2011 MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class cooling

Setting the air distribution
Multi-zone automatic climate control: you can
set the air distribution individually for the
driver's and front-passenger sides. 18
Front control unit:Zdirects the airflow through the
defroster ventsMdirects the airflow through the
defroster vents¯directs the airflow through the
defroster ventscdirects the airflow through the footwell
and side air ventsOdirects the airflow through the footwell
and side air vents\directs the airflow through the center
and side air ventsPdirects the airflow through the center
and side air vents
Rear control panel:
Mdirects the airflow through the rear-
compartment air ventsOdirects the airflow through the footwell
air ventsXTurn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.XPress the Z, M , ¯ , c , O ,
\ or P button.
Setting the airflow
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo increase/reduce: press the K or
I button.
Vehicles with Voice Control System: when
voice control is started, the airflow is
restricted to 50%. After voice control is
finished, the airflow is adjusted back to the
previous setting.
Switching the MONO function on/off
Only multi-zone automatic climate control
features the "MONO" function. 19
You can use the MONO function to adopt the
settings configured for temperature, air
distribution and airflow on the driver's side for
the front-passenger side and the rear
compartment.
XPress the º button.
The indicator lamp in the º button lights
up or goes out.
Defrosting the windshield
You can use this function to defrost the
windshield or to defrost the inside of the
windshield and the side windows.
i You should only select the defrosting
function until the windshield is clear again.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo activate: press the ¦ button.
The indicator lamp in the ¦ button lights
up.
The climate control system switches to the
following functions:
R cooling with air dehumidification on
R high airflow 20
R high temperature 20
R air distribution to the windshield and
front side windows
R air-recirculation mode offXTo deactivate: press the ¦ button.
The indicator lamp in the ¦ button goes
out. The previously selected settings come
into effect again. The cooling with air18 Canada only.
19 Canada only.
20 Depending on the outside temperature.142Operating climate control systemsClimate control
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dehumidification function remains on. Air-
recirculation mode remains deactivated.
or
XPress the ^ button.
or
XPress the à button.
or
XTurn the temperature control clockwise or
counter-clockwise.
or
XPress the K or I button.
Defrosting the windows
Windows fogged up on the inside
XActivate the "cooling with air
dehumidification" function Á.XActivate automatic mode Ã.XIf the windows continue to fog up, activate
the defrosting function ( Y page 142).
i
You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Windows fogged up on the outside
XSwitch on the windshield wipers.XPress the P/\ 21
or O /c 21
air distribution button.
i You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Rear window heating
Activating/deactivating
GWarning
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from the rear window before driving.
Visibility could otherwise be impaired,
endangering you and others.
The rear window heating has a high current
draw. You should therefore switch it off as
soon as the window is clear as it only switches
off automatically after several minutes.
If the battery voltage is too low, the rear
window heating may switch off.XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress the ª button.
The indicator lamp in the ª button lights
up or goes out.
Problems with the rear window heating
If the indicator lamp in the ª rear window
heating button flashes, the on-board voltage
is too low or the roof is open. The rear window
heating has deactivated itself prematurely or
cannot be activated.
XSwitch off any consumers that are not
required, e.g. reading lamps or interior
lighting.
When the battery is sufficiently charged,
the rear window heating is activated again
automatically.
Activating/deactivating air-
recirculation mode
You can deactivate the flow of fresh air if
unpleasant odors are entering the vehicle
from outside. The air already inside the
vehicle will then be recirculated.
The operation of the air-recirculation mode is
the same for all control panels.
GWarning
Fogged windows impair visibility,
endangering you and others. If the windows
begin to fog on the inside, switching off the
air recirculation mode immediately should
clear interior window fogging. If interior
window fogging persists, make sure the air
conditioning is activated, or press the ¬
button.
21 Canada only.Operating climate control systems143Climate controlBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 143Z

XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo activate: press the d button.
The indicator lamp in the d button lights
up.
i Air-recirculation mode is activated
automatically at high outside
temperatures. When air-recirculation mode
is activated automatically, the indicator
lamp in the d button is not lit.
Outside air is added after about 30
minutes.
XTo deactivate: press the d button.
The indicator lamp in the d button goes
out.
i Air-recirculation mode switches off
automatically:
R after approximately five minutes if
outside temperatures are under about
41 ‡ (5 †)
R after approximately five minutes if
cooling with air dehumidification is
deactivated
R after approximately 30 minutes if outside
temperatures are over about
41 ‡ (5 †)
i The air-recirculation mode does not
switch off automatically if outside
temperatures exceed 79 ‡ (26 †). After
about 30 minutes, outside air will be
added. 22
Switching the residual heat on/off
It is possible to make use of the residual heat
of the engine to continue heating the
stationary vehicle for up to 30 minutes after
the engine has been switched off. The heating
time depends on the temperature that has
been set.
i The blower will run at a low speed
regardless of the airflow setting.
i If you activate the "residual heat" function
at high temperatures, only the ventilation
will be activated. The blower runs at
medium speed.XTurn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock or remove it.XTo switch on: press the Á button.
The indicator lamp in the Á button lights
up.XTo switch off: press the Á button.
The indicator lamp in the Á button goes
out.
i Residual heat is deactivated
automatically:
R after about 30 minutes
R when the ignition is switched on
R if the battery voltage drops
R if the coolant temperature is too low
Setting the air vents
Important safety guidelines
GWarning
When operating the climate control, the air
that enters the passenger compartment
through the air vents can be very hot or very
cold (depending on the set temperature). This
could cause burns or frostbite to unprotected
skin in the immediate area of the air vents.
Always keep sufficient distance between
unprotected parts of the body and the air
vents. If necessary, use the air distribution
adjustment to direct the air to air vents in the
vehicle interior that are not in the immediate
area of unprotected skin.
22 Vehicles with multi-zone automatic climate control.144Setting the air ventsClimate control
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
AUTO Light
InoperativeThe light sensor is faulty. The low-beam headlamps are switched
on.XUSA only: switch off daytime driving lights in the on-board
computer ( Y page 206).XSwitch the lights on and off using the light switch.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Switch Off LightsThe lights are still switched on when you leave the vehicle. A
warning tone also sounds.XTurn the light switch to $ or c .
or
XIf the rear fog lamp is switched on: press the light switch in to
the stop.
Engine
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+
Top Up Coolant See
Operator's ManualThe coolant level is too low.XAdd coolant, observing the warning notes before doing so
( Y page 281).XIf coolant needs adding more often than usual, have the engine
coolant system checked at a qualified specialist workshop.GWarning
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn
if it comes into contact with hot engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
! The coolant level is too low. Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the cooling
system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the coolant level is
too low must not be ignored.
224Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
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Driving systemsDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions°
Vehicle Rising
Wait BrieflyThe vehicle level is too low. XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XWait until the display message disappears before pulling away.°
STOP Car Too LowGRisk of accident
You have pulled away while the vehicle level is still too low or
AIRMATIC is faulty.
AIRMATIC sets the vehicle to the selected level after a short
period. While the display message is displayed:
XMake only slight steering movements. The front fender or the
tires could otherwise be damaged when the steering movement
is too large.XListen for scraping sounds.XDo not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h).
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XHave the vehicle checked at a qualified specialist workshop.°
Level Selection
Not PermittedYou cannot change the vehicle level because you are exceeding
the permissible speed for the selected vehicle level.XDrive more slowly and then select the desired vehicle level again
( Y page 183).°
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.°
MalfunctionAIRMATIC 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.228Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
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Further information on engine oil
( Y page 354).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 149) in the ignition lock.
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice ( Y page 149).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.XSlowly turn cap : half a turn counter-
clockwise and allow excess pressure to
escape.XTurn cap : further counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar
= in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank ;.
If the coolant is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) higher when warm, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank ;.XIf necessary, add coolant which has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.XReplace cap : and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
( Y page 355).
Windshield washer system/headlamp
cleaning system
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system.
GWarning
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on hot engine parts, because it may
ignite and burn. You could be seriously
burned.
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CapacitiesVehicle modelCapacityFuel, coolant,
lubricants etc.Engine oil and
filterR 350 BlueTEC9.0 US qt (8.5 l)Approved engine
oilsR 3508.5 US qt (8.0 l)Power steeringAll modelsApprox. 1.3 US qt (1.2 l)MB Power Steering
Fluid or approved
Dexron III ATFCooling systemAll modelsApprox. 10.0 US qt (9.5 l)MB 325.0
Anticorrosion/
AntifreezeTank capacityAll models21.1 US gal (80.0 l)Gasoline engines:
premium-grade
unleaded gasoline
(at least 91 octane,
average value
between 96 RON/
86 MON)
Diesel engines:
ULTRA-LOW
SULFUR DIESEL
FUEL (ULSD,
maximum sulfur
content 15 ppm)ReserveAll modelsApprox. 3.4 US gal (13.0 l)AdBlue ®
tankR 350 BlueTEC7.5 US gal (28.2 l)AdBlue ®
as per
ISO 22241Air-
conditioning
systemAll models—Refrigerant R134a
and special PAG
lubricant (never
R 12)Windshield/
headlamp
cleaning
systemAll models7.4 US qt (7.0 l)MB washer fluid
concentrate 51
( Y page 357)
Mixing ratio for
screen wash
( Y page 357)51
Mixed with water or premixed washer fluid with antifreeze protection.Service products and capacities351Technical dataBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 351Z

Otherwise, you may damage the engine and
the exhaust gas aftertreatment.
Mercedes-Benz recommends MOBIL OIL.
The table shows which engines oil have been
approved for your vehicle.
ModelEngine
model
MB
Approval
R 350 BlueTEC642229.51R 350272229.5
iMB Approval is stated on the containers.
Lubricant additives
! Do not mix any lubricant additives with
the engine oil. This could damage the
engine. Damage resulting from the use of
such lubricant additives in the engine oil is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Engine oil viscosity
Viscosity describes the flow characteristics
of a fluid. If an engine oil has a high viscosity,
this means that it is thick; a low viscosity
means that it is thin.
Select the SAE classification (viscosity) of the
engine oil according to the outside
temperature. The following table shows you
the viscosity classes to be used depending on
the average air temperature.
Refrigerant of the air-conditioning
system
The air-conditioning system is filled with
R134a refrigerant and a special PAG
lubricant.
! Never use refrigerant R 12 (CFC) or
mineral lubricants. Otherwise, you could
damage the air-conditioning system.
Brake fluid
GWarning!
The brake fluid constantly absorbs moisture
from the air; this lowers its boiling point.
If the boiling point of the brake fluid is too low,
vapor pockets may form in the brake system
when the brakes are applied hard (e.g. when
driving downhill). This would impair braking
efficiency.
You should have the brake fluid renewed at
regular intervals. The brake fluid change
intervals can be found in the Service Booklet.
Only use brake fluid approved by Mercedes-
Benz. Information about approved brake
fluids can be obtained from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Coolant
Important safety notes
The coolant is a mixture of water and
anticorrosion/antifreeze. It performs the
following tasks:
Ranti-corrosion protection
Rantifreeze protection
Rraising the boiling point
The cooling system is filled with coolant at the
factory which contains antifreeze/corrosion
inhibitor that ensures protection down to
approximately -35 ‡ (-37 †).
! Only use premixed coolant solutions.
Adding water and MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/
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