2012 MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class ESP

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions!
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.GRisk of accident
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) is deactivated due to a malfunction.
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program), BAS (Brake Assist),
PRE-SAFE ®
, hill start assist and ESP ®
trailer stabilization, for
example, are therefore also deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
If the ABS control unit is faulty, there is also a possibility that other
systems, such as the navigation system or the automatic
transmission, will not be available.
!
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.GRisk of accident
ABS is temporarily unavailable. ESP ®
, BAS, EBD (electronic brake
force distribution), PRE-SAFE ®
, hill start assist and ESP ®
trailer
stabilization, for example, are therefore also unavailable.
Self diagnosis is not yet complete.
or
For example, the on-board voltage may be insufficient.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XCarefully drive a suitable distance making slight steering
movements at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h).
The functions mentioned above are available again when the
warning lamp goes out.
If the warning lamp is still on:
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.240Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions!
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running. A
warning tone also
sounds.GRisk of accident
EBD is faulty. Therefore, ABS, BAS, PRE-SAFE ®
, hill start assist and
ESP ®
trailer stabilization, for example, are also not available due
to a malfunction.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
֌!
The red brake warning
lamp, the yellow ESP ®
and ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps and the yellow
ABS warning lamp are
lit while the engine is
running.GRisk of accident
ABS and ESP ®
are faulty. As a result other systems, such as, BAS,
EBD, PRE-SAFE ®
, hill start assist and ESP ®
trailer stabilization...,
may also be unavailable due to a malfunction.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.÷
The yellow ESP ®
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion.GRisk of accident
ESP ®
or traction control has intervened because there is a risk of
skidding or at least one wheel has started to spin.
Cruise control or DISTRONIC is deactivated.
XOnly depress the accelerator pedal as far as necessary when
pulling away.XRelease the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is in motion.XAdapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.XDo not deactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions: ( Y page 66).Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster241On-board computer and displaysZ

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions÷
The yellow ESP ®
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion.At least one wheel is spinning and the electronic traction system
is deactivated to prevent the brakes on the drive wheels from
overheating.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
The electronic traction system switches back on again as soon as
the brakes have cooled down.
The display message disappears and the ÷ warning lamp goes
out.
å
The yellow ESP ®
OFF
warning lamp is lit while
the engine is running.GRisk of accident
ESP ®
and ESP ®
trailer stabilization are deactivated. ESP ®
will not
stabilize the vehicle if it starts to skid or if a wheel starts to spin.
XReactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions: ( Y page 66).XAdapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP ®
cannot be activated:
XHave ESP ®
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.֌
The yellow ESP ®
and
ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps are lit while the
engine is running.GRisk of accident
ESP ®
, BAS, PRE-SAFE ®
, hill start assist and ESP ®
trailer
stabilization are not available due to a malfunction. ESP ®
will not
stabilize the vehicle if it starts to skid or if a wheel starts to spin.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.242Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

indicated on the Tire and Loading Information placard or, if available, the tire inflation pressure
label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure warning lamp when one or more of your tires
are significantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure warning lamp illuminates,
you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling
and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance,
and it is the driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure warning lamp.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure warning lamp. When the system detects a malfunction, the warning lamp will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is lit, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of incompatible
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction warning lamp after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.246Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Cargo compartment enlargement
Important safety notesGWARNING
When expanding the cargo volume, always
fully fold the corresponding seats and, if so
equipped, always use the cargo net when
transporting cargo.
Unless you are transporting cargo, the seat
backrests must remain properly locked in the
upright position.
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.
Always use the cargo tie-down rings.
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 second and third rows of
seats can be folded forwards separately. You
can enlarge the cargo compartment partially
( Y page 253) or fully ( Y page 253).
Partially enlarging the cargo
compartment (folding the seats in the
3rd row forward)
XMove the head restraint of the
corresponding seat down fully
( Y page 100).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 256).
Enlarging the cargo compartment
completely (by folding the 2nd and 3rd
row of seats down)
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
Stowage areas253Stowing and featuresZ

Folding down the outer seats in the 2nd
row of seats
! If you want to fold the outer seats down
in the 2nd row of seats, the front seats must
not be in the rearmost position. Otherwise,
you could damage the front seats and outer
seats in the 2nd row.
! Close the cup holder in the 2nd row of
seats before folding down the 2nd row of
seats. You could otherwise damage the
seats or cup holder.XMove the seat concerned in the 2nd row to
its rearmost position ( Y page 101).XRemove the center console for the 2nd row
of seats, if installed ( Y page 251).
i
The center console of the 2nd row of
seats can remain installed if it is installed
in the front position (position 1)
( Y page 251). However, the loading area
will not be level.
XRemove the head restraint of the seat
concerned ( Y page 100).XLay the head restraints on the seat cushion
of the corresponding seat.XRelieve the pressure on backrest : and
pull release lever ; upwards in the
direction of the arrow beyond the pressure
point to the stop.
Backrest : and the seat are unlocked.XFold backrest : forwards until it is resting
horizontally on the seat cushion.XNow push backrest : down further until
seat cushion ; engages on the floor.
Folding down the seats in the 3rd row of
seats
XPush down the respective head restraints
in the 3rd row as far as they will go
( Y page 100).XClamp the seat belt behind retainer ;.XPull release handle : of backrest =
upwards in the direction of the arrow.
Backrest = is released.Stowage areas255Stowing and featuresZ

RThe brackets behind B-pillar : are
required for the complete cargo
compartment enlargement ( Y page 253).
The corresponding cargo tie down rings
to tighten the net are located in the footwell
of the 2nd row of seats ( Y page 257).
R The brackets behind C-pillar ; are
required for the partial cargo compartment
enlargement ( Y page 253).
The corresponding cargo tie down rings to
tighten the net are located in the footwell
of the 3rd row of seats ( Y page 257).
XUndo the two Velcro fasteners of the
safety-net stowage.XUnroll and unfold the cargo net.
The upper and lower guide rods must
engage audibly.
Attaching the cargo net
Cargo net attached behind the C-pillar
:Retainer;Guide rodXInsert guide rod ; into retainer : in the
direction of the arrow.XSlide guide rod ; forwards into
retainer : in the direction of the arrow.
Tightening the cargo net
Seat belt reel holder behind the front seats
XInsert belt hook : into cargo tie-down
ring ; in the direction of the arrow.XPull tensioning strap = by the loose end in
the direction of the arrow until the cargo
net is tight.XAfter driving a short distance, check the
tension of the cargo net and retighten it if
necessary.
Releasing the cargo net
Seat belt reel holder behind the front seats
Stowage areas261Stowing and featuresZ

XPull belt adjuster : upwards in the
direction of the arrow to reduce the tension
on the tensioning strap.XUnhook belt hook ; from cargo tie-down
ring =.
Detaching and storing the cargo net
XDetach guide rod ; from bracket :
( Y page 261).XPress the red button on the upper and lower
guide rods.XFold the cargo net and roll it up.XClose the two Velcro fasteners on the cargo
net holder.
Roof carrier
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Only use the roof rack when the basic carrier
bars have been completely mounted. The left
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 load on the roof carrier 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 sliding sunroof fully
R open the panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel fully
R open the tailgate fully
Attaching the roof carrierXFold covers : upwards.XOnly secure the roof carrier to the
anchorage points under covers :.XObserve the manufacturer's installation
instructions.
Features
Cup holders
Important safety notes
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.
262FeaturesStowing and features