
Brake fluidDisplay message ............................ 238
Notes ............................................. 37 7
Brake lamps
Display message ............................ 244
Brakes
ABS ................................................ .. 68
BAS ................................................ .. 69
BAS PLUS ........................................ 69
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 377
Display message ............................ 236
Important safety notes .................. 172
Maintenance .................................. 172
Parking brake ........................ 169, 173
Riding tips ...................................... 172
Warning lamp ................................. 262
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away/tow-starting
Brightness control knob (instru-
ment cluster lighting, multifunc-
tion steering wheel with 12 but-
tons) ................................................... .. 33
Bulbs
see Replacing bulbs
C
CaliforniaImportant notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 24
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Car wash ........................................ 306
Carpets .......................................... 312
Display ........................................... 31 0
Exterior lights ................................ 309
Gear or selector lever .................... 311
Interior ........................................... 310
Matte finish ................................... 308
Notes ............................................. 3 05
Paint .............................................. 307
Plastic trim .................................... 310
Power washer ................................ 306
Rear view camera .......................... 309 Roof lining ...................................... 312
Seat belt ........................................ 312
Seat cover ..................................... 311
Sensors ......................................... 309
Steering wheel ............................... 311
Tail pipes ....................................... 309
Trim pieces .................................... 311
Washing by hand ........................... 306
Wheels ........................................... 307
Windows ........................................ 308
Wiper blades .................................. 308
Wooden trim .................................. 311
Cargo compartment cover
Important safety notes .................. 278
Cargo compartment enlarge-
ment ................................................... 276
Cargo compartment floor
Opening/closing ............................ 281
Stowage well (under) ..................... 281
Cargo net
Attaching ....................................... 280
Important safety information ......... 279
Cargo tie down rings ......................... 277
CD player/CD changer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 226
Center console
Lower section .................................. 37
Upper section .................................. 36
Central locking
Automatic locking (on-board com-puter) ............................................. 232
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........ 78
Changing bulbs
Cornering light function ................. 124
High-beam headlamps ................... 124
Low-beam headlamps .................... 124
Parking lamps ................................ 124
Reversing lamps ............................ 125
Standing lamps (front) ................... 124
Turn signals (front) ......................... 124
Child seat
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ............................................ 64
Top Tether ....................................... 65
Child-proof locks
Important safety notes .................... 66
Rear doors ....................................... 67
6Index

Safety systemsee Driving safety systems
Seat belts
Adjusting the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt ......................... 59
Adjusting the height ......................... 59
Belt force limiters ............................ 60
center rear-compartment seat ......... 59
Cleaning ......................................... 31 2
Correct usage .................................. 57
Emergency Tensioning Devices ........ 60
Fastening ......................................... 58
Important safety guidelines ............. 56
Releasing ......................................... 59
Safety guidelines ............................. 43
Switching belt adjustment on/off
(on-board computer) ...................... 233
Warning lamp ................................. 260
Warning lamp (function) ................... 60
Seats
Adjusting (electrically) ................... 101
Adjusting lumbar support .............. 104
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar sup-
port ............................................... . 104
Adjusting the head restraint .......... 102
Cleaning the cover ......................... 311
Correct driver's seat position ........ 100
Folding the backrest (rear com-
partment) forwards/back .............. 276
Folding the rear bench seat for-
wards/back ................................... 276
Important safety notes .................. 101
Seat heating problem .................... 106
Storing settings (memory func-
tion) .............................................. . 112
Switching seat heating on/off ....... 105
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 309
Service menu (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 2 30
Service products
Brake fluid ..................................... 377
Coolant (engine) ............................ 378
DEF special additives ..................... 376
Engine oil ....................................... 377
Fuel ............................................... . 373
Important safety notes .................. 373
Refrigerant (air-conditioning sys-
tem) ............................................... 379Washer fluid ................................... 379
Setting the air distribution ............... 140
Setting the airflow ............................ 141
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) ......... 234
On-board computer ....................... 230
Side impact air bag ............................. 47
Side marker lamp (display mes-
sage) ................................................... 245
Side windows
Cleaning ......................................... 30 8
Convenience closing feature ............ 93
Convenience opening feature .......... 93
Important safety information ........... 91
Opening/closing .............................. 92
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 94
Resetting ......................................... 94
Sliding sunroof
see Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel
SmartKey
Changing the battery ....................... 81
Changing the programming ............. 80
Checking the battery ....................... 81
Convenience closing feature ............ 93
Convenience opening feature .......... 93
Display message ............................ 258
Door central locking/unlocking ....... 78
Important safety notes .................... 78
Loss ................................................. 83
Mechanical key ................................ 80
Positions (ignition lock) ................. 149
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 83
Starting the engine ........................ 151
Snow chains ...................................... 335
Sockets
Center console .............................. 285
General notes ................................ 284
Rear compartment ......................... 285
Special seat belt retractor .................. 64
Specialist workshop ............................ 27
Speed, controlling
see Cruise control
Speedometer
Digital ............................................ 224
In the Instrument cluster ................. 33
Segments ...................................... 221
16Index

Emergency locking ........................... 86
Emergency unlocking ....................... 86
Equipment ....................................... 23
Individual settings .......................... 230
Limited Warranty ............................. 28
Loading .......................................... 343
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 86
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 78
Lowering ........................................ 359
Maintenance .................................... 24
Parking for a long period ................ 169
Pulling away ................................... 152
Raising ........................................... 35 7
Reporting problems ......................... 27
Securing from rolling away ............ 356
Towing away .................................. 325
Transporting .................................. 327
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 86
Unlocking (SmartKey) ...................... 78
Vehicle data ................................... 380
Vehicle data ....................................... 380
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 380
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 86
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 372
Vehicle maintenance
see ASSYST PLUS
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 314
Video (DVD) ........................................ 227
VIN ................................................... ... 372
W
Warning and indicator lamps
ABS ................................................ 262
Brakes ........................................... 26 2
Check Engine ................................. 267
Coolant .......................................... 26 8
Distance warning ........................... 270
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 270
ESP ®
.............................................. 264
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 265
Fuel tank ........................................ 267
Overview .......................................... 34
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF ................ 49
Reserve fuel ................................... 267
Seat belt ........................................ 260 SRS ................................................
266
Tire pressure monitor .................... 271
Warranty .............................................. 23
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 258
Wheel and tire combination
see Tires
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 359
Wheel chock ...................................... 356
Wheels
Changing a wheel .......................... 355
Checking ........................................ 333
Cleaning ......................................... 30 7
Emergency spare wheel ................. 366
General notes ................................ 360
Important safety notes .................. 332
Information on driving .................... 332
Interchanging/changing ................ 355
Mounting a new wheel ................... 358
Mounting a wheel .......................... 356
Removing a wheel .......................... 358
Storing ........................................... 3 55
Tightening torque ........................... 359
Wheel size/tire size ....................... 360
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 240
Operation ......................................... 49
Windows
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 141
Windshield washer fluid
see Windshield washer system
Windshield washer system .............. 303
Notes ............................................. 37 9
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ................... 129
Rear window wiper ........................ 127
Replacing the wiper blades ............ 127
Switching on/off ........................... 126
Winter driving
Important safety notes .................. 334
Slippery road surfaces ................... 174
Snow chains .................................. 335
Winter tires
M+S tires ....................................... 335
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 30 8
20Index

The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the high-beam head-
lamps are switched on.
X To switch off the high-beam head-
lamps: move the combination switch back
to its normal position.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Vehicles with Adaptive Highbeam Assist:
when Adaptive Highbeam Assist is active, it
controls activation of the high-beam head-
lamps ( Y page 120).
High-beam flasher
X
To switch on: turn the SmartKey in the
ignition lock to position 1 or 2 or start the
engine.
X Pull the combination switch in the direction
of arrow =.
Hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on if:
R an air bag is deployed or
R the vehicle decelerates rapidly from a
speed of above 45 mph (70 km/h) and
comes to a standstill
X To switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button :.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on a turn signal using the combination switch, only the turn signal lamp on the corre-
sponding side of the vehicle will flash.
X To switch off the hazard warning lamps:
press button :.
The hazard warning lamps switch off auto-
matically if the vehicle reaches a speed of
above 6 mph (10 km/h) again after a full
brake application.
iThe hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off.
Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is oper-
ated five times while the lights are on and the engine is running ( Y page 126). When you
switch off the ignition, the automatic head-
lamp cleaning system is reset and counting is resumed from 0.
Active light function
The active light function is a system that
moves the headlamps according to the steer-
ing movements of the front wheels. In this
way, relevant areas remain illuminated while
driving. This allows you to recognize pedes-
trians, cyclists and animals.
Active: when the lights are switched on.
Exterior lighting119
Lights and windshield wipers
Z

Braking
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
! On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting
early to a lower gear. This allows you to take advantage of the engine braking effect and
helps avoid overheating and excessive
wear of the brakes.
When you take advantage of the engine
braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn
for some time, e.g. on a slippery road sur-
face. This could cause damage to the drive train. This type of damage is not covered bythe Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Heavy and light loads
GWARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy load, do not stop the vehicle immediately.
Drive on for a short while. This allows the air-
flow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads
If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain without braking, there may be a delayed reac-
tion from the brakes when braking for the first time. This may also occur after the vehicle has
been washed.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehi- cle washed, brake firmly while paying atten-
tion to the traffic conditions. This will warm up
the brake discs, thereby drying them more
quickly and protecting them against corro-
sion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt
residue may form on the brake discs and
brake pads. This can result in a significantly
longer braking distance. R Brake occasionally to remove any possible
salt residue. Make sure that you do not
endanger other road users when doing so.
R Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
R Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
! If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a warn-
ing tone while the engine is running, the
brake fluid level may be too low. Observe
additional warning messages in the multi-
function display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked immedi-
ately. This work should be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a quali-
172Driving tips
Driving and parking

fied specialist workshop. Consult a qualified
specialist workshop to arrange this.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or per-
formance tests may only be carried out on
a 2-axle dynamometer. If you are planning
to have the vehicle tested on such a dyna-
mometer, contact an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center to obtain further information
first. Otherwise, you could damage the
drive train or the brake system.
! As the ESP ®
system operates automati-
cally, the engine and the ignition must be
switched off (SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in
the ignition lock) when:
R testing the parking brake on a brake
dynamometer.
R you intend to have the vehicle towed with
the front or rear axle raised (not permit-
ted for vehicles with 4MATIC).
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake
system.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the function- ality of your brakes at regular intervals. To do so, press firmly on the brake pedal when driv-
ing at a high speed. This improves the grip of
the brake pads.
You can find a description of Brake Assist
(BAS) on ( Y page 69).
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
have brake pads/linings installed on your
vehicle which have been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which correspond to an equivalent quality standard. Brake
pads/linings which have not been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which are not
of an equivalent quality could affect your vehi-
cle's operating safety.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
use brake fluid that has been specially
approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz,
or which corresponds to an equivalent quality standard. Brake fluid which has not been
approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or
which is not of an equivalent quality could
affect your vehicle's operating safety.
Parking brake
GWARNING
If you must brake the vehicle with the parking
brake, the braking distance is considerably
longer and the wheels could lock. There is an
increased danger of skidding and accidents.
Only use the parking brake to brake the vehi-
cle when the service brake is faulty. Do not
apply the parking brake too firmly. If the
wheels lock, release the parking brake until
the wheels begin turning again.
If you brake the vehicle with the parking
brake, the brake lamps will not light up.
If you drive on wet roads or dirt-covered sur-
faces, road salt and/or dirt could get into the parking brake.
In order to prevent corrosion and a reduction
in the braking power of the parking brake,
observe the following:
R gently depress the parking brake from time
to time before beginning the journey.
R Drive for approximately 110 yds (100 m) at
a maximum speed of 12 mph (20 km/h).
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of
hydroplaning occurring, even if: R you drive at low speeds.
R the tires have adequate tread depth.
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or in
conditions in which hydroplaning may occur,
you must drive in the following manner:
R lower your speed.
R avoid ruts.
Driving tips173
Driving and parking
Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions
$(USA
only)
J(Canada
only)
Check Brake Fluid
Level
There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
In addition, the $ (USA only)/ J (Canada only) warning
lamp lights up in the instrument cluster and a warning tone
sounds.
GWARNING
The braking effect may be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, p aying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not con tinue driving
under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 168).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Do not add brake fluid. This does not correct the malfunction.
#
Check Brake Pad
Wear
The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
G
Inoperative
One or more main features of the mbrace system are malfunc-
tioning.
X Have the mbrace system checked immediately at a qualified
specialist workshop.
PRE-SAFE
Inoperative See
Operator's Manual
Important functions of PRE-SAFE ®
have failed. All other occupant
safety systems, e.g. air bags, remain available.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
238Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Safety systems
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions
$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake system
warning lamp comes on while the engine is run-
ning. A warning tone
also sounds.There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
GWARNING
The braking effect may be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, p aying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not con tinue driving
under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 168).
X Do not add brake fluid. Adding more will not remedy the mal-
function.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
!
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is deactivated due to a malfunc -
tion. BAS (Brake Assist), BAS PLUS, ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program), PRE