Washing the vehicle and cleaning the
paintwork
Automatic car wash G
WARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after the vehicle has been washed. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
After washing the vehicle, brake carefully
while paying attention to the traffic conditions in order to restore full braking efficiency.
! When the HOLD function is activated, the
vehicle brakes automatically in certain situa-
tions.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
the HOLD function in the following or similar
situations:
R when towing away
R in a car wash
! When washing your vehicle in a tow-through
car wash, make sure that the selector lever is in position N, otherwise the vehicle could be
damaged.
! Make sure:
R the side windows are closed completely.
R the blower for the ventilation/heating is
switched off (OFF button is depressed/
airflow control is turned to position 0).
R the windscreen wiper switch is at position
0.
The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
Wash off excess dirt before cleaning the vehicle
in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off wax
from the windscreen and the wiper blades. This
will prevent smears and reduce wiping noises
caused by residue on the windscreen.
Washing by hand In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements for each indi-
vidual country. X
Do not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
X Use a soft sponge to clean.
X Use a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Thoroughly hose down the vehicle with a gen-
tle jet of water.
X Do not point the water jet directly towards the
air inlet.
X Use plenty of water and rinse out the sponge
frequently.
X Rinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
X Do not let the cleaning agent dry on the paint-
work.
When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
High-pressure cleaning equipment G
WARNING
The water jet of circular-jet nozzles (dirt grind- ers) can cause damage not visible from the
outside to tyres or chassis components. Com-
ponents damaged in this way can unexpect-
edly fail. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use high-pressure cleaners with circu-
lar-jet nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have dam- aged tyres or chassis components replaced
immediately.
! Always maintain a distance of at least 30 cm
between the vehicle and the high-pressure
cleaner nozzle. Information about the correct
distance is available from the equipment
manufacturer.
Move the high-pressure cleaner nozzle
around when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R tyres
R door gaps, roof gaps, joints etc.
R electrical components
R battery
R connectors
R lights
R seals
R trim elements
R ventilation slots Care
243Maintenance and care Z
Damaged seals or electrical components can
lead to leaks or failures.
Cleaning the paintwork !
Do not affix:
R stickers
R films
R magnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected by
corrosion and damage caused by inadequate
care cannot always be completely repaired. In
such cases, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
X Remove impurities immediately, where pos-
sible, whilst avoiding rubbing too hard.
X Soak insect remains with insect remover and
rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
X Soak bird droppings with water and rinse off
the treated areas afterwards.
X Remove coolant, brake fluid, tree resins, oils,
fuels and greases by rubbing gently with a
cloth soaked in petroleum ether or lighter
fluid.
X Use tar remover to remove tar stains.
X Use silicone remover to remove wax.
Care and treatment of matt paintwork !
Never polish the vehicle or the light alloy
wheels. Polishing makes the paintwork shiny.
! The following may cause the paint to
become shiny and thus reduce the matt
effect:
R vigorous rubbing with unsuitable materials
R frequent use of car washes
R washing the vehicle in direct sunlight
! Never use paint cleaner, buffing or polishing
products, or gloss preserver, e.g. wax. These
products are only suitable for high-gloss sur-
faces. Their use on vehicles with matt finish
leads to considerable surface damage (shiny, spotted areas).
Always have paintwork repairs carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! Do not use wash programs with a hot wax
treatment under any circumstances. Observe these notes if your vehicle has a clear
matt finish. This will help you to avoid damage to
the paintwork due to incorrect treatment.
These notes also apply to light-alloy wheels witha clear matt finish.
The vehicle should preferably be washed by
hand using a soft sponge, car shampoo and
plenty of water.
Use only insect remover and car shampoo from
the range of approved Mercedes-Benz care
products. Cleaning vehicle parts
Cleaning the wheels G
WARNING
The water jet of circular-jet nozzles (dirt grind- ers) can cause damage not visible from the
outside to tyres or chassis components. Com-
ponents damaged in this way can unexpect-
edly fail. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use high-pressure cleaners with circu-
lar-jet nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have dam- aged tyres or chassis components replaced
immediately.
! Do not use acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
! Do not park up the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and the brake
pads/linings, thus drying them. The vehicle
can then be parked up.
Cleaning the windows G
WARNING
If the windscreen wipers are set in motion
when cleaning the windscreen or wiper
blades, you could become trapped. There is a danger of injury. 244
CareMaintenance and care
Recovery
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Safety relevant functions are restricted or no
longer available if:
R the ignition is switched off
R the brake system or power steering is mal-
functioning
R there is a malfunction in the voltage supply
or the vehicle's electrical system.
When your vehicle is towed, you may require
considerably more effort to steer and brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases use a rigid towing bar. Before
towing away, make sure the steering moves
freely. G
WARNING
If the steering wheel lock is engaged, the vehi- cle can no longer be steered. There is a risk of
an accident.
Always switch on the ignition when towing
with a tow rope or a towing bar. G
WARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissible gross weight of your vehicle, the:
R towing eye may be torn off
R car/trailer combination may swerve or
even overturn
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per- missible gross weight of your vehicle.
Details on the permissible gross vehicle weight
of your vehicle can be found on the vehicle iden-
tification plate (Y page 281). !
When COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
PLUS or the HOLD function is activated, the
vehicle brakes automatically in certain situa-
tions. To avoid damage to the vehicle, deac-
tivate these systems in the following or simi-
lar situations:
R when towing away
R in a car wash
! Make sure that the electric parking brake is
released. If the electric parking brake is faulty, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this pur-
pose.
! Only secure the tow rope or towing bar to
the towing eyes. The vehicle may otherwise
be damaged.
! Observe the following points when towing
with a tow rope:
R secure the tow rope on the same side on
both vehicles.
R make sure that the tow rope is not longer
than legally permitted. Mark the tow rope in
the middle, e.g. with a white cloth
(30 x 30 cm). This makes other road users
aware that a vehicle is being towed.
R only secure the tow rope to the towing eye.
R observe the brake lamps of the towing vehi-
cle while driving. Always maintain a dis-
tance so that the tow rope does not sag.
R do not use steel cables or chains to tow
your vehicle. You could otherwise damage
the vehicle.
! Do not use the towing eyes for recovery pur-
poses as this could damage the vehicle. If in
doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high, the
vehicles could be damaged.
! You may tow the vehicle for a maximum of
50km. A towing speed of 50 km/h must not
be exceeded.
For towing distances over 50 km, the front
axle or the entire vehicle must be raised and
transported.
! When towing vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
use the key instead of the Start/Stop button. The transmission may otherwise shift to posi- tion Pwhen you open the driver's or front- 260
RecoveryBreakdown assistance
passenger door, which could damage the
transmission.
Observe the legal requirements for the relevant countries when towing.
Make sure that no charging cables are connec-
ted. The parking lock cannot be released if a
charging cable is connected.
It is better to have the vehicle transported than
to have it towed.
If the vehicle can no longer be driven because of
an accident or breakdown, you have the follow- ing options:
R transporting the vehicle
As a rule, you should have the vehicle trans-
ported.
R towing the vehicle with a tow rope or tow bar
Only tow the vehicle in exceptional cases.
Observe the following notes.
The vehicle may not be towed and must always be transported if:
R the multifunction display is not working
R one of more of the following warning lamps is
lit up:
- Drive system
- 12 V battery
R one or both of the following display messages
have appeared:
- Stop Switch engine off
Stop Switch engine off
- Without changing gear, consult Without changing gear, consult
workshop
workshop
R you have to tow the vehicle over a longer dis-
tance than 50 km.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
R cannot turn the key to position 2in the igni-
tion lock
R cannot release the electric parking brake
R cannot move the transmission to position N
The function of the electric parking brake and
the parking lock is dependent on the on-board
voltage.
If the on-board voltage is low or if there is a sys- tem malfunction:
R it may not be possible to apply the released
parking brake or
R it may not be possible to shift the transmis-
sion to position P Switch off non-essential consumers, e.g. the
radio.
Deactivate the automatic locking feature before
towing the vehicle (Y page 187). You could oth-
erwise be locked out when pushing or towing
the vehicle.
Deactivate tow-away protection before towing
away the vehicle (Y page 68). Fitting/removing the towing eye
Fitting the towing eye The mountings for the removable towing eyes
are located in the bumpers. They are at the rear
and at the front, under covers :.
X Remove the towing eye from the stowage
space.
The towing eye is located under the luggage
compartment floor.
Vehicles with a TIREFIT kit: the towing eye is
located under the tyre inflation compressor.
X Press the mark on cover :inwards in the
direction of the arrow.
X Remove cover :from the opening.
X Screw in the towing eye clockwise to the stop. Recovery
261Breakdown assistance Z
Removing the towing eye
X
Loosen the towing eye and unscrew it.
X Place the towing eye in the stowage well
under the luggage compartment floor
(Y page 249).
X Vehicles with a TIREFIT kit: replace the tyre
inflation compressor. Towing the vehicle with both axles on
the ground
It is important that you observe the safety
instructions when towing away your vehicle
(Y page 260).
X On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO or the KEY-
LESS-GO start function: you must use the
key instead of the Start/Stop button
(Y page 127).
The transmission automatically shifts to posi-
tion Pwhen you open the driver's or front-
passenger door or when you remove the key
from the ignition lock. In order to ensure that the transmission stays in position Nwhen towing
the vehicle, you must observe the following
points:
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition lock.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift the transmission to position N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 100).
X Leave the key in position 2in the ignition lock.
If the 12 V battery indicator lamp lights up, you
must observe the following points:
X Pull over and safely stop the vehicle as soon
as possible, paying attention to road and traf-
fic conditions.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
i In order to signal a change of direction when
towing the vehicle with the hazard warning
lamps switched on, use the combination
switch as usual. In this case, only the turn
signals for the desired direction flash. When you reset the combination switch, the hazard
warning lamps start flashing again. Towing the vehicle with the front axle
raised
When towing your vehicle with the front axle
raised, it is important that you observe the
safety instructions (Y page 260).
! The ignition must be switched off if you are
towing the vehicle with the front axle raised.
Intervention by ESP ®
could otherwise dam-
age the brake system.
X On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO or the KEY-
LESS-GO start function: you must use the
key instead of the Start/Stop button
(Y page 127).
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition lock.
X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Deactivate tow-away protection (Y page 68).
X Deactivate automatic locking (Y page 187).
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 100).
X Turn the key in the ignition lock to position 0
and leave the key in the ignition lock. Towing the vehicle away with the rear
axle raised
When towing your vehicle away with the rear
axle raised, it is important that you observe the safety instructions (Y page 260).
! The ignition must be switched off if you are
towing the vehicle with the rear axle raised.
Intervention by ESP ®
could otherwise dam-
age the brake system. 262
RecoveryBreakdown assistance
The transmission automatically shifts to posi-
tion Pwhen you open the driver's or front-
passenger door or when you remove the key
from the ignition lock. In order to ensure that the
transmission stays in position Nwhen towing
the vehicle, you must observe the following
points:
X On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO or the KEY-
LESS-GO start function: you must use the
key instead of the Start/Stop button
(Y page 127).
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition lock.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift the transmission to position N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
X Deactivate tow-away protection (Y page 68).
X Deactivate automatic locking (Y page 187).
X Move the front wheels to the straight-ahead
position.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 100).
X Turn the key in the ignition lock to position 0
and leave the key in the ignition lock. Transporting the vehicle
All vehicles !
You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as
axle or steering components. Otherwise, the
vehicle could be damaged.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition lock
(Y page 126).
X Shift the transmission to position N.
As soon as the vehicle is loaded:
X Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition lock
and remove it.
X Secure the vehicle.
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transportation. Electrical fuses
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you manipulate, bridge or replace a faulty
fuse with a fuse of a higher amperage, the
electric cables could be overloaded. This may result in a fire. There is a risk of an accident
and injury.
Always replace faulty fuses with specified newfuses of the correct amperage.
Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of the same rating, which you can recognise by the
colour and fuse rating. The fuse ratings are listed
in the fuse allocation chart.
If the newly inserted fuse also blows, have the
cause traced and rectified at a qualified special- ist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz Service
Centre.
! Only use fuses that have been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles and which have the
correct fuse rating for the system concerned.
Only use fuses marked with an "S". Compo-
nents or systems could otherwise be dam-
aged.
The fuses in your vehicle disconnect faulty cir-
cuits. If a fuse blows, all the components on the circuit and their functions will fail. Before replacing a fuse
X Safeguard the vehicle against rolling away
(Y page 145).
X Switch off all electrical consumers.
X Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove the
key from the ignition lock.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start-function
or KEYLESS-GO: open the driver's door.
The on-board electronics now have status 0.
This is the same as the key having been
removed.
The fuses are located in various fuse boxes: R fuse box in the engine compartment on the
left-hand side of the vehicle, when viewed in
the direction of travel
R fuse box in the front-passenger footwell Electrical fuses
263Breakdown assistance Z
Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all models,
series and optional equipment for your vehi-
cle that were available at the time of going to
press. National variations are possible. Note
that your vehicle may not be equipped with all
of the functions described. This is also the
case for systems and functions relevant to
safety.
i Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops: (Y page 23). Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If wheels and tyres of the wrong size are used, the wheel brakes or suspension components
may be damaged. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
Always replace wheels and tyres with those
that fulfil the specifications of the original
part.
When replacing wheels, make sure to fit the
correct:
R designation
R type
When replacing tyres, make sure to fit the
correct:
R designation
R manufacturer
R type G
WARNING
A flat tyre severely impairs the driving, steer-
ing and braking characteristics of the vehicle.
There is a risk of accident.
Tyres without run-flat characteristics:
R do not drive with a flat tyre.
R immediately replace the flat tyre with your
emergency spare wheel or spare wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop. Tyres with run-flat characteristics:
R pay attention to the information and warn-
ing notices on MOExtended tyres (tyres
with run-flat characteristics).
Accessories that are not approved for your vehi-
cle by Mercedes-Benz or are not being used cor- rectly can impair the operating safety.
Before purchasing and using non-approved
accessories, visit a qualified specialist work-
shop and enquire about:
R suitability
R legal stipulations
R factory recommendations
Information on the sizes and types of wheels and
tyres for your vehicle can be found under
"Wheel/tyre combinations" (Y page 277).
Information on tyre pressures can be found:
R in the tyre pressure table in the charge socket
flap (Y page 141)
R under "Tyre pressure" (Y page 269)
Modification work on the brake system and
wheels is not permitted. The use of spacers or
brake dust shields is not permitted. This inva-
lidates the general operating permit for the vehi- cle.
i Further information on wheels and tyres can
be obtained at any qualified specialist work-
shop. Operation
Information on driving
Check the tyre pressure when the vehicle is
heavily laden and adjust prior to a trip.
While driving, pay attention to vibrations, noises
and unusual handling characteristics, e.g. pull-
ing to one side. This may indicate that the
wheels or tyres are damaged. If you suspect that a tyre is defective, reduce your speed immedi-
ately. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible to
check the wheels and tyres for damage. Hidden tyre damage could also be causing the unusual
handling characteristics. If you find no signs of
damage, have the tyres and wheels checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
When parking your vehicle, make sure not to
squash the tyre sidewalls. If this cannot be avoi- ded, drive slowly over obstacles, e.g. kerbs, and 266
OperationWheels and tyres
Country Radio type approval number
Jordan Model: Gen Alpha Wal 2 TPMS
transmitter
Type Approval Number:
TRC/LPD/2012/114
Model: Gen Gamma Gen
4 433.92 Mhz.
Type Approval Number:
TRC/LPD/2012/190
Model: Corax 3 MRXMC34MA4
Type Approval Number:
TRC/LPD/2011/158
Type Number: LPD Morocco MR7319 ANRT 2012/
11/07/2012
MR7672 ANRT 2012/
23/11/2012
MR6706 ANRT 2011
Moldova 1024
Philip-
pines No: ESD-1206394C
No: ESD-1306871C
Serbia И 011 12
Singapore Compliance with IDA Standard
DA- 103365
South
Africa TA-2012/719
TA-2012/1540
TA-2011/1370
Changing a wheel
Flat tyre
You can find information on what to do in the
event of a flat tyre in the "Breakdown assis-
tance" section (Y page 249). Information on
driving with MOExtended tyres in the event of a flat tyre can be found under "Breakdown assis-
tance" (Y page 250). Interchanging the wheels
G
WARNING
Interchanging the front and rear wheels may
severely impair the driving characteristics if the wheels or tyres have different dimensions.
The wheel brakes or suspension components may also be damaged. There is a risk of acci-
dent.
Interchange front and rear wheels only if the
wheels and tyres are of the same dimensions.
! On vehicles fitted with a tyre pressure mon-
itor, electronic components are located in the wheel.
Tyre-fitting tools should not be applied in thearea of the valve, as this could damage the
electronic components.
Only have tyres changed at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Interchanging the front and rear wheels of dif-
fering dimensions can render the general oper-
ating permit invalid.
Observe the instructions and safety notes in the "Changing a wheel" section (Y page 273).
The wear patterns on the front and rear tyres
differ depending on the operating conditions.
Interchange the wheels before a clear wear pat-
tern has formed on the tyres. Front tyres typi-
cally wear more on the shoulders and the rear
tyres in the centre.
On vehicles that have the same size front and
rear wheels, you can interchange the wheels
every 5,000 to 10,000 km depending on the
degree of tyre wear. Ensure the direction of
rotation is maintained.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and the
brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel is
interchanged. Check the tyre pressure and reac-
tivate the tyre pressure monitor if necessary. Direction of rotation
Tyres with a specified direction of rotation have additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk of aqua-
planing. These advantages can only be gained if the tyres are fitted corresponding to the direc-
tion of rotation.
An arrow on the sidewall of the tyre indicates its
correct direction of rotation. Changing a wheel
273Wheels and tyres Z