
Switching the rear window
defroster on/off............................ 129
Switching the ZONE function on/
off .................................................. 127
Cockpit
Overview .......................................... 28
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
PLUS
Activating/deactivating ................. 203
Display message ............................ 214
Operation/note s.............................. 62
COMAND display
Cleaning ......................................... 280
Combination switch .......................... 106
Compass
Calibrating ..................................... 267
Calling up ....................................... 267
Magnetic field zone maps .............. 268
Setting ........................................... 267
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 196
Convenience closing feature .............. 83
Convenience opening feature ............ 82
Coolant (engine)
Checking the level ......................... 273
Display message ............................ 222
Filling capacity ............................... 339
Important safety notes .................. 339
Temperature gaug e........................ 192
Warning lamp ................................. 244
Cooling
see Climate control
Copyright ............................................. 26
Crash-responsive emergency light-
ing ....................................................... 109
Cruise control
Activation conditions ..................... 161
Cruise control lever ....................... 161
Deactivating ................................... 162
Display message ............................ 228
Driving system ............................... 161
Function/note s............................. 161
Important safety notes .................. 161
Setting a speed .............................. 162
Storing and maintaining current
speed ............................................. 162 Cup holder
Center console .............................. 260
Important safety notes .................. 259
Rear compartment ......................... 260
Customer Assistance Center
(CAC) ..................................................... 24
Customer Relations Department ....... 24
D
Data
see Technical data
Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 221
Function/note s............................. 104
Switching on/off (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 205
Declarations of conformity ................. 23
Diagnostics connection ...................... 23
Digital speedometer ......................... 197
DIRECT SELECT lever
Automatic transmission ................. 142
Display messages
ASSYST PLUS ................................ 274
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 207
Driving systems ............................. 225
Engine ............................................ 222
General notes ................................ 207
Hiding (on-board computer) ........... 207
Lights ............................................. 219
Safety systems .............................. 208
SmartKey ....................................... 234
Tires ............................................... 229
Vehicle ........................................... 230
Distance display (on-board com- puter) .................................................. 202
Distance recorder ............................. 196
Distance warning (warning lamp) .... 246
Distance warning function
Function/note s................................ 62
Warning lamp ................................. 246
DISTRONIC PLUS
Activation conditions ..................... 164
Cruise control lever ....................... 164
Deactivating ................................... 167
Display message ............................ 227
Displays in the multifunction dis-
play ................................................ 168
Index7

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The engine is not run-
ning smoothly and ismisfiring.There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or in a mechanical
component of the engine management system.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal slightly.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic con-
verter and damage it.
X Have the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialistworkshop.
The coolant tempera-
ture gauge shows a
value above 248 ‡
(120 †). The coolant
warning lamp may also
be on and a warning
tone may sound.The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine
is no longer being cooled sufficiently.
X Stop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant to
cool down.
X Check the coolant level ( Ypage 273). Observe the warning
notes as you do so and add coolant if necessary.
Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral position Nwhen you switch off the engine.
The vehicle may roll away. There is a risk of an
accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking position P. Prevent the parked vehi-
cle from rolling away by applying the parkingbrake.
Bear in mind that the power transmission
between the engine and the transmission is
interrupted when the engine is switched off. To prevent the vehicle from rolling away:
R when the engine is switched off and the
vehicle is stationary shift the automatic
transmission to park position Pand
R apply the electric parking brake
DIRECT SELECT lever
Overview of transmission positions
jPark position with parking lock
kReverse gear
iNeutral
hDrive
The DIRECT SELECT lever is on the right of the
steering column.
142Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

If the coolant temperature is over 248 ‡
(120 †), do not continue driving. The
engine will otherwise be damaged.
The coolant temperature gage is in the instru- ment cluster on the right-hand side( Y page 29).
Under normal operating conditions and with
the specified coolant level, the coolant tem-
perature may rise to 248 ‡ (120 †).
Tachometer
!
Do not drive in the overrevving range, as
this could damage the engine.
The red band in the tachometer indicates the engine's overrevving range.
The engine is limited within a range to protect
the engine when the red band is reached.
Outside temperature display
You should pay special attention to road con- ditions when temperatures are around freez-
ing point.
Bear in mind that the outside temperature
display indicates the temperature measured
and does not record the road temperature.
The outside temperature display is in the mul-
tifunction display ( Ypage 195).
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay.
Speedometer with segments
The speedometer is divided into segments
only on vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS.
The segments in the speedometer indicate
which speed range is available.
R DISTRONIC PLUS activated ( Ypage 163):
One or two segments in the set speed
range light up.
R DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle in front
that is driving at a slower speed than the
stored speed: The segments between the speed of the
vehicle in front and the stored speed lightup.
Operating the on-board computer
:Multifunction display
;Right control panel
=Left control panel
X To activate the on-board computer: turn
the SmartKey to position 1in the ignition
lock.
You can control the multifunction display and
the settings in the on-board computer using
the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel.
Displays and operation193
On-board computer and displays
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
b
Active Headlamps
Inoperative
The light sensor is defective.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
b
Switch Off Lights
The lights are still switched on when you leave the vehicle. A
warning tone also sounds.
X Turn the light switch to Ã.
Engine
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
+
Check Coolant
Level See OperaZ
tor's Manual
The coolant level is too low.
!Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the engine
cooling system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
X Add coolant, observing the warning notes before doing so (Y page 273).
X If coolant needs to be added more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
?The fan motor is faulty. XAt coolant temperatures below 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in moun-
tainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic.
222Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
?
Coolant Too Hot
Stop Vehicle Turn
Engine Off
The coolant is too hot.
A warning tone also sounds.
GWARNING
Do not drive when your engine is overheated. This can cause some
fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire.
Steam from the overheated engine can also cause serious burns
which can occur just by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury. X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Ypage 152).
X Wait until the engine has cooled down.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X Do not start the engine again until the display message goes out
and the coolant temperature is below 248 ‡ (120 †). Other-
wise, the engine could be damaged.
X Pay attention to the coolant temperature display.
X If the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.
Under normal operating conditions and with the specified coolant
level, the coolant temperature may rise to 248 ‡ (120 †).
#
SeeOperator'sManZ
ual
The battery is not being charged.
A warning tone also sounds.
Possible causes are: R a defective alternator
R a torn poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronics
!Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Ypage 152).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Display messages223
On-board computer and displays
Z

Engine
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
;
The yellow Check
Engine warning lamp
lights up while the
engine is running.There may be a malfunction, for example:
R in the engine management
R in the fuel injection system
R in the exhaust system
R in the ignition system
R in the fuel system
The emission limit values may be exceeded and the engine may be
in emergency mode.
X Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible at a qualified
specialist workshop.
iIn some states, you must immediately visit a qualified special-
ist workshop as soon as the yellow Check Engine warning lamp
lights up. This is due to the legal requirements in effect in these
states. If in doubt, check whether such legal regulations apply in the state in which you are currently driving.
æ
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is run-
ning.The fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.
X Refuel at the nearest gas station.
æ
The yellow reserve fuel
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion.
In addition, the ;
Check Engine warning
lamp may light up.The fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.
X Check that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.
X If the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed: close the fuel filler
cap.
X If the fuel filler cap is closed: visit a qualified specialist work-
shop.
?
The red coolant warn-
ing lamp lights up while
the engine is running
and the coolant tem-
perature gauge is at the start of the scale.The temperature sensor for the coolant temperature gauge is
defective.
The coolant temperature is no longer being monitored. There is arisk of engine damage if the coolant temperature is too high.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue
driving under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Ypage 152).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
244Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
?
The red coolant warn-
ing lamp comes on
while the engine is run-ning.The coolant level is too low.
If the coolant level is correct, the airflow to the engine radiator may
be blocked or the electric engine radiator fan may be malfunc- tioning.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled sufficiently.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Ypage 152).
X Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes ( Ypage 273).
X If you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X Do not start the engine again until the coolant temperature is
below 248 ‡(120 †). Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
X Drive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in moun-
tainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic.
?
The red coolant warn-
ing lamp comes on
while the engine is run-
ning. A warning tone
also sounds.The coolant temperature has exceeded 248 ‡ (120 †). The air-
flow to the engine radiator may be blocked or the coolant level may
be too low.
GWARNING
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.
Do not drive when your engine is overheated. This can cause some
fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire.
Steam from the overheated engine can also cause serious burns
which can occur just by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury. X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Ypage 152).
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster245
On-board computer and displays
Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
X
Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes ( Ypage 273).
X If you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X At coolant temperatures below 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in moun-
tainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic.
Driving systems
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
·
The red distance warn-
ing lamp lights up while
the vehicle is in motion. A warning tone alsosounds.You are approaching a vehicle or a stationary obstacle in your lineof travel at too high a speed.
X Be prepared to brake immediately.
X Pay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
For further information about the distance warning function of
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, see ( Ypage 62).
246Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays