2019 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA maintenance

Overview of climate control systems
General notes
Observe the settings recommended on the fol-lowing pages. The windows could otherwise fogup.
To prevent the windows from fogging up:
Rswitch off climate control only briefly
Rswitch on air-recirculation mode only briefly
Rswitch on the cooling with air dehumidifica-tion function
Rswitch on the defrost windshield functionbriefly, if required
The air-conditioning system or dual-zone auto-matic climate control regulates the temperatureand the humidity of the vehicle interior and fil-ters undesirable substances from the air.
The air-conditioning system or dual-zone auto-matic climate control can only be operatedwhen the engine is running. Optimum operationis only achieved with the side windows and pan-orama roof with power tilt/sliding panel closed.
If you start the engine using your smartphone,the last selected climate control setting is reac-tivated (Ypage 83).
The residual heat function can only be activatedor deactivated with the ignition switched off(Ypage 120).
Always keep the ventilation flaps behind theside trim panel in the cargo compartment clear(Ypage 107). Otherwise the vehicle will not beventilated correctly.
iVentilate the vehicle for a brief period duringwarm weather, e.g. using the convenienceopening feature (Ypage 83). This will speedup the cooling process and the desired inte-rior temperature will be reached morequickly.
iThe integrated filter filters out most parti-cles of dust and soot and completely filtersout pollen. It also reduces gaseous pollutantsand odors. A clogged filter reduces theamount of air supplied to the vehicle interior.For this reason, you should always observethe interval for replacing the filter, which isspecified in the Maintenance Booklet. As itdepends on environmental conditions, e.g.heavy air pollution, the interval may beshorter than stated in the Maintenance Book-let.
iIt is possible that under certain circumstan-ces the residual heat function may be activa-ted automatically an hour after the SmartKeyhas been removed in order to dry the auto-matic climate control. The vehicle is then ven-tilated for 30 minutes.
Overview of climate control systems111
Climate control

GWARNING
Limbs could be crushed or trapped if the
engine is started unintentionally during ser-
vice or maintenance work. There is a risk of
injury.
Always secure the engine against uninten-
tional starting before carrying out mainte-
nance or repair work.
Make sure that the engine cannot be started viayour smartphone before carrying out mainte-nance or repairs. You can prevent an enginestart via your smartphone, for example, if you:
Rswitch on the hazard warning lamps
Rdo not lock the doors
Ropen the hood
Pulling away
General notes
GWARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position:
orF, the vehicle could pull away suddenly.
There is a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position:or
F, always firmly depress the brake pedal
and do not simultaneously accelerate.
Depress the accelerator carefully when pullingaway.
The vehicle locks centrally once you have pulledaway. The locking knobs in the doors drop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at anytime.
You can also deactivate the automatic lockingfeature (Ypage 189).
Vehicles with automatic transmission:it ispossible to shift the transmission from position]to the desired position only if you depressthe brake pedal. Only then can the parking lockbe deactivated.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-cles):if you do not depress the brake pedal, theDIRECT SELECT lever can still be moved but theparking lock remains engaged.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles:if you do not depressthe brake pedal, the selector lever can still bemoved but the parking lock remains engaged.
At transmission fluid temperatures below

Drive sensibly – save fuel
Observe the following tips to save fuel:
RThe tires should always be inflated to the rec-ommended tire pressure.
RRemove unnecessary loads.
RRemove roof racks when they are not needed.
RWarm up the engine at low engine speeds.
RAvoid frequent acceleration or braking.
RHave all maintenance work carried out asindicated by the service intervals in the Main-tenance Booklet or by the service interval dis-play.
Fuel consumption also increases when driving incold weather, in stop-start traffic and in hilly ter-rain.
Drinking and driving
GWARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and judg-
ment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal acci-
dent is greatly increased when you drink or
take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or tak-
ing drugs.
Emission control
GDANGER
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases is hazardous to health
and can result in poisoning. There is a risk of
fatal injury. Therefore, never leave the engine
running in an enclosed space without ade-
quate ventilation.
Certain engine systems are designed to keepthe level of poisonous components in exhaustfumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency ifthey are serviced exactly in accordance with themanufacturer's specifications. Always have
work on the engine carried out at a qualifiedspecialist workshop. Mercedes-Benz recom-mends that you use an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this purpose. In particular, workrelevant to safety or on safety-related systemsmust be carried out at a qualified specialistworkshop.
The engine settings must not be changed underany circumstances. Furthermore, all specificservice work must be carried out at regularintervals and in accordance with the Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details can be foundin the Maintenance Booklet.
ECO display
The ECO display shows you how economicalyour driving style is. The ECO display assists youin achieving the most economical driving stylefor the selected settings and prevailing condi-tions. Your driving style can significantly influ-ence the vehicle's consumption.
CAcceleration
DCoasting

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.
To ensure the flow of fresh air through the airvents into the vehicle interior, please observethe following notes (Ypage 121):
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.
!Make sure that the windshield wipers arenot folded away from the windshield. Youcould otherwise damage the windshield wip-ers or the hood.
260Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

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 capCupwards by the tab.
XAdd the premixed washer fluid.
XTo close:press capConto the filler neckuntil it engages.
If the washer fluid level drops below the recom-mended minimum of 1 liter, a message appearsin the multifunction display prompting you toadd washer fluid (Ypage 218).
Further information on windshield washer fluid/antifreeze (Ypage 323).
ASSYST PLUS
Service message
The ASSYST PLUS service interval displayinforms you of the next service due date.
You can find information on the type of serviceand service intervals in the Maintenance Book-let.
You can obtain further information from anauthorized Mercedes-Benz Center or athttp://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
iThe ASSYST PLUS service interval displaydoes not show any information on the engineoil level. Observe the notes on the engine oillevel (Ypage 261).
The multifunction display shows a service mes-sage for several seconds, e.g.:
RService A in .. daysService A in .. days
RService A dueService A due
RService A overdue by .. daysService A overdue by .. days
Depending on the operating conditions of thevehicle, the remaining time or distance until thenext service due date is displayed.
The letterAAorBB, possibly in connection with anumber or another letter, indicates the type ofservice.AAstands for a minor service andBBfor amajor service.
You can obtain further information from anauthorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display doesnot take into account any periods of time duringwhich the battery is disconnected.
Maintaining the time-dependent service sched-ule:
XNote down the service due date displayed inthe multifunction display before disconnect-ing the battery.
or
XAfter reconnecting the battery, subtract thebattery disconnection periods from the ser-vice date shown on the display.
Hiding a service message
XPress thevor8button on the steeringwheel.
Displaying service messages
XSwitch on the ignition.
XPress theYorebutton to select theServ.Serv.menu.
XPress thecordbutton to select theASSYSTASSYSTPLUSPLUSsubmenu and confirm by press-ing thevbutton.The service due date appears in the multi-function display.
264ASSYST PLUS
Maintenance and care

Information about Service
Resetting the ASSYST PLUS service
interval display
!If the ASSYST PLUS service interval displayhas been inadvertently reset, this setting canbe corrected at a qualified specialist work-shop.
Have service work carried out as described inthe Maintenance Booklet. This may otherwiselead to increased wear and damage to themajor assemblies or the vehicle.
A qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an author-ized Mercedes-Benz Center, will reset theASSYST PLUS service interval display after theservice work has been carried out. You can alsoobtain further information on maintenancework, for example.
Special service requirements
The specified maintenance interval takes onlythe normal operation of the vehicle intoaccount. Under arduous operating conditions orincreased load on the vehicle, maintenancework must be carried out more frequently, forexample:
Rregular city driving with frequent intermediatestops
Rif the vehicle is primarily used to travel shortdistances
Ruse in mountainous terrain or on poor roadsurfaces
Rif the engine is often left idling for long periods
Rin particularly dusty conditions, or if air-recir-culation mode is frequently used
In these or similar operating conditions, havethe interior filter, engine air cleaner, engine oiland oil filter, for example, changed more fre-quently. Under arduous operating conditions,the tires must be checked more often. Furtherinformation can be obtained at a qualified spe-cialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Driving abroad
An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network isalso available in other countries. You can obtainfurther information from any authorizedMercedes-Benz Center.
Care
General notes
HEnvironmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible man-
ner.
!When cleaning your car, do not use:
Rdry, coarse or hard cloths
Rabrasive cleaning agents
Rsolvents
Rcleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces and films with hardobjects, e.g. rings or ice scrapers. Otherwise,you may scratch or damage the surfaces andfilms.
!Do not park your vehicle for a long period oftime directly after cleaning, particularly aftercleaning the wheel rim with wheel cleaner.Wheel cleaner can lead to the increased cor-rosion of the brake discs and pads. Therefore,drive for a few minutes after cleaning. Byheating up the brakes, the brake discs andpads dry. The vehicle can then be parked for along period of time.
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition forretaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents recom-mended 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.
!When Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC orthe HOLD function is activated, the vehiclebrakes automatically in certain situations.
Care265
Maintenance and care
Z

RPlug-type couplings
RLight bulbs
RSeals
RTrim elements
RVentilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components canlead to leaks or failures.
Cleaning the paintwork
!Do not affix:
Rstickers
Rfilms
Rmagnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwisedamage the paintwork.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected bycorrosion and damage caused by inadequatecare cannot always be completely repaired. Insuch cases, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
XRemove dirt immediately, where possible,while avoiding rubbing too hard.
XSoak insect remains with insect remover andrinse off the treated areas afterwards.
XSoak bird droppings with water and rinse offthe treated areas afterwards.
XRemove tree resin, oils, fuels and greases byrubbing gently with a cloth soaked in petro-leum ether or lighter fluid
XRemove coolant and brake fluid with a moistcloth and clear water.
XUse tar remover to remove tar stains.
XUse silicone remover to remove wax.
If water no longer forms "beads" on the paintsurface, use the paint care products recommen-ded and approved by Mercedes-Benz. This is thecase approximately every three to five months,depending on the climate conditions and thecare product used.
If dirt has penetrated the paint surface or if thepaint has become dull, the paint cleaner recom-mended and approved by Mercedes-Benzshould be used.
Do not use these care products in the sun or onthe hood while the hood is hot.
XUse a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MB Touch-Up Stick, to repair slight damage to the paint-work quickly and provisionally.
Matte finish care
!Never polish the vehicle or the light alloywheels. Polishing causes the finish to shine.
!The following can give the paint a glossyappearance and thus reduce the matt effect:
RRubbing hard with unsuitable agents
RWashing the vehicle in direct sunlight
!Never use paint cleaner, buffing or polishingproducts, or gloss preserver, e.g. wax, for thepurpose of paintwork care. These productsare only suitable for high-gloss surfaces. Theiruse on vehicles with matte paintwork leads toconsiderable surface damage or, more spe-cifically, to shiny, spotted areas.
Always have paintwork repairs carried out at aqualified specialist workshop.
!Only use automatic car washes which cor-respond to the latest technological stand-ards. Never use wash programs which finishby treating the vehicle with hot wax.
Observe these notes if your vehicle has a clearmatte finish. This will help you to avoid damageto the paintwork due to incorrect treatment.
These notes also apply to light alloy wheels witha clear matte finish.
Use only insect remover and car shampoo fromthe range of care products approved byMercedes-Benz.
Cleaning the decorative film
!The following may have an effect on the ser-vice life and color of decorative film:
Rsunlight
Rtemperature, e.g. hot-air fan
Rweather conditions
Rstone impacts and dirt
Rchemical cleaning agents
Rgreasy substances
!Do not use any types of polish on matt dec-orative film. Polishing surfaces covered withfilm gives it a shiny finish.
!Do not treat matt or structured decorativefilm with wax. This may lead to marks thatcannot be removed.
Observe the notes in the section on the care andtreatment of matte paintwork (Ypage 267),these notes also apply to matte decorative film.
Care267
Maintenance and care
Z

To clean, use plenty of water and a mild cleaningagent without additional or abrasive products,e.g. use a car shampoo approved for Mercedes-Benz.
XDry vehicles covered with film using a soft,absorbent cloth after every wash.Water marks could otherwise form.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected bycorrosion and damage caused by inadequatecare cannot always be completely repaired. Insuch cases, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
XRemove dirt immediately, where possible,while avoiding rubbing too hard.The decorative film may be irreparably dam-aged.
XSoak insect remains with insect remover andrinse off the treated areas afterwards.
XSoak bird droppings with water and rinse offthe treated areas afterwards.
The Paint Cleaner cleaning product, which hasbeen approved and recommended byMercedes-Benz, should be used when dirt haspenetrated the decorative film surface or thedecorative film has become dull.
The manufacturer can provide you with infor-mation on special care and cleaning products.
Laminated surfaces may exhibit optical differ-ences to surfaces which were not protected by adecorative film when the decorative film isremoved.
iHave work or repairs on decorative film car-ried out at a qualified specialist workshop.Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use anauthorized Mercedes-Benz Center for thispurpose.
Cleaning the vehicle parts
Cleaning the wheels
GWARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage
to the tires or chassis components. Compo-
nents damaged in this way may fail unexpect-
edly. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced imme-
diately.
!Do not use acidic wheel cleaning productsto remove brake dust. This could damagewheel bolts and brake components.
!Do not park your vehicle for a long period oftime directly after cleaning, particularly aftercleaning the wheel rim with wheel cleaner.Wheel cleaner can lead to the increased cor-rosion of the brake discs and pads. Therefore,drive for a few minutes after cleaning. Byheating up the brakes, the brake discs andpads dry. The vehicle can then be parked for along period of time.
Cleaning the windows
GWARNING
You could become trapped by the windshield
wipers if they start moving while cleaning the
windshield or wiper blades. There is a risk of
injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before cleaning the windshield or
wiper blades.
!Only fold the windshield wipers away fromthe windshield when vertical. Otherwise, youwill damage the hood.
!Do not use dry cloths, abrasive products,solvents or cleaning agents containing sol-vents to clean the inside of the windows. Donot touch the insides of the windows withhard objects, e.g. an ice scraper or ring. Thereis otherwise a risk of damaging the windows.
!Clean the water drainage channels of thewindshield and the rear window at regularintervals. Deposits such as leaves, petals andpollen may under certain circumstances pre-vent water from draining away. This can leadto corrosion damage and damage to elec-tronic components.
XClean the inside and outside of the windowswith a damp cloth and a cleaning product thatis recommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
268Care
Maintenance and care