2012 MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class page 1

Control panel for dual-zone automatic climate control:To set the temperature, left (Y page 137);To set climate control to automatic ( Y page 136)=To defrost the windshield ( Y page 138)?To increase the airflow ( Y page 138)ATo direct the airflow through the defroster vents ( Y page 138)BTo activate/deactivate cooling with air dehumidification ( Y page 135)CTo set the temperature, right ( Y page 137)DTo switch rear-compartment climate control on/off ( Y page 134)ETo direct the airflow through the center and side air vents ( Y page 138)FTo direct the airflow to the footwells and side air vents ( Y page 138)GTo display the airflow levelHTo reduce the airflow ( Y page 138)ITo switch the rear window defroster on/off ( Y page 139)JTo activate/deactivate air-recirculation mode ( Y page 140)KInterior temperature sensorLTo switch climate control on/off ( Y page 134)Notes on using dual-zone automatic
climate control
The following contains notes and
recommendations on optimum use of dual-
zone automatic climate control.
R Activate climate control using the à and
Á buttons. The indicator lamps in the
à and Á buttons light up.
R Set the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).
R Only use the "defrosting" function briefly
until the windshield is clear again.
R Only use "air-recirculation" mode briefly,
e.g. if there are unpleasant outside odorsor when in a tunnel. The windows could
otherwise fog up as, in air-recirculation
mode, no fresh air is drawn into the vehicle.
R Use the residual heat function if you want
to heat or ventilate the vehicle interior
when the ignition is switched off. The
"residual heat" function can only be
activated or deactivated with the ignition
switched off.Overview of climate control systems131Climate controlZ

Control panel for 3-zone automatic climate control
Canada only
Front control panel:To set the temperature, left (Y page 137);To set climate control to automatic ( Y page 136)=To direct the airflow through the defroster vents, left ( Y page 138)?To defrost the windshield ( Y page 138)ATo increase the airflow ( Y page 138)BTo switch the rear window defroster on/off ( Y page 139)CTo direct the airflow through the defroster vents, right ( Y page 138)DTo operate the rear-compartment climate control via the front control panel
( Y page 134)ETo set the temperature, right ( Y page 137)FTo switch climate control on/off ( Y page 134)GTo direct the airflow to the footwells and side air vents, right ( Y page 138)HTo direct the airflow through the center and side air vents, right ( Y page 138)ITo activate/deactivate cooling with air dehumidification ( Y page 135)To activate/deactivate the residual heat function ( Y page 140)JDisplayKTo reduce the airflow ( Y page 138)LTo activate/deactivate air-recirculation mode ( Y page 140)MTo direct the airflow through the center and side air vents, left ( Y page 138)NTo direct the airflow to the footwells and side air vents, left ( Y page 138)OInterior temperature sensor132Overview of climate control systemsClimate control

PTo switch the MONO function on/off (Y page 138) Rear control panelQTo increase the airflow ( Y page 138)RTo set the temperature ( Y page 137)STo set the rear-compartment climate control to automatic ( Y page 136)TTo direct the airflow through the rear air vents ( Y page 138)UTo direct the airflow through the footwell vents( Y page 138)VTo switch rear-compartment climate control on/off ( Y page 134)WTo reduce the airflow ( Y page 138)
USA only
Front control panel:To set the temperature, left ( Y page 137);To set climate control to automatic ( Y page 136)=To defrost the windshield ( Y page 138)?To increase the airflow ( Y page 138)ATo direct the airflow through the defroster vents ( Y page 138)BTo activate/deactivate cooling with air dehumidification ( Y page 135)To activate/deactivate the residual heat function ( Y page 140)CTo set the temperature, right ( Y page 137)DTo switch rear-compartment climate control on/off ( Y page 134)ETo direct the airflow through the center and side air vents ( Y page 138)FTo direct the airflow to the footwells and side air vents ( Y page 138)GTo display the airflow levelOverview of climate control systems133Climate controlZ

HTo reduce the airflow (Y page 138)ITo switch the rear window defroster on/off ( Y page 139)JTo activate/deactivate air-recirculation mode ( Y page 140)KInterior temperature sensorLTo switch climate control on/off ( Y page 134) Rear control panelMTo increase the airflow ( Y page 138)NTo set the temperature ( Y page 137)OTo set the rear-compartment climate control to automatic ( Y page 136)PTo direct the airflow through the rear air vents ( Y page 138)QTo direct the airflow through the footwell vents ( Y page 138)RTo switch rear-compartment climate control on/off ( Y page 134)STo reduce the airflow ( Y page 138)Notes on using 3-zone automatic
climate control
The following contains instructions and
recommendations to enable you to get the
most out of your automatic climate control.
R Activate climate control using the à and
Á buttons. The indicator lamps in the
à and Á buttons light up.
R Set the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).
R Only use the "defrosting" function briefly
until the windshield is clear again.
R Only use "air-recirculation" mode briefly,
e.g. if there are unpleasant outside odors
or when in a tunnel. The windows could
otherwise fog up as, in air-recirculation
mode, no fresh air is drawn into the vehicle.
R Use the MONO function if you want to
adopt the temperature and air distribution
settings from the driver's side for all
climate zones. The indicator lamp in the
º button lights up.
R Use the residual heat function if you want
to heat or ventilate the vehicle interior
when the ignition is switched off. The
"residual heat" function can only be
activated or deactivated with the ignition
switched off.Operating the climate control system
Activating/deactivating climate
control
Important information
GWARNING
When the climate control system is
deactivated, the outside air supply and
circulation are also deactivated. Only choose
this setting for a short time. Otherwise the
windows could fog up, impairing visibility and
endangering you and others.
i Switch on climate control primarily using
the à button ( Y page 136).
134Operating the climate control systemClimate control

XTo deactivate: press the K or I
button.
Automatic airflow is deactivated and the
airflow is controlled according to the level
set. Automatic air distribution remains
activated.
or
XPress one of the M or O buttons.
Automatic air distribution is deactivated.
Air distribution is controlled according to
the position set. Automatic airflow remains
activated.
Setting the temperature
2-zone automatic climate control
Different temperatures can be set for the
driver's and front-passenger sides.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo increase/reduce: turn controls : and
C clockwise or counter-clockwise
( Y page 131).
Only change the temperature setting in
small increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
3-zone automatic climate control
Automatic climate control climate zones
You can select different temperature settings
for the driver's and front-passenger sides as
well as for the rear compartment.
XTo increase/reduce the front-
compartment temperature using the
front control unit: turn the SmartKey in
the ignition lock to position 2.XTurn controls : and C15
/E 16
clockwise
or counter-clockwise ( Y page 132).
Only change the temperature setting in
small increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
USA only:
XTo increase/reduce the rear-
compartment temperature using the
front control unit: turn the SmartKey in
the ignition lock to position 2.XPress the ± button.XTurn control C clockwise or counter-
clockwise ( Y page 132).
Only change the temperature setting in
small increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
Canada only:
XTo increase/reduce the rear-
compartment temperature using the
front control unit: turn the SmartKey in
the ignition lock to position 2.XPress the Y button.
The display changes to rear-compartment
climate control.XTurn control E clockwise or counter-
clockwise ( Y page 132).
Only change the temperature setting in
small increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
i To return to the standard display, press
the Y button.
i The rear display changes to the standard
display automatically after three seconds.
XTo increase/reduce the temperature in
the rear compartment using the rear
control panel: turn the SmartKey in the
ignition lock to position 2.XTurn control N15
/R 16
clockwise or
counter-clockwise ( Y page 132).15
USA only.
16 Canada only.Operating the climate control system137Climate controlZ

The climate control system switches to the
following functions:
R cooling with air dehumidification on
R high airflow 19
R high temperature 19
R air distribution to the windshield and
front side windows
R air-recirculation mode offXTo switch off: press the ¦ button.
The indicator lamp in the ¦ button goes
out. The previously selected settings come
into effect again. The cooling with air
dehumidification function remains on. Air-
recirculation mode remains deactivated.
or
XPress the ^ button.
or
XPress the à button.
or
XTurn the temperature control clockwise or
counter-clockwise.
or
XPress the K or I button.
Defrosting the windows
Windows fogged up on the inside
XActivate the cooling with air
dehumidification function Á.XActivate automatic mode Ã.XIf the windows continue to fog up, activate
the defrosting function ( Y page 138).
i
You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Windows fogged up on the outsideXSwitch on the windshield wipers.XPress the P/\ 20
or O /c 20
air distribution button.
i You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Rear window defroster
Activating/deactivating
GWARNING
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from the rear window before driving.
Visibility could otherwise be impaired,
endangering you and others.
The rear window defroster has a high current
draw. You should therefore switch it off as
soon as the window is clear as it only switches
off automatically after several minutes.
If the battery voltage is too low, the rear
window defroster may switch off.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress the ª button.
The indicator lamp in the ª button lights
up or goes out.
Problems with the rear window
defroster
If the indicator lamp in the ª rear window
defroster button flashes, the on-board
voltage is too low or the roof is open. The rear
window defroster has deactivated itself
prematurely or cannot be activated.
XSwitch off any consumers that are not
required, e.g. reading lamps or interior
lighting.
When the battery is sufficiently charged,
the rear window defroster is activated
again automatically.19 Depending on the outside temperature.
20 Canada only.Operating the climate control system139Climate controlZ

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).
Breaking-in notes
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
The more you look after the engine when it is
new, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance in the future.
R Drive at varying vehicle speeds and engine
speeds for the first 1000 miles (1500 km)
for this reason.
R Avoid overstraining the vehicle during this
period, e.g. driving at full throttle.
R Change gear in good time, at the latest
when the tachometer needle is 2
/ 3 of the
way to the red area in the tachometer
display.
R Do not manually shift to a lower gear to
brake the vehicle.
R If possible, do not depress the accelerator
pedal past the point of resistance
(kickdown).
R Only select shift ranges 3, 2 or 1 when
driving slowly, e.g. in mountainous terrain.
R If possible, drive in drive program E for the
first 1000 miles (1500 km).
After 1000 miles (1500 km), you can increase
the engine speed gradually and bring the
vehicle up to full speed.
i You should also observe these notes on
running in if the engine or parts of the drive
train on your vehicle have been replaced.
i Always observe the respective speed
restrictions.
Driving
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals' range of movement.
Keep the driver's footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure the pedals
still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
GWARNING
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
GWARNING
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission out of parking position P or
neutral position N if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
! Warm up the engine quickly. Do not use
the engine's full performance until it has
reached operating temperature.
Only shift the automatic transmission to
the desired drive position when the vehicle
is stationary.
144DrivingDriving and parking

Start/Stop button
=USA only?Canada onlyXPosition 0: if Start/Stop button : has not
yet been pressed, this corresponds to the
SmartKey being removed from the ignition.XPosition 1: press Start/Stop button :.
You can now activate the windshield
wipers, for example.
i If you then open the driver's door when in
this position, the power supply is
deactivated.
XPosition 2 (ignition): press Start/Stop
button : twice.
i
If you press Start/Stop button : once
when in this position and the driver's door
is open, the power supply is deactivated
again.
As soon as the ignition is switched on, all the
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster light
up. If an indicator lamp does not go out after
the engine is started or if it lights up while the
vehicle is in motion, see ( Y page 239).
Starting the engine
Important safety notes
GWARNING
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.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
! Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
i Vehicles with a gasoline engine: the
catalytic converter is preheated for up to
30 seconds after a cold start. During this
time, the engine sound may be different.
Automatic transmissionXShift the transmission to position P.
The transmission position display in the
multifunction display shows P.
i
You can also start the engine when the
transmission is in position N.
Starting procedure with the SmartKey
i To start the engine using the SmartKey
instead of KEYLESS-GO, pull the Start/
Stop button out of the ignition lock.
XTo start a gasoline engine: turn the
SmartKey to position 3 in the ignition lock
( Y page 145) and release it as soon as the
engine is running.XTo start a diesel engine: turn the
SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock
( Y page 145).
The % preglow indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.XWhen the % preglow indicator lamp
goes out, turn the SmartKey to position 3
( Y page 145) and release it as soon as the
engine is running.
i You can start the engine without preglow
if the engine is warm.
146DrivingDriving and parking