2011 MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class tailgate

recognize dangers in time, cause an accident
and injure yourself and others.
Collision warning
If a vehicle is detected in the monitoring range
of Blind Spot Assist and you switch on the turn
signal, a double warning tone sounds. Red
warning lamp : flashes. If the turn signal
remains on, detected vehicles are indicated
by the flashing of red warning lamp :. There
are no further warning tones.
Switching on Blind Spot Assist
XMake sure that the radar sensor system
( Y page 208) and Blind Spot Assist
( Y page 210) are activated in the on-board
computer.XTurn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.
Warning lamps : light up red in the
exterior mirrors for approximately 1.5
seconds and then turn yellow.
Towing a trailer
When you attach a trailer, make sure you have
correctly established the electrical
connection. This can be accomplished by
checking the trailer lighting. In this event,
Blind Spot Assist is deactivated. The indicator
lamp lights up yellow in the exterior mirrors
and the message: Blind Spot Assist
Currently Unavailable See
Operator's Manual appears in the
multifunction display.
i The indicator lamps in the exterior mirrors
can be switched off.
To do this, you must deactivate Blind Spot
Assist when:
R the key is in position 2 in the ignition
lock.
R the engine is not running.
R the electrical connection to the trailer
has been established.
Towing a trailer
Notes on towing a trailer
Important safety instructions
GWarning!
Failure to use proper equipment and driving
technique can result in a loss of vehicle
control when towing a trailer.
Improper towing or failure to follow the
instructions in this manual can result in
vehicle damage and/or serious personal
injury. Follow the guidelines below carefully
to assure safe trailer operation.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
should you require an explanation of
information contained in this manual.
General information
R Only install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R The bumpers of your vehicle are not
suitable for installing detachable trailer
couplings.
R Do not install hired trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings on the
bumpers of your vehicle.
R To reduce the risk of damage to the ball
coupling, remove it from the ball coupling
recess when not in use.
Coupling up 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.
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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/
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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
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsOnly shift to P
when vehicle is at
a standstillThe vehicle is moving.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XShift the transmission to position P.EGRisk of accident
The hood or the tailgate is open.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XEngage the parking brake.XClose the hood or tailgate.You have attempted to lock the vehicle with KEYLESS-GO while
the tailgate or door is open.XClose all doors and/or the tailgate.;At least one door is open. XClose all doors.D
Power Steering
Malfunction See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
The power steering assistance is faulty. You will need to use more
force to steer.
XCheck whether you are able to apply the extra force required.XIf you are able to steer safely: carefully drive on to a qualified
specialist workshop.XIf you are unable to steer safely: do not drive on. Contact the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.No ServiceYour vehicle is outside the network provider transmitter/receiver
range. XWait until the mobile phone operational readiness symbol
appears in the multifunction display.~
Bluetooth ReadyThe Bluetooth ®
connection between your mobile phone and
COMAND is not activated.XIf desired, activate the Bluetooth ®
connection between the
mobile phone and COMAND (see the separate operating
instructions).¥
Top Up Washer FluidThe washer fluid level has dropped to approximately ⅓ of the total
reservoir capacity.XAdd washer fluid ( Y page 281).234Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
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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.
Loading guidelines
GWarning!
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible. Use cargo tie-down rings and
fastening materials appropriate for the weight
and size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
The cargo compartment is the preferred place
to carry objects. Always use cargo tie-down
rings, and if so equipped, always use the cargo
net when transporting cargo.
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
The gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the weight
of the vehicle including fuel, the vehicle tool
kit, spare tire, any installed accessories,
vehicle occupants and luggage/cargo.
The load limit and the gross vehicle weight
rating (GVWR) of your vehicle must never be
exceeded. The load limit and the GVWR are
stated on the vehicle identification plate on
the B-pillar on the driver's side
( Y page 330).
Additionally, the cargo must be distributed so
that the weight on each axle never exceeds
the maximum gross axle weight rating
(GAWR) for the front and rear axles. The data
on GVWR and GAWR is stated on the vehicle
identification plate on the B-pillar on the
driver's side ( Y page 330).
Further information can be found in the
"Loading the vehicle" section ( Y page 330).
The handling characteristics of a laden
vehicle are dependent on the distribution of
the load within the vehicle. For this reason,
you should observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R Position heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the cargo
compartment as possible.
R The load must not protrude above the
upper edge of the seat backrests.
R always place the load against the rear or
front seat backrests. Make sure that the
seat backrests are securely locked into
place.
R Hook in the cargo net when loading.
R Always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R Secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie down. Pad sharp edges
for protection.
Stowage compartments
Important safety guidelines
GWarning!
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or
cargo in the cargo compartment if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
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GWarning!
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
To enlarge the cargo compartment, the rear
bench seats of the 2nd and 3rd rows of seats
can be folded forwards separately. You can
enlarge the cargo compartment partially
( Y page 251) or fully ( Y page 251).
Partially enlarging the luggage
compartment (folding forward the
seats in the 3rd row)
XMove the head restraint of the
corresponding seat down fully
( Y page 102).XClamp the seat belt behind retainer ;.XPull release handle : of backrest =
upwards in the direction of the arrow.
Backrest = is released.XFold backrest = slowly forwards.
Seat cushion ? is released and moves
automatically to a vertical position.XFold backrest = forwards into a horizontal
position.
i Loop A can be used to pull the backrests
of the 3rd row of seats upright when the
seats are moved into the original position
( Y page 254).
Fully enlarging the luggage
compartment (folding forward the
seats in the 2nd and 3rd rows)
GWarning!
Folded second-row seats are intended to
serve as a cargo volume expansion in
conjunction with folded third-row seats only.
Do not fold the second-row seats and allow
third-row seat occupants to use folded
second-row seats as a footrest while driving.
Third-row seat occupants must, like all vehicle
occupants, keep both feet on the floor in front
of their seat. Otherwise, occupants could
slide under their seat belt in a collision. If
occupants slide under the seat belt, it would
apply force at the abdomen or neck. That
could cause serious or even fatal injuries. Do
not fold the second-row seats and allow third-
row seat occupants to use folded second-row
seats as a table while driving. Objects placed
on folded second-row seats may come loose
during braking, vehicle maneuvers, or an
accident and be thrown around the vehicle
interior. Objects thrown around the vehicle
interior may cause an accident and/or
serious personal injury.
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and right roof rails are only stabilized by
means of the basic carrier bars being
mounted.
Follow the manufacturer’s installation
instructions. Otherwise, an improperly
attached roof rack system or its load could
become detached from the vehicle.
Do not exceed the maximum roof load of
220 lb (100 kg).
Take into consideration that when the roof
rack is loaded, the handling characteristics
are different from those when operating the
vehicle without the roof rack loaded.
! Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
only use roof carriers that have been tested
and approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
This helps to prevent damage to the
vehicle.
Position the cargo on the roof rack in such
a way that the vehicle will not sustain
damage even when it is in motion.
Depending on the vehicle equipment,
ensure that when the roof carrier is
installed you can:
R raise the tilt/sliding sunroof fully
R open the panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel fully
R open the tailgate fully
Fastening the roof carrierXFold covers : upwards.XOnly secure the roof carrier to the
anchorage points under covers :.XObserve the manufacturer's installation
instructions.
Features
Cup holder
Points to observe before use
GWarning
In order to help prevent spilling liquids on
vehicle occupants and/or vehicle equipment,
only use containers that fit into the cup
holder. Use lids on open containers and do
not fill containers to a height where the
contents, especially hot liquids, could spill
during braking, vehicle maneuvers, or in an
accident. Liquids spilled on vehicle occupants
may cause serious personal injury. Liquids
spilled on vehicle equipment may cause
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
When not in use, keep the cup holder closed.
An open cup holder may cause injury to you
or others when contacted during braking,
vehicle maneuvers, or in an accident.
Keep in mind that objects placed in the cup
holder may come loose during braking,
vehicle maneuvers, or in an accident and be
thrown around in the vehicle interior. Objects
thrown around in the vehicle interior may
cause an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
Cup holder in the center console
In the upper center console, there is a cup
holder and a removable support with a card
holder
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The system calculates the route and
subsequently starts the route guidance with
the address entered.
i If you select No, the address can be stored
in the address book.
i The Destination Download function is
available if the corresponding cellular
phone network is available and data
transfer is possible.
Search & Send
"Search & Send" is a destination entry
service. You can find further information on
"Search & Send" in the separate COMAND
operating instructions.
Vehicle remote opening
If you have unintentionally locked your
vehicle (e.g. the SmartKey is inside the
vehicle) and a replacement key is not
available:
XContact the following service hotlines:
R USA: Response Center under the
number 866-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service under
1-888-923-8367
You will be asked for your password.XReturn to your vehicle at the time arranged
with the Response Center.XPull the tailgate handle for at least 20
seconds until the indicator lamp in the SOS
button ( Y page 268) flashes.
The Connecting Call message appears in
the multifunction display.
Alternatively, the vehicle can also be opened
via the Internet in the "Owners Online"
section using your ID number and
password 39
.
i Vehicle remote unlocking is only possible
if the corresponding cellular phone
network is accessible.
The SOS button flashes and the Call
Connected message appears in the
multifunction display to confirm that the
command for vehicle remote unlocking has
been received.
If you pull the tailgate handle for more than
20 seconds before receiving authorization
for remote unlocking from the Response
Center, you must wait 15 minutes before
you can pull on the handle of the tailgate
again.
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services
If your vehicle has been stolen:
XContact the police.
The police will issue an incident report. This
report has a number.XThis number will be forwarded to the
Response Center together with your PIN.
The Response Center will then attempt to
covertly contact the mbrace system. The
Response Center contacts you and the
local law enforcement authority if the
vehicle is located. However, only the law
enforcement authority is informed of the
location of the vehicle.
i If the anti-theft alarm system remains
activated for longer than thirty seconds,
mbrace is automatically connected to the
Customer Assistance Center.
Garage door opener
Important safety guidelines
Up to three different door and gate systems
can be operated using the remote control
integrated in the overhead control panel.
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