2012 MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class page 1

damage to the engine or the catalytic
converter. Have excess oil siphoned off.
For further information on engine oil, see
( Y page 358).XReplace cap : on the filler neck and
tighten clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
Checking and adding other service
products
Checking the coolant level
Only check the coolant level when the vehicle
is on a level surface and the engine has cooled
down.
XTurn the SmartKey to position
2 (Y page 145) in the ignition lock.
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice ( Y page 145).XCheck the coolant temperature gauge in
the multifunction display.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).GWARNING
In order to avoid any potentially serious burns:
R use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system, or
if the coolant temperature display indicates
that the coolant is overheated.
R do not remove the pressure cap on the
coolant reservoir if the coolant temperature
is above 158 ‡ (70 †). Allow the engine to
cool down before removing the cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and is
under pressure.
R using a rag, slowly turn the cap
approximately 1
/ 2 turn to relieve excess
pressure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out under
pressure.
R do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts.XSlowly turn cap : half a turn counter-
clockwise and allow excess pressure to
escape.XTurn cap : further counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar
= in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank ;.
If the coolant is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar = in the filler
neck when warm, there is enough coolant
in coolant expansion tank ;.XIf necessary, add coolant that has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.XReplace cap : and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
( Y page 359).
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system.
i Vehicle components and their service
products must match. You should,
Engine compartment285Maintenance and careZ

therefore, only use products that have been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Information on tested and approved
products can be obtained at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or on the Internet at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).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.
! At temperatures below freezing: always
fill the washer fluid reservoir with a mix of
water and windshield washer concentrate
(e.g. MB WinterFit). There is otherwise a
risk of damaging the windshield washer
system/headlamp cleaning system.
! Only use washer fluid concentrate which
is suitable for plastic lenses. Unsuitable
washer fluid concentrate could damage the
plastic lenses of the headlamps.
! Do not add distilled or de-ionized water to
the washer fluid container. Otherwise, the
level sensor may be damaged.
i Add windshield washer concentrate, e.g.
MB SummerFit, to the washer fluid all year
round.
Example: washer fluid reservoir
XMix the windshield washer fluid in a
container beforehand.XAt temperatures above freezing: fill the
washer fluid reservoir with a mix of waterand windshield washer concentrate (e.g.
MB SummerFit).XAt temperatures below freezing: fill the
washer fluid reservoir with a mix of water
and windshield washer concentrate (e.g.
MB WinterFit). Adapt the mixing ratio to the
outside temperature. For information on
the mixing ratio ( Y page 360).XTo open: pull cap : upwards by the tab.XAdd the premixed washer fluid.XTo close: press cap : onto the filler neck
until it engages.
Brake fluid level
! If you notice that the brake fluid level in
the brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
MIN mark or less, check the brake system
immediately for leaks. Also check the
thickness of the brake linings. Contact a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately.
Do not add brake fluid. This does not
correct the error.
Only check the brake fluid level when the
vehicle is stationary and on a level surface.
The brake fluid level is correct if it is between
MIN marking ; and MAX marking : on the
brake fluid reservoir.
286Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

Maintenance
Service interval display
Service messages
Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see separate Service Booklet).
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
The service interval display informs you of the
next service due date.
If a service due date has been exceeded, you
also hear an acoustic signal.
The multifunction display shows a service
message for a few seconds, e.g.
Service A in .. mi
Service A due now
Service A overdue by .. mi
The letter indicates how much time the
workshop will require to carry out the service
work. The letters displayed range from A for
a short service duration to H for a long service
duration.
The service interval display does not take into
account any periods of time during which the
battery is disconnected.
Maintaining the time-dependent service
schedule:
XNote down the service due date displayed
in the multifunction display before
disconnecting the battery.
or
XSubtract the battery disconnection periods
from the service date shown on the display
after reconnecting the battery.
i The service interval display does not
provide any information regarding the
engine's oil level. Observe the notes on the
engine oil level ( Y page 283).
Hiding a service messageXPress the . reset button on the
instrument cluster ( Y page 29).
Displaying a service message
XSwitch on the ignition.XPress V or U to select the standard
display menu on the steering wheel
( Y page 202).XSelect & or * to select the service
interval display.
The service due date appears in the
multifunction display.
Please bear the following in mind
Resetting service interval display
If the qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz Center, carried out the
maintenance work, the service interval
display will be reset.
Further information, on maintenance for
example, can be obtained at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or directly from
Mercedes-Benz.
! If the service interval display has been
reset unintentionally, have the setting
corrected at a Mercedes-Benz Center.
Have service work carried out as described
in the Service Booklet. This may otherwise
lead to increased wear and damage to the
major assemblies or the vehicle.
Driving abroad
An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network
is also available in other countries. You can
obtain further information from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Care
Notes on care
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Care287Maintenance and careZ

XMake sure the vehicle is stationary and the
ignition is switched off.XTurn the SmartKey to position
2 (Y page 145) in the ignition lock.
Use the SmartKey instead of the Start/
Stop button on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO.XDepress and hold the brake pedal.XShift the automatic transmission to
position N.XRelease the brake pedal.XRelease the parking brake.XSwitch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
! Make sure that:
R the side windows and the sliding sunroof
are fully closed.
R the ventilation/heating is switched off
(the OFF button has been pressed).
R the windshield wiper switch is in position
0 .
Otherwise, the vehicle might be damaged.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windshield and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the
windshield.
Washing by hand
Carefully remove all deposits of road salt as
soon as possible when driving in winter.
Also, clean the insides of the wheels when
washing the underbody of the vehicle.
XDo not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.XUse a soft car sponge for cleaning.XUse a gentle cleaning agent, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz approved car shampoo.XWash down the vehicle with a gentle water
jet.XDo not point the water jet directly at the air
inlets.XUse plenty of water and rinse the sponge
frequently.XRinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
it thoroughly with a chamois.XDo not allow the cleaning agent to dry on
the paintwork.
Power washers
GWARNING
Do not use power washers with circular-jet
nozzles (dirt grinders) to clean your vehicle, in
particular the tires. You could otherwise
damage the tires and cause an accident.
! Always maintain a distance of at least
11.8 in (30 cm) between the vehicle and the
power washer nozzle. Information about
the correct distance is available from the
equipment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around
when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R tires
R door gaps, roof gaps, joints etc.
R electrical components
R battery
R connectors
R lights
R seals
R trim elements
R ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures.
Cleaning the wheels
! Do not use acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
! Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after
Care289Maintenance and careZ

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).
Where will I find...?
First-aid kit
The first-aid kit can be found under the trunk
floor in the vehicle tool kit stowage tray.
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the
location of the first-aid kit may differ slightly
from that shown in the example illustration.
XOpen the tailgate.XLift the trunk floor up ( Y page 296).
Example: vehicles with BlueTEC
XRemove first-aid kit :.
i
Check the expiration date on the first-aid
kit at least once a year. Replace the
contents if necessary, and replace missing
contents.
Vehicle tool kit
Notes
The vehicle tool kit can be found in the
stowage well under the cargo compartment
floor.
i Vehicles are not equipped with the tools
needed to change a wheel when they leave
the factory, e.g. jack or lug wrench.
Country-specific differences are possible.
Some tools for changing a wheel are
specific to the vehicle. To obtain tools
approved for your vehicle, visit a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Folding the cargo compartment floor up
XPress release handle ; in the direction of
the arrow.XLift cargo compartment floor : up by
release handle ;.XFold out hook = on the underside of the
cargo compartment floor.296Where will I find...?Breakdown assistance

XAttach hook = to upper seal ? in the
cargo compartment.
Vehicles with a TIREFIT kit
XLift the trunk floor up ( Y page 296).:Lug wrench;Towing eye=Alignment bolt?JackAFolding wheel chockBFuse allocation chartCRatchet wrench
Vehicles with a collapsible spare wheel
XLift the trunk floor up ( Y page 296).:Lug wrench;Tire inflation compressor=Instructions on the installation position of
the vehicle tool kit holder?Fuse allocation chartAAlignment boltBFolding wheel chockCTowing eyeDWheel boltsEStowage wellFRatchet wrenchGJack
Collapsible spare wheel
Removing the collapsible spare wheel
The collapsible spare wheel can be found in
the stowage well under the trunk floor.
XLift the trunk floor up ( Y page 296).XRemove the jack from the tool holder
( Y page 296).Where will I find...?297Breakdown assistance

XTurn retaining screw : counter-clockwise
and out of tool holder = and remove it.
i
If retaining screw : does not come out
immediately, turn tool holder = slightly
counter-clockwise.
Retaining screw : can then be unscrewed
with ease.
XTurn tool holder = approximately 180°, so
that the tire inflation compressor points
backwards.XRemove tool holder = from collapsible
spare wheel ;.XRemove collapsible spare wheel ; from
the emergency spare wheel well.
For further information on changing a wheel
and mounting the spare wheel, see
( Y page 299).
Stowing a used collapsible spare wheel
Take the following steps to stow a used
collapsible spare wheel. It will otherwise not
fit in the spare wheel well. Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you have this work carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
! Only place the collapsible spare wheel in
the vehicle when it is dry. Otherwise,
moisture may get into the vehicle.
XUnscrew the valve cap from the valve.XIf possible, unscrew the valve insert from
the valve and release the air.
i Fully deflating the tire can take a few
minutes.
XScrew the valve insert back into the valve.XScrew the valve cap back on.
In the spare wheel well, there are two
guides : to keep the collapsible spare wheel
in place.
XLay collapsible spare wheel ; in the
emergency spare wheel well.
i Make sure that collapsible spare
wheel ; is positioned on guides :
precisely.
XLay the tool holder in collapsible spare
wheel ; so that the electric air pump is
pointing towards the tailgate (Y page 296).XTurn the tool holder approximately 180°,
so that the electric air pump points
forwards.
The tool holder should now be positioned
in accordance with the instructions on the
installation position.XTurn the retainer screw on the collapsible
spare wheel clockwise into the tool holder
as far as it will go.XStow the jack in the vehicle tool kit.298Where will I find...?Breakdown assistance

Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
collapsible spare wheel or MOExtended tires
(tires with run-flat properties) ( Y page 309).
i Vehicle preparation is not necessary on
vehicles with MOExtended tires.
i Vehicles equipped with MOExtended tires
are not equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the
factory. It is therefore recommended that
you additionally equip your vehicle with a
TIREFIT kit if you mount tires that do not
feature run-flat properties, e.g. winter tires.
A TIREFIT kit can be obtained from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
XVehicles with the AIRMATIC package: make
sure that highway level is selected
( Y page 180).XStop the vehicle as far away as possible
from traffic on solid, non-slippery and level
ground.XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps.XFirmly depress the parking brake.XBring the front wheels into the straight-
ahead position.XMove the DIRECT SELECT lever to P.XSwitch off the engine.XVehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the
driver's door.
The on-board electronics have status 0,
which is the same as the SmartKey having
been removed.XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
( Y page 145).XAll occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as
they do so.XMake sure that no one is near the danger
area while a wheel is being changed.Anyone who is not directly assisting in the
wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier.XGet out of the vehicle. Pay attention to
traffic conditions when doing so.XClose the driver's door.
i Only operate the tire inflation compressor
using the socket in the footwell of the
second row of seats ( Y page 268), even if
the ignition is turned off.
An emergency cut-off ensures that the on-
board electrical system voltage does not
drop too low. If the on-board electrical
system voltage is too low, power to the
sockets is automatically cut off. This
ensures that there is sufficient power to
start the engine.
TIREFIT kit
Using the TIREFIT kit
You can use the TIREFIT kit to seal small
punctures, particularly those in the tire tread.
You can use TIREFIT at outside temperatures
down to -4 ‡ (-20 †).
GWARNING
TIREFIT is a limited repair device. TIREFIT
cannot be used for cuts or punctures larger
than approximately 0.16 in (4 mm) and tire
damage caused by driving with extremely low
tire inflation pressure, or on a flat tire, or a
damaged wheel.
Do not drive the vehicle under such
circumstances.
Contact the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for assistance or call Roadside
Assistance.
XDo not remove any foreign objects which
have penetrated the tire, e.g. screws or
nails.XRemove the tire sealant bottle, the
accompanying "max. 80 km/h" sticker and
the tire inflation compressor from theFlat tire299Breakdown assistanceZ