Activating/deactivating
X
To activate: press theÁbutton.
The indicator lamp in the Ábuttonlights
up.
X To deactivate: press theÁbutton.
The indicator lamp in the Ábutton goes
out. The cooling with air dehumidification
function has a delayed switch-off feature.
Problems with the cooling with air
dehumidification function If the indicator lamp in the
Ábutton does
not go out when the function is activated, the
cooling with air dehumidification function is
deactivated due to a malfunction. You can no
longer switch on the cooling with air
dehumidification function.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Setting climate control to automatic
Points to observe before use G
WARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
In automatic mode, the set temperature is
maintained automatically at a constant level.
The system automatically regulates the
temperature of the dispensed air, the airflow
and the air distribution.
Automatic mode will achieve optimal
operation if cooling with air dehumidification
is also activated. If necessary, cooling with air
dehumidification can be deactivated. Controlling the front climate control
using the front control panel X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X Set the desired temperature.
X To activate: press theÃbutton.
The indicator lamp in the Ãbutton lights
up. Automatic air distribution and airflow
are activated.
X To deactivate: press theKorI
button.
The indicator lamp in the Ãbutton goes
out. Automatic airflow is deactivated and
the airflow is controlled according to the
level set .Automatic air distribution
remains activated.
or
X Press the Z,M,¯,\,P,
c orO button.
The indicator lamp in the Ãbuttongoes
out. Automatic air distribution is
deactivated. Air distribution is controlled
according to the position set. Automatic
airflow remains activated.
Controlling the rear-compartment
climate control automatically using the
rear control panel X
Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X Switch on automatic climate control using
the front control panel.
X Set the desired temperature.
X To activate: press theÃbutton.
The indicator lamp in the Ãbutton lights
up. Automatic air distribution and airflow
are activated.
X To deactivate: press theKorI
button.
Automatic airflow is deactivated and the
airflow is controlled according to the level Operating the climate control systems
139Climate control Z
Defrosting the windshield
You can use this function to defrost the
windshield or to defrost thei nside of the
windshield and the side windows.
Switch off the "defrosting" functio nas soon
as the windshield is clear again.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X To activate: press the¬button.
The indicator lamp in the ¬button lights
up.
The climate control system switches to the
following functions:
R cooling with air dehumidification on
R high airflow (depending on the outside
temperature)
R high temperature (depending on the
outside temperature)
R air distribution to the windshield and
front side windows
R air-recirculation mode off
X To deactivate: press the¬button.
The indicator lamp in the ¬button goes
out. The previously selected settings are
restored. The cooling with air
dehumidification function remains on. Air-
recirculation mode remains deactivated.
or
X Press the Ãbutton.
The indicator lamp in the ¬button goes
out. Airflow and air distribution are set to
automatic mode.
or
X Turn control :orB clockwise or counter-
clockwise (Y page 135) (dual-zone
automatic climate control), (Y page 136)
(3-zone automatic climate control).
or
X Press the KorI button. Defrosting the windows
Windows fogged up on the inside X
Activate the Ácooling with air
dehumidification function.
X Activate automatic mode Ã.
X If the windows continue to fog up, activate
the defrosting function (Y page 142).
i You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Windows fogged up on the outside X
Press the P/\ 9
or O/c 9
air
distribution button.
i You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again. Rear window defroster
Activating/deactivating G
WARNING
Cleara ll windows of ice or snow before setting
off .O therwise, impaired visibility could
endanger you and others.
The rea rwindow defroster has a high current
draw. You should therefore switch it off as
soon as the rear window is clear .Otherwise,
the rea rwindow defroster switches off
automatically after several minutes.
If the battery voltage is too low, the rear
window defroster may switc hoff.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X Press the ªbutton.
The indicator lamp in the ªbutton lights
up or goes out.
9 Canada only. 142
Operating the climate control systemsClimate control
Problems with the rear window
defroster
If the indicator lamp in the
ªrear window
defroster button flashes, the on-board
voltage is too low or the roof is open. The rear
window defroster has deactivated
prematurely or cannot be activated.
X Switch 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. Activating/deactivating air-
recirculation mode
G
WARNING
At low outside temperatures, only switch over
to air-recirculation mode for brief periods.
Otherwise, the windows could fog up, thus
impairing visibility and endangering yourself
and others. This may prevent you from
observing the traffic conditions and thereby
cause an accident.
You can deactivate the flow of fresh air if
unpleasant odors are enteringt he vehicle
from outside. The air already inside the
vehicle will then be recirculated.
The operation of air-recirculation mode is the
same for all control panels.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the
ignition lock.
X To activate: press thedbutton.
The indicator lamp in the dbutton lights
up.
i Air-recirculation mode is automatically
activated at high levels of pollution or at
high outside temperatures. When air-
recirculation mode is activated
automatically, the indicator lamp in the
d button is not lit. Outside air is added after about
30 minutes.
X To deactivate: press thedbutton.
The indicator lamp in the dbutton goes
out.
i Air-recirculation mode is not deactivated
automatically at outside temperatures
above 26 †. Outside air is added after
about 30 minutes. 10
Air-recirculation mode is not deactivated
automatically at outside temperatures
above 79 ‡(26 †). Outside airi s added
after about 30 minutes. 11 Activating/deactivating the residual
heat function
It is possible to make use of the residual heat
of the engine to continue heating the
stationary vehicle for up to 30 minutes after
the engine has been switched off. The heating
time depends on the temperature that has
been set.
X To activate: press theÁbutton.
The indicator lamp in the Ábutton lights
up.
i The blower will run at a low speed
regardless of the airflow setting.
i If you activate the residual heat function
at high temperatures, only the ventilation
will be activated. The blower runs at
medium speed.
X To deactivate: press theÁbutton.
The indicator lamp in the Ábutton goes
out.
Residual heat is deactivated automatically:
R after approximately 30 minutes
R when the ignition is switched on
R if the battery voltage drops
R if the coolant temperature is too low
10 Vehicles with 3-zone automatic climate control.
11 Vehicles with 3-zone automatic climate control. Operating the climate control systems
143Climate control Z
Setting the air vents
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Very hot or very cold air can flow from the air
vents. This could cause burns or frostbite to
bare skin in the immediate vicinity of the
vents. Keep bare skin away from these air
vents. If necessary, direct the airflow away to
a different area of the vehicle interior.
In order to ensure the direct flow of fresh air
through the air vents into the vehicle interior,
please observe the following notes:
R keep the air intake grill on the hood free of
blockages, such as ice, snow or leaves.
R never cover the air vents or air intake grilles
in the vehicle interior.
i For virtually draft-free ventilation, adjust
the sliders of the air vents to the center
position. Setting the center air vents
:
Center air vent, left
; Center air vent, right
= Center vent thumbwheel, right
? Center vent thumbwheel, left
X To open/close: turn thumbwheels =
and ?up or down. Setting the side air vents X
To open/close: turn thumbwheel =up or
down.
i Side window defroster vent :is never
completely shut, even if side air vent ;is
shut. Setting the rear-compartment air
vents
Setting the center vents in the rear
compartment :
Rear control panel, only with automatic
climate control
; Rear-compartment air vent, right
= Rear-compartment air vent, left
When the climate control panel is switched
on/off, the air supply through the rear-
compartmen tair vents is also switched on/
off.
These rear-compartmen tside air vents are
only available if your vehicle has 3-zone
automatic climate control. 144
Setting the air ventsClimate control
Do not allow water to penetrate into the
passenge
rcompartmen torengine
compartment. If you must drive through
standing water, bear in mind that:
R the maximu mpermissible still water depth
is 10 in (25 cm)
R you should drive no faster than at walking
pace.
i Vehicles with AIRMATIC package: if
you have adjusted the vehicle height to a
raised level before driving through standing
water, the maximum permissible water
depth is 12 in (30 cm). Winter driving
General notes G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. G
DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the
vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engineort he auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open
a window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
i Vehicles with adiesel engine: do not
cover the radiator, e.g. with a protective cover. The measuring function of the
onboard diagnosis syste
mmay otherwise
provide inaccurate values .Some of these
values are required by law and must
therefore always be accurate.
Driving with summer tires Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Y
page 314).
Slippery road surfaces G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. G
WARNING
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Shift the transmission to position N.
i For more information on driving with
snow chains, see (Y page 315).
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise
control. 172
Driving tipsDriving and parking
R
Bea rinm ind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when
driving without one .Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
R If possible, avoid abrupt braking. Depress
the brake pedal moderately at first, so that
the trailer can activate its own brakes .Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission continues to
shift back and forth between two gears
when driving up or downhill, restrict the
shift range. Select shift range 4, 3, 2,or1.
Al ower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
R When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
to utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases
dramatically while the air-conditioning
system is switched on, switch off the air-
conditioning system.
Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated
by opening the windows and by setting the
blower fan and the interior temperature to
maximum.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination, you will have to travel an
additional distance beyond the vehicle you
are overtaking before returning to the
previous lane. Decoupling
atrailer G
WARNING
Vehicles with level control:
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you
disconnect the trailer cable. This could result
in your limbs or those of other people thata re
between the vehicle body and tires or
underneath the vehicle being trapped. There
is a risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel housings or under the
vehicle when you disconnect the trailer cable.
X Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Apply the vehicle's parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Close all doors and the tailgate.
X Apply the trailer's parking brake.
X Remove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
X Switch off the engine. Permissible trailer loads and drawbar
loads
Weight specifications Permissible gross vehicle weight rating
The gross trailer weight is calculated by
adding the weight of the trailer to the weight
of the load and equipment on the trailer.
Maximu
mpermissible gross vehicle weight:
3,500 lbs (1,588 kg).
Permissible noseweight
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight is the maximum weight with
which the trailer drawbar can be loaded:
350 lbs (158 kg).
Limit for Mercedes-Benz-approved trailer
couplings. 196
Towing
atrailerDriving an d parking
Footwell of the second row of seats
There is one cargo tie-down ring
:in the
footwell behind the driver’s seat and one in
the footwell behind the front-passenger seat.
Footwell of the third row of seats Two cargo tie down rings
:are located in
the footwell for the 3r drow of seats.
Cargo compartment There are four cargo tie down rings
:in the
cargo compartment. Securing hooks
There is a mounting hook
:on each of the
side panels in the cargo compartment.
Only secure lightweight luggage items on the
mounting hooks to a maximum of 9 lbs
(4 kg). Cargo compartment cover
Important safety notes !
When loading the vehicle, make sure that
you do not stack the load in the cargo
compartment higher than the lower edge of
the side windows. Do not place heavy
objects on top of the cargo compartment
cover.
The cargo compartment cover may be
installed behind the 2nd or 3rd row of seats.
Extending and retracting the cargo
compartment cover Cargo compartment cover installed behind the
third row of seats260
Stowage areasStowage and features
:
Mirror light
; Bracket
= Vanity mirror
? Retaining clip, e.g. for a car park ticket
A Mirror cover
Vanity mirror in the sun visor Mirror light
:only functions if the sun visor
is clipped into retainer ;and mirror cover
A has been folded up.
Glare from the side X
Fold down sun visor :.
X Pull sun visor :out of retainer =.
X Swing sun visor :to the side.
X Vehicles with asliding sunroof: fold
down additional sun visor ;to the
windshield. Roller sunblinds on the rea
rside
windows
! Always guide the roller sunblind by hand.
Do not let it snap back suddenly as this
would damage the automatic roller
mechanism.
! Do not drive the vehicle with the roller
sunblind hooked in and the side windows
opened simultaneously. The roller sunblind
can jump out of the retainers and spring
back suddenly when driving at high speeds,
e.g. when driving on the freeway. This could
damage the inertia reel. Therefore, either
close the side window or retract the roller
sunblind before driving at high speeds. The roller sunblinds for the rear side windows
are only available in the USA.
X
To extend: pull the roller sunblind out by
tab :and hook it onto retainers ;at the
top of the window. Ashtray
Front ashtray !
The stowage space under the ashtray is
not heat resistant.B efore placing lit
cigarettes in the ashtray, make sure that
the ashtray is properly engaged. Otherwise,
the stowage space could be damaged. Features
267Stowage and features Z