporting problems .........................20
Towing away .................................. 240
Tow-starting ................................... 240
Transporting .................................. 241
Vehicle dimensions
Technical data ............................... 281
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification number
(VIN) ................................................... 275
Vehicle identification plate .............. 275
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 229
Vehicle weights Technical data ............................... 281
Ventilation
Setting the air distribution .............109
Setting the airflow .........................110
Video (DVD) ........................................ 161
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 161
VIN ...................................................... 275
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 185
Brakes ........................................... 183
Check Engine ................................. 188
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 186
Fuel tank ........................................ 188
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF ................39
Reserve fuel ................................... 188
Seat belt ........................................ 184
Index15ProCarManuals.com
1-800-387-0100. Thus, if necessary, we can
reach you in a timely fashion.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave the
entire literature in the vehicle so that it is
available to the next owner.
If you have purchased a used car, please send
us the "Notification of Used Car Purchase" in
the Service and Guarantee Booklet or simply
call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center (USA) at the hotline number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or
Customer Service (Canada) at
1-800-387-0100.
Vehicle operation outside the USA
and Canada
When you are abroad with your vehicle,
observe the following points:
R service points or replacement parts may
not be available immediately.
R unleaded fuel for vehicles with a catalytic
converter may not be available. Leaded fuel
may cause damage to the catalytic
converter.
R the fuel may have a considerably lower
Anti-Knock Index. Unsuitable fuel can
cause engine damage.
Some Mercedes-Benz models are available in
Europe through our European Delivery
Program. Please consult an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for further
information, or write to one of the following
addresses.
In the USA:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Sport Utility VehicleGWarning!
This Sport Utility Vehicle is designed for both
on-road and off-road use. It can go places and
perform tasks for which conventional 2-wheel
drive passenger cars are not intended. This
vehicle will handle and maneuver differently
from conventional passenger cars in driving
conditions which may occur on streets,
highways and off-road use.
This vehicle has a higher ground clearance
and a higher center of gravity than many
passenger cars. As with other vehicles of this
type, if you make sharp turns at excessive
speeds or abrupt maneuvers, the vehicle may
roll over or may go out of control and crash.
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
Failure to operate this vehicle safely may
result in an accident, rollover of the vehicle,
and severe or fatal injury.
Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the
Operator’s Manual. Take time to become
familiar with the driving characteristics of this
vehicle. Be sure you are familiar with all
vehicle controls. Learn how your vehicle
handles on different road surfaces. Do not
attempt sharp turns at excessive speeds or
abrupt maneuvers or other unsafe driving
actions that can cause loss of vehicle control.
When driving off-road or working the vehicle
hard, do not overload it. And, always wear
your seat belts at all times. In a rollover crash,
an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
Operating Safety
Important safety notes
GWarning
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle's electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
Introduction19ZProCarManuals.com
! Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
gasoline engine. Even small amounts of the
wrong fuel result in damage to the fuel
system and engine.
! Do not switch on the ignition if you
accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel lines.
Notify a qualified specialist workshop and
have the fuel tank and fuel lines drained
completely.
Gasoline
Fuel grade
! You should only refuel with unleaded
premium-grade gasoline as this avoids
damaging the catalytic converter.
If engine running problems are apparent,
have the cause checked immediately and
repaired. Excess unburned fuel can
otherwise enter the catalytic converter,
leading to overheating and possibly
causing a fire.
i Only refuel with unleaded premium-grade
gasoline with a specified minimum octane
number of 91 (average value of 96 RON/
86 MON).
Usually, you will find information about the
fuel grade on the pump. If you cannot find
the label on the gasoline pump, ask the gas
station staff.
You can find further information under
"Fuel" ( Y page 277), by consulting an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
visiting http://www.mbusa.com (USA
only).
! Use a filter when refueling from a fuel can.
Otherwise, the fuel lines and/or injection
system could be blocked by particles from
the fuel can.
Refueling
Fuel filler flap
When you open or close the vehicle with the
key, the fuel filler flap is automatically
unlocked or locked.
The position of the fuel filler cap is displayed
in the instrument cluster 8. The arrow
next to the filling pump indicates the side of
the vehicle. The fuel filler flap is located to the
rear on the right.
Fuel filler cap G 550 (example)
:To open the fuel filler flap;Tire pressure table=Fuel type?To insert the fuel filler cap
Opening
XSwitch off the engine.
i When the engine is running and the fuel
filler flap is open, the yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp and the = (USA only)
or ; (Canada only) engine diagnostics
warning lamp may light up.
For further information on warning and
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster,
see ( Y page 188).
XRemove the key from the ignition lock.XPress the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow :.
The fuel filler flap opens slightly.XOpen the fuel filler flap.132RefuelingDriving and parking
ProCarManuals.com
RDrive slowly and at an even speed through
the water.
R Do not stop and do not switch off the
engine.
! Do not open any of the vehicle's doors
while fording. Otherwise, water could get
into the vehicle interior and damage the
vehicle's electronics and interior
equipment.
R Water offers a high degree of resistance,
and the ground is slippery and in some
cases unstable. Therefore, it is difficult and
dangerous to pull away in the water.
R Ensure that a bow wave does not form as
you drive.
R Clean any mud from the tire tread after
fording.
R Apply the brakes to dry them after fording.
Winter driving
General notes
GWarning
If the vehicle becomes trapped in snow,
ensure that snow is kept away from the
exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle as
long as the engine is running. Otherwise,
poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) may enter
the vehicle, resulting in loss of consciousness
and even death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, at the onset of
winter.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y page 248).
Driving with summer tires
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y page 248).
Slippery road surfaces
GWarning!
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
GWarning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not prevent
this type of control loss.
Do not engage the transfer case in position
LOW when driving on ice or packed snow. At
speeds below 18 mph (30 km/h) vehicle
steering is adversely affected by the Off-road
ABS.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise
control.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to position N.XTry to bring the vehicle under control using
corrective steering.
i For more information on driving with
snow chains, see ( Y page 248).
GWarning
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Driving tips141Driving and parkingZProCarManuals.com
Cleaning the plastic trimGWarning
When cleaning the steering wheel boss and
dashboard, do not use cockpit sprays or
cleaning agents containing solvents. Cleaning
agents containing solvents cause the surface
to become porous, and as a result, plastic
parts may break away and be thrown around
the interior when an air bag is deployed, which
may result in severe injuries.
! Do not affix the following to plastic
surfaces:
R stickers
R films
R scented oil bottles or similar items
You can otherwise damage the plastic.
! Do not allow cosmetics, insect repellent
or sunscreen to come into contact with the
plastic trim. This maintains the high-quality
look of the surfaces.
XWipe the plastic trim with a damp, lint-free
cloth, e.g. a microfiber cloth.XHeavy soiling: use car care and cleaning
products recommended and approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
The surface may change color temporarily.
Wait until the surface is dry again.
Cleaning the steering wheel and gear or
selector lever
XThoroughly wipe with a damp cloth or use
leather care agents that have been
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
Cleaning real wood and trim strips
XWipe the wooden trim and trim strips with
a damp, lint-free cloth, e.g. a microfiber
cloth.XHeavy soiling: use car care and cleaning
products recommended and approved by
Mercedes-Benz.! Do not use solvent-based cleaning agents
such as tar remover, wheel cleaners,
polishes or waxes. There is otherwise a risk
of damaging the surface.
! Do not use chrome polish for trim strips.
The trim strips have a chrome look but are
mostly made of anodized aluminum and
can lose their shine if chrome polish is
used. Use a damp, lint-free cloth instead
when cleaning the trim strips.
Chrome polish can be used to remove very
heavy soiling from trim strips which you are
sure are made of chrome. If you are unsure
as to whether a trim strip is chrome-plated
or not, consult an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Cleaning the seat covers
! Do not use microfiber cloths to clean
genuine leather or artificial leather covers,
as these are too aggressive and, if used
often, may damage the cover.
! Observe the following when cleaning:
R clean genuine leather covers carefully
with a damp cloth and then wipe the
covers down with a dry cloth. Make sure
that the leather does not become
soaked. It may otherwise become rough
and cracked. Only use leather care
agents that have been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. You can
obtain these from a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
R clean artificial leather covers with a cloth
moistened with a solution containing 1%
detergent (e.g. dish washing liquid).
R clean cloth covers with a microfiber cloth
moistened with a solution containing 1%
detergent (e.g. dish washing liquid). Rub
carefully and always wipe entire seat
sections to avoid leaving visible lines.
Leave the seat to dry afterwards.
Cleaning results depend on the type of
dirt and how long it has been there.
Care225Maintenance and careZProCarManuals.com
Vehicle equipment
i This manual describes all the standard
and optional equipment of your vehicle
which was available at the time of
purchase. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
relevant systems and functions.
Important safety notes
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
if you require information on tested and
recommended tires and wheels for summer
and winter driving. Advice on purchasing and
caring for tires is also available there.
GWarning
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as shown
on the original part. For further information
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged. Also, the
operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct.
GWarning
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can result
in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be
recognized on retreads. The operating safety
of the vehicle cannot be assured when such
tires are used.
GWarning
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible
damage to your vehicle has occurred, you
should turn on the hazard warning flashers,
carefully slow down, and drive with caution to
an area which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle appears
unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or tire
dealer for repairs.
GWarning
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
might lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed
with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire.
i Further information about wheels and
tires can be obtained from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Operation
Notes on driving
R If the vehicle is heavily laden, check the tire
pressures and correct them if necessary.
R When parking your vehicle, make sure that
the tires do not get deformed by the curb
or other obstacles. If it is necessary to drive
over curbs, speed humps or similar
elevations, try to do so slowly and at an
obtuse angle. Otherwise, the tires,
particularly the sidewalls, can get
damaged.
Notes on regularly inspecting wheels
and tires
GWarning
Regularly check the tires for damage.
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
246OperationWheels and tires
ProCarManuals.com
pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
R Regularly check the wheels and tires of
your vehicle for damage (e.g. cuts,
punctures, tears, bulges on tires and
deformation or cracks or severe corrosion
on wheels) at least once a month, as well
as after driving off-road or on rough roads.
Damaged wheels can cause a loss of tire
pressure.
R Regularly check the tire tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the whole
width of the tire (Y page 247). If necessary,
turn the front wheels to full lock in order to
inspect the inner side of the tire surface.
R All wheels must have a valve cap to protect
the valve against dirt and moisture. Do not
install anything onto the valve (such as tire
pressure monitoring systems) other than
the standard valve cap or other valve caps
approved by Mercedes-Benz for your
vehicle.
R Regularly check the pressure of all the tires
including the spare wheel, particularly prior
to long trips, and correct the pressure as
necessary ( Y page 249).
Tire tread
GWarning
Although the applicable federal motor vehicle
safety laws consider a tire to be worn when
the tread wear indicators (TWI) become
visible at approximately 1
/ 16 in (1.6 mm), we
recommend that you do not allow your tires
to wear down to that level. As tread depth
approaches 1
/ 8 in (3 mm), the adhesion
properties on a wet road are sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely.
Do not use tires that are excessively worn as
the tire traction on wet road surfaces
decreases significantly when the tread depth
is less than 1
/ 8 in (3 mm).
Tread wear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. Six indicators are positioned over the tire
tread. They are visible as soon as a tread
depth of approximately 1
/ 16 in (1.6 mm) is
reached. If this is the case, the tire is so worn
that it must be replaced.
The recommended tread depth for summer
tires is at least 1
/ 8 in (3 mm). The
recommended tread depth for winter tires is
at least 1
/ 6 in (4 mm).
Indicator
: for tread wear is integrated into
the tire tread.
Notes on selecting, mounting and
replacing tires
R Only mount tires and wheels of the same
type and make.
R Only mount tires of the correct size onto
the wheels.
R After installing new tires, run them in at
moderate speeds for the first 60 miles
(100 km) as they only reach their full
performance after this distance.
R Do not use tires that are excessively worn
as the tire traction on wet road surfaces
Operation247Wheels and tiresZProCarManuals.com