2011 MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class warning

Driving systemsProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions·
The red DTR distance
warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in
motion. A warning tone
also sounds.GRisk of accident
A warning is issued if:
R you are approaching a vehicle in front at too great a speed
R DISTRONIC has detected a stationary obstacle in your line of
travel
XBe prepared to brake immediately.XPay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
Tires
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsh
USA only:
The yellow combination
low tire pressure
telltale/TPMS
malfunction telltale for
the TPMS is on.GRisk of accident
The TPMS has detected a loss of pressure in at least one of the
tires.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XCheck the tire pressure. If necessary, correct the tire pressure
( Y page 331).XIf necessary, change a wheel ( Y page 340).h
USA only:
The yellow combination
low tire pressure
telltale/TPMS
malfunction telltale for
the TPMS flashes for 60
seconds and then
remains illuminated.The TPMS is faulty.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.GWarning
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked every other week when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire and
Loading Information placard on the driver's door B-pillar or, if available, the tire inflation pressure
label on the inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size
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indicated on the Tire and Loading Information placard or, if available, the tire inflation pressure
label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure warning lamp when one or more of your tires
are significantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure warning lamp illuminates,
you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling
and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance,
and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure warning lamp.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure warning lamp. When the system detects a malfunction, the warning lamp will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is lit, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of incompatible
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction warning lamp after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.254Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays
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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. Bear in mind that your vehicle
may not feature all functions described
here. This also refers to safety-related
systems and functions.
Loading guidelines
GWarning!
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible. Use cargo tie-down rings and
fastening materials appropriate for the weight
and size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
The cargo compartment is the preferred place
to carry objects. Always use cargo tie-down
rings, and if so equipped, always use the cargo
net when transporting cargo.
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
The gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the weight
of the vehicle including fuel, the vehicle tool
kit, spare tire, any installed accessories,
vehicle occupants and luggage/cargo.
The load limit and the gross vehicle weight
rating (GVWR) of your vehicle must never be
exceeded. The load limit and the GVWR are
stated on the vehicle identification plate on
the B-pillar on the driver's side
( Y page 334).
Additionally, the cargo must be distributed so
that the weight on each axle never exceeds
the maximum gross axle weight rating
(GAWR) for the front and rear axles. The data
on GVWR and GAWR is stated on the vehicle
identification plate on the B-pillar on the
driver's side ( Y page 334).
Further information can be found in the
"Loading the vehicle" section ( Y page 334).
The handling characteristics of a laden
vehicle are dependent on the distribution of
the load within the vehicle. For this reason,
you should observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R Position heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the cargo
compartment as possible.
R The load must not protrude above the
upper edge of the seat backrests.
R always place the load against the rear or
front seat backrests. Make sure that the
seat backrests are securely locked into
place.
R Hook in the cargo net when loading.
R Always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R Secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie down. Pad sharp edges
for protection.
Stowage compartments
Important safety guidelines
GWarning!
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or
cargo in the cargo compartment if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
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XTo open: pull handle : and fold the
armrest upwards.
Coin holder = is located in front of stowage
compartment ;.
Stowage compartments in the rear
Stowage compartment in the rear
center console
XTo open: press lightly on the top of the
stowage compartment.
The stowage compartment moves out
automatically.Stowage areas
Parcel nets
GWarning!
Vehicles with Occupant Classification System
(OCS)
Do not place objects with a combined weight
of more than 4.4 lbs (2 kg) into the parcel net
on the back of the front passenger seat.
Otherwise, the OCS may not be able to
properly approximate the occupant weight
category.
GWarning
Parcel nets are intended for storing light-
weight items only, such as road maps, mail,
etc.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges, or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
parcel nets. In an accident, during hard
braking, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Parcel nets cannot protect transported goods
in the event of an accident.
Parcel nets are located in the front-passenger
footwell and on the back of the driver's and
the front-passenger seats.
Enlarging the luggage compartment
Important safety guidelines
GWarning!
When expanding the cargo volume, always
fully fold the corresponding seats and, if so
equipped, always use the cargo net when
transporting cargo.
Unless you are transporting cargo, the seat
backrests must remain properly locked in the
upright position.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
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vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
Always use the cargo tie-down rings.GWarning!
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
! Release and fold the seat cushion
upwards before folding the rear bench seat
forward. Otherwise, the backrests may be
damaged.
When the backrest is folded forwards, the
front seats cannot be moved to their
rearmost position. Otherwise, the front
seats and the rear bench seat could be
damaged.
The left-hand and right-hand rear seat
backrests can be folded forwards separately
to increase the cargo compartment capacity.
Folding the rear bench seat forward
i If the driver's or front-passenger seat is
set for a larger person, it may not be
possible to fold the rear bench seat
forwards. In this case, move the front seats
as far forward as possible.
XMove the head restraints to the lowest
position ( Y page 96).XPull release loop : of seat cushion ;.
Seat cushion ; is released.XFold seat cushion ; upwards.XPull release lever = on left or right
backrest ? in the direction of the arrow.
Red safety tab A appears and seat
backrest ? is unlocked.
!
The backrest is heavy. Therefore, take
care when folding it down. Make sure that
the head restraints are pushed all the way
in so that the backrests and seat cushions
are not damaged.
XFold backrest ? forwards until it engages
in the cargo compartment position.XGuide seat belts ; under respective
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Folding the rear bench seat backXFold backrest ; backwards until it
engages, making sure not to trap the seat
belts while doing so.
The red safety tab is no longer visible.XFold seat cushion : backwards and push
until you hear it engage.XPull up and adjust the head restraints if
necessary ( Y page 96).GWarning!
If a red indicator is visible with the seat
backrest up, then the seat backrest is not
properly locked into position.
Always lock seat backrest in its upright
position when the rear seats are occupied, or
the extended cargo compartment is not in
use. Check for secure locking by pushing and
pulling on the seat backrest.
Securing cargos
Lashing eyelets
Observe the following notes on securing
loads:
R secure the load using the cargo tie down
rings.
R do not use elastic straps or nets to secure
a load, as these are only intended as an
anti-slip protection for light loads.
R do not route tie downs across sharp edges
or corners.
R pad sharp edges for protection.
Footwell of the 2nd row of seats
There is one cargo tie-down ring : in the
footwell behind the driver’s seat and one in
the footwell behind the front-passenger seat.
Cargo compartment
There are four cargo tie down rings : in the
cargo compartment.
Mounting hooks
Only use the mounting hooks to secure items
of luggage up to maximum of 9 lbs (4 kg) in
weight.
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There are two securing hooks : on each side
of the cargo compartment.
Luggage compartment cover
Important safety guidelines
! When loading the vehicle, make sure that
you do not stack the load in the cargo
compartment higher than the lower edge of
the side windows. Do not place heavy
objects on top of the cargo compartment
cover.
The cargo compartment cover is located
behind the rear bench seat backrest.
Extending/retracting the luggage
compartment cover
XTo extend: pull the cargo compartment
cover back by grab handle : and clip it
into retainers ; on the left and right.XTo retract: unhook the cargo compartment
cover from retainers ; on the left and right
and guide it forwards by grab handle :
until it is fully retracted.Removing/installing the luggage
compartment coverXTo remove: make sure that cargo
compartment cover ; is rolled up.XPress button :.XMove cargo compartment cover ; to the
left.XRemove cargo compartment cover ;.XTo install: with the handle of the cargo
compartment pointing to the rear and
button : facing upwards, insert cargo
compartment cover ; into the recess of
the side trim on the left-hand side.XGuide cargo compartment cover ; in front
of the recess on the right.XPress button : and insert the right-hand
side section into the recess of the side trim.
Cargo net
Important safety guidelines
GWarning!
Make sure the cargo net is properly engaged
at top and bottom position and the tightening
belts are securely fastened.
Never use a damaged cargo net.
Always use cargo net when transporting
cargo. This helps to avoid personal injury from
smaller objects being thrown around in the
occupant compartment during a collision or
sudden maneuver.
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Inserting the lashing eyelets into the
mountingGWarning!
Distribute the load on the cargo tie down rings
evenly. Please observe the loading guidelines.
XTurn mounting element ; in the loading
rail to =.XInsert cargo tie-down ring : into mounting
element ;.XTurn mounting element ; to & until
you feel it clearly engage in the loading rail.
Belt retractor
The inertia reel can be used to secure light
loads against the side wall of the cargo
compartment to prevent them from moving
around.
XInsert two mounting elements ; into a
loading rail.XTurn mounting elements ; in the loading
rail to =.XInsert inertia reel = into mounting
elements ;.XTurn mounting element ; to & until
you feel it clearly engage in the loading rail.XPress unlocking button : on inertia reel
= and pull the cargo net out in the
direction of the arrow.XPlace the load between the securing net
and the cargo compartment side wall.XUsing one hand, press locking button : of
inertia reel =.XWith your other hand, slowly extend the net
around the load until it is secure.
Telescopic rod
The telescopic rod can be used to secure the
load against the rear seats to prevent it from
moving around.
XInsert one mounting element ; into each
loading rail.XTurn mounting elements ; in the loading
rail to =.XInsert telescopic rod : into mounting
elements ;.XTurn mounting element ; to & until
you feel it clearly engage in the loading rail.264Stowage areasLoading, stowing and features
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