2011 MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class wheel

Highway level
! Make sure that there is enough ground
clearance when the vehicle is being
lowered. It could otherwise hit the ground,
damaging the underbody.XMake sure that the doors are closed.XStart the engine.
If indicator lamp ; is lit:
XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ; flashes. The vehicle is
lowered to highway level.
While the adjustment is taking place, a
message appears in the multifunction
display, e.g.:
If you press the V, U , * or &
button on the multifunction steering wheel,
the message will disappear.
Once highway level has been reached,
indicator lamp ; goes out. A message
appears in the multifunction display for
approximately five seconds, e.g.:
The vehicle level is automatically raised from
high-speed level to highway level if the speed
drops below 40 mph (64 km/h). The vehicle
level is automatically set to highway level if
you are driving faster than 25 mph
(40 km/h).
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are
permanently driven. Together with ESP ®
and
4ETS , it improves the traction of your vehicle
whenever a drive wheel spins due to
insufficient grip.
GWarning!
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
R While driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
Driving systems185Driving and parkingBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 185Z

Make sure that you do not operate the ADS
switch or the vehicle level control system
when coupling/decoupling the trailer.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most federal states and all Canadian
provinces require by law:
R safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer. The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must
be fastened to the vehicle's trailer
coupling, not to the bumper or the axle.
Allow for enough play in the chains to
facilitate turning tight corners.
R a separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
R a safety switch for braked trailers. Check
the specific legal requirements applicable
to your federal state.
If the trailer detaches from the towing
vehicle, the safety switch applies the
trailer's brakes.
! Do not connect the trailer's brake system
(if featured) to the hydraulic brake system
of the towing vehicle, as the latter is
equipped with an anti-lock brake system.
Doing so will result in a loss of function of
the brake systems of both the vehicle and
the trailer.
i The vehicle's wiring harness features a
line to the brake indicator lamp.XMake sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.XApply the vehicle's parking brake.XStart the engine.XVehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select highway level and set ADS to
AUTO or COMF .XSwitch off the engine.XClose all doors and the tailgate.XCouple up the trailer.XEstablish all electrical connections.i
Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
with a trailer attached, the vehicle will
always remain at highway level. When
coupling up a trailer, please observe the
following:
R if highway level has not been set
manually, the vehicle will automatically
sink to highway level as soon as it
reaches a speed of 5 mph (8 km/h).
R high-speed level is not available.
These restrictions apply to all accessories
powered through a connection to the trailer
power socket of your vehicle, e.g. a bicycle
carrier.
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements
concerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Make sure that your vehicle/
trailer combination complies with the local
requirements not only in your area of
residence but also at any location to which
you are traveling. The police and local
authorities can provide reliable information.
Please observe the following when towing a
trailer:
R To acquaint yourself with driving with a
trailer and with the resulting changes to
handling, you should practice cornering,
stopping and reversing in a traffic-free
location.
R Before driving, check:
- the trailer coupling
- the safety switch for braked trailers
- the safety chains
- the electrical connections
- the lights
- the wheels
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer features electronically
controlled brakes, pull away the vehicle/
194Towing a trailerDriving and parking
BA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 194

trailer combination carefully, manually
brake using the brake controller, and check
the brakes for correct function.
R Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
R If you couple up a trailer, regularly check
the cargo for secure fastening and make
sure that the trailer lamps and (if
applicable) the trailer brakes are
functioning correctly.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when
driving without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
R If possible, avoid abrupt braking. Depress
the brake pedal moderately at first, so that
the trailer can activate its own brakes. Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission continues to
shift back and forth between two gears
when driving up or downhill, restrict the
shift range. Select shift range 4, 3, 2, or 1.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
R When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
to utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases
dramatically while the air-conditioning
system is switched on, switch off the air-
conditioning system.
Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated
by opening the windows and by setting theblower fan and the interior temperature to
maximum.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination, you will have to travel an
additional distance beyond the vehicle you
are overtaking before returning to the
previous lane.
Decoupling a trailer
GWarning!
Vehicles with AIRMATIC: While you are
coupling or decoupling a trailer, make sure
nobody locks or unlocks the vehicle and/or
opens or closes doors or the tailgate.
The vehicle’s level could change and you
could endanger yourself and/or others as a
result.
Make sure that you do not operate the ADS
switch or the vehicle level control system
when coupling/decoupling the trailer.
XMake sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.XApply the vehicle's parking brake.XStart the engine.XClose all doors and the tailgate.XApply the trailer's parking brake.GWarning!
Vehicles with AIRMATIC: As soon as you
disconnect the electrical connection between
the trailer and the vehicle, the vehicle will
lower. To help avoid personal injury, make
sure no one is near the wheel housing or
underneath the vehicle before the electrical
connection is disconnected.
When you decouple the trailer, the vehicle is
temporarily raised because the springs are
relieved of load. Be especially careful during
this process, as you could otherwise injure
yourself and/or others. Make sure that any
Towing a trailer195Driving and parkingBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 195Z

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.
Important safety guidelines
You will find an illustration of the instrument
cluster in the "At a glance" section
( Y page 28).
GWarning
A driver's attention to the road and traffic
conditions must always be his/her primary
focus when driving.
For your safety and the safety of others,
selecting features through the multifunction
steering wheel should only be done by the
driver when traffic and road conditions permit
it to be done safely.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h ), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.
GWarning!
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
R speed
R outside temperature
R warning/indicator lamps
R malfunction/warning messages
R failure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.GWarning
Malfunction and warning messages are only
indicated for certain systems and are
intentionally not very detailed. The
malfunction and warning messages are
simply a reminder with respect to the
operation of certain systems. They do not
replace the owner's and/or driver's
responsibility to maintain the vehicle's
operating safety. Have all required
maintenance and safety checks performed on
the vehicle. Bring the vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to address the
malfunction and warning messages.
Displays and operation
Tachometer
The red band in the tachometer indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
! Do not drive in the overrevving range, as
this could damage the engine.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached.
Outside temperature display
The outside temperature display is in the
multifunction display.
GWarning!
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
Changes in the outside temperature are
displayed after a short delay.
198Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays
BA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 198

Speedometer with segments
The segments in the speedometer indicate
which speed range is available.
DISTRONIC mode:
One or two segments around the stored
speed light up.
Operating the on-board computer
The on-board computer is activated as soon
as you turn the SmartKey to position 1 in the
ignition lock.
You can control the multifunction display and
the settings in the on-board computer using
the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel.
:Multifunction display;~
6Makes/accepts or rejects/
ends a callW
XSelects submenus in the
Settings menu
Changes values
Adjusts the volume?Switches on the Voice Control
System; see the separate
operating instructions=V
USelects a menu: scrolls back
and forthASwitches off the Voice Control
System; see the separate
operating instructions&
*Press briefly:
Scrolls back and forth within a
menu
In the Audio menu: selects a
stored station, an audio track
or a video scene
In the Telephone menu:
switches to the phone book
and selects a name or a
telephone number&
*Press and hold:
In the Audio menu: selects
the previous/next station or
selects an audio track using
rapid scrolling
In the Telephone menu:
starts rapid scrolling through
the phone book
Multifunction display
To activate the multifunction display:
R switch on the ignition.
R switch on the lights.
Displays and operation199On-board computer and displaysBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 199Z

FunctionETrip computer menu (Y page 210)FTelephone menu (Y page 211)Standard display menu
Standard displayXPress V or U on the steering wheel
to select the standard display.
Standard display
:Trip odometer;Odometer
You can select the following functions in the
Standard display menu by pressing & or
* :
R tire pressure loss warning system
( Y page 325) (Canada only)
R tire pressure monitor ( Y page 327) (USA
only)
R coolant temperature ( Y page 202)
R digital speedometer or outside
temperature ( Y page 202)
R ASSYST PLUS service interval display
( Y page 283)
XTo reset the trip odometer: press and
hold the . reset button in the instrument
cluster until the trip odometer is reset.
Displaying the coolant temperature
GWarning
Driving when your engine is overheated can
cause some fluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire. You
could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns which can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine
if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from
other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.XPress V or U on the steering wheel
to select the standard display.XPress the & or * button to select the
coolant temperature.
Under normal driving conditions, with the
correct anti-corrosion and antifreeze additive
concentration, the reading may rise to
248 ‡(120 †).
! If the coolant temperature exceeds
248 ‡(120 †) do not continue driving. The
engine will otherwise be damaged.
Displaying the digital speedometer or
outside temperature
If you have selected the digital speedometer
for the status line ( Y page 206), the outside
temperature will be displayed here.
202Menus and submenusOn-board computer and displays
BA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 202

XPress V or U on the steering wheel
to select the standard display.XPress the & or * button to select
digital speedometer or the outside
temperature.
Digital speedometer
Outside temperature
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.:Waveband 27;Current channelXTo select a stored channel:
briefly press
the & or * button.XTo select a channel from the channel
list: press and briefly hold the & or
* button.XTo select a station using the station
search 28
: press and briefly hold the &
or * button.
Audio player or audio media operation
Audio data from various audio devices or
media can be played, depending on the
equipment installed in the vehicle.
XSwitch on COMAND APS and select the
audio device or medium; see the separate
operating instructions.XPress V or U on the steering wheel
to select the Audio menu.
CD changer display (example)
:Current CD;Current track27
When current channel ; has been stored, the memory position will also be displayed.
28 Only if no station list is received.Menus and submenus203On-board computer and displaysBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 203Z

XTo select the next/previous track:
briefly press the & or * button.XTo select a track from the track list
(rapid scrolling): press and briefly hold the
& or * button.
The current track will not be displayed in
audio AUX mode ( Auxiliary audio mode:
external audio source connected).
Video DVD operation
XSwitch on COMAND APS and select video
DVD (see the separate operating
instructions).XPress V or U on the steering wheel
to select the Audio menu.
DVD changer display (example)
:Current DVD (for DVD changer);Current sceneXPress the & or * button to select a
scene.
Navigation menu
Displaying navigation instructions
In the Navigation menu, the instructions
from the navigation system appear in the
multifunction display. For more information,
see the separate operating instructions.
XSwitch on COMAND APS (see the separate
operating instructions).XPress V or U on the steering wheel
to select the Navigation menu.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:
AIRMATIC/compass menu
In the AIRMATIC/compass menu you can
view the messages for level control
( Y page 183) and see the compass display
( Y page 276). The display in the AIRMATIC/
compass menu depends on the optional
equipment in your vehicle.
XPress V or U on the steering wheel
to select the AIRMATIC/compass menu.
Example display for vehicles with AIRMATIC
package and compass
204Menus and submenusOn-board computer and displays
BA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 204