Adjusting the 4-way lumbar support
You can adjust the contour of the front seat
backrests individually to provide optimum
support for your back. 0043
To raise the backrest contour
0044 To soften the backrest contour
0087 To lower the backrest contour
0085 To harden the backrest contour Switching the seat heating on/off
General notes G
WARNING
Repeatedly setting the seat heating to level
3 may result in excessive seat temperatures.
The health of passengers that have limited
temperature sensitivity or a limited ability to
react to excessively high temperatures may
be affected or they may even suffer burn-like
injuries. Therefore, do not use seat heating
level 3repeatedly.
The red indicator lamps in the button indicate
the heating level you have selected.
X Make sure that the SmartKey is in position
2in the ignition lock.
i If the battery voltage is too low, the seat
heating may switch off.
One or more of the indicator lamps in the
seat heating button are flashing. Switching the front-seat heating on/off
X
To switch on: press button0043repeatedly
until the desired heating level is set.
X To switch off: press button0043repeatedly
until all the indicator lamps go out.
i The system automatically switches down
from level 3to level2after approximately 8
minutes.
The system automatically switches down
from level 2to level1 after approximately
10 minutes.
The system automatically switches off
approximately 35 minutes after it is set to
level 1.
Switching the rear-seat heating on/off X
To switch on: press button0043repeatedly
until the desired heating level is set.
X To switch off: press button0043repeatedly
until all the indicator lamps go out.
i The system automatically switches down
from level 3to level2after approximately 8
minutes. Seats
89Seats, steering wheel and mirrors Z
The system automatically switches down
from level 2to level1 after approximately
10 minutes.
The system automatically switches off
approximately 35 minutes after it is set to
level 1.
Problems with the seat heating If the on-board voltage is too low, the seat
heating is switched off automatically.
X Switch off electrical consumers which you
do not need, such as the rear window
defroster or interior lighting.
If the on-board voltage is only interrupted
briefly, the seat heating will switch back on
automatically. If the seat heating is not
switched on automatically:
X Switch the seat heating on manually
(Y page 89) Switching the seat ventilation on/off
Activating/deactivating Seat ventilation is only available for the front
seats.
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(Y page 139) in the ignition lock.
X To switch on: press button0043repeatedly
until the desired ventilation level is set. i
If you open the side windows and the
sliding sunroof using the SmartKey
(Y page 78), the driver's seat ventilation
automatically switches to the highest level.
X To switch off: press button0043repeatedly
until all the indicator lamps go out.
i If the battery voltage is too low, the seat
ventilation may switch off.
Problems with the seat ventilation If one or all of the indicator lamps in the seat
ventilation button are flashing, the seat
ventilation has switched off automatically.
The vehicle's electrical system 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 ventilation will switch back on
automatically. Steering wheel
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
Adjusting the steering wheel while driving
could cause the driver to lose control of the
vehicle.
The electrical steering wheel adjustment
feature can be operated at any time.
Therefore, do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. A child's unsupervised access to a
vehicle could result in an accident and/or
serious personal injury. 90
Steering wheelSeats, steering wheel and mirrors
Adjusting the steering wheel
0043
To adjust the steering wheel height
0044 To adjust the steering wheel position
(fore-and-aft adjustment)
i If the driver's door is open, the steering
wheel can be adjusted for up to
30 minutes after the ignition has been
switched off.
i Further related subjects:
R EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature
(Y page 92)
R Storing settings (Y page 95) Steering wheel heating
Activating/deactivating 0043
To switch on the steering-wheel heating
0044 To switch off the steering-wheel heating
0087 Indicator lamp
The steering-wheel heating heats the leather
areas of the steering wheel. X
To activate: make sure that the SmartKey
is in position 1or 2in the ignition lock.
X Turn the catch in the direction of
arrow 0043.
Indicator lamp 0087lights up.
X To deactivate: make sure that the
SmartKey is in position 1or 2in the ignition
lock.
X Turn the catch in the direction of
arrow 0044.
Indicator lamp 0087goes out.
i The steering wheel heating does not
switch off automatically.
i The steering wheel heating may switch off
temporarily if:
R the temperature in the vehicle interior is
above 86 ‡ (30 †)
R the temperature of the steering wheel is
above 95 ‡ (35 †)
Indicator lamp 0087remains on.
i The steering wheel heating is deactivated
if you remove the SmartKey from the
ignition lock.
Problems with the steering wheel
heating 0043
To switch on the steering-wheel heating
0044 To switch off the steering-wheel heating
0087 Indicator lamp Steering wheel
91Seats, steering wheel and mirrors Z
If steering wheel heating indicator lamp
0087is
flashing, the steering wheel heating has
switched off automatically. The vehicle's
electrical system 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
steering wheel heating will switch back on
automatically. Steering wheel EASY-ENTRY/EXIT
feature
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Make sure that nobody can become trapped
when you activate the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT
feature.
If there is a risk of someone becoming
trapped, stop the adjustment procedure. To
halt the procedure:
R press the steering column adjustment
button.
R press one of the memory function position
buttons.
The steering column stops moving
immediately.
Do not keep the memory function position
button pressed as this will start the memory
function and set the steering wheel and seat
in motion.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle. They could open the driver's door and
thereby unintentionally activate the EASY-
ENTRY/EXIT feature and become trapped. G
WARNING
Let the system complete the adjustment
procedure before setting the vehicle in
motion. All steering wheel adjustment must
be completed before setting the vehicle in motion. Driving off with the steering wheel
still adjusting could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.
! Do not activate the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT
feature, if the seat backrest is reclined too
far backwards. This can damage the front
or rear seats. You must first move the
backrest to a vertical position.
The EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature makes getting
in and out of your vehicle easier.
You can activate and deactivate the EASY-
ENTRY/EXIT feature in the on-board
computer (Y page 216).
Position of the steering wheel when the
EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature is active The steering wheel moves upwards and
towards the dashboard if:
R
you remove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock or
R you open the driver's door with the
SmartKey in position 0or 1in the ignition
lock.
i The steering wheel only moves upwards
and towards the dashboard if it has not
already reached the upper end stop.
Position of the steering wheel for
driving The steering wheel is moved to the last
selected position when:
R
the driver's door is closed.
R you insert the SmartKey into the ignition
lock.
The last position of the steering wheel is
stored when you switch off the ignition or
when you store the setting with the memory
function ( Ypage 95). 92
Steering wheelSeats, steering wheel and mirrors
i
You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again. Switching the windshield defroster
on/off G
WARNING
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from the windshield before driving.
Otherwise, your vision may be impaired,
which could endanger you or others. X
Turn the SmartKey to position
2(Y page 139) in the ignition lock.
X To switch on: press button0044.
Indicator lamp 0043lights up.
X To switch off: press button0044.
Indicator lamp 0043goes out.
i At outside temperatures above
50 ‡(10 †), the windshield heating cannot
be activated. Indicator lamp 0043lights up
briefly when you attempt to activate it and
then goes out again.
i The windshield defroster has a high
current draw. You should therefore switch
it off as soon as the windshield is clear. The
windshield heating otherwise switches
itself off automatically after 10 minutes.
i If you turn on the windshield heating for
the fourth consecutive time, the windshield
heating will automatically switch off after
5 minutes.
i If the vehicle's electrical system voltage
is too low because too many electrical consumers are switched on, indicator
lamp
0043flashes. After approximately
30 seconds, the windshield heating turns
off automatically. Switching the rear window defroster
on/off
Activating/deactivating G
WARNING
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from the rear window before driving.
Visibility could otherwise be impaired,
endangering you and others.
X Turn the SmartKey to position
2(Y page 139) in the ignition lock.
X USA only: press the0065button.
The indicator lamp in the 0065button lights
up or goes out.
i The rear window defroster has a high
current draw. You should therefore switch
it off as soon as the rear window is clear.
as it only switches off automatically after
several minutes.
i If the battery voltage is too low, the rear
window defroster may switch off.
Problems with the rear window
defroster If the indicator lamp in the
0065rear window
defroster button flashes, the on-board
voltage is too low. 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. Operating the climate control systems
133Climate control Z
Activating/deactivating air-
recirculation mode
G
WARNING
Fogged windows impair visibility,
endangering you and others. If the windows
begin to fog on the inside, switching off the
air recirculation mode immediately should
clear interior window fogging. If interior
window fogging persists, make sure the air
conditioning is activated, or press the 0064
button.
X Turn the SmartKey to position
2(Y page 139) in the ignition lock.
X To switch on: press the0089button.
The indicator lamp in the 0089button 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
0089 button is not lit.
Outside air is added after approximately
30 minutes.
X To deactivate: press the0089button.
The indicator lamp in the 0089button goes
out.
i Air-recirculation mode switches off
automatically:
R after approximately five minutes at
outside temperatures below
approximately 41 ‡
R after approximately five minutes if
cooling with air dehumidification is
deactivated
R after approximately 30 minutes at
outside temperatures above
approximately 41 ‡ (5 †) Activating/deactivating the residual
heat function
The "residual heat" function is only available
in Canada.
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 coolant temperature and
on the interior temperature that has been set.
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.
X Turn the SmartKey to position
0(Y page 139) in the ignition lock or
remove it.
X To activate: press the0056button.
The indicator lamp in the 0056button lights
up.
X To deactivate: press the0056button.
The indicator lamp in the 0056button goes
out.
i 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 Setting the air vents
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
When operating the climate control, the air
that enters the passenger compartment
through the air vents can be very hot or very
cold (depending on the set temperature). This
could cause burns or frostbite to unprotected
skin in the immediate area of the air vents. 134
Setting the air ventsClimate cont
rol
Never activate the LOW off-road gear while
driving on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients !
On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting
early to a lower gear. This allows you to take
advantage of the engine braking effect and
helps avoid overheating and excessive
wear of the brakes.
When you take advantage of the engine
braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn
for some time, e.g. on a slippery road
surface. This could cause damage to the
drive train. This type of damage is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Heavy and light loads G
WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but
drive on for a short while. This allows the
airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads If driving in heavy rain for a prolonged period
of time without braking, there may be a
delayed reaction from the brakes when
braking for the first time. This may also occur
after the vehicle has been washed. You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the
vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying
attention to the traffic conditions. This will
warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them
more quickly and protecting them against
corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt
residue may form on the brake discs and
brake pads. This can result in a significantly
longer braking distance.
R Brake occasionally to remove any possible
salt residue. Make sure that you do not
endanger other road users when doing so.
R Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
R Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes !
If the brake warning lamp lights up in the
instrument cluster and you hear a warning
tone even though the parking brake has
been released, the brake fluid level may be
too low. Observe additional warning
messages in the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked
immediately. This work should be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
! A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a 2-axle
dynamometer. If you are planning to have
the vehicle tested on such a dynamometer,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center to obtain further information first.
Otherwise, you could damage the drive
train or the brake system. 160
Driving tipsDriving and parking
R
Avoid high engine speeds.
R Enter and exit the water at a flat place and
at a steady walking pace.
R Drive slowly and at an even speed through
the water.
R Do not stop and do not switch off the
engine.
R Water offers a high degree of resistance,
and the ground is slippery and in some
cases unstable. Therefore, it is difficult and
dangerous to pull away in the water.
R Ensure that a bow wave does not form as
you drive.
R Clean any mud from the tire tread after
fording.
R Apply the brakes to dry them after fording.
Always observe the fording depth values
(Y page 350). Winter driving
General notes 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 engine or the 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. G
WARNING
If snow chains are installed to the front
wheels, they may drag against the vehicle
body or chassis components. This could
cause damage to the vehicle or the tires.
There is a risk of an accident. To avoid hazardous situations:
R
never install snow chains to the front
wheels
R always install snow chains in pairs to the
rear wheels.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Ypage 314).
Driving with summer tires Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (
Ypage 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. G
WARNING
If you activate the LOW off-road gear while
driving on a slippery road surface, the wheels
may lose traction:
R if you remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal when driving
R if off road ABS intervenes when braking
If the wheels lose traction. the vehicle can no
longer be steered. There is an increased
danger of skidding and accidents. Driving tips
163Driving and parking
Z