2011 MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class oil level

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

Do not turn off the engine while the vehicle is
in motion.
Exhaust checkGWarning
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work optimally if they are
maintained exactly in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications. For this
reason, all work on the engine must be carried
out by qualified and authorized Mercedes-
Benz technicians.
The engine settings must not be changed in
any circumstances. Furthermore, all specific
service work must be carried out at regular
intervals and in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details
can be found in the Service Booklet.
Engine oil
! Vehicles with a diesel particle filter:
If the vehicle is mostly driven for short
distances, it is possible that malfunctions
may occur during the automatic cleaning of
the diesel particle filter. This can lead to
engine damage. Therefore, if you frequently
drive short distances, make sure to drive
on highways or country roads for 20
minutes at least every 500 km.
Brakes
Important safety guidelinesGWarning
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
GWarning
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Downhill gradients
! On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the cargo on the brakes by shifting
to a lower gear in good time. This allows
you to take advantage of engine braking
and helps you to avoid overheating the
brakes and wearing them out excessively.
When you take advantage of engine
braking, a drive wheel may not turn for
some time, e.g. on a slippery road surface.
This could cause damage to the drive train.
Such damage is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Heavy and light loads
GWarning
Depressing the brake pedal constantly results
in excessive and premature wear to the brake
pads.
It may also cause the brakes to overheat,
seriously impairing their effectiveness. It may
then not be possible to stop the vehicle in
sufficient time to avoid an accident.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
cargo, do not stop the vehicle immediately,
but drive on for a short while. This allows the
airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.
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GWarning!
Vehicles with air suspension program: 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 ( Y page 193)
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 AIRMATIC package ( Y page 183)
R DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
( Y page 192)
Observe the following notes:
R stop your vehicle and, if necessary, select
the off-road drive program ( Y page 193)
before driving off-road.
R vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
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 make sure that items of luggage and cargo
are stowed safely and are well secured
( Y page 260).
R always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a downhill gradient.
Activate DSR ( Y page 192).
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.
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
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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 193).XDeactivate DSR ( Y page 192).XVehicles with the AIRMATIC package: lower
the vehicle to a level that suits the road
conditions, e.g. 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 if
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.
168Driving tipsDriving and parking
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?The engine fan is faulty.XAt coolant temperatures under 248 ‡(120 †), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.XAvoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-start driving.#The battery is not being charged.
Possible causes are:
R a faulty alternator
R a torn poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronicsXPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XOpen the hood.XCheck whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is OK:
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.#
Battery/
Alternator Stop
VehicleThe battery is faulty.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.XEngage the parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.4
Check engine oil
level at next
refuelingThe oil level is too low.XCheck the oil level ( Y page 283).XIf necessary, add the engine oil ( Y page 284).XHave the engine checked for leaks if engine oil has to be added
more often than usual.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any qualified specialist workshop
or on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! The oil level is too low. Avoid long journeys with too little engine oil. There is a risk of
engine damage.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the oil level is too
low must not be ignored.
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When the hood is open, you or others could
be injured by the wiper linkage.
Make sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off. Remove the SmartKey or make
sure that no ignition position has been
selected with KEYLESS-GO. All indicator
lamps must be off in the instrument panel.XPull release lever : on the hood.
The hood is released.
! Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield
wipers or the hood.
XReach into the gap, pull hood catch
handle ; up and lift the hood.
Closing the hood
GWarning
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure the hood is securely engaged
before driving off. Do not continue driving if
the hood can no longer engage after an
accident, for example. The hood could
otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in
motion and injure you and/or others.XLower the hood and let it fall from a height
of approximately 8 inches (20 cm).XCheck that the hood has engaged properly.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close
it with a little more force.
Radiator
i Vehicles with a diesel engine: do not
cover the radiator, for example with a
winter front or bug cover. Otherwise, the
readings of the on-board-diagnostic
system may be inaccurate. Some of these
readings are required by law and must be
accurate at all times.
Engine oil
Notes on the oil level
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.
Depending on the driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qt (0.8 l) of oil over a
distance of 600 miles (1000 km). The oil
consumption may be higher than this when
the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at
high engine speeds.
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When checking the oil level:
Rpark the vehicle on a level surface.
Rthe engine should be switched off for at
least five minutes if the engine is at normal
operating temperature.
Rthe engine should be switched off for at
least 30 minutes if it is not at normal
operating temperature (i.e. if you only start
the engine briefly).
Checking the oil level using the oil
dipstick
Example: vehicles with a gasoline engine
Example: vehicles with a diesel engine
XPull oil dipstick : out of the dipstick guide
tube.
XWipe off oil dipstick :.XSlowly insert oil dipstick : into the
dipstick guide tube to the stop, and take it
out again.
The oil level is correct if the level is between
MIN mark = and MAX mark ;.
XAdd oil if necessary.Adding engine oilHEnvironmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
! Only use engine oils and oil filters which
have been approved for vehicles with a
service system. A list of the engine oils and
oil filters that have been tested and
approved according to the Mercedes-Benz
specifications for service products can be
found on the Internet at http://
www.mbusa.com (USA only). Further
information on tested and approved engine
oils and oil filters can be obtained from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The following causes engine failure or
damage to the exhaust system:
Rusing engine oils and oil filters that are
not specifically approved for the service
system
Rreplacing the engine oil and oil filter later
than the specified replacement interval
required by the service system
Rusing engine oil additives
Example: engine oil cap
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Engine oil cap (AMG vehicles)
XTurn cap : counter-clockwise and remove
it.XAdd the amount of oil required.
Fill carefully to the maximum mark on the oil
dipstick.
i The difference in quantity between the
MIN mark and the MAX mark on the
dipstick is (depending on the engine)
approximately 1.6 to 2.1 US qt. (1.5 to 2 l).
! Do not add too much oil. If the oil level is
above the MAX mark on the dipstick, too
much oil has been added. This can lead to
damage to the engine or the catalytic
converter. Have excess oil siphoned off.
Further information on engine oil
( Y page 361).
XReplace cap : on the filler neck and
tighten clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
Checking and adding other service
products
Checking the coolant level
Only check the coolant level when the vehicle
is on a level surface and the engine has cooled
down.
XTurn the SmartKey to position
2 (Y page 139) in the ignition lock.On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice ( Y page 139).XCheck the coolant temperature gauge in
the multifunction display.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).GWarning
In order to avoid any potentially serious burns:
R use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system, or
if the coolant temperature display indicates
that the coolant is overheated.
R do not remove the pressure cap on the
coolant reservoir if the coolant temperature
is above 158 ‡ (70 †). Allow the engine to
cool down before removing the cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and is
under pressure.
R using a rag, slowly turn the cap
approximately 1
/ 2 turn to relieve excess
pressure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out under
pressure.
R do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts.
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