
Publication details
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Further information about Mercedes-Benz
vehicles and about Daimler AG can be found
on the following websites
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only) Editorial office
You are welcome to forward any queries or
suggestions you may have regarding this
Operator's Manual to the technical
documentation team at the following
address:
Daimler AG, HPC: CAC, Customer Service,
70546 Stuttgart, Germany
© Daimler AG: Not to be reprinted, translated
or otherwise reproduced, in whole or in part,
without written permission of Daimler AG.
Symbols
Registered trademarks:
R
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R Dolby and MLP are registered trademarks
of DOLBY Laboratories.
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In this Operator's Manual, you will find the
following symbols: G
WARNING
Warning notes draw your attention to hazards
that endanger your health or life, or the health
or life of others. H
Environmental note
Environmental notes provide you with
information on environmentally aware actions
or disposal.
! Notes on material damage alert you to
dangers that could lead to damage to your
vehicle. i
Practical tips or further information that
could be helpful to you.
X This symbol indicates an
instruction that must be followed.
X Several of these symbols in
succession indicate an instruction
with several steps.
(Y page) This symbol tells you where you
can find more information about a
topic.
YY This symbol indicates a warning or
an instruction that is continued on
the next page.
Display
Display This font indicates a display in the
multifunction display/COMAND
display.
Parts of the software in the vehicle are
protected by copyright ©
2005
The FreeType Project
http://www.freetype.org. All rights
reserved.
As at 10.05.2012

Notes/function
.............................. 233
Trailer towing ................................. 235
see Active Blind Spot Assist
BlueTEC
Adding DEF .................................... 177
BlueTEC (DEF) .................................... 448
Brake Assist see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 289
Notes ............................................. 450
Brake lamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 132
Display message ............................ 296
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 66
Adaptive Brake Assist ......................69
BAS .................................................. 67
BAS PLUS ........................................ 67
Brake fluid (notes) .........................450
Display message ............................ 283
Driving tips .................................... 183
High-performance brake system ....184
Important safety notes ..................183
Maintenance .................................. 184
Parking brake ................................ 180
Warning lamp ................................. 318
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................24
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Carpets .......................................... 377
Car wash ........................................ 370
Display ........................................... 374
Exhaus tpipe .................................. 374
Exterior lights ................................ 373Gea
rors electo rlever .................... 376
Interior ........................................... 374
Matte finish ................................... 372
Nigh tView Assist Plus ...................375
Notes ............................................. 369
Paint .............................................. 371
Plastic trim .................................... 375
Power washer ................................ 371
Rea rview camera .......................... 373
Roof lining ...................................... 377
Seat bel t........................................ 377
Seat cover ..................................... 376
Sensors ......................................... 373
Steering wheel ............................... 376
Trim pieces .................................... 376
Washing by hand ........................... 371
Wheels ........................................... 372
Windows ........................................ 372
Wiper blades .................................. 373
Wooden trim .................................. 376
Cargo compartment cover
Notes/ho wtouse......................... 338
Cargo compartment enlargement
Important safety notes ..................335
Cargo compartment floor
Opening/closing ............................ 342
Stowag ewell (under) ..................... 342
Cargo net
Attaching ....................................... 340
Important safety information .........340
Cargo tie down rings .........................337
Car keys see SmartKey
Car wash (care) ................................. 370
CD player/CD changer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 270
Center console Lowe rsection .................................. 37
Uppe rsection .................................. 36
Central locking
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 276
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........79
Changing bulbs
Brake lamps ................................... 132
High-beam headlamps ...................130
Important safety notes ..................128
Low-beam headlamps ....................1306
Index

Problems with the seat heating
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
The seat heating has
switched off
prematurely or cannot
be switched on. The on-board voltage is too low because too many electrical
consumers are switched on.
X
Switch off electrical consumers that you do not need, such as
the rear window defroster or interior lighting.
Once the battery is sufficiently charged, the seat heating will
switch back on automatically. Switching the seat ventilation on/off
Activating/deactivating The three blue indicator lamps in the buttons
indicate the ventilation level you have
selected.
X Make sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.
X To switch on: press button0002repeatedly
until the desired ventilation level is set.
X To switch off: press button0002repeatedly
until all the indicator lamps go out.
i If the battery voltage is too low, the seat
ventilation may switch off.
i You can open the side windows and the
sliding sunroof using the "Convenience
opening" feature (Y page 93). The seat
ventilation of the driver's seat
automatically switches to the highest level. Seats
109Seats, steering wheel and mirrors Z

High-beam headlamps
0002
High-beam headlamps
0003 Turn signal, right
001F High-beam flasher
001E Turn signal, left
X To switch on the high-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2or start the engine.
X Turn the light switch to 000Dor0006.
X Press the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of
arrow 0002.
In the 0006position, the high-beam
headlamps are only switched on when it is
dark and the engine is running.
The blue 000Cindicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up when the high-
beamh eadlamps are switched on.
X To switch off the high-beam
headlamps: move the combination switch
back to its normal position.
The blue 000Cindicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
i Vehicles with Adaptive Highbeam Assist:
when Adaptive Highbeam Assist is active,
it controls activation of the high-beam
headlamps (Y page 125). High-beam flasher 0002
High-beam headlamps
0003 Turn signal, right
001F High-beam flasher
001E Turn signal, left
X To switch on: turn the SmartKey in the
ignition lock to position 1or 2or start the
engine.
X Pull the combination switch in the direction
of arrow 001F. Hazard warning lamps
X
To switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button 0002.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn signal using the combination switch,
only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.
X To switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button 0002.124
Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

DEF (BlueTEC vehicles only)
Important notes on use To function properly, BlueTEC exhaus
tgas
aftertreatment must be operated with the
reducing agent DEF.
When the supply of DE Fis almost used up,
the Check Additive See Operator's Manual message is shown in the
multifunction display.
When the DEF supply drops to a minimum, the
Remaining Starts: 16 message is shown
in the multifunction display.
If the Remaining Starts: 16 message
appears in the multifunction display, you can
start the engine another 16 times. If DEF is
not refilled, you will subsequently be unable
to start the engine. Add DEF tank with
approximately 1gal (3. 8l) DEF. Have the DEF
tan krefilled at a qualified specialist
workshop.
i If you drive the vehicle faster than
10 mph (16 km/h), the Check Additive See Operator's Manual message goes
out after approximately one minute.
If the outside temperature is lower than
12 ‡ (0020 11) †, damage may occur when
adding DEF. If DEF is frozen and there is an
active warning indicator, it may not be
possible to add DEF. Park the vehicle in a
warmer place, e.g. in a garage, until DEF has
become fluid again. It will then be possible to
add DEF again. Alternatively, have the DEF
tank refilled at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Further information about BlueTEC exhaust
gas aftertreatment and DEF is available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Important safety notes on the refilling
procedure DEF is a water-soluble fluid for the exhaust
gas aftertreatment of diesel engines. It is:
R
not poisonous
R colorless and odorless
R not flammable
When you open the DEF container, small
amounts of ammonia vapor may be released.
Ammonia vapors have a pungent odor and are
particularly irritating to the skin, to mucous
membranes and to the eyes. You may
experience a burning sensation in you reyes,
nose and throat. Coughing and watering of
the eyes are possible.
Do not inhale ammonia vapors. Fill the DEF
tank only in well-ventilated areas.
DEF must not come into contact with your
skin, eyes or clothing and mus tnot be
swallowed. Keep DEFa way fromchildren.
If you or other persons come into contact with
DEF, observe the following:
R Rinse DEF from your skin immediately with
soap and water.
R If DEF comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with
clean water. Seek medical assistance
without delay.
R If DEF has been swallowed, rinse your
mouth out immediately. Drink plenty of
water. Seek medical assistance without
delay.
R Change out of clothing contaminated with
DEF immediately.
! Only use DEF in accordance with
ISO 22241. Do not mix any additives with
DEF, and do not dilute DEF with water. This
may destroy the BlueTEC exhaust gas
aftertreatment system.
! The vehicle must be parked on level
ground to fill the DEF tank. The DEF tank
can only be filled as intended with the
vehicle parked on a level surface. This
avoids false level readings. Filling the tank Refueling
177Driving and parking Z

is not permitted if the vehicle is not parked
on a level surface. There is a danger of
overfilling, which could result in damage to
components of the BlueTE
Cexhaus tgas
aftertreatment.
! Rinse surfaces that have come into
contact with DE Fimmediately with water or
remove DEF using a damp cloth and cold
water. If the DEF has already crystallized,
use a sponge and cold water to clea nit. DEF
residues crystallize after time and
contaminate the affected surfaces.
! DEF is not a fuel additive and must not be
added to the fuel tank. If DEF is added to
the fuel tank, this can lead to engine
damage.
For further information on DEF, see
(Y page 448).
Opening the DEF filler cap The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked
automatically when you open or close the
vehicle with the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-
GO.
X
Switch the ignition off.
X Press the fuel filler flap in the directio nof
arrow 0002.
The fuel fille rflap swings up.
X Turn blue DE Ffiller cap 0003counter-
clockwise and remove it.
DEF filler cap 0003is secured with a plastic
strip. DEF refill bottle !
Only screw on the DE Frefill bottle hand-
tight .Itcould otherwise be damaged. X
Unscrew the protective cap from DEF refill
bottle 0002.
X Place DEFr efill bottle0002on the filler neck
as shown and screw it on clockwise until
hand-tight.
X Press DEFr efill bottle0002towards the filler
neck.
The DEFt ank is filled. This may take up to
one minute.
i When DE Frefill bottle 0002is no longer
pressed, filling stops and the bottle may be
taken off again after being only partially
emptied.
X Release DEFr efill bottle0002.
X Turn DEFr efill bottle 0002counter-clockwise
and remove it.
X Screw the protective cap onto DEF refill
bottle 0002again.
DEFr efill bottles can be obtained at many gas
stations or at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center .Refill bottles without a threaded cap
do not provide overfill protection. DEF may
leak if overfilled. Mercedes Benzo ffers
special refill bottles with a threaded seal.
These are available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. 178
RefuelingDriving and parking

damaging the vehicle, make sure there is
always sufficient ground clearance.
R Check that items of luggage and loads are
stowed safely and are well secured
(Y page 337).
R Always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a downhill gradient.
Activate DSR( Ypage 246).
R Always keep the doors, tailgate, windows
and sliding sunroof closed while driving.
R Adapt your speed to the terrain. The
rougher, steeper or more ruts on the
terrain, the slower your speed should be.
R Drive slowly and at an even speed through
the water. Ensure that a bow wave does not
form as you drive.
R Drive with extreme care on unfamiliar off-
road routes where visibility is poor. For
safety reasons, get out of the vehicle first
and survey the off-road route.
R Look out for obstacles, such as rocks,
holes, tree stumps and furrows.
R Check the depth of water before fording
rivers and streams.
R When fording, do not stop and do not
switch off the engine.
R On sand, drive quickly to overcome the
rolling resistance. Otherwise the vehicle's
wheels could become stuc kinloose
ground.
R Do not jump with the vehicle as this will
interrupt the vehicle's propulsion.
R Always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a slope.
R Do not shift the automatic transmission to
transmission position N.
i Do not use the HOLD function when
driving off-road, on steep uphill or downhill
gradients or on slippery or loose surfaces.
The HOLD function cannot hold the vehicle
on such surfaces. Checklist before driving off-road !
If the engine oil warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in motion, stop the
vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible.
Check the engine oil level. The engine oil
warning lamp warning must not be ignored.
Continuing the journey while the symbol is
displayed could lead to engine damage.
X Engine oil level: check the engine oil level
and add oil if necessary.
When driving on steep gradients, the
engine oil level must be sufficiently high to
ensure a correc toil supply in the vehicle.
X DEF tank (BlueTEC vehicles): check the
fluid level and, if necessary, refill to the
maximum (13 l) (Y page 177).
X Wheel-changing tool kit: check that the
jac kis working and make sure you have the
lug wrench, a robust tow cable and a folding
spade in the vehicle.
X Wheels and tires: check the tire tread
depth and tire pressure.
X Check for damage and remove any foreign
objects, e.g. small stones, from the
wheels/tires.
X Replace any missing valve caps.
X Replace dented or damaged wheels.
X Rims: dented or bent rims can result in a
loss of tire pressure and damage the tire
bead. Therefore, check your rims before
driving off-road and replace them as
required.
Checklist after driving off-road !
If you detect damage to the vehicle after
driving off-road, have the vehicle checked
immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
X Deactivate DSR (Y page 246).
X Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
lower the vehicle to a ride height suitable
for the road conditions, e.g. to the
highway/high-speed level. 188
Driving tipsDriving and parking

plates and those for the towing vehicle under
"Technical data" (Y
page 455).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be differen tincomparison
with when driving without atrailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and
gradient-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning radius
This could impair the handling
characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather
conditions. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible speed for yourv ehicle/trailer
combination.
General notes R
Do not exceed the legally prescribed
maximum speed for vehicle/trailer
combinations in the relevant country.
This lowers the risk of an accident.
R Only install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R The bumpers of your vehicle are not
suitable for installing detachable trailer
couplings.
R Do not install hired trailer couplings or
other detachable trailer couplings on the
bumpers of your vehicle.
R If you no longer need the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess.
This will reduce the risk of damage to the
ball coupling.
i When towing a trailer, set the tire
pressure on the rear axle of the towing vehicle for a maximum load; see the tire
pressure table in the fuel filler flap
(Y
page 419).
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 454).
The maximum noseweight of the trailer
drawbar on the ball coupling is
575 lbs(261 kg) for all models (except the
model ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY).
The maximum noseweight of the trailer
drawbar on the ball coupling is 529 lbs
(240 kg) for the model
ML 350 BlueEFFICIENCY.
The actual noseweight may not be higher than
the value which is given. The value can be
found on the trailer tow hitch or trailer
identification plates. The lowest weight
applies.
Please note that when towing a trailer,
PARKTRONIC ( Ypage 213) and Blind Spot
Assist (Y page 233) are only available with
limitations, or not at all.
i On vehicles without level control, the
height of the ball coupling will alter
according to the load placed on the vehicle.
If necessary, use a trailer with a height-
adjustable drawbar.
Driving tips i
Observe the information on ESP ®
trailer
stabilization (Y page 72) and on pulling
away with a trailer (Y page 160).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents to see what the
maximum permissible speed is. Observe the
legally prescribed maximum speed in the
relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benzv ehicles, the
maximum permissible rear axle load is
increased when towing a trailer. See
"Technical data" to find out whether this
applies to your vehicle (Y page 455). If you254
Towing
atrailerDriving an d parking