2012 MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class page 1

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

EngineProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions! (USA only)
; (Canada only)
The yellow Check
Engine warning lamp
lights up while the
ignition is switched on
with the engine
running.There may be a malfunction, for example:
R in the engine management
R in the fuel injection system
R in the exhaust system
R in the ignition system (for vehicles with a gasoline engine)
R in the fuel system
The emission limit values may be exceeded and the engine may
be running in emergency mode.XHave the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop.
i In some states, you are required by law to immediately visit a
qualified specialist workshop as soon as the yellow Check
Engine warning lamp lights up. If in doubt, check whether such
legal regulations apply in the state/province in which you are
currently driving.
Vehicles with a diesel engine: the fuel tank has been run dry
( Y page 160).XStart the engine three to four times after refueling.
If the yellow Check Engine warning lamp goes out, emergency
running mode is canceled. The vehicle need not be checked.The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion.
In addition, the !
(USA only)/ ;
(Canada only) yellow
Check Engine warning
lamp may light up.The fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XCheck that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.XIf the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed: close the fuel filler
cap.XIf the fuel filler cap is closed: visit a qualified specialist
workshop.The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is
running.The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.XRefuel at the nearest gas station.244Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

Driving systemsProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions·
The red distance
warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in
motion. A warning tone
also sounds.GRisk of accident
The warning is issued if you approach a stationary vehicle or a
vehicle driving ahead of you at too high a speed.
XBe prepared to brake immediately.XPay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
More information about DISTRONIC (Y page 173) and the distance
warning signal ( Y page 68).
Tires
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsh
USA only:
The yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss/
malfunction) is lit.GRisk of accident
The tire pressure monitor has detected a loss of pressure in at
least one of the tires.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XCheck the tire pressure. If necessary, correct the tire pressure
( Y page 331).XIf necessary, change a wheel ( Y page 346).h
USA only:
The yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss/
malfunction) flashes for
60 seconds and then
remains lit.The tire pressure monitor is defective.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.GWARNING
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked every other week when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire and
Loading Information placard on the driver's door B-pillar or, if available, the tire inflation pressure
label on the inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster245On-board computer and displaysZ

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 24).
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 vehicle
weight including fuel, vehicle tool kit, spare
wheel, installed accessories, vehicle
occupants and luggage/cargo.
The gross load limit and the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) for your vehicle must
never be exceeded. The gross load limit and
the GVWR are specified on the vehicle
identification plate on the B-pillar of the
driver's door ( Y page 333).
The load must also be distributed so that the
weight on each axle never exceeds the gross
axle weight rating (GAWR) for the front and
rear axles. The specifications for GVWR and
GAWR are on the vehicle identification plate
on the B-pillar of the driver's door
( Y page 333).
Further information can be found in the
"Loading the vehicle" section ( Y page 333).
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 areas
Stowage compartments
Important safety notes
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.
248Stowage areasStowing and features

Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
If so equipped, always use the cargo net when
transporting cargo. The cargo net cannot
secure hard or heavy objects.
Parcel nets cannot secure hard or heavy
objects.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during
R braking
R vehicle maneuvers
R an accident
Stowage compartments in the front
Glove box
i Depending on the vehicle's equipment,
you will find an AUX IN jack or a Media
Interface installed in the glove box. A Media
Interface is a universal interface for mobile
audio equipment, e.g. for an iPod ®
or USB
device (see the separate COMAND
operating instructions).
XTo open: pull handle : and open glove box
flap ;.XTo close: fold glove box flap ; upwards
until it engages.
The glove box can only be locked and
unlocked using the mechanical key.
1Glove box unlocked2Glove box locked
Stowage compartments in the center
console
Front stowage compartment
Rear stowage compartment
XBriefly press trim ; in the direction of the
arrow.
Cover : swings upwards.
i
In vehicles with the smoker's package, an
ashtray is installed instead of the rear
stowage compartment ( Y page 265).
Stowage areas249Stowing and featuresZ

Stowage compartments under the
armrest
The stowage compartment and the stowage
tray can be opened separately.
i In vehicles with the Rear Seat
Entertainment System, a DVD player is
installed in the stowage compartment; see
the separate operating instructions.XTo open the stowage tray: press release
button : and fold the armrest upwards.XTo open the stowage compartment:
press release button ; and fold the
armrest upwards.=Stowage tray?Coin holder
i The Roadside Assistance
º (Y page 272) and MB info call
E (Y page 272) buttons are in the
stowage tray = under the armrest.
Stowage compartments in the rear
Stowage compartments above the center
air vents, 2nd row of seats
Depending on the equipment in the vehicle, a
control panel may be installed instead of the
upper stowage compartment, e.g. if the
vehicle has rear-compartment air
conditioning for the 2nd and 3rd rows of
seats.
Stowage compartment in the center
console, 2nd row of seats
XTo open: press the release button under
the armrest and fold the armrest upwards.
Stowage compartments in the 3rd row of
seats
There is a stowage compartment in the side
trim on both sides. In vehicles with rear-
compartment air conditioning (2nd and 3rd
row of seats), a swiveling side air vent is
installed instead of the stowage
compartment.
250Stowage areasStowing and features

:Stowage compartment
Stowage pockets
GWARNING
Storage bags are intended for storing light-
weight items only.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
storage bag. In an accident, during hard
braking, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Storage bags cannot protect transported
goods in the event of an accident.
Storage bags are located in the rear
compartment on the driver's and front-
passenger seat backrests.
Parcel nets
GWARNING
Vehicles with Occupant Classification System
(OCS)
Do not place objects with a combined weight
of more than 4.4 lbs (2 kg) into the parcel net
on the back of the front passenger seat.
Otherwise, the OCS may not be able to
properly approximate the occupant weight
category.
GWARNING
Parcel nets are intended for storing light-
weight items only, such as road maps, mail,
etc.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges, or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
parcel nets. In an accident, during hard
braking, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Parcel nets cannot protect transported goods
in the event of an accident.
Parcel nets are located in the front-passenger
footwell and on the back of the driver's and
the front-passenger seat.
Center console, 2nd row of seats
Removing the center console
GWARNING
Remove all containers that may be stored in
the cup holder in the rear center console.
Otherwise, liquids could spill on the
occupants and/or vehicle equipment. Hot
fluids spilled on the vehicle occupants may
cause serious injury. Liquids spilled on vehicle
equipment may cause damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
The center console contains a stowage
compartment ( Y page 250) and a cup holder
( Y page 263).
If you are using the fully extended cargo
compartment and want an even loading area
( Y page 253), you must remove the center
console.
! To avoid damage to the center console or
its components, close the stowage
compartment before removing the center
console.
i Remove all objects from the stowage
compartment ( Y page 250) to reduce the
weight of the center console.
Stowage areas251Stowing and featuresZ

XPull release handle A.
The front part of center console :
detaches from supporting base ?.XLift center console : upwards in the
direction of arrow B and hold center
console : in this position.XAt the same time, reach into recess ;.XLift center console : by recess ;
upwards in the direction of the arrow to
release center console : from anchoring
points =.XRemove center console : from the
vehicle.
i Supporting base ? cannot be removed.
Installing the center console
GWARNING
The rear center console must be properly
attached to the rear center console base
when the vehicle is in motion. The rear center
console could otherwise come loose. It could
be thrown around in the vehicle interior,
causing injury to the vehicle occupants
during:
R braking
R vehicle maneuvers
R an accident
You can install the center console in two
different positions. In the foremost position
(position 1) you can extend the cargo
compartment fully ( Y page 253) without
removing the center console.
i The stowage compartment and cup
holder will only be illuminated if the center
console is installed in the rear position
(position 0).XPosition center console B above
supporting base =.XMount the retainers of center console B
using anchoring points ? (position 1) or
A (position 0) of basic carrier =.XGuide the front part of center console B
downwards in the direction of the arrow to
supporting base =.
Center console B must rest on supporting
base =.XPush the front part of center console B
downwards until you hear center console
B engage in securing rings : (position 1)
or ; (position 0).252Stowage areasStowing and features