S
ommer\ Corporate\ Media\
AG
Operator’s Manual
M-Class
1645847281
Order No. 6515 4274 13 Part No. 164 584 72 81 Edition A 2008
M-Class
ML 320 CDI
ML 350
ML 550
ML 63 AMG
Our company and staff congratulate you
on the purchase of your new
Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a demonstration of your trust in our company
name. Furthermore, it exemplifies your desire to own an automobile that will be as
easy as possible to operate and provide
years of service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To help assure your driving pleasure,
and also the safety of you and your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of time:
앫 Please read this manual carefully,
then return it to your vehicle where it
will be handy for your reference.
앫 Please follow the recommendations
contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
앫 Please pay attention to the warnings
and cautions contained in this manual.
They are designed to help improve the
safety of the vehicle operator and occupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles
of safe, pleasurable driving.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A DaimlerChrysler Company
Contents
Introduction .......................................... 9
Product information................................ 9
Operator’s Manual ............................... 10
Service and warranty information .. 10
Important notice for California
retail buyers and lessees of
Mercedes-Benz automobiles .......... 11
Maintenance .................................. 12
Roadside Assistance ...................... 12
Change of address or ownership.... 13
Operating your vehicle
outside the USA or Canada............ 13
Where to find it.................................... 15
Symbols............................................... 16
Operating safety .................................. 17
Proper use of the vehicle ............... 17
Problems with your vehicle.................. 18
Reporting safety defects...................... 19
Reporting safety defects ................ 19
Vehicle data recording......................... 20
Information regarding electronic
recording devices........................... 20
At a glance .......................................... 21
Exterior view......................................... 22
Cockpit................................................. 24
Instrument cluster ................................ 26
Instrument cluster ................................ 28
Multifunction steering wheel ................ 30
Center console ..................................... 31
Upper part ...................................... 31
Lower part ...................................... 32
Overhead control panel ........................ 33
Storage compartments......................... 34
Door control panel................................ 36
Getting started ................................... 37
Unlocking ............................................. 38
Unlocking with the SmartKey ......... 38
Unlocking with KEYLESS-GO*......... 39
Starter switch positions.................. 39
Adjusting .............................................. 43
Seats .............................................. 43
Steering wheel................................ 46
Mirrors............................................ 49
Driving.................................................. 51
Fastening the seat belts ................. 51
Starting the engine ......................... 54
Parking brake ................................. 57
Driving off ....................................... 58
Switching on headlamps ................. 59
Turn signals .................................... 60
Windshield wipers........................... 60
Rear window wiper/washer ............ 62
Problems while driving.................... 63
Parking and locking .............................. 65
Parking brake ................................. 65
Switching off headlamps................. 66
Turning off the engine..................... 66
Releasing seat belts........................ 68
Locking........................................... 68
Contents
Safety and Security ........................... 71
Occupant safety................................... 72
Air bags .......................................... 74
Occupant Classification System..... 79
Seat belts ....................................... 84
Active head restraint ...................... 88
Rear head restraints ....................... 89
Children in the vehicle.................... 89
Blocking of rear door
window operation........................... 96
Panic alarm .......................................... 97
Activating ....................................... 97
Deactivating ................................... 97
Driving safety systems......................... 98
ABS ................................................ 98
BAS .............................................. 100
®
ESP
............................................. 100
EBP............................................... 104
4-ETS............................................ 104
Anti-theft systems.............................. 106
Immobilizer................................... 106
Anti-theft alarm system ................ 106
Controls in detail ............................. 109
Locking and unlocking ....................... 110
SmartKey ..................................... 110
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* ...... 113
Checking the batteries in the
SmartKey or SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* .............................. 118
Loss of the SmartKey or
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* ...... 118
Opening the doors
from the inside............................. 118
Tailgate/Power tailgate*.............. 119
Automatic central locking ............ 125
Locking and unlocking
from the inside............................. 126
Seats ................................................. 127
Front seat active head restraints . 127
Rear seat head restraints ............. 127
Lumbar support............................ 129
Multicontour seat*....................... 129
Seat heating*............................... 130
Seat ventilation* .......................... 131
Memory function* ............................. 133
Storing positions into memory ..... 134
Recalling positions from memory. 134
Lighting ............................................. 135
Exterior lamp switch .................... 135
Combination switch ..................... 139
Corner-illuminating
front fog lamps*........................... 140
Hazard warning flasher ................ 141
Interior lighting ............................ 142
Door entry lamps ......................... 144
Cargo compartment lamp ............ 144
Instrument cluster ............................. 145
Adjusting instrument
cluster illumination ...................... 145
Resetting trip odometer ............... 146
Tachometer.................................. 146
Outside temperature indicator..... 146
Contents
Control system .................................. 147
Multifunction display.................... 147
Multifunction steering wheel........ 148
Menus .......................................... 150
Standard display menu ................ 154
AMG menu ................................... 156
Off-road Mode menu .................... 159
AUDIO menu ................................ 160
NAV* menu.................................. 161
AIRMATIC*/Compass menu ........ 162
Vehicle status message
memory menu .............................. 162
Settings menu.............................. 163
Vehicle configuration ................... 177
Trip computer menu..................... 178
TEL* menu ................................... 180
Automatic transmission..................... 183
Gear selector lever....................... 183
Shifting procedure ....................... 186
Transmission positions................. 187
Driving tips................................... 190
Gear ranges ................................. 192
Steering wheel gearshift control .. 193
Shift program (ML 63 AMG only).. 194
Emergency operation
(Limp-Home Mode) ...................... 197
Transfer case...................................... 198
Good visibility..................................... 199
Headlamp cleaning system* ......... 199
Rear view mirrors.......................... 199
Power folding exterior
rear view mirrors*......................... 200
Sun visors ..................................... 201
Rear window defroster.................. 203
Climate control................................... 204
Deactivating the
climate control system ................. 208
Operating the climate control
system in automatic mode............ 208
Setting the temperature................ 209
Adjusting air distribution............... 209
Adjusting air volume ..................... 210
Front defroster.............................. 210
Air recirculation mode .................. 212
Air conditioning............................. 214
Residual heat and ventilation........ 215
Rear climate control*.................... 216
3-zone automatic climate control*..... 218
Deactivating the
automatic climate
control system.............................. 222
Operating the automatic
climate control system
in automatic mode........................ 223
Setting the temperature ............... 223
Adjusting air distribution .............. 224
Adjusting air volume ..................... 225
Front defroster ............................. 225
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL........ 226
Air recirculation mode .................. 227
Air conditioning ............................ 229
Using driver-side settings
for all temperature zones.............. 229
Residual heat and ventilation........ 230
Rear automatic climate control..... 231
Power windows .................................. 235
Door windows............................... 236
Synchronizing the door windows .. 237
Summer opening feature .............. 237
Convenience closing feature......... 238
Power tilt/sliding sunroof .................. 240
Opening and closing ..................... 240
Synchronizing ............................... 242
Contents
Driving systems ................................. 244
Cruise control............................... 244
Downhill Speed Regulation
(DSR)............................................ 249
Off-road driving program .............. 253
Air suspension program* ............. 254
Adaptive Damping System
(ADS)*.......................................... 255
Vehicle level control* ................... 255
Parktronic system* ...................... 259
Rear view camera* ....................... 264
Loading .............................................. 266
Carriers* ...................................... 266
Loading instructions..................... 266
Cargo tie-down rings .................... 268
Hooks........................................... 269
Expanding cargo compartment .... 269
Cargo compartment cover blind... 271
Cargo net* ................................... 272
Cargo management system*........ 275
Useful features .................................. 279
Storage compartments ................ 279
Parcel nets ................................... 283
Cup holders.................................. 284
Ashtrays ....................................... 285
Cigarette lighter ........................... 286
Power outlets ............................... 287
Floormats..................................... 289
Heated steering wheel* ............... 290
Telephone* .................................. 291
Tele Aid ........................................ 294
Garage door opener ..................... 302
Compass ...................................... 307
Infrared reflecting windshield*..... 308
Operation ......................................... 309
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)......... 310
Driving instructions ........................... 311
Drive sensibly – save fuel............. 311
Drinking and driving..................... 311
Pedals .......................................... 311
Power assistance ......................... 312
Brakes.......................................... 312
Driving off .................................... 315
Parking......................................... 315
Tires............................................. 315
Hydroplaning................................ 316
Tire traction ................................. 316
Tire speed rating .......................... 317
Winter driving instructions ........... 318
Standing water............................. 319
Off-road driving ............................ 319
Trailer towing ............................... 328
Passenger compartment.............. 334
Driving abroad ............................. 334
Control and operation of radio
transmitters ................................. 334
Catalytic converter
(gasoline engine).......................... 335
Contents
Oxidation catalyst
(diesel engine).............................. 335
Emission control .......................... 335
Coolant temperature.................... 336
At the gas station .............................. 337
Refueling...................................... 337
Check regularly and
before a long trip.......................... 339
Engine compartment ......................... 341
Hood ............................................ 341
Engine oil ..................................... 343
Transmission fluid level................ 345
Coolant level ................................ 345
Windshield/rear window
washer system and
headlamp cleaning system* ........ 346
Tires and wheels................................ 348
Important guidelines .................... 348
Tire care and maintenance........... 349
Direction of rotation..................... 351
Loading the vehicle ...................... 351
Recommended tire
inflation pressure ......................... 357
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 359
Tire labeling.................................. 370
Load identification ....................... 374
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) .............................................. 374
Maximum tire load ........................ 376
Maximum tire inflation pressure ... 376
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles).............. 377
Tire ply material ............................ 379
Tire and loading terminology......... 379
Rotating tires ................................ 382
Winter driving ..................................... 384
Winter tires ................................... 384
Block heater (Canada only) ........... 385
Snow chains.................................. 385
Maintenance....................................... 386
Maintenance service indicator
message ....................................... 386
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator display ............... 388
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator ........................... 388
Vehicle care........................................ 389
Cleaning and care of the vehicle... 389
Practical hints .................................. 399
What to do if … ................................... 400
Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 400
Lamp in center console ................ 411
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display .................... 413
Where will I find ...? ............................ 448
First aid kit.................................... 448
Vehicle tool kit.............................. 448
Minispare wheel
(except ML 63 AMG)..................... 452
Collapsible tire
(ML 63 AMG only)......................... 453
Unlocking/locking in an emergency .. 455
Unlocking the vehicle ................... 455
Locking the vehicle ....................... 456
Unlocking and opening
the tailgate ................................... 456
Fuel filler flap ................................ 457
Resetting activated head restraints.... 458
Vehicles without Rear seat
entertainment system*................. 458
Vehicles with Rear seat
entertainment system*................. 459
Replacing SmartKey batteries ............ 461
Contents
Replacing bulbs ................................. 463
Bulbs ............................................ 463
Replacing bulbs for front lamps.... 466
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps..... 471
Adjusting headlamp aim ............... 473
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 475
Front wiper blades ....................... 475
Rear wiper blade .......................... 476
Flat tire .............................................. 478
Preparing the vehicle.................... 478
Mounting the spare wheel............ 479
Bleeding the fuel system
(diesel engine only)............................ 488
Battery ............................................... 489
Disconnecting, removing,
reinstalling and
reconnecting the battery.............. 491
Charging the battery .................... 496
Jump starting ..................................... 497
Towing the vehicle ............................. 499
Installing towing eye bolt.............. 501
Stranded vehicle .......................... 503
Fuses ................................................. 504
Fuse box in
engine compartment .................... 505
Fuse box in
cargo compartment...................... 505
Fuse box in passenger
compartment ............................... 506
Emergency engine shut-down ...... 506
Technical data ................................. 507
Parts service ...................................... 508
Warranty coverage............................. 509
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet ..................... 509
Identification labels ........................... 510
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ................. 512
ML 320 CDI.................................. 512
ML 350, ML 550 .......................... 512
ML 63 AMG.................................. 512
Engine................................................ 513
Rims and tires.................................... 515
Same size tires............................. 516
Spare wheel ................................. 518
Electrical system ............................... 519
Main Dimensions............................... 520
Weights ............................................. 521
Fuels, coolants, lubricants................. 522
Capacities .................................... 522
Engine oils ................................... 525
Engine oil additives ...................... 525
Air conditioning refrigerant .......... 525
Brake fluid.................................... 525
Premium unleaded gasoline
(gasoline engine).......................... 526
Fuel requirements........................ 526
Gasoline additives
(gasoline engine).......................... 527
Coolants ...................................... 528
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*......... 530
Index................................................. 531
왔
Product information
Please observe the following in your own
best interest:
We recommend using Genuine
Mercedes-Benz Parts as well as conversion
parts and accessories explicitly approved
by us for your vehicle model.
We have tested these parts to determine
their reliability, safety and special
suitability for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
We are unable to make an assessment for
other products and therefore cannot be
held responsible for them, even if in individual cases an official approval or authorization by governmental or other agencies
should exist. Use of such parts and accessories could adversely affect the safety,
performance or reliability of your vehicle.
Please do not use them.
Introduction
Product information
Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts as well as
conversion parts and accessories
approved by us are available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center where you will receive comprehensive information, also on permissible technical modifications, and where proper
installation will be performed.
9
Introduction
Operator’s Manual
This Operator’s Manual contains a great
deal of useful information. We urge you to
read it carefully and familiarize yourself
with the vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life
of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the instructions and warnings contained in this
manual. Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury to you
or others. Vehicle damage caused by failure to follow instructions is not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Your vehicle may have some or all of the
equipment described in this manual.
Therefore, you may find explanations for
optional equipment not installed in your
vehicle. If you have any questions about
the operation of any equipment, any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center will be glad to demonstrate the
proper procedures.
We continuously strive to improve our
product, and ask for your understanding
that we reserve the right to make changes
in design and equipment. Therefore, information, illustrations and descriptions in
this Operator’s Manual might differ from
your vehicle.
Optional equipment is also described in
this manual, including operating instructions wherever necessary. Since they are
special-order items, the descriptions and
illustrations herein may vary slightly from
the actual equipment of your vehicle.
If there are any equipment details that are
not shown or described in this Operator’s
Manual, any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center will be glad to inform
you of correct care and operating procedures.
The Operator’s Manual and Maintenance
Booklet are important documents and
should be kept with the vehicle.
Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information
Booklet contains detailed information
about the warranties covering your
Mercedes-Benz, including:
앫 New Light Truck Limited Warranty
앫 Emission System Warranty
앫 Emission Performance Warranty
앫 California, Maine, Massachusetts, and
Vermont Emission Control System
Warranty
(California, Maine, Massachusetts, and
Vermont only)
앫 State Warranty Enforcement Laws
(Lemon Laws)
10
Introduction
Operator’s Manual
Important notice for California retail
buyers and lessees of Mercedes-Benz
automobiles
Under California law you may be entitled to
a replacement of your vehicle or a refund
of the purchase price or lease price, if
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and/or its
authorized repair or service facilities fail to
fix one or more substantial defects or malfunctions in the vehicle that are covered by
its express warranty after a reasonable
number of repair attempts. During the
period of 18 months from original delivery
of the vehicle or the accumulation of
18 000 miles (approximately 29 000 km)
on the odometer of the vehicle, whichever
occurs first, a reasonable number of repair
attempts is presumed for a retail buyer or
lessee if one or more of the following occurs:
(1) the same substantial defect or mal-
function results in a condition that is
likely to cause death or serious bodily
injury if the vehicle is driven, that defect or malfunction has been subject to
repair two or more times, and you have
directly notified Mercedes-Benz USA,
LLC in writing of the need for its repair,
(2) the same substantial defect or mal-
function of a less serious nature than
category (1) has been subject to repair
four or more times and you have directly notified us in writing of the need for
its repair, or
(3) the vehicle is out of service by reason
of repair of the same or different substantial defects or malfunctions for a
cumulative total of more than
30 calendar days.
Written notification should not be sent to a
dealer, it should be addressed to
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Customer Assistance Center
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
11
Introduction
Operator’s Manual
Maintenance
The Maintenance Booklet describes all the
necessary maintenance work which should
be performed at regular intervals.
Always have the Maintenance Booklet with
you when you take the vehicle to an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center for service. The service advisor will
record each service in the booklet for you.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program provides factory-trained technical
help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to
the toll-free Roadside Assistance number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA)
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)
will be answered by Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Representatives
24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Roadside Assistance will be provided in
accordance with standard program guidelines which include providing service to the
vehicle up to a reasonable distance from a
paved roadway. We will make every effort
to assist in a breakdown situation, however, the accessibility of your vehicle will be
determined by our authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center technician or the tow service provider on a
case-by-case basis and may be a factor in
our ability to respond.
Additional charges may be applicable for a
breakdown location determined not to be a
reasonably accessible roadside location as
determined by our authorized technician
and tow service provider.
For additional information refer to the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program brochure in your vehicle literature
portfolio.
12
Introduction
Operator’s Manual
Change of address or ownership
If you change your address, be sure to
send in the “Change of Address Notice”
found in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet, or simply call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center (in the USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer
Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. It
is in your own interest that we can contact
you should the need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all
literature with the vehicle to make it available to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used
Truck” found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center (in the USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer
Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.
Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that:
앫 service facilities or replacement parts
may not be readily available,
앫 unleaded gasoline for vehicles with
catalytic converters may not be available; the use of leaded fuels will
damage the catalysts,
앫 gasoline may have a considerably
lower octane rating, and improper fuel
can cause engine damage.
13
Introduction
Operator’s Manual
Warning! G
This Sport Utility Vehicle is designed for both on-road and off-road use. It can go places and perform tasks for which conventional 2-wheel drive
passenger cars are not intended. This vehicle will handle and maneuver differently from conventional passenger cars in driving conditions which
may occur on streets, highways and off-road use.
This vehicle has a higher ground clearance and a higher center of gravity than many passenger cars. As with other vehicles of this type, if you make
sharp turns at excessive speeds or abrupt maneuvers, the vehicle may roll over or may go out of control and crash. Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. Failure to operate this vehicle safely may result in an accident, rollover of the vehicle, and
severe or fatal injury.
Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the Operator’s Manual. Take time to become familiar with the driving characteristics of this vehicle. Be
sure you are familiar with all vehicle controls. Learn how your vehicle handles on different road surfaces. Do not attempt sharp turns at excessive
speeds or abrupt maneuvers or other unsafe driving actions that can cause loss of vehicle control. When driving off-road or working the vehicle
hard, do not overload it. And, always wear your seat belts at all times. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than
a person wearing a seat belt.
14
왔 Where to find it
This Operator’s Manual is designed to provide comprehensive support information
for you, the vehicle operator. Each section
has its own reference color.
At a glance
Here you will find an overview of all the
controls that can be operated from the
driver’s seat.
Getting started
Here you will find all the information you
need for your first drive. You should read
this section first if this is your first
Mercedes-Benz vehicle or if you are renting or borrowing this vehicle.
Safety and Security
Here you will find descriptions of the safety
and security features of your vehicle.
Controls in detail
Here you will find detailed information
about the equipment installed on your vehicle. This section expands on the “Getting
started” section and also describes technical innovations. If you are already familiar
with the basic functions of your vehicle,
this section will be of particular interest to
you.
Operation
Here you will find all the information you
need for the proper operation of your vehicle.
Practical hints
This section provides fast assistance for
dealing with problems you may encounter.
Introduction
Where to find it
Technical data
All important technical data for your vehicle can be found in this section.
Indexes
The table of contents and the index are designed to help you find information quickly
and easily.
The following publications are part of your
vehicle documentation:
앫 this Operator’s Manual
앫 the Maintenance Booklet
Separate operating instructions will be
provided as required depending on the
equipment options installed in your vehicle.
15
Introduction
Symbols
Trademarks:
®
앫 ESP
is a registered trademark of
DaimlerChrysler.
앫 HomeLink
®
is a registered trademark
of Prince, a Johnson Controls
Company.
The following symbols are found in this
Operator’s Manual:
* Optional equipment is identified
with an asterisk. Since standard
equipment varies between models,
the descriptions and illustrations in
this manual may differ slightly from
the actual equipment of your vehicle.
Warning! G
Warning notices draw your attention to hazards that may endanger your health or life,
or the health or life of others.
Highlights hazards that may result in
!
damage to your vehicle.
Helpful hints or further information you may
i
find useful.
왘 This symbol points to instructions for
you to follow.
왘 A number of these symbols appearing
in succession indicates a multiple-step
procedure.
컄 page This symbol tells you where to
look for further information on a
topic.
컄컄 This continuation symbol marks
a warning which is continued on
the next page.
컄컄 This continuation symbol marks
a procedure which is continued
on the next page.
-> This symbol is used to indicate
cross-references to term definitions.
Display
Words appearing in the multifunction display are printed in
the type shown here.
16
왔 Operating safety
Warning! G
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because
the vehicle’s electronic components are interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center for repairs or modifications to
electronic components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function while the
engine is running. You should therefore never turn off the engine while driving.
Warning! G
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody
or tires/wheels, for example when running
over an obstacle, road debris or a pothole,
may cause serious damage and impair the
operating safety of your vehicle. If you feel a
sudden significant vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect that damage to your
vehicle has occurred, you should turn on
your hazard warning flashers, carefully slow
down, and drive with caution to an area
which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and
tires/wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle appears unsafe, have it towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center or other qualified maintenance
or repair facility for further inspection or repairs.
Introduction
Operating safety
Proper use of the vehicle
Proper use of the vehicle requires that you
are familiar with the following information
and rules:
앫 the safety precautions in this manual
앫 the “Technical data” section in this
manual
앫 traffic rules and regulations
앫 motor vehicle laws and safety stan-
dards
Warning! G
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended
to make you and others aware of various
risks. You should not remove any of these
warning labels unless explicitly instructed to
do so by information on the label itself. Removal of any of these labels may cause you
and others to be unaware of certain risks
which may result in an accident and/or personal injury.
17
Introduction
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your vehicle, particularly one that you believe may affect its safe operation, we urge you to
immediately contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center to have the problem diagnosed and corrected if required. If the
matter is not handled to your satisfaction, please discuss the problem with the Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center management, or if
necessary contact us at one of the following addresses:
In the USA:
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:
Customer Relations Department
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario, M4G 4C9
18
Introduction
Reporting safety defects
왔 Reporting safety defects
For the USA only:
The following text is published as required of manufacturers under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the
“National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966”.
Reporting safety defects
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it
may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer,
or Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153);
go to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to: Administrator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, D.C. 20590.
You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov.
19
Introduction
Vehicle data recording
Information regarding electronic recording devices
(Including notice pursuant to California Code § 9951)
Please note that your vehicle is equipped with devices that can record vehicle systems data and, if equipped with the Tele Aid system,
may transmit some data in certain accidents.
This information helps, for example, to diagnose vehicle systems after a collision and to continuously improve vehicle safety.
DaimlerChrysler may access the information and share it with others
앫 for safety research or vehicle diagnosis purposes
앫 with the consent of the vehicle owner or lessee
앫 in response to an official request by law enforcement or other government agency
앫 for use in dispute resolution involving DaimlerChrysler, its affiliates or sales/service organization and/or
앫 as otherwise required or permitted by law.
Please check the Tele Aid subscription service agreement for details regarding the information that may be recorded or transmitted
via that system.
20
At a glance
Exterior view
Cockpit
Instrument cluster
Multifunction steering wheel
Center console
Overhead control panel
Storage compartments
Door control panel
21
At a glance
Exterior view
22
At a glance
Exterior view
Item Page
1 Tailgate 119
Power tailgate* 119
Cargo compartment
앫 Loading instructions 266
앫 Cargo tie-down rings 268
앫 Hooks 269
앫 Expanding 269
앫 Cover blind 271
앫 Cargo net* 272
Vehicle tool kit 448
Spare wheel 452
2 Rear window defroster 206
3 Rear lamps 464
4 Fuel filler flap 337
Refueling 337
Fuel 338,
526
Item Page
5 Exterior rear view mirrors
Adjusting 49
Auto-dimming rear view
199
mirrors*
Power folding* 200
6 Towing eye bolt 499
Installing towing eye bolt 501
7 Tires and wheels 348,
515
Checking tire inflation
359
pressure
General information 348
Flat tire 478
Spare wheel 452
8 Hood 341
Opening 341
Engine oil 343
Coolant 345
Item Page
9 Windshield wipers 60
Wiper blades, replacing 475
Wiper blades, cleaning 395
a Windshield
Cleaning with wiper fluid 62
Cleaning 395
b Roof rails 266
Carriers* 266
c Power tilt/sliding sunroof 240
d Doors
Locking and unlocking 110
Opening 118
Unlocking/locking in an
455
emergency
e Front lamps 464
f Headlamp cleaning system* 199
23
At a glance
Cockpit
24
At a glance
Cockpit
Item Page
1 Cruise control lever 245
2 Instrument cluster 26
3 Multifunction steering
30
wheel
4 Horn
5 Steering wheel gearshift
193
buttons
6 Gear selector lever for
54
automatic transmission
7 Front Parktronic* warning
262
indicators
8 Overhead control panel 33
9 Glove box release
Glove box lock
279
280
Item Page
a Glove box 279
CD changer* 279
AUX-socket
1
b Power outlet 288
c Center console 31
d Starter switch 40
e Steering wheel adjustment,
manual
f Hood lock release 341
g Parking brake release 57
h Parking brake pedal 65
j Power tailgate switch* 121
1
Depending on vehicle configuration.
279
47
Item Page
k Door control panel 36
l Exterior lamp switch 59,
135
m Steering wheel adjustment,
48
electrical*
Heated steering wheel*
n Combination switch
앫 High beam
앫 Turn signals
앫 Windshield wipers
앫 Rear window wiper
290
139
59
60
60
62
25
At a glance
Instrument cluster
26
At a glance
Instrument cluster
Item Page
1 L Left turn signal
indicator lamp
2 To dim instrument cluster
145
illumination
3 Reset button for:
앫 Resetting trip odometer
앫 Resetting all settings
4 To brighten instrument
146
164
145
cluster illumination
5 K Right turn signal
indicator lamp
6 Clock 169
Item Page
7 Speedometer with:
- Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
indicator lamp
’ Variable speed limiter
indicator lamp
1
l Distance warning
1
lamp
1
Lamp without function. It illuminates when the
ignition is on. It should go out when the engine is
running.
400
Item Page
; Brake warning lamp,
401
USA only
3 Brake warning lamp,
401
Canada only
v Electronic Stability
Program (ESP
®
)
405
warning lamp
H Combination low tire
408
pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale,
USA only
Low tire pressure
telltale*, Canada only
408
27
At a glance
Instrument cluster
28
At a glance
Instrument cluster
Item Page
8 Multifunction display with:
앫 Trip odometer 146
앫 Main odometer 147
9 Tachometer with:
< Seat belt telltale 87,
q Preglow indicator
lamp
1
1 Supplemental
Restraint System
(SRS) indicator lamp
? Engine malfunction
indicator lamp,
USA only
± Engine malfunction
indicator lamp,
Canada only
A High beam headlamp
indicator
1
Vehicles with Diesel engine only.
406
55
72,
410
403
403
59,
139
Item Page
a Fuel gauge with:
Fuel tank reserve warning
lamp
4 Fuel filler flap indica-
tor: The fuel filler flap
is located on the rear
right-hand side.
b Multifunction display
with:
앫 Outside temperature
indicator or digital speedometer (depending on
selected setting in the
control system)
앫 Transmission position
indicator
앫 Gear range indicator 192
앫 Selected program mode
indicator
1
AMG vehicles only.
1
410
337
147,
168
187
195
Item Page
앫 Downhill Speed Regula-
251
tion (DSR) indicator
앫 Off-road driving program
253
indicator
앫 Rear window wiper
indicator
앫 Set speed for cruise
246
control
62
29
At a glance
Multifunction steering wheel
Item Page
1 Multifunction display 147
Operating the control
148
system
2 Telephone*:
Press button
s to take a call
to dial
to redial
t to end a call
to reject an
incoming call
3 Selecting the submenu or
setting the volume:
Press button
æ up/to increase
ç down/to decrease
Item Page
4 ! Voice Control
System* on
1
, see separate
operating instructions
5 Moving within a menu:
Press button
j for next display
k for previous display
6 0 Voice Control
System* off
1
, see separate
operating instructions
7 Menu systems:
Press button
è for next menu
ÿ for previous menu
1
Vehicles without Voice Control System*: Button
without function.
30
왔 Center console
Upper part
Item Page
1 COMAND system, see sepa-
rate operating instructions
2 Climate control 204
3-zone automatic climate
218
control*
Rear window defroster 203
3 Seat heating*,
130
front passenger side
4 Seat ventilation*,
131
front passenger side
5 Parktronic system*
259
deactivation switch
6 Vehicle level control
257
switch*
7 Front passenger front air
bag off indicator lamp
83,
411,
412
At a glance
Center console
Item Page
8 Storage compartment
9 Alarm system indicator
lamp
a Electronic Stability Program
®
(ESP
) switch
b Adaptive damping system
(ADS)* switch
c Seat ventilation*,
driver’s side
d Seat heating*, driver’s side 130
e Switch for Downhill Speed
Regulation (DSR)
f Hazard warning flasher 141
g Switch for Off-road driving
program
ML 63 AMG:
Program mode selector
switch for automatic transmission
1
Depending on vehicle configuration.
1
281
107
102
255
131
250
253
194
31
At a glance
Center console
Lower part
Item Page
1 Storage compartment with 281
앫 Power outlet
1
or
앫 Ashtray with cigarette
lighter
1
2 Cup holder 284
3 Armrest storage/tele-
phone* compartment release
4 Card, ticket holder
(removable)
1
Depending on vehicle configuration.
288
285
281
284
32
왔 Overhead control panel
At a glance
Overhead control panel
Item Page
1 Left reading lamp switch 142
2 Rear interior lighting switch 142
3 Automatic interior lighting
switch
4 Front interior lighting switch 142
5 Right reading lamp switch 142
6 Front right interior lamp 142
7 Power tilt/sliding sunroof
switch
8 Tele Aid (emergency call
system) button
9 Interior rear view mirror 199
a Front right reading lamp 142
142
240
297
Item Page
b Front left reading lamp 142
c Garage door opener 302
d Vehicles without
telephone* installed:
Hands-free microphone for
Tele Aid (emergency call
system)
e Vehicles with telephone*
installed:
Hands-free microphone for
Tele Aid (emergency call
system) and telephone*
f Front left interior lamp 142
294
294
33
At a glance
Storage compartments
34
At a glance
Storage compartments
Item Page
1 Parcel net in front passen-
ger footwell
2 Glove box/CD changer* 279
3 Door pocket
4 Parcel net on front passen-
ger seat backrest
5 Door pocket
6 Vehicle tool kit, spare wheel 448
7 Door pocket
8 Parcel net on driver’s seat
backrest
9 Door pocket
a Holder for gas cards 202
283
283
283
Item Page
b Storage compartment (de-
pending on equipment configuration for your model)
c Depending on vehicle con-
figuration:
Storage compartment
Ashtray
d Cup holders 284
e Storage/telephone* com-
partment with coin holder
f Rear storage compartments 282
g Cup holder in rear armrest 284
281
281
285
281
35
At a glance
Door control panel
Item Page
1 Inside door handle 118
2 Central unlocking switch
Central locking switch
3 Exterior rear view mirror
adjustment
4 Selection buttons for exteri-
or rear view mirror adjustment
Power-folding exterior rear
view mirrors*
5 Switches for opening/clos-
ing front and rear door
windows
6 Rear door window override
switch
7 Remote tailgate release
switch, power tailgate*
126
126
49
49
200
235
96
121,
119
36
Getting started
Unlocking
Adjusting
Driving
Parking and locking
37
Getting started
Unlocking
The “Getting started” section provides an
overview of the vehicle’s most basic functions. First-time Mercedes-Benz owners
should pay special attention to the information given here.
If you are already familiar with the basic
functions described here, the “Controls in
detail” section will provide you with further
information. The corresponding page
references are located at the end of each
segment.
Unlocking with the SmartKey
SmartKey
1 ‹ Lock button
2 Š Unlock button* for tailgate
3 ΠUnlock button
4 Â Panic button (
컄 page 97)
Warning! G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it
with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. A child’s
unsupervised access to a vehicle could
result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
왘 Press unlock button Œ on the
SmartKey.
All turn signal lamps flash once. The
vehicle unlocks. The locking knobs in
the doors move up. The anti-theft alarm
system is disarmed. The locator lighting comes on if the feature is enabled
in the control system (
왘 Enter the vehicle and insert the
컄 page 171).
SmartKey in the starter switch.
For more information, see “Locking and
unlocking” (
컄 page 110).
38
Getting started
Unlocking
Unlocking with KEYLESS-GO*
With the KEYLESS-GO function, you can
lock or unlock the vehicle without using
the remote control buttons on the
SmartKey and start the engine without inserting the SmartKey into the starter
switch.
To unlock the vehicle, the SmartKey with
i
KEYLESS-GO must be outside the vehicle, no
further than approximately 3 feet (1 meter) away
from the respective door.
Warning! G
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* with you, and
lock the vehicle. Do not leave children
unattended in the vehicle, or with access to
an unlocked vehicle. A child’s unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an
accident and/or serious personal injury.
왘 Grasp an outside door handle.
All turn signal lamps flash once. The vehicle unlocks. The locking knobs in the
doors move up. The anti-theft alarm
system is disarmed. The locator lighting comes on if the feature is enabled
in the control system (
If the vehicle has been parked for more than
i
72 hours, you must pull an outside door handle
in order to activate the KEYLESS-GO function.
왘 Enter the vehicle.
컄 page 171).
For more information, see “SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*” (
컄 page 113).
Starter switch positions
Warning! G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
from the starter switch, take it with you and
lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. A child’s unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an
accident and/or serious personal injury.
39
Getting started
Unlocking
SmartKey
Starter switch
0 For removing SmartKey
1 Power supply for some electrical con-
sumers, such as seat adjustment
2 Ignition (power supply for all electrical
consumers) and driving position
All lamps (except high beam headlamp
indicator lamp and turn signal indicator
lamps unless activated) in the instrument cluster come on. If a lamp in the
instrument cluster fails to come on
when the ignition is switched on, have
it checked and replaced if necessary. If
a lamp in the instrument cluster re-
mains on after starting the engine or
comes on while driving, refer to “Lamps
in instrument cluster” (
컄 page 400).
3 Starting position
When you switch on the ignition, the indica-
i
tor and warning lamps (except high beam headlamp indicator lamp and turn signal indicator
lamps unless activated) in the instrument cluster
come on. The indicator and warning lamps (except high beam headlamp indicator lamp and
turn signal indicator lamps if activated) will go
out when the engine is running. This indicates
that the respective systems are operational.
If the SmartKey does not belong to the
i
vehicle, the SmartKey can be turned in the starter switch. However, the ignition does not switch
on and the engine does not start.
When the SmartKey is removed from the
i
starter switch and the automatic transmission is
in a position other than P, the automatic transmission automatically shifts to P.
If the SmartKey cannot be turned in the
!
starter switch, the battery may not be sufficiently charged.
앫 Check the battery and charge it if necessary
컄 page 489).
(
앫 Get a jump start (컄 page 497).
To prevent accelerated battery discharge or a
completely discharged battery, always remove
the SmartKey from the starter switch when the
engine is not in operation.
40
Getting started
Unlocking
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Vehicles equipped with the KEYLESS-GO
feature are supplied with a SmartKey with
integrated KEYLESS-GO function and a
removable KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button.
With the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
inserted and the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO present in the vehicle, pressing the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
앫 without the brake pedal depressed
corresponds to the various starter
switch positions (
앫 with the brake pedal firmly depressed
will start the engine (
컄 page 42)
컄 page 54)
If you wish or should there be a need to
insert the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO in
the starter switch, the KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button can be easily removed
by pulling it out of the starter switch.
The KEYLESS-GO start/stop button does
i
not need to be removed from the starter switch
when you leave the vehicle. However, always
take the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO with you
when you leave the vehicle. As long as the
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is in the vehicle, the
vehicle’s electrical systems can be switched on
or the engine can be started using the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
1 KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
2 Starter switch
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
3 USA only
4 Canada only
The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO must be
located in the vehicle.
왘 Insert KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button 1 into starter switch 2 (if not
inserted already).
왘 Make sure the automatic transmission
is set to P (
왘 Do not depress the brake pedal.
컄 page 185).
41
Getting started
Unlocking
Position 0
Before you press the KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button, the vehicle’s on-board
electronics have status 0 (as with
SmartKey removed).
Position 1
왘 Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button once.
This supplies power for some electrical
consumers, such as seat adjustment.
If you now press the KEYLESS-GO
i
start/stop button
앫 once more, the ignition (position 2) is
switched on
앫 twice more, the power supply is again
switched off
Ignition (or Position 2)
왘 Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button twice.
This supplies power for all electrical
consumers.
All lamps (except high beam headlamp
indicator lamp and turn signal indicator
lamps unless activated) in the instrument cluster come on. If a lamp in the
instrument cluster fails to come on
when the ignition is switched on, have
it checked and replaced if necessary. If
a lamp in the instrument cluster remains on after starting the engine or
comes on while driving, refer to “Lamps
in instrument cluster” (
If you now press the KEYLESS-GO
i
start/stop button once more, the power supply
is again switched off.
컄 page 400).
When you switch on the ignition, the
i
indicator and warning lamps (except high beam
headlamp indicator lamp and turn signal indicator lamps unless activated) in the instrument
cluster come on. The indicator and warning
lamps (except high beam headlamp indicator
lamp and turn signal indicator lamps if activated)
should go out when the engine is running. This
indicates that the respective systems are
operational.
For information on starting the engine
using the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button,
see “Starting with KEYLESS-GO*”
(
컄 page 55).
For more information on KEYLESS-GO, see
“SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*”
(
컄 page 113).
42
왔 Adjusting
Getting started
Adjusting
Warning! G
All seat, head restraint, steering wheel, and
rear view mirror adjustments, as well as fastening of seat belts, must be done before
the vehicle is put into motion.
Seats
Warning! G
Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving.
Adjusting the seat while driving could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined position
as this can be dangerous. You could slide
under the seat belt in a collision. If you slide
under it, the belt would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That could cause serious or
fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat
belts provide the best restraint when the
wearer is in a position that is as upright as
possible and belts are properly positioned
on the body.
Warning! G
Your seat must be adjusted so that you can
correctly fasten your seat belt (
Observe the following points:
앫 Adjust the backrest until your arms are
slightly angled when holding the steering wheel
앫 Adjust the seat to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely. The position should be as far back as possible
with the driver still able to operate the
controls properly.
앫 Adjust the head restraint so that it is as
close to the head as possible and the
center of the head restraint supports the
back of the head at eye level.
컄 page 51).
앫 Never place hands under the seat or
near any moving parts while a seat is being adjusted.
Failure to do so could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
Warning! G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
from the starter switch, take it with you, and
lock the vehicle.
Even with the SmartKey or the SmartKey
with KEYLESS-GO* removed from the
starter switch or the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* removed from the vehicle,
the power seats can be operated.
Therefore, do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. A child’s unsupervised access to a
vehicle could result in an accident and/or
serious personal injury.
43
Getting started
Adjusting
Warning! G
According to accident statistics, children
are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front seating position. Thus, we strongly recommend
that children be placed in the rear seats
whenever possible. Regardless of seating
position, children 12 years old and under
must be seated and properly secured in an
appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler
restraint, or booster seat recommended for
the size and weight of the child. For additional information, see “Children in the vehicle” (
컄 page 89).
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle
and/or the child is not properly secured in
the child restraint.
Seat adjustment
The seat adjustment switch is located on
the entry side of each front seat base.
1 Head restraint height (vehicles with
memory function)*
2 Seat cushion tilt
3 Seat height
4 Backrest tilt
5 Seat fore and aft adjustment
When moving the seats, make sure there are
!
no items in the footwell or behind the seats;
otherwise you could damage the seats.
When the rear seats are folded forward, e.g.
!
for cargo compartment expansion (
the front seats may not be moved to the rearmost position. Otherwise you could damage the
front and rear seats.
When adjusting the seat backrest tilt and
!
head restraint height, make sure the sun visor is
folded up (
the uppermost position, it could hit and damage
the sun visor.
i
The seats can be adjusted within 5 minutes after
either front door has been opened. The counter
resets each time
앫 you open or close a front door
앫 you insert the SmartKey into the starter
앫 you remove the SmartKey from the starter
앫 you switch the ignition on or off
컄 page 201). If the head restraint is in
Vehicles without memory function*:
switch
switch
컄 page 269),
44
Getting started
Adjusting
The memory function* (컄 page 133) lets
i
you store the settings for the seat positions
together with the settings for the steering wheel
and the exterior rear view mirrors.
Seat fore and aft adjustment
왘 Press the switch forward or backward
in direction of arrow 5.
Seat height
왘 Press the switch up or down in
direction of arrow 3.
Seat cushion tilt
왘 Press the switch up or down in
direction of arrow 2 until your upper
legs are lightly supported.
Seat backrest tilt
왘 Press the switch forward or backward
in direction of arrow 4.
Head restraint height
Warning! G
Do not drive the vehicle without the seat
head restraints. Head restraints are intended to help reduce injuries during an
accident.
With a rear seat occupied, make sure to
move the respective head restraint up from
the lowest non-use position and have the
occupant adjust the head restraint properly.
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned and engaged head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint so that it is as
close to the head as possible and the center
of the head restraint supports the back of
the head at eye level. This will reduce the potential for injury to the head and neck in the
event of an accident or similar situation.
Do not attempt to remove front seat head
!
restraints. They can only be removed by qualified
technicians. We recommend that you have this
work carried out by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Vehicles with memory function*:
왘 Press switch 1 (컄 page 44) up or
down in direction of arrow.
Vehicles without memory function*:
1 Head restraint
2 Release button
45
Getting started
Adjusting
Raising:
왘 Manually adjust the height of head
restraint 1 by pulling it upward.
If head restraint 1 is fully retracted,
push release button 2 in direction of
arrow and pull head restraint 1 upward.
Lowering:
왘 To lower head restraint 1, push
release button 2 in direction of arrow
and press down on head restraint 1.
Head restraint fore and aft adjustment
Manually adjust the angle of the head
restraint.
왘 While seated, reach behind you with
both hands and find lower edge of the
head restraint.
왘 Adjust the head restraint to the desired
position by pushing or pulling on the
lower edge of the head restraint cushion.
For more information, see “Seats”
(
컄 page 127).
Steering wheel
Easy-entry/exit feature*
This feature allows for easier entry into and
exit from the vehicle. When entering and
exiting the vehicle, the steering wheel is in
its uppermost position.
The easy-entry/exit feature can be
activated or deactivated in the
Comfort
submenu of the control system
(
컄 page 176).
Warning! G
You must make sure no one can become
trapped or injured by the moving steering
wheel when the easy-entry/exit feature is
activated.
To stop steering wheel movement, do one of
the following:
앫 Move steering wheel adjustment stalk*
(컄 page 49).
46
앫 Press one of the stored position
buttons* or memory button M*
컄 page 133).
(
Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Children could open the driver’s door and
unintentionally activate the easy-entry/exit
feature, which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
The last set steering wheel position is stored
i
when
앫 the ignition is switched off (컄 page 39)
앫 the position is stored in memory
컄 page 133)
(
With the easy-entry/exit feature activated,
the steering wheel tilts upwards when you
앫 remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch
Getting started
Adjusting
Warning! G
Let the system complete the adjustment
procedure before setting the vehicle in motion. All steering wheel adjustment must be
completed before setting the vehicle in motion. Driving off with the steering wheel still
adjusting could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
With the easy-entry/exit feature activated,
the steering wheel will return to its last set
position when you
앫 close the driver’s door with the ignition
switched on
or
앫 insert the SmartKey into the starter
switch or press the KEYLESS-GO*
start/stop button (
컄 page 41) once
with the driver’s door closed
or
앫 open the driver’s door with the
SmartKey in starter switch position 0
or 1 or the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop
button in position 1 (
If the current position for the steering wheel
i
is in the uppermost tilt position, the steering
wheel will no longer be able to move upward
when the easy-entry/exit feature is activated.
The adjustment procedure is briefly interrupted,
when the engine is started.
컄 page 41)
Steering wheel adjustment, manual
Warning! G
Only adjust the steering wheel with the vehicle at a standstill and make sure the steering wheel is securely locked in place before
driving off.
컄컄
47
Getting started
Adjusting
컄컄
Driving without the steering wheel adjustment locked may cause an unexpected
steering wheel movement which could
cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Make sure the steering wheel is securely locked by trying to move it up and down,
and in and out before driving off.
Make sure that
앫 you can reach the steering wheel with
your arms slightly bent at the elbows
앫 you can move your legs freely
앫 all displays (including malfunction and
indicator lamps) on the instrument
cluster are clearly visible
The steering wheel adjustment release
handle is located on the lower left of the
steering column.
1 Release handle
왘 To unlock the steering column, pull
release handle 1 out to its stop limit.
왘 Move steering wheel to the desired
position.
왘 Push release handle 1 back to its
original position to relock the steering
column.
The steering column is locked into position again.
왘 Make sure the steering column is
securely locked by trying to move the
steering wheel up and down as well as
in and out before driving off.
Steering wheel adjustment, electrical*
Warning! G
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving. Adjusting the steering wheel while driving could cause the driver to lose control of
the vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
from the starter switch, take it with you, and
lock the vehicle.
Even with the SmartKey or SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* removed from the starter
switch or the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
removed from the vehicle, the steering
wheel adjustment feature can be operated.
Therefore, do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. A child’s unsupervised access to a
vehicle could result in an accident and/or
serious personal injury.
48
Getting started
Adjusting
The memory function* (컄 page 133) lets
i
you store the settings for the steering wheel
together with the settings for seat positions and
the exterior rear view mirrors.
Make sure that
앫 you can reach the steering wheel with
your arms slightly bent at the elbows
앫 you can move your legs freely
앫 all displays (including malfunction and
indicator lamps) on the instrument
cluster are clearly visible
The steering wheel adjustment stalk is
located on the lower left of the steering
column.
1 Adjusting steering wheel, in or out
2 Adjusting steering wheel, up or down
Adjusting steering column in or out
왘 Move stalk forward or back in direction
of arrow 1.
Adjusting steering column up or down
왘 Move stalk up or down in direction of
arrow 2.
Mirrors
Adjust the interior and exterior rear view
mirrors before driving so that you have a
good view of the road and traffic conditions.
Interior rear view mirror
왘 Manually adjust the interior rear view
mirror.
For more information, see “Rear view mirrors” (
컄 page 199).
Exterior rear view mirrors
Warning! G
Exercise care when using the
passenger-side exterior rear view mirror.
The mirror surface is convex (outwardly
curved surface for a wider field of view). Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.
Check your interior rear view mirror or
glance over your shoulder before changing
lanes.
49
Getting started
Adjusting
The buttons are located on the driver’s
door.
1 Driver’s side exterior rear view mirror
button
2 Adjustment button
3 Passenger-side exterior rear view mir-
ror button
왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 40).
왘 Press button 1 for the driver’s side ex-
terior rear view mirror or button 3 for
the passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror.
The indicator lamp on the respective
button comes on for
approximately 15 seconds.
If you do not make adjustments to the
i
selected exterior rear view mirror within
15 seconds, the indicator lamp goes out. You will
then have to select the desired exterior rear view
mirror again before any adjustments can be
made. Adjustments can only be made with the
indicator lamp for the respective exterior rear
view mirror button illuminated.
왘 Push adjustment button 2 up, down,
left, or right according to the desired
setting.
If an exterior rear view mirror was forcibly
!
pushed forward (hit from the rear) or forcibly
pushed rearward (hit from the front), reposition
it by applying firm pressure until it snaps into
place. The mirror housing is then properly positioned and you can adjust the mirror in the usual
manner.
Vehicle with power folding exterior rear view
!
mirrors*:
If an exterior rear view mirror housing is forcibly
pushed forward (hit from the rear) or forcibly
pushed rearward (hit from the front), press fold
button 1 (
press fold button 1 (
mirrors out. Do not force mirrors by hand as this
may damage the adjustment mechanism.
The mirror housing is then properly positioned
and you can adjust the mirror in the usual manner.
i
you store the settings for the exterior rear view
mirrors together with the setting for the steering
wheel and the seat positions.
i
rear view mirrors will be heated automatically.
컄 page 201) to fold mirrors in, then
컄 page 201) again to fold
The memory function* (컄 page 133) lets
At low ambient temperatures, the exterior
For more information, see “Rear view mirrors” (
컄 page 199).
50
왔 Driving
Getting started
Driving
Warning! G
Make sure that absolutely no objects are obstructing the pedal’s range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all obstacles. If there are any floormats or carpets in
the footwell, make sure that the pedals still
have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers, the objects could get caught between
the pedals. You could then no longer brake
or accelerate. This could lead to accidents
and injury.
Fastening the seat belts
Warning! G
Always fasten your seat belt before driving
off. Always make sure your passengers are
properly restrained.
Failure to wear and properly fasten and position your seat belt greatly increases your
risk of injuries and their likely severity in an
accident. You and your passengers should
always wear seat belts.
If you are ever in an accident, your injuries
can be considerably more severe without
your seat belt properly buckled. Without
your seat belt buckled, you are much more
likely to hit the interior of the vehicle or be
ejected from it. You can be seriously injured
or killed.
In the same crash, the possibility of injury or
death is lessened if you are wearing your
seat belt. The air bags can only provide the
protection they were designed to afford if
the occupants are using their seat belts
(
컄 page 84).
Warning! G
According to accident statistics, children
are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front seating position. Thus, we strongly recommend
that children be placed in the rear seats.
Regardless of seating position, children
12 years old and under must be seated and
properly secured in an appropriately sized
infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster
seat recommended for the size and weight
of the child. For additional information, see
“Children in the vehicle” (
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle
and/or the child is not properly secured in
the child restraint.
컄 page 89).
51
Getting started
Driving
Warning! G
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined position
as this can be dangerous. You could slide
under the seat belt in a collision. If you slide
under it, the belt would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That could cause serious or
even fatal injuries. The seat backrest and
seat belt provide the best restraint when the
wearer is in a position that is as upright as
possible and the belt is properly positioned
on the body.
Warning! G
Never let more people ride in the vehicle
than there are seat belts available. Make
sure everyone riding in the vehicle is correctly restrained with a separate seat belt.
Never use a seat belt for more than one person at a time.
Warning! G
Read and observe the additional warning notices printed in the “Safety and Security”
section (
컄 page 76) and (컄 page 84).
1 Seat belt outlet
2 Latch plate
3 Buckle
4 Release button
52
Getting started
Driving
왘 With a smooth motion, pull the belt out
of seat belt outlet 1.
왘 Place the shoulder portion of the belt
across the top of your shoulder and the
lap portion across your hips.
왘 Push latch plate 2 into buckle 3
(
컄 page 52) until it clicks.
왘 If necessary, tighten the lap portion to
a snug fit by pulling shoulder portion
up.
Seat belt height adjustment
1 Release button
왘 Press release button 1 and move the
seat belt height adjuster upward or
downward.
Proper use of seat belts
앫 Do not twist the belt when fastening.
앫 Adjust seat belt so that the shoulder
portion is located as close as possible
to the middle of the shoulder (it should
not touch the neck). Never pass the
shoulder portion of the belt under your
arm. For this purpose, you can adjust
the height of the belt outlet
(
컄 page 53).
앫 Position the lap belt as low as possible
on your hips (over hip joint) and not
across the abdomen.
앫 Place the seat backrest in a position
that is as upright as possible.
앫 Never use a seat belt for more than one
person at a time.
앫 Do not fasten a seat belt around a
person and another object at the same
time. When using a seat belt to secure
infant or toddler restraints or children
in booster seats, always follow the
child seat manufacturer’s instructions.
앫 Check your seat belt periodically
during travel to make sure that it is
properly positioned.
앫 Make sure the seat belt is always fitted
snugly. Take special care of this when
wearing loose clothing.
53
Getting started
Driving
Warning! G
Starting the engine Automatic transmission
Do not pass belts over sharp edges. They
could tear.
Do not allow the belt to get caught in the
door or in the seat adjustment mechanism.
This could damage the belt.
Never attempt to make modifications to
seat belts. This could impair the effectiveness of the belts.
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash, they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly
stressed in an accident must be replaced.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
Warning! G
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as a garage) which are not properly
ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas
fumes are entering the vehicle while driving,
have the cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one window fully open.
Gearshift pattern for automatic
transmission
P Park position
R Reverse gear
N Neutral
D Drive position
For more information on how to operate
the gear selector lever, see “Automatic
transmission” (
컄 page 183).
54
Getting started
Driving
Starting with the SmartKey
For information on turning off the engine
with the SmartKey, see “Turning off the engine” (
컄 page 66).
Gasoline engine
왘 Make sure the automatic transmission
is set to P.
The transmission position indicator in
the multifunction display should be
on
P
(컄 page 147).
왘 Do not depress the accelerator.
왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 3 (
컄 page 39) and hold until
the engine starts.
You can also use the “touch-start” function.
i
Turn the SmartKey to position 3 and release it
again immediately. The engine then starts automatically.
Diesel engine
왘 Make sure the automatic transmission
is set to P.
The transmission position indicator in
the multifunction display should be
on
P
(컄 page 147).
왘 Do not depress the accelerator.
왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 2 (
컄 page 40).
Preglow indicator lamp q in the
instrument cluster comes on.
왘 As soon as preglow indicator
lamp q goes out, turn the SmartKey
in the starter switch to position 3
(
컄 page 40) and release it.
The engine starts automatically.
If the engine is at operating temperature,
i
preglow indicator lamp q may not stay on
and you can start the engine without preglowing.
Starting with KEYLESS-GO*
Warning! G
As long as the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
is in your vehicle, the vehicle can be started.
Therefore, never leave children unattended
in the vehicle, as they could otherwise accidentally start the engine.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO with you and
lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle.
You can start your vehicle without the
SmartKey in the starter switch using the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in the
starter switch.
The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO must be
located in the vehicle.
55
Getting started
Driving
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
1 USA only
2 Canada only
왘 Make sure KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button 1 is inserted in the starter
switch (
If you wish to start the engine using the
i
SmartKey instead of the KEYLESS-GO feature,
remove the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button from
the starter switch (
컄 page 41).
컄 page 41).
For information on turning off the engine
with KEYLESS-GO, see “Turning off with
KEYLESS-GO*” (
컄 page 67).
Gasoline engine
왘 Make sure the automatic transmission
is set to P.
The transmission position indicator in
the multifunction display should be
on
P
(컄 page 147).
왘 Depress the brake pedal during the
starting procedure.
왘 Do not depress the accelerator.
왘 Press KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button 1 once.
The engine starts if the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO is in the vehicle.
Diesel engine
왘 Make sure the automatic transmission
is set to P.
The transmission position indicator in
the multifunction display should be
on
P
.
왘 Depress the brake pedal during the
starting procedure.
왘 Do not depress the accelerator.
왘 Press KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button 1 once.
The engine preglows and starts if the
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is in the
vehicle.
If the engine is at operating temperature,
i
the time the engine needs to preglow is reduced.
56
Getting started
Driving
Starting difficulties
If the engine does not start as described,
carry out the following steps:
왘 If you are starting the engine with the
SmartKey, turn SmartKey in starter
switch to position 0 and repeat starting
procedure.
왘 If you are starting the engine with
KEYLESS-GO*: Close any doors that
may be open to allow for better
detection of the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*.
Or:
왘 Remove KEYLESS-GO* start/stop
button from starter switch (
왘 Start the engine with the SmartKey as
컄 page 41).
radio signals from another source may
be interfering with the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*.
왘 Repeat the starting procedure
(
컄 page 54). Remember that extended
starting attempts can drain the battery.
왘 Get a jump start (컄 page 497).
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts, there could be a malfunction in the engine electronics or in the
fuel supply system.
왘 Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center or call Roadside
Assistance.
Parking brake
1 Release handle
Warning! G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
from the starter switch, take it with you and
lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. Children could release the
parking brake, which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.
왘 Release the parking brake by pulling on
release handle 1.
The warning lamp ; (USA only)
or 3 (Canada only) in the
instrument cluster goes out.
57
Getting started
Driving
Driving off
왘 Depress the brake pedal.
The gear selector lever can now be
used.
왘 Shift automatic transmission to D or R
(
컄 page 185).
Wait for the gear selection process to com-
i
plete before setting the vehicle in motion.
Shifting from gear position P to position R,
i
N, or D is only possible with the brake pedal
depressed. Without the brake pedal depressed,
the gear selector lever can be moved, but the
parking pawl remains engaged, not allowing
shifting to occur.
왘 Release the brake pedal.
왘 Carefully depress the accelerator
pedal.
If you hear a warning signal and the
!
message
the multifunction display when driving off, you
have forgotten to release the parking brake.
Release the parking brake (
i
central locking system engages and the locking
knobs drop down.
The automatic door lock feature can be
deactivated (
You can open a locked door from the inside.
Open door only when conditions are safe to do
so.
Release Parking Brake
컄 page 57).
Once the vehicle is in motion, the automatic
컄 page 175).
appears in
After a cold start, the automatic transmission shifts at a higher engine revolution.
This allows the catalytic converter (gasoline engine) or the oxidation catalyst (diesel engine) to reach its operating
temperature earlier.
Warning! G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of loss of control.
Warning! G
It is dangerous to shift the automatic trans-
mission out of P or N if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not
firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
58
Getting started
Driving
Shift the automatic transmission to
!
position P or R only when the vehicle is stopped
in order to avoid damaging the transmission.
Do not run cold engine at high engine
!
speeds. Running a cold engine at high engine
speeds may shorten the service life of the
engine.
ML 63 AMG:
At engine temperatures below 68°F (20°C), the
engine’s maximum speed is restricted in order to
protect it from damage. Avoid driving your vehicle at full speed when the engine is cold to prevent premature engine wear and/or diminished
comfort.
Simultaneously depressing the accelerator
!
pedal and applying the brakes reduces engine
performance and causes premature brake and
drivetrain wear.
For more information, see “Driving instructions” (
컄 page 311).
For information on off-road driving, see
“Off-road driving” (
컄 page 319).
Switching on headlamps
Low beam headlamps
The exterior lamp switch is located on the
dashboard to the left of the steering wheel.
Exterior lamp switch
1 Off
2 Low beam headlamps on
왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 39).
왘 Turn the exterior lamp switch to
position B.
The low beam headlamps come on.
High beam
The combination switch is located on the
left of the steering column.
Combination switch
1 High beam
2 High beam flasher
왘 Push the combination switch in
direction of arrow 1.
The high beam headlamp indicator
lamp A in the instrument cluster
comes on (
컄 page 26).
For more information on headlamps, see
“Lighting” (
컄 page 135).
59
Getting started
Driving
Turn signals
The combination switch is located on the
left of the steering column.
Combination switch
1 Turn signals, right
2 Turn signals, left
왘 Press the combination switch in
direction of arrow 1 or 2.
The corresponding turn signal indicator
lamp L or K in the instrument
cluster flashes (
컄 page 26).
The combination switch resets automatically after major steering wheel movement.
To signal minor directional changes such as
i
changing lanes, press combination switch only
to point of resistance and release. The corresponding turn signal will flash three times.
Windshield wipers
The combination switch is located on the
left of the steering column.
Combination switch
1 Single wipe
Wiping with windshield washer fluid
2 Switching on windshield wipers
왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 40).
Do not operate the windshield wipers when
!
the windshield is dry. Dust that accumulates on
a windshield might scratch the glass and/or
damage the wiper blades when wiping occurs on
a dry windshield. If it is necessary to operate the
windshield wipers in dry weather conditions,
always operate the windshield wipers with
windshield washer fluid (
If anything blocks the windshield wipers
!
(leaves, snow, etc.), switch them off immediately.
앫 For safety reasons, stop the vehicle in a safe
location and
앫 remove SmartKey from starter switch
or
앫 turn off the engine by pressing the
KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button and
open the driver’s door (with the driver’s
door open, starter switch is in
position 0, same as with SmartKey
removed from starter switch)
before attempting to remove any blockage.
앫 Remove blockage.
앫 Turn the windshield wipers on again.
컄 page 62).
60
Getting started
Driving
If windshield wipers fail to function at all in the
combination switch position U or V,
앫 set the combination switch to the next
higher wiper speed
앫 have the windshield wipers checked at the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center
Switching on windshield wipers
왘 Turn the combination switch to the
desired position depending on the
intensity of the rain.
M Windshield wipers off
U Slow intermittent wiping
Rain sensor operation with low
sensitivity.
V Fast intermittent wiping
Rain sensor operation with high
sensitivity.
u Slow continuous wiping
t Fast continuous wiping
Intermittent wiping
Only switch on intermittent wiping under
wet weather conditions or in the presence
of precipitation.
When you select intermittent wiping, the
rain sensor is activated. The rain sensor
automatically sets a suitable wiping
interval depending on the wetness of the
sensor surface.
Do not leave windshield wipers on an inter-
!
mittent setting when the vehicle is taken to an
automatic car wash or during windshield cleaning. Wipers will operate in the presence of water
sprayed on the windshield, and windshield
wipers may be damaged as a result.
If you have set intermittent wiping, dirt on
!
the surface of the rain sensor or optical effects
may cause the windshield wipers to wipe in an
undesired fashion. This could then damage the
windshield wiper blades or scratch the windows.
You should therefore switch off the windshield
wipers when weather conditions are dry.
왘 Turn the combination switch to
position U or V.
After the initial wipe, pauses between
wipes are automatically controlled by the
rain sensor.
Intermittent wiping is interrupted when the
i
vehicle is at a standstill and a front door is
opened. This protects persons getting into or out
of the vehicle from being sprayed.
Intermittent wiping will be continued when all
doors are closed and
앫 the automatic transmission is set to
position D or R
or
앫 the wiper setting is changed using the
combination switch
Single wipe
왘 Press the combination switch briefly in
direction of arrow 1 to the resistance
point.
The windshield wipers wipe one time
without washer fluid.
61
Getting started
Driving
Wiping with windshield washer fluid
왘 Press the combination switch in direc-
tion of arrow 1 past the resistance
point.
The windshield wipers operate with
washer fluid.
To prevent smears on the windshield or
i
noisy/chattering wiper blades, wipe with
windshield washer fluid every now and then even
when it is raining.
For information on cleaning the headlamps
with washer fluid, see “Headlamp cleaning
system*” (
컄 page 199).
For information on filling up the washer
reservoir, see “Windshield/rear window
washer system and headlamp cleaning
system*” (
컄 page 346).
Rear window wiper/washer
The combination switch is located on the
left of the steering column.
Combination switch
1 Rear window wiper switch
2 Wiping rear window with washer fluid
3 Intermittent wiping
4 Rear window wiper off
5 Wiping rear window with washer fluid
6 Rear window wiper indicator
왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 40).
The rear window wiper engages automatical-
i
ly when the automatic transmission is shifted to
position R with the windshield wipers switched
on.
Activating intermittent wipe
왘 Turn rear window wiper switch 1 to
position 3 (
컄 page 62).
In the lower multifunction display you
will see indicator 6, indicating that
the rear window wiper is activated.
62
Getting started
Driving
Deactivating intermittent wipe
왘 Turn rear window wiper switch 1 to
position 4 (
Indicator 6 (
컄 page 62).
컄 page 62) for the rear
window wiper is cleared from the lower
multifunction display, indicating that
the rear window wiper is deactivated.
Wiping with windshield washer fluid
왘 Turn and hold rear window wiper
switch 1 in position 2 or 5
(
컄 page 62) until the rear window is
clean.
The rear window wiper operates with
washer fluid.
For information on filling up the washer
reservoir, see “Windshield/rear window
washer system and headlamp cleaning
system*” (
컄 page 346).
Problems while driving
The engine runs erratically and misfires
앫 An ignition cable may be damaged
(gasoline engine only).
앫 The engine electronics may not be
operating properly.
앫 Unburned gasoline may have entered
the catalytic converter and damaged it
(gasoline engine only).
왘 Give very little gas.
왘 Have the problem repaired by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center as soon as possible.
The coolant temperature is above
248°F (120°C)
The coolant is too hot and is no longer
cooling the engine.
왘 Stop the vehicle in a safe location as
soon as possible and turn off the engine. Allow engine and coolant to cool
off.
왘 Check the coolant level and add cool-
ant if necessary (
컄 page 345).
63
Getting started
Driving
In case of accident
If the vehicle is leaking fuel:
왘 Do not start the engine under any
circumstances.
왘 Notify local fire and/or police authori-
ties.
If the extent of the damage cannot be determined:
왘 Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center or call Roadside
Assistance.
If no damage can be determined on the
앫 major assemblies
앫 fuel system
앫 engine mount:
왘 Start the engine in the usual manner.
64
왔 Parking and locking
You have now completed your first drive.
You have properly stopped and parked
your vehicle. End your drive as follows.
Warning! G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and the
steering system. In this case, it is important
to keep in mind that a considerably higher
degree of effort is necessary to brake and
steer the vehicle.
Warning! G
Do not park this vehicle in areas where combustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system, as these materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
To reduce the risk of personal injury, or damage to the vehicle drivetrain, as a result of
vehicle movement, before turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle always:
앫 Keep right foot on brake pedal.
앫 Firmly depress parking brake pedal.
앫 Shift the automatic transmission to
position P.
앫 Slowly release brake pedal.
앫 When parked on an incline, turn front
wheel towards the road curb.
앫 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 0 and remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch, or press the
start/stop button (vehicles with
KEYLESS-GO*).
앫 Take the SmartKey or the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* and lock vehicle when
leaving.
Getting started
Parking and locking
Parking brake
Warning! G
Engaging the parking brake while the vehicle
is in motion can cause the rear wheels to
lock up. You could lose control of the vehicle
and cause an accident. In addition, the vehicle’s brake lights do not light up when the
parking brake is engaged.
1 Parking brake pedal
65
Getting started
Parking and locking
왘 Step firmly on parking brake pedal 1.
When the engine is running, the
warning lamp ; (USA only) or 3
(Canada only) in the instrument cluster
comes on.
Warning! G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
from the starter switch, take it with you and
lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. Children could release the
parking brake and/or shift the automatic
transmission out of position P, either of
which could result in an accident and/or
serious personal injury.
Warning! G
Getting out of your vehicle with the
automatic transmission not fully engaged in
position P is dangerous. Also, when parked
on an incline, position P alone may not
prevent your vehicle from moving, possibly
hitting people or objects.
Always set the parking brake in addition to
shifting to position P (
When parked on an incline, also turn front
wheel towards the road curb.
컄 page 185).
Switching off headlamps
왘 Turn the exterior lamp switch to M
(
컄 page 59).
For more information, see “Lighting”
(
컄 page 135).
Turning off the engine
If the engine cannot be turned off as
i
described, see “Emergency engine shut-down”
컄 page 506).
(
왘 Shift the automatic transmission to
position P (
컄 page 185).
Warning! G
Do not turn off the engine before the vehicle
has come to a complete stop. With the en-
gine not running, there is no power assis-
tance for the brake and steering systems. In
this case, it is important to keep in mind that
a considerably higher degree of effort is nec-
essary to brake and steer the vehicle.
왘 Apply the parking brake (컄 page 65).
Always set the parking brake in addition to
i
shifting the automatic transmission to position P
컄 page 185).
(
When parked on an incline, also turn front wheel
towards the road curb.
66
Getting started
Parking and locking
Observe instructions when taking the
!
vehicle through an automatic conveyor type
car wash (
컄 page 392).
Turning off with the SmartKey
왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 0 (
왘 Remove the SmartKey from the starter
컄 page 39).
switch.
The immobilizer is activated.
If you turn off the engine using the
!
SmartKey and
앫 remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch
or
앫 open a front door
the automatic transmission will shift to park
position P automatically.
Keep in mind that turning off the engine with the
SmartKey alone only will automatically shift the
automatic transmission to neutral position N.
Turning off with KEYLESS-GO*
왘 Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button (
컄 page 41) to turn off the
engine.
With the driver’s door closed, the starter switch is now in position 1. With the
driver’s door opened, the starter switch
is set to position 0, same as SmartKey
removed from starter switch
(
컄 page 39).
In an emergency you can turn off the engine
i
while driving by pressing and holding the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button for
approximately 3 seconds.
If you turn off the engine using the
!
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and open a front
door, the automatic transmission will shift to
park position P automatically.
Keep in mind that turning off the engine using
the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button alone only
will automatically shift the automatic transmission to neutral position N.
If you have started the engine with the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and can-
not turn it off as described above:
왘 Remove the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button from the starter switch.
왘 Insert the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
into the starter switch.
The engine turns off. The starter switch
is in position 0 (
컄 page 39).
67
Getting started
Parking and locking
Releasing seat belts
왘 Press the seat belt release button
(
컄 page 52).
Allow the retractor to completely rewind the seat belt by guiding the latch
plate.
Make sure the seat belt retracts fully so that
!
the seat belt and/or latch plate cannot get
caught or pinched in the door or in the seat
mechanism. This can damage the seat belt and
impair the effectiveness of the seat belt, and/or
cause damage to the door and/or door trim
panel. Such damage is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Damaged seat belts must be replaced. Contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.
Locking
Warning! G
To prevent possible personal injury, always
keep hands and fingers away from the door
openings when closing the doors. Be especially careful when small children are
around.
Before closing doors, make sure there is no
possibility of someone getting caught in a
door during closing.
Warning! G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take the
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* with you, and
lock your vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. A child’s unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an
accident and/or serious personal injury.
The exterior lamps switch off automatically
i
when you remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch or open the driver’s door.
When the parking lamps or the rear fog lamp are
switched on and you remove the SmartKey from
the starter switch and open the driver’s door, an
acoustic signal sounds.
In addition the message
appears in the multifunction display.
Switch off the parking lamps or the rear fog
lamp.
Failure to switch off the parking lamps or the
!
rear fog lamp when leaving the vehicle may
result in a discharged battery.
왘 Exit the vehicle and close all doors and
Switch Off Lights
the tailgate.
68
Getting started
Parking and locking
Locking with the SmartKey
왘 Press lock button ‹ on the
SmartKey (
컄 page 38).
With the tailgate and all doors closed,
the turn signal lamps flash three times.
The locking knobs on the doors move
down. The anti-theft alarm system is
armed.
For more information, see “Locking and
unlocking” (
컄 page 110).
Locking with KEYLESS-GO*
1 Lock button on the outside door handle
왘 Press lock button 1 on an outside
door handle.
With the tailgate and all doors closed,
the turn signal lamps flash three times.
The locking knobs on the doors move
down. The anti-theft alarm system is
armed.
For more information, see “Locking and
unlocking” (
컄 page 110).
69
70
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Panic alarm
Driving safety systems
Anti-theft systems
71
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
In this section you will learn the most important facts about the restraint systems
of the vehicle.
The restraint systems are
앫 Seat belts (컄 page 84)
앫 Child restraints (컄 page 94)
앫 Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CH
ildren (LATCH) (컄 page 93)
Additional protection potential provide
앫 Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
with
앫 Air bags (컄 page 74)
앫 Air bag control unit (with crash
sensors)
앫 Emergency Tensioning Device
(ETD) for seat belts (
앫 Seat belt force limiter (컄 page 87)
앫 Active head restraints (컄 page 88)
컄 page 87)
Air bag system components with
앫 Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (
앫 Front passenger seat with Occupant
C
lassification System (OCS)
(
컄 page 79)
컄 page 83)
Although independent systems, their
protective functions work in conjunction
with each other.
For information on infants and children
i
traveling with you in the vehicle and restraint
systems for infants and children, see “Children
in the vehicle” (
컄 page 89).
The SRS system conducts a self-test when
the ignition is switched on and in regular
intervals while the engine is running. This
facilitates early detection of malfunctions.
The
1 indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster (
컄 page 28) comes on when the
ignition is switched on and goes out no
later than a few seconds after the engine
was started.
The SRS components are in operational
readiness if the
1 indicator lamp is not
lit when the engine is running.
A malfunction in the system has been
detected if the
앫 fails to go out not later than approxi-
1 indicator lamp:
mately 4 seconds after the engine was
started
앫 does not come on at all
앫 comes on after the engine was started
or while driving
72
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Warning! G
Modifications to or work improperly conducted on restraint systems (such as seat
belts and anchors, emergency tensioning
devices, seat belt force limiters or air bags)
or their wiring, as well as tampering with interconnected electronic systems, can lead
to the restraint systems no longer functioning as intended.
Air bags or emergency tensioning devices,
for example, could deploy inadvertently or
fail to deploy in accidents although the deceleration threshold for air bag deployment
is exceeded. Therefore, never modify the restraint systems. Do not tamper with electronic components or their software.
Warning! G
In the event that the 1 indicator lamp
comes on during driving or does not come
on at all, the SRS self-check has detected a
malfunction. For your safety, we strongly
recommend that you visit an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center immediately to have the system checked; otherwise
the SRS may not deploy when needed in an
accident, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly
and unnecessarily which could also result in
injury.
In addition, improper work on the SRS
creates a risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or causing unintended air bag deployment. Work on the SRS must therefore only
be performed by qualified technicians.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
If it is necessary to modify an air bag system
to accommodate a person with disabilities,
contact a local authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center or call our Customer
Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) for details.
73
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Air bags
Warning! G
Air bags are designed to reduce the potential of injury and fatality in certain frontal
impacts (front air bags), side impacts (side
impact air bags and window curtain air bags)
or rollovers (window curtain air bags).
However, no system available today can
completely eliminate injuries and fatalities.
The deployment of the air bags temporarily
releases a small amount of dust from the air
bags. This dust, however, is neither injurious
to your health, nor does it indicate a fire in
the vehicle. The dust might cause some temporary breathing difficulty for people with
asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid
this, you may wish to get out of the vehicle
as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have any
breathing difficulty but cannot get out of the
vehicle after the air bag inflates, then get
fresh air by opening a window or door.
Warning! G
To reduce the risk of injury when the front
air bags inflate, it is very important for the
driver and front passenger to always be in a
properly seated position and to wear their
respective seat belt.
For maximum protection in the event of a
collision always be in normal seated position
with your back against the seat backrest.
Fasten your seat belt and make sure it is
properly positioned on your body
(
컄 page 51).
Since the air bag inflates with considerable
speed and force, a proper seating and hands
on steering wheel position will help to keep
you at a safe distance from the air bag.
Occupants who are unbelted, out of position
or too close to the air bag can be seriously
injured or killed by an air bag as it inflates
with great force in the blink of an eye:
앫 Sit properly belted in a position that is as
upright as possible with your back
against the seat backrest.
앫 Adjust the driver’s seat as far as possi-
ble rearward, still permitting proper operation of vehicle controls. The distance
from the center of the driver’s breastbone to the center of the air bag cover
on the steering wheel must be at least
10 inches (25 cm) or more. You should
be able to accomplish this by a combination of adjustments to the seat and
steering wheel. If you have any
problems, please see an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
앫 Do not lean your head or chest close to
the steering wheel or dashboard.
앫 Keep hands on the outside of steering
wheel rim. Placing hands and arms inside the rim can increase the risk and
potential severity of hand/arm injury
when driver’s front air bag inflates.
앫 Adjust the front passenger seat as far as
possible rearward from the dashboard
when the seat is occupied.
74
앫 Always sit as upright as possible, prop-
erly use the seat belts and use an appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler
restraint, or booster seat recommended
for the size and weight of the child.
Failure to follow these instructions can
result in severe injuries to you or other
occupants.
If you sell your vehicle, it is important that
you make the buyer aware of this safety
information. Be sure to give the buyer this
Operator’s Manual.
Warning! G
Accident research shows that the safest
place for children in an automobile is in the
rear seat.
It should be noted that with respect to both,
front side impact air bags or the rear side
impact air bags*, there is a possibility for a
side impact air bag related injury if occupants, especially children, are not properly
seated or restrained when next to a side
impact air bag which needs to deploy rapidly
in a side impact in order to do its job.
To help avoid the possibility of injury, please
follow these guidelines:
(1) Always sit as upright as possible,
properly use the seat belts, and for all
children 12 years old and under, use an
appropriately sized infant restraint,
toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
(2) Always wear seat belts properly.
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Air bags are designed to deploy only in
i
certain frontal impacts (front air bags), and in
side impacts (side impact and window curtain air
bags) which exceed preset thresholds, and in
certain rollovers (window curtain air bags). Only
during these events will they provide their sup-
plemental protection.
The driver and passengers should always wear
their seat belts. Otherwise it is not possible for
air bags to provide their supplemental protec-
tion.
In case of other types of impacts and impacts be-
low air bag deployment thresholds, air bags will
not deploy. The driver and passenger will then be
protected to the extent possible by a properly
fastened seat belt. A properly fastened seat belt
is also needed to provide the best possible pro-
tection in a rollover.
We caution you not to rely on the presence of the
air bags in order to avoid wearing your seat belt.
It is important to your safety and that of your pas-
sengers that you replace deployed air bags and
repair any malfunctioning air bags to make sure
the vehicle will continue to provide supplemental
crash protection for occupants.
75
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Safety guidelines for the seat belt,
emergency tensioning device and
air bag
Warning! G
앫 Damaged seat belts or belts that were
highly stressed in an accident must be
replaced and their anchoring points
must also be checked. Only use belts installed or supplied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
앫 Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency
Tensioning Devices (ETDs) are designed
to function on a one-time-only basis. An
air bag or ETD that is deployed must be
replaced.
앫 Do not pass belts over sharp edges.
They could tear.
앫 Do not make any modification that could
change the effectiveness of the belts.
앫 Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this
may severely weaken them. In a crash
they may not be able to provide adequate protection.
앫 No modifications of any kind may be
made to any components or wiring of
the SRS. This includes changing or
removing any component or part of the
SRS, the installation of additional trim
material, badges, etc. over the steering
wheel hub, front passenger front air bag
cover, outboard sides of the seat backrests, door trim panels, or door frame
trims, and installation of additional
electrical/electronic equipment on or
near SRS components and wiring. Keep
area between air bags and occupants
free from objects (e.g. packages, purses, umbrellas, etc.).
앫 Do not hang items such as coat hangers
from the coat hooks or handles over the
door. These items may turn into projectiles and cause head and other injuries
when the window curtain air bag is
deployed.
앫 Air bag system components will be hot
after an air bag has inflated. Do not
touch.
앫 Never place your feet on the instrument
panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always
keep both feet on the floor in front of the
seat.
앫 In addition, improper repair work on the
SRS creates a risk of rendering the SRS
inoperative or causing unintended air
bag deployment. Work on the SRS must
therefore only be performed by qualified
technicians. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
앫 For your protection and the protection
of others, when scrapping the air bag
unit or emergency tensioning device,
our safety instructions must be followed. These instructions are available
from any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.
앫 Given the considerable deployment
speed, required inflation volume, and
the textile structure of the air bags,
there is the possibility of abrasions or
other potentially more serious injuries
resulting from air bag deployment.
76
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Warning! G
Only use seat covers which have been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz for
your vehicle model. Using other seat covers
may interfere with or prevent the
deployment of the front side impact air bags
or the rear side impact air bags*. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center for availability.
When you sell your vehicle we strongly
urge you to give notice to the subsequent
owner that it is equipped with an SRS by
alerting them to the applicable section in
the Operator’s Manual.
Front air bags
1 Driver air bag
2 Passenger air bag
Driver and front passenger front air bags
are deployed:
앫 in the event of certain frontal impacts
앫 if impact exceeds a preset deployment
threshold
앫 independently of the side impact air
bags
The front air bags in this vehicle have been
i
designed to inflate in two stages. This allows the
air bag to have different rates of inflation that are
based on the rate of relevant vehicle decelera-
tion as assessed by the air bag control unit.
On the front passenger-side, the front air bag
deployment is additionally influenced by the
passenger’s weight category as identified by the
Occupant Classification System (OCS)
컄 page 79).
(
The lighter the front passenger side occupant,
the higher the vehicle deceleration rate required
for the second stage inflation of the air bag.
77
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
The air bags will not deploy in impacts
which do not exceed the system’s deployment thresholds. You will then be protected by the fastened seat belts.
The front passenger front air bag will only
be deployed if:
앫 the system senses that the front
passenger seat is occupied
앫 the 59 indicator lamp in
the center console is not lit
(
컄 page 83)
앫 the impact exceeds a preset deploy-
ment threshold
Side impact air bags, window curtain
air bags
Warning! G
The pressure sensors for side impact air bag
control are located in the doors. Do not
modify any components of the doors or door
trim panels including, for example, the addition of door speakers.
Improper repair work on the doors or the
modification or addition of components to
the doors create a risk of rendering the
side impact air bags inoperative or causing
unintended air bag deployment. Work on the
doors must therefore only be performed by
qualified technicians. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
1 Front side impact air bag
2 Window curtain air bag
3 Rear side impact air bag*
The side impact air bags and window
curtain air bags are deployed:
앫 on the impacted side of the vehicle
앫 in impacts exceeding a preset deploy-
ment threshold
앫 independently of the front air bags
In addition, the window curtain air bags 2
are deployed in certain vehicle rollovers.
78
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
The side impact air bags and window curtain air bags are not deployed in impacts
which do not exceed the system’s deployment threshold.
The front passenger side impact air bag
will not deploy if the OCS senses that the
front passenger seat is empty and the front
passenger seat belt is not fastened (latch
plate is not inserted into the buckle). With
an empty front passenger seat and the
seat belt fastened (latch plate properly inserted into buckle) the front passenger
side impact air bag will deploy independently of the empty seat.
Warning! G
Only use seat covers which have been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz for your
vehicle model. Using other seat covers may
interfere with or prevent the deployment of
the front side impact air bags or the rear
side impact air bags*. Contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for
availability.
Occupant Classification System
The Occupant Classification System (OCS)
automatically turns the front passenger
front air bag on or off based on the classified occupant weight category determined
by weight sensor readings from the front
passenger seat.
The system does not deactivate the front
i
passenger side impact air bag, the window
curtain air bag, and the emergency tensioning
device.
Occupants must sit properly belted in a
position that is as upright as possible with
their back against the seat backrest and
feet on the floor to be correctly classified.
If the occupant’s weight is transferred to
another object in the vehicle (e.g. by leaning on armrests), the OCS may not be able
to properly approximate the occupant’s
weight category.
Furthermore, the occupant weight may
appear to increase or decrease due to
objects hanging on the seat, other passen-
gers pushing on the seat, objects lodged
underneath the seat or stuffed between
seat and middle console or between seat
and door or due to objects applying pres-
sure on the back of the seat. Always make
sure that the seat has clearance in all
directions at all times.
If your seat, including your trim cover and
i
cushion needs to be serviced in any way, take
the vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.
Only seat accessories approved by
Mercedes-Benz may be used.
Both, driver and the front passenger
should always use the
59 indicator lamp as an indi-
cation of whether or not the front passen-
ger is properly positioned.
79
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Warning! G
If the 59 indicator lamp illuminates when an adult or someone larger than
a small individual is in the front passenger
seat, have the front passenger re-position
himself or herself in the seat until the
59 indicator lamp goes out, or
check whether objects are caught under or
around the seat.
More information about air bag display messages (
컄 page 421).
In the event of a collision, the air bag control
unit will not allow front passenger front air
bag deployment when the OCS classified
the front passenger seat occupant as being
up to or less than the weight of a typical
12-month-old child in a standard child restraint or if the front passenger seat is
sensed as being empty.
When the OCS senses that the front passenger seat occupant is classified as being up
to or less than the weight of a typical
12-month-old child in a standard child
restraint, the 59 indicator
lamp will illuminate when the engine is started and remain illuminated, indicating that
the front passenger front air bag is deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the front passenger seat is classified as being empty, the
59 indicator lamp will illuminate when the engine is started and remain
illuminated, indicating that the front
passenger front air bag is deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the front passen-
ger seat occupant is classified as being
heavier than the weight of a typical
12-month-old child seated in a standard
child restraint or as being a small individual
(such as a young teenager or a small adult),
the 59 indicator lamp will illu-
minate for approximately 6 seconds when
the engine is started and then, depending on
occupant weight sensor readings from the
seat, remain illuminated or go out. With the
59 indicator lamp illuminated,
the front passenger front air bag is deacti-
vated. With the 59 indicator
lamp out, the front passenger front air bag is
activated.
When the OCS senses that the front passen-
ger seat occupant is classified as an adult or
someone larger than a small individual, the
59 indicator lamp will illumi-
nate for approximately 6 seconds when the
engine is started and then go out, indicating
that the front passenger front air bag is
activated.
80
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
If the 59 indicator lamp is illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is
deactivated and will not be deployed.
If the 59 indicator lamp is not
illuminated, the front passenger front air
bag is activated and will be deployed:
앫 in the event of certain frontal impacts
앫 if impact exceeds a preset deployment
threshold
앫 independently of the side impact air
bags.
If the front passenger front air bag is deployed, the rate of inflation will be influenced by:
앫 the rate of vehicle deceleration as
assessed by the air bag control unit
앫 the front passenger’s weight category
as identified by the Occupant Classification System (OCS)
Warning! G
According to accident statistics, children
are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front seating position. Thus, we strongly recommend
that children be placed in the rear seats
whenever possible. Regardless of seating
position, children 12 years old and under
must be seated and properly secured in an
appropriate infant or child restraint
recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
The infant or child restraint must be properly
secured with the vehicle’s seat belt, the seat
belt and top tether strap, or lower anchors
and top tether strap, fully in accordance
with the child seat manufacturer’s
instructions.
Children can be killed or seriously injured by
an inflating air bag. Note the following
important information when circumstances
require you to place a child in the front passenger seat:
앫 Your vehicle is equipped with air bag
technology designed to turn off the front
passenger front air bag in your vehicle
when the system senses the weight of a
typical 12-month-old child or less along
with the weight of a standard appropriate child restraint on the front passenger seat.
앫 A child in a rear-facing child restraint on
the front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front
passenger front air bag inflates in a
collision which could occur under some
circumstances, even with the air bag
technology installed in your vehicle. The
only means to completely eliminate this
risk is to never place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat. We
therefore strongly recommend that you
always place a child in a rear-facing child
restraint in the back seat.
컄컄
81
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
컄컄
앫 If you must install a rear-facing child
restraint on the front passenger seat
because circumstances require you to
do so, make sure that the
59 indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. Should
the 59 indicator lamp not
illuminate or go out while the restraint is
installed, please check installation.
Periodically check the
59 indicator lamp while
driving to make sure the
59 indicator lamp is illuminated. If the 59 indicator
lamp goes out or remains out, do not
transport a child on the front passenger
seat until the system has been repaired.
A child in a rear-facing child restraint on
the front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front passenger front air bag inflates.
앫 If you have to place a child in a
forward-facing child restraint on the
front passenger seat, move the seat as
far back as possible, use the proper
child restraint recommended for the
age, size and weight of the child, and
secure child restraint with the vehicle’s
seat belt according to the child seat
manufacturer’s instructions. For
children larger than the typical
12-month-old child, the front passenger
front air bag may or may not be
activated (
컄 page 80).
Deployment of the driver front air bag does
i
not mean that the front passenger front air bag
also should have deployed.
The Occupant Classification System (
may have determined:
앫 that the seat was empty or occupied by the
weight up to or less than that of a typical
12-month-old child seated in a standard
child restraint – both instances where the
system suppresses deployment of the front
passenger front air bag even though the impact met the criteria and was of sufficient
severity to deploy the driver front air bag.
앫 that the seat was occupied by a small individ-
ual (such as a young teenager or a small
adult) or a child weighing more than the
weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a
standard child restraint – instances where
the system may suppress deployment of the
front passenger front air bag even though
the impact met the criteria and was of sufficient severity to deploy the driver front air
bag.
컄 page 79)
82
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
The 59 indicator lamp is
located in the center console.
1 59 indicator lamp
The 59 indicator lamp 1 will
be illuminated, except with the SmartKey
removed from the starter switch or with
the starter switch in position 0
(
컄 page 39).
Warning! G
If the 1 indicator lamp and the
59 indicator lamp are lit at the
same time, there is a malfunction in the
Occupant Classification System. The front
passenger front air bag will be deactivated
in this case.
Have the system checked as soon as possible by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Only have the seat repaired or replaced by
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.
In order to ensure proper operation of the
air bag system and OCS:
앫 Do not place more than 4.4 lb (2 kg) into
the parcel net on the back of the front
passenger seat. Otherwise, the OCS
may not be able to properly approximate
the occupant weight category.
앫 Do not place objects under and/or
around the front passenger seat.
앫 Do not hang anything from or attach any
items to the seats.
앫 Do not stuff objects such as books be-
tween the middle console and the front
passenger seat.
앫 Do not move the front passenger seat
backwards against stiff objects.
앫 Sit properly belted in a position that is as
upright as possible with your back
against the seat backrest.
앫 While seated, an occupant should not
position him/herself in such a way as to
cause the occupant’s weight to be lifted
from the seat bottom as this may result
in the OCS being unable to correctly approximate the occupant’s weight category.
앫 Read and observe all warnings in this
chapter.
83
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Self-test Occupant Classification
System
After turning the SmartKey in the starter
switch to position 1 or 2 or pressing the
KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button once or
twice, the 59 indicator lamp
(
컄 page 83) located in the center console
illuminates. If an adult occupant is properly
sitting on the front passenger seat and the
system senses the occupant as being an
adult, the 59 indicator lamp
will illuminate and go out after approximately 6 seconds.
If the seat is not occupied and the system
senses the front passenger seat as being
empty, the 59 indicator lamp
will illuminate and not go out.
Warning! G
If the 59 indicator lamp should
not illuminate, the system is not functioning.
You must see an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center before seating any child
on the front passenger seat.
For more information, see the “Practical
hints” section (
컄 page 411).
Warning! G
Never place anything between seat cushion
and child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces
the effectiveness of the Occupant Classification System. The bottom of the child seat
must make full contact with the passenger
seat cushion. An incorrectly mounted child
seat could cause injuries to the child in case
of an accident, instead of increasing protection for the child.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
installation of child seats.
Seat belts
The use of seat belts and infant and child
restraint system is required by law in all
50 states, the District of Columbia, the
U.S. territories and all Canadian provinces.
Even where this is not the case, all vehicle
occupants should have their seat belts
fastened whenever the vehicle is in
motion.
For more information, see “Fastening the
seat belts” (
For information on infants and children
i
traveling with you in the vehicle and restraint
systems for infants and children, see “Children
in the vehicle” (
컄 page 51).
컄 page 89).
84
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Warning! G
Always fasten your seat belt before driving
off. Always make sure your passengers are
properly restrained.
Failure to wear and properly fasten and position your seat belt greatly increases your
risk of injuries and their likely severity in an
accident. You and your passengers should
always wear seat belts.
If you are ever in an accident, your injuries
can be considerably more severe without
your seat belt properly buckled. Without
your seat belt buckled, you are much more
likely to hit the interior of the vehicle or be
ejected from it. You can be seriously injured
or killed.
In the same crash, the possibility of injury or
death is lessened if you are properly wearing
your seat belt. Air bags can only protect as
they are designed if the occupants are
properly wearing their seat belts.
Warning! G
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined position
as this can be dangerous. You could slide
under the seat belt in a collision. If you slide
under it, the belt would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That could cause serious or
even fatal injuries. The seat backrest and
seat belt provide the best restraint when the
wearer is in a position that is as upright as
possible and the belt is properly positioned
on the body.
Warning! G
Never let more people ride in the vehicle
than there are seat belts available. Make
sure everyone riding in the vehicle is correctly restrained with a separate seat belt.
Never use a seat belt for more than one person at a time.
Warning! G
Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly
stressed in an accident must be replaced
and their anchoring points must also be
checked.
Only use seat belts which have been
approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Do not make any modifications to the seat
belts. This can lead to unintended activation
of the ETDs or to failure.
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
Have all work carried out only by qualified
technicians. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
85
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Warning! G
USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY
앫 Seat belts can only work when used
properly. Never wear seat belts in any
other way than as described in this section, as that could result in serious injuries in case of an accident.
앫 Each occupant should wear their seat
belt at all times, because seat belts help
reduce the likelihood of and potential
severity of injuries in accidents, including rollovers. The integrated restraint
system includes SRS (driver air bag, passenger front air bag, side impact air
bags, window curtain air bags for side
windows), ETD (seat belt emergency
tensioning device), and front seat knee
bolsters. The system is designed to enhance the protection offered to properly
belted occupants in certain frontal (front
air bags and ETD) and side (side impact,
window curtain air bags and ETD) impacts which exceed preset deployment
thresholds and in certain rollovers (window curtain air bags and ETD).
앫 Never wear the shoulder belt under your
arm, against your neck or off your shoulder. In a frontal crash, your body would
move too far forward. That would increase the chance of head and neck injuries. The belt would also apply too
much force to the ribs or abdomen,
which could severely injure internal organs such as your liver or spleen.
앫 Never wear belts over rigid or breakable
objects in or on your clothing, such as
eyeglasses, pens, SmartKeys, etc., as
these might cause injuries.
앫 Position the lap belt as low as possible
on your hips and not across the abdomen. If the belt is positioned across your
abdomen, it could cause serious injuries
in a crash.
앫 Never use a seat belt for more than one
pe rson at t ime. Do no t fasten a seat belt
around a person and another person or
other objects.
앫 Belts should not be worn twisted. In a
crash, you would not have the full width
of the belt to distribute impact forces.
The twisted belt against your body could
cause injuries.
앫 Pregnant women should also always use
a lap-shoulder belt. The lap belt portion
should be positioned as low as possible
on the hips to avoid any possible pressure on the abdomen.
앫 Never place your feet on the instrument
panel, dashboard or on the seat. Always
keep both feet on the floor in front of the
seat.
앫 When using a seat belt to secure infant
or toddler restraints or children in
booster seats, always follow the child
seat manufacturer’s instructions.
86
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Enhanced seat belt reminder system
When the engine is started, the seat belt
telltale < will always illuminate
for 6 seconds to remind you and your
passengers to fasten your seat belts.
If the driver’s seat belt is not fastened
when the engine is started, an additional
warning chime will also sound for a maximum of 6 seconds or until the driver’s
seat belt is fastened.
If after these 6 seconds the driver’s or the
front passenger’s seat belt (with the front
passenger seat occupied) is not fastened
with front doors closed,
앫 the seat belt telltale < remains illu-
minated for as long as either the driver’s or front passenger’s seat belt is not
fastened
앫 and if the vehicle speed once exceeds
15 mph (25 km/h), the seat belt
telltale < starts flashing and a
warning chime sounds with increasing
intensity for a maximum of 60 seconds
or until the driver’s and the front
passenger’s seat belt are fastened
If the driver’s or the front passenger’s
seat belt remains unfastened after
60 seconds, the warning chime stops
sounding, the seat belt telltale <
stops flashing but continues to be illuminated.
The seat belt telltale < will only go out
if both the driver’s and the front passenger’s seat belt (with the front passenger
seat occupied) are fastened, or the vehicle
is standing still and a front door is opened.
For more information, see “Practical hints”
(
컄 page 406).
Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD),
seat belt force limiter
The seat belts for the front seats and rear
outer seats are equipped with emergency
tensioning devices and seat belt force
limiters.
The ETD is designed to activate in the
following cases:
앫 in frontal or rear-end impacts
exceeding the system deployment
threshold
앫 in certain vehicle rollovers
앫 if the restraint systems are operational
and functioning correctly, see
1 indicator lamp (
The ETDs for the front seats will only acti-
i
vate if the respective front seat belt is fastened
(latch plate properly inserted into buckle).
The ETDs for the rear outer seats will activate
with or without the respective seat belt fastened.
컄 page 410)
87
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
In an impact, emergency tensioning
devices remove slack from the belts in
such a way that the seat belts fit more
snugly against the body. Belt force limiters,
when activated, are employed to help
reduce the peak force exerted by the seat
belts on occupants during a crash.
Warning! G
A pyrotechnic Emergency Tensioning Device
(ETD) that was activated must be replaced.
When disposing of the pyrotechnic emergency tensioning device, our safety instructions must be followed. These are available
at any authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
Active head restraint
The active head restraints are intended to
offer the driver and front passenger
increased protection from whiplash type
injuries. In the event of a rear-end collision,
the active head restraints on the driver’s
and front passenger’s seats are designed
to move forward in the direction of travel,
providing the head with increased support
earlier on in the collision sequence. The
active head restraints move forward
whether the seat is occupied or not.
Warning! G
Only use seat or head restraint covers which
have been tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model.
Using other seat or head restraint covers
may interfere with or prevent the activation
of the active head restraint. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center for availability.
Do not attach any objects (e.g. hangers) to
the head restraints posts. Otherwise, the
active head restraints may not be able to
function properly or offer the intended
degree of protection in the event of an
accident.
Warning! G
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust head restraint so that it is as close to
the head as possible and the center of the
head restraint supports the back of the head
at eye level. This will reduce the potential for
injury to the head and neck in the event of
an accident or similar situation.
88
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
You cannot remove the active head
restraint on the driver’s and front
passenger’s seats.
For removal of the active head restraints
we recommend that you contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.
For information on head restraint adjustment, see “Seats” (
컄 page 43).
For information on resetting the activated
active head restraints, see “Resetting activated head restraints” (
컄 page 458).
Rear head restraints Children in the vehicle
If an infant or child is traveling with you in
Warning! G
Do not drive the vehicle without the seat
head restraints installed when the rear seats
are occupied. Head restraints are intended
to help reduce injuries during an accident.
With a rear seat occupied, make sure to
move the respective head restraint up from
the lowest non-use position and have the
occupant adjust the head restraint properly.
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint in such a way that
it is as close to the head as possible and the
head restraint supports the back of the head
at eye level. This will reduce the potential for
injury to the head and neck in the event of
an accident or similar situation.
the vehicle:
왘 Secure the child using an infant or child
restraint appropriate to the age and
size of the child.
왘 Make sure the infant or child is
properly secured at all times while the
vehicle is in motion.
Warning! G
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child restraint system. The children could
앫 injure themselves on parts of the vehicle
앫 be seriously or fatally injured through
excessive exposure to extreme heat or
cold
컄컄
89
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
컄컄
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system’s
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and the child could be burned on these
parts.
If children open a door, they could
앫 injure other persons
앫 get out of the car and injure themselves
or be injured by following traffic
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger or cargo compartment unless
they are firmly secured in place. For more information, see “Loading” (
“Useful features” (
Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child’s risk of injury in the event
of
앫 strong braking maneuvers
앫 sudden changes of direction
앫 an accident
컄 page 266) and
컄 page 279).
Infant and child restraint systems
We recommend all infants and children be
properly restrained at all times while the
vehicle is in motion.
All lap-shoulder belts except the driver’s
seat belt have special seat belt retractors
for secure fastening of child restraints.
To fasten a child restraint, follow child
restraint instructions for mounting. Then
pull the shoulder belt out completely and
let it retract. During seat belt retraction, a
ratcheting sound can be heard to indicate
that the special seat belt retractor is activated. The belt is now locked. Push down
on child restraint to take up any slack.
To deactivate, release seat belt buckle and
let seat belt retract completely. To deactivate the special seat belt retractor for the
front passenger seat, the front passenger
seat must be in the most backward position. The seat belt can again be used in the
usual manner.
Warning! G
Never release the seat belt buckle while the
vehicle is in motion, since the special seat
belt retractor will be deactivated.
For information on child seats with mounting
i
fittings for tether anchorages, see “Installation
of infant and child restraint system”
컄 page 94).
(
For information on LATCH-type child seat
mounts, see “Child seat anchors – LATCH type”
컄 page 93).
(
The use of infant or child restraints is required by law in all 50 states, the District
of Columbia, the U.S. territories and all
Canadian provinces.
90
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Infants and small children should be
seated in an appropriate infant or child
restraint system properly secured in
accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions for the child restraint, that
complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards 213 and 225 and
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
213 and 210.2.
A statement by the child restraint manufacturer of compliance with these
standards can be found on the instruction
label on the restraint and in the instruction
manual provided with the restraint.
When using any infant or child restraint
system, make sure to carefully read and
follow all manufacturer’s instructions for
installation and use.
Please read and observe warning labels
affixed to the inside of the vehicle and to
infant or child restraints.
Warning! G
According to accident statistics, children
are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front seating position. Thus, we strongly recommend
that children be placed in the rear seats
whenever possible. Regardless of seating
position, children 12 years old and under
must be seated and properly secured in an
appropriate infant or child restraint
recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
The infant or child restraint must be properly
secured with the vehicle’s seat belt, the seat
belt and top tether strap, or lower anchors
and top tether strap, fully in accordance
with the child seat manufacturer’s
instructions.
Always sit as upright as possible, properly
use the seat belts and use an appropriately
sized infant restraint, toddler restraint, or
booster seat recommended for the size and
weight of the child.
Children can be killed or seriously injured by
an inflating air bag. Note the following important information when circumstances
require you to place a child in the front
passenger seat:
앫 Your vehicle is equipped with air bag
technology designed to turn off the front
passenger front air bag in your vehicle
when the OCS senses the weight of a
typical 12-month-old child or less along
with the weight of a standard
appropriate child restraint on the front
passenger seat.
컄컄
91
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
컄컄
앫 A child in a rear-facing child restraint on
the front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front
passenger front air bag inflates in a
collision which could occur under some
circumstances, even with the air bag
technology installed in your vehicle. The
only means to completely eliminate this
risk is to never place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat. We
therefore strongly recommend that you
always place a child in a rear-facing child
restraint in the back seat.
앫 If you must install a rear-facing child
restraint on the front passenger seat because circumstances require you to do
so, make sure that the
59 indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. Should
the 59 indicator lamp not
illuminate or go out while the restraint is
installed, please check installation.
Periodically check the
59 indicator lamp while
driving to make sure the lamp is illuminated. If the 59 indicator
lamp goes out or remains out, do not
transport a child on the front passenger
seat until the system has been repaired.
A child in a rear-facing child restraint on
the front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front passenger front air bag inflates.
앫 If you have to place a child in a
forward-facing child restraint on the
front passenger seat, move the seat as
far back as possible, use the proper
child restraint recommended for the
age, size and weight of the child, and secure child restraint with the vehicle’s
seat belt according to the child seat
manufacturer’s instructions. For
children larger than the typical
12-month-old child, the front passenger
front air bag may or may not be
activated (
컄 page 80).
Warning! G
Infants and small children should never
share a seat belt with another occupant.
During an accident, they could be crushed
between the occupant and seat belt.
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle
and/or the child is not properly secured in
the child restraint.
92
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Children too big for a toddler restraint must
ride in seats using regular seat belts. Position shoulder belt across chest and shoulder, not face or neck. A booster seat may be
necessary to achieve proper belt positioning
for children from 41 lb until they reach a
height where a lap/shoulder belt fits
properly without a booster.
When the child restraint is not in use,
remove it from the vehicle or secure it with
the seat belt to prevent the child restraint
from becoming a projectile in the event of an
accident.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, even if the children are secured in a
child restraint system.
A child’s unsupervised access to a vehicle
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
Child seat anchors – LATCH type
This vehicle is equipped with two LATCH
(L
ower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
type anchors (at each of the outer rear
seats) for the installation of a LATCH child
seat with matching mounting fittings.
Warning! G
Children too big for a toddler restraint must
ride in seats using regular seat belts. Position shoulder belt across chest and shoulder, not face or neck.
A booster seat may be necessary to achieve
proper belt positioning for children over
41 lb until they reach a height where a
lap/shoulder belt fits properly without a
booster.
Install child seat according to manufacturer’s instructions.
The child seat must be firmly attached to the
right and left side anchors 2 (
컄 page 94).
An incorrectly mounted child seat may come
loose during an accident which could result
in serious injury or death to the child.
Damaged or impact damaged child seats or
child seat mounting fittings must be replaced.
Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, even if the children are secured in a
child restraint system.
The LATCH anchors are blended with
covers.
1 Anchorage ring covers
93
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
왘 Remove anchorage ring cover 1 from
the seat on which a child seat is to be
installed.
2 Anchors
왘 Install a LATCH type child seat accord-
ing to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Make sure the seat belt for the center seat
!
can operate freely with a child seat installed.
Non-LATCH type child seats may also be
i
used and can be installed using the vehicle’s
seat belt system. Install child seat according to
the manufacturer’s instructions.
Installation of infant and child restraint
system
This vehicle is equipped with tether
anchorages for a top tether strap at each
of the rear seating positions.
1 Anchorage ring cover
왘 Remove anchorage ring cover 1 from
seat backrest of the seat on which a
child seat is to be installed.
2 Anchorage ring
3 Hook
For safety, make sure hook 3 has attached
i
to anchorage ring 2 beyond the safety catch, as
illustrated.
94
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
왘 Move the respective head restraint to
its uppermost position (
컄 page 128).
2 Anchorage ring
3 Hook
4 Top tether strap
왘 Guide top tether strap 4 between
head restraint and top of seat backrest.
왘 Securely fasten hook 3, which is part
of the tether strap 4, to anchorage
ring 2.
Make sure
앫 the top tether strap is not twisted
앫 the head restraint is installed and
positioned such that the top tether
strap can pass freely between the
head restraint and top of seat backrest
앫 top tether strap is positioned be-
tween the seat backrest and the
cargo compartment cover blind (if
installed)
앫 the top tether strap is positioned
between the seat backrest and the
cargo net* (if installed)
Warning! G
After installing top tether straps, make sure
that the seat backrests are in an upright position and are properly locked. Check for
secure locking by pushing and pulling on the
seat backrests. If a seat backrest is not
properly locked, the seat backrest could
fold. The child seat would no longer be properly supported or positioned to provide its
intended benefit.
왘 Lower the head restraint if necessary
(
컄 page 128).
Make sure the top tether strap can
pass freely between the head restraint
and top of seat backrest.
왘 Install the child restraint system and
tighten the top tether strap according
to the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions.
95
Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Blocking of rear door window operation
With the override switch you can disable
the rear side window switches in the rear
door panels.
Warning! G
Activate the override switch when children
are riding in the back seats of the vehicle.
The children could otherwise injure themselves, e.g. by becoming trapped in the window opening.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
from the starter switch, take it with you, and
lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. A child’s unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an
accident and/or serious personal injury.
The override switch is located on the
driver’s door control panel.
1 Override switch
For more information on power windows,
see “Power windows” (
컄 page 235).
Disabling
왘 Press override switch 1 until it engag-
es.
The switch engages in the recessed
position.
The rear door windows can no longer
be operated using the switches located
in the rear doors.
Operating the rear door windows using the
i
switches located on the door control panel of the
driver’s door is still possible.
Enabling
왘 Press override switch 1 once more.
The switch disengages from its
recessed position back to its original
position.
The rear door windows can again be
operated using the switches located in
the rear doors.
96
왔 Panic alarm
1 Â button
USA only:
i
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and
(2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this device
could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
Canada only:
i
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this device
could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
Activating
왘 Press and hold button 1 for at least
1 second.
An audible alarm and flashing exterior
lamps will operate briefly.
Safety and Security
Panic alarm
Deactivating
왘 Press button 1 again.
or
왘 Insert the SmartKey or the SmartKey
with KEYLESS-GO* in the starter
switch.
or
왘 Press the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop
button (
The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* must
be in the vehicle.
컄 page 41).
97
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
In this section you will find information on
the following driving safety systems:
앫 ABS (Antilock Brake System)
앫 BAS (Brake Assist System)
®
앫 ESP
앫 EBP (Electronic Brake Proportioning)
앫 4-ETS (Electronic Traction System)
(Electronic Stability Program)
Warning! G
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
앫 Excessive speed, especially in turns
앫 Wet and slippery road surfaces
앫 Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent the natural laws of physics from acting
on the vehicle.
Always adapt your driving style to the prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects in the street.
In winter operation, the maximum effective-
i
ness of the ABS, the BAS, the ESP
the 4-ETS is only achieved with winter tires
컄 page 384) or snow chains as required.
(
®
, the EBP, and
ABS
Warning! G
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the brake pedal defeats the purpose of
the ABS and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do
not lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The - indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster (
컄 page 26) comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
98
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in
the regulating mode.
왘 Keep firm and steady pressure on the
brake pedal while experiencing the pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions
and functions as a reminder to take extra
care while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver
왘 Keep continuous full pressure on the
brake pedal.
Warning! G
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the BAS,
®
the ESP
off. The basic driving and braking functions
are still available.
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the wheels
may lock during hard braking, reducing
steering capability and extending the braking distance.
, and the 4-ETS are also switched
Warning! G
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded. The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, following another
vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ABS
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in
a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
Off-road – ABS
With the off-road driving program switched
on (
컄 page 253), the ABS designed for
off-road use is automatically activated.
When applying the brakes at speeds below
approximately 18 mph (30 km/h), the
front wheels are locked cyclically to shorten the braking distance (dig-in effect). This
affects steering the vehicle.
For more information, see “Practical hints”
(
컄 page 399).
99
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