
The detent positions of the combination
switch correspond to the following wiper
speeds:
0W indshield wipers off
II ntermittent wipe
II Normal wipe
III Rapid wipe
i Canada only:
If the windshield wipers are switched on
and you stop the vehicle, the windshield
wiper speed is reduced. For example, if you
have selected level IIand stop the vehicle,
wiping continues with intermittent wipe
while the vehicle is stationary. If intermit-
tent wipe is selected, the intervals become
longer.
Vehicles with a rain and light sensor:
you can use level Ias the universal setting.
The rain and light sensor sets the appropri-
ate wiping frequency automatically,
according to the intensity of the rain. When
you stop the vehicle, levels IIIand IIare
switched down to level Iautomatically.
The windshield wiper will return to the orig-
inal level when you drive faster than
5 mph (8 km/h).
You can adjust the sensitivity of the rain and
light sensor using the on-board computer
(Y page 196).
Information on checking the washer fluid
level can be found in the "Maintenance and
care" (Y page 257) section. Switching the rear window wiper on/
off Combination switch
0043
00C5 Rear window wiper switch
0048 00E2 To wipe with washer fluid
0049 ITo switch on intermittent wiping
004A 0To switch off intermittent wiping
004B 00E2 To wipe with washer fluid
X Turn the key to position 1or 2in the ignition
lock.
X Turn switch 0043to the corresponding posi-
tion
The rear window wiper switches on automat-
ically if you engage reverse gear and the wind-
shield wipers are on. Replacing the wiper blades
G
WARNING
If the windshield wipers begin to move while
you are changing the wiper blades, you could
be trapped by the wiper arm. There is a risk
of injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
ignition before changing the wiper blades.
! Never open the hood if a windshield wiper
arm has been folded away from the wind-
shield.
Never fold a windshield wiper arm without
a wiper blade back onto the windshield/
rear window. 108
Windshield wipersLights and
windshield wipers

Adjusting the air vents
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Very hot or very cold air can flow from the air
vents. This could result in burns or frostbite in
the immediate vicinity of the air vents. There
is a risk of injury.
Make sure that all vehicle occupants always
maintain a sufficient distance to the air out-
lets. If necessary, redirect the airflow to
another area of the vehicle interior.
The center and side air vents are adjustable.
On vehicles with a rear-compartment air-con-
ditioning system, you can also adjust the air
vents in the roof duct.
i For virtually draft-free ventilation, adjust
the sliders of the center air vents to the
center position.
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 inlet grille on the hood free of
blockages, such as ice, snow or leaves.
R never cover the vents or the ventilation
grilles in the vehicle interior. Setting the center air vents
0043
Center air vent, left
0044 Center air vent, right
0087 Thumbwheel for center air vent, right
0085 Thumbwheel for center air vent, left X
To open: turn thumbwheel 0087to the right
or thumbwheel 0085to the left.
X To close: turn thumbwheel 0087to the left or
thumbwheel 0085to the right. Setting the side air vents
Side air vent (example: right-hand side of the vehi-
cle)
X
To open: turn thumbwheel 0087of side air
vents 0043upward.
X To close: turn thumbwheel 0087of side air
vents 0043downward.
i If the 0060 symbol can be seen on thumb-
wheel 0087, defroster vent 0044is open. Adjusting air vents for the passenger
compartment
Air vents (example: right-hand side of the vehicle)
You can use the air vents to ventilate the
vehicle interior on the left and right, in the rear
and the headroom. Adjusting the air vents
121Climate control Z

X
To open: for the right-hand side of the vehi-
cle, turn thumbwheel 0044or for the left-hand
side of the vehicle, thumbwheel 0043of the
air vents clockwise.
X To close: for the right-hand side of the
vehicle, turn thumbwheel 0044or for the left-
hand side of the vehicle, thumbwheel 0043of
the air vents counter-clockwise. Adjusting the air vents in the roof duct
! Always leave at least one air vent open.
If the rear-compartment air conditioning is
switched on and all the air vents are closed,
the air-conditioning system may be dam-
aged. On vehicles with rear-compartment air con-
ditioning, adjustable air vents are integrated
into the roof duct.
X To adjust the airflow: open or close the
air flap in air vents 0043as needed.
X To adjust the air distribution: turn air
vent 0043to the desired position. Operating the auxiliary heating sys-
tem Important safety 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, for example in
enclosed spaces or if the vehicle gets stuck
in snow. There is a risk of fatal injury.
Switch the auxiliary heating off in enclosed
spaces without extraction systems, e.g. in
garages. If the vehicle is stuck in snow and
you have to leave the auxiliary heating run-
ning, keep the exhaust pipe and the area
around the vehicle free 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
When the auxiliary heating is switched on,
parts of the vehicle can become very hot, e.g.
the exhaust system. Flammable material such
as leaves, grass or twigs may ignite if they
come into contact with hot parts of the
exhaust system. There is a risk of fire.
When the auxiliary heating is switched on,
make sure that no flammable material can
come into contact with hot vehicle compo-
nents.
! Turn on the auxiliary heating at least once
a month for approximately 10 minutes. The
auxiliary heating could otherwise be dam-
aged.
! Make sure that the flow of hot air is not
blocked. The auxiliary heating will other-
wise overheat and switch off.
Your vehicle may be equipped with either an
auxiliary hot-water heater or an auxiliary
warm-air heater. Adjustment and operation of
the:
R hot-water auxiliary heater is done via the
on-board computer and with the auxiliary
heating button in the control panel
(Y page 124) or with the remote control
(Y page 125).
R auxiliary warm-air heater is done via the
timer above the overhead control panel
(Y page 127).
The auxiliary heating works independently of
the engine and supplements the climate 122
Operating the auxiliary heating systemClimate control

The auxiliary heating operates for another
two minutes and then switches off auto-
matically.
i If you switch off the ignition while imme-
diate heating mode (operating duration
10– 120 minutes) is active, immediate
heating mode is also switched off. The aux-
iliary heating operates for another
two minutes and then switches off auto-
matically.
If you have set continuous operation as the
operating duration and you switch off the
ignition, the auxiliary heating switches off
automatically after about 15 minutes. If, in
the remaining time, the ignition is switched
on again, continuous operation of the aux-
iliary heating continues.
Setting the preselection time G
WARNING
The auxiliary heating must not be operated if
there are highly flammable substances
nearby or in enclosed spaces without an
extraction system. Make sure that the auxili-
ary heating is not switched on automatically
by the timer in such places. If this possibility
exists, deactivate the respective programmed
time.
You can set three preselection times using
the timer.
Observe that when setting the preselection
time, this does not correspond to the switch-
on time but to the switch-off or departure
time. The auxiliary heating system starts up
automatically and runs for the operating dura-
tion set prior to departure.
Example: For a planned departure time of
7:00 a.m., you should also set the preselec-
tion time to 7:00 a.m. If the operating dura-
tion is preset to 40 minutes, for example, the
auxiliary heating starts up at 6:20 a.m.
If an identical time (time and day) is set in the
preselection memory, only the last time set is
saved. After a malfunction or if the battery has been
disconnected, you must set the preselection
times again. You can find further information
on malfunctions in the "Problems with the
auxiliary heating" section ( Ypage 132).
X Press the 00CFor00DB button until the
0045 symbol in the menu bar flashes.
X Press the 0070button.
In the program column, the 0059preselec-
tion memory numbers appear. The selected
preselection memory flashes.
X Press the 00CFor00DB button to select the
desired preselection memory.
X Press the 0070button.
The preselection memory is selected. The
days are shown.
X Set the day and time as described in the
"Setting the day, time and operating dura-
tion" section (Y page 128).
The preselection time is stored. The pro-
gram column disappears. In the display
panel, the on
on message and the 0084sym-
bol appear.
X Press the 0070button.
The operating duration flashes.
X Press the 00CFor00DB button to set the
minute value (10 – 120).
X Press the 0070button.
The operating duration for the preselection
time is saved. The time and number of the
selected preselection memory are shown.
i The preselection memory that will be acti-
vated next is underlined. Additionally, the
day that is set appears.
Deactivating the preselection time X
Carry out the steps as described in the
"Setting the preselection time" section. Operating the auxiliary heating system
129Climate control Z

If the
0084 symbol in the status bar is shown:
X Press the 00CFor00DB button until the
off
off message in the display panel is shown.
X Press the 0070button.
The preselection time is deactivated. The
time is shown.
Setting the heating level You can set the heating level to a range
between 10 and 30.
The heating level corresponds to a preselec-
tion temperature for the vehicle interior. This
is a guide value and may, depending on the
outside temperature, differ from the actual
vehicle interior temperature.
X Press the 00CFor00DB button until the
00D1 symbol in the menu bar flashes.
X Press the 0070button.
The heating level display flashes.
X Using the 00CFand00DB buttons, set the
desired heating level to a range between 10
and 30.
X Press the 0070button.
The heating level is set and the 0084sym-
bol appears. Switching the heater booster function
on/off Vehicles with auxiliary heating Vehicles with heater booster function
At outside temperatures of up to 39 ‡
(4†)
the fuel-fired heater booster system heats the
vehicle interior as quickly as possible when
the engine is running.
The auxiliary heating automatically switches
to heater booster mode after the engine is
started.
At an outside temperature above 39 ‡ (4†)
the auxiliary heating system and the heater
booster function switch off automatically.
If you switch off the engine without switching
off the heater booster function, the system
will be switched on the next time the engine
is started (memory function).
i Switch the auxiliary heating on or off with
the 0084 button (Y page 124).
X To switch on/off: press the006Aswitch.
If the indicator lamp in the button lights up,
the heater booster function is switched on.
After switching off, the auxiliary heating oper-
ates for about another 2 minutes and then
switches off automatically. Replacing the remote control battery
G
WARNING
Batteries contain toxic and corrosive substan-
ces. If batteries are swallowed, it can result in
severe health problems. There is a risk of fatal
injury.
Keep batteries out of the reach of children. If
a battery is swallowed, seek medical attention
immediately. 130
Operating the auxiliary heating systemClimate control

Useful information
This Operator's Manual describes all models
as well as standard and optional equipment
of your vehicle that were available at the time
of going to print. Country-specific variations
are possible. Note that your vehicle may not
be equipped with all of the described func-
tions. This also applies to systems and func-
tions relevant to safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (Y page 26). Breaking-in notes
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
New or replaced brake pads and brake disks
only reach their optimum braking effect after
a few hundred miles (a few
hundred kilometers). Until then, compensate
for this by applying greater force to the brake
pedal.
For the service life and economy of your vehi-
cle it is crucial that you break in the engine
with due care.
R Therefore, protect the engine for the first
1000 miles (1500 km) by driving at varying
vehicle and engine speeds.
R Avoid overstraining the vehicle and high
engine speeds during this period, e.g. driv-
ing at full throttle. Do not exceed 00C6of the
maximum speed for each gear.
R Do not change down a gear manually in
order to brake.
R Try to avoid depressing the accelerator
pedal beyond the point of resistance (kick-
down).
R The shift ranges 3,2or 1should only be
engaged when driving slowly, e.g. when
driving in mountainous terrain.
After 1000 miles (1500 km), you can increase
the engine speed gradually and accelerate
the vehicle to full speed. i
You should also observe these notes on
breaking-in if the engine or parts of the
drive train on your vehicle have been
replaced. Driving
Important safety notes
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 the parking brake has not been fully
released when driving, the parking brake can:
R overheat and cause a fire
R lose its hold function.
There is a risk of fire and an accident. Release
the parking brake fully before driving off. Battery isolating switch
Important safety notes !
Make sure that the key is in position 0in
the ignition lock and wait at least 20 sec-
onds before disconnecting or connecting
the battery isolating switch. You could oth-
erwise damage electrical system compo-
nents.
You can use the battery isolating switch to
disconnect the power supply to all your vehi-
cle's consumers. This will prevent uncontrol-
led battery discharge caused by off-load cur-
rent consumption.
If your vehicle is equipped with an auxiliary
battery in the engine compartment, you will
need to disconnect both batteries. Only then 136
DrivingDriving and parking

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