Engaging reverse gear ................... 106
Engaging the park position ............ 106
Important safety notes.................. 105
Manual drive progra m.................... 107
Neutral (ECO start/stop func-
tion) ............................................... 106
Overview ........................................ 105
Program selector button ................ 107
Pulling away ................................... 104
Selector lever ................................ 106
Shift ranges ................................... 107
Steering wheel paddle shifters ...... 107
Transmission position dis-
play ........................................ 106, 107
Auxiliary ventilation
Activating/deactivating ................. 100
Activating/deactivating (on the
center console ).............................. 100
Problem (display message) ............ 100
Axle load, permissible (trailer tow-
ing) ...................................................... 269
B
BabySmart™
Air bag deactivation system ............. 59
Back button ....................................... 180
Backup lamp
Display message ............................ 148
Ball coupling
Installing ........................................ 140
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 65
Battery
Checking (SmartKey) ....................... 74
Important safety guidelines
(SmartKey) ....................................... 73
Replacing (SmartKey) ...................... 74
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 219
Display message ............................ 148
Important safety notes .................. 216
Jump starting ................................. 220
Overview ........................................ 216
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating ................. 147
Display message ............................ 148
Notes/function .............................. 124 Bluetooth
®
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 172
Brake fluid
Display message .................... 148, 152
Notes ............................................. 264
Warning lamp ................................. 162
Brake fluid level ................................ 209
Brake lamps
Adaptive ........................................... 66
Display message ............................ 148
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 65
BAS .................................................. 65
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 264
Display message .................... 148, 149
High-performance brake system .... 112
Important safety notes .................. 112
Maintenance .................................. 112
Parking brake ................................ 111
Riding tips ...................................... 112
Warning lamp ................................. 162
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting) ................................... 33
Brush guard ....................................... 201
Bulbs
see Replacing bulbs
Buttons on the COMAND control-
ler ........................................................ 180
C
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Care
Car wash ........................................ 211
Carpets .......................................... 212
Display ........................................... 212
Gear or selector lever .................... 212
Headlamps ..................................... 211
Interior ........................................... 212
Matte finish ................................... 211Note s............................................. 211
Paint .............................................. 211
Plastic trim .................................... 212
Index5
DISTRONICDisplay message ............................ 148
DISTRONIC PLUS
Activating ...................................... .119
Activation conditions ..................... 119
Cruise control lever ....................... 119
Deactivating ................................... 122
Display message ............................ 148
Displays in the multifunction dis-
play ................................................ 119
Driving tips ................................... .122
Function/notes ............................ .117
Important safety notes .................. 117
Selecting ........................................ 119
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 119
Warning lamp ................................. 169
Door control panel
Overview .......................................... 39
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 147
Automatic locking (switch) .............. .75
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ...................................... .72
Display message ............................ 148
Emergency locking ........................... 75
Emergency unlocking ....................... 75
Important safety note s.................... 75
Opening (from inside) ...................... 75
Overview .......................................... 75
Drinking and driving ......................... 112
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 107
Display ................................... 106, 107
Manual ........................................... 107
SETUP (on-board computer) .......... 147
Driver's door
see Doors
Driving abroad
Symmetrical low beam .................... 90
Driving in mountainous terrain
Approach/departure angle ............ 112
Driving off-road
see Off-road driving
Driving safety systems
4ETS (Electronic Traction Sys-
tem) ................................................. 66 ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 65
ADAPTIVE BRAK
E............................. 68
Adaptive brake lights ....................... 66
BAS (Brake Assist System) .............. 65
Electronic brake force distribu-
tion .................................................. 68 ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 66
Important safety information ........... 64
Overview .......................................... 64
Driving systems
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 124
Cruise control ................................ 112
Display message .................... 148, 156
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 117
HOLD function ............................... 126
PARKTRONIC ................................. 128
Rear view camera .......................... 131
SPEEDTRONIC ............................... 115
Variable SPEEDTRONIC ................. 115
Driving tips
Automatic transmission ................. 107
Brakes ........................................... 112
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 122
Downhill gradient ........................... 112
Drinking and driving ....................... 112
Driving abroad ................................. 90
Driving in winter ............................. 112
Driving on sand .............................. 112
Driving on wet roads ...................... 112
Driving over obstacles ................... 112
Exhaust check ............................... 112
Fuel ................................................ 112
General .......................................... 112
Hydroplaning ................................. 112
Icy road surfaces ........................... 112
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 112
New brake pads/linings ................ 112
Off-road driving .............................. 112
Off-road fording ............................. 112
Snow chains .................................. 232
Symmetrical low beam .................... 90
Tire ruts ......................................... 112
Towing a trailer .............................. 137
Wet road surface ........................... 112
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 147
8Index
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 72
Lowering ........................................ 253
Parking for a long period ................ 112
Pulling away................................... 104
Raising ........................................... 251
Securing from rolling away ............ 251
Tow-starting ................................... 222
Towing away .................................. 222
Transporting .................................. 224
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 75
Unlocking (SmartKey) ...................... 72
Vehicle data ................................... 266
Vehicle data ....................................... 266
Vehicle data (off-road driving)
Approach/departure angle ............ 267
Fording depth ................................ 267
Maximum gradient climbing abil-
ity .................................................. 268
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 266
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 75
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 258
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 214
Ventilation
Setting the airflow ......................... 100
Video
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 172
Video (DVD) ........................................ 147
VIN ...................................................... 258
Voice Control System
see Separate operating instructions
W
Warning and indicator lampsABS ................................................ 163
Brakes ........................................... 162
Coolant .......................................... 168
Cruise control ................................ 113
Distance warning ........................... 169
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 169 ESP ®
.............................................. 165
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 166
LIM (DISTRONIC PLUS) .................. 119
LIM (variable SPEEDTRONIC) ......... 116
Overview .......................................... 34 PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF ............... 43
Restraint system ............................ 167
Seat belt ........................................ 161
Tire pressure monitor .................... 170
Warning triangle ................................ 214
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 148
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 253
Wheels
Changing a whee l.......................... 250
Checking ........................................ 231
Cleaning ......................................... 211
Important safety notes .................. 230
Interchanging/changing ................ 250
Mounting a new whee l................... 253
Mounting a whee l.......................... 251
Overview ........................................ 230
Removing a whee l.......................... 253
Storing ........................................... 251
Technical data ............................... 254
Tightening torque ........................... 253
Wheel size/tire size ....................... 254
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 153
Operation ......................................... 51
Windows
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 100
Windshield heating ........................... 100
Windshield washer fluid
see Windshield washer system
Windshield washer system
Adding washer fluid ....................... 208
Notes ............................................. 265
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 96
Rear window wipe r.......................... 95
Replacing the wiper blades .............. 96
Switching on/of f.............................. 95
Winter driving
Slippery road surfaces ................... 112
Snow chains .................................. 232
Winter operation
General notes ................................ 232
Winter tires
M+S tires ....................................... 232
20Index
Warning and indicator lamps
FunctionPage
:LLow-beam head-
lamps
91
;÷ ESP®165
=K
High-beam head-
lamps
92
?J Brakes (yellow)162
A·Distance warning169
B#! Turn signals92
ChTire pressure monitor170
D6 Restraint system42
EüSeat belt161
FunctionPage
F?Coolant168
GRRear fog lamp91
HOFront fog lamps91
I;Check Engine~
J8 Reserve fuel~
KåESP®
OFF165
L! ABS163
MBrakes (red)
$(USA only)
J(Canada only)162
34Instrument cluster
At a glance
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Ypage 64).
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
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 apulsing 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, ( Ypage 132), 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)
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Ypage 64).
GWARNING
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.
Driving safety systems65
Safety
Z
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 90).
ESP®(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Ypage 64).
GWARNING
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 the driving stability and the
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 165) and display messages which
may be displayed in the instrument cluster( Y page 148).
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.
iOnly use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
iIf differential locks are switched on, ABS,
BAS and ESP ®
switch off automatically.
4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Ypage 64).
Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
66Driving safety systems
Safety
XIf appropriate for the driving conditions,
engage the LOW RANGE off-road gear
( Y page 132).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels indi-
vidually if they spin. This enables you to pull
away and accelerate on slippery surfaces, for
example if the road surface is slippery on one
side. In addition, more drive torque is trans-
ferred to the wheel or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Traction control is no longer active above a
speed of approximately 37 mph (60 km/h).
Traction control brakes the drive wheels indi-
vidually if they spin. This enables you to pull
away and accelerate on slippery surfaces, for
example if the road surface is slippery on one
side. In addition, more drive torque is trans-
ferred to the wheel or wheels with traction.
Deactivating/activating ESP®
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Ypage 64).
GWARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer sta-
bilizes the vehicle. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations descri-
bed in the following.
!Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ®
deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
X To deactivate: press button:until the
å warning lamp lights up in the instru-
ment cluster.
X To activate: press button :until the å
warning lamp goes out in the instrument cluster.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
iVehicles with the ECO start/stop func-
tion: the ECO start/stop function automat-
ically switches the engine off when the
vehicle comes to a stop. The engine starts
automatically when the driver wants to pull
away again. ESP ®
remains in its previously
selected status. For example, if ESP ®
was
deactivated before the engine was
switched off, ESP ®
remains deactivated
when the engine is switched on again.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the fol-
lowing situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R the engine's torque is no longer limited and
the drive wheels can spin. The spinning of
the wheels results in a cutting action, which
provides better grip.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
R and are driving at above 37 mph (60 km/h)
(on AMG vehicles above 62 mph
(100 km/h)), ESP ®
still intervenes when
one wheel reaches its grip limit even
though it is deactivated.
iIf ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more
wheels start to spin, the ÷warning lamp
in the instrument cluster flashes. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehi-
cle.
Driving safety systems67
Safety
Z
XTo release: depress the brake pedal and
keep it depressed.
The selector lever lock is released.
X Pull parking brake ;up firmly.
X Press release button :on parking
brake ;and move parking brake ;down
to the stop.
When the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running, the F(USA only)
or ! (Canada only) indicator lamp goes
out in the instrument cluster.
iIf you pull away with parking brake ;
applied, a warning tone sounds.
Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharge.
X Connect a trickle charger.
iYou can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist work-
shop.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as a result of lack of use.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice.
Driving tips
Information in the Digital Operator's
Manual
In the Digital Operator's Manual you will find
information on the following topics: R
General driving tips
R Engine oil R
Braking
- Important safety notes
- Downhill gradients
- Heavy and light loads
- Wet roads
- Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
- New brake pads/linings
- Servicing the brakes
- AMG high-performance and ceramic
brakes
R Driving on wet roads
R Winter driving
- General notes
- Driving with summer tires
- Slippery road surfaces
R Off-road driving
- General notes
- Driving on sand
- Tire ruts and gravel roads
- Driving over obstacles
R Traveling uphill
- Approach/departure angle
- Maximum gradient-climbing capability
- Hilltops
- Driving downhill
Driving systems
Cruise control
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The brake pedal moves when cruise control
brakes the vehicle. A foot in the area under
the brake pedal could become trapped. The
movement of the pedal, and therefore the
vehicle's ability to brake, may be restricted by objects in the area under the brake. There is a
risk of an accident and injury.
112Driving systems
Driving an d parking