Useful information
i
This Operator's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment of
your vehicle available at the time of publica-
tion of the Operator's Manual. Country-spe-
cific 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 specialist
workshops: (Ypage 23).
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
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment may be very hot, e.g. the drive system
and radiator. Working in the engine compart-
ment poses a risk of injury.
If possible, let the drive system cool down and only touch the components described in the
following.
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 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.
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
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.
!Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield wip-
ers or the hood.
Do not touch the following when the ignition is
switched on:
Rignition coils
Rspark plug connectors
Rtest socket
Engine compartment235
Maintenance and care
Z
Opening the hood
The release lever on the hood is in the footwell
on the left-hand side of the vehicle when viewed
in the direction of travel.
XMake sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off.
XPull release lever:on the hood.
The hood is released.
XLift the hood slightly.
XPush the handle of hood catch ;in the direc-
tion of the arrow and lift the hood.
Closing the hood
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.
XLower the hood and let it fall from a height of
approximately 8 inches (20 cm).
XCheck that the hood has engaged properly.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it 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 (1000 km). The oil consumption may
be higher than this when the vehicle is new or if
you frequently drive at high engine speeds.
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: oil dipstick
On the G 63 AMG, the oil level can be checked
using the oil dipstick.
236Engine compartment
Maintenance and care
When checking the oil level:
Rpark the vehicle on a level surface.
Rthe engine should be switched off for approx-
imately five minutes if the engine is at normal
operating temperature.
Rthe engine should be switched off for at least
30 minutes if the engine is not at operating
temperature, e.g. if you only start the engine
briefly.
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.
XAdd oil if necessary.
On all other models, the on-board computer
must be used to check the engine oil level.
Checking the oil level using the on-
board computer
!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.
G 550: the oil level can only be checked using
the on-board computer.
When checking the oil level:
Rpark the vehicle on a level surface.
Rthe engine should be switched off for approx-
imately five minutes if the engine is at normal
operating temperature.
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position 2
in the ignition lock.
XPress the 9or: button on the steering
wheel to select the following message:
The measurement takes a few seconds. You will
see one of the following messages in the multi-
function display:
REngine Oil Level OK
RAdd1.0qt(Canada: 1.0liter)toreachmaximum oil level
RAdd 1.5 qts(Canada: 1.5 liters)toreach maximum oil level
RAdd 2.0 qts.(Canada: 2.0 liters)toreach maximum oil level
XAdd oil if necessary.
If the engine is at normal operating temperature and the Engine oil Reduce oil level
dis-
play appears, too much oil has been added.
XHave excess oil siphoned off.
If the Switch ignition on to check
engine oil levelmessage appears:
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 112).
If the Observe waiting time
message
appears:
XIf the engine is at normal operating tem-
perature: repeat the measurement after
approximately five minutes.
XIf the engine is not at normal operating
temperature: e.g. if the engine was only star-
ted briefly, repeat the measurement after
approximately 30 minutes.
If the Engine oil level Not when engine
onmessage appears:
XSwitch off the engine.
XIf the engine is at normal operating tem-
perature: wait about five minutes before car-
rying out the measurement.
XIf the engine is not at normal operating
temperature: e.g. if the engine was only star-
ted briefly, wait approximately 30 minutes
before carrying out the measurement.
iIf you wish to cancel the measurement,
press the 9or: button on the multi-
function steering wheel.
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.
Engine compartment237
Maintenance and care
Z
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
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 service sys-
tem. You can obtain a list of the engine oils
and oil filters tested and approved in accord- ance 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 notbeen 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. If the oil level is
above the "max" mark on the dipstick, too
much oil has been added. This can lead to
damage to the engine or the catalytic con-
verter. Have excess oil siphoned off.
Example: engine oil cap
XTurn cap :counter-clockwise and remove it.
XAdd the amount of oil required.
Observe the specifications in the on-board com-
puter when doing so or fill carefully to the max-
imum mark on the oil dipstick.
Further information on engine oil (
Ypage 292).
iThe difference between the minimum mark
and the maximum mark on the oil dipstick is
approximately 2.1 US qt (2 l).
XReplace cap :on the filler neck and tighten
clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place securely.
Additional service products
Checking coolant level
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
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.
238Engine compartment
Maintenance and care
Let the engine cool down before you open the
cap. Wear gloves and eye protection. Slowly
open the cap to relieve pressure.
XPark the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level when the vehicleis on a level surface and the engine has cooled
down.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2(Ypage 112)
in the ignition lock.
XCheck the coolant temperature display in the
instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).
XSlowly turn cap :half a turn counter-clock-
wise and allow excess pressure to escape.
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 ;.
If the coolant level is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar =in the filler neck
when warm, there is enough coolant in cool-
ant expansion tank ;.
XIf necessary, add coolant that has been tested
and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XReplace cap:and turn it clockwise as far as
it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(
Ypage 294).
Adding washer fluid to the windshield
washer system/headlamp cleaning
system
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
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.
Example: washer fluid reservoir
XTo open: pull cap:upwards by the tab.
XAdd the premixed washer fluid.
XTo close: press cap :onto the filler neck
until it engages.
On vehicles with the headlamp cleaning system,
the recommended minimum washer fluid level is
0.92 US gal (3.5 liters). On vehicles without the
headlamp cleaning system, the recommended
minimum washer fluid level is 0.26 US gal
(1 liter). If the washer fluid level drops below the
recommended minimum fluid level of
0.26 US gal (1 liter), a message appears in the
multifunction display prompting you to add
washer fluid (
Ypage 202).
Engine compartment239
Maintenance and care
Z
Further information on windshield washer fluid/
antifreeze (Ypage 295).
Brake fluid level
!If you notice that the brake fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the MIN
mark or less, check the brake system imme-
diately for leaks. Also check the thickness of
the brake linings. Visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.
Do not add brake fluid. This does not correct
the error.
Only check the brake fluid level when the vehicle
is on a level surface.
If the brake fluid level is between MIN mark :
and MAX mark ;on the brake fluid reservoir, it
is correct.
Maintenance
Service interval display
Service messages
Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see the separate Maintenance Book-
let).
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
The ASSYST service interval display informs you
of the next service due date.
If a service due date has been exceeded, you
also hear a warning tone.
The multifunction display shows a service mes-
sage for several seconds, e.g.:
Service A in 99999 Miles
Service A Due Now
Service A Exceeded By 99999 Miles
Maintaining the time-dependent service sched-
ule:
XBefore disconnecting the battery, note down
the service due date displayed.
or
XAfter reconnecting the battery, subtract the
battery disconnection periods from the ser-
vice date shown on the display.
iThe service interval display should not be
confused with the 4engine oil level dis-
play.
The symbol and the letter indicate which type of
service is due:
¯ Minor service A
±
Major service B
The ASSYST service interval display does not
take into account any periods of time during
which the battery is disconnected.
Hiding a service message
XTo hide the service message, press the %
back button on the multifunction steering
wheel (
Ypage 29)(Ypage 172).
Displaying service messages
Use the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel.
XSwitch on the ignition.
XPress =or; to select the standard
display menu on the steering wheel
(
Ypage 173).
XPress 9or: to select the service
interval display.
The ¯ or± service symbol and the ser-
vice due date are displayed.
Points to remember
The specified maintenance interval takes only
the normal operation of the vehicle into
account. Under arduous operating conditions or
increased load on the vehicle, maintenance
work must be carried out more frequently, for
example:
Rregular city driving with frequent intermediate
stops
Rif the vehicle is primarily used to travel short
distances
240Maintenance
Maintenance and care
Ruseinmountainous terrain or on poor road
surfaces
Rif the engine isoften left idling for long periods
Under these or similar conditions, have, for
example, the air filter, engine oil and oil filter
replaced or changed more frequently. Under
arduous operating conditions, the tires must be
checked more often. Further information can be
obtained at a qualified specialist workshop,e.g.
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Fuel/water separator
HEnvironmental note
Dispose of service products inan environ-
mentally responsible manner.
!Ifyou continue drivingwithout having the
fuel/water separator serviced, th iscould
cause damage to the engine. Any resulting
damage isnot covered bythe warranty.
If the fuel/water separator needs servicing, the
fol lowin g message appears inthe multifunction
displ ay:
Youwillalso hear a brief warning tone.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop as soon
as possible.
Care
General notes
GWAR NING
Many cleaning products can behazardous.
So me are poisonous, others are flammable.
Alwa ys follow the instructions on the particu-
lar container. Always open your veh icle's
doors or windows when cleaning the ins ide.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not
designed for cleaning your veh icle.
Always lock away cleaning products and keep
them out of reach of children.
!For cleaning your vehicle, donot use any of
the following:
Rdry, rough or hard cloths
Rabrasive cleaning agents
Rsolvents
Rcleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective films
wit h hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice scraper.
You could otherwise scratch or damage the
surfaces and protective film.
!Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after cleaning.
Braking heats the brake discs and the brake
pads/linings, thus drying them. The vehicle
can then beparked.
HEnvironmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible man-
ner.
Regular care of your vehicle isa condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents recom-
mended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Exterior care
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.
!Never clean your vehicle ina Touchless
Automat icCar Wash as these use special
Care241
Maintenance and care
Z
iWhen re-installing trim panel?, make sure
that retainer Aengages in recess B.
Removing the spare wheel
The spare wheel is heavy. Take particular note of
this when removing the spare wheel.
XRemove wheel nuts :.
XRemove the spare wheel.
Mounting the wheel
After changing a wheel:
XRepair or replace the damaged wheel as soon
as possible and secure the spare wheel in
place again.
XSecure the damaged wheel on the spare
wheel bracket with wheel nuts :. When
doing so, make sure that the wheel cannot
come loose.
XWhen re-installing trim panel ?, make sure
that retainer Bengages in recess A
(
Ypage 249).
XMake sure that tab ;is below when re-
installing cover ring :(Ypage 249).
XFor safety reasons, regularly check to ensure
that the wheel is securely fastened.
Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
XStop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground, as far away as possible from
traffic.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps
(Ypage 89).
XApply the parking brake.
XBring the front wheels into the straight-ahead
position.
XMove the selector lever to position P.
XSwitch off the engine.
XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
The steering wheel lock stays active for as
long as the SmartKey is removed.
XAll occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as
they do so.
XMake sure that no one is near the danger area
while a wheel is being changed. Anyone who
is not directly assisting in the wheel change
should, for example, stand behind the barrier.
XGet out of the vehicle. Pay attention to traffic
conditions when doing so.
XClose the driver's door.
Battery (vehicle)
Important safety notes
Special tools and expert knowledge are required
when working on the battery, e.g. removal and
installation. You should therefore have all work
involving the battery carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
GWARNING
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, the ABS (anti-lock braking system) or the
ESP
®(Electronic Stability Program). The oper-
ating safety of your vehicle may be restricted.
You could lose control of the vehicle, for
example:
Rwhen braking
Rin the event of abrupt steering maneuvers
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
250Battery (vehicle)
Breakdown assistance