Driving tips
AMG high-performance and
ceramic brakes .............................. 124
Aquaplanin g .................................. .125
Automatic transmission ................. 112
Brakes .......................................... .123
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 136
Downhill gradient ........................... 123
Driving abroad ................................. 88
Driving in winter ............................ .125
Driving on flooded roads ................ 125
Driving on wet roads ..................... .125
Fuel ................................................ 123
General .......................................... 123
Icy road surfaces ........................... 125
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 124
New brake disks ............................ 124
New brake pads/linings ................ 124
Running-in tips ............................... 101
Snow chains .................................. 263
Subjecting brakes to a load ........... 123
Symmetrical dipped bea m............... 88
The first 1500 km .......................... 101
Wet road surface ........................... 124
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 162
See also Digital Owner's Manua l... 205
DYNAMIC SELECT controller ............ 108E
E-SELECT lever ................................... 109
EASY-ENTRY feature
Function/note s................................ 83
EASY-EXIT feature
Function/note s................................ 83
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)
Display message ............................ 174
Function/note s................................ 60
ECO start/stop function
Automatic engine switch-off .......... 105
Climate control
(THERMOTRONIC )............................ 96
Deactivating/activating ................. 106
General information ....................... 105
Important safety notes .................. 105 Introduction ................................... 105
Electromagnetic compatibility
Declaration of conformity ................ 24
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Emergency
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 48
Emergency key
Unlocking the driver's door .............. 70
Emergency key element
Function/note s................................ 65
General notes .................................. 65
Inserting .......................................... 66
Locking vehicle ................................ 70
Removing ......................................... 65
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 70
Emergency spare wheel
General notes ................................ 273
Important safety notes .................. 273
Inflating the collapsible spare
wheel ............................................. 274
Removing ....................................... 273
Technical data ............................... 273
Emergency unlocking
Tailgate ............................................ 73
Vehicle ............................................. 70
Engine
Display message ............................ 183
ECO start/stop function ................ 105
Engine number ............................... 277
Jump-starting ................................. 253
Running irregularly ......................... 107
Starting problems .......................... 107
Starting the engine with the key .... 104
Starting with the Start/Stop but-
ton ................................................. 104
Stopping ........................................ 120
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 259
Warning lamp (engine diagnos-
tics) ............................................... 200
Engine electronics
Notes ............................................. 275
Problem (fault) ............................... 107
Engine oil
Additives ........................................ 279
Checking the oil level ..................... 233 Index
9
Roof lining and carpets (cleaning
instructions)
...................................... 243
Route guidance
See also Digital Owner's Manua l... 205 S
Safety Children in the vehicle ..................... 49
see Occupant safety
see Operating safety
Safety net ........................................... 219
Safety system
see Driving safety systems
SD card
Inserting/removing ........................ 215
SD memory card
See also Digital Owner's Manua l... 205
Selecting ........................................ 161
Seat
Adjusting (Performance Seat) .......... 80
Seat belt
Correct usage .................................. 37
Seat belts
Adjusting the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt ......................... 38
Cleaning ......................................... 243
Fastening ......................................... 38
Important safety guidelines ............. 36
Introduction ..................................... 36
Releasing ......................................... 38
Warning lamp ................................. 195
Warning lamp (function) ................... 38
Seats
Adjusting (electrically) ..................... 80
Adjusting (manually) ........................ 79
Adjusting lumbar support ................ 80
Adjusting the head restraint ............ 80
Cleaning the cover ......................... 243
Correct driver's seat position ........... 78
Important safety notes .................... 78
Seat heating problem ...................... 82
Storing settings (memory func-
tion) ................................................. 87
Switching seat heating on/of f......... 81
Selector lever
Cleaning ......................................... 243
Positions ........................................ 109 Sensors (cleaning instructions)
....... 241
Service
see ASSYST PLUS
Service Centre
see Qualified specialist workshop
Service menu (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 164
Service message
see ASSYST PLUS
Service products
Brake fluid ..................................... 279
Coolant (engine) ............................ 280
Engine oil ....................................... 279
Fuel ................................................ 277
Important safety notes .................. 277
Washer fluid ................................... 280
Setting the date/time format
See also Digital Owner's Manua l... 205
Setting the language
See also Digital Owner's Manua l... 205
Setting the time
See also Digital Owner's Manua l... 205
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) ......... 166
On-board compute r....................... 164
SETUP (on-board computer) ............. 168
Side lamps
Switching on/of f.............................. 89
Side windows
Convenience closing ........................ 75
Convenience opening ...................... 75
Important safety notes .................... 74
Opening/closing .............................. 74
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 76
Resetting ......................................... 75
Reversing feature ............................. 74
Sidebag ................................................ 40
SIM card
Inserting ........................................ 213
SMS
See also Digital Owner's Manua l... 205
Snow chains ...................................... 263
Socket
Luggage compartment ................... 222
Sockets
Centre console .............................. 222
General notes ................................ 222 16
Index
VIN
Seat ............................................... 277
Type plate ...................................... 276 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 197
Brakes ........................................... 196
Distance warning signal ................. 202
ESP ®
.............................................. 197
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 198
Fuel tank ........................................ 200
LIM (cruise control) ........................ 126
LIM (DISTRONIC PLUS) .................. 131
LIM (variable SPEEDTRONIC) ......... 128
Overview .......................................... 29
Parking brake ................................ 199
PASSENGER AIR BAG ...................... 35
Reserve fue l................................... 200
Seat belt ........................................ 195
Steering ......................................... 204
Tyre pressure monitor ................... 203
Warning triangle ................................ 245
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 193
Weather display (COMAND Online)
See also Digital Owner's Manua l... 205
Wheel and tyre combinations
Tyres .............................................. 272
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 272
Wheel chock ...................................... 268
Wheels
Changing a whee l.......................... 267
Changing/replacing ....................... 267
Checking ........................................ 262
Cleaning ......................................... 240
Emergency spare whee l................. 273
Fitting a new wheel ........................ 271
Fitting a wheel ............................... 268
Important safety notes .................. 261
Information on driving .................... 261
Removing a whee l.......................... 270
Storing ........................................... 268
Tightening torque ........................... 272
Wheel size/tyre size ...................... 272
Windowbag
Display message ............................ 179 Operation ......................................... 41
Windows
Cleaning ......................................... 240
see Side windows
Windscreen
Demisting ........................................ 98
Windscreen washer fluid
see Windscreen washer system
Windscreen washer system
Important safety notes .................. 280
Topping up ..................................... 236
Windscreen wipers
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 93
Replacing the wiper blades .............. 92
Switching on/of f.............................. 92
Winter operation
Important safety notes .................. 263
Slippery road surfaces ................... 125
Snow chains .................................. 263
Summer tyres ................................ 263
Winter tyres
Limiting the speed (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 166
M+S tyres ...................................... 263
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 241
Important safety notes .................... 92
Replacing ......................................... 92
Replacing (windscreen) .................... 93
Wooden trim (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 243
Workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop 20
Index
R
EBD ( electronic brake force distribution)
(Y page 60)
R ADAPTIVE BRAKE (Y page 60)Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style or if you are
inattentive, the driving safety systems can nei-
ther reduce the risk of an accident nor override the laws of physics. Driving safety systems are
merely aids designed to assist driving. You are
responsible for maintaining the distance to the
vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in
good time, and for staying in lane. Always adapt
your driving style to suit the prevailing road and weather conditions and maintain a safe distancefrom the vehicle in front. Drive carefully.
The driving safety systems described only work
as effectively as possible when there is ade-
quate contact between the tyres and the road
surface. Please pay special attention to the
notes on tyres, recommended minimum tyre
tread depths etc. (Y page 261).
In wintry driving conditions, always use winter
tyres (M+S tyres) and, if necessary, snow
chains. Only in this way will the driving safety
systems described in this section work as effec-
tively as possible. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
General notes ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way that
the wheels do not lock when you brake. This
allows you to continue steering the vehicle when braking.
The ! ABS warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
ABS works from a speed of about 8 km/h,
regardless of road-surface conditions. ABS
works on slippery surfaces, even when you only brake gently.
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 54). 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, includ-
ing driving safety systems, will also become
inoperative. Observe the information on the ABS warning lamp (Y page 197) and display mes-
sages which may be shown in the instrument
cluster (Y page 172).
Braking X
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking sit-
uation is over.
X To make a full brake application: depress
the brake pedal with full force.
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel a
pulsing in the brake pedal.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication
of hazardous road conditions; this serves as a
reminder to take extra care while driving. BAS (Brake Assist System)
General notes BAS operates in emergency braking situations.
If you depress the brake pedal quickly, BAS
automatically boosts the braking force, thus
shortening the stopping distance.
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 54). G
WARNING
If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance
in an emergency braking situation is
increased. There is a risk of accident. 54
Driving safety systemsSafety
G
WARNING
When SPORT handling mode is activated,
there is a greater risk of skidding and acci-
dents.
Only activate SPORT handling mode in the sit- uations described in the following.
In the following situations, it may be better to
activate SPORT handling mode or deactivate
ESP ®
:
R when snow chains are used
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
R on closed roads when the vehicle's own over-
steering and understeering characteristics
are desired
Driving in SPORT handling mode or without
ESP ®
requires a highly qualified and experi-
enced driver.
Activate ESP ®
as soon as the situations descri-
bed above no longer apply. ESP ®
will otherwise
not be able to stabilise the vehicle if the vehicle
starts to skid or a wheel starts to spin.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®X
To activate SPORT handling mode: briefly
press button :.
The M handling mode warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up. The SPORT SPORThan‐
han‐
dling mode
dling mode message appears in the multi-
function display.
X To deactivate SPORT handling mode:
briefly press button
:.
The M handling mode warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. ESP ®
is activa-
ted. X
To deactivate ESP ®
:press button :.
The å ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up. The ÷OFF
OFF
message appears in the multifunction display.
X To activate ESP ®
:when SPORT handling
mode is activated or ESP ®
is deactivated,
press button :.
The å ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. The ÷ON ON
message appears in the multifunction display.
Characteristics when SPORT handling
mode is activated
If SPORT handling mode is activated and one or
more wheels start to spin, the ÷ESP®
warn-
ing lamp on the instrument cluster flashes. In
such situations, ESP ®
will stabilise the vehicle
only to a limited degree.
When SPORT handling mode is activated:
R ESP ®
improves driving stability only to a limi-
ted degree
R traction control is still activated
R engine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels may start to spin
The spinning of the wheels results in a cut for
better traction on loose surfaces.
R ESP ®
continues to provide assistance when
the brakes are firmly applied
Characteristics when ESP ®
is deactivated
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ESP®
warning lamp on
the instrument cluster flashes. In such situa-
tions, ESP ®
will not stabilise the vehicle.
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability
R engine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels may start to spin
The spinning of the wheels results in a cut for
better traction on loose surfaces.
R traction control is still activated
R COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST is no longer
available, nor is it activated if you brake firmly
with assistance from ESP
R PRE-SAFE ®
is no longer available; nor is it
activated if you brake firmly and ESP ®
inter-
venes
R ESP ®
continues to provide assistance when
the brakes are firmly applied Driving safety systems
59Safety Z
Driving on wet roads
Aquaplaning If water has accumulated to a certain depth on
the road surface, there is a danger of aquaplan- ing occurring, even if:
R you are driving at low speeds
R the tyres have adequate tread depth
For this reason, drive in the following manner in the event of heavy rain or in conditions in which
aquaplaning can occur:
R lower your speed
R avoid tyre ruts
R avoid sudden steering movements
R brake carefully
Driving on flooded roads !
Bear in mind that vehicles travelling in front
or in the opposite direction create waves. This may cause the maximum permissible water
depth to be exceeded.
These notes must be observed under all cir-
cumstances. You could otherwise damage
the engine, the electronics or the transmis-
sion.
If you must drive on stretches of road on which
water has collected, please bear in mind that:
R in the case of standing water, the water level
must be no higher than the lower edge of the
vehicle body
R you should drive no faster than walking pace Winter driving
G
WARNING
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.
This increases the risk of skidding and having
an accident.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface. G
DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the
vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open a window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
You should drive particularly carefully on slip-
pery road surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration,
steering and braking manoeuvres. Do not use
cruise control.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Shift the transmission to position N.
X Try to bring the vehicle under control by using
corrective steering.
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device and
is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the freezing
point do not guarantee that the road surface is
free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in wooded areas or on bridges. The vehicle could
skid if you fail to adapt your driving style. Always
adapt your driving style and drive at a speed to
suit the prevailing weather conditions.
You should pay special attention to road condi-
tions when temperatures are around freezing
point.
Further information on driving with snow chains (Y page 263).
Further information on driving with summer
tyres (Y page 263).
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" sec-
tion (Y page 263). Driving tips
125Driving and pa rking Z
information regarding tyres at specialist tyre
retailers, at qualified specialist workshops or at any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
R Only fit tyres and wheels of the same type and
make.
Exception: it is permissible to fit a different
type or make in the event of a flat tyre.
R Only fit tyres of the correct size onto the
wheels.
R Run in new tyres at moderate speeds for the
first 100 km. They only reach their full per-
formance after this distance.
R Do not drive with tyres which have too little
tread depth. This otherwise significantly
reduces the traction on wet roads (aquaplan-
ing).
R Replace the tyres after six years at the latest,
regardless of wear.
Observe the notes on the emergency spare
wheel (Y page 273). Winter operation
General notes
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Changing a wheel"
section (Y page 267). Driving with summer tyres
At temperatures below +7 †, summer tyres lose
elasticity and therefore traction and braking
power. Change the tyres on your vehicle to
M+S tyres. Using summer tyres at very cold
temperatures could cause tears to form,
thereby damaging the tyres permanently.
Mercedes-Benz cannot accept responsibility for
this type of damage. G
WARNING
Damaged tyres can cause tyre inflation pres-
sure loss. As a result, you could lose control of your vehicle. There is a risk of accident.
Check the tyres regularly for signs of damageand replace any damaged tyres immediately. M+S tyres
G
WARNING
M+S tyres with a tyre tread depth of less than 4 mm are not suitable for use in winter as they
do not provide sufficient traction. There is a
risk of accident.
M+S tyres with a tread depth of less than
4 mm must be replaced.
At temperatures below +7 †, use winter tyres or all-season tyres. Both types of tyre are identified
by the M+S marking.
Only winter tyres bearing the isnowflake
symbol in addition to the M+S marking provide
the best possible grip in wintry road conditions. Only these tyres will allow driving safety sys-
tems such as ABS and ESP ®
to function opti-
mally in winter. These tyres have been devel-
oped specifically for driving in snow.
Use M+S tyres of the same make and tread on all
wheels to maintain safe handling characteris-
tics.
Always observe the maximum permissible
speed specified for the M+S tyres you have fit-
ted.
If you fit M+S tyre sthat have a lower maximum
permissible speed than that of the vehicle, affix
an appropriate warning label in the driver's field
of vision. This can be obtained at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Under these circumstances, you should also
restrict the maximum design speed of the vehi- cle using permanent SPEEDTRONIC so that it
does not exceed the maximum permissible
speed for the M+S tyres (Y page 130).
When you have fitted the M+S tyres:
X Check the tyre pressures (Y page 264).
X Restart the tyre pressure monitor
(Y page 267).
Information on driving with an emergency spare
wheel (Y page 273). Snow chains
G
WARNING
If you have fitted snow chains to the front
wheels, they may scrape against the vehicle
body or chassis components. This could Winter operation
263Wheels and tyres
Z
cause damage to the vehicle or the tyres.
There is a risk of an accident.
To avoid hazardous situations:
R never fit snow chains on the front wheels
R fit snow chains to the rear wheels in pairs.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use snow chains that have been specifically approved for your vehicle by
Mercedes-Benz, or that are of a corresponding
standard of quality. For more information,
please contact a qualified specialist workshop.
If you intend to fit snow chains, please bear the
following points in mind:
R snow chains cannot be fitted to all wheel-tyre
combinations. Permissible wheel-tyre combi-
nations (Y page 272).
R only use snow chains if the road surface is
completely snow-covered. Remove the snow
chains as soon as possible when you come to
a road that is not snow-covered.
R local regulations may restrict the use of snow
chains. Observe the appropriate regulations if you wish to fit snow chains.
R do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed of 50 km/h.
When pulling away with snow chains fitted, you can deactivate ESP ®
(Y page 58). This way you
can allow the wheels to spin in a controlled
manner, achieving increased driving force (cut-
ting action).
Information about driving with an emergency
spare wheel (Y page 273). Tyre pressure
Tyre pressure specifications
G
WARNING
Underinflated or overinflated tyres pose the
following risks:
R the tyres may burst, especially as the load
and vehicle speed increase.
R the tyres may wear excessively and/or
unevenly, which may greatly impair tyre
traction.
R the driving characteristics, as well as steer-
ing and braking, may be greatly impaired. There is a risk of an accident.
Observe the recommended tyre pressure and
check the tyre pressure of all the tyres includ-
ing the spare wheel:
R at least every two weeks
R when the load changes
R before embarking on a longer journey
R for changed operating conditions, e.g. off-
road driving
If necessary, correct the tyre pressure. G
WARNING
If you fit unsuitable accessories onto tyre
valves, the tyre valves may be overloaded and malfunction, which can cause tyre pressure
loss. Due to their design, retrofitted tyre pres-
sure monitors keep the tyre valve open. This
can also result in tyre pressure loss. There is a risk of accident.
Only screw standard valve caps or valve caps
specifically provided by Mercedes-Benz for
your vehicle onto the tyre valve. G
WARNING
If the tyre pressure drops repeatedly, the
wheel, valve or tyre may be damaged. Tyre
pressure that is too low may result in a tyre
blow-out. There is a risk of accident.
R Check the tyre for foreign objects.
R Check whether the wheel is losing air or the
valve is leaking.
If you are unable to rectify the damage, con-
tact a qualified specialist workshop. H
Environmental note
Check the tyre pressure regularly, at least
every 14 days.
The recommended tyre pressures for various
operating conditions can be found in the tyre
pressure table on the fuel filler flap
(Y page 118).
Operation with an emergency spare wheel:
information on operation with an emergency
spare wheel can be found in the general notes in 264
Tyre pressureWheels and tyres