2012 MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class ABS

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsIf the display message is shown while the vehicle is in motion and
the ÷ warning lamp flashes, the electronic traction system is
deactivated. Otherwise, the brakes on the drive wheels could
overheat.XLet the brakes cool down until the display message disappears
and the ÷ warning lamp goes out.
The electronic traction system is active again.÷
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
ESP ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
and BAS, hill start assist and ESP ®
trailer
stabilization are not available due to a malfunction.
In addition, the ÷ and å warning lamps light up in the
instrument cluster.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.T !
÷
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
EBD (electronic brake force distribution), ABS, ESP ®
, BAS,
PRE-SAFE ®
, hill start assist and ESP ®
trailer stabilization are not
available due to a malfunction.
In addition, the ÷, å and ! warning lamps light up in
the instrument cluster and a warning tone sounds.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.#
Brake WearThe brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.216Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

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

third-row seat occupants to use folded
second-row seats as a footrest while driving.
Third-row seat occupants must, like all vehicle
occupants, keep both feet on the floor in front
of their seat. Otherwise, occupants could
slide under their seat belt in a collision. If
occupants slide under the seat belt, it would
apply force at the abdomen or neck. That
could cause serious or even fatal injuries. Do
not fold the second-row seats and allow third-
row seat occupants to use folded second-row
seats as a table while driving. Objects placed
on folded second-row seats may come loose
during braking, vehicle maneuvers, or an
accident and be thrown around the vehicle
interior. Objects thrown around the vehicle
interior may cause an accident and/or
serious personal injury.
! Make absolutely sure that you adhere to
the specified folding order when fully
enlarging the cargo compartment:
R fold down the center seat in the 2nd row
of seats (7-seat vehicles)
R fold down the outer seats in the 2nd row
of seats
R fold down the seats in the 3rd row of
seats
You could otherwise damage the seats.
Folding down the center seat in the 2nd
row of seats
! 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.XLower the head restraint on the center seat
in the 2nd row of seats fully ( Y page 100).XPull release loop : in the direction of the
arrow.XFold backrest ; forwards completely until
it is resting on seat cushion = (armrest
position).
Armrest position
XPull release loop ? in the direction of the
arrow and hold it securely.
The seat is released and folds up.XPress seat A further down until the front
of the seat engages in the trunk floor
position.
Trunk floor position
254Stowage areasStowing and features

XFold backrest = slowly forwards.
Seat cushion C is released and moves
automatically to a vertical position.
i Loop D 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).
XAfter it has been moved to a vertical
position automatically, fold seat cushion
C further forwards until it reaches a
horizontal position. In doing so, make sure
that guide pin A of seat cushion C
catches fully in recess ? of backrest B.
i
The seats in the 2nd row of seats must be
in the rearmost position ( Y page 101).
XFold backrest = forwards into a horizontal
position.
Moving the seats back into the driving
position
GWARNING
Make sure
R the seats are properly locked
R the seat backrests are in an upright position
and are properly locked
An outboard second-row seat is properly
locked only when lock status indicator : is
in hinged position and red marking ; is
barely visible, see "Lock status indicators
(outboard second-row seats)".
If a seat and seat backrest are not properly
locked, the seat could move forward and the
seat backrest could fold. You could slide
under the seat belt during braking, vehicle
maneuvers, or in an accident. If you slide
under it, the belt would apply force at the
abdomen or neck. That could cause serious
or even fatal injuries.
! Make absolutely sure that you reset the
seats to the driving position in the specified
order:
R reset the seats in the 3rd row of seats
R reset the outer seats in the 2nd row of
seats
R reset the center seat in the 2nd row of
seats (7-seat vehicles)
Resetting the seats in the 3rd row of seats
! Do not fold down the seat cushions before
moving the backrests into the upright
position. The seat cover could otherwise be
damaged.
XGrip loop = and pull seat backrest ; into
an upright position.XPull release handle ? and move
backrest ; to the desired position.XPlace seat cushion : in a vertical position.XFold seat cushion : towards backrest ;
until it engages audibly.
Resetting the outer seats in the 2nd row
of seats
256Stowage areasStowing and features

stowage well underneath the trunk floor
( Y page 296).XAffix part : of the sticker within the
driver's field of vision.XAffix part ; of the sticker near the valve
on the wheel with the defective tire.GWARNING
Take care not to allow the contents of TIREFIT
to come in contact with hair, eyes or clothing.
TIREFIT is harmful if inhaled, swallowed or
absorbed through the skin - causes skin, eye
and respiratory irritation.
Any contact with eyes or skin should be
flushed immediately with plenty of water.
If clothing comes in contact with TIREFIT,
change clothing as soon as possible.
In case of allergic reaction or rash, consult a
physician immediately.
GWARNING
Keep TIREFIT away from children. If
swallowed, rinse mouth immediately with
plenty of water and drink plenty of water.
Do not induce vomiting.
Consult a doctor immediately.
Keep away from open flame or heat source.
i If TIREFIT leaks out, allow it to dry. It can
then be removed like a layer of film.
If you get TIREFIT on your clothing, have it
cleaned as soon as possible with
perchloroethylene.
Your vehicle is provided with one of two
different tire inflation compressors:
R Version 1: the hose with the pressure
gauge and the cable are behind a flap.
R Version 2: the pressure gauge is in the tire
inflation compressor.
TIREFIT kit version 1XOpen flap ;.XPull connector A with the cable and hose
B out of the housing.XScrew hose B onto flange C of tire
sealant bottle :.XInsert tire sealant bottle : head
downwards into recess = of the tire
inflation compressor.XRemove the cap from valve E on the faulty
tire.300Flat tireBreakdown assistance

(100 km) as they only reach their full
performance after this distance.
R Do not use tires that are excessively worn
as the tire traction on wet road surfaces
decreases significantly when the tread
depth is less than 1
/ 8 inch (3 mm).
R Replace the tires after six years at the
latest, regardless of wear. This also applies
to the emergency spare wheel/spare
wheel.
The service life of tires depends on the
following factors amongst other things:
R driving style
R tire pressure
R mileage
MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties)
MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties) allow you to continue driving your
vehicle even if one or more tires are entirely
deflated.
MOExtended tires may be used only in
conjunction with the activated tire pressure
loss warning system or the activated tire
pressure monitoring system and only on
wheels specifically tested by Mercedes-Benz.
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.
You will find notes on driving with a flat tire in
the "Breakdown assistance" section
( Y page 309).
Winter operation
Please bear the following in mind
At the onset of winter, have your vehicle
winterproofed at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Observe the notes in the "Changing a wheel"
section ( Y page 346).
Driving with summer tires
At temperatures below 45 ‡ (+7 †), the
elasticity of summer tires and therefore also
traction and braking capability are reduced
considerably — equip your vehicle with
M+S tires. Using summer tires at very cold
temperatures could cause tears to form,
thereby damaging the tires permanently.
Mercedes-Benz cannot accept responsibility
for this type of damage.
M+S tires
At temperatures below 45 ‡(+7 †), use
winter tires or all-season tires. Both types of
tire are identified by the M+S marking.
Only winter tires bearing the i snowflake
symbol in addition to the M+S marking
provide the best possible grip in wintry road
conditions. Only these tires will allow driving
safety systems such as ABS and ESP ®
to
function optimally in winter, as these tires
have been designed specifically for driving on
snow.
Use M+S tires of the same make and tread on
all wheels to maintain safe handling
characteristics.
GWARNING
M+S tires with a tread depth of less than 1
/ 6
inch (4 mm) must be replaced immediately.
They are no longer suitable for use in winter.
324Winter operationWheels and tires

Storing wheels
Store wheels that are not being used in a cool,
dry and preferably dark place. Protect the
tires from oil, grease, gasoline and diesel.
Cleaning the wheels
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.
Wheel and tire combinations
Please bear the following in mind
! For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use Tires and
wheels which have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz specifically for your
vehicle.
These tires have been specially adapted for
use with the control systems, such as ABS
or ESP ®
, and are marked as follows:
R MO = Mercedes-Benz Original
R MOE = Mercedes-Benz Original Extended
(tires featuring run-flat characteristics)
R MO1 = Mercedes-Benz Original (only
certain AMG tires)
Mercedes-Benz Original Extended tires
may only be used on wheels that have been
specifically approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Only use tires, wheels or accessories
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Certain characteristics, e.g. handling,
vehicle noise emissions or fuel
consumption, may otherwise be adversely
affected. In addition, when driving with a
load, tire dimension variations could cause
the tires to come into contact with the
bodywork and axle components. This could
result in damage to the tires or the vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz accepts no liability for
damage resulting from the use of tires,
wheels or accessories other than those
tested and approved.
Further information about tires, wheels and
approved combinations can be obtained
from any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
i The Tire and Load Information placard
with the recommended tire pressures is
attached to the B-pillar on the driver's side.
Further information about driving at high
speeds or driving with vehicle loads that are
lighter than the maximum vehicle load can
be found in the tire pressure table on the
inside of the fuel filler flap. Check tire
pressures regularly, and only when the tires
are cold. Comply with the maintenance
recommendations of the tire manufacturer
in the vehicle document wallet.
For further information on the recommended
tire inflation pressure and on tire pressures
for specific driving conditions, see
( Y page 325).
i Notes on the vehicle equipment – always
equip the vehicle:
R with tires of the same size on a given axle
(left/right)
R with the same type of tires at a given time
(summer tires, winter tires, 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.
i On the following pages, you can find
information on approved wheel rims and
tire sizes for equipping your vehicle with
winter tires. Winter tires are not available
from the factory as standard equipment or
optional extras.Wheel and tire combinations347Wheels and tiresZ