2011 MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class Off-road function

From HIGH RANGE to LOW RANGE
! Only carry out the gear change process if:
R the engine is running
R the transmission is in position N
R you are not driving faster than
25 mph (40 km/h)
XPress LOW RANGE button :.
Indicator lamp ; flashes. LOW RANGE
indicator = appears in the multifunction
display.
When the gear change is complete,
indicator lamp ; lights up.
While indicator lamp ; is flashing, you can
cancel the gear change by pressing LOW
RANGE button : again.
From LOW RANGE to HIGH RANGE
! Only carry out the gear change process if:
R the engine is running
R the transmission is in position N
R you are not driving faster than 43 mph
(70 km/h)
XPress LOW RANGE button :.
Indicator lamp ; flashes.
If the gear change process has taken place,
indicator lamp ; and LOW RANGEindicator = in the multifunction display go
out.
While indicator lamp ; is flashing, you can
cancel the gear change by pressing LOW
RANGE button : again.
Messages in the multifunction display
If a gear change process has not been
successful, the following messages may be
displayed in the multifunction display:
Max. Speed 25 Mph (Canada: 40 Km/h): you
have been driving faster than 25 mph
(40 km/h). Indicator lamp ; also flashes.
XDrive more slowly to carry out the gear
change process.
Shift briefly into N : the transmission is
in position D and you are driving slower than
25 mph (40 km/h).
XShift the transmission to N to complete the
gear change process.
Shifting Process Canceled
Reactivate : the shifting process has not
been completed.
XEnsure that all gear change conditions are
fulfilled and carry out the gear change
process again.
Stop vehicle, engage parking brake :
a warning tone is also heard. The gear change
process has not been completed. LOW
RANGE is in the neutral position. There is no
connection between the engine and the drive
wheels.
! Do not drive any further, otherwise you
could damage the vehicle’s drive train.
XStop the vehicle. Take into account the
road and traffic conditions when doing this.XDepress the parking brake.XCarry out the gear change process again.
If the gear change process has been carried
out, the Stop vehicle, engage
parking brake message disappears.Off-road driving systems195Driving and parkingBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 195Z

Differential lock
General notes
i Differential locks are available only in
vehicles with the Off-Road Pro engineering
package.
Your vehicle is equipped with the following:
R A differential lock for the transfer box: this
controls the balance between the front and
rear axles.
R A differential lock for the rear axle: this
controls the balance between the wheels
and the rear axle.
Differential locks improve the vehicle's
traction. 4ETS ( Y page 67)controls the
balance between the wheels on the front axle.
Information on "Off-road driving"; see
( Y page 166).
Information about the differential and
differential locks
When the vehicle is driving around a curve,
the wheels on the outside of the curve have
to cover a greater distance and therefore
have to turn faster than the wheels on the
inside. The differential, a transmission in the
drive train, balances these different rotational
speeds out, making cornering possible.
The disadvantage of a differential: the wheels
with the least grip are driven the hardest.
Example: one wheel on a driven axle is on a
snow-covered surface and therefore has no
traction. This wheel has the most driving
force, since the differential distributes most
of the force to the wheel with the least
resistance. The wheel on the opposite side of
this axle, which is on a solid surface and could
therefore enable traction, does not have any
driving force. 4ETS eliminates this
disadvantage and ensures good steerability
by braking the spinning wheel automatically
and thereby directing more force to the wheel
that is on a solid surface and can provide
traction.
ESP ®
and 4ETS are traction systems that are
ideally suited to road driving and driving on
easily negotiable off-road terrain. The LOW
RANGE off-road gear also improves off-road
capability.
Difficult off-road conditions require additional
measures, such as locking one or more
differentials. Your vehicle has two differential
locks: one (central) differential lock for the
transfer case and one differential lock for the
rear axle. Both differential locks can be
activated using the selector wheel on the
center console. When the (central)
differential for the transfer case is locked, the
speed of the front wheels is the same as the
speed of the rear wheels. When the
differential for the rear axle is locked, both of
the rear wheels turn at the same speed,
independent of their individual torques. Note
that activating the differential locks
significantly reduces the steerability of the
vehicle.
For your safety, the safety of others and to
prevent damage to the vehicle, the
differential locks must not be activated on
paved roads. Note that the differential
function is necessary when driving on paved
roads and that the differentials must never be
locked on paved roads. Otherwise, the
vehicle can no longer be steered. The
differential locks must therefore only be
activated when driving off-road, and then only
if activating the other driving systems (4ETS,
ESP ®
and LOW RANGE off-road gear) is no
longer sufficient.
Engaging the differential locks
! Drive off slowly when the differential
locks are engaged.
Function or performance tests may only be
performed on a 2-axle dynamometer. If you
wish to operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
beforehand. You could otherwise damage
the drive train or the brake system.
196Off-road driving systemsDriving and parking
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Automatic mode
Use automatic mode ; for all driving
situations, including driving off-road or when
fording.
In automatic mode, the differential locks are
engaged and disengaged according to driving
requirements. This guarantees sufficient
traction for most driving situations with
unrestricted vehicle steerability.
XStart the engine.
The differential locks are in automatic
mode. The indicator lamp in selector
wheel : lights up above symbol for
automatic mode ;.
Engaging manually
GWarning!
Never drive on a paved surface with the center
and rear axle differential locks manually
engaged. Ability to steer the vehicle is greatly
reduced when the differential locks are
manually engaged, increasing the risk of an
accident.
For safety reasons, the locks are
automatically released at a vehicle speed
above 31 mph (50 km/h). Nevertheless, you
should only manually lock the differential if
absolutely necessary because engaged locks
will restrict the vehicle drivetrain while
cornering and cause the vehicle to chatter.
This could cause you to lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident.
! The differential locks must not be
activated when the vehicle is being towed
or while the wheels are spinning.
Only engage the differential locks manually if
traction in automatic mode is insufficient.
At speeds of up to 19 mph (30 km/h), you
can engage the differential locks manually.XStart the engine.XTurn selector wheel : to desired position
= or ?.
The indicator lamp in selector wheel :
lights up at the corresponding symbol.
The engaged differential appears in the
multifunction display:
AThe differential lock for the transfer case
is locked.
If you have not previously selected the off-
road menu ( Y page 213) in the on-board
computer, the message disappears after
about five seconds.
The differential locks are not controlled
automatically. The steerability of the vehicle
is restricted considerably. Drive carefully and
accelerate gently for optimum traction.
! If the differential locks are activated
manually, the wheels scuff on the road
when cornering since the rotation
difference between the wheels is no longer
balanced out.
You can switch back to automatic mode at
any time. For safety reasons, the differential
locks disengage automatically at speeds
above 31 mph (50 km/h). If you stop the
vehicle and switch off the ignition for longer
than ten seconds, the differential locks
switch back to automatic mode.
Off-road driving systems197Driving and parkingBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 197Z

:RACETIMER overall evaluation;Total time driven=Top speed?Distance coveredAAverage speed
Lap evaluation
This function is only available if you have
stored at least two laps and have stopped the
RACETIMER.
XPress V or U on the steering wheel
to select the AMG menu.XPress the & button repeatedly until the
lap evaluation is shown.
Each lap is shown in a separate submenu.
The fastest lap is indicated by flashing
symbol :.:Lap;Lap time=Top speed during lap?Lap lengthAAverage lap speedXPress the & or * button to select a
different lap evaluation.Off-road mode menu in AMG vehicles
In the Off-road Mode menu you can switch
the off-road drive program (Y page 193) on or
off.XPress the V or U button on the
steering wheel to select the Off-road
Mode menu.XPress the W or X button to switch
Off-road Mode on or off.
i
The setting will remain stored after you
switch off the engine.
If the off-road drive program is switched on,
you will see off-road display : in the
multifunction display.
:Off-road display
Audio menu
Selecting a radio station
i SIRIUS XM satellite radio acts like a
normal radio.
For more information on satellite radio
operation, see the separate operating
instructions.
You can only change the waveband and store
new stations using COMAND APS.
XSwitch on COMAND APS and select Radio
(see the separate operating instructions).XPress V or U on the steering wheel
to select the Audio menu.Menus and submenus211On-board computer and displaysBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 211Z

Route guidance inactive
The direction of travel appears in the
multifunction display. If the name of the
street is part of the navigation system data,
this will also be displayed.
Route guidance active
The multifunction display shows navigation
instructions, for example:
Off-road menu
Depending on your vehicle's optional
equipment, you can set the following current
settings to be shown in the Off-road menu:
R level control ( Y page 181)
R compass ( Y page 279)
R differential locks ( Y page 196)
i Large buildings, power cables or powerful
transmission masts as well as metallic
objects on or in the vehicle may interfere
with the compass display.
XPress V or U on the steering wheel
to select the Offroad menu.
Example display for vehicles with the Off-Road Pro
engineering package
Settings menu
Introduction
The Settings menu allows you to:
R Restoring the factory settings
R Changing the instrument cluster settings
R Changing the time/date settings 32
R Changing the lighting settings
R Changing the vehicle settings
R Changing the convenience settings
Resetting to factory settings
For safety reasons, the Daytime Running
Lamps function in the Lighting submenu is
only reset if the vehicle is stationary.
XPress V or U on the steering wheel
to select the Settings menu.XPress and hold the . reset button on the
instrument cluster for approximately three
seconds.
A prompt appears in the multifunction
display asking you to confirm by pressing
the . reset button again.32
This function is not available in vehicles with the navigation module.Menus and submenus213On-board computer and displaysBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 213Z

Driving systemsDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions°
Level Selection
Not PermittedYou cannot change the vehicle level, because:
R you are exceeding the permissible speed for the selected
vehicle level.
R you are towing a trailer.
R the trailer-coupling socket is being used, e.g. for a bicycle rack.XDrive more slowly and then select the desired vehicle level again
( Y page 184).XObserve the notes on towing a trailer ( Y page 198).°
Compressor Cooling
DownYou have selected a higher vehicle level. The compressor first
needs to cool down because of frequent level changes.XDrive in a manner appropriate for the current vehicle level.XMake sure that there is sufficient ground clearance.XAllow the compressor to cool down.
When the compressor has cooled down, the display message
disappears. The vehicle then continues rising to the selected
level.°
MalfunctionLevel control is faulty.XDo not drive faster than 50 mph(80 km/h).XMake sure that there is sufficient ground clearance.XHave the vehicle checked at a qualified specialist workshop.°
Rising
Max.12 MPHThe vehicle is being adjusted to off-road level 3. The display
message informs you of the maximum speed permissible for off-
road level 3.XDo not drive faster than 12 mph(20 km/h).°
Max.12 MPHYou are driving in off-road level 3. The display message informs
you of the maximum speed permissible for off-road level 3.XDo not drive faster than 12 mph(20 km/h).Æ
Being lowered
Max.12 MPHThe vehicle is being lowered from off-road level 3 to off-road level
2. The display message informs you of the maximum speed
permissible for off-road level 3.XDo not driver faster than 12 mph(20 km/h) until off-road level
2 is reached.Display messages237On-board computer and displaysBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 237Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsÆ
Reduce speed to
under 12 MPHGRisk of accident
You are exceeding the speed permissible for the selected off-road
level.
XAdjust your driving style to the altered handling characteristics.XOnly make slight steering movements and avoid fast steering
movements.XTake account of the altered handling characteristics.XDo not driver faster than 12 mph(20 km/h).8
Locking System
Inoperative
Service RequiredThe differential locks are faulty. XDo not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h).XHave the vehicle checked at a qualified specialist workshop.8
Diff. Lock System
Overheated - Wait
brieflyThe differential locks are too hot and have been disengaged.XDrive on carefully.XAllow the differential locks to cool down.
The differential locks reengage as soon as they have cooled
down.8
Stop vehicle,
engage parking
brakeA gearshift process has been canceled. LOW RANGE is in the
neutral position. There is no connection between the engine and
the drive wheels.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XEngage the parking brake. Do not continue driving under any
circumstances.XRepeat the gearshift process.Å
Service Required
If parked engage
pk. brakeThe LOW RANGE system is malfunctioning. XDo not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h).XEngage the parking brake to park.XHave the vehicle checked at a qualified specialist workshop.Å
Max. Speed 25 MPHYou have exceeded the maximum speed for the gearshift process.XDrive slower.
The gearshift process is carried out.Å
Max. Speed 40 MPHYou have exceeded the maximum speed for the gearshift process.XDrive slower.
The gearshift process is carried out.238Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
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XTighten the wheel bolts evenly in a
crosswise pattern in the sequence
indicated ( : to A). The tightening torque
must be 110 lb-ft (150 Nm) .GWarning!
Have the tightening torque checked
immediately after a wheel is changed. The
wheels could come loose if they are not
tightened to a torque of 110 lb-ft (150 Nm).
XTurn the jack back to its initial position and
store it together with the rest of the vehicle
tool kit in the cargo compartment.
Vehicles with an emergency spare wheel:
XWrap the faulty wheel in the protective film
included with the emergency spare wheel
and transport the wheel in the cargo
compartment.
or
XDepending on the size of the wheel, you
may also be able to secure the faulty wheel
in the emergency spare wheel well. In this
case, you must remove the stowage tray
from the emergency spare wheel well and
store it securely in the cargo compartment.
Further information on stowing the
collapsible spare wheel ( Y page 299).
i When you are driving with the collapsible
spare wheel mounted, the tire pressure
loss warning system or the tire pressure
monitor cannot function reliably. Only
restart the tire pressure loss warning
system/tire pressure monitor when the
defective wheel has been replaced with a
new wheel.
Vehicles with tire pressure monitor: all
mounted wheels must be equipped with
functioning sensors and the defective
wheel should no longer be in the vehicle.
MOExtended run-flat system
The MOExtended run-flat system allows you
to drive on even if there is a complete loss of
pressure in one or more tires.
The MOExtended run-flat system may only be
used in conjunction with the activated tire
pressure loss warning system or with the
activated tire pressure monitor.
The maximum permissible distance which
can be driven in run-flat mode depends on the
cargo in the vehicle. You can drive 50 miles
(80 km) if the vehicle is partially laden and
18 miles (30 km) if it is fully laden.
The maximum permissible distance which
can be driven in run-flat mode is counted from
the moment the tire pressure loss warning
appears in the multifunction display.
You must not exceed a maximum speed of
50 mph(80 km/h).GWarning!
The handling characteristics of your vehicle
deteriorate in run-flat mode, for example:
R when cornering
R when braking
R when accelerating rapidly
Adapt your driving style accordingly and avoid
sudden changes in direction and sudden
acceleration, as well as driving over obstacles
(i.e. curbs, potholes), and driving off-road.
This is particularly the case when the vehicle
is heavily laden.
The maximum permissible distance that can
be driven in run-flat mode depends to a large
extent on the loads placed on the vehicle. It
can be shorter due to high speeds, a heavy
cargo, sudden changes in direction, the road
surface condition, outside temperature, etc.,
or further if you drive carefully and
conservatively.
Do not continue to drive in run-flat mode if:
R you hear banging noises.
R the vehicle starts to shake.
R you see smoke and smell rubber.
Flat tire311Roadside assistanceBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 311Z