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SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) Display message ............................ 224
Introduction ..................................... 36
Warning lamp ................................. 251
Warning lamp (function) ................... 36
Standard display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 208
Starting the engine Important safety instructions ......... 140
Station
see Radio
Status line (on-board computer)
Multifunction display .....................206
Selecting the display ...................... 214
Steering (display message) .............. 244
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) ...................100
Adjusting (manually) ........................99
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 205
Cleaning ......................................... 292
Important safety instructions ...........99
Memory function (storing
settings) ......................................... 100
Steering wheel heating ..................100
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 103
Steering wheel heating
Indicator lamp (Malfunction) ..........100
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 148
Stowage compartments Armrest (under) ............................. 257
Glove box ....................................... 257
Stowage space
Center console .............................. 257
Center console (rear) .....................258
Cup holders ................................... 265
Important safety information .........256
Submenu (on-board computer)
Convenience .................................. 218
Instrument cluster .........................214
Lighting .......................................... 215
Time/Date ..................................... 215
Vehicle ........................................... 217
Summer opening
see Convenience opening feature
Sun visor ............................................ 266Supplemental Restraint System
see SRS
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 215
SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) .......................21
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 69
T
Tachometer ........................................ 204
Tailgate Display message ............................ 244
Emergency unlocking .......................84
Important safety guidelines .............80
Limiting the opening angle ...............83
Taillight
see Tail lamps
Tank contents
Gauge .............................................. 28
Technical data ................................... 354
ML 350 .......................................... 364
ML 350 4MATIC ............................. 364
ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC ...............363
ML 550 4MATIC ............................. 364
ML 63 AMG ................................... 365
Tires/wheels ................................. 347
TELEAID
Call priority .................................... 274
Display message ............................ 224
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 274
Emergency call .............................. 271
Important safety notes ..................270
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............275
MB info call button ........................273
Roadside Assistance button ..........272
Self-test ......................................... 271
System .......................................... 271
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............275
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 220
Display message ............................ 245
Menu (on-board computer) ............220
Number from the phone book ........ 221
Redialing ........................................ 221
Rejecting/ending a call .................221
Telephone compartment .................. 257
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Telescopic rod (EASY-PACK load-
securing kit) ....................................... 264
Temperature Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 208
Displaying the outside
temperature ................................... 208
Engine oil (on-board computer) ...... 209
Outside temperature ...................... 204
Setting ........................................... 131
Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer ...................................... 69
Tilt/sliding sunroof
Opening/closing .............................. 89
Resetting ......................................... 89
Time (on-board computer) ................ 215
Timer (on-board computer) .............. 209
TIREFIT kit .......................................... 301
Tire pressure Calling up (on-board computer) .....331
Checking manually ........................329
Display message ............................ 241
Maximum ....................................... 334
Notes ............................................. 327
Not reached (TIREFIT) ....................303
Pressure loss warning ....................329
Reached (TIREFIT) ..........................304
Recommended ............................... 326
Tire pressure monitor
Warning lamp ................................. 253
Tire pressure monitoring system
Function/notes ............................. 331
Restarting ...................................... 333
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................346
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................344
Bar (definition) ............................... 344
Characteristics .............................. 344
Checking ........................................ 325
Cleaning ......................................... 326
Definition of terms .........................344
Direction of rotation ......................338
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................347
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 343
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............344Flat tire .......................................... 300
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 345
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 345
Guidelines to be observed .............325
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 345
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................345
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......345
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........345
Labeling (overview) ........................340
Load bearing index (definition) ......346
Load index ..................................... 343
Load index (definition) ...................345
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 345
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 346
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 346
Maximum tire load .........................338
Maximum tire loading (definition) ..346
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 346
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 346
Replacing ....................................... 340
Service life ..................................... 325
Sidewall (definition) .......................346
Speed index (definition) .................345
Storing ........................................... 326
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 344
Temperature .................................. 339
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 346
Tire bead (definition) ......................346
Tire pressure (definition) ................346
Tire pressures (recommended) ......344
Tire quality classes ........................338
Tire size (data) ............................... 347
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed index ....................341
Tire tread ....................................... 325
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Total load limit (definition) .............347
Traction ......................................... 339
Traction (definition) .......................346
Tread wear ..................................... 339
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) .................347
Uniform tire quality classification
standards (definition) .....................344
Unladen weight (definition) ............345
Wear indicator (definition) .............347
Wheel rim (definition) ....................345
Tires and wheels (important safety
information) ....................................... 324
Top Tether ............................................ 62
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........317
Towing a trailer
Driving tips .................................... 198
Towing away
Installing the towing eye ................318
Removing the towing eye ...............319
Trailer
Coupling up ................................... 198
Decoupling ..................................... 200
Display message ............................ 230
Power supply ................................. 201
Towing ........................................... 199
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 200
Trailer towing .................................... 147
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 191
ESP ®
................................................ 68
PARKTRONIC ................................. 186
Transfer case ..................................... 151
Transmission position display ......... 145
Transmission positions .................... 146
Traveling uphill Brow of hill ..................................... 171
Driving downhill ............................. 171
Maximum gradient-climbing
capability ....................................... 170
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 219
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 208
Resetting (on-board computer) ......220Trunk
Automatic opening ..................... 82, 83
Turn signal (display message) ......... 230
Turn signals ....................................... 109
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................... 347
Type plate see Vehicle identification plate
U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................80
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 79
V
Vanity mirror Sun visor ........................................ 266
Vehicle
Data acquisition ............................... 23
Emergency release ..........................80
Equipment ....................................... 19
Exterior view .................................... 26
Individual settings (on-board
computer) ...................................... 213
Loading .......................................... 334
Lowering ........................................ 310
Maintenance .................................... 20
Parking up ..................................... 159
Raising ........................................... 306
Reporting problems .........................22
Towing away .................................. 317
Tow-starting ................................... 317
Transporting .................................. 319
Vehicle data
see Technical data
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 355
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 298
Video (DVD) ........................................ 212
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 212
VIN ...................................................... 355
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W
Warning and indicator lamps Overview .......................................... 29
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only Canada) ...........48
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only USA) ................42
Warranty ............................................ 354
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 310
Wheel chock ...................................... 306
Wheels Changing/replacing .......................340
Changing a wheel .......................... 305
Checking ........................................ 325
Cleaning ......................................... 289
Guidelines to be observed .............325
Mounting a wheel .......................... 308
Removing a wheel ..........................308
Tightening torque ........................... 310
Wheel size/tire size .......................347
Window curtain air bag ....................... 41
Windows see Side windows
Windows (cleaning instructions) ..... 290
Windshield Defrosting ...................................... 132
Infrared reflective .......................... 279
Windshield washer fluid (display
message) ............................................ 245
Windshield washer system Adding washer fluid .......................286
Notes ............................................. 363
Windshield wipers
Important safety notes ..................117
Replacing the wiper blades ....118, 119
Switching on/off ........................... 117
Troubleshooting ............................. 120
Winter operation ............................... 166
Radiator cover ............................... 283
Winter tires ........................................ 165
Wiper blades Cleaning ......................................... 29018IndexBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 18
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Product information
We recommend using genuine Mercedes-
Benz parts as well as conversion parts and
accessories explicitly approved by us for your
vehicle model.
We have tested these parts to determine their
reliability, safety and special suitability for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Despite ongoing
market research, Mercedes-Benz is unable to
assess other parts. We cannot therefore be
held responsible for them, even if in individual
cases an official approval or authorization by
governmental or other agencies should exist.
The use of non-approved parts could affect
your vehicle's operating safety. Mercedes-
Benz therefore recommends that you use
genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion
parts and accessories that have been
approved for the type of vehicle. Genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts, approved conversion
parts and accessories are available from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. In
addition, you will receive advice about
permissible technical modifications, and the
parts will be professionally installed.
Operator's Manual
Notes on the Operator's Manual
This Operator's Manual contains a great deal
of helpful information. We urge you to read it
carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of
the vehicle, we urge you to follow the
instructions and warnings contained in this
Operator's Manual. Ignoring them could
result in damage to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others. Vehicle damage
caused by failure to follow instructions is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Vehicle equipment
This manual describes all the standard and
optional equipment of your vehicle available
at the time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all functions described. This
also refers to safety-related systems and
functions. The equipment in your vehicle may
therefore differ from that shown in the
descriptions and illustrations. All the systems
found in your vehicle are listed in the original
purchase agreement of your vehicle. Should
you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The Operating Instructions and the
Maintenance Booklet are important
documents and should be kept in the vehicle.
Service and vehicle operation
Service and literature
The Service and Warranty Information
booklet contains detailed information about
the warranties covering your vehicle. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
replace and repair any factory-fitted parts
based on the terms and conditions of the
following warranties:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission System Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island and Vermont Emission
Control System Warranty 2
R State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon
Laws)
2 Valid only for vehicles with a gasoline engine.Introduction19BA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 19
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Information for customers in
California
Under California law you may be entitled to a
replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the
purchase price or lease price, if after a
reasonable number of repair attempts
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and/or its
authorized repair or service facilities fail to fix
one or more substantial defects or
malfunctions in the vehicle that are covered
by its express warranty. During the period of
18 months from original delivery of the
vehicle or the accumulation of 18 000 miles
(approximately 29 000 km) on the odometer
of the vehicle, whichever occurs first, a
reasonable number of repair attempts is
presumed for a retail buyer or lessee if one or
more of the following occurs:(1)the same substantial defect or
malfunction results in a condition that is
likely to cause death or serious bodily
injury if the vehicle is driven, that defect
or malfunction has been subject to repair
two or more times, and you have directly
notified Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC in
writing of the need for its repair.(2)the same substantial defect or
malfunction of a less serious nature than
category (1) has been subject to repair
four or more times and you have directly
notified Mercedes-Benz in writing of the
need for its repair.(3)the vehicle is out of service by reason of
repair of the same or different substantial
defects or malfunctions for a cumulative
total of more than 30 calendar days.
Please send your written notice to:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Customer Assistance Center
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
Maintenance
The Service and Warranty Information
Booklet describes all necessary maintenance
work that should be performed at regular
intervals.
Always have the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet with you when you bring
the vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. The service advisor will record each
service in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for you.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program provides factory-trained technical
help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to the
toll-free Roadside Assistance number will be
answered by Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day,
365 days a year.
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372)
(USA)
1-800-387-0100 (Canada)
For additional information refer to the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program brochure (in the USA) or the
Roadside Assistance section of the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet (in
Canada) You will find both in your vehicle
literature portfolio.
In accordance with standard program
guidelines, Roadside Assistance is prepared
to provide vehicle service up until a
reasonable distance from the next paved
roadway. We will make every effort to assist
in a breakdown situation. However, the
accessibility of your vehicle will be
determined by our authorized Mercedes-Benz
Service technician or the tow service provider
on a case-by-case basis.
Additional charges may be applicable for a
breakdown location determined not to be a
reasonably accessible roadside location as
determined by our authorized technician and
tow service provider.
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Change of address or ownership
In the event of a change of address, be sure
to send in the "Change of Address Notice"
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or simply call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
(in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) or Customer Service (in
Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. This will assist
us in contacting you in a timely manner
should the need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all
literature with the vehicle to make it available
to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the "Notice of Purchase of Used
Truck" found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the
USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) or Customer Service (in
Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.
Vehicle operation outside the USA
and Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that:
R Service facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
R Unleaded gasoline for vehicles with
catalytic converters may not be available.
The use of leaded fuels can damage the
catalytic converter.
R Gasoline may have a considerably lower
octane rating. Improper fuel can cause
engine damage.
Sport Utility Vehicle
GWarning!
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
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
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
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Page 24 of 372

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function when the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.GWarning
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole. If you feel a sudden significant
vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect
that damage to your vehicle has occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers.
R slow down carefully.
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
Proper use of the vehicle
To ensure proper use of the vehicle, you must
familiarize yourself with the following
information and rules:
R safety notes in this Operator's Manual
R technical data in this Operator's Manual
R traffic rules and regulations
R laws and safety standards pertaining to
motor vehicles
GWarning!
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended to
make you and others aware of various risks.
Do not remove any of these warning labels
unless explicitly instructed to do so by
information on the label itself.
Removing warning labels may cause you and
others to be unaware of certain risks which
may result in an accident and/or personal
injury.GWarning!
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all
necessary safety information and warning for
the operation of your vehicle.
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the problem diagnosed
and rectified. If the problem is not resolved to
your satisfaction, please discuss the problem
with the Mercedes-Benz Center again or, if
necessary, contact us at one of the following
addresses.
In the USA
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Customer Relations Department
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
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