2012 MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class Engine

Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 345
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 344
Maximum tire load .........................337
Maximum tire load (definition) .......344
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 345
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 345
Replacing ....................................... 346
Service life ..................................... 323
Sidewall (definition) .......................345
Speed index (definition) .................344
Storing ........................................... 347
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 343
Temperature .................................. 339
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 345
Tire bead (definition) ......................345
Tire pressure (definition) ................345
Tire pressures (recommended) ......343
Tire size (data) ............................... 347
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed index ....................340
Tire tread ....................................... 323
Tire tread (definition) .....................345
Total load limit (definition) .............346
Traction ......................................... 338
Traction (definition) .......................345
Tread wear ..................................... 338
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) .................345
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 338
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................343
Unladen weight (definition) ............344
Wear indicator (definition) .............346
Wheel rim (definition) ....................344
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 60
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........315
Installing the towing eye ................315
Removing the towing eye ...............316Towing a trailer
Coupling up a trailer ......................192
Decoupling a trailer .......................193
Driving tips .................................... 191
Important safety notes ..................191
Lights display message ..................222
Power supply ................................. 194
Shift range ..................................... 153
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......316
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............317
Important safety notes ..................315
Trailer
Towing ........................................... 192
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 194
Trailer towing Blind Spot Assist ............................ 191
ESP ®
................................................ 67
PARKTRONIC ................................. 186
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights .....................194
Towing a trailer .............................. 192
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transporting the vehicle .................. 316
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) . 293
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 210
Trip meter see Trip odometer
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 202
Resetting (on-board computer) ......211
Trunk
see Tailgate
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ...................122
Display message ............................ 222
Switching on/off ........................... 117
see Turn signals
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
(definition) ......................................... 345
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate 18Index

U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................81
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 80
V
Vanity mirror (in sun visor) .............. 265
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 24
Data acquisition ............................... 25
Display message ............................ 234
Equipment ....................................... 21
Individual settings ..........................205
Limited Warranty ............................. 25
Loading .......................................... 333
Locking (in an emergency) ...............81
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 73
Lowering ........................................ 309
Maintenance .................................... 22
Parking for a long period ................ 164
Pulling away ................................... 147
Raising ........................................... 305
Reporting problems .........................24
Towing away .................................. 315
Transporting .................................. 316
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........81
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................73
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle dimensions
see Technical data
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 81
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 353
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 229
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 296
Vehicle weights see Technical data
Video (DVD) ........................................ 204
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 204
VIN ...................................................... 353
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 240
Brakes ........................................... 239
Check Engine ................................. 244
Cruise control ................................ 171
Distance warning ........................... 245
ESP ®
.............................................. 241
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 242
Fuel tank ........................................ 244
LIM (DISTRONIC) ........................... 175
Overview .......................................... 30
Reserve fuel ................................... 244
Seat belt ........................................ 238
SRS ................................................ 243
Tire pressure monitor ....................245
Warranty ............................................ 352
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 236
see Windshield washer system
Weight
see Technical data
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 309
Wheel chock ...................................... 304
Wheels Changing/replacing .......................346
Changing a wheel .......................... 303
Checking ........................................ 323
Cleaning ......................................... 289
Important safety notes ..................322
Mounting a wheel .......................... 307
Removing a wheel ..........................306
Storing ........................................... 347
Tightening torque ........................... 309
Wheel size/tire size .......................347
Window curtain air bag ....................... 43
Windows Cleaning ......................................... 291
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 138
Infrared reflective .......................... 279
Windshield washer system .............. 285
Notes ............................................. 360
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ...................126
Rear window wiper ........................125Index19

Product information
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion
parts and accessories that have been
approved for the type of vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz tests genuine parts as well as
conversion parts and accessories which have
been specifically approved for your vehicle for
their reliability, safety and suitability. Despite
ongoing market research, Mercedes-Benz is
unable to assess other parts. Therefore,
Mercedes-Benz accepts no responsibility for
the use of such parts in Mercedes-Benz
vehicles, even if they have been
independently or officially approved. 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. Here, 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 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. 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
Your vehicle is covered under the terms of the
warranties printed in the Service and
Warranty Information booklet. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
exchange or repair any defective parts
originally installed in the vehicle in
accordance with the terms of the following
warranties:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission Systems 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,
2 Valid only for vehicles with a gasoline engine.Introduction21

Change of address or ownership
In the event of a change of address, please
send us 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 the hotline number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or
Customer Service Center (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 the
entire literature in the vehicle so that it is
available to the next owner.
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 fuel for vehicles with a catalytic
converter may not be available. Leaded fuel
may cause damage to the catalytic
converter.
R the fuel may have a considerably lower
octane rating. Unsuitable fuel can cause
engine damage.
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.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function when the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.
GWARNING
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole.
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that damage
to your vehicle has occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers.
R slow down carefully.
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
Introduction23Z

Warning and indicator lampsFunctionPage:ABS240;The lamp lights up briefly,
but has no function.=Brakes (USA only)239?ESP ®241ADistance warning signal245On vehicles without
DISTRONIC, the lamp lights
up briefly but has no
function.BBrakes (Canada only)239CTire pressure monitor (USA
only)
245
FunctionPageDTurn signal117EESP ®
OFF241FSeat belt238GDiesel engine: preglow146HSRS243ILow-beam headlamps115JCheck Engine (Canada
only)
244
KCheck Engine (USA only)244LHigh-beam headlamps117MReserve fuel24430Instrument clusterAt a glance

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).
Occupant safety
Overview of occupant safety
In this section, you will learn the most
important facts about the restraint system
components of the vehicle.
The restraint system consists of:
R seat belts
R child restraint systems
R LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat anchors
Additional protection is provided by:
R SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
R NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO
luxury head restraints
R PRE-SAFE ®
R Air bag system components with:
- PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
- front-passenger seat with Occupant
Classification System (OCS)
The different air bag systems work
independently of each other. The protective
functions of the system work in conjunction
with each other. Not all air bags are deployed
in an accident.
GWARNING
Modifications to or work improperly
conducted on restraint system components
or their wiring, as well as tampering with
interconnected electronic systems, can lead
to the restraint systems no longer functioning
as intended.
Air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices
(ETDs), for example, could deploy
inadvertently or fail to deploy in accidents
although the deceleration threshold for air
bag deployment is exceeded. Therefore,
never modify the restraint systems. Do not
tamper with electronic components or their
software.
i See "Children in the vehicle"
( Y page 56) for more information on
infants and children traveling with you in
the vehicle and restraints for infants and
children.
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Introduction
SRS consists of:
R the + SRS warning lamp
R air bags
R air bag control unit (with crash sensors)
R Emergency Tensioning Devices
R belt force limiters
SRS reduces the risk of occupants coming
into contact with the vehicle's interior in the
event of an accident. It can also reduce the
effect of the forces to which occupants are
subjected during an accident.
SRS warning lamps
SRS functions are checked regularly when
you switch on the ignition and when the
engine is running. Therefore, malfunctions
can be detected in good time.
The + SRS warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out no later than a few seconds
after the engine is started.
38Occupant safetySafety

The SRS components are in operational
readiness when the + SRS warning lamp
is not lit while the engine is running .GWARNING
The SRS self-check has detected a
malfunction if the + SRS warning lamp:
R does not come on at all
R fails to go out approximately 4 seconds
after the engine was started
R comes on after the engine was started or
while driving
For your safety, Mercedes-Benz strongly
recommends that you have the system
checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Otherwise the SRS
may not be activated when it is needed in an
accident, which could result in serious or fatal
injury. The SRS might also deploy
unexpectedly and unnecessarily which could
also result in injury.
In addition, improper work on the SRS creates
a risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or
causing unintended air bag deployment. Work
on the SRS must therefore only be performed
by qualified technicians. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If it is necessary to modify an air bag system
to accommodate a person with disabilities,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for details. USA only: Call our Customer
Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) for details.
Safety guidelines for seat belts,
Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs)
and air bags
GWARNING
R Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have
been subjected to stress in an accident
must be replaced. Their anchoring points
must also be checked. Only use seat belts
installed or supplied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency
Tensioning Devices (ETDs) contain
perchlorate material, which may require
special handling and regard for the
environment. Check your national disposal
guidelines. California residents, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/
Perchlorate/index.cfm .
R Air bags and ETDs are designed to function
on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD
that has deployed must be replaced. PRE-
SAFE ®
has electrically operated reversible
belt tensioners in addition to the
pyrotechnic ETDs.
R Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges.
They could tear.
R Do not make any modification that could
change the effectiveness of the seat belts.
R Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
R No modifications of any kind may be made
to any components or wiring of the SRS.
R Do not change or remove any component
or part of the SRS.
R Do not install additional trim material, seat
covers, badges, etc. to the:
- padded steering wheel boss
- front-passenger air bag cover
- outer side of front seat bolsters
- outer side of the seat bolsters of the rear
bench seat backrest
- roof lining trim
R Do not install additional electrical/
electronic equipment on or near SRS
components and wiring.
R Keep area between air bags and occupants
free of objects (e.g. packages, purses,
umbrellas, etc.).
R Do not hang items such as coat hangers
from the coat hooks or handles over the
door. These items may be thrown around inOccupant safety39SafetyZ

being up to or less than the weight of a typical
12-month-old child in a standard child
restraint, the 42 indicator lamp
will illuminate when the engine is started and
remain illuminated. This indicates that the
front passenger front air bag is deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat is classified as being empty,
the 42 indicator lamp will
illuminate when the engine is started and
remain illuminated. This indicates that the
front passenger front air bag is deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat occupant is classified as
being heavier than the weight of a typical 12-
month-old child seated in a standard child
restraint or as being a small individual (such
as a young teenager or a small adult), the
42 indicator lamp will illuminate
for approximately 6 seconds when the engine
is started. Depending on occupant weight
sensor readings from the seat, it will then
remain illuminated or go out. With the
42 indicator lamp illuminated,
the front passenger front air bag is
deactivated. With the 42
indicator lamp out, the front passenger front
air bag is activated.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat occupant is classified as an
adult or someone larger than a small
individual, the 42 indicator lamp
will illuminate for approximately six seconds
when the engine is started and then go out.
This indicates that the front passenger front
air bag is activated.
If the 42 indicator lamp is
illuminated, the front passenger front air bag
is deactivated and will not be deployed.If the 24 indicator lamp is not
illuminated, the front passenger front air bag
is activated and will be deployed
R in the event of certain frontal impacts
R if the impact exceeds a predetermined
triggering threshold
R independently of the side impact air bags
If the front passenger front air bag is
deployed, the rate of inflation will be
influenced by
R the rate of vehicle deceleration as assessed
by the air bag control unit
R the front passenger's weight category as
identified by the OCS
For further information, see "air bag display
messages" ( Y page 220).GWARNING
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained on the rear
seats than on the front-passenger seat. Thus,
we strongly recommend that children be
placed in the rear seats whenever possible.
Regardless of seating position, children 12
years old and under must be seated and
properly secured in an appropriately sized
child restraint system or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
The infant or child restraint system must be
properly secured with the vehicle's seat belt,
the seat belt and Top Tether strap, or lower
anchors and Top Tether strap, fully in
accordance with the child seat
manufacturer's instructions.
Occupants, especially children, should always
sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt
properly and use an appropriate sized infant
restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
Occupant safety45SafetyZ