G
WARNING
When driving off-road, your body is subject
to forces from all directions, due to the
uneven surface. You could be thrown from
your seat, for instance. There is a risk of
injury.
Always wear a seat belt, even when driving
off-road. G
WARNING
If you drive over obstacles or in ruts, the
steering wheel may jerk out of your grip,
causing injury to your hands.
Always hold the steering wheel firmly with
both hands. When driving over obstacles,
you must expect steering forces to increase
briefly and suddenly. G
WARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact
with hot parts of the exhaust system. There
is a risk of fire.
When driving on an unpaved road or off-
road, check the vehicle underside regularly.
In particular, remove trapped plant parts or
other flammable material. Contact a quali-
fied specialist workshop immediately if dam-
age is detected.
! When driving off-road or on unpaved surfa-
ces, check the underside of the vehicle as
well as the wheels and tires at regular inter-
vals. In particular, remove trapped foreign
objects, such as stones and branches.
Such foreign objects could:
R damage the chassis, the fuel tank or the
brake system
R cause imbalance and thereby vibrations
R be thrown out as you continue your jour-
ney
If there is any damage, inform a qualified
specialist workshop.
When driving off-road and on construction
sites, sand, mud and water mixed with oil, for
example, may get into the brakes. This may
lead to a reduction in braking performance or
total brake failure, also as a result of increased wear. The braking characteristics will vary
depending on the material that has got into
the system. Clean the brakes after driving off-
road. If you then notice reduced braking per-
formance or hear scraping noises, have the
brake system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop. Adjust your driving style to the
changed braking characteristics.
Driving off-road or on construction sites
increases the possibility of vehicle damage
which may in turn lead to the failure of certain
assemblies and systems. Adapt your driving
style to the off-road driving conditions. Drive
carefully. Have any vehicle damage rectified at
a qualified specialist workshop as soon as pos-
sible.
When loading your vehicle for driving off-road
or on a construction site, keep the vehicle's
center of gravity as low as possible.
Rules for driving off-road !
Always bear the vehicle's ground clear-
ance in mind and avoid obstacles, e.g. deep
ruts.
Obstacles may damage the following parts
of the vehicle:
R the chassis
R the drive train
R the fuel and supply tanks
For this reason, you should always drive
slowly when driving off-road. If you have to
drive over obstacles, have the front
passenger direct you.
i We recommend that you additionally carry
a shovel and a recovery rope with shackle in
the vehicle.
R Ensure that loads and items of luggage are
securely stowed or lashed down
(Y page
242).
R Before driving off-road, stop the vehicle and
shift to a low gear.
R If the surface requires, temporarily deacti-
vate ESP ®
when pulling away (Y page 69).
R Only drive off-road with the engine running
and a gear engaged.
R Drive slowly and smoothly. Walking pace is
necessary in many situations.
R Avoid spinning the drive wheels.
R Make sure that the wheels always remain in
contact with the ground. Driving tips
145
Driving and parking Z
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions? The fan motor is faulty.
X Check the coolant temperature (Y page 178).
X If the coolant temperature is below the maximum value specified
below, you can continue driving to the nearest qualified specialist
workshop.
Avoid heavy loads on the engine, e.g. driving in mountainous ter-
rain, and stop-and-go traffic.
Under normal driving conditions and at the correct coolant level, the
coolant temperature gauge may rise to the letter H.Check Coolant Level
+ The coolant level is too low.
! Avoid longer journeys when there is insufficient coolant in the
engine cooling system. You could otherwise damage the engine.
X Add coolant, making sure to observe the warning notes
(Y page
253).
X Have the engine cooling system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop if the coolant needs to be refilled more often than
usual. 4
Check Engine Oil
Level An additional warning tone sounds. The engine oil level has dropped
to the minimum level.
X Check the oil level at the latest when next refueling
(Y page
252).
X If necessary, add engine oil ( Y page
253).
X Have the engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop if you
need to add engine oil more often than usual.
! Avoid longer journeys when there is insufficient engine oil. You
could otherwise damage the engine. Manually Check Oil
Level Reminder to check the oil level.
X Check the oil level at the latest when next refueling
(Y page
252).
X If necessary, add engine oil (Y page
253).
X To confirm the oil check: press and hold 3.
! Avoid longer journeys when there is insufficient engine oil. You
could otherwise damage the engine. 4
Stop Vehicle Turn
Eng. Off The oil level is too low. There is a risk of engine damage.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away ( Y page
138).
X Check the oil level ( Y page
252).
X If necessary, add engine oil (Y page
253).Display messages (vehicles without steering wheel buttons)
205
On-board computer and displays Z
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions? The fan motor is faulty.
X Check the ? coolant temperature gauge in the instrument
cluster.
If the coolant temperature is below the maximum value specified
below, you can continue driving to the nearest qualified specialist
workshop.
Avoid heavy loads on the engine, e.g. driving in mountainous ter-
rain, and stop-start traffic.
Under normal operating conditions and at the correct coolant level,
the display may rise to the red mark. +
Check Coolant
Level See Oper.
Manual The coolant level is too low.
! Avoid longer journeys when there is insufficient coolant in the
engine cooling system. You could otherwise damage the engine.
X Add coolant, making sure to observe the warning notes
(Y page 253).
X Have the engine cooling system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop if the coolant needs to be refilled more often than
usual. 4
Check Engine Oil
At Next Refueling X
Check the oil level at the latest when next refueling
(Y page
252).
X If necessary, add engine oil (Y page
253).
X Have the engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop if you
need to add engine oil more often than usual.
! Avoid longer journeys when there is insufficient engine oil. You
could otherwise damage the engine. 4
Manually Check Oil
Level Reminder to check the oil level.
X Check the oil level at the latest when next refueling
(Y page
252).
X If necessary, add engine oil (Y page
253).
X To confirm the oil check: press a.
! Avoid longer journeys when there is insufficient engine oil. You
could otherwise damage the engine. 4
Eng. Oil Level
Low: Stop Vehicle
Turn Engine Off The oil level is too low. There is a risk of engine damage.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traffic
conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away ( Y page
138).
X Check the oil level ( Y page
252).
X If necessary, add engine oil (Y page
253).220
Display messages (vehicles with steering wheel buttons)
On-board computer and displays
replaced. If you use load securing aids or tie
downs which are worn out, the load may not
be sufficiently secured and could cause dam-
age to property.
In the event of an accident, have a damaged
cargo compartment floor or loading area, the
cargo tie-down rings and the tie down checked
at a specialist workshop. Otherwise, the load
may not be correctly secured the next time
anything is stowed.
Even if you follow all loading guidelines, the
load increases the risk of injury in the event of
an accident. Observe the information in the
"Securing a load"
(Y page 244) and "Load dis-
tribution" (Y page 243) sections.
You will find information about the maximum
roof load under "Cargo tie-down points and
carrier systems" (Y page 313). You will find
information about roof carriers under "Carrier
systems" (Y page 249). Before loading
! The anti-slip mats cannot be used for
securing goods and must be replaced when
they show signs of:
R Permanent deformation and crushing
R Crack formation
R Cuts
X Tire pressure: check the tire pressure and
correct if necessary
(Y page 282).
X Cargo compartment floor: clean the cargo
compartment floor.
The cargo compartment floor must be free
from oil and dust, dry and swept clean to
prevent the load from slipping.
X Place non-slip mats (anti-slip mats) on the
cargo compartment floor if necessary. During loading
X Observe the gross axle weight rating and
permissible gross vehicle weight for your
vehicle.
Take into account that your vehicle's curb
weight is increased if accessories or optional equipment are installed. The maxi-
mum payload is thus reduced.
X Observe the notes on load distribution
(Y page
243).
The overall center of gravity of the load
should always be as low as possible, cen-
tered and between the axles near the rear
axle.
X Secure the load (Y page
244).
Observe the legal requirements of the coun-
try in which you are currently driving. Checks after loading
G
DANGER
Combustion engines emit poisonous
exhaust gases, such as carbon monoxide.
Exhaust gases can enter the vehicle interior
if the tailgate/rear-end door is open when
the engine is running, especially if the vehi-
cle is in motion. There is a risk of poisoning.
Always switch off the engine before opening
the tailgate/rear-end door. Never drive the
vehicle when the tailgate/rear-end door is
open.
X Securing luggage/loads: make sure that
the luggage and/or load is secure before
every journey and at regular intervals during
a long journey, and correct it if necessary.
X Doors/tailgate: close the sliding doors and
tailgate/door.
X Tire pressure: adjust the tire pressure
according to the vehicle load
(Y page 282).
X Driving style: adapt your driving style
according to the vehicle load. Load distribution
General notes
! Excessive loads on individual points of the
cargo floor or on the load surface impair
vehicle handling characteristics and could
cause damage to the floor covering.
The overall center of gravity of the load should
always be as low as possible, centered and
between the axles near the rear axle. Load distribution
243
Transporting loads Z
Useful information
This Operator's Manual describes all models
as well as standard and optional equipment of
your vehicle that were available at the time of
going to print. Country-specific variations are
possible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the described functions.
This also applies to systems and functions rel-
evant to safety.
Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops (Y page
32).Engine compartment
Hood
Important safety notes G
WARNING
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. G
WARNING
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. G
WARNING
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:
R switch off the ignition
R never reach into the area where there is a
risk of danger from moving components,
such as the fan rotation area
R remove jewelry and watches
R keep items of clothing and hair, for exam-
ple, away from moving parts G
WARNING
The ignition system operates with a high
voltage. If you touch the live components,
you could receive an electric shock. There is
an increased risk of injury.
Never touch components of the ignition sys-
tem if:
R the engine is running or being started
R the key is in radio position or drive posi-
tion in the ignition lock
The live components of the ignition system
are, for example:
R ignition coils
R spark plug connectors
R diagnostic sockets G
WARNING
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.
If you have to carry out work in the engine
compartment, only touch the following compo-
nents:
R hood
R oil dipstick
R engine oil filler neck cap
R washer fluid reservoir cap
R coolant expansion tank cap250
Engine compartment
Maintenance and care
X
Hold support strut ? and lift the hood
slightly.
X Guide support strut ? towards retainer =
and apply slight pressure to make it engage.
X Lower the hood and allow it to fall with
momentum from a height of approximately
1 ft (30 cm
).
The hood locks audibly.
X Check that the hood is correctly locked.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. If the hood is not cor-
rectly engaged, open the hood again. Let
the hood fall with a little more momentum. Overview of the engine compart-
ment
Engine compartment (example)
:
Engine oil filler neck cap (Y page
252)
; Brake fluid reservoir cap (Y page
255)
= Coolant expansion tank cap ( Y page
253)
? Washer fluid reservoir cap (Y page
256)
Regularly check the fluid level and the assem-
bly for leaks. If you detect fluid loss, e.g. oil
stains on the vehicle parking space, consult a
qualified specialist workshop immediately. Engine oil
General notes !
Engine oil gets dirty in the course of opera-
tion and its quality and volume are gradually
diminished. Regularly check the oil level,
and top up or have it replaced as needed.
Observe the information on approved engine
oils and oil consumption under "Service prod-
ucts and capacities" ( Y page
308).You can check the oil level in the engine:
R with the oil dipstick
Checking the oil level using the oil dip-
stick G
WARNING
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. G
WARNING
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. Oil dipstick and engine oil filler neck
Only check the oil level when the engine is at
normal operating temperature. X Stop your vehicle as far away from traffic as
possible on level ground.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
X Switch off the engine.
X Wait for five minutes.252
Engine compartment
Maintenance and care
X
Open the hood (Y page 251).
X Pull out oil dipstick :.
X Wipe oil dipstick : using a lint-free cloth.
X Insert oil dipstick : back into the guide
tube as far as it will go and remove it again.
If the level is between MIN mark = and
MAX mark ;, the oil level is adequate.
X If the oil level has dropped to or below mini-
mum mark =, open cap ? and add engine
oil
(Y page 253).
The difference in quantity between
marks ; and = is approximately
2 US quarts (2 liters).
X Close the hood.
Adding engine oil G
WARNING
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. G
WARNING
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. G
WARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot
components 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
components before starting the engine. H
Environmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
! 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.
! Do not use any additives in the engine oil.
This could damage the engine. Engine oil filler neck (example)
Observe the information regarding approved
motor oil under "Service products and capaci-
ties" (Y page
308).
i When releasing the hood, the key must be
inserted in the ignition lock and in position 0
– ignition off.
X Open the hood (Y page
251).
X Unscrew and remove cap :.
X Add engine oil.
X Replace cap : on the filler neck and
tighten.
When doing so, make sure that the cap
engages correctly.
X Check the oil level with the oil dipstick
(Y page
252).
X Close the hood. Coolant
G
WARNING
Service products may be poisonous and haz-
ardous to health. There is a risk of injury. Engine compartment
253
Maintenance and care
Z
X
Turn cap : further and remove it from cool-
ant expansion tank ;.
X Check the coolant level.
If the coolant is up to marker bar =
in the
filler neck when cold, there is a sufficient
amount of coolant in coolant expansion
tank ;.
If the coolant is approximately 0.59 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar = in the filler
neck when warm, there is a sufficient
amount of coolant in coolant expansion
tank ;.
Adding coolant X If the coolant drops under marker bar = in
the filler neck, add coolant.
Observe the information on the correct cool-
ant mixture ratio and the required water
quality under "Service products and capaci-
ties" ( Y page
310). To prevent damage to
the engine cooling system, use only
approved corrosion inhibitor/antifreeze that
complies with the Mercedes-Benz Specifica-
tions for Service Products.
X Replace cap : and tighten in a clockwise
direction.
X Start the engine.
X Set the temperature in the vehicle interior to
the maximum output on the air-conditioning
system control panel.
X After approximately five minutes, switch off
the engine again and allow it to cool down.
X Check the coolant level again and add cool-
ant if necessary.
X Close the hood. Brake fluid
G
WARNING
Service products may be poisonous and haz-
ardous to health. There is a risk of injury.
Comply with instructions on the use, storage
and disposal of service products on the
labels of the respective original containers.
Always store service products sealed in their
original containers. Always keep service
products out of the reach of children. G
WARNING
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. G
WARNING
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.
Brake fluid is hazardous to health. Also
observe the safety notes under "Service prod-
ucts and capacities"
(Y page 305). G
WARNING
The brake fluid constantly absorbs moisture
from the air. This lowers the boiling point of
the brake fluid. If the boiling point of the
brake fluid is too low, vapor pockets may
form in the brake system when the brakes
are applied hard. This would impair braking
efficiency. There is a risk of an accident.
You should have the brake fluid renewed at
the specified intervals.
! If the brake fluid level in the brake fluid
reservoir has fallen to the MIN mark or
below, check the brake system immediately
for leaks. Also check the thickness of the
brake linings. Visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.
Do not add brake fluid. This does not cor-
rect the malfunction.
! Brake fluid corrodes paint, plastic and rub-
ber. If paint, plastic or rubber has come into
contact with brake fluid, rinse with water
immediately. Engine compartment
255
Maintenance and care Z