2011 MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class ESP

Symbols
Registered trademarks:
R AdBlue ®
is a registered trademark of the
Association of German Automobile
Manufacturers (VDA).
R BabySmart™ is a registered trademark of
the Siemens Automotive Corp.
R Bluetooth ®
is a registered trademark of the
Bluetooth SIG Inc.
R ESP ®
and PRE-SAFE ®
are registered
trademarks of Daimler AG.
R HomeLink ®
is a registered trademark of
Prince, a Johnson Controls Company.
R SIRIUS and related brands are registered
trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc.
In this Operator's Manual you will find the
following symbols:GWarning
Warning notices draw your attention to
hazards that endanger your health or life, or
the health or life of others.
! Warning notices draw your attention to
hazards that could cause damage to your
vehicle.
i Practical tips or other information that
could be helpful to you.
XThis symbol indicates instructions
that you must follow.XA number of these symbols
appearing in succession indicates
instructions with several steps.Y pageThis symbol tells you where to look
for further information on a topic.YYThis symbol marks a warning or
procedure which is continued on
the next page.DisplayText in the multifunction display/
COMAND display.BA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 2

Welcome to the world of Mercedes-Benz
Before you drive off, please familiarize
yourself with your vehicle and read this
manual, especially the safety and warning
notices. This will help you to obtain the
maximum pleasure from your vehicle and to
avoid endangering yourself and others.
The equipment or product designation of your
vehicle may vary depending on:
R model
R order
R country specification
R availability
Mercedes-Benz is constantly updating its
vehicles to the state of the art.
Mercedes-Benz therefore reserves the right
to introduce changes in the following areas:
R design
R equipment
R technical features
You cannot therefore base any claims on the
data, illustrations or descriptions contained
in this manual.
The following are integral parts of the vehicle:
R Operator's Manual
R Brief Instructions 1
R Service Booklet
R Supplements relating to vehicle equipment
Keep these documents in the vehicle at all
times. When you sell the vehicle, always pass
the documents on to the new owner.
The technical documentation team at
Daimler AG wishes you safe and pleasant
motoring.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
A Daimler Company1 Canada only.1645843783
É1645843783DËÍ
BA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 1

Cargo tie down rings ......................... 260
CD player/CD changer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 212
Center console ..................................... 31
Central locking Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 217
SmartKey ......................................... 72
Changing bulbs
Headlamps ..................................... 111
Changing gears .................................. 146
Changing the programming SmartKey ......................................... 75
Checklist
After driving off-road ...................... 168
Before driving off-road ...................167
Child-proof locks
Rear doors ....................................... 63
Special seat belt retractor ...............61
Children
In the vehicle ................................... 58
Restraint systems ............................ 59
Child seat
Automatic recognition .....................48
Automatic recognition/air bag
deactivation, self-test ......................50
ISOFIX (LATCH-type child seat
anchors) ........................................... 61
Special seat belt retractor ...............61
Top Tether ....................................... 62
Troubleshooting ............................... 51
Cigarette lighter ................................ 267
Climate control Activating/deactivating .................128
Activating/deactivating air-
recirculation mode .........................133
Controlling automatically ...............130
Cooling with air dehumidification ..129
Defrosting the windshield ..............132
Demisting the windows .................. 133
Dual-zone automatic climate
control ........................................... 123
Important safety information .........122
Indicator lamp ................................ 130
Multi-zone automatic climate
control ........................................... 124
Problems with "cooling with air
dehumidification" ........................... 130Problems with the rear window
heating .......................................... 133
Rear control panel .................125, 128
Refrigerant ..................................... 362
Setting the air distribution .............132
Setting the airflow .........................132
Setting the air vents ......................135
Setting the temperature ................131
Setting the temperature (rear
compartment) ................................ 131
Switching the MONO function on/
off .................................................. 132
Switching the rear window
heating on/off ............................... 133
Switching the residual heat
function on/off .............................. 134
Clock (on-board computer) ............... 215
Cockpit ................................................. 27
Collapsible spare wheel Inflating ......................................... 309
see Emergency spare wheel
Combination switch .......................... 109
Compass ............................................ 279
Calling up ....................................... 279
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 219
Convenience closing feature .............. 86
Convenience opening feature ............ 86
Coolant (engine) Checking the level .........................285
Display message ............................ 233
Notes ............................................. 362
Temperature gauge ........................ 208
Cooling
see Climate control
Cornering light (display message) ... 230
Crash-responsive emergency
lighting ............................................... 111
Cruise control .................................... 171
Cruise control lever .......................172
Display message ............................ 239
Cup holder ......................................... 265
Center console .............................. 265
Rear compartment .........................266
Current fuel consumption (on-
board computer) ............................... 2206IndexBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 6

Customer Assistance Center(CAC) ............................................... 22
Customer Relations Department ....... 22
D
Dashboard see Cockpit
Date (on-board computer) ................ 215
Daytime driving lights Display message ............................ 233
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 215
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 216
Interior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 217
Diesel particle filter .......................... 161
Differential locks ............................... 196
Differential locks (display
message) ............................................ 238
Digital speedometer Displaying ...................................... 208
Setting the unit (on-board
computer) ...................................... 214
DIRECT SELECT lever
see Automatic transmission
Display (cleaning instructions) ........ 292
Display messages Brakes ........................................... 228
Calling up (on-board computer) .....222
Clearing (on-board computer) ........222
Engine ............................................ 233
Lamps ............................................ 233
Safety systems .............................. 223
Service interval display ..................287
Tires ............................................... 241
Vehicle ........................................... 243
Distance recorder ............................. 208
Distance warning function
(vehicles with DISTRONIC) ................. 69
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 219
Distance warning lamp ..................... 253
DISTRONIC ......................................... 173
Display message ............................ 240
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 179
Driving tips .................................... 179
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 177
Warning lamp ................................. 253
Door
Automatic locking ............................ 79
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 217
Display message ............................ 244
Emergency locking ........................... 80
Emergency unlocking .......................80
Opening (from inside) ......................79
Door control panel
Overview .......................................... 33
Doors
Important safety notes ....................78
Drinking and driving ......................... 160
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 148
Manual ........................................... 149
Driving abroad ................................... 171
Driving in mountainous terrain Approach/departure angle ............170
Driving on flooded roads .................. 164
Driving safety system EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) ..................................... 68
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 66
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 67
Important safety information ...........65
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......65
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............66
Distance warning system
(vehicles with DISTRONIC) ...............69
Overview .......................................... 65
Driving systems
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 189
Cruise control ................................ 171
DISTRONIC .................................... 173
Level control .................................. 181Index7BA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 7

PARKTRONIC ................................. 184
Rear view camera .......................... 187
Driving tip
Braking .......................................... 163
Driving tips ........................................ 147
DISTRONIC .................................... 179
Downhill gradients .........................161
Driving on flooded roads ................164
Driving on sand .............................. 168
Driving over obstacles ...................169
Off-road driving .............................. 167
Off-road fording ............................. 164
Tire ruts ......................................... 169
Towing a trailer .............................. 198
Wet road surface ........................... 162
Winter ............................................ 166
DSR (Downhill Speed
Regulation) ......................................... 192
Display message ............................ 239
Setting (on-board computer) .......... 219
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 212
E
EASY-ENTRY feature ......................... 100
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 218
EASY-EXIT feature ............................. 100
Crash-responsive ........................... 101
EASY-PACK cargo compartment
management system ........................ 263
EASY-PACK load-securing kit ........... 263
EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) Display message ............................ 229
Function/notes ................................ 68
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic Brake-force
Distribution) see EBD
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®

Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS
Emergency call
see mbrace
Emergency release
Fuel filler flap ................................. 153
Vehicle ............................................. 80
Emergency running mode
Automatic transmission .................151
Emergency spare wheel
Storage location ............................ 299
Stowing .......................................... 299
Emergency tensioning device
Function ........................................... 57
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Emergency unlocking
Tailgate ............................................ 84
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....19
Engine
Irregular running ............................ 143
Starting problems ..........................143
Starting the engine with the key ....141
Starting with KEYLESS GO .............141
Switching off .................................. 158
Warning lamp (engine
diagnostics) ................................... 252
Engine electronics
Malfunction .................................... 143
Engine emergency stop .................... 322
Engine number .................................. 356
Engine oil Adding ........................................... 284
Checking the oil level ..................... 283
Display message ............................ 235
Lubricant additives ........................361
Notes about oil grades ................... 361
Temperature (on-board computer) . 209
Viscosity ........................................ 361
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) Activating/deactivating ...................67
Display message ............................ 223
ETS/4ETS ........................................ 67
Important safety information ...........66
Trailer stabilization ........................... 68
Warning lamp ................................. 250
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ................................................ 67
Exhaust check ................................... 1618IndexBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 8

Adjusting (rear) ................................ 96
Installing/removing (rear) ................96
Luxury .............................................. 95
see NECK-PRO head restraints
Heating
see Climate control
High beam flasher ............................. 109
Hill start assist .................................. 142
Hood Closing ........................................... 283
Opening ......................................... 282
Hydroplaning ..................................... 163
I
Immobilizer .......................................... 69
Indicator and warning lamps ABS ................................................ 249
Brakes ........................................... 247
DISTRONIC .................................... 253
Engine diagnostics .........................252
ESP ®
.............................................. 250
Fuel tank ........................................ 252
Reserve fuel ................................... 252
Seat belt ........................................ 248
SRS ................................................ 251
Tire pressure monitor ....................253
Insect protection on the radiator .... 283
Instrument cluster Overview .......................................... 28
Selecting the language (on-board
computer) ...................................... 214
Submenu (on-board computer) ......214
Warning and indicator lamps ...........29
Instrument cluster lighting ................ 28
Instrument lighting see Instrument cluster lighting
Interior lighting
Automatic control ..........................111
Delayed switch-off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 217
Emergency lighting ........................111
Manual control ............................... 111
Reading lamp ................................. 110
Setting ambient lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 216
ISOFIX (LATCH-type child seat
securing system) ................................. 61
J
Jack Storage location ............................ 298
Using ............................................. 306
Jump-starting ..................................... 315
K
Key Convenience closing feature ............86
Convenience opening feature ..........86
Display message ............................ 245
Starting the engine ........................141
KEYLESS-GO
Button ............................................ 139
Convenience closing feature ............86
Locking ............................................ 73
Starting the engine ........................141
Unlocking ......................................... 73
Key positions
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 139
SmartKey ....................................... 139
Kickdown ................................... 147, 149
L
Lane-change assistant see Blind Spot Assist
Language (on-board computer) ........ 214
Level control ...................................... 181
Level control (display message) ...... 237
Level setting Basic settings ................................ 182
License plate lamp (display
message) ............................................ 232
Light Setting ambient lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 216
Lights
Activating/deactivating the
interior lighting delayed switch-off
(on-board computer) ......................217
Automatic headlamp mode ............107
Cornering light function .................110
Daytime running lamps ..................107
Driving abroad ............................... 106
Fog lamps ...................................... 108
Hazard warning lamps ...................109
10IndexBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 10

O
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) Faults ............................................... 47
Operation ......................................... 42
System self-test ............................... 45
Occupant safety
Children in the vehicle .....................58
System overview .............................. 36
OCS
Faults ............................................... 47
Operation ......................................... 42
System self-test ............................... 45
Octane number (fuel) ........................ 358
Odometer ........................................... 208
Off-road 4MATIC .......................................... 191
Differential locks ............................ 196
DSR ............................................... 192
LOW RANGE off-road gear .............194
Off-road 4ETS .................................. 67
Off-road ABS .................................... 66
Off-road drive program ..................193
Off-road drive program ..................... 193
On-board computer .......................211
Off-road driving ................................. 167
Important safety instructions ......... 166
Off-road fording ................................. 164
Off-road terrain Off-road ESP .................................... 68
Oil
see Engine oil
On-board computer
Additional functions menu .............219
AMG menu ..................................... 209
Audio menu ................................... 211
Convenience submenu ..................218
Displaying a service message ........287
Displaying the coolant
temperature ................................... 208
Displaying the outside
temperature ................................... 208
Display messages ..........................222
DISTRONIC menu .......................... 179
Factory settings ............................. 213
Important safety notes ..................204
Instrument cluster submenu ..........214Lighting submenu .......................... 215
Message memory menu ................. 222
Navigation menu ............................ 212
Off-road menu ............................... 213
Off-road mode ............................... 211
Operating video DVD .....................212
Operation ....................................... 205
Overview of menus ........................207
Selecting the language ..................214
Settings menu ............................... 213
Standard display menu ..................208
Telephone menu ............................ 220
Time/Date submenu .....................215
Trip computer menu ......................219
Vehicle submenu ........................... 217
Opening and closing the side trim
panels ................................................. 114
Operating system see On-board computer
Outside temperature
Calling up (on-board computer) .....208
Display ........................................... 204
Overhead control panel
Overview .......................................... 32
Override feature
Rear side windows ...........................64
P
Paint code number ............................ 355
Paintwork (cleaning instructions) ... 290
Panic alarm .......................................... 64
Parking ............................................... 158
Parking aid PARKTRONIC ................................. 184
Rear view camera .......................... 187
Parking brake .................................... 159
Parking lamp (display message) ...... 232
Parking position Exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side ............................... 103
PARKTRONIC ...................................... 184
Activating/deactivating .................186
Malfunction .................................... 187
Problem ......................................... 187
Range of the sensors .....................185
Trailer towing ................................. 186
Warning display ............................. 185
12IndexBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 12

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
Index17BA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 17