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
In this section, you will find information about the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock BrakingSystem)
R ASR (A cceleration SkidControl)
R BAS (B rakeAssist System)
R EBD ( Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
R ESP ®
(E lectronic StabilityProgram) Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style or if you
are inattentive, the driving safety systems can
neither reduce the risk of accident nor over-
ride the laws of physics. Driving safety sys-
tems are merely aids designed to assist driv- ing. You are responsible for the distance to
the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, braking in good time and for staying in your lane.
Always adapt your driving style to the prevail-
ing road and weather conditions and maintain a sufficient, safe distance from other road
users. Drive carefully.
The driving safety systems described can only
attain their maximum effectiveness when
there is optimum contact between the tires and the road can. Pay particular attention to
the information regarding tires, recommen-
ded minimum tire tread depth etc. under
"Wheels and tires" (Y page 284).
In wintry driving conditions, always use winter
tires (M+S tires) and if necessary, snow
chains. This is the only way to get the full
benefit from the driving safety systems
described. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes Observe the important safety guidelines for
the driving safety system (Y
page 57). 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.
If ABS is malfunctioning, other systems will
also fail, including driving safety systems.
Observe the information relating to the 0025
warning lamp (Y page 218).
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.
ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph
(8 km/h), regardless of road-surface condi-
tions. ABS works on slippery surfaces, even
when you only brake gently.
The yellow 0025warning lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up when the ignition is
switched on. The lamp goes out when the
engine starts running. Driving safety systems
57Safety Z
If you deactivate ASR:
R engine torque is not limited and the drive
wheels are able to spin. The spinning
wheels will then achieve a cutting effect for
better traction.
R traction control remains active through
brake intervention. If a drive wheel attains
its tire traction limit because one side of the
road is slippery, for example, that wheel is
braked. The traction is then increased in
this situation.
R active brake intervention by ESP ®
to
increase driving stability remains active.
The 0072 warning lamp in the instrument
cluster flashes when ESP ®
is intervening. BAS (Brake Assist System)
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.
Vehicles without steering wheel buttons: if
the BAS driving safety system is malfunction-
ing, the 003Dwarning lamp lights up while the
engine is running (Y page 218).
BAS operates in emergency braking situa-
tions. If you depress the brake quickly, BAS
automatically increases the brake pressure,
thereby reducing the stopping distance.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated. EBD (electronic brake force distribu-
tion) G
WARNING
If EBD is malfunctioning, the rear wheels can
lock, e.g. under full braking. This increases the risk of skidding and an accident. You should therefore adapt your driving style
to the different handling characteristics. Have
the brake system checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
EBD monitors and controls the brake pres-
sure to the rear wheels. This enables EBD to
improve handling during braking.
Observe the information on warning and indi- cator lamps (Y page 218). ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes Observe the important safety guidelines for
the driving safety system (Y
page 57). G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning it will not provide
any vehicle stabilization. There is an increased
risk of skidding or of an accident.
Exercise caution when continuing to drive.
Have ESP ®
checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
! Do not run the vehicle on a roller dyna-
mometer (e.g. for performance tests). If
you must operate the vehicle on a roller
dynamometer, please consult a qualified
specialist workshop in advance. You could
otherwise damage the drive train or the
brake system.
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, the 0089warning
lamp lights up while the engine is running and
the engine power may be reduced
(Y page 218).
Only use wheels with the recommended tire
sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function properly.
Crosswind Assist Crosswind Assist does not work if ESP
®
is
deactivated or disabled because of a mal-
function. Driving safety systems
59Safety Z
Problems with the key/remote control
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions It is no longer possible
to lock the vehicle
using the remote con-
trol.
The turn signals do not
flash when the vehicle
is locked. The doors are not closed properly.
X Close the doors properly and lock the vehicle again. The central locking system has malfunctioned.
X Lock the vehicle using the folding key (Y page 66).
X Have the central locking system checked as soon as possible at
a qualified specialist workshop. It is no longer possible
to lock or unlock the
vehicle using the
remote control. The key battery is weak or discharged.
X Point the remote control at the driver's door handle from very
close range and press the 0036or0037 button.
If this does not work:
X Replace the key battery (Y page 69).
or
X Lock the vehicle using the folding key (Y page 66). The remote control is faulty.
X Lock the vehicle using the folding key (Y page 66).
X Have the key checked at a qualified specialist workshop. The key cannot be
turned in the ignition
lock. The steering lock has jammed mechanically.
X Remove the key and insert it again into the ignition lock. Turn the
steering wheel from side to side while doing so. The engine cannot be
started using the key. The on-board voltage is too low.
X Switch off all non-essential consumers, such as interior lighting,
and try to start the engine again.
If this does not work: X Check the starter battery and charge it if necessary
(Y page 263).
or
X Jump-start the vehicle (Y page 276).
or
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. You have lost a key. X
Have the key deactivated at a qualified specialist workshop.
X Report the loss immediately to the vehicle insurers.
X If necessary, have the mechanical locks replaced. 70
KeyOpening and closing
Useful information
This Operator's Manual describes all models
as well as standard and optional equipment of your vehicle that were available at the time of going to print. Country-specific variations are
possible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the described functions.
This also applies to systems and functions
relevant to safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (Y page 25). Exterior lighting
Important safety notes
For reasons of safety, we recommend that
you drive with the lights switched on even
during the daytime. There may be differences
in operation due to legal requirements and
voluntary recommendations in some coun-
tries. Bulb failure indicator
The bulb failure indicator is only an aid. You
are responsible for the proper functioning of
the vehicle lighting. Insufficient or non-func-
tioning vehicle lighting puts the operating
safety of the vehicle at risk.
For this reason, check the condition and func-
tion of your vehicle's lighting system and, if
necessary, that of the trailer before each jour- ney.
The bulb failure indicator monitors all of the
exterior lighting lamps, except the perimeter
lamp and the trailer lighting. If a bulb fails,
either the 0049(Ypage 35) indicator lamp
lights up, or you will see a corresponding
message in the display (Y page 208).
i Depending on the equipment, the bulb
failure indicator can fail for all lamps with
the exception of the turn signal lamps. Light switch
Operation 0047
0058
Automatic headlamp mode/
daytime running lamps
0048 003F
Lights off
0049 0060
Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument lighting
004A 0058
Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
004B 005A
Fog lamps
004C 005E
Rear fog lamp
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
X Turn the light switch to 003For0058.
or
X If the rear fog lamp is switched on: press
the light switch in to the stop.
The turn signals, high-beam headlamps and
the high-beam flasher are operated using the combination switch (Y page 94).
Low-beam headlamps X
To switch on: turn the key to position 2in
the ignition lock or start the engine.
X Turn the light switch to position 0058.
The 0058 indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
Daytime running lamps You can activate/deactivate the daytime run-
ning lamps function using the on-board com-
puter. 92
Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers
Motion detector
G
WARNING
The motion detector sends the invisible infra- red radiation emitted by LEDs (light emitting
diodes).
These LEDs are classified as class 1M lasers
and can damage the retina if you:
R look directly into the unfiltered laser beam
of the motion detector for an extended
period
R look directly into the laser beam of the
motion detector using optical instruments,
e.g. eyeglasses or a magnifying glass.
There is a risk of injury.
Never look directly into the motion detector.
The cargo compartment lighting is also
switched on by the motion detector in the
cargo compartment of Cargo Vans equipped
with this feature.
If the motion detector detects a movement in the cargo compartment when the vehicle is
stationary, the cargo compartment lighting
switches on for approximately two minutes.
The cargo compartment lighting can be
switched on by the motion detector within
four seconds if:
R the rear interior light switch (Y page 98) is
set to automatic control.
R the vehicle is stationary, the parking brake
is applied and the brake pedal is not being
depressed
Or
R the selector lever is in position Pon vehi-
cles with automatic transmission and the
brake pedal is not being depressed and
R the vehicle has not been locked from the
outside using the key
The motion detector switches off automati-
cally if no change is detected in the vehicle for
several hours, e.g. if a door is opened, if the
ignition key is turned, etc. This prevents the
battery from becoming discharged. Changing bulbs
Important safety notes
G
DANGER
Xenon bulbs carry a high voltage. You can get an electric shock if you remove the cover of
the Xenon bulb and touch the electrical con-
tacts. There is a risk of fatal injury.
Never touch the parts or the electrical con-
tacts of the Xenon bulb. Always have work on
the Xenon bulbs carried out at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. G
WARNING
Bulbs, lamps and connectors can get very hot when operating. If you change a bulb, you
could burn yourself on these components.
There is a risk of injury.
Allow these components to cool down before changing a bulb.
! Make sure the bulbs are always securely
installed.
If your vehicle is equipped with Bi-Xenon
bulbs, you can recognize this by the following: the cone of light from the Xenon bulbs moves
from the top to the bottom and back again
when you start the engine. For this to be
observed, the low-beam headlamps must be
switched on before starting the engine.
The bulbs and lamps are an essential compo- nent of vehicle safety. You must therefore
make sure that these function correctly at all
times. Have the headlamp setting checked
regularly.
R Always switch off the vehicle's lighting sys-
tem before changing a bulb.
This will prevent a short circuit.
R Do not touch the glass tube of new bulbs
with your bare hands. Always use a clean,
lint-free cloth or only touch the base of the bulb when installing.
Even minor contamination can burn into
the glass surface and reduce the service life
of the bulbs. Changing bulbs
99Lights and windshield wipers Z
auxiliary heating system and the heater boos-
ter function switch off automatically. Heating time
The heating time when operating the auxiliary heating with the vehicle is stationary without
the engine running depends on the outside
temperature and the electrical consumers
switched on. Outside
tempera-
ture Heating
time Possible
startup proce-
dures
Above
23 ‡
(00F85 †) Approx.
20 minutes 6
23 ‡
(00F85 †) to
5 ‡
(00F815 †) Approx.
40 minutes 3
Below 5 ‡
(00F815 †) Approx.
50 minutes 2
You can then switch on the auxiliary heating
again.
If you do not start the engine for a while, the
total duration of heating is limited to a maxi-
mum of 120 minutes to protect the starter
battery. Switching on the auxiliary heating is
then automatically disabled. You can, for
example, switch on the auxiliary heating with- out the engine running if the outside temper-
ature is 00F85 ‡ (00F820 †) a maximum of two
times. If you try it again, the indicator lamps in
the 0084 button (Y page 123) flash alter-
nately for approximately 2 minutes to signal
switch-on interlock. The auxiliary heating can-
not be switched on without starting the
engine.
When the condition of charge of the starter
battery is sufficient again, the switch-on inter-
lock will be deactivated. To charge the starter
battery, let the engine run. The engine run
time required to reach the necessary condi- tion of charge depends on the outside tem-
perature and on the electrical consumers
switched on. Outside tempera-
ture Engine runtime
Above 32 ‡ (0 †) at least 10 minutes
32 ‡ (0 †) to 14 ‡
(00F810 †) at least 15 minutes
Below 14 ‡ (00F810 †) at least 20 minutes
Before switching on
X Check the fuel level and top up if necessary.
The auxiliary heating is operated directly
using the vehicle's fuel. The tank must be at
least a quarter full to ensure that the aux-
iliary heating functions.
X Switch on climate control (Y page 116).
X Set the temperature control to the desired
temperature (Y page 117).
X Set the air distribution as required
(Y page 117).
X Open the center (Y page 121) and side air
vents (Y page 121) and set them to the
middle position.
i The auxiliary heating automatically
switches to heater booster mode after the
engine is started. Operating with the button (control
panel)Operating the auxiliary heating system
123Climate control Z
Useful information
This Operator's Manual describes all models
as well as standard and optional equipment of your vehicle that were available at the time of going to print. Country-specific variations are
possible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the described functions.
This also applies to systems and functions
relevant to safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (Y page 25). Breaking-in notes
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
New or replaced brake pads and brake disks
only reach their optimum braking effect after
a few 100 miles (a few 100 kilometers). Until then, compensate for this by applying greaterforce to the brake pedal.
For the service life and economy of your vehi-
cle it is crucial that you break in the engine
with due care.
R Therefore, protect the engine for the first
1000 miles (1500 km) by driving at varying vehicle and engine speeds.
R Avoid overstraining the vehicle and high
engine speeds during this period, e.g. driv-
ing at full throttle. Do not exceed 00C6of the
maximum speed for each gear.
R Do not change down a gear manually in
order to brake.
R Try to avoid depressing the accelerator
pedal beyond the point of resistance (kick-
down).
R The shift ranges 3,2or 1should only be
engaged when driving slowly, e.g. when
driving in mountainous terrain.
After 1000 miles (1500 km), you can increase
the engine speed gradually and accelerate
the vehicle to full speed.
i You should also observe these notes on
breaking-in if the engine or parts of the drive train on your vehicle have been
replaced. Driving
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect, for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving. G
WARNING
If the parking brake has not been fully
released when driving, the parking brake can:
R overheat and cause a fire
R lose its hold function.
There is a risk of fire and an accident. Release
the parking brake fully before driving off.
If you park the vehicle for more than
three weeks:
R connect the batteries to a trickle charger or
R disconnect the vehicle's starter battery or
R switch off the electrical system using the
battery main switch (Y page 137) and
R disconnect the vehicle's auxiliary battery
Otherwise, you need to check the battery's
condition of charge every three weeks, since standby power consumption can drain the
battery. If the battery voltage is lower than
12.2 V, the battery must be charged. Other-
wise, the battery may be damaged by exhaus-
tive discharging.
Be sure to observe the notes on disconnect-
ing and charging the batteries under "Battery"
(Y page 258). You can obtain information
about trickle chargers from a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. 136
DrivingDriving and parking
Key positions
005A
To insert/remove the key, to lock the
steering wheel
0047 To unlock the steering wheel, power sup-
ply for some consumers (e.g. the radio)
0048 To switch on the ignition. Power supply for
all consumers, preglow and drive position
0049 To start the engine
On vehicles with a battery main switch, you
must first switch on the power supply
(Y page 137).
i To unlock the steering, move the steering
wheel slightly while turning the key to posi- tion 1. Preparing for a journey
Visual check of the vehicle exterior X
In particular, check the following compo-
nents on the vehicle, and on the trailer as
necessary:
R license plates, vehicle lighting, turn sig-
nals, brake lamps and wiper blades for
dirt and damage
R tires and wheels for firm seating, correct
tire pressure and general condition
R trailer tow hitch for play and security
The trailer coupling is one of the most
important vehicle parts with regard to
road safety. The separate instructions
issued by the manufacturer pertaining to operation, care and maintenance should
be observed.
X Rectify any noticeable defects before com-
mencing the journey.
Checks in the vehicle Emergency equipment/first-aid kit
X Check the equipment to make sure that it is
accessible, complete and ready for use.
The first aid and breakdown assistance equip-
ment is in the front door stowage compart-
ments and behind the driver's seat.
Vehicle lighting
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
X Check the lighting system with the aid of a
second person.
X Replace defective bulbs (Y page 99). Before driving off
G
WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell may restrict
the clearance around the pedals or block a
depressed pedal. This jeopardizes the oper-
ating and road safety of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Stow all objects securely in the vehicle so that
they do not get into the driver's footwell.
When using floormats or carpets, make sure
that they are properly secured so that they do not slip or obstruct the pedals. Do not place
several floormats or carpets on top of one
another. G
WARNING
Unsuitable footwear can hinder correct usage of the pedals, e.g.:
R shoes with thick soles
R shoes with high heels
R slippers
There is a risk of an accident. 138
DrivingDriving and pa
rking