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
should have all work involving the battery car-ried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
If ABS malfunctions, the wheels can lock during braking. This limits the steerability of the vehicle
when braking and may increase the braking dis-
tance.
If ESP
®malfunctions, the vehicle will not be sta-
bilized if it starts to skid or a wheel starts to spin.
iFor further information about ABS and
ESP®, see (Ypage 55) and (Ypage 57).
GWARNING
During the charging process, a battery produ-
ces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or
sparks are created, the hydrogen gas can
ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
RMake sure that the positive terminal of a
connected battery does not come into con- tact with vehicle parts.
RNever place metal objects or tools on a bat-
tery.
RIt is important that you observe the descri-
bed order of the battery terminals when
connecting and disconnecting a battery.
RWhen jump-starting, make sure that the
battery poles with identical polarity are
connected.
RIt is particularly important to observe the
described order when connecting and dis-
connecting the jumper cables.
RNever connect or disconnect the battery
terminals while the engine is running.
GWARNING
Electrostatic build-up can lead to the creation of sparks, which could ignite the highly explo-
sive gases of a battery. There is a risk of an
explosion.
Before handling the battery, touch the vehicle
body to remove any existing electrostatic
build-up.
The highly flammable gas mixture forms when
charging the battery as well as when jump-start-
ing. Always make sure that neither you nor the bat-
tery is electrostatically charged. A build-up of
electrostatic charge can be caused, for exam-
ple:
Rby wearing clothing made from synthetic
fibers
Rdue to friction between clothing and seats
Rif you push or pull the battery across the car-
pet or other synthetic materials
Rif you wipe the battery with a cloth
GWARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do
not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over
the battery. Keep children away from batter-
ies. Wash away battery acid immediately with
plenty of clean water and seek medical atten-
tion.
!Have the battery checked regularly at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Observe the service intervals in the Mainte-
nance Booklet or contact a qualified specialist
workshop for more information.
!You should have all work involving the bat-
tery carried out at a qualified specialist work-
shop. In the exceptional case that it is neces-
sary for you to disconnect the battery your-
self, make sure that:
Ryou switch off the engine and remove the
SmartKey. Check that all the indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster are off.
Otherwise, electronic components, such as
the alternator, may be damaged.
Ryou first remove the negative terminal
clamp and then the positive terminal
clamp. Never swap the terminal clamps.
Otherwise, the vehicle's electronic system
may be damaged.
Ron vehicles with automatic transmission,
the transmission is locked in position P
after disconnecting the battery. The vehicle
is secured against rolling away. You can
then no longer move the vehicle.
The battery and the cover of the positive ter-
minal clamp must be installed securely during
operation.
Battery (vehicle)251
Breakdown assistance
Z
the battery. Keep children away from batter-
ies. Wash away battery acid immediately withplenty of clean water and seek medical atten-
tion.
GWARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at tempera-
tures below freezing point. When jump-start-
ing the vehicle or charging the battery, gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of
an explosion.
Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before
charging it or jump-starting.
!Only charge the battery using the jump-
starting connection point.
!Only use battery chargers with a maximum
charging voltage of 14.8 V.
!Onlycharge the installed battery with a bat-
tery charger which has been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. These battery
chargers allow the battery to be charged while
still installed in the vehicle.
If, at low temperatures, the indicator lamps/
warning lamps in the instrument cluster do not
light up, it is highly likely that the discharged
battery has frozen. In this case you may neither
jump-start the vehicle nor charge the battery.
The service life of a thawed-out battery may be
shorter. The starting characteristics can be
impaired, particularly at low temperatures. Have
the thawed-out battery checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.
A battery charger unit specially adapted for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles and tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz is available as an
accessory. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for information and availability.
Charge the battery in accord
ance with the oper-
ating instructions for the battery charger.
The jump-starting connection point is in the
engine compartment (
Ypage 254).
XRead the operating instructions for the bat-
tery charger.
XOpen the hood (Ypage 236).
XConnect the battery charger to the positive
terminal and ground point in the same order
as when connecting the donor battery in the
jump-starting procedure (
Ypage 254).
Battery (vehicle)253
Breakdown assistance
Z
Jump-starting
For the jump-starting procedure, use only the jump-starting connection point, consisting of a pos-
itive terminal and a ground point, in the engine compartment.
GWARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over the
battery. Keep children away from batteries. Wash away battery acid immediately with plenty of
clean water and seek medical attention.
GWARNING
During charging and jump-starting, explosive gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explosion.
Particularly avoid fire, open flames, creating sparks and smoking. Ensure there is sufficient ven-
tilation while charging and jump-starting. Do not lean over a battery.
GWARNING
During the charging process, a battery produces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or sparks
are created, the hydrogen gas can ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
RMake sure that the positive terminal of a connected battery does not come into contact with
vehicle parts.
RNever place metal objects or tools on a battery.
RIt is important that you observe the described order of the battery terminals when connecting
and disconnecting a battery.
RWhen jump-starting, make sure that the battery poles with identical polarity are connected.
RIt is particularly important to observe the described order when connecting and disconnecting
the jumper cables.
RNever connect or disconnect the battery terminals while the engine is running.
GWARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at temperatures below freezing point. When jump-starting the
vehicle or charging the battery, gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explosion. Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before charging it or jump-starting.
!Vehicles with a gasoline engine: avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts. Otherwise, the
catalytic converter could be damaged by non-combusted fuel.
If, at low temperatures, the indicator lamps/warning lamps in the instrument cluster do not light up,
it is highly likely that the discharged battery has frozen. In this case you may neither jump-start the
vehicle nor charge the battery.
Once the battery has thawed out, its service life may be dramatically reduced.
The starting characteristics can be impaired, particularly at low temperatures.
Have the thawed-out battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
254Jump-starting
Breakdown assistance