Driving in winter ............................. 164
Driving on flooded roads
................164
Driving on wet roads ...................... 164
Exhaust check
............................... 160
Fuel ................................................ 159
General .......................................... 159
Hydroplaning ................................. 164
Icy road surfaces ........................... 164
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 162
Pedals ............................................ 160
Snow chains .................................. 329
Symmetrical low beam .................. 110
Wet road surface ........................... 162
Drowsiness detection assistance
system
see ATTENTION ASSIST
DVD audio
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 215
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 216E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating
.................223
Function/notes ............................. 104
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 105
Function/notes ............................. 104
Switching on/off ........................... 223
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Display message ............................ 231
Function/notes ................................ 69
ECO display
Function/notes ............................. 160
On-board computer ....................... 213
ECO start/stop function
Deactivating/activating ................. 143
General information ....................... 142
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System) Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 82
Fuel filler flap
................................. 155
Trunk ............................................... 86
Vehicle ............................................. 82
Emergency spare wheel
Important safety notes .................. 357
Points to remember .......................358
Removing ....................................... 358
Storage location ............................ 358
Stowing .......................................... 359
Technical data ............................... 361
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function ........................................... 57
Safety guidelines ............................. 40
Emissions control
Service and warranty information .... 21
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 264
Display message ............................ 239
ECO start/stop function ................ 142
Engine number ............................... 366
Irregular running ............................ 145
Jump-starting ................................. 317
Starting problems .......................... 145
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 141
Starting with KEYLESS-GO ............. 141
Switching off .................................. 158
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 321
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................145
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 300
Additives ........................................ 369
Checking the oil level ..................... 299
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 299
Display message ............................ 241
Filling capacity ............................... 369
Notes about oil grades ................... 368
Notes on oil level/consumption .... 299
Temperature (on-board computer) . 224
Viscosity ........................................ 369 Index
9
Side impact air bag
............................. 43
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 238
Side windows Cleaning .........................................
306
Convenience closing feature ............ 88
Convenience opening feature .......... 88
Important safety information ........... 87
Opening/closing .............................. 87
Problem (malfunction) .....................90
Resetting ......................................... 89
Sliding sunroof
Important safety notes .................... 90
Opening/closing .............................. 91
Problem (malfunction) .....................93
Resetting ......................................... 91
SmartKey
Changing the battery ....................... 77
Changing the programming ............. 76
Checking the battery ....................... 77
Convenience closing feature ............ 88
Convenience opening feature .......... 88
Display message ............................ 253
Door central locking/unlocking ....... 75
Important safety notes .................... 74
Loss ................................................. 79
Mechanical key ................................ 76
Positions (ignition lock) ................. 139
Problem (malfunction) .....................79
Starting the engine ........................ 141
Snow chains ...................................... 329
Sockets Center console .............................. 282
General notes ................................ 281
Rear compartment ......................... 282
Trunk ............................................. 282
Under the armrest .........................281
Spare wheel
Stowing .......................................... 359
Specialist workshop ............................ 24
Special seat belt retractor .................. 60
Speed, controlling see Cruise control
Speedometer
Digital ............................................ 213
In the Instrument cluster ......... 29, 209Segments
...................................... 210
Selecting the unit of
measurement ................................ 220
see Instrument cluster
SPORT handling mode
Activating/deactivating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 67
Warning lamp ................................. 261
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Display message ............................ 233
Introduction ..................................... 39
Warning lamp ................................. 263
Warning lamp (function) ................... 39
Standing lamps
Display message ............................ 237
Switching on/off ........................... 112
Starting (engine) ................................ 141
Steering (display message) ..............253
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) ...................103
Button overview ............................... 31
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 210
Cleaning ......................................... 309
Important safety notes .................. 103
Paddle shifters ............................... 150
Steering wheel heating .................. 103
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 107
Steering wheel heating
Problem (malfunction) ...................104
Switching on/off ........................... 103
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........150
Stopwatch (RACETIMER) ................... 225
Stowage areas ................................... 270
Stowage compartments Armrest (under) ............................. 272
Center console .............................. 271
Cup holders ................................... 276
Eyeglasses compartment ............... 271
Glove box ....................................... 271
Important safety information ......... 270
Rear ............................................... 272
Stowage net ................................... 273
Under driver's seat/front-
passenger seat .............................. 272
Stowage net ....................................... 27316
Index
Storing
........................................... 348
Tightening torque ........................... 352
Wheel size/tire size ....................... 353
Window curtain air bag
Operation ......................................... 45
Windows
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 131
Windshield washer fluid
see Windshield washer system
Windshield washer system
Adding washer fluid .......................301
Filling capacity ............................... 371
Notes ............................................. 370
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ...................122
Replacing the wiper blades ............ 121
Switching on/off ........................... 120
Winter driving
Important safety notes .................. 328
Slippery road surfaces ................... 164
Snow chains .................................. 329
Winter tires
M+S tires ....................................... 328
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 306
Important safety notes .................. 121
Replacing ....................................... 121
Wooden trim (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 309
Workshops see Qualified specialist workshop 20
Index
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed and for braking in
good
time. Always adapt your driving style to
suit the prevailing road and weather
conditions and maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front. Drive carefully.
i The driving safety systems described only
work as effectively as possible when there
is adequate contact between the tires and
the road surface. Please pay special
attention to the notes on tires,
recommended minimum tire tread depths,
etc. (Y page 326).
In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 63).G
WARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking
characteristics may be severely impaired.
Additionally, further driving safety systems
are
deactivated. There is an increased danger
of skidding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked
immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
When ABS is malfunctioning, other systems,
including driving safety systems, will also
become inoperative. Observe the information
on the ABS warning lamp ( Y page 258) and
display messages which may be shown in the
instrument cluster (Y page 229).
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking. ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph
(8
km/h) upwards, regardless of road-surface
conditions. ABS works on slippery surfaces,
even if you only brake gently.
The yellow ! ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up when the ignition
is switched on. It goes out when the engine is
running.
Braking X
If ABS intervenes:
continue to depress the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking
situation is over.
X To make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions, and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving. BAS (Brake Assist System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 63). G
WARNING
If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance
in an emergency braking situation is
increased. There is a risk of an accident.
In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels from locking.
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly,
BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated. 64
Driving safety systems
Safety
Deactivating/activating ESP
®
(except
AMG vehicles) G
WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer
stabilizes the vehicle. There is an increased
risk of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations
described in the following.
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ®
deactivated.
You
could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
X To deactivate: (Y page 218).
The å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
X To activate: (Y page 218).
The å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically when the vehicle
stops moving. The engine starts
automatically when the driver wants to pull
away again. ESP ®
remains in its previously
selected status. Example: if ESP ®
was
deactivated before the engine was switched
off, ESP ®
remains deactivated when the
engine is switched on again.
If
ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in
the instrument cluster flashes. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R traction control is still activated. R
ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
R engine torque is not limited and the drive
wheels are able to spin. The spinning
wheels produce a cutting effect for better
traction.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
(AMG
vehicles) Activating/deactivating SPORT handling
mode
G
WARNING
When SPORT handling mode is activated,
there is a greater risk of skidding and
accidents.
Only activate SPORT handling mode in the
situations described in the following. X
To activate: briefly press button :.
The M SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
The SPORT handling mode message
appears in the multifunction display.
SPORT handling mode is designed for
driving on designated roads when the
vehicle's own oversteering and
understeering characteristics are desired.
Driving in SPORT handling mode requires
an extremely qualified and experienced
driver
who is able to cope with these critical
driving conditions.
X To deactivate: briefly press button :.
The M SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out. Driving safety systems
67
Safety Z
ESP
®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
It may be best to activate SPORT handling
mode in the following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
If
SPORT handling mode is activated and one
or more wheels start to spin, the ÷ ESP ®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. ESP ®
only stabilizes the vehicle to a
limited degree.
When SPORT handling mode is activated:
R ESP ®
only improves driving stability to a
limited degree.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
R engine torque is only restricted to a limited
degree, and the drive wheels are able to
spin. The spinning wheels produce a
cutting effect for better traction.
Vehicles with ECO start/stop function: the
ECO start/stop function switches the engine
off automatically when the vehicle comes to
a stop. The engine starts automatically when
the driver wants to pull away again. ESP ®
remains in its previously selected status.
Example: if ESP ®
was deactivated before the
engine was switched off, ESP ®
remains
deactivated when the engine is switched on
again.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®G
WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer
stabilizes the vehicle. There is an increased
risk of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations
described in the following.
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ®
deactivated.
You
could otherwise damage the drivetrain. X
To deactivate: press button : until the
å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster.
The ÷OFF message appears in the
multifunction display.
Deactivate ESP ®
when driving on
designated roads when the vehicle's own
oversteering and understeering
characteristics
are desired. Driving without
ESP ®
requires an extremely qualified and
experienced driver who is able to cope with
these critical driving conditions.
X To activate: briefly press button :.
The å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. The ÷ON
message appears in the multifunction
display.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
If
ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in
the instrument cluster does not flash. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R traction control is still activated.68
Driving safety systems
Safety
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces.
Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
i For more information on driving with
snow chains, see ( Y page 329).Driving systems
Cruise control
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The cruise control is a convenience system
designed to assist the driver during vehicle
operation. The driver is and must always
remain responsible for the vehicle's speed
and for safe brake operation.
Only
use the cruise control if the road, traffic,
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy
traffic because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid
changes in tire traction can result in wheel
spin and loss of control.
R Deactivate the cruise control when driving
in fog.
The "Resume" function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed.
General notes Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed
for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must select shift range
1, 2 or 3 in good time. By doing so, you will
make use of the braking effect of the engine, which relieves the load on the brake system
and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady
speed for a prolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
Cruise control lever :
To activate or increase speed
; To activate or reduce speed
= To deactivate cruise control
? To activate at the current speed/last
stored speed
When you activate cruise control, the stored
speed is shown in the multifunction display
for
five seconds. In the multifunction display,
the segments between the stored speed and
the maximum speed light up.
Activation conditions To activate cruise control, all of the following
activation conditions must be fulfilled:
R
the parking brake must be released.
R you are driving faster than 20 mph
(30 km/h
).
R ESP ®
must be active, but not intervening.
R the transmission must be in position D. Driving systems
165
Driving and parking Z
i
These changes in level are so slight that
you are hardly aware of them.
The
"Normal" and "Raised" vehicle levels can
be set manually.
The "Lowered” vehicle level is set
automatically:
R at speeds above 70 mph (113 km/h)
R if you have selected "Sports tuning"
(Y page 181)
Setting the vehicle level G
WARNING
To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and
feet away from wheel housing area, and stay
away from under the vehicle when lowering
the vehicle chassis.
Select the "Normal" setting for normal road
surfaces and "Raised" for driving with snow
chains or on particularly poor road surfaces.
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
Setting raised level X
Start the engine.
If indicator lamp ; is not lit:
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up. The vehicle
height is adjusted to raised level.
The Vehicle Rising message appears in
the display. The "Raised level" setting is canceled if you:
R
drive
at speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h)
R drive for about three minutes at speeds
above 50 mph (80 km/h).
The "Raised level" remains active when you
are not driving within these speed ranges.
Setting the normal level
X Start the engine.
If indicator lamp ; is lit:
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The vehicle is
adjusted to normal level.
Suspension tuning General notes
The
electronically controlled damping system
works continuously. This improves driving
safety and ride comfort.
The damping is tuned individually to each
wheel and depends on:
R your driving style, e.g. sporty
R the road surface condition, e.g. bumps
R your individual selection, i.e. sports or
comfort
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
Sports tuning The firmer suspension tuning in Sport mode
ensures even better contact with the road.
Select this mode when employing a sporty
driving style, e.g. on winding country roads. Driving systems
181
Driving and parking Z