Page 297 of 374
Useful information............................296
Engine compartment ........................296
ASSYST PLUS .................................... 300
Care .................................................... 301
295
Maintenance and care
Page 298 of 374

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.
iRead the information on qualified special-
ist workshops (
Ypage 25).
Engine compartment
Hood
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the hood is unlatched, it may open up when the vehicle is in motion and block your view.
There is a risk of an accident.
Never unlatch the hood while driving. Before
every trip, ensure that the hood is locked.
GWARNING
When opening and closing the hood, it may
suddenly fall into the closed position. There is a risk of injury to persons within range of
movement of the hood.
Open and close the hood only when no one is
within its range of movement.
GWARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is over-
heated or when there is a fire in the engine
compartment could expose you to hot gases
or other service products. There is a risk of
injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department.
GWARNING
The engine compartment contains moving
components. Certain components, such as
the radiator fan, may continue to run or start
again suddenly when the ignition is off. There is a risk of injury.
If you need to do any work inside the engine
compartment:
Rswitch off the ignition
Rnever reach into the area where there is a
risk of danger from moving components,
such as the fan rotation area
Rremove jewelry and watches
Rkeep items of clothing and hair, for exam-
ple, away from moving parts
GWARNING
The ignition system and the fuel injection sys-
tem work under high voltage. If you touch
components which are under voltage, you
could get an electric shock. There is a risk of
injury.
Never touch components of the ignition sys-
tem or fuel injection system when the ignition
is switched on.
Opening the hood
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the
following.
GWARNING
When the hood is open and the windshield
wipers are set in motion, you can be injured by
the wiper linkage. There is a risk of injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before opening the hood.
296Engine compartment
Maintenance and care
Page 299 of 374

!Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield
wipers or the hood.
XMake sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off.
XPull release lever :on the hood.
The hood is released.
XReach into the gap between the hood and
the radiator trim and press hood catch
lever ;to the left.
XRaise the hood.
XPull support strut ?out of bracket A.
XLift up support strut ?and insert it into
yellow retaining clip =.
Closing the hood
XRaise the hood slightly and, at the same
time, remove support strut ?from yellow
retaining clip =.
XSwing support strut ?down and press it
into bracket Auntil it engages.
XLower the hood and let it fall from a height
of approximately 8 in (20 cm).
XCheck that the hood has engaged properly.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Do not press the hood
closed. Open the hood again and close it
with a little more force.
Engine oil
General notes
Depending on your driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qt (0.8 liters) of oil per 600 miles (1,000 km). The oil consumption
may be higher than this when the vehicle is
new or if you frequently drive at high engine
speeds.
Depending on the engine, the oil dipstick may
be in a different location.
When checking the oil level:
Rpark the vehicle on a level surface.
Rthe engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
Rif the engine is not at normal operating
temperature, e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly, wait about 30 minutes
before carrying out the measurement.
Engine compartment297
Maintenance and care
Z
Page 300 of 374

Checking the oil level using the oil dip-
stick
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the
following.
Example
XPull oil dipstick :out of the dipstick guide
tube.
XWipe off oil dipstick :.
XSlowly slide oil dipstick :into the guide
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
If the level is between MIN mark =and
MAX mark ;, the oil level is correct.
XIf the oil level has dropped to MIN mark =
or below, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter) engine oil.
Adding engine oil
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described in the
following.
GWARNING
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.
HEnvironmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful to
the environment.
!Only use engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles with a ser-
vice system. You can obtain a list of the
engine oils and oil filters tested and
approved in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service
Products at any Mercedes-Benz Service
center.
Damage to the engine or exhaust system is
caused by the following:
Rusing engine oils and oil filters that have
not been specifically approved for the
service system
Rreplacing engine oil and oil filters after
the interval for replacement specified by the service system has been exceeded
Rusing engine oil additives.
!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.
298Engine compartment
Maintenance and care
Page 301 of 374

Example: engine oil cap
XTurn cap:counter-clockwise and remove
it.
XAdd engine oil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark on
the oil dipstick, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 l)of
engine oil.
XReplace cap :on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
XCheck the oil level again with the oil dip-
stick (
Ypage 298).
Further information on engine oil
(
Ypage 368).
Checking and adding other service
products
Checking coolant level
GWARNING
The cooling system is pressurized, particularly
when the motor is warm. If you open the cap,
you could be scalded if hot coolant sprays out.
There is a risk of injury.
Let the engine cool down before you open the
cap. Wear gloves and eye protection. Slowly
open the cap to relieve pressure.
!The coolant may only be checked and cor-
rected when the engine is cool (coolant
temperature below 104 ‡ (40 †). Check-
ing the coolant when the coolant tempera-
ture is above 104 ‡ (40 †) may result in
damage to the engine or to the engine cool-
ing system.
Example
XPark the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level when the vehi-
cle is on a level surface and the engine has cooled down.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (
Ypage 147).
XCheck the coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
104 ‡ (40 †).
XTurn the SmartKey to position 0in the igni-
tion lock (
Ypage 147).
XSlowly turn cap :counter-clockwise and
to relieve excess pressure.
XTurn cap :further counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar =
in the filler neck when cold, there is enough
coolant in coolant expansion tank ;.
XIf necessary, add coolant that has been tes-
ted and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XReplace cap:and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(
Ypage 369).
Windshield washer system
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Engine compartment299
Maintenance and care
Z
Page 302 of 374

Working in the engine compartment poses a
risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down andtouch only the components described in the
following.
GWARNING
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.
XTo open: pull cap:upwards by the tab.
XAdd the premixed washer fluid.
XTo close: press cap :onto the filler neck
until it engages.
If the washer fluid level drops below the rec-
ommended minimum of 1 liter, a message
appears in the multifunction display prompt-
ing you to add washer fluid (
Ypage 256).
Further information on windshield washer
fluid/antifreeze (
Ypage 370).
ASSYST PLUS
Service message
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
informs you of the next service due date.
You can find information on the type of ser-
vice and service intervals in the Maintenance
Booklet. You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
iThe ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not show any information on the
engine oil level. Observe the notes on the
engine oil level (
Ypage 297).
The multifunction display shows a service
message for several seconds, e.g.:
RService A in .. Days
RService A Due
RService A Exceeded by .. Days
Depending on the operating conditions of the
vehicle, the remaining time or distance until
the next service due date is displayed.
The letter A
orB, possibly in connection with a
number or another letter, indicates the type
of service. A
stands for a minor service and B
for a major service.
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not take into account any periods of
time during which the battery is disconnec-
ted.
Maintaining the time-dependent service
schedule:
XNote down the service due date displayed
in the multifunction display before discon-
necting the battery.
or
XAfter reconnecting the battery, subtract
the battery disconnection periods from the service date shown on the display.
Hiding a service message
XPress the aor% button on the steer-
ing wheel.
300ASSYST PLUS
Maintenance and care
Page 303 of 374

Displaying service messages
XSwitchon th eignition .
XPress th e= or; buttonto selec tth e
Serv.
menu.
XPress th e9 or: buttonto selec tth e
ASSYST PLU S
submenuand confirm by
pressing th ea button.
The servic edue dat eappears in th emulti-
function display.
Information about Service
Resetting th eASSYS TPLUS service
interva ldisplay
!If th eASSYST PLU Sservic einterval dis -
play has been inadvertentl yreset ,this set -
ting can be correcte dat aqualified special-
ist workshop .
Hav eservic ewor kcarrie dout as described
in th eMaintenance Booklet .Thi smay oth-
erwise lead to increase dwear and damage
to th emajor assemblies or th evehicle.
A qualified specialis tworkshop ,e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Ben zCenter, will reset
th eASSYST PLU Sservic einterval display
after th eservic ewor khas been carrie dout .
You can also obtain further information on
maintenance work, fo rexample.
Specia lservice requirement s
The specifiedmaintenance interval take sonly
th enormal operation of th evehicle into
account. Under arduous operatin gcondition s
or increase dload on th evehicle, mainte -
nance wor kmus tbe carrie dout more fre-
quently, fo rexample:
Rregular city drivin gwit hfrequent intermedi-
at estops
Rif th evehicle is primarily used to trave l
short distances
Ruse in mountainous terrain or on poo rroad
surfaces
Rif th eengin eis ofte nlef tidlin gfo rlon gperi-
ods
Under these or similar conditions, have, fo r
example, th eair filter, engin eoil and oil filte r
replaced or changed more frequently. Under
arduous operatin gconditions, th etires mus t
be checke dmore often. Further information
can be obtained at aqualified specialist work-
shop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Ben zCen -
ter.
Drivin gabroad
An extensive Mercedes-Ben zServic enetwor k
is also available in other countries. You can
obtain further information from any author -
ized Mercedes-Ben zCenter.
Car e
General notes
HEnvironmental not e
Dispose of empty packagin gand cleanin g
cloths in an environmentally responsible man -
ner.
!Fo rcleanin gyour vehicle, do no tuse any
of th efollowing :
Rdry, rough or har dcloths
Rabrasiv ecleanin gagents
Rsolvents
Rcleanin gagents containin gsolvents
Do no tscrub .
Do no ttouch th esurfaces or protective
films wit hhar dobjects ,e.g. arin gor ic e
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage th esurfaces and protective film.
!Do no tpar kth evehicle fo ran extended
period straight after cleanin git,particularly
after havin gcleaned th ewheels wit hwhee l
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could caus e
increase dcorrosion of th ebrake discs and
brake pads/linings. Fo rthis reason ,you
Care301
Maintenance and care
Z
Page 304 of 374

should drive for a few minutes after clean-
ing. Braking heats the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings, thus drying them. The
vehicle can then be parked.
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents rec-
ommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Washing the vehicle and cleaning the
paintwork
Automatic car wash
GWARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
After the vehicle has been washed, brake
carefully while paying attention to the traffic
conditions until full braking power is restored.
!If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes automati-
cally in certain situations.
To prevent damage to the vehicle, deacti-
vate DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD func-
tion in the following or other similar situa-
tions:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
!Make sure that the automatic transmis-
sion is in position Nwhen washing your
vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The vehi-
cle could be damaged if the transmission is
in another position.
!Make sure that:
Rthe side windows and the sliding sunroof are fully closed.
Rthe ventilation/heating is switched off
(the OFF button has been pressed/the
airflow control is set to position 0).
Rthe windshield wiper switch is in position
0.
Otherwise, the vehicle might be damaged.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windshield and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the wind-
shield.
Washing by hand
In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in each coun-
try.
XDo not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
XUse a soft sponge to clean.
XUse a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XThoroughly hose down the vehicle with a
gentle jet of water.
XDo not point the water jet directly towardsthe air inlet.
XUse plenty of water and rinse out the
sponge frequently.
XRinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
XDo not let the cleaning agent dry on the
paintwork.
Carefully remove all deposits of road salt as
soon as possible when driving in winter.
302Care
Maintenance and care