
1, 2, 3 ...
4ETS (Electronic Traction System)Function/notes ................................ 57
12 V socket ........................................ 223
115 V socket ...................................... 223
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Display message ............................ 185
Function/notes ................................ 55
Important safety notes .................... 55
Warning lamp .................................2 06
Accident
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 46
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 59
Adaptive brake lights .......................... 56
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 292
Adjustable damping .......................... 118
Air bags
Deployment ..................................... 43
Display message ............................ 189
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 42
Important safety notes .................... 40
Introduction ..................................... 40
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indica-
tor lamp ...........................................3 5
Pelvis air bag ................................... 42
Side impact air bag .......................... 42
Window curtain air bag .................... 43
Air vents
Important safety notes .................. 109
Rear ............................................... 110
Setting ...........................................1 09
Setting the center air vents ........... 109
Setting the side air vents ...............1 09
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
All-wheel drive
Transfer case ................................. 162
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 182
Anti-lock braking system
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Anti-theft alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Approach/departure angle ..............140
A
shtray ............................................... 221
Assistance menu (on-board com-
puter) ..................................................1 78
ASSYST service interval display
Service messages .......................... 240
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ................... 59
Function ...........................................5 9
Switching off the alarm .................... 59
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 191
see Lights
Automatic car wash .......................... 241
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 116
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) .......................... 115
Automatic headlamp mode ................ 85
Automatic transmission
Automatic drive program ............... 123
Display message ............................ 201
Drive position (ECO start/stop
function) ........................................ 121
Driving tips .................................... 121
Emergency running mode .............. 127
Engaging drive position .................. 121
Engaging neutral ............................ 120
Engaging reverse gear ................... 120
Engaging the park position ............ 119
Important safety notes .................. 118
Kickdown ....................................... 122
Manual shifting .............................. 124
Neutral (ECO start/stop func-
tion) ............................................... 120
Overview ........................................ 118
Problem (malfunction) ................... 127
Program selector button ................ 122
Pulling away ................................... 113
Selector lever ................................ 119
Shift ranges ................................... 123
Steering wheel paddle shifters ...... 123
Trailer towing ................................. 122
Index3

Transmission position display ........ 119
Automatic transmission emer-
gency mode ....................................... 127
Axle load, permissible (trailer tow-
ing) ...................................................... 298
B
BabySmart™
Air bag deactivation system .............5 0
Backup lamp
Changing bulbs ................................ 96
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 56
Battery
Checking (SmartKey) ....................... 62
Important safety guidelines
(SmartKey) ....................................... 61
Replacing (SmartKey) ...................... 62
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 252
Display message ............................ 193
Important safety notes .................. 250
Jump starting ................................. 254
Overview ........................................ 250
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating ................. 178
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 178
Display message ............................ 196
Notes/function .............................. 155
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 187
Notes ............................................. 293
Warning lamp ................................. 205
Brake fluid level ................................ 240
Brake lamps
Adaptive ........................................... 56
Display message ............................ 190
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 55
BAS .................................................. 56
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 293
Display message ............................ 185
High-performance brake system .... 135
Important safety notes .................. 133
Maintenance .................................. 134
Parking brake ................................ 131
Riding tips ...................................... 133 Warning lamp ................................. 205
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting) ................................... 27
Brush guard ....................................... 231
Bulbs
Backup lamp .................................... 96
Brake lamp ...................................... 95
Rear fog lamp .................................. 96
Tail lamp .......................................... 95
see Replacing bulbs
C
CaliforniaImportant notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 20
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Care
Car wash ........................................ 241
Carpets .......................................... 247
Chrome parts ................................. 244
Display ........................................... 245
Gear or selector lever .................... 246
Headlamps ..................................... 244
Interior ........................................... 245
Matte finish ................................... 243
Notes ............................................. 241
Paint .............................................. 243
Plastic trim .................................... 245
Power washer ................................ 242
Rear view camera .......................... 244
Roof lining ...................................... 247
Seat belt ........................................ 246
Seat covers .................................... 246
Sensors ......................................... 244
Steering wheel ............................... 246
Tail pipes ....................................... 244
Trailer coupling .............................. 245
Trim strips ..................................... 246
Washing by hand ........................... 242
Wheels ........................................... 242
Windows ........................................ 243
Wiper blades .................................. 244
Wooden trim .................................. 246
4Index

Drive programAutomati c...................................... 12 3
Displa y.......................................... .119
SETUP (on-board computer) .......... 182
Driving in mountainous terrain
Approach/departure angle ............ 140
Driving downhill .............................1 40
Gradient-climbing capability
(maximum) ..................................... 140
Driving lamps
see Daytime running lamps
Driving off-road
see Off-road driving
Driving on flooded roads .................. 135
Driving safety systems
4ETS (Electronic Traction Sys-
tem) ................................................. 57
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 55
ADAPTIVE BRAKE .............................5 9
Adaptive brake lights ....................... 56
BAS (Brake Assist System) .............. 56
Electronic brake force distribu-
tion .................................................. 58
ESP
®(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 57
Important safety information ........... 55
Overview .......................................... 55
Driving systems
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 154
Cruise control ................................ 141
Display message ............................ 195
DISTRONIC PLUS ...........................147
HOLD function ............................... 157
PARKTRONIC ................................. 158
Rear view camera .......................... 161
SPEEDTRONIC ............................... 145
Variable SPEEDTRONIC ................. 145
Driving tips
Automatic transmission ................. 121
Brakes ...........................................1 33
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 153
Downhill gradient ........................... 133
Driving in winter .............................1 36
Driving on flooded roads ................ 135
Driving on sand .............................. 139
Driving over obstacles ................... 139
G
eneral .......................................... 132
Gravel roads .................................. 139 Hydroplaning ................................. 135
Icy road surfaces ........................... 136
Off-road driving .............................. 137
Off-road fording .............................1
35
Snow chains .................................. 264
Tire ruts ......................................... 139
Towing a trailer .............................. 166
Traveling uphill ............................... 140
Wet road surface ........................... 134
DVD audio
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 176
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 176
E
EASY-ENTRY featureActivating/deactivating ................. 181
Function/notes ................................ 79
EASY-EXIT feature
Function/notes ................................ 79
Switching on/off ........................... 181
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)
Display message ............................ 186
Function/notes ................................ 58
ECO start/stop function
Deactivating/activating ................. 114
General information ....................... 114
Electrical fuses
Fuse box in the cargo compart-
ment .............................................. 261
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP
®(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see 4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
Emergency
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 46
Emergency call
see mbrace
Emergency locking
Vehicle ............................................. 66
Emergency release
Vehicle ............................................. 66
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Activation ......................................... 43
Index7

Mechanical keyFunction/notes ................................ 61
General notes .................................. 61
Removing .........................................6 1
Memory card (audio) ......................... 176
Memory function ................................. 82
Message memory (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 184
Messages
see Display messages
Mirrors
Sun visor ........................................ 221
see Exterior mirrors
see Rear-view mirror
Mobile phone
Menu (on-board computer) ............ 177
Mounting wheels
Mounting a new wheel ................... 284
Raising the vehicle ......................... 282
Removing a wheel .......................... 283
Securing the vehicle against roll-
ing away ........................................ 282
MP3
Operation ....................................... 176
see separate operating instructions
Multifunction display
Function/notes ............................. 173
Permanent display ......................... 179
Multifunction steering wheel
Back button ................................... 172
Operating the on-board compute r..1 72
Overview .......................................... 29
N
Navigation
Menu (on-board computer) ............ 174
see separate operating instructions
NECK-PRO head restraints
Operation ......................................... 45
Resetting triggered .......................... 45
NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
Important safety notes .................... 45
Operation ......................................... 45
Resetting when triggered ................. 46
Notes on breaking-in a new vehi-
cle ....................................................... 111
O
Occupant safety
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 46
BabySmart™ air bag deactivation
system ............................................. 50
Children in the vehicle ..................... 46
Important safety notes .................... 35
Introduction to the restraint sys-
tem ............................................ 34, 47
PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator
lamps ............................................... 35
Pets in the vehicle ........................... 55
Restraint system warning lamp ........3 5
Off-road
Differential locks ........................... .164
Off-road ABS ....................................5 6
Off-road driving
Checklist ....................................... .138
Driving on sand .............................. 139
Important safety notes .................. 137
Traveling uphill ............................... 140
Off-road fording ................................. 135
Off-road system
Permanent all-wheel drive ............. 157
Oil
see Engine oil
On-board computer
AMG menu ..................................... 182
Assistance menu ........................... 178
Audio menu ................................... 176
Convenience submenu .................. 181
Display messages .......................... 184
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 151
Factory settings submenu ............. 181
Important safety notes .................. 170
Instrument cluster submenu .......... 179
Lighting submenu .......................... 179
Menu overview .............................. 173
Message memory .......................... 184
Navigation menu ............................ 174
Operation ....................................... 172
RACETIMER ................................... 182
Service menu ................................. 178
Settings menu ............................... 178
Standard display ............................ 173
Telephone menu ............................ 177
Index11

VentilationSetting the airflow ......................... 105
Video
Operating the DVD ......................... 176
VIN ...................................................... 288
W
Warning and indicator lamps
ABS ................................................ 206
Brakes ........................................... 205
Check Engine ................................. 210
Coolant .......................................... 210
Cruise control ................................ 142
Distance warning ........................... 212
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 212
ESP
®.............................................. 207
ESP®OFF ....................................... 208
Fuel tank ........................................ 210
LIM (DISTRONIC PLUS) .................. 149
LIM (variable SPEEDTRONIC) ......... 145
Overview .................................. 28, 202
Parking brake ................................ 209
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF ............... 35
Reserve fuel ................................... 210
Restraint system ............................ 209
Seat belt ........................................ 204
Tire pressure monitor .................... 213
Warning triangle ................................ 248
Warranty .............................................. 20
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 202
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 284
Wheels
Changing a wheel .......................... 281
Checking ........................................ 262
Cleaning ......................................... 242
Important safety notes .................. 262
Interchanging/changing ................ 281
Mounting a new wheel ................... 284
Mounting a wheel .......................... 282
Overview ........................................ 262
Removing a wheel .......................... 283
Storing ........................................... 282
Technical data ............................... 284
Tightening torque ........................... 284
Wheel size/tire size ....................... 284 Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 188
Operation ......................................... 43
Windows
see Side windows
Windows (cleaning instructions) ..... 243
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 105
Windshield heating ........................... 106
Windshield washer fluid
see Windshield washer system
Windshield washer system
Adding washer fluid ....................... 239
Notes ............................................. 295
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 98
Rear window wiper .......................... 97
Replacing the wiper blades .............. 97
Switching on/off .............................. 96
Winter
Driving in winter ............................. 136
Winter o
peration ............................ 264
Winter driving
Snow chains .................................. 264
Winter operation
Overview ........................................ 264
Winter tires
M+S tires ....................................... 264
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 244
Important safety notes .................... 97
Replacing ......................................... 97
18Index

Warning and indicator lamps
FunctionPage
:LLow-beam headlamps84
;TParking lamps, license
plate and instrument cluster
lighting
84
=÷ ESP®207
?KHigh-beam headlamps88
AElectric parking brake (yel-
low)131
FUSA only
!Canada only
B!Electric parking brake
(red)131
CJ Brakes (yellow)205
D·Distance warning212
E#! Turn signals88
FunctionPage
FhTire pressure monitor213
G6Restraint system34
HüSeat belt204
I?Coolant210
JRRear fog lamp86
K;Check Engine210
L8 Reserve fuel210
MåESP®OFF207
N!ABS206
OBrakes (red)
$(USA only)
J(Canada only)205
28Instrument cluster
At a glance

led child restraint system, and the age and
size of the child. Therefore, always observe
the information on "Children in the vehicle"
(
Ypage 46). There you will also find instruc-
tions on rearward and forward-facing child
restraint systems on the front-passenger
seat.
RAll other persons: the PASSENGER AIR BAG
OFF indicator lamp must be off. Be sure to
observe the notes on "Seat
belts“ (
Ypage 36) and "Air bags"
(Ypage 40). There you can also find infor-
mation on the correct seat position.
Observe the information on the BabySmart™ air
bag deactivation system in the front-passenger
seat (
Ypage 50).
Seat belts
Introduction
Seat belts are the most effective means of
restricting the movement of vehicle occupants
in the event of an accident or the vehicle rolling
over. This reduces the risk of vehicle occupants coming into contact with parts of the vehicle
interior or being ejected from the vehicle. Fur-
thermore, the seat belt helps to keep the vehicle
occupant in the best position in relation to the
air bag.
The seat belt system comprises:
RSeat belts
REmergency Tensioning Devices for the front
seat belts and the outer seat belts in the rear
RBelt force limiters
If the seat belt is pulled out at the belt sash guide
quickly or with a jerky movement, the belt
retractor locks. The belt strap cannot be extrac-
ted any further.
The Emergency Tensioning Device tightens the
seat belt in an accident, pulling the belt close
against the body. However it does not pull the
vehicle occupant back in the direction of the
backrest.
The Emergency Tensioning Device does not cor-
rect an incorrect seat position or the routing of
an incorrectly fastened seat belt.
When triggered, a belt force limiter helps to
reduce the force exerted by the seat belt on the
vehicle occupant.
The belt force limiters for the front seats are
synchronized with the front air bags, which absorb part of the deceleration force. This can
reduce the force exerted on the vehicle occu-
pants during an accident.
!If the front-passenger seat is unoccupied,
do not insert the belt tongue into the buckle of
the front-passenger seat. This may otherwise
lead to the triggering of the Em ergenc
y Ten-
sioning Device in the event of an accident,
which will then need to be replaced.
Important safety notes
The use of seat belts and child restraint systems is required by law in:
Rall 50 states
Rthe U.S. territories
Rthe District of Columbia
Rall Canadian provinces
Even where this is not required by law, all vehicle
occupants should correctly fasten their seat
belts before starting the journey.
GWARNING
If the seat belt is incorrectly fastened, it can-
not protect as intended. Furthermore, an
incorrectly fastened seat belt can cause addi-
tional injury, for example, in an accident, dur-
ing braking or when abruptly changing direc-
tion. This poses an increased risk of injury or
even fatal injury.
Make sure that all vehicle occupants are
seated properly with a correctly fastened seat belt.
GWARNING
The seat belt does not offer the intended level of protection if you have not moved the back-
rest to an almost vertical position. When brak-
ing or in the event of an accident, you could
slide underneath the seat belt and sustain
abdomen or neck injuries, for example. This
poses an increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Adjust the seat properly before beginning
your journey. Always ensure that the backrest
is in an almost vertical position and that the
shoulder section of your seat belt is routed
across the center of your shoulder.
36Occupant safety
Safety

always resting completely on the seat cush-
ion. Never place objects, e.g. cushions, underor behind the child restraint system. Only use
child restraint systems with the original cover
designed for them. Only replace damaged
covers with genuine covers.
GWARNING
If the child restraint system is installed incor-
rectly or is not secured, it can come loose in
the event of an accident, heavy braking or a
sudden change in direction. The child
restraint system could be thrown about, strik-
ing vehicle occupants. There is an increased
risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Always install child restraint systems prop-
erly, even if they are not being used. Make
sure that you observe the child restraint sys-
tem manufacturer's installation instructions.
You will find further information on stowing
objects, luggage and loads securely under
"Loading guidelines" (
Ypage 214).
GWARNING
Child restraint systems or their securing sys-
tems which have been damaged or subjected
to a load in an accident can no longer protect
as intended. The child cannot then be
restrained in the event of an accident, heavy
braking or sudden changes of direction. There is an increased risk of injury, possibly even
fatal.
Replace child restraint systems which have
been damaged or subjected to a load in an
accident as soon as possible. Have the secur-
ing systems on the child restraint system
checked at a qualified specialist workshop,
before you install a child restraint system
again.
Securing systems for child restraint systems
include:
Rthe seat belt system
Rthe LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing rings
RTop Tether anchorage points
iIf it is absolutely necessary to carry a child
on the front-passenger seat, be sure to observe the instructions on "Child restraint
systems on the front-passenger seat"
(
Ypage 51). This includes information on
deactivating the front-passenger air bag.
All child restraint systems must meet the fol-
lowing standards:
RU.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
213 and 225
RCanadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
213 and 210.2
A statement by the child restraint manufacturer
of compliance with these standards can be
found on the instruct ion label on t
he child
restraint system. You will also find the state-
ment in the instruction manual provided with the
child restraint system.
Observe the warning labels in the vehicle inte-
rior and on the child restraint system.
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat secur-
ing system
GWARNING
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint systems
do not offer sufficient protective effect for
children whose weight is greater than 48 lbs
(22 kg) who are secured using the safety belt integrated in the child restraint system. In the
event of an accident, a child might not be
restrained correctly. This poses an increased
risk of injury or even fatal injury.
If the child weighs more than 48 lbs (22 kg),
only use LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint
systems with which the child is also secured
with the vehicle seat belt. Also secure the
child restraint system with the Top Tether
belt, if available.
Always comply with the manufacturer's instal-
lation and operating instructions for the child
restraint system used.
Before every trip, make sure that the LATCH-
type (ISOFIX) child restraint system is engaged
correctly in both LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing
rings
!When installing the child restraint system,
make sure that the seat belt for the middle
seat does not get trapped. The seat belt could
otherwise be damaged.
48Children in the vehicle
Safety