
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
# The battery is no
tbeing charged.
Aw arning tone also sounds.
Possible causes are:
R a defective alternator
R a torn poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronics
X Pull ove rand stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Ope nthe hood.
X Check whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is not damaged:
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 4
Check Engine Oil
At Next Refueling The engine oil level has dropped to the minimum level.
Aw
arning tone also sounds.
X Chec kthe oil level when next refueling, at the latest
(Y page 261).
X If necessary, add engine oil (Y page 262).
X Have the engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop if
engine oil needs to be added more often than usual.
! Avoid long journeys with too little engine oil. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any
qualified specialist workshop. æ
Fuel Level Low The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station. 208
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

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 23).Engine compartment
Hood
Opening the hood G
WARNING
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise, the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/oro thers.G
WARNING
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature gauge to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away fro mthe vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department. G
WARNING
There is a risk of injury if the hood is open,
even if the engine is not running.
Some engine components can become very
hot.
To avoid the risk of burns, only touch those
components described in the Operator's
Manual and observe the relevant safety notes. G
WARNING
To avoid injury, stay clear of moving parts
when the hood is open and the engine is
running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30seconds or may even restart
after the engine has been switched off. For
this reason, you must not reach into the fan
rotation area. G
WARNING
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage,
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system:
R with the engine running
R while starting the engine
R when the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually G
WARNING
The windshield wipers and wiper linkage
could be set in motion.
When the hood is open, you or others could
be injured by the wiper linkage.
Make sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off and that the key has been pulled
out of the ignition lock before opening the
hood.
! Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield
wipers or the hood. 260
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

X
Make sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off.
X Pull release lever :on the hood.
The hood is released. X
Reach into the gap between the hood and
the radiator grill and press hood catch
lever ;to the left.
X Raise the hood. X
Pull support strut ?out of bracket A.
X Lift up support strut ?and insert it into
yellow retaining clip =.
Closing the hood G
WARNING
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure the hood is securely engaged
before driving off. Do not continue driving if
the hood can no longer engage after an
accident, for example. The hood could otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in
motion and injure you and/or others.
X Raise the hood slightly and, at the same
time, remove support strut ?from yellow
retaining clip =.
X Swing support strut ?down and press it
into bracket Auntil it engages.
X Lower the hood and let it fall from a height
of approximately 8inche s(20 cm).
X Check that the hood has engaged properly.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Do not press the hood
closed. Open the hood again and close it
with a little more force. Engine oil
General notes Depending on the driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qt (0.8 liters) of oil
over
adistanc eof600 miles (1,000 km). The
oil consumption may be higher than this when
the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at
high engine speeds.
Depending on the engine, the oil dipstic kmay
be in a different location.
When checking the oil level:
R park the vehicle on a level surface.
R the engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
R if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature, e.g.ift he engine was only
started briefly: wait about 30 minutes
before carrying out the measurement. Engine compartment
261Maintenance and care Z

Checking the oil level using the oil
dipstick
X
Pull oil dipstick :out of the dipstick guide
tube.
X Wipe off oil dipstick :.
X Slowly slide oil dipstick :into the guide
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
If the level is between MIN mark =and
MAX mark ;, the oil level is correct.
X If the oil level has dropped to MIN mark
= or below, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter) of
engine oil.
Adding engine oil G
WARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot
engine parts, it may ignite and you could burn
yourself. Do no tspill any engine oil on hot
engine parts. H
Environmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
! Only use engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles with a
service system. You can obtain a list of the
engine oils and oil filters tested and
approved in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service
Products at any Mercedes-Benz Service
center. Damage to the engine or exhaust system is
caused by the following:
R
using engine oils and oil filters that have
not been specifically approved for the
service system
R replacing engine oil and oil filters after
the interval for replacements pecified by
the service system has been exceeded
R using engine oil additives.
! Do not add too much oil. adding too much
engine oil can result in damage to the
engine or to the catalytic converter. Have
excess engine oil siphoned off. Example: engine oil cap
X
Turn cap :counter-clockwise and remove
it.
X Add engine oil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark
on the oil dipstick, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter)
of engine oil.
X Replace cap :on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
X Check the oil level againw ith the oil
dipstick (Y page 262).
Further information on engine oil
(Y page 326). 262
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

Example
X
To open: pull cap:upwards by the tab.
X Add the premixed washe rfluid.
X To close: press cap :onto the filler neck
until it engages.
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system.
Further information on windshield washer
fluid/antifreeze (Y page 328).Maintenance
ASSYST PLUS
Service messages The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
informs you of the nexts
ervice due date.
The multifunction display shows a service
message for several seconds, e.g.:
Next Service A Due in .. Days Service A Due
Service A Exceeded by .. Days
The letter
A or
B , possibly in connection with
a number or another letter, shows the type of
service. A stands for a minor service and
B for
a major service.
You can obtain further information from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see the separate Maintenance
Booklet). The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not take into accoun
tany periods of
time during which the battery is
disconnected.
Maintaining the time-dependent service
schedule:
X Note down the service due date displayed
in the multifunctio ndisplay before
disconnecting the battery.
or
X After reconnecting the battery, subtract
the battery disconnection periods fro mthe
service date shown on the display.
i The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not show any information on the
engine oil level. Observe the notes on the
engine oil level (Y page 261).
Hiding aservice message X
Press %ora.
Displaying service messages X
Switch on the ignition.
X Using =or;, selec tthe Serv. menu.
X Press 9or: to select the ASSYST PLUS submenu and press
ato confirm.
The service due date appears in the
multifunction display.
Information about Service Resetting the ASSYST PLUS service
interval display
!
If the ASSYST PLUS service interval
display has been inadvertently reset, this
setting can be corrected at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Have service work carried out as described
in the Maintenance Booklet. This may
otherwise lead to increased wear and
damage to the major assemblies or the
vehicle. 264
MaintenanceMaintenance and care

Aq
ualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Ben zCenter, will reset
the ASSYST PLUS service interval display
after the service work has been carried out.
You can obtain further information, e.g.
regarding service work, from an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or directly from
Mercedes-Benz.
Special service requirements
Arduous operating conditions or increased
loads on the vehicle will require some service
work to be performed more often than for a
vehicle in normal use. Such arduous
conditions include regular city driving with
frequent intermediate stops and use in
mountainous terrain or on poor road
surfaces.
For example, if the vehicle is used under
arduous operating conditions, have air filters,
engine oil and oil filters changed frequently
and chec kthe wheels often.F urther
information can be obtaine dataqualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
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
General notes
G
WARNING
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the
particular container .Always open your
vehicle's doors or windows when cleaning the
inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not
designed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock away cleaning products and keep
them out of reach of children. H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible
manner.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film.
! 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 corrosio nofthe brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after
cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and
the brake pads/linings, thus drying them.
The vehicle can then be parked.
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz. Exterior care
Automatic car wash G
WARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. This could cause an accident. For
this reason, you must drive particularly
carefully after washing the vehicle until the
brakes have dried. Care
265Maintenance and care Z

The VIN can also be found in the following
locations:
R
at the lower edge of the windshield
(Y page 324)
R on the vehicle identification plate
(Y page 323) Engine number
:
Emission control information plate
; Engine number (stamped into the
crankcase)
= VIN (on the lower edge of the windshield) Service products and filling
capacities
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Comply with all valid regulations with respect
to handling, storing and disposing of service
fluids. Otherwise, you could endanger
persons or the environment.
Keep service fluids out of the reach of
children.
For health reasons, you should prevent
service fluids from coming into direct contact
with your skin or clothing.
If a service fluid is swallowed, contact a
physician immediately. H
Environmental note
Dispose of service products in an
environmentally responsible manner.
Service products include the following:
R fuels
R lubricants (e.g. engine oil, transmission oil)
R coolant
R brake fluid
R windshield washer fluid
R climate control system refrigerant
Components and service products must be
matched. You should therefore only use
products that have been tested and approved
by Mercedes-Benz.
Information about tested and approved
products can be obtained from an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
You can recognize service products approved
by Mercedes-Benz by the following
inscription on the containers:
R MB-Freigabe (e.g. MB-Freigabe 229.51)
R MB Approval (e.g. MB Approval 229.51)
Other designations or recommendations
indicate a level of quality or a specification in
accordance with an MB Sheet number (e.g.
MB 229.5). They have not necessarily been
approved by Mercedes-Benz. Fuel
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and
explosion.
You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before
refueling. 324
Service products and filling capacitiesTechnical data

For MTBE, the concentration should not
exceed 15%.
The concentration of methanol in gasoline,
including other additives, mus
tnot exceed
3%.
Using mixtures of methanol and ethanol is not
permitted. Gasohol, a mixture of 10% ethanol
and 90% unleaded gasoline, may be used.
All of these mix fuels must fulfill the fuel
requirements, e.g.:
R knock resistance
R boiling point
R vapor pressure
You will usually find information about the fuel
grade on the pump. If you cannot find the
label on the pump, ask the staff for
assistance.
i Please consult an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for further information.
Information on refueling (Y page 139).
Additives
! Operating the engine with fuel additives
can increase wear and tear to the fuel
system high-pressure pump and lead to
contamination of the entire fuel system.
The repair costs are high. This does not
include additives for the removal and
prevention of residue buildup. gasoline
must only be mixed with additives
recommended by Mercedes-Benz. More
information about recommended additives
can be obtained from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
One of the main problems of poor fuel quality
is the forming of deposits that are created
during the gasoline combustion process.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
branded fuels that have additives.
If you use fuels without these additives over
a longer period of time, carbon deposits may
build up. These deposits form at the inlet
valves and in the combustion chamber in
particular. This could lead to engine problems, e.g.:
R
longer engine warm-up phase
R uneven idle
R engine noise
R misfiring
R loss of power
Carbon deposits may form if the availability
of gasoline with relevant additives is
insufficient (in certain regions). In this case,
Mercedes-Benz recommends additives
approved for use in Mercedes-Benz vehicles;
see http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
For a list of approved products, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Comply
with the instructions for use on the product
label.
Do not mix other fuel additives with fuel. This
causes unnecessary costs and could damage
the engine. Engine oil
Points to note !
Never use engine oil or an oil filter of a
specification other than is necessary to
fulfill the prescribed service intervals. Do
not change the engine oil or oil filter in
order to achieve longer replacement
intervals than those prescribed. You could
otherwise cause engine damage or damage
to the exhaust gas aftertreatment.
Follow the instructions in the service
interval display regarding the oil change.
Otherwise, you may damage the engine and
the exhaust gas aftertreatment.
The engine oils are matched to the
performance of Mercedes-Benz engines and
service intervals. You should therefore only
use engine oils and oil filters that are
approved for vehicles with maintenance
systems.
For a list of approved engine oils and oil filters,
consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz 326
Service products and filling capacitiesTechnical data