
GWarning!
Please be aware that by raising the vehicle
level, the center of gravity also rises.
Therefore, always ensure that the vehicle
level is as low as possible. With higher ride
height the ESP ®
may activate earlier in certain
situations.
GWarning!
Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure
before driving through sand. However, if you
do so, remember to correct the tire inflation
pressure before continuing your trip. Driving
with reduced tire inflation pressure increases
the risk of losing control of the vehicle and
rolling over.
General information
Read this section before driving your vehicle
off-road. Practice by traveling over more
gentle off-road terrain first.
Familiarize yourself with the characteristics
of your vehicle and the gear change process
before driving through difficult terrain.
The following driving systems are specially
adapted to off-road driving:
R off-road drive program (vehicles without
the Off-Road Pro engineering package)
( Y page 204)
R LOW RANGE off-road gear ( Y page 157)
R off-road ABS ( Y page 66)
R off-road 4ETS ( Y page 67)
R off-road ESP ®
(Y page 68)
R hill start assist
R differential locks ( Y page 207)
R DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
( Y page 203)
Observe the following notes:
R stop your vehicle and, if necessary, select
the off-road drive program (Y page 204) or
the LOW RANGE off-road gear
( Y page 157) before driving off-road.
R select a vehicle level that is suitable for the
terrain. Make sure there is always sufficient
ground clearance to prevent damage to the
vehicle.
R activate the differential lock if necessary.
R make sure that items of luggage and cargo
are stowed safely and are well secured
( Y page 268).
R always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a downhill gradient.
Activate DSR ( Y page 203).
R always keep the doors, tailgate, windows
and the tilt/sliding sunroof closed while the
vehicle is in motion.
R adapt the speed to suit the terrain
conditions. The more uneven, worn or
steeper the terrain is, the slower you should
drive.
R drive slowly and at an even speed through
the water. Ensure that a bow wave does not
form as you drive.
R drive with extreme care on unfamiliar off-
road routes where visibility is poor. For
safety reasons, get out of the vehicle first
and survey the off-road route.
R look out for obstacles, such as rocks, holes,
tree stumps and furrows.
R check the depth of water before fording
rivers and streams.
R do not stop in water and do not switch the
engine off.
R drive quickly on sand to overcome the
rolling resistance. Otherwise, the vehicle
could dig itself into the sand.
R do not jump with the vehicle. This
interrupts the vehicle's traction.
R always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on slopes.
R do not shift the automatic transmission to
transmission position N.174Driving tipsDriving and parking
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Check list before driving off-roadXEngine oil level: check the engine oil and
top it up if necessary.
The oil supply can only be guaranteed on
steep slopes if the engine oil level is
sufficient.
! If the engine oil warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in motion, stop the
vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible.
Check the engine oil level. The engine oil
warning lamp warning must not be ignored.
Continuing the journey while the symbol is
displayed could lead to engine damage.
XWheel-changing tool kit: check that the
jack is working and make sure you have the
wheelbrace, a robust tow cable and a
folding spade in the vehicle.XWheels and tires: check the tire tread
depth and tire pressure. A table with the
recommended tire pressures can be found
on the B-pillar on the driver's side of your
vehicle.XCheck for damage and remove any foreign
objects, e.g. small stones, from the
wheels/tires.XReplace any missing valve caps.XReplace dented or damaged wheels.XWheels: dented or deformed wheels could
result in a loss of tire pressure and damage
the tire bead. Therefore, check the wheels
before driving off-road and replace them if
necessary.
Check list after driving off-road
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.
Driving over rough terrain places greater
demands on your vehicle than driving on
normal roads. After driving off-road, check
the vehicle. This allows you to detect damage
promptly and reduce the risk of an accident
to yourself and other road users.XDeactivate the off-road drive program
( Y page 204) or the LOW RANGE off-road
gear ( Y page 157).XDeactivate DSR ( Y page 203).XSet the differential lock setting to AUTO on
the selector wheel ( Y page 207).XLower the vehicle level again to a level
suitable to the road conditions, e.g. to the
highway/high-speed level.XClean the headlamps and rear lights and
check for damage.XClean the front and rear license plates.XClean the wheels/tires, wheel arch and the
underbody with a water jet. Check for
damage and remove any foreign objects.XAfter the trip, examine without fail the
entire undercarriage, wheels, tires, brakes,
bodywork structure, steering, chassis and
exhaust system for damage.XCheck whether twigs or other parts of
plants have become trapped. These
increase the risk of fire and can damage
fuel pipes, brake hoses or the rubber
bellows of the axle joints and propeller
shafts.XAfter driving for extended periods across
sand, mud, gravel, water or in similarly dirty
conditions, have the brake discs, wheels,
brake pads/linings and axle joints checked
and cleaned.XIf you detect strong vibrations after off-road
travel, check for foreign objects in the
wheels and drive train and remove them ifDriving tips175Driving and parkingBA 164.8 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T15:08:44+02:00 - Seite 175Z

necessary. Foreign objects can disturb the
balance and cause vibrations.XTest the brakes.
Driving on sand
GWarning!
Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure
before driving through sand. However, if you
do so, remember to correct the tire inflation
pressure before continuing your trip. Driving
with reduced tire inflation pressure increases
the risk of losing control of the vehicle and
rolling over.
Observe the following rules when driving on
sand:
R select a higher vehicle level.
R avoid high engine speeds.
R select a shift range appropriate to the
terrain.
R drive quickly to overcome the rolling
resistance. Otherwise, the vehicle could dig
itself into the sand.
R drive in the tracks of other vehicles if
possible. Make sure that the ruts are not
too deep, that the sand is firm enough and
that your vehicle has sufficient ground
clearance.
Tire ruts and gravel roads
Observe the following rules when driving
along ruts in off-road terrain or on roads with
loose gravel:
! Check that the ruts are not too deep and
that your vehicle has sufficient clearance.
Otherwise, your vehicle could be damaged
or bottom out and get stuck.
R select the off-road drive program
( Y page 204) or the LOW RANGE off-road
gear ( Y page 157).
R select a higher vehicle level.
R avoid high engine speeds.
R select shift range 1.
R
drive slowly.
R where ruts are too deep, drive with the
wheels on one side on the middle section
of turf if possible.
Crossing obstacles
! Obstacles could damage the floor of the
vehicle or components of the chassis. Ask
passengers for guidance when driving over
large obstacles. The passenger should
always keep a safe distance from the
vehicle when doing so in order to avoid
injury as a result of unexpected vehicle
movements. After driving off-road or over
obstacles, check the vehicle for possible
damage, especially to the underbody and
the components of the chassis.
Observe the following rules when driving over
tree stumps, large stones and other
obstacles:
R select the off-road drive program
( Y page 204) or the LOW RANGE off-road
gear ( Y page 157).
R avoid high engine speeds.
R select shift range 1.
R drive very slowly.
R drive straight over the center of obstacles:
front wheel first, then rear wheel.
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Menus and submenus
Menu overview
The number of menus shown depends on the optional equipment in the vehicle.
Function:Standard display menu (Y page 218)
R tire pressure loss warning system (Canada only) ( Y page 339)
R tire pressure monitor (USA only) ( Y page 341)
R ASSYST PLUS service interval display ( Y page 299);Audio menu ( Y page 219)=Navigation menu (Y page 220)?Offroad menu (Y page 220)
R level control ( Y page 189)
R compass display ( Y page 291)
R differential locks (status indicator) ( Y page 207)ADISTRONIC menu (Y page 181)BMessage memory 27
menu ( Y page 229)CSettings menu (Y page 221)DAdditional functions menu (Y page 226)27
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FunctionETrip computer menu (Y page 227)FTelephone menu (Y page 227)Standard display menu
Standard displayXPress V or U on the steering wheel
to select the standard display.
Standard display
:Trip odometer;Odometer
You can select the following functions in the
Standard display menu by pressing & or
* :
R tire pressure loss warning system
( Y page 339) (Canada only)
R tire pressure monitor ( Y page 341) (USA
only)
R coolant temperature ( Y page 218)
R digital speedometer or outside
temperature ( Y page 218)
R ASSYST PLUS service interval display
( Y page 299)
XTo reset the trip odometer: press and
hold the . reset button in the instrument
cluster until the trip odometer is reset.
Displaying the coolant temperature
GWarning
Driving when your engine is overheated can
cause some fluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire. You
could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns which can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine
if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from
other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.XPress V or U on the steering wheel
to select the standard display.XPress the & or * button to select the
coolant temperature.
Under normal driving conditions, with the
correct anti-corrosion and antifreeze additive
concentration, the reading may rise to
248 ‡(120 †).
! If the coolant temperature exceeds
248 ‡(120 †) do not continue driving. The
engine will otherwise be damaged.
Displaying the digital speedometer or
outside temperature
If you have selected the digital speedometer
for the status line ( Y page 222), the outside
temperature will be displayed here.
218Menus and submenusOn-board computer and displays
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Currently Unavailable See Operator’s Manual message will be displayed in the
multifunction display and DISTRONIC will be turned off.
Tires
GWarning
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may
lose control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up
and possibly a fire.
GWarning
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect
handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear
unevenly, increase stopping distance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are
more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsTire Pressure
Check TiresGRisk of accident
The tire pressure loss warning system has detected a significant
loss in pressure.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XCheck the tires and, if necessary, change the wheel
( Y page 350).XCheck the tire pressures and, if necessary, set to the correct
tire pressure.XRestart the tire pressure loss warning system when the tire
pressure is correct ( Y page 339).Check tires,
then restart Run
Flat IndicatorA display message for the tire pressure loss warning system was
shown.XSet the correct tire pressure in all four tires.XRestart the tire pressure loss warning system ( Y page 339).Run Flat Indicator
InoperativeThe tire pressure loss warning system is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Tire pressure
displayed after
driving for a few
minutesThe tire pressure monitor is measuring the tire pressure.XDrive on.
The tire pressures appear in the multifunction display after you
have been driving for a few minutes.248Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsTire Pressure
Monitor
InoperativeThe TPMS is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Tire Pressure
Monitor
Inoperative No
Wheel SensorsThe wheels mounted do not have a suitable tire pressure sensor.
The tire pressure monitor is deactivated.XMount wheels with suitable tire pressure sensors.
The TPMS is activated automatically after driving for a few
minutes.Check
Tire(s)GRisk of accident
The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped significantly.
The wheel position is displayed in the multifunction display.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XCorrect the tire pressure ( Y page 341).XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 350).Caution:
Tire DefectGRisk of accident
The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped suddenly. The
wheel position is displayed in the multifunction display.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 350).Tire pressure(s)
Please CorrectThe tire pressure is insufficient in at least one of the tires or the
tire pressure difference between the wheels is too great. The
wheel position is displayed in the multifunction display.XCheck the tire pressures at the next opportunity. If necessary,
correct the tire pressure ( Y page 341).XRestart the tire pressure monitor ( Y page 343).Tire Pressure
Monitor
Wheel Sensor
MissingThere is no signal from the tire pressure sensor of one or several
wheels. The pressure of the affected tire is not displayed in the
multifunction display.XHave the faulty tire pressure sensor replaced at a qualified
specialist workshop.Display messages249On-board computer and displaysBA 164.8 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T15:08:44+02:00 - Seite 249Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsTire Pressure
Monitor
Currently
UnavailableDue to a source of radio interference no signals can be received
from the wheel sensors. The tire pressure monitor is temporarily
malfunctioning.XDrive on.
The TPMS restarts automatically as soon as the problem has
been solved.h
Tire Pressure
Caution: Tire
DefectGRisk of accident
The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped suddenly.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 350).h
Tire Pressure
Check TiresGRisk of accident
The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped significantly.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XIf necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 350).XCheck the tire pressure. If necessary, correct the tire pressure
( Y page 341).h
Please correct the
tire pressuresThe tire pressure is insufficient in at least one of the tires or the
tire pressure difference between the wheels is too great.XCheck the tire pressures at the next opportunity. If necessary,
correct the tire pressure ( Y page 341).
Vehicle
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsShift to P or N
to start engineYou have attempted to start the engine with the transmission in
position R or D. XShift the transmission to position P or N.Auxiliary Battery
MalfunctionThe auxiliary battery for the automatic transmission is no longer
being charged.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Depress brake
to shift out of PYou have attempted to move the transmission selector lever to
position D, R or N without depressing the brake pedal.XDepress the brake pedal.250Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
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