2011 MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class service

Welcome to the world of Mercedes-Benz
Before you drive off, please familiarize
yourself with your vehicle and read this
manual, especially the safety and warning
notices. This will help you to obtain the
maximum pleasure from your vehicle and to
avoid endangering yourself and others.
The equipment or product designation of your
vehicle may vary depending on:
R model
R order
R country specification
R availability
Mercedes-Benz is constantly updating its
vehicles to the state of the art.
Mercedes-Benz therefore reserves the right
to introduce changes in the following areas:
R design
R equipment
R technical features
You cannot therefore base any claims on the
data, illustrations or descriptions contained
in this manual.
The following are integral parts of the vehicle:
R Operator's Manual
R Brief Instructions 1
R Service Booklet
R Supplements relating to vehicle equipment
Keep these documents in the vehicle at all
times. When you sell the vehicle, always pass
the documents on to the new owner.
The technical documentation team at
Daimler AG wishes you safe and pleasant
motoring.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
A Daimler Company1 Canada only.2515844082
É2515844082fËÍ
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1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 266
12 V socket ........................................ 265
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) Function/notes ................................ 69
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 185
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 219
Function/notes ................................ 67
Warning lamp ................................. 239
Accident (notes) ................................ 293
Active service system see Service interval display
Adaptive Damping System (ADS) ..... 183
AdBlue ®
Adding ........................................... 165
Display message ............................ 227
Additional functions (on-board
computer) .......................................... 210
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) ..... 183
Air bags Display message ............................ 216
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 39
Important safety information ...........38
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only Canada) ...........48
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only USA) ................42
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Side impact air bag ..........................40
Window curtain air bag ....................41
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air dehumidification
Activating/deactivating with
cooling ........................................... 139
Air distribution
Setting ........................................... 142
Air filter (display message) .............. 227
Airflow Setting ........................................... 142
AIRMATIC (display message) ............ 228
AIRMATIC package ............................ 183
Air nozzles see Air vents .................................. 145
Air pressure
see Tire pressure
Air-recirculation mode
Activating/deactivating .................143
Air vents ............................................. 145
Important safety information .........144
Rear ............................................... 145
Setting the center air vents ...........145
Setting the side air vents ...............145
Alarm system
see ATA
Anti-lock Braking System
see ABS
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA
Anti-theft system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........71
Armrest
Adjusting (second row of seats) ..... 104
Ashtray ............................................... 263
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) Activating/deactivating ...................71
Function ........................................... 71
Switching off the alarm ....................71
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 203
AUTO lights see Light sensor
Automatic car wash .......................... 284
Automatic transmission DIRECT SELECT lever .....................155
Display message ............................ 233
Driving tips .................................... 157
Emergency running mode ..............160
Kickdown ....................................... 157
Malfunction .................................... 160
Program selector button ................158
Pulling away ................................... 151
Starting .......................................... 150
Trailer towing ................................. 1584IndexBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 4

Customer Relations Department ....... 22
D
Dashboard see Cockpit
Date (on-board computer) ................ 206
Daytime driving lights Display message ............................ 223
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 206
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 207
Interior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 208
Diesel particle filter .......................... 169
Digital speedometer Displaying ...................................... 202
Setting the unit (on-board
computer) ...................................... 205
DIRECT SELECT lever
see Automatic transmission
Display (cleaning instructions) ........ 287
Display messages Brakes ........................................... 219
Calling up (on-board computer) .....213
Clearing (on-board computer) ........213
Driving systems ............................. 228
Engine ............................................ 224
Lamps ............................................ 224
Safety systems .............................. 214
Service interval display ..................282
Tires ............................................... 230
Vehicle ........................................... 233
Distance recorder ............................. 202
Distance warning function
(vehicles with DISTRONIC) ................. 70
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 210
Distance warning lamp ..................... 243
DISTRONIC ......................................... 175
Display message ............................ 229
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 180
Driving tips .................................... 181
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 179
Warning lamp ................................. 243
Door
Automatic locking ............................ 81
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 208
Display message ............................ 234
Emergency locking ........................... 82
Emergency unlocking .......................82
Opening (from inside) ......................81
Door control panel
Overview .......................................... 33
Doors
Important safety notes ....................80
Drinking and driving ......................... 169
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 158
Driving abroad ................................... 173
Driving on flooded roads .................. 172
Driving safety system EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) ..................................... 70
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 68
Important safety information ...........67
Driving safety systems
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) ...69
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......67
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............68
Distance warning system
(vehicles with DISTRONIC) ...............70
Overview .......................................... 67
Driving systems
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 191
Cruise control ................................ 173
DISTRONIC .................................... 175
Level control .................................. 183
PARKTRONIC ................................. 186
Rear axle level control ...................182
Rear view camera .......................... 189
Driving tips ........................................ 157
DISTRONIC .................................... 181
Downhill gradients .........................170
Driving on flooded roads ................172Index7BA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 7

Towing a trailer .............................. 193
Wet road surface ........................... 170
Winter ............................................ 172
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 203
E
EASY-ENTRY feature ......................... 110
3rd row of seats ............................. 105
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 209
EASY-EXIT feature ............................. 110
3rd row of seats ............................. 105
Crash-responsive ........................... 111
EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) Display message ............................ 220
Function/notes ................................ 70
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic Brake-force
Distribution) see EBD
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®

Electronic Traction Support
see 4ETS
Emergency call
see mbrace
Emergency release
Fuel filler flap ................................. 162
Vehicle ............................................. 82
Emergency running mode
Automatic transmission .................160
Emergency spare wheel
Storage location ............................ 295
Stowing .......................................... 295
Emergency tensioning device
Function ........................................... 58
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....19
Engine
Irregular running ............................ 154
Starting problems ..........................154
Starting the engine with the key ....150
Starting with KEYLESS GO .............151
Switching off .................................. 152
Warning lamp (engine
diagnostics) ................................... 242
Engine electronics
Malfunction .................................... 154
Engine emergency stop .................... 317
Engine number .................................. 350
Engine oil Adding ........................................... 280
Checking the oil level ..................... 279
Display message ............................ 226
Lubricant additives ........................355
Notes about oil grades ................... 354
Viscosity ........................................ 355
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) Activating/deactivating ...................69
Display message ............................ 214
Important safety information ...........68
Trailer stabilization ........................... 70
Warning lamp ................................. 240
Exhaust check ................................... 169
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 287
Exterior lighting see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 112
Dipping (automatic) .......................113
Folding in/out (automatically) .......112
Folding in/out (electrically) ...........112
Folding in when locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Out of position ............................... 113
Setting ........................................... 112
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 114
Storing the parking position ..........113
Exterior view ........................................ 26
F
Filling capacity see Technical data
First-aid kit ......................................... 293
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Malfunctions relevant to safetyReporting ......................................... 23
mbrace
Call priority .................................... 271
Display message ............................ 215
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 271
Emergency call .............................. 268
Important safety notes ..................267
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............272
MB info call button ........................270
Roadside Assistance button ..........269
Self-test ......................................... 268
System .......................................... 268
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............272
Mechanical key
Function/notes ................................ 77
Memory card (on-board computer) . 203
Memory function ............................... 114
Menu (on-board computer) Additional functions .......................210
AIRMATIC/compass ......................204
Audio ............................................. 203
DISTRONIC .................................... 180
DVD ............................................... 204
Message memory .......................... 213
Navigation ..................................... 204
Overview of menus ........................201
Resetting to factory settings ..........205
Settings ......................................... 205
Standard display ............................ 202
Telephone ...................................... 211
Trip computer ................................ 210
Messages
see Display messages
Mirrors
Sun visor ........................................ 262
see Exterior mirrors or Rear-view mirror
MOExtended run-flat system ........... 307
MP3 Operating (on-board computer) .....203
see separate operating instructions
Multicontour seat .............................. 107
Multifunction display ........................ 199
Multifunction steering wheel Operating the on-board computer . 199
Overview .......................................... 30N
Navigation On-board computer .......................204
see separate operating instructions
NECK-PRO head restraints
Operation ......................................... 52
Resetting after being triggered ........53
NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
Operation ......................................... 52
Resetting after being triggered ........53
Notes on breaking-in a new
vehicle ................................................ 148
O
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) Faults ............................................... 47
Operation ......................................... 42
System self-test ............................... 45
Occupant safety
Children in the vehicle .....................59
System overview .............................. 36
OCS
Faults ............................................... 47
Operation ......................................... 42
System self-test ............................... 45
Octane number (fuel) ........................ 352
Odometer ........................................... 202
Off-road 4MATIC .......................................... 185
Oil
see Engine oil
On-board computer
Additional functions menu .............210
AIRMATIC/compass menu ............204
Audio menu ................................... 203
Convenience submenu ..................209
Displaying a service message ........283
Displaying the coolant
temperature ................................... 202
Displaying the outside
temperature ................................... 202
Display messages ..........................213
DISTRONIC menu .......................... 180
Factory settings ............................. 205
Important safety notes ..................198
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Switching seat heating on/off .......108
Switching the seat ventilation on/
off .................................................. 108
Seat ventilation
Indicator lamp (Malfunction) ..........109
Securing hooks .................................. 256
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 287
Service indicator see Service interval display
Service interval display .................... 282
Displaying a service message (on-
board computer) ............................ 283
Service products
AdBlue ®
special additives ..............353
Brake fluid ..................................... 355
Coolant (engine) ............................ 355
Engine oil ....................................... 354
Filling capacity ............................... 351
Fuel ................................................ 352
Important safety notes ..................350
Notes ............................................. 350
Refrigerant (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 355
Washer fluid ................................... 357
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) .........205
On-board computer .......................205
Shift ranges ....................................... 158
Side impact air bag ............................. 40
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 223
Side windows Convenience closing feature ............89
Convenience opening feature ..........89
Hinged side windows .......................88
Important safety information ...........86
Opening/closing .............................. 87
Resetting ......................................... 88
Troubleshooting ............................... 90
Sliding sunroof
Important safety information ...........91
Troubleshooting ............................... 94
see Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel
see Tilt/sliding sunroof SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................78
Changing the programming .............77
Checking the battery .................74, 78
Important safety notes ....................74
Malfunction ...................................... 79
Socket ................................................ 265
2nd row of seats ............................ 265
Dashboard ..................................... 265
Front-passenger footwell ...............265
Luggage compartment ...................266
SOS
see mbrace
Spare wheel
Notes/data .................................... 346
Storage location ............................ 295
Stowing .......................................... 295
see Emergency spare wheel
Speedometer
Additional speedometer (on-
board computer) ............................ 202
Segments ...................................... 199
Setting the unit (on-board
computer) ...................................... 205
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) Display message ............................ 215
Introduction ..................................... 36
Warning lamp ................................. 241
Warning lamp (function) ................... 36
Standard display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 202
Starting the engine Important safety instructions ......... 150
Station
see Radio
Status line (on-board computer)
Multifunction display .....................200
Selecting the display ...................... 206
Steering (display message) .............. 234
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) ...................110
Adjusting (manually) ......................109
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 199
Cleaning ......................................... 288
Important safety instructions ......... 109
Memory function (storing
settings) ......................................... 11014IndexBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 14

Tire pressure monitoring systemFunction/notes ............................. 327
Restarting ...................................... 329
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................342
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................340
Bar (definition) ............................... 340
Characteristics .............................. 340
Checking ........................................ 321
Cleaning ......................................... 322
Definition of terms .........................340
Direction of rotation ......................334
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................343
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 339
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............340
Flat tire .......................................... 296
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 341
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 341
Guidelines to be observed .............321
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 341
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................341
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......340
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........341
Labeling (overview) ........................336
Load bearing index (definition) ......342
Load index ..................................... 339
Load index (definition) ...................341
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 341
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 342
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 341
Maximum tire load .........................334
Maximum tire loading (definition) ..341
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 342
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 342Replacing ....................................... 336
Service life ..................................... 321
Sidewall (definition) .......................342
Speed index (definition) .................341
Storing ........................................... 322
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 340
Temperature .................................. 335
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 342
Tire bead (definition) ......................342
Tire pressure (definition) ................342
Tire pressures (recommended) ......340
Tire quality classes ........................334
Tire size (data) ............................... 343
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed index ....................337
Tire tread ....................................... 321
Tire tread (definition) .....................342
Total load limit (definition) .............343
Traction ......................................... 335
Traction (definition) .......................342
Tread wear ..................................... 335
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) .................342
Uniform tire quality classification
standards (definition) .....................340
Unladen weight (definition) ............341
Wear indicator (definition) .............342
Wheel rim (definition) ....................341
Tires and wheels (important safety
information) ....................................... 320
Top Tether ............................................ 63
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........313
Towing a trailer
Driving tips .................................... 193
Towing away
Installing the towing eye ................313
Removing the towing eye ...............314
Trailer
Coupling up ................................... 193
Decoupling ..................................... 195
Display message ............................ 221
Power supply ................................. 196
Towing ........................................... 194
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 19616IndexBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 16

Product information
We recommend using genuine Mercedes-
Benz parts as well as conversion parts and
accessories explicitly approved by us for your
vehicle model.
We have tested these parts to determine their
reliability, safety and special suitability for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Despite ongoing
market research, Mercedes-Benz is unable to
assess other parts. We cannot therefore be
held responsible for them, even if in individual
cases an official approval or authorization by
governmental or other agencies should exist.
The use of non-approved parts could affect
your vehicle's operating safety. Mercedes-
Benz therefore recommends that you use
genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion
parts and accessories that have been
approved for the type of vehicle. Genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts, approved conversion
parts and accessories are available from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. In
addition, you will receive advice about
permissible technical modifications, and the
parts will be professionally installed.
Operator's Manual
Notes on the Operator's Manual
This Operator's Manual contains a great deal
of helpful information. We urge you to read it
carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of
the vehicle, we urge you to follow the
instructions and warnings contained in this
Operator's Manual. Ignoring them could
result in damage to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others. Vehicle damage
caused by failure to follow instructions is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Vehicle equipment
This manual describes all the standard and
optional equipment of your vehicle available
at the time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all functions described. This
also refers to safety-related systems and
functions. The equipment in your vehicle may
therefore differ from that shown in the
descriptions and illustrations. All the systems
found in your vehicle are listed in the original
purchase agreement of your vehicle. Should
you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The Operating Instructions and the
Maintenance Booklet are important
documents and should be kept in the vehicle.
Service and vehicle operation
Service and literature
The Service and Warranty Information
booklet contains detailed information about
the warranties covering your vehicle. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
replace and repair any factory-fitted parts
based on the terms and conditions of the
following warranties:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission System Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island and Vermont Emission
Control System Warranty 2
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island and Vermont
R State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon
Laws)
2 Valid only for vehicles with a gasoline engine.Introduction19BA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 19