i
To unlock the steering, move the steering
wheel slightly while turning the key to posi-
tion 1. Preparing for a journey
Visual check of the vehicle exterior X
In particular, check the following compo-
nents on the vehicle, and on the trailer as
necessary:
R license plates, vehicle lighting, turn sig-
nals, brake lamps and wiper blades for
dirt and damage
R tires and wheels for firm seating, correct
tire pressure and general condition
R trailer tow hitch for play and security
i The trailer coupling is one of the most
important vehicle parts with regard to road
safety. The separate instructions issued by
the manufacturer pertaining to operation,
care and maintenance should be observed.
X Rectify any noticeable defects before com-
mencing the journey.
Checks in the vehicle Emergency equipment/first-aid kit
X Check the equipment to make sure that it
is accessible, complete and ready for use.
The first aid and breakdown assistance equip-
ment is in the front door stowage compart-
ments and behind the driver's seat.
Vehicle lighting
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Check the lighting system with the aid of a
second person.
X Replace defective bulbs (Y page 100). Before driving off
G
WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell may restrict
the clearance around the pedals or block a
depressed pedal. This jeopardizes the oper-
ating and road safety of the vehicle. There is
a risk of an accident.
Stow all objects securely in the vehicle so that
they do not get into the driver's footwell.
When using floormats or carpets, make sure
that they are properly secured so that they do
not slip or obstruct the pedals. Do not place
several floormats or carpets on top of one
another. G
WARNING
Unsuitable footwear can hinder correct usage
of the pedals, e.g.:
R shoes with thick soles
R shoes with high heels
R slippers
There is a risk of an accident.
Wear suitable footwear to ensure correct
usage of the pedals.
X Secure the load as per the loading guide-
lines (Y page 242).
X Make sure that the floormats and carpets
are properly secured so that they cannot
slip and obstruct the pedals.
X Close all doors. Starting the engine
G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces with-
out sufficient ventilation.
! Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine. 138
DrivingDriving and parking
X
Before starting the engine, make sure that:
R all the doors are closed.
R all the vehicle occupants are wearing
their seat belts correctly.
R the parking brake is applied.
i If you depress the brake pedal before
starting the engine, the pedal travel is short
and pedal resistance is high.
If you depress the brake pedal again after
starting the engine, pedal travel and resist-
ance will be back to normal again. Gearshift pattern
005D
Park position with parking lock
005E Reverse gear
005C Neutral
005B Drive
X Move the selector lever to position P.
The display in the instrument cluster shows
P:
R on vehicles with steering wheel buttons
(Y page 189)
R on vehicles without steering wheel but-
tons ( Ypage 184)
i You can also start the engine in neutral
N.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
The 0028 preglow indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up briefly.
X Once the 0028preglow indicator lamp goes
out, turn the key to position 3in the ignition
lock and release it as soon as the engine is
running. i
You can start the engine without preglow
when the engine is warm.
The preglow system is malfunctioning if the
0028 preglow indicator lamp lights up for
approximately 1 minute:
R after the ignition is switched on
R while the engine is running
At extremely low outside temperatures you
may then no longer be able to start the
engine. Have the malfunction rectified at a
qualified specialist workshop.
i Depending on the equipment installed,
the vehicle either automatically locks cen-
trally after switching on the ignition or after
pulling away. The locking knobs in the
doors drop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at
any time.
Automatic door locking can be deactivated
(Y page 71). Driving off
G
WARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position Dor
R, the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There
is a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position Dor R,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do
not simultaneously accelerate.
! Only shift into reverse gear Rwhen the
vehicle is stationary. Otherwise, you could
damage the transmission.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
The selector lever lock is released.
X Move the selector lever to position Dor R.
On vehicles with a reverse warning feature,
when reverse gear is engaged a warning
tone sounds to alert other road users
(Y page 140). Driving
139Driving and parking Z
When pulling away again, the engine starts
automatically. The ECO start/stop function
thereby helps you to reduce the fuel con-
sumption and emissions of your vehicle.
The stop/start function is automatically acti-
vated each time you start the engine with the
ignition key.
If the ECO start/stop function has been man-
ually deactivated or a malfunction has caused
the system to be deactivated, 00A7sym-
bol 0044is not displayed. In addition, the indi-
cator lamp in the ECO button on the center
console does not light up.
Automatic engine switch-off The ECO start/stop function is operational
and the 00A7symbol is displayed in the mul-
tifunction display, if:
R the indicator lamp in the ECO button is lit
green
R the outside temperature is above 0 †
R the vehicle is below 2500 m above sea level
R the hood is closed
R the driver's seat belt is fastened
R on vehicles with a manual transmission, the
doors are closed
R on vehicles with an automatic transmis-
sion, the driver's door is closed
i All of the driving systems remain active
when the engine is switched off automati-
cally.
i The engine can be switched off automat-
ically a maximum of four times (initial stop,
then three subsequent stops) in succes-
sion. The automatic engine switch-off is
then available again after the ECO symbol
appears in the multifunction display.
Vehicles with automatic transmission If the vehicle is braked to a standstill in
Dor
N, the ECO start/stop function switches off
the engine automatically. Automatic engine start The engine is started automatically if:
R
you switch off the ECO start/stop function
by pressing the ECO button
R you engage reverse gear Ror park position
P
R the vehicle begins to roll away
R the battery's condition of charge is too low
R on vehicles with a manual transmission, the
driver's seat belt is not fastened or a door
is opened
R on vehicles with an automatic transmis-
sion, the driver's seat belt is not fastened
or the driver's door is opened
If you open the hood after an automatic
engine switch-off, automatic engine start is
deactivated. Once the hood is closed, you
have to start the engine manually.
Vehicles with automatic transmission The engine is started automatically if you:
R
release the brakes when in transmission
position Dor N
R depress the accelerator pedal
R open the driver's door
R unfasten your seatbelt
i If you shift the transmission from Rto D,
the ECO start/stop function is available
again as soon as the 00A7symbol reap-
pears in the multifunction display.
Activating/deactivating ECO Start Driving
141Driving and parking Z
Problems with the engine
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions The engine does not
start.
The starter motor can
be heard. There is air in the fuel system.
X
Turn the key back to position 0in the ignition lock before
attempting to start the engine again.
X Start the engine again.
Please bear in mind that lengthy and frequent starting attempts
will drain the battery.
If the engine does not start after several attempts:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The engine does not
start.
The starter motor can
be heard. The reserve
fuel warning lamp is lit
and the fuel gage is at
0. The fuel tank has been run dry.
X
Refuel the vehicle.
If you drive until the fuel tank is completely empty, air may get into
the fuel system. If the engine does not start after refueling, bleed
the fuel system as follows:
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition for approximately
10 seconds.
X Start the engine continuously for a maximum of 60 seconds.
If the engine does not start:
X Wait approximately 2 minutes.
X Restart the engine continuously for a maximum of 60 seconds.
X If the engine still fails start, do not continue trying to start it.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The vehicle cannot be
driven at a speed
exceeding 5 mph
(8 km/h).
The yellow
00B9engine
diagnostic lamp and
the yellow 00E2DEF
indicator lamp 2
light
up. The exhaust gas aftertreatment is faulty, an emission-relevant
malfunction has occurred or the DEF reserve has been used up.
This malfunction or defect can damage the exhaust gas after-
treatment.
X
Observe the messages in the display:
R
on vehicles without steering-wheel buttons (Y page 202)
R on vehicles with steering-wheel buttons (Y page 213) and
(Y page 213). The engine does not
start.
The starter motor can-
not be heard. The battery isolating switch is switched off.
X
Switch on the power supply (Y page 136).2
Only vehicles without steering-wheel buttons. Driving
143Driving and parking Z
Selector lever positions
0045
Park position
This prevents the vehicle from roll-
ing away when stopped. Only move
the selector lever to
Pif the vehicle
is stationary.
You can only remove the key when
the selector lever is in this position.
The selector lever is locked in posi-
tion Pif the key is removed.
The parking lock should not be
used as a brake when parking.
Always apply the parking brake as
well once you have parked the vehi-
cle. 0046
Reverse gear
Only move the selector lever to
R
when the vehicle is stationary. 0044
Neutral
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels. Releas-
ing the brakes will allow you to
move the vehicle freely, e.g. by
pushing or towing.
Do not move the selector lever to
N
while driving. The automatic
transmission could otherwise be
damaged.
If ASR is deactivated or ESP ®
has
malfunctioned: only move the
selector lever to Nif the vehicle is
in danger of skidding, e.g. on icy
roads. 003A
Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear itself. All forward
gears are available.
You can influence the gearshifts
and shift gears yourself or limit the
shift range. Changing gear
The 5-speed automatic transmission adapts
to your individual driving style by contin-
uously adjusting its shift points. These shift
point adjustments take into account the cur-
rent operating and driving conditions. If the
operating or driving conditions change, the
automatic transmission reacts by adjusting
the gearshift program.
When the selector lever is in position D, the
automatic transmission selects the individual
gears automatically. This depends on:
R any restriction in the shift range
(Y page 146)
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed Touchshift
When the selector lever is in position D, you
can perform gearshifts yourself.
X To shift down: press the selector lever to
the left towards D–.
The automatic transmission shifts to the
next gear down, depending on the gear cur-
rently engaged. The shift range is also
restricted.
i The automatic transmission does not shift
down if you press the selector lever
towards D–while traveling at too high a
speed. This protects the engine from over-
revving.
X To shift up: briefly press the selector lever
to the right towards D+.
The automatic transmission shifts to the
next gear up, depending on the current
gearshift program. This also extends the
shift range. Automatic transmission
145Driving and parking Z
The fuel filler flap is beside the front left-hand
door when viewed in the direction of travel. It
is only possible to open the fuel filler flap
when the front door is open.
X Remove the key from the ignition lock.
X Switch off the auxiliary heating system
(Y page 122).
X Open the front left-hand door first, and then
the fuel filler flap.
X Close all vehicle doors to prevent fuel
vapors from entering the vehicle.
X Turn fuel filler cap 0044counter-clockwise,
remove it and let it hang from strap 0043.
X Completely insert the filler neck of the fuel
pump nozzle into the tank and refuel.
X Only fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off. Fuel may otherwise leak out.
X Replace tank filler cap 0044and turn clock-
wise.
You will hear a click when the fuel filler cap
is closed fully.
X Open the front left-hand door first, and then
close the filler flap. Problems with the fuel and fuel tank
If your vehicle is losing fuel, the fuel lines or
the fuel tank are defective.
X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition
lock immediately and remove it.
X Do not restart the engine under any cir-
cumstances.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
Important safety notes H
Environmental note
Dispose of DEF in an environmentally respon-
sible manner.
! Only use DEF in accordance with
ISO 22241. Never mix DEF with additives or thin it with tap water. The exhaust gas
aftertreatment may otherwise be dam-
aged.
Observe the MB Specifications for Service
Products, Sheet 352.0.
Damage that results from the use of addi-
tives or tap water leads to the loss of the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
! If DEF comes into contact with a painted
or aluminum surface, wash the surface off
immediately with plenty of water.
! DEF is not a diesel additive and must not
be mixed with fuel in the tank. Even small
amounts of DEF can cause engine damage.
Damage that results from the blending of
DEF will not be covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
The exhaust gas aftertreatment requires a
reducing agent, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), in
order to function correctly.
When opening the DEF tank filler cap at high
outside temperatures, ammonia vapors may
escape.
Ammonia vapors have a pungent smell and
primarily cause irritation of the:
R skin
R mucous membranes
R eyes
You may experience a burning sensation in
your eyes, nose and throat, as well as cough-
ing and watering of the eyes.
Do not inhale ammonia vapors. Avoid contact
with DEF.
Do not allow DEF to come into direct contact
with your skin; it is hazardous to your health.
Rinse any affected areas off with plenty of
clean water. Consult a doctor if necessary.
i If the DEF level has dropped below the
reserve range, add at least 2.0 US gal
(7.6 l) of DEF at the latest after receiving
the second warning message
(Y page 184). Refueling
149Driving and parking Z
i
If you switch off the engine at a low out-
side temperature and add DEF, restart the
engine after refueling. If you leave the vehi-
cle parked without restarting the engine
and the DEF freezes in the DEF tank, the
on-board computer will only be able to reg-
ister the new fill level after a defrosting
period of up to 60 minutes. During this time
the engine may only be operated in neutral.
You will find further information on DEF in the
"Service products" section (Y page 321).
Refueling procedure DEF filler neck in the engine compartment
X
Remove the key from the ignition lock.
X Switch off the auxiliary heating system
(Y page 130).
X Open the hood.
X Close all vehicle doors so that no ammonia
vapors can enter the vehicle.
i Do not inhale any ammonia vapor which
may escape when you unscrew cap 0043.
Ammonia vapors have a pungent odor.
However, they are neither toxic nor hazard-
ous to health in this concentration.
X Turn blue cap 0043counter-clockwise and
remove it.
X Only fill up the DEF tank until the DEF level
is visible in the filler neck.
X Replace blue DEF filler neck cap 0043on the
filler neck and turn clockwise.
You will hear a click when cap 0043is fully
closed. DEF filler neck on the right-hand vehicle
side The DEF reservoir on the right-hand side of the
vehicle (example: Cab Chassis)
Fuel filler cap
X
Remove the key from the ignition lock.
X Switch off the auxiliary heating system
(Y page 130).
X Remove tool 0083for unlocking tank filler
cap 0044from the footwell on the co-driver's
side (Y page 276).
X Close all vehicle doors so that no ammonia
vapors can enter the vehicle.
X Pull cover 0085up, turn 90° and release.
X Insert tool 0083into hole 0087of tank filler
cap 0044.
i Do not inhale any ammonia vapor that
may escape when you unscrew tank filler
cap 0044. Ammonia vapors have a pungent
odor. However, they are neither toxic nor
hazardous to health in this concentration.
X Turn blue filler cap 0044counter-clockwise,
remove it and let it hang from strap 0043.150
RefuelingDriving and parking
Make sure that tool
0083remains in tank filler
cap 0044while doing so.
X Only fill up the DEF tank until the DEF level
is visible for the first time in the filler neck.
X Replace blue tank filler cap 0044and turn
clockwise.
X Pull tool 0083out of tank filler cap 0044and
stow with the vehicle tool kit in the footwell
on the co-driver's side.
X Pull cover 0085up over hole 0087of tank filler
cap 0044, turn and release.
X Turn blue tank filler cap 0044.
If tank filler cap 0044turns freely, the DEF
tank is closed. Parking
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact with
hot parts of the exhaust system or exhaust
gas flow. There is a risk of fire.
Park the vehicle so that no flammable mate-
rials come into contact with parts of the vehi-
cle which are hot. Take particular care not to
park on dry grassland or harvested grain
fields. G
WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving. G
WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example:
R release the parking brake.
R shift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P.
R start the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. There is a risk of
an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
! A moving vehicle can lead to damage to
the vehicle or damage to the drive train.
! When the vehicle is parked, always
remove the key to prevent the battery from
becoming discharged.
On vehicles with a battery isolating switch,
switch off the power supply if the vehicle is
to be out of use for a longer period of time.
Always park your vehicle safely and according
to legal requirements and secure it against
rolling away.
To ensure that the vehicle is properly secured
against rolling away unintentionally:
R the parking brake must be firmly applied
R the selector lever must be in position Pand
the key must be removed from the ignition
lock
R on steep uphill or downhill gradients, the
front wheels must be turned towards the
curb
R on steep uphill or downhill gradients, the
vehicle must be secured at the rear axle,
e.g. with a wheel chock or similar object
Use the wheel chock (Y page 153) to do so. Parking
151Driving and parking Z