2011 MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class windshield wipers

specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Replacing the windshield wiper blades
Removing the wiper blades
XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.XFold the wiper arm away from the
windshield.XPress both release clips ;.XFold wiper blade : in the direction of
arrow = away from wiper arm ?.XRemove wiper blade : in the direction of
arrow A.
Installing the wiper blades
XPosition the new wiper blade : with
recess B on lug A.XFold wiper blade : in the direction of
arrow = onto the wiper arm, until retaining
clips ; engage in bracket ?.XMake sure that wiper blade : is seated
correctly.XFold the wiper arm back onto the
windshield.
Replacing the rear window wiper blade
Important safety guidelines
! To avoid damaging the wiper blades,
make sure that you touch only the wiper
arm of the wiper.
! Never fold a wiper arm back onto the rear
window without the wiper blade installed.
Hold the wiper arm firmly when you change
the wiper blade. If you release the wiper
arm without a wiper blade and it falls onto
the window, the window can be damaged
by the force of the impact.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have
the wiper blades replaced by a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Removing the wiper blades
XRemove the key from the ignition lock or
engage ignition position 0 (KEYLESS-GO).XFold wiper arm : away from the rear
window until it engages.XPosition wiper blade ; at a right angle to
wiper arm :.XHold wiper arm : and carefully press
wiper blade ; in the direction of the arrow
until the wiper blade is released.XRemove wiper blade ;.128Windshield wipersLights and windshield wipers
BA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 128

Installing the wiper bladesXPlace the new wiper blade ; onto wiper
arm :.XHold wiper arm : and press wiper
blade ; in the direction of the arrow until
it engages.XMake sure that wiper blade ; is seated
correctly.XPosition wiper blade ; parallel to wiper
arm :.XCarefully fold wiper arm : back onto the
rear window.
! Make sure that the wiper blade is installed
properly. A wiper blade that has not been
properly installed can damage the rear
window.
Problems with the windshield wipers
The windshield wipers are obstructed
Leaves or snow, for example, may be
obstructing the windshield wiper movement.
The wiper motor has been deactivated.
XFor safety reasons, you should remove the
key from the ignition lock.
or
XSwitch off the engine using the Start/Stop
button and open the driver's door.XRemove the cause of the obstruction.XSwitch the windshield wipers back on.The windshield wipers are not working
The windshield wiper drive is malfunctioning.
XSelect another wiper speed on the
combination switch.XHave the windshield wipers checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.Windshield wipers129Lights and windshield wipersBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 129Z

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

SmartKey positions
SmartKeygTo remove the SmartKey1Power supply for some consumers, such
as the windshield wipers2Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position3To start the engine
As soon as the ignition is switched on, all the
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster light
up. The indicator lamps of the low-beam
headlamps, high-beam headlamps or the turn
signal lamps only light up if the low-beam
headlamps, high-beam headlamps or turn
signal lamps are switched on. If an indicator
lamp does not light up when the ignition is
switched on, check it and replace it if
necessary. If an indicator lamp does not go
out after the engine is started or if it lights up
while the vehicle is in motion, see
( Y page 236).
XRemove the SmartKey when the engine is
switched off.
The battery may otherwise discharge.
If you cannot turn the SmartKey in the ignition
lock, the vehicle battery may not be charged
sufficiently.
XCheck the vehicle battery and charge if
necessary ( Y page 310).
or
XJump-start the vehicle ( Y page 311).
i
The SmartKey can be turned in the
ignition lock even if it is not the correct
SmartKey for the vehicle. The ignition is not
switched on. The engine cannot be started.
KEYLESS-GO
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO are equipped with
a SmartKey with an integrated KEYLESS-GO
function and a detachable Start/Stop button.
The Start/Stop button must be inserted in the
ignition lock and the SmartKey must be in the
vehicle.
Pressing the Start/Stop button several times
in succession corresponds to the different
key positions in the ignition lock. This is only
the case if you are not depressing the brake
pedal.
If you depress the brake pedal and press the
Start/Stop button, the engine starts
immediately.
The Start/Stop button can be removed from
the ignition lock. Then you can insert the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
i You do not have to remove the Start/Stop
button from the ignition lock when you
leave the vehicle. However, you should
always take the SmartKey with you when
leaving the vehicle. The vehicle can be
started with the Start/Stop button and the
electrical equipment can be operated while
the SmartKey is in the vehicle.
:Start/Stop button;Ignition lockXInsert Start/Stop button : into ignition
lock ;.Driving149Driving and parkingBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 149Z

iWhen you insert Start/Stop button :
into ignition lock ;, the system requires a
detection time of two seconds before you
can use Start/Stop button :.XShift the transmission to position P.XDo not press the brake pedal.
Start/Stop button
=USA only?Canada onlyXPosition 0: if Start/Stop button : has not
yet been pressed, this corresponds to the
SmartKey being removed from the ignition.XPosition 1: press Start/Stop button :.
You can now activate the windshield
wipers, for example.
i If you then open the driver's door when in
this position, the power supply is
deactivated.
XPosition 2 (ignition): press Start/Stop
button : twice.
i
If you press Start/Stop button : once
when in this position and the driver's door
is open, the power supply is deactivated
again.
As soon as the ignition is switched on, all the
indicator lights in the instrument cluster light
up. The indicator lamps of the low-beam
headlamps, high-beam headlamps or the turn
signal lamps only light up if the low-beam
headlamps, high-beam headlamps or turn
signal lamps are switched on. If an indicator
lamp does not light up when the ignition is
switched on, check it and replace it if
necessary. If an indicator lamp does not go
out after the engine is started or if it lights up
while the vehicle is in motion, see
( Y page 236).
Starting the engine
Important safety instructions
GWarning
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.
! Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
Automatic transmission
XShift the transmission to position P.
i
The transmission position display in the
multifunction display shows P.
Starting procedure with the SmartKey
XTo start a gasoline engine: turn the
SmartKey to position 3 in the ignition lock
( Y page 149) and release it as soon as the
engine is running.XTo start a diesel engine: turn the
SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock
( Y page 149).
The % preglow indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.XWhen the % preglow indicator lamp
goes out, turn the SmartKey to position 3 150DrivingDriving and parking
BA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 150

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.
Engine compartment
Hood
Opening the hood
GWarning
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise, the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/or others.
GWarning!
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature display to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away from the vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department.
GWarning
There is a risk of injury if the hood is open,
even if the engine is not running.
Some engine components can become very
hot.
To avoid the risk of burns, only touch those
components described in the Operator's
Manual and observe the relevant safety notes.
GWarning
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or may even
restart after the engine has been turned off.
Stay clear of fan blades.
GWarning!
Vehicles with gasoline engine:
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system
R with the engine running
R while starting the engine
R when the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually
GWarning!
Vehicles with diesel engine:
The engine is equipped with a high-voltage
electronic control unit for the injection
system. Because of the high voltage it is
dangerous to touch any components of the
injection system (injectors, electrical wires)
R with the engine running
R while starting the engine
R when the ignition is switched on
XMake sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off.GWarning
The windshield wipers and wiper linkage
could be set in motion.
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 cluster.
278Engine compartmentMaintenance and care
BA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 278

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
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.
When checking the oil level:
R park the vehicle on a level surface.
R the engine should be switched off for at
least five minutes if the engine is at normal
operating temperature.
R the 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).
Engine compartment279Maintenance and careBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 279Z

to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
If water no longer forms "beads" on the
painted surface, paint care products should
be used that have been approved and
recommended by Mercedes-Benz. This is the
case approximately every three to five
months, depending on climatic conditions
and the care product used.
If dirt has entered the paint surface or the
paintwork has become dull, a paint cleaner
should be used that has been approved and
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
Never use such care products in direct
sunlight or on a hot hood.XUse a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MB
Touch Up stick, for quick, temporary repair
of damaged paintwork.
Cleaning the windows
GWarning
Switch off the windshield wipers and remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock before
cleaning the windshield or the wiper blades.
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button repeatedly until all
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster have
gone off. The windshield wipers could
otherwise move and injure you.
XClean the inside and outside of the
windows with a damp cloth and a cleaning
agent that is recommended and approved
by Mercedes-Benz.
! Do not use dry cloths, abrasive products,
solvents or cleaning agents containing
solvents to clean the inside of the windows.
Do not use hard objects to clean the insides
of the windows, e.g. an ice scraper or ring.
There is otherwise a risk of damaging the
windows.
! Clean the water drainage channels of the
windshield and the rear window at regular
intervals. Under certain circumstances,
deposits such as leaves, petals and pollen
may prevent water from draining away,
leading to corrosion damage.
Cleaning the wiper bladesGWarning
Switch off the windshield wipers and remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock before
cleaning the windshield or the wiper blades.
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button repeatedly until all
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster have
gone off. The windshield wipers could
otherwise move and injure you.
! Do not pull the wiper blade. Otherwise,
the wiper blade could be damaged.
! Do not clean wiper blades too often and
do not rub them too hard. Otherwise, the
graphite coating could be damaged. This
could cause wiper noise.
XFold the wiper arms away from the
windshield.XCarefully clean the wiper blades with a
damp cloth.XFold the windshield wipers back again
before switching on the ignition.
! Hold the wiper arm securely when folding
back. The windshield could be damaged if
the wiper arm smacks against it suddenly.
Cleaning the headlamps
XClean the plastic lamp lenses on the
headlamps using a wet sponge and a mild
cleaning agent, e.g. Mercedes-Benz car
shampoo or cleaning cloths.
! Only use cleaning agents or cleaning
cloths which are suitable for plastic
headlamp lenses. Unsuitable cleaning
agents or cleaning cloths could scratch or
damage the plastic headlamp lenses.
286CareMaintenance and care
BA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 286