
1, 2, 3 ...
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) Function/notes ................................ 63
12 V socket ........................................ 257
115 V socket ...................................... 257 A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 213
Function/notes ................................ 62
Important safety notes .................... 62
Warning lamp .................................2 37
Accident
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 52
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 65
Adaptive brake lights .......................... 63
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 341
Air bags
Deployment ..................................... 49
Display message ............................ 218
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 48
Important safety notes .................... 47
Introduction ..................................... 47
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indica-
tor lamp .......................................... .42
Window curtain air bag .................... 49
Air vents
Important safety notes .................. 128
Rear ............................................... 129
Setting ...........................................1 28
Setting the center air vents ........... 128
Setting the side air vents .............. .128
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
All-wheel drive
Transfer case ................................. 186
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 209
Anti-lock braking system
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-theft alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Approach/departure angle .............. 161Ashtray
............................................... 255
Assistance menu (on-board com-
puter) ................................................. .205
ASSYST service interval display
Service messages .......................... 279
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ................... 66
Function .......................................... .66
Switching off the alarm .................... 66
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 221
see Lights
Automatic car wash .......................... 281
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 137
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) .......................... 136
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 100
Automatic transmission
Automatic drive program ............... 144
Display message ............................ 232
Drive position (ECO start/stop
function) ........................................ 141
Driving tip s.................................... 143
Emergency running mod e.............. 147
Engaging drive position .................. 141
Engaging neutral ............................ 141
Engaging reverse gear ................... 140
Engaging the park position ............ 140
Important safety notes .................. 139
Kickdown ....................................... 143
Manual drive program .................... 145
Neutral (ECO start/stop func-
tion) ............................................... 141
Overview ........................................ 139
Problem (malfunction) ................... 147
Program selector button ................ 143
Pulling away ................................... 134
Selector lever ................................ 139
Shift ranges ................................... 145
Steering wheel paddle shifters ...... 144
Trailer towing ................................. 143
Transmission position display ........ 140
Automatic transmission emer-
gency mode ....................................... 1474
Index

Axle load, permissible (trailer tow-
ing)
...................................................... 347 B
BabySmart™ Air bag deactivation system ............ .56
Backup lamp
Changing bulb s.............................. 113
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 62
Battery
Checking (SmartKey) ....................... 70
Important safety guidelines
(SmartKey) ....................................... 70
Replacing (SmartKey) ...................... 70
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 295
Display message ............................ 223
Important safety notes .................. 292
Jump starting ................................. 296
Overview ........................................ 292
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating ................. 205
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 205
Display message ............................ 227
Notes/function .............................. 178
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 216
Notes ............................................. 342
Brake fluid level ................................ 279
Brake lamps
Adaptive ........................................... 63
Display message ............................ 219
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 62
BAS .................................................. 62
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 342
Display message ............................ 213
High-performance brake system .... 155
Important safety notes .................. 153
Maintenance .................................. 154
Parking brake ................................ 151
Riding tips ...................................... 153
Warning lamp ................................. 236
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting)
................................... 31
Brush guard ....................................... 266
Bulbs
Backup lamp .................................. 113
Brake lamp .................................... 113
Cornering light function ................. 110
Fog lamps ...................................... 110
Rear fog lamp ................................ 113
Tail lamp ........................................ 113
see Replacing bulbs C
California Important notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 22
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Care
Car wash ........................................ 281
Carpets .......................................... 287
Chrome parts ................................. 285
Display ........................................... 285
Gear or selector lever .................... 286
Headlamps ..................................... 284
Interior ........................................... 285
Matte finish ................................... 283
Note s............................................. 281
Paint .............................................. 282
Plastic trim .................................... 286
Power washer ................................ 282
Rear view camera .......................... 284
Roof lining ...................................... 287
Seat belt ........................................ 287
Seat covers .................................... 286
Sensors ......................................... 284
Steering wheel ............................... 286
Tail pipe s....................................... 285
Trailer coupling .............................. 285
Trim strips ..................................... 286
Washing by hand ........................... 282
Wheels ........................................... 282
Windows ........................................ 283
Wiper blades .................................. 284
Wooden trim .................................. 286
Cargo compartment cover
Installing/removing ....................... 253 Index
5

Manual ...........................................1
45
SETUP (on-board computer) .......... 210
Driving abroad
Symmetrical low bea m.................... 98
Driving in mountainous terrain
Approach/departure angle ............ 161
Driving downhill ............................. 162
Gradient-climbing capability
(maximum) ..................................... 161
Driving lamps
see Daytime running lamps
Driving off-road
see Off-road driving
Driving on flooded roads .................. 156
Driving safety systems
4ETS (Electronic Traction Sys-
tem) ................................................. 63
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 62
ADAPTIVE BRAK E............................. 65
Adaptive brake lights ....................... 63
BAS (Brake Assist System) .............. 62
Electronic brake force distribu-
tion .................................................. 65
ESP® (Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 63
Important safety information ........... 61
Overview .......................................... 61
Driving systems
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 178
Cruise control ................................ 162
Display message ............................ 225
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 169
HOLD function ............................... 180
PARKTRONIC ................................. 182
Rear view camera .......................... 185
SPEEDTRONIC ............................... 166
Variable SPEEDTRONIC ................. 166
Driving tips
Automatic transmission ................. 143
Brakes ........................................... 153
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 176
Downhill gradient ........................... 153
Driving abroad ................................. 98
Driving in winter ............................. 157
Driving on flooded roads ................ 156
Driving on sand .............................. 160
Driving over obstacles ................... 160
General .......................................... 152 Gravel roads .................................. 160
Hydroplaning ................................. 156
Icy road surfaces ........................... 157
Off-road driving .............................. 158
Off-road fording ............................. 156
Snow chains .................................. 309
Symmetrical low beam .................... 98
Tire ruts ......................................... 160
Towing a trailer .............................. 191
Traveling uphill ............................... 161
Wet road surface ........................... 154
DVD audio
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 203
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 203 E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating ................. 208
Function/note s................................ 92
EASY-EXIT feature
Function/note s................................ 92
Switching on/of f........................... 208
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)
Display message ............................ 215
Function/note s................................ 65
ECO start/stop function
General information ....................... 135
Electrical fuses
Fuse box in the cargo compart-
ment .............................................. 303
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP® (Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see 4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
Emergency
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 52
Emergency call
see mbrace
Emergency locking
Vehicle ............................................. 75
Emergency release
Vehicle ............................................. 75
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Activation ......................................... 49 8
Index

Center console, lower section
Function Page
F
Stowage compartment/
ashtray
255
G
Automatic transmission
selector lever 139
H
Selects park position 140
I
+
Selects/deselects
LOW RANGE off-road gear 186
J
Stowage compartment ~
K
Opens/closes the stowage
compartment 249
L
Cigarette lighter 256 Function Page
M
Audio controller, see the
separate operating instruc-
tions
COMAND controller ~
N
Switches the windshield
heating on/off
126
O
Û
Selects the drive pro-
gram 143
Ñ
Selects the drive pro-
gram (AMG vehicles) P
Parking brake 151Center console
35At a glance

appropriate to the age, weight and size of
the child
R be sure to observe the instructions and
safety notes in this section in addition to
the child restraint system manufacturer's
installation instructions 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. G
WARNING
If persons, particularly children are subjected to prolonged exposure to extreme heat or
cold, there is a risk of injury, possibly even
fatal. Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle. G
WARNING
If the child restraint system is subjected to
direct sunlight, parts may get very hot. Chil-
dren may burn themselves on these parts,
particularly on the metal parts of the child
restraint system. There is a risk of injury.
If you leave the vehicle, taking the child with
you, always ensure that the child restraint
system is not exposed to direct sunlight. Pro- tect it with a blanket, for example. If the child
restraint system has been exposed to direct
sunlight, let it cool down before securing the
child in it. Never leave children unattended in the vehicle.
Always ensure that all vehicle occupants have
their seat belts fastened correctly and are sit- ting properly. Particular attention must be
paid to children.
Observe the safety notes on the seat belt
(Y page 43) and the notes on correct use of
seat belts (Y page 44).
A booster seat may be necessary to achieve
proper seat belt positioning for children over
41 lbs (18 kg) or until they reach a height
where a lap/shoulder belt can be fastened
properly without a booster seat. Special seat belt retractor
G
WARNING
If the seat belt is released while driving, the
child restraint system will no longer be
secured properly. The special seat belt retrac- tor is disabled and the inertia real draws in a
portion of the seat belt. The seat belt cannot
be immediately refastened. There is an
increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Stop the vehicle immediately, paying atten-
tion to road and traffic conditions. Reactivate
the special seat belt retractor and secure the
child restraint system properly.
All seat belts in the vehicle, except the driv-
er's seat belt, are equipped with a special seat belt retractor. When activated, the special
seat belt retractor ensures that the seat belt
cannot slacken once the child seat is secured.
Installing a child restraint system:
X Make sure you observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation instruc- tions.
X Pull the seat belt smoothly out of the belt
sash guide.
X Engage seat belt tongue in belt buckle. Children in the vehicle
53Safety Z

Pets in the vehicle
G
WARNING
If you leave animals unattended or unsecured in the vehicle, they could press buttons or
switches, for example.
As a result, they could:
R activate vehicle equipment and become
trapped, for example
R activate or deactivate systems, thereby
endangering other road users
Unsecured animals could also be flung around
the vehicle in the event of an accident or sud- den steering or braking, thereby injuring vehi-
cle occupants. There is a risk of an accident
and injury.
Never leave animals unattended in the vehi-
cle. Always secure animals properly during
the journey, e.g. use a suitable animal trans-
port box. Driving safety systems
Overview of driving safety systems
In this section, you will find information about the following driving safety systems:
R ABS (Anti-lock BrakingSystem)
(Y page 62)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System) (Y page 62)
R Adaptive brake lights (Y page 63)
R ESP ®
(Electronic StabilityProgram)
(Y page 63)
R EBD ( Electronic Brake force Distribution)
(Y page 65)
R ADAPTIVE BRAKE (Y page 65)
R Trailer stabilization Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The ABS, the BAS, and the ESP ®
switch off
when the differential locks are switched on.
When the ABS, the BAS, and the ESP ®
are
switched off
R wheels may lock during hard braking
R steering capabilities are reduced
R braking distance is increased
R vehicle stability in standard driving maneu-
vers is increased
Make sure the differential locks are switched on at all times except when driving off-road for
example. Switch on the differential locks
immediately when returning from off-road
driving.
If you fail to adapt your driving style or if you
are inattentive, the driving safety systems can neither reduce the risk of an accident nor
override the laws of physics. Driving safety
systems are merely aids designed to assist
driving. You are responsible for the distance
to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed and
for braking in good time. Always adapt your
driving style to suit the prevailing road and
weather conditions and maintain a safe dis-
tance from the vehicle in front. Drive care-
fully.
i Please note that the driving safety sys-
tems described only work as effectively as
possible if there is adequate contact
between the tires and the road surface. Pay particular attention to the information
regarding tires, recommended minimum
tire tread depths etc. in the "Wheels and
tires" section (Y page 306).
In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the driv-
ing safety systems described in this section work as effectively as possible. Driving safety systems
61Safety Z

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 61). G
WARNING
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that may come on as well as messages in the mul-
tifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance. G
WARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking charac-
teristics may be severely impaired. Addition-
ally, further driving safety systems are deac-
tivated. There is an increased danger of skid- ding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked imme-
diately at a qualified specialist workshop.
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the vehi- cle when braking.
Provided that the differential locks are not
active, ABS works from a speed of about
5 mph (8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road- surface conditions. ABS works on slippery
surfaces, even if you only brake gently.
The yellow !ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up when the ignition
is switched on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel a
pulsing in the brake pedal. X
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking sit- uation is over.
X To make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an indica-
tion of hazardous road conditions, and func-
tions as a reminder to take extra care while
driving.
Off-road ABS If the
LOW RANGE shift range is selected by
the transfer case, (Y page 186), an ABS sys-
tem specifically suited to off-road terrain is
automatically activated.
At speeds below 37 mph (60 km/h), the front wheels lock cyclically during braking. The dig-
ging-in effect achieved in the process reduces
the stopping distance on off-road terrain. This limits steering capability. BAS (Brake Assist System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 61). G
WARNING
If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance
in an emergency braking situation is
increased. There is a risk of an accident.
In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels from locking.
BAS operates in emergency braking situa-
tions. If you depress the brake pedal quickly,
BAS automatically boosts the braking force,
thus shortening the stopping distance.
X Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated. 62
Driving safety systemsSafety

Adaptive brake lights
If you brake sharply from a speed of more
than 30 mph (50 km/h) or if braking is assis- ted by BAS, the brake lamps flash rapidly. In
this way, traffic traveling behind you is
warned in an even more noticeable manner.
If you brake sharply from a speed of more
than 45 mph (70 km/h)to a standstill, the
hazard warning lamps are activated automat-
ically. If the brakes are applied again, the
brake lamps light up continuously. The hazard
warning lamps are deactivated automatically if you drive faster than 6 mph (10 km/h). You
can also switch off the hazard warning lamps using the hazard warning button
(Y page 104). ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 61). G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further driv- ing safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! Only operate the vehicle for a maximum of
ten seconds on a brake test dynamometer.
Switch off the ignition.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may oth-
erwise destroy the brake system.
! A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a two-axle dyna-
mometer. Before you operate the vehicle
on such a dynamometer, please consult a
qualified workshop. You could otherwise
damage the drive train or the brake system. ESP
®
monitors driving stability and traction.
Traction is the power transmission between
the tires and the road surface.
ESP ®
is deactivated if the åwarning lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up continu-
ously when the engine is running.
If the ÷ warning lamp and the åwarn-
ing lamp are lit continuously, ESP ®
is not
available due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 239) and any display messages that
appear in the instrument cluster
(Y page 213).
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or slip-
pery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the vehi-
cle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷warning lamp
flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP ®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any circum-
stances.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary when pulling away.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the prevail-
ing road and weather conditions.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
i If differential locks are switched on, ABS,
BAS and ESP ®
switch themselves off auto-
matically.
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP
®
. Driving safety systems
63Safety Z