
Hood release lever in the driver's footwell
Observe the safety notes when you open the
hood.
X Stop your vehicle as far away from traffic as
possible on level ground.
X Switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
X Pull release handle 0043on the hood.
The hood is released. X
Reach into the gap and push lever 0044on the
hood catch up. X
Swing the hood upwards until support strut
0087 engages and the hood is supported.
Closing the hood G
WARNING
If the hood is unlatched, it could tip forward
during rapid deceleration of the vehicle and
hit persons or objects within its path. There is
a risk of an accident and injury.
Therefore, always make sure that the hood is closed and locked completely before driving
off.
If the hood is not locked and you are already
driving at walking pace:
R the yellow 003Eindicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes on for vehicles
without steering-wheel buttons.
R the 003E Hood open
Hood open display appears for
vehicles with steering-wheel buttons.
! When you press the support strut back,
make sure that you do not press it against
the detent position and cause it to bend.
! Do not use your hands to push the hood
down. You could damage it otherwise.
X Lift the hood slightly.
X Press support strut 0087towards the back.
X Lower the hood and allow it to fall with
momentum from a height of approximately
1 ft (30 cm).
The hood locks audibly.
X Check that the hood is correctly locked.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. If the hood is not cor-
rectly engaged, open the hood again. Let
the hood fall with a little more momentum. Engine compartment
249Maintenance and care Z

Example: 6-cylinder diesel engine
For vehicles with a red oil dipstick, only checkthe oil level when the engine is at normal
operating temperature:
X Stop your vehicle as far away from traffic as
possible on level ground.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
X Switch off the engine.
X Wait 5 minutes.
For vehicles with a yellow oil dipstick, only
check the oil level when the engine is cold.
X Stop your vehicle as far away from traffic as
possible on level ground.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
X Open the hood (Y page 248).
X Pull out oil dipstick 0043.
X Wipe oil dipstick 0043using a lint-free cloth.
X Insert oil dipstick 0043back into the guide
tube as far as it will go and remove it again.
If the level is between minimum mark 0087
and maximum mark 0044, the oil level is cor-
rect.
X If the oil level has dropped to or below min-
imum mark 0087, open cap 0085and add
engine oil (Y page 252).
The difference in quantity between
marks 0044and 0087is approximately
2 US quarts (2 liters).
X Insert the oil dipstick into the guide tube as
far as it will go.
X Close the hood (Y page 249). OM651 4-cylinder diesel engine:
At outside temperatures between 32 ‡
(–0 †) and 86 ‡ (30 †), the oil level can be
checked when the engine is cold.
Measuring the engine oil when the engine is
cold is less precise than measuring when the
engine is at normal operating temperature.
When the appropriate warning is shown in the
display
X Add engine oil (Y page 252)
or X Have engine oil siphoned off.
Add engine oil G
WARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot com- ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that engine oil is not spilled next to
the filler neck. Let the engine cool down and
thoroughly clean the engine oil off the com-
ponents before starting the engine.
! The alternator is located below the engine
oil filler neck. If engine oil spills onto the
alternator, there is a danger of alternator
damage. Be very careful when adding
engine oil. H
Environmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful to the environment.
! Do not add too much oil. adding too much
engine oil can result in damage to the
engine or to the catalytic converter. Have
excess engine oil siphoned off.
! Do not use any additives in the engine oil.
This could damage the engine.
X Open the hood (Y page 248).
X Unscrew and remove cap 0085.
X Add engine oil. 252
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

X
Replace cap 0085on the filler neck and
tighten.
When doing so, make sure that the cap
engages correctly.
X Check the oil level with the oil dipstick
(Y page 251) or on the display
(Y page 250).
X Close the hood. Coolant
G
WARNING
The engine cooling system is pressurized, par- ticularly when the engine is warm. When
opening the cap, you could be scalded by hotcoolant spraying out. There is a risk of injury.
Let the engine cool down before opening the
cap. Wear eye and hand protection when
opening the cap. Open the cap slowly half a
turn to allow pressure to escape.
Only check the coolant level and/or fill the
coolant if the vehicle is on a level surface and the engine has cooled down. The coolant tem-
perature must be below 122 ‡ (50 †).
! Check the engine cooling and heating sys-
tem regularly for leaks.
If a large quantity of coolant is lost, have the
cause traced and rectified at a qualified
specialist workshop. G
WARNING
Coolant contains glycol and is therefore toxic. Do not swallow the coolant. See a doctor
immediately if you swallow coolant.
Make sure that coolant does not come into
contact with skin, eyes or clothing. In case of
contact with eyes, rinse immediately with
plenty of clean water. Clean affected areas of skin and clothing with soap and water imme-
diately. Change any affected clothing imme-
diately. G
WARNING
If antifreeze comes into contact with hot com- ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Let the engine cool down before you add anti-
freeze. Make sure that antifreeze is not spilled
next to the filler neck. Thoroughly clean the
antifreeze from components before starting
the engine.
! Take care not to spill any coolant on pain-
ted surfaces. You could otherwise damage
the paintwork. Example: cap and coolant expansion tank
Checking the coolant level
X Stop your vehicle as far away from traffic as
possible on level ground.
X Switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
X Open the hood (Y page 248).
X Slowly turn cap 0043half a turn counter-
clockwise to allow excess pressure to
escape.
X Turn cap 0043further and remove it.
X Check the coolant level.
If the coolant reaches the maximum mark
on coolant expansion tank 0044, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank 0044. Engine compartment
253Maintenance and care Z

Adding coolant
X If the coolant drops under the minimum
mark on coolant expansion tank 0044, add
coolant to the maximum mark.
Observe the information on coolant mix-
ture ratio and water quality in the "Techni-
cal data" section (Y page 325). To prevent
damage to the engine cooling system, use
only approved corrosion inhibitor/anti-
freeze that comply with the Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service Products.
X Replace cap 0043and turn it clockwise to
tighten.
X Start the engine.
X After approximately 5 minutes, switch off
the engine and allow it to cool down.
X Check the coolant level again and add cool-
ant if necessary.
X Close the hood. Brake fluid
G
WARNING
Service products may be poisonous and haz-
ardous to health. There is a risk of injury.
Comply with instructions on the use, storage
and disposal of service products on the labels of the respective original containers. Always
store service products sealed in their original containers. Always keep service products out
of the reach of children.
Brake fluid is hazardous to health. Also
observe the safety notes in the "Service prod-
ucts and capacities" section (Y page 318).G
WARNING
The brake fluid constantly absorbs moisture
from the air. This lowers the boiling point of
the brake fluid. If the boiling point of the brake fluid is too low, vapor pockets may form in the brake system when the brakes are applied
hard. This would impair braking efficiency.
There is a risk of an accident. You should have the brake fluid renewed at
the specified intervals.
! Brake fluid corrodes paint, plastic and
rubber. If paint, plastic or rubber has come into contact with brake fluid, rinse with
water immediately.
Have the brake fluid renewed every 2 years at
a qualified specialist workshop. Observe the
information on brake fluid in the "Technical
data" section (Y page 324). Check the brake fluid level regularly, e.g.
weekly or when refueling.
Checking the brake fluid level
X Stop your vehicle as far away from traffic as
possible on level ground.
X Switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
X Open the hood (Y page 248).
X Check the brake fluid level.
The brake fluid level is correct if the level is
between the MIN mark and MAX mark on
brake fluid reservoir 0043.
X Close the hood.
! If the brake fluid level in the brake fluid
reservoir has fallen to the MIN mark or
below, check the brake system immedi-
ately for leaks. Also check the thickness of the brake linings. Visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.
Do not add brake fluid. This does not cor-
rect the malfunction. 254
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

Washer fluid
G
WARNING
Windshield washer concentrate could ignite if it comes into contact with hot engine compo-
nents or the exhaust system. There is a risk of
fire and injury.
Make sure that no windshield washer con-
centrate is spilled next to the filler neck.
! Only use washer fluid that is suitable for
plastic lamp lenses, e.g. MB SummerFit or
MB WinterFit. Unsuitable washer fluid
could damage the plastic lenses of the
headlamps. Example: washer fluid reservoir
Add windshield washer concentrate to the
washer fluid all year round. Observe the infor- mation on washer fluid in the "Technical data"
section (Y page 326).
Adding washer fluid
X Mix the washer fluid to the appropriate mix-
ing ratio in a container beforehand.
X Open the hood (Y page 248).
X Pull cap 0043on the washer fluid reservoir
upwards at the tab.
X Add the premixed washer fluid.
X Press cap 0043onto the filler neck until it
engages audibly.
X Close the hood. Fuel system
Draining the fuel filter G
WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. Improper handling of fuel creates a risk of fire and explosion.
Avoid fire, open flames, smoking and creatingsparks under all circumstances. Switch off the
ignition and auxiliary heating before carrying
out work to the fuel system. Always wear pro- tective gloves. H
Environmental note
Dispose of the water-fuel mixture in an envi-
ronmentally responsible manner.
! When the
00B8indicator lamp lights up,
drain the fuel filter with water separator
immediately. Otherwise, the engine may be
damaged. If the
00B8 indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes on, drain fuel filter with water
separator 0087immediately.
i We recommend that you have this main-
tenance work carried out at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
X Park the vehicle safely and secure it from
rolling away.
X Switch off the auxiliary heating system .
X Switch off the engine.
X Open the hood (Y page 248).
X Place a suitable receptacle under drain
hose 0043. Engine compartment
255Maintenance and care Z

Service due date has been exceeded
Vehicles with steering wheel buttons:
if
you have missed the service due date, one of
the following messages appears in the display and warning tone also sounds.
R 0099 Service A overdue by ... days Service A overdue by ... days
R 0099 Service
Service A
Aoverdue
overdue by
by...
... km
km(kmkm)
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons:
if you have missed the service due date, the
0099 or009A symbol for the service flashes
for 10 seconds after the ignition is switched
on. A minus sign also appears in front of the
service due date.
Calling up the service due date X
Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
The display is activated.
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons X Press the 0079menu button on the instru-
ment cluster repeatedly until the 0099or
009A symbol for the service appears in the
display.
Additionally, you will see the remaining dis-
tance in miles (mi mi) or kilometers ( km km) or the
remaining time in days ( d
d).
Vehicles with steering wheel buttons
X Press the 0080or007F button on the steer-
ing wheel until the standard display
(Y page 187) appears in the display.
X Press the 0041or0068 button on the steer-
ing wheel repeatedly until the service mes-
sage appears in the display, for example:
R 0099 Service A due in ... days
Service A due in ... days
R 0099 Service A due in ... km Service A due in ... km (kmkm) Battery
Important safety notes
Work on the battery, e.g. removing or instal-
ling, requires specialist knowledge and the
use of special tools. Therefore, always have work on the battery carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop. G
WARNING
Work carried out incorrectly on the battery
can lead, for example, to a short circuit and
thus damage the vehicle electronics. This can lead to function restrictions applying to
safety-relevant systems, e.g. the lighting sys-
tem, ABS (anti-lock braking system) or ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program). The operating
safety of your vehicle may be restricted. You
could lose control of the vehicle, for example:
R braking
R in the event of abrupt steering maneuver
and/or when the vehicle's speed is not
adapted to the road conditions
There is a risk of an accident.
In the event of a short circuit or a similar inci- dent, contact a qualified specialist workshop
immediately. Do not drive any further. You
should have all work involving the battery car-
ried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Further information can be found under "ABS"
(Y page 57) and under "ESP ®
" (Y page 59). G
WARNING
Electrostatic build-up can lead to the creation of sparks, which could ignite the highly explo-
sive gases of a battery. There is a risk of an
explosion.
Before handling the battery, touch the vehicle body to remove any existing electrostatic
build-up.
The flammable gas mix is produced when the
battery is charged or when the vehicle is
jump-started.
Always make sure that neither you nor the
battery are electrostatically charged. Electro- static charging results, for example, from:
R wearing synthetic clothing
R friction between clothing and the seat 258
BatteryMaintenance and care

Be sure to observe the notes on charging
the batteries (Y
page 263). Installation locations
Your vehicle may be equipped with three bat-
teries, depending on the equipment version:
R a starter battery in the battery case in the
driver's footwell
R additional battery in the engine compart-
ment
R auxiliary battery under the driver's seat
Have the auxiliary battery removed at a quali-
fied specialist workshop. Installing/removing the floor cover-
ing (starter battery) G
WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict the pedal travel or obstruct a depressed pedal.
The operating and road safety of the vehicle is
jeopardized. There is a risk of an accident.
Make sure that all objects in the vehicle are
stowed correctly, and that they cannot enter
the driver's footwell. Install the floormats
securely and as specified in order to ensure
sufficient clearance for the pedals. Do not use loose floormats and do not place floormats on
top of one another. X
Switch off all electrical consumers.
X To remove: remove screws 0087and take off
trim 0044. X
Remove floor covering 0043.
X To install: place floor covering 0043in the
driver's footwell.
X Slide floor covering 0043underneath the car-
rier of the accelerator pedal and align it at
the base of the driver's seat and at the door sill.
Make sure that the floor covering does notobstruct the accelerator pedal.
X Put trim 0044in place and screw screws 0087
back in. Disconnecting/connecting the
starter battery
Important safety notes G
WARNING
During the charging process, a battery produ- ces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or
sparks are created, the hydrogen gas can
ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
R Make sure that the positive terminal of a
connected battery does not come into con-
tact with vehicle parts.
R Never place metal objects or tools on a bat-
tery.
R It is important that you observe the descri-
bed order of the battery terminals when
connecting and disconnecting a battery.
R When jump-starting, make sure that the
battery poles with identical polarity are
connected.
R It is particularly important to observe the
described order when connecting and dis-
connecting the jumper cables.
R Never connect or disconnect the battery
terminals while the engine is running.
Disconnecting the starter battery !
Switch off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition lock before you loosen or
disconnect the terminal clamps. You may 260
BatteryMaintenance and care

Removing/installing the starter bat-
tery
Removing the starter battery X
Disconnect the battery (Y page 260).
X Pull breather hose with connector
bracket 0044from connection 0043on the
degassing cover. X
Loosen the bolts holding retainer 0087, which
prevents the battery from moving around. X
Pull retainer 0087upwards.
X Slide the battery from its anchorage in the
direction of travel.
X Fold the bar of the battery upwards and
remove the battery from the battery case.
Installing the starter battery X
Insert the battery into the battery case.
X Fold down the bar of the battery.
X Slide the battery into its anchorage in the
opposite direction to the direction of travel.
X Insert retainer 0087.
X Tighten the bolts on retainer 0087which
holds the battery in place.
X Attach breather hose with connector
bracket 0044to connection 0043of the venti-
lation cover.
X Connect the battery (Y page 260). Disconnecting and connecting the
additional battery (engine compart-
ment)
Important safety notes G
WARNING
During the charging process, a battery produ- ces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or
sparks are created, the hydrogen gas can
ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
R Make sure that the positive terminal of a
connected battery does not come into con-
tact with vehicle parts.
R Never place metal objects or tools on a bat-
tery.
R It is important that you observe the descri-
bed order of the battery terminals when
connecting and disconnecting a battery.
R When jump-starting, make sure that the
battery poles with identical polarity are
connected. 262
BatteryMaintenance and care