
Engine
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions;
The yellow Check
Engine warning lamp
lights up while the
engine is running.
There may be a malfunction, for example:
R
in the engine management
R in the fuel injection system
R in the exhaust system
R in the ignition system
R in the fuel system
The emission limit values may be exceeded and the engine may
be running in emergency mode.
X Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop.
i In some states, you must immediately visit a qualified
specialist
workshop as soon as the yellow Check Engine warning
lamp lights up. This is due to the legal requirements in effect in
these states. If in doubt, check whether such legal regulations
apply in the state in which you are currently driving. 8
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is
running.
The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
X
Refuel at the nearest gas station. 8
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion.
In addition, the ;
Check Engine warning
lamp may light up.
The fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.
X
Check that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.
X If the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed:
close the fuel filler
cap.
X If the fuel filler cap is closed: visit a qualified specialist
workshop. ?
The red coolant
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is
running
and the coolant
temperature gauge is
at the start of the scale. The temperature sensor for the coolant temperature gauge is
defective.
The
coolant temperature is no longer being monitored. There is a
risk of engine damage if the coolant temperature is too high.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue
driving under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 157).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.264
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions?
The red coolant
warning
lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. The coolant level is too low.
If the coolant level is correct, the airflow to the engine radiator
may be blocked or the electric engine radiator fan may be
malfunctioning.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled
sufficiently.
X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 157).
X Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes ( Y page 300).
X If you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X Do not start the engine again until the coolant temperature is
under
248 ‡ (120 †). Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
X Drive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic. ?
The red coolant
warning
lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. A warning tone
also sounds. The coolant temperature has exceeded 248 ‡ (120 †). The
airflow
to the engine radiator may be blocked or the coolant level
may be too low.
G WARNING
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.
Do
not drive when your engine is overheated. This can cause some
fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire.
Steam from the overheated engine can also cause serious burns
which can occur just by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 157).Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
265
On-board computer and displays Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsX
Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes ( Y page 300).
X If you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X At coolant temperatures under 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic. Driving systems
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions·
The red distance
warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in
motion.
A warning tone
also sounds. You are approaching a vehicle or a stationary obstacle in your line
of travel at too high a speed.
X
Be prepared to brake immediately.
X Pay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
Further information on DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 167).
Further information on PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (Y page 69). 266
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

Tires
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutionsh
USA only:
The
yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss/
malfunction) is lit.
Canada only:
The yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss) is lit. The tire pressure monitor has detected a loss of pressure in at
least one of the tires.
G WARNING
With tire pressures which are too low, there is a risk of the
following hazards:
R they may burst, especially as the load and vehicle speed
increase.
R they
may wear excessively and/or unevenly, which may greatly
impair tire traction.
R the driving characteristics, as well as steering and braking, may
be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers.
Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 157).
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X If there is a flat tire, inspect the tires ( Y page 313).
X Check the tire pressure (Y page 334).
X If necessary, correct the tire pressure. h
USA only:
The
yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss/
malfunction) flashes for
approximately one
minute and then
remains lit. The tire pressure monitor is faulty.
G WARNING
The system is possibly unable to recognize or register low tire
pressure.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
267
On-board computer and displays Z

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 Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: ( Y page 24).Stowage areas
Loading guidelines
G
WARNING
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 trunk is the preferred place to carry
objects.
Never drive a vehicle with the trunk open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
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 when transporting a load, never exceed the
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight or the gross axle weight rating of the
vehicle (including occupants). The values
are specified on the vehicle identification
plate on the B-pillar of the driver's door.
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 always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie-downs. pad sharp edges
for protection. Stowage space
Important safety notes G
WARNING
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 trunk if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during
R braking
R vehicle maneuvers
R an accident270
Stowage areas
Stowage and features

Glove box
X
To open: pull handle : and open glove box
flap ;.
X To close: fold glove box flap ; upwards
until it engages.
i The glove box can be ventilated
(Y page 134). The glove box can only be locked and
unlocked using the mechanical key.
X
To lock:
insert the mechanical key into the
lock and turn it 90° clockwise to position
2.
X To unlock: insert the mechanical key into
the lock and turn it 90° counter-clockwise
to position 1. Eyeglasses compartment
There is a compartment to stow eyeglasses
in the headliner on the driver's side.
X
To open: pull down eyeglasses
compartment : by the handle.
Stowage compartments in the front
center console All models except AMG vehicles
X
To open: slide the cover forwards by
handle :
in the direction of the arrow until
it engages.
X To close: briefly press the front of
handle :. Stowage areas
271
Stowage and features Z

AMG vehicles
X
Briefly press trim :.
i The stowage tray can be removed.
Stowage compartment under the
armrest X
To open: pull handle : up.
The armrest folds out.
i Depending on the vehicle's equipment, a
12 V socket, a USB socket, and an AUX IN
connection
or Media Interface are installed
in the stowage compartment. A Media
Interface is a universal interface for mobile
audio equipment, e.g. for an iPod ®
or MP3
player (see the separate COMAND
Operating Instructions). Stowage compartment under the front
seats
X
To open: pull handle : up and fold
cover ; forwards.
i On vehicles with a fire extinguisher, the
fire extinguisher is located in the stowage
compartment under the driver's seat.
Stowage compartments in the rear
center console X
To open: slide covers : and ; in the
direction of the arrow.
i There is a 12 V power socket in the front
stowage compartment.
Stowage compartment in the rear seat
armrest !
Do
not sit or lean your bodyweight on the
armrests when they are folded out as you
could damage them. 272
Stowage areas
Stowage and features

!
Close the cover of the stowage
compartment before folding the rear seat
armrest back into the seat backrest. X
To open: fold down seat armrest ;.
X Fold cover : of the armrest upwards.
Stowage pockets G
WARNING
Storage bags are intended for storing light-
weight items only.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
storage bag. In an accident, during hard
braking,
or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Storage bags cannot protect transported
goods in the event of an accident.
The stowage pockets are on the back of the
driver's and front-passenger's seats. Stowage nets
G
WARNING
Parcel nets are intended for storing light-
weight items only, such as road maps, mail,
etc.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges, or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
parcel nets. In an accident, during hard
braking,
or sudden maneuvers, they could be thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Parcel
nets cannot protect transported goods
in the event of an accident.
Parcel nets are located in the front-passenger
footwell and on the left and right-hand sides
of the trunk. Through-loading feature in the rear
bench seat
Important safety notes G
WARNING
When expanding the cargo volume, always
fold the seat backrests fully forward.
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.
The left-hand and right-hand rear seat
backrests can be folded down separately to
increase the trunk capacity.
Folding the seat backrest forward i
Vehicles
with memory function: when you
fold one or both parts of the rear seat
backrest forwards, the respective front Stowage areas
273
Stowage and features Z