2012 MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class tailgate

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsDrive to workshop
without shifting
gears.You cannot change the transmission position due to a malfunction.
If transmission position D is selected:XDrive to a qualified specialist workshop without shifting the
transmission from position D.
If transmission position R, N or P is selected:
XNotify a qualified specialist workshop or breakdown service.Only shift to P
when vehicle is at
a standstill.The vehicle is moving.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XShift the transmission to position P.EGRisk of accident
The hood or the tailgate is open.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XEngage the parking brake.XClose the hood or tailgate.You have attempted to lock the vehicle with KEYLESS-GO while
the tailgate or door is open.XClose all the doors and/or the tailgate.;At least one door is open.XClose all the doors.D
Power Steering
Malfunction See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
The power steering assistance is defective.
You will need to use more force to steer.
XCheck whether you are able to apply the extra force required.XIf you are able to steer safely: carefully drive on to a qualified
specialist workshop.XIf you are unable to steer safely: do not drive on. Contact the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.No ServiceYour vehicle is outside the network provider's transmitter/
receiver range.XWait until the mobile phone operational readiness symbol
appears in the multifunction display.Display messages235On-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

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

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

iYou can only use the Destination
Download function if the vehicle is
equipped with a navigation system.
Destination Download gives you access to a
database with over 15 million points of
interest (POIs)/important destinations that
can be downloaded onto the navigation
system of your vehicle. If you know the
destination, you can download the address or
obtain the location of points of interest
(POIs)/important destinations in the
surrounding area.
You are prompted to confirm route guidance
to the address entered.XSelect Yes with the = or ; buttons
on COMAND.XPress the 9 button on COMAND to
confirm.
The system calculates the route and
subsequently starts the route guidance with
the address entered.
i If you select No, the address can be stored
in the address book.
i The Destination Download function is
available if the corresponding mobile
phone network is available and data
transfer is possible.
Route Assistance
This service is part of the mbrace PLUS
Package and cannot be purchased
separately.
i You can also use the Route Assistance
function if your vehicle is not equipped with
a navigation system.
Within the framework of this service, you
receive a professional and reliable form of
navigation support without having to leave
your vehicle.
The customer service representative
determines a suitable driving route based on
your current vehicle position and the desired
destination and guides you live through the
current sections of the route.
Search & Send
"Search & Send" is a destination entry
service. You can find further information on
"Search & Send" in the separate COMAND
operating instructions.
Vehicle remote opening
If you have unintentionally locked your
vehicle (e.g. the SmartKey is still in the
vehicle) and a replacement SmartKey is not
available, the vehicle can be opened by a
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center.
The vehicle can be opened remotely up to four
days after the ignition was last switched off.
XContact the following service hotlines:
R USA: Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center under 1-800-FOR-
MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or
1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service at
1-888-923-8367
You will be asked for your password.XReturn to your vehicle at the time agreed
upon with the Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center.XPull the tailgate handle for at least 20
seconds until the indicator lamp in the SOS
button ( Y page 270) flashes.
The Connecting Call message appears
on the multifunction display.
Alternatively, the vehicle can also be opened
via the Internet or an iPhone in the "Owners
Online" section using your ID number and
password 34
.
i Vehicle remote unlocking is only possible
if the corresponding mobile phone network
is accessible.
The SOS button flashes and the Call
Connected message appears in the
multifunction display to confirm that the
34 USA only.274FeaturesStowing and features

command for vehicle remote unlocking has
been received.
If you pull the tailgate handle for more than
20 seconds before receiving authorization
for remote unlocking from the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center, you
must wait 15 minutes before you can pull
the tailgate handle again.
Service for recovering a stolen vehicle
If your vehicle has been stolen:
XNotify the police.
The police will issue a numbered incident
report.XThis number will be forwarded to the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center together with your PIN.
The Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center then attempts to locate the mbrace
system. The Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center contacts you and the
local law enforcement agency if the vehicle
is located. However, only the law
enforcement agency is informed of the
location of the vehicle.
i If the anti-theft alarm system is active for
longer than 30 seconds, mbrace
automatically informs the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center.
Garage door opener
Important safety notes
The HomeLink ®
garage door opener
integrated in the rear-view mirror allows you
to operate up to three different door and gate
systems.
i Certain garage door drives are
incompatible with the integrated garage
door opener. If you have difficulty
programming the integrated garage door
opener, contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or call one of the following
telephone hotlines:
R USA: Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes
R Canada: Customer Service at
1-800-387-0100GWARNING
Before programming the integrated remote
control to a garage door opener or gate
operator, make sure people and objects are
out of the way of the device to prevent
potential harm or damage. When
programming a garage door opener, the door
moves up or down. When programming a gate
operator, the gate opens or closes.
Do not use the integrated remote control with
any garage door opener that lacks safety stop
and reverse features as required by U.S.
federal safety standards (this includes any
garage door opener model manufactured
before April 1, 1982). A garage door that
cannot detect an object - signaling the door
to stop and reverse - does not meet current
U.S. federal safety standards.
When programming a garage door opener,
park vehicle outside the garage.
Do not run the engine while programming the
integrated remote control. Inhalation of
exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All
exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide (CO),
and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness
and possible death. All exhaust gas contains
carbon monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can
cause unconsciousness and possible death.
i USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC requirements. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
Features275Stowing and featuresZ

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

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