Change of address or ownership
In the event of a change of address, be sure
to send in the "Change of Address Notice"
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or simply call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
(in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) or Customer Service (in
Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. This will assist
us in contacting you in a timely manner
should the need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all
literature with the vehicle to make it available
to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the "Notice of Purchase of Used
Truck" found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the
USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) or Customer Service (in
Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.
Vehicle operation outside the USA
and Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that:
R Service facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
R Unleaded gasoline for vehicles with
catalytic converters may not be available.
The use of leaded fuels can damage the
catalytic converter.
R Gasoline may have a considerably lower
octane rating. Improper fuel can cause
engine damage.
Sport Utility Vehicle
GWarning
This Sport Utility Vehicle is designed for both
on-road and off-road use. It can go places and
perform tasks for which conventional 2-wheel
drive passenger cars are not intended. This
vehicle will handle and maneuver differently
from conventional passenger cars in driving
conditions which may occur on streets,
highways and off-road use.
This vehicle has a higher ground clearance
and a higher center of gravity than many
passenger cars. As with other vehicles of this
type, if you make sharp turns at excessive
speeds or abrupt maneuvers, the vehicle may
roll over or may go out of control and crash.
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
Failure to operate this vehicle safely may
result in an accident, rollover of the vehicle,
and severe or fatal injury.
Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the
Operator’s Manual. Take time to become
familiar with the driving characteristics of this
vehicle. Be sure you are familiar with all
vehicle controls. Learn how your vehicle
handles on different road surfaces. Do not
attempt sharp turns at excessive speeds or
abrupt maneuvers or other unsafe driving
actions that can cause loss of vehicle control.
When driving off-road or working the vehicle
hard, do not overload it. And, always wear
your seat belts at all times. In a rollover crash,
an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
Operating safety
Safety notes
GWarning
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle's electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Introduction21BA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 21Z
even if the SmartKey is removed from the
starter switch or removed from the vehicle,
such as seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment, or the memory function
If children open a door, they could injure other
persons or get out of the vehicle and injure
themselves or be injured by following traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system's
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and the child could be burned by these
parts.GWarning!
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment or cargo
compartment unless they are firmly secured
in place.
Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child’s risk of injury in the event
of
R strong braking maneuvers
R sudden changes of direction
R an accident
GWarning!
Make sure the tailgate is closed when the
engine is running and while driving. Among
other dangers, deadly carbon monoxide (CO)
gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
! The tailgate swings upwards and to the
rear when opened. Therefore, make sure
that there is sufficient clearance above and
behind the tailgate.
To open the tailgate completely, a minimum
clearance of 7.20 ft (2.20 m) above the
ground is necessary.
You can:
R open and close the tailgate manually from
outside
R open and close the tailgate automatically
from outside
R open the tailgate manually from inside
Ropen and close the tailgate automatically
from inside
R limit the opening angle of the tailgate
Opening and closing from the outside
Opening
You can only open the tailgate after unlocking
it first.
XPress the % button on the key.XPull handle :.XRaise the tailgate.
Closing
GWarning!
To prevent possible personal injury, always
keep hands and fingers away from the cargo
compartment opening when closing the
tailgate. Be especially careful when small
children are around.
Tailgate83Opening and closingBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 83Z
XPull the tailgate down using one of
recesses :.XPush the tailgate closed from outside the
vehicle.XLock the vehicle if necessary with
the & button on the key or with
KEYLESS-GO ( Y page 75).
Automatic opening and closing from
the outside
Important safety guidelines
GWarning!
Make sure the tailgate is closed when the
engine is running and while driving. Among
other dangers, deadly carbon monoxide (CO)
gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
! The tailgate swings upwards and to the
rear when opened. Therefore, make sure
that there is sufficient clearance above and
behind the tailgate.
To open the tailgate completely, a minimum
clearance of 7.20 ft (2.20 m) above the
ground is necessary.
Opening
You can open the tailgate automatically with
the key or the handle in the tailgate.
XPress and hold the F button on the key
until the tailgate opens.
or
XWhen the tailgate is unlocked, pull the
handle and let it go again immediately.
Closing
GWarning!
Monitor the closing procedure carefully to
make sure no one is in danger of being
injured. To prevent possible personal injury,
always keep hands and fingers away from the
cargo compartment opening when closing the
tailgate. Be especially careful when small
children are around. To stop the closing
procedure, do one of the following:
R Press or pull the remote tailgate opening/
closing switch on the driver’s door.
R Press the tailgate closing switch.
R Press the KEYLESS-GO locking/closing
switch.
R Pull outside handle on the tailgate.
R When no SmartKey is inserted in the starter
switch (vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Make
sure the vehicle’s on-board electronics
have status 0): Press button F on the
SmartKey.
You can close the tailgate automatically using
the key, the closing button 6
or the locking
button 7
.XTo close: press closing button : on the
tailgate.
or
XPress and hold the F button on the key
until the tailgate closes.XTo close and lock simultaneously:
Press locking button ; on the tailgate.
i
The tailgate can only be opened and
closed with the key if there is no key in the
ignition lock.
6 For vehicles with the EASY-PACK tailgate only.
7 For vehicles with the EASY-PACK tailgate and KEYLESS-GO only.84TailgateOpening and closing
BA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 84
is opened and will continue after the door is
closed again.
! When driving in very poor road conditions,
select a high vehicle level in good time.
Make sure that there is always sufficient
ground clearance to prevent damage to the
vehicle.
! Remove the key from the ignition lock
before raising the vehicle completely, e.g.
with a vehicle lift.
Basic settings
Select raised level for very poor road
conditions ( Y page 184) or highway level for
normal road conditions ( Y page 185).
The vehicle is automatically lowered to high-
speed level when you:
R drive faster than 70 mph (112 km/h)
R drive at speeds between 60 mph
(96 km/h) and 70 mph (112 km/h) for
approximately 20 seconds.
The individual vehicle levels differ from
highway level as follows:
R +1.97 in (+ 50 mm) in raised level
R +/–0 in (+/–0 mm) in highway level
R –0.78 in (–20 mm) in high-speed level
i The high-speed level is not available if you
are towing a trailer. Observe the notes on
driving with a trailer ( Y page 193).
i Observe speed limits. Drive carefully and
at an appropriate speed.
Raised level
Only select raised level if this is appropriate
for the road conditions. Otherwise, fuel
consumption may increase and handling may
be affected.
If you select raised level at a speed above
40 mph (64 km/h), the Level Selection
Not Permitted message appears in the
multifunction display.XStart the engine.
Indicator lamp ; is not lit:
XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ; flashes. The vehicle rises
to raised 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 the vehicle has reached raised level,
indicator lamp ; remains lit. A message
appears in the multifunction display for
approximately five seconds, e.g.:
The vehicle level is automatically set to
highway level if you are driving faster than
25 mph (40 km/h).
184Driving systemsDriving and parking
BA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 184
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
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
BA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 228
Anticorrosion/antifreeze
Your vehicle has a number of aluminum components. The use of aluminum components in
motor vehicle engines necessitates that anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant used in such
engines be specifically formulated to protect the aluminum parts. Failure to use such
anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant will result in a significantly shortened service life.
For this reason, the following product is expressly recommended for use in your vehicle:
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze.
The coolant concentration should be checked before the onset of winter or once a year in
warmer regions.
The coolant is checked at every service at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
ModelAntifreeze protection to approximately-35 ‡ (-37 †)-49 ‡ (-45 †)Cooling systemAll models5.0 US qt (4.75 l)5.5 US qt (5.2 l)Windshield and 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.
XUse MB Windshield Washer Concentrate
MB SummerFit.XAt temperatures above freezing: add 1
part MB SummerFit to 100 parts water, e.g.
1.34 fl oz (40 ml) MB SummerFit to 1 gal
(4.0 l) of water.XAt temperatures below freezing: add 1
part MB SummerFit to 100 parts washer
fluid, e.g. 1.34 fl oz (40 ml) MB SummerFit
to 1 gal (4.0 l) of water.Vehicle data
Vehicle data, R 350 BlueTEC
(251.125)
The data quoted here refers specifically to a
vehicle with standard equipment. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the
data for all vehicle variants and trim levels.
Vehicle dimensions, R 350 BlueTECVehicle length203.3 in (5163 mm)Vehicle width
including exterior
mirrors85.9 in (2182 mm)Vehicle height65.6 in (1666 mm) 52Wheelbase126.6 in (3215 mm)Front track64.5 in (1638 mm)Rear track64.4 in (1636 mm)Ground clearance5.9 in (150 mm)52Turning circle41.3 ft (12.6 m)52
The values apply to an unladen vehicle with standard equipment. On vehicles with the AIRMATIC package,
the values vary depending on the level set for the vehicle suspension.Vehicle data357Technical dataBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 357Z
Vehicle weight, R 350 BlueTECMaximum roof
loadMaximum 220 lb
(100 kg)
Vehicle data, R 350 (251.165)
The data quoted here refers specifically to a
vehicle with standard equipment. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the
data for all vehicle variants and trim levels.
Vehicle dimensions, R 350Vehicle length203.3 in (5163 mm)Vehicle width
including exterior
mirrors85.9 in (2182 mm)Vehicle height65.5 in (1663 mm) 53Wheelbase126.6 in (3215 mm)Front track64.5 in (1638 mm)Rear track64.4 in (1636 mm)Ground clearance6.0 in (152 mm)53Turning circle41.3 ft (12.6 m)Vehicle weight, R 350Maximum roof
loadMaximum 220 lb
(100 kg)53 The values apply to an unladen vehicle with standard equipment. On vehicles with the AIRMATIC package,
the values vary depending on the level set for the vehicle suspension.358Vehicle dataTechnical data
BA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 358