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148Driving and operatingfor a further 2 seconds. The brakes
release automatically as soon as the
vehicle begins to accelerate.Caution
The Hill start assist cannot
completely prevent vehicle
movement in all situations
(extremely steep gradients, etc.).
If necessary, depress the brake
pedal to prevent the vehicle from
rolling forwards or backwards.
The Hill start assist is not active
during an Autostop.
Stop-start system 3 135.
Ride control systems
Traction Control system The Traction Control system (TC) is a component part of the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) which
improves driving stability when
necessary, regardless of the type of
road surface or tyre grip, by
preventing the drive wheels from
spinning.
As soon as the drive wheels starts to spin, engine output is reduced and
the wheel spinning the most is braked
individually. This considerably
improves the driving stability of the
vehicle on slippery road surfaces.
The Traction Control system is
operational as soon as the ignition is
switched on and control indicator b
extinguishes in the instrument cluster.
A corresponding message also
appears in the Driver Information
Centre 3 101.
When the Traction Control system is active b flashes.9 Warning
Do not let this special safety
feature tempt you into taking risks
when driving.
Adapt speed to the road
conditions.
Control indicator b 3 98.
Trailer stability assist 3 163.
Enhanced traction function
Page 151 of 231

Driving and operating149If necessary, in the event of soft
ground, mud or snow-covered road
surfaces, the Traction Control system
can be deactivated to enhance
traction:
Press Ø on the instrument panel.
Control indicator Ø illuminates in the
instrument cluster and a
corresponding message appears in
the Driver Information Centre 3 101.
When vehicle speed reaches 30 mph, the system switches
automatically from enhanced traction
function to Traction Control operation. Control indicator Ø extinguishes in
the instrument cluster.
Traction Control is reactivated by
pressing Ø again. Control indicator
Ø extinguishes.
Traction Control is also reactivated
the next time the ignition is switched
on.
Fault
If the system detects a fault, control
indicator b 3 98 illuminates together
with j 3 97 in the instrument cluster
and a corresponding message
appears in the Driver Information
Centre 3 101.
Traction Control system is not
operational. Have the cause of the
fault remedied by a workshop.
Vehicle messages 3 102.
Electronic Stability Control
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) improves driving stability when
necessary, regardless of the type of
road surface or tyre grip. It also
prevents the drive wheels from
spinning.As soon as the vehicle starts to
swerve (understeer / oversteer),
engine output is reduced and the
wheels are braked individually. This
considerably improves the driving
stability of the vehicle on slippery road
surfaces.
ESC is operational as soon as the
ignition is switched on and control
indicator b extinguishes in the
instrument cluster. A corresponding
message also appears in the Driver
Information Centre 3 101.
When ESC comes into action b
flashes.9 Warning
Do not let this special safety
feature tempt you into taking risks
when driving.
Adapt speed to the road
conditions.
Control indicator b 3 98.
Trailer stability assist 3 163.
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150Driving and operatingEnhanced traction function
If necessary, in the event of soft
ground, mud or snow-covered road
surfaces, ESC can be deactivated to
enhance traction:
Press Ø on the instrument panel.
Control indicator Ø illuminates in the
instrument cluster and a
corresponding message appears in
the Driver Information Centre 3 101.
When vehicle speed reaches 30 mph, the system switches
automatically from enhanced traction
function to ESC operation. Control
indicator Ø extinguishes in the
instrument cluster.
ESC is reactivated by pressing Ø
again. Control indicator Ø
extinguishes.
ESC is also reactivated the next time
the ignition is switched on.
Engine drag torque control
The engine drag torque control
system is an integral feature of ESC. When downshifting under slippery
road conditions, the engine speed
and torque increase to help prevent
locking of the drive wheels during
sudden deceleration.
Fault
If the system detects a fault, control indicator b 3 98 illuminates together
with j 3 97 in the instrument cluster
and a corresponding message
appears in the Driver Information
Centre 3 101.
The ESC is not operational. Have the cause of the fault remedied by a
workshop.
Vehicle messages 3 102.
Page 165 of 231
Driving and operating163In the case of trailer loads of
1200 kg or more, the vertical coupling
load should not be less than 50 kg.
Rear axle loadWhen the trailer is coupled and the
towing vehicle fully loaded (including all occupants), the permissible rear
axle load (see identification plate or
vehicle documents) must not be
exceeded.
Trailer stability assist
If the system detects snaking
movements, engine power is reduced
and the vehicle / trailer combination is selectively braked until the snaking
ceases. While the system is working,
keep steering wheel as still as
possible.
Trailer stability assist is a function of
the Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
3 149.
Page 184 of 231
182Vehicle careIt is advisable to carry a full set of
fuses. Provision is made in the fuse
box for the storing of spare fuses.
Some functions are protected by
several fuses.
Fuses may also be inserted without existence of a function.
Notice
Not all fuse box descriptions in this
Owner's Manual may apply to your
vehicle. Refer to the fuse box label,
where fitted.
Fuse extractor
A fuse extractor may be located on
the instrument panel fuse box cover.
Place the fuse extractor on the
various types of fuse from the top or
side, and withdraw fuse.
Instrument panel fuse box
The fuse box is located on the left-
hand side of the instrument panel, behind a trim panel.
Pull upper part of trim panel and
remove to access the fuse box.
Do not store any objects behind this
panel.
Some circuits may be protected by
several fuses.
Page 188 of 231

186Vehicle careWheels and tyres
Tyre condition, wheel condition Drive over edges slowly and at right
angles if possible. Driving over sharp
edges can cause tyre and wheel
damage. Do not trap tyres on the kerb when parking.
Regularly check the wheels for
damage. Seek the assistance of a
workshop in the event of damage or
unusual wear.
We recommend not swapping the
front wheels with the rear wheels and
vice versa, as this can affect vehicle
stability. Always use less worn tyres
on the rear axle.
Tyres
Factory-fitted tyres are matched to
the chassis and offer optimum driving comfort and safety.Winter tyres
Winter tyres improve driving safety at temperatures below 7 °C and should
therefore be fitted on all wheels.
In accordance with country-specific
regulations, a notice indicating the
maximum permissible speed for the
tyres must be affixed within the
driver's field of vision.
Tyre designations
E.g. 195/65 R 16 C 88 Q195:Tyre width, mm65:Cross-section ratio (tyre height
to tyre width), %R:Belt type: RadialRF:Type: RunFlat16:Wheel diameter, inchesC:Cargo or commercial use88:Load index e.g. 88 is
equivalent to 567 kgQ:Speed code letter
Speed code letter:
Q:up to 100 mphS:up to 112 mphT:up to 118 mphH:up to 130 mphV:up to 150 mphW:up to 168 mph
Choose a tyre appropriate for the
maximum speed of your vehicle.
The maximum speed is achievable at kerb weight with driver (75 kg) plus
125 kg payload. Optional equipment
could reduce the maximum speed of
the vehicle.
Directional tyres
Fit directional tyres such that they roll in the direction of travel. The rolling
direction is indicated by a symbol
(e.g. an arrow) on the sidewall.
Tyre pressure
Check the pressure of cold tyres at
least every 14 days and before any
long journey. Do not forget the spare
wheel. This also applies to vehicles
with tyre pressure monitoring system.
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188Vehicle careTyre pressure monitoring
system
The tyre pressure monitoring system
uses radio and sensor technology to
check tyre pressure levels.Caution
Tyre pressure monitoring system
warns only about low tyre pressure condition and does not replace
regular tyre maintenance by the
driver.
All wheels must be equipped with pressure sensors and the tyres must
have the prescribed pressure.
Notice
In countries where the tyre pressure
monitoring system is legally
required, the use of wheels without
pressure sensors will invalidate the
vehicle operating permit.
The tyre pressure monitoring system
sensors monitor the air pressure in
the tyres and transmit tyre pressure
readings to a receiver located in the
vehicle.
Tyre pressure chart 3 213.
Low tyre pressure condition
A detected low tyre pressure
condition is indicated by illumination
of control indicator w 3 99 and a
corresponding message appears in
the Driver Information Centre.
If w illuminates, stop as soon as
possible and inflate the tyres as
recommended 3 213.
After inflating, some driving may be
required to update the tyre pressure
values in the system. During this time
w may illuminate.
If
w illuminates at lower temperatures
and extinguishes after some driving,
this could be an indicator for
approaching a low tyre pressure
condition. Check tyre pressure of all
four tyres.
If the tyre pressure must be reduced
or increased, switch off ignition.
Only mount wheels with pressure
sensors, otherwise w flashes for
several seconds then illuminates
continuously together with control
indicator j 3 97 and a
corresponding message appears in
the Driver Information Centre.
A spare wheel or temporary spare
wheel is not equipped with pressure
sensors. The tyre pressure
monitoring system is not operational
for these wheels. For the further three wheels, the tyre pressure monitoring
system remains operational.
Control indicator w and the
corresponding message appears at
each ignition cycle until the tyres are
inflated to the correct tyre pressure.
Driver Information Centre 3 101.
Vehicle messages 3 102.
Page 194 of 231

192Vehicle care
6. Screw the filler hose to the tyrevalve.
7. The switch on the compressor must be set to O.
8. Connect the electrical connection cable to the power outlet or
cigarette lighter socket.
To avoid discharging the vehicle
battery, we recommend running
the engine.9. Set the rocker switch on the compressor to I. The tyre is filled
with sealant.
10. The compressor pressure gauge briefly indicates up to six bar
(600 kPa/87 psi). Then the
pressure starts to drop.
11. All of the sealant is pumped into the tyre. Then the tyre is inflated.12. The prescribed tyre pressure should be obtained within
15 minutes.
Tyre pressure 3 213.
When the correct pressure is
obtained, switch off the
compressor.
If the prescribed tyre pressure is
not obtained within 15 minutes,
remove the tyre repair kit. Move
the vehicle one tyre rotation
(approx. 2 m). Reattach the tyre
repair kit and continue the filling
procedure for 15 minutes. If the
prescribed tyre pressure is still not
obtained, the tyre is too badly