2015 MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class airmatic

Vehicle level
Level control adapts the vehicle level auto-
matically to the current operating and driving
situation. Level control ensures the best pos-
sible suspension and constant ground clear-
ance, even with a laden vehicle. This improves
driving safety and fuel consumption.
The AIRMATIC package and ACTIVE CURVE
SYSTEM are always components of AMG
adaptive suspension system (Y page 211).
Due to the sportier suspension settings com- pared to standard vehicles, the levels and
speed thresholds for sinking and raising the
vehicle are different.
In Comfort and Sport driving modes, after
locking the vehicle it lowers to the Sport+
level. When locking the vehicle at the raised
level, the vehicle does not lower.
The settings will remain stored after you
switch off the engine. When starting the
engine, the selected setting, e.g. AMG adap-
tive suspension system Comfort, is restored.
i The vehicle level may change visibly if you
park the vehicle and the outside tempera-
ture changes. If the temperature drops, the vehicle level lowers; with an increase in
temperature, the vehicle level rises.
Suspension tuning General notes
The electronically controlled damping system
works continuously. This improves driving
safety and ride comfort.
The damping is tuned individually to each
wheel and depends on:
R your driving style
R the road surface conditions
R your individual selection of Sport, Sport +
or Comfort
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. Sport mode
The firmer suspension tuning in Sport mode
ensures even better contact with the road.
Select this mode when employing a sporty
driving style, e.g. on winding country roads.
X Press button 0043once.
Indicator lamp 0044lights up. You have selec-
ted Sport mode.
The AMG
AMG Suspension Suspension System
SystemSPORT
SPORTmes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
Sport + mode
The very firm setting of the suspension tuning in Sport + mode ensures the best possible
contact with the road. Select this mode pref-
erably when driving on race circuits.
If indicator lamps 0087and 0044are off:
X Press button 0043twice.
Indicator lamps 0087and 0044light up. You
have selected Sport + mode. The vehicle is
lowered by 10 mm.
The AMG Suspension System SPORT + AMG Suspension System SPORT +
message appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
If indicator lamp 0044lights up:
X Press button 0043once.
Second indicator lamp 0087lights up. You
have selected Sport + mode. The vehicle is
lowered by 10 mm.
The AMG Suspension System SPORT + AMG Suspension System SPORT +
message appears in the multifunction dis-
play. 216
Driving systemsDriving an
d parking

of the towing vehicle, as the latter is equip-
ped with an anti-lock brake system. Doing
so will result in a loss of function of the
brake systems of both the vehicle and the
trailer.
X Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select highway level.
X Vehicles with ADS: set ADS toAUTOor
COMF.
X Switch off the engine.
X Close all doors and the tailgate.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish all electrical connections.
X Check that the trailer lighting system is
working.
i Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
with a trailer attached, the vehicle will
always remain at highway level. When cou-
pling up a trailer, please observe the fol-
lowing:
R Unless highway level has been set man-
ually, the vehicle is automatically low-
ered to highway level. This is the case if a
speed of 5 mph (8 km/h) is reached.
R High-speed level is not available.
These restrictions apply to all accessories
powered through a connection to the trailer power socket of your vehicle, e.g. a bicycle
carrier.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most U.S. states and all Canadian provinces
require by law:
R Safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer. The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must be fastened to the vehicle's trailer cou-
pling, not to the bumper or the axle. Leave enough play in the chains to make
tight cornering possible.
R A separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
R A safety switch for braked trailers. Check
the specific legal requirements applicable
to your state.
If the trailer detaches from the towing vehi- cle, the safety switch applies the trailer's
brakes. Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Make sure that your car/trailer
combination complies with the local regula-
tions: R in your place of residence
R in the location to which you are driving
The police and local authorities can provide
reliable information.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
R To gain driving experience and to become
accustomed to the new handling charac-
teristics, you should practice the following
in a traffic-free location:
- cornering
- stopping
- backing up
R Before driving, check:
- trailer tow hitch
- safety switch for braked trailers
- safety chains
- electrical connections
- lights
- wheels
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the trailer.
R If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away carefully. Brake manually 260
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

Driving systems
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 00AD
Attention Assist: Attention Assist:
Take a Break! Take a Break! Based on certain criteria, ATTENTION ASSIST has detected fatigue
or a lack of concentration on the part of the driver. A warning tone also sounds.
X If necessary, take a break.
During long journeys, take regular breaks in good time so you get enough rest. 00AD
Attention Assist Attention Assist
Inoperative Inoperative ATTENTION ASSIST is inoperative.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 00C4
Drive More Slowly Drive More Slowly You cannot change the vehicle level. Possible causes are:
R you are driving too fast for the selected vehicle level.
R you are towing a trailer.
R the trailer-coupling socket is being used, e.g. for a bicycle rack.
X Drive more slowly and then select the desired vehicle level
again.
R Vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package (Y page 206)
R Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package (Y page 213)
X Observe the notes on towing a trailer (Y page 257).00C4
Compressor Compressor
Is
IsCool‐
Cool‐
ing
ing You have selected a higher vehicle level. The compressor first
needs to cool down because of frequent level changes.
X Drive in a manner appropriate for the current vehicle level.
X Make sure that there is sufficient ground clearance.
X Allow the compressor to cool down.
When the compressor has cooled down, the display message
disappears. The vehicle then continues rising to the selected
level. 00C4
ABC Malfunction ABC Malfunction AIRMATIC is malfunctioning.
X
Drive as appropriate for the current vehicle level, but do not
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
X Make sure that there is sufficient ground clearance.
X Have the vehicle checked at a qualified specialist workshop. 304
Display
messagesOn-board computer and displays

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional equip- ment of your vehicle available at the time of
publication of the Operator's Manual.
Country-specific differences are possible.
Please note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all features described. This
also applies to safety-related systems and
functions.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops (Y page 29). Where will I find...?
Vehicle tool kit
General notes The vehicle tool kit can be found in the stow-
age well under the cargo compartment floor.
i Apart from certain country-specific varia-
tions, the vehicles are not equipped with a
tire-change tool kit. Some tools for chang-
ing a wheel are specific to the vehicle. For
more information on which tools are
required to perform a wheel change on your vehicle, consult a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Tools required for changing a wheel may
include, for example:
R Jack
R Wheel chock
R Lug wrench
R Ratchet wrench
R Alignment bolt Vehicles with a TIREFIT kit Vehicle tool kit (example)
0043
Lug wrench
0044 Jack
0087 Alignment bolt
0085 Tire inflation compressor
0083 Tire sealant filler bottle
0084 Folding wheel chock
006B Towing eye
006C Ratchet wrench
Use the TIREFIT kit (Y page 384).
Vehicles with a "Minispare" emergency
spare wheel Example: vehicles with AIRMATIC and trailer tow
hitch
0043
Folding wheel chock
0044 Lug wrench
0087 Alignment bolt
0085 Towing eye
0083 Jack
0084 Ratchet wrench 382
Where will I find...?Breakdown assistance

X
Lift the cargo compartment floor up
(Y page 344).
X Remove "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel (Y page 441). Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with: R MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat prop-
erties) (Y page 383)
Vehicle preparation is not necessary on
vehicles with MOExtended tires.
R a TIREFIT kit (Y page 382)
R an emergency spare wheel (only for certain
countries) (Y page 440)
Information on changing/mounting a wheel
(Y page 423).
X Stop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground, as far away as possible from
traffic.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away
(Y page 182).
X If possible, bring the front wheels into the
straight-ahead position.
X Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
make sure that highway level is selected
(Y page 211).
X Switch off the engine.
X Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the
driver's door.
The on-board electronics now have status
0. This is the same as the SmartKey having been removed.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
(Y page 158).
X All occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as they do so. X
Make sure that no one is near the danger
area while a wheel is being changed. Any-
one who is not directly assisting in the
wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier.
X Get out of the vehicle. Pay attention to traf-
fic conditions when doing so.
X Close the driver's door.
X Unload heavy luggage.
i Only operate the tire inflation compressor
using a 12 V socket, even if the ignition is
turned off (Y page 349).
An emergency cut-out ensures that the on- board voltage does not drop too low. If the on-board voltage is too low, the power to
the sockets is automatically cut. This
ensures that there is sufficient power to
start the engine. MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties)
General notes With MOExtended tires (tires with run flat
characteristics), you can continue to drive
your vehicle even if there is a total loss of
pressure in one or more tires. The affected
tire must not show any clearly visible damage.
You can recognize MOExtended tires by the
MOExtended marking which appears on the
sidewall of the tire. You will find this marking
next to the tire size designation, the load-
bearing capacity and the speed index
(Y page 417).
MOExtended tires may only be used in con-
junction with an active tire pressure loss
warning system or with an active tire pressure
monitor.
If the pressure loss warning message
appears in the multifunction display:
R Observe the instructions in the display
messages (Y page 312).
R Check the tire for damage.
R If driving on, observe the following notes. Flat tire
383Breakdown assistance

Storing wheels
Store wheels that are not being used in a cool,
dry and preferably dark place. Protect the
tires from oil, grease, gasoline and diesel. Cleaning the wheels
G
WARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage to the tires or chassis components. Compo-
nents damaged in this way may fail unexpect-edly. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced imme-
diately. Mounting a wheel
Preparing the vehicle X
Vehicle with emergency spare wheel:
when mounting the emergency spare
wheel in the event of a flat tire, follow the
additional notes on vehicle preparation
under "Flat tire" (Y page 383).
X Stop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground.
X Unload heavy luggage.
X Apply the electric parking brake manually.
X Bring the front wheels into the straight-
ahead position.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
make sure that highway level is selected
(Y page 211).
X Switch off the engine.
X Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock. X
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the
driver's door.
The on-board electronics now have status
0. This is the same as the SmartKey having
been removed.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
(Y page 158).
X If included in the vehicle equipment,
remove the tire-change tool kit from the
vehicle.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
i Apart from certain country-specific varia-
tions, vehicles are not equipped with a tire-
change tool kit. For information on which
tools are required to perform a wheel
change on your vehicle, consult an author-
ized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Necessary wheel-changing tools can
include, for example:
R Jack
R Wheel chock
R Lug wrench
Securing the vehicle to prevent it from
rolling away If your vehicle is equipped with a wheel chock,
it can be found in the tire-change tool kit
(Y page 382).
The folding wheel chock is an additional
securing measure to prevent the vehicle from rolling away, for example when changing a
wheel. 424
Changing a wheelWheels and tires

Vehicle data
General notes
Please note that for the specified vehicle
data:
R the heights specified may vary as a result
of:
- tires
- load
- condition of the suspension
- optional equipment
R optional equipment reduces the maximum
payload.
Observe the information relating to level con-
trol:
R AIRMATIC package (Y page 213)
R ON&OFFROAD package (Y page 206)Dimensions and weights
0043
0043
Opening height 0044
0044
Max.
headroom AMG vehicles
84.6 in -
87.0 in
(2148 mm - 2211 mm) 79.0 in
(2006 mm) All other mod-
els with:
0043 0043
Opening height 0044
0044
Max.
headroom Steel suspen-
sion
86.4 in
(2195 mm) 78.2 in
(1987 mm) AIRMATIC
package
84.3 in -
87.2 in
(2140 mm - 2215 mm) 76.0 in -
79.0 in
(1931 mm - 2006 mm) ON&OFF-
ROAD pack-
age
84.3 in -
88.4 in
(2140 mm - 2245 mm) 76.0 in -
80.2 in
(1931 mm - 2036 mm) AMG vehicles
Vehicle length
189.6 in
(4817 mm) Vehicle width including
exterior mirrors
84.3 in
(2141 mm) Maximum vehicle height
71.4 in
(1815 mm) Minimum vehicle height
69.0 in
(1752 mm) Wheelbase
114.8 in
(2915 mm) Maximum ground clear-
ance
9.2 in
(233 mm) Minimum ground clear-
ance
6.8 in
(172 mm) Turning radius
38.7 ft
(11.80 m) Maxi
mum roof load 220 lb
(100 kg) 456
Vehicle dataTechnical data

All other models
Vehicle width including
exterior mirrors
84.3 in
(2141 mm) Maximum vehicle height
(steel suspension)
70.7 in
(1796 mm) Maximum vehicle height
(AIRMATIC package)
71.6 in
(1818 mm) Maximum vehicle height
(ON&OFFROAD package)
72.8 in
(1848 mm) Minimum vehicle height
(highway driving level)
69.2 in
(1758 mm) Wheelbase
114.8 in
(2915 mm) Minimum ground clear-
ance (steel suspension)
8.0 in
(202 mm) Maximum ground clear-
ance (AIRMATIC package)
10.0 in
(255 mm) Maximum ground clear-
ance (ON&OFFROAD
package)
11.2 in
(285 mm) Minimum ground clear-
ance
(AIRMATIC package)
(ON&OFFROAD package)
7.1 in
(180 mm) Turning radius
38.7 ft
(11.80 m) Maximum roof load
220 lb
(100 kg) Model Vehicle
length ML 550 4MATIC
190.5 in
(4839 mm) All other models
189.1 in
(4804 mm) Vehicle data for off-road driving
Fording depth
0043
Fording depth Fording
depth Steel-sprung vehicles
20 in
(50 cm) Vehicles with the AIR-
MATIC package
Raised level 20 in
(50 cm) Vehicles with the ON&OFF-
ROAD package Off-road level 1 20 in
(50 cm) Off-road level 2 20 in
(50 cm) Off-road level 3 23.6 in
(60 cm) AMG vehicles
Raised level 20 in
(50 cm) For more information about off-road fording,
see (Y page 190). Vehicle data for off-road driving
457Technical data Z