Page 1
M-Class
Operator’s Manual
Page 2
Symbols
Trademarks
R
AdBlue® is a registered trademark of the
®
:
German Association of the Automotive
Industry (VDA).
R
BabySmartTM is a trademark of Siemens
Automotive Corp.
R
Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of
Bluetooth SIG Inc.
R
ESP® and PRE-SAFE® are registered
trademarks of Daimler.
R
HomeLink® is a registered trademark of
Prince, a Johnson Controls Company.
R
SIRIUS and related marks are trademarks
of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc.
The following symbols are found in this
Operator’s Manual:
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.
i
Helpful hints or further information you
may find useful.
X
This symbol points to instructions
for you to follow.
X
A number of these symbols
appearing in succession indicates
a multiple-step procedure.
Y page
This symbol tells you where to look
for further information on a topic.
YY
This continuation symbol marks a
warning or procedure which is
continued on the next page.
Display
Text in displays, such as the control
system, are printed in the type
shown here.
Page 3
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 will 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:
R
Please read this manual carefully, then
return it to your vehicle where it will be
handy for your reference.
R
Please follow the recommendations
contained in this manual. They are
designed to acquaint you with the
operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
R
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 Daimler Company
1645841383
É1645841383}ËÍ
Page 4
Page 5
Contents
3
Index ....................................................... 4
Introduction ......................................... 20
At a glance ........................................... 25
Safety and security ............................. 35
Controls in detail ................................. 69
Operation ........................................... 209
Practical hints ................................... 267
Technical data ................................... 345
Page 6
Index
4
1, 2, 3 ...
115V AC Socket ................................. 198
3-zone automatic climate control
see Climate control system
4-ETS
see ETS/4-ETS
4MATIC
see All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
A
ABS (Antilock Brake System) ............. 62
Indicator lamp ................................ 298
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 273, 284
Accessory weight .............................. 239
Accidents ........................................... 107
Air bags ........................................... 37
Distance warning function ............. 151
Emergency calls (Tele Aid) ............. 200
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints ........................................ 53
Active Bi-Xenon headlamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 293
see Headlamps
Adaptive Damping System
see ADS
AdBlue® ...................................... 331, 361
Capacity, AdBlue® tank ................. 358
Refilling ......................................... 332
Additives
Engine oil ....................................... 359
Gasoline ......................................... 361
Address change ................................... 22
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) ..... 156
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ................................................. 223
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 281, 296
Air bags ................................................ 37
Emergency call upon deployment .. 200
Front, driver and passenger ............. 40
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (Canada
only) ........................................ 46, 305
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (USA only) ........ 42, 305
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 275
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 42
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Side impact ...................................... 40
Window curtain ................................ 41
Air conditioning refrigerant and
lubricant ............................................. 359
Air distribution .......................... 171, 180
Air filter .............................................. 292
AIRMATIC/Compass menu ............... 127
Air pressure
see Tire inflation pressure
Air pressure (tires) ............................ 240
Air pump (electric) ............................ 328
Air recirculation mode .............. 172, 182
Air suspension program
Comfortable driving style ............... 156
Introduction ................................... 155
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 285
Sporty driving style ........................ 156
Suspension tuning ......................... 156
Vehicle level control ...................... 156
Air volume ................................. 171, 181
Alarm system
see Anti-theft systems
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool
kit) .............................................. 268, 327
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) .................. 159
Alternator
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 280, 290
Alternator (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
AMG menu ......................................... 123
Anticorrosion/antifreeze .................. 363
Antilock Brake System
see ABS
Anti-theft systems ............................... 66
Anti-theft alarm system ................... 66
Immobilizer ...................................... 66
Aquaplaning
see Hydroplaning
Page 7
Index
5
Armrest, front
Storage compartment .................... 193
Ashtrays ............................................. 196
Aspect ratio (tires) ............................ 240
Audio/DVD menu .............................. 126
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ........ 90
Automatic central locking .......... 74, 135
Automatic headlamp mode ................ 93
Automatic interior lighting control .... 97
Automatic locking when driving ...... 135
Automatic shift program .................. 114
Automatic transmission ................... 109
Automatic shift program ................ 114
Emergency operation (limp-home
mode) ............................................ 117
Gear range indicator ...................... 114
Gear ranges ................................... 113
Gear selector lever ........................ 109
Hill-start assist system .................. 152
Kickdown ....................................... 113
Kickdown (manual shift program) .. 117
Manual shift program ..................... 115
One-touch gearshifting .................. 115
Program mode indicator ................ 114
Program mode selector switch
(automatic shift program) .............. 114
Program mode selector switch
(manual shift program) .................. 116
Shifting procedure ......................... 111
Steering wheel gearshift control .... 115
Towing a trailer .............................. 113
Transmission position indicator ..... 112
Transmission positions .................. 112
AUX socket ........................................ 193
Axle oils .............................................. 357
B
BabySmart™
Air bag deactivation system ............. 46
Self-test ........................................... 47
Backrest
see Seats
Backup lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 293
Bar (air pressure unit) ....................... 240
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 63
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking condition .......................... 73
Replacing ....................................... 309
Battery, Vehicle ................................. 334
Charging ........................................ 336
Jump starting ................................. 336
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 280, 290
Bead (tire) .......................................... 240
Beverage holders
see Cup holders
Bleeding the fuel system (diesel
engine) ............................................... 331
BlueTEC
AdBlue® tank ................................. 331
AdBlue® tank capacity ................... 358
Brake fluid
Checking level ............................... 217
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 284
Brake lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 263
Brake pads
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 283
Brakes ................................................ 245
High-performance brake system .... 246
Parking brake ........................ 107, 247
Warning lamp ................................. 299
Break-in period .................................. 210
Bug cover (Radiator) ......................... 214
Bulbs
see Replacing bulbs
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) ... 23
California retail buyers and
lessees, important notice for ............. 21
Calls (phone) ...................................... 139
Can holders
see Cup holders
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................. 356
Cargo compartment
Cargo net ....................................... 191
Cargo volume, expanding .............. 189
Cover blind .................................... 190
Page 8
Index
6
Fuse box ........................................ 344
Hooks ............................................ 189
Tie-down rings ............................... 188
Cargo compartment cover blind ...... 190
Cargo net ........................................... 191
Cargo tie-down rings ......................... 188
Carpets, cleaning .............................. 265
Carriers .............................................. 187
Center console
Lower part ....................................... 32
Upper part ....................................... 31
Central locking
Automatic ................................ 74, 135
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 71
Locking/unlocking from inside ........ 75
SmartKey ......................................... 70
Central locking/unlocking switch ..... 75
Certification label .............................. 346
Children in the vehicle
Air bags ........................................... 37
BabySmart™ air bag deactivation
system ............................................. 46
Child safety locks (rear doors) ......... 60
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type .... 59
Indicator lamp, front passenger
front air bag off (Canada only) ......... 46
Indicator lamp, front passenger
front air bag off (USA only) .............. 42
Infant and child restraint systems .... 56
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 42
Override switch ................................ 60
Safety notes ..................................... 55
Tether anchorage points .................. 58
Top tether ........................................ 58
Child safety
see Children in the vehicle
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type
see Children in the vehicle
Chrome-plated exhaust tip,
cleaning .............................................. 266
Cigarette lighter ................................ 196
Climate control system .................... 165
3-zone automatic climate control .. 173
Air conditioning ..................... 169, 178
Air conditioning refrigerant ............ 359
Air distribution ....................... 171, 180
Air recirculation mode ........... 172, 182
Air volume ............................. 171, 181
Automatic mode .................... 170, 179
Climate control .............................. 167
Deactivating system .............. 169, 178
Front defroster ...................... 171, 181
Residual heat and
ventilation .............................. 172, 183
Temperature .......................... 170, 179
Clock ............................................ 28, 132
Cockpit ................................................. 27
Cold tire inflation pressure .............. 240
Collapsible tire (spare wheel) .......... 356
Collapsible wheel chock ................... 270
COMAND system
see separate COMAND system
operating instructions
Combination switch ............................ 95
Comfort submenu
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 136
Fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors ................................... 137
Seat belt adjustment feature ......... 136
Compass
Calling up ....................................... 207
Control system .................................. 119
Multifunction display ..................... 121
Multifunction steering wheel ......... 119
Resetting to factory settings .......... 129
Control system menus ...................... 121
AIRMATIC/Compass ...................... 127
AMG ............................................... 123
Audio/DVD .................................... 126
Distronic ........................................ 128
Navigation ..................................... 127
Off-road Mode ............................... 125
Settings ......................................... 129
Standard display ............................ 122
Telephone ...................................... 139
Trip computer ................................ 138
Vehicle configuration ..................... 137
Vehicle status message memory ... 128
Control system submenus
Comfort ......................................... 135
Instrument cluster ......................... 130
Lighting .......................................... 133
Time/Date ..................................... 132
Vehicle ........................................... 135
Page 9
Index
7
Coolant
Anticorrosion/antifreeze ............... 363
Capacities ...................................... 358
Checking level ............................... 216
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 288
Corner-illuminating front fog
lamps .................................................... 96
Cruise control .................................... 141
Activating ....................................... 142
Canceling ....................................... 142
Changing the set speed ................. 143
Last stored speed .......................... 143
Lever .............................................. 142
Messages in the mutlifunction
display ........................................... 278
Resume function ............................ 143
Setting current speed .................... 142
Cup holders ........................................ 194
Curb weight ....................................... 240
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 23
Customer Relations Department ....... 24
D
Dashboard
see Instrument cluster
Data recording ..................................... 24
Date, Setting ...................................... 132
Daytime running lamp mode .............. 94
Switching on or off ......................... 133
Deep water
see Standing water
Defroster
Rear window .................................. 183
Windshield ............................. 171, 181
Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps ................................ 134
Interior lighting .............................. 135
Department of Transportation
see DOT
Diesel engine
Preglow indicator lamp .................... 29
Diesel fuel
see Fuel
Difficulties
While driving .................................. 106
With starting .................................. 105
Digital clock
see Clock
Digital speedometer ......................... 123
Dimensions (vehicle)
see Vehicle specification
Direction of rotation (tires) .............. 231
Displays
Digital speedometer ...................... 123
Distronic ........................................ 146
Maintenance service indicator ....... 258
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 272
Multifunction display ..................... 121
Outside temperature ............. 123, 131
Symbol messages .......................... 283
Text messages ............................... 273
Trip computer ................................ 138
Vehicle status message memory ... 128
Vehicle system settings ................. 129
Distronic ............................................ 144
Cleaning system sensor cover ....... 263
Control system .............................. 128
Distance warning function ............. 151
Distance warning
lamp ...................................... 146, 302
Driving with .................................... 150
Menu ............................................. 147
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 278
Resume function ............................ 149
Sensor cover .................................. 263
Speed settings ............................... 148
Door control panel .............................. 33
Door handles ........................................ 33
Doors
Child safety locks ............................ 60
Locking/unlocking (KEYLESS-GO) ... 71
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........ 70
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 286
Opening from inside ......................... 74
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) ....... 203
Unlocking (Mechanical key) ........... 306
DOT (Department of
Transportation) .................................. 240
Downhill Speed Regulation
see DSR
Drinking and driving ......................... 244
Page 10
Index
8
Driving
Abroad ........................................... 257
Hydroplaning ................................. 247
Instructions ........................... 103, 244
In winter ........................................ 243
Off-road ......................................... 248
Problems ....................................... 106
Safety systems ................................ 61
Systems ......................................... 141
Through standing water ................. 247
With Distronic ................................ 150
Driving and parking
Safety notes .................................. 103
Driving off .................................. 105, 247
Driving safety systems ....................... 61
ABS .................................................. 62
BAS .................................................. 63
EBP .................................................. 63
ESP® ................................................ 63
ETS/4-ETS ....................................... 64
Driving systems
Air suspension program ................. 155
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) ................ 159
Cruise control ................................ 141
Distronic ........................................ 144
Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) .. 152
Hill-start assist system .................. 152
Off-road driving program ............... 155
Parktronic system .......................... 160
Rear view camera .......................... 163
Driving tips, automatic
transmission ...................................... 113
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) .... 152
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 286
E
Easy-entry/exit feature .............. 87, 136
EBP (Electronic Brake
Proportioning) ...................................... 63
Electrical system
Improper work on or
modifications ................................... 23
Power outlets ................................. 197
Electrical system (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP®
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4-ETS
Emergency, in case of
First aid kit ..................................... 268
Flat tire .......................................... 319
Hazard warning flasher .................... 96
Roadside Assistance ................ 21, 201
Towing the vehicle ......................... 338
Emergency calls
Tele Aid .......................................... 200
Emergency engine shutdown ........... 344
Emergency operations
Limp-home mode ........................... 117
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) ....... 203
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD
Emission control ............................... 258
Information label ............................ 347
System warranties ........................... 20
Engine
Break-in recommendations ............ 210
Cleaning ......................................... 262
Compartment ................................ 212
Malfunction indicator
lamp ........................................ 29, 303
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 288
Number .......................................... 347
Starting .......................................... 103
Turning off ..................................... 108
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Engine compartment
Radiator ......................................... 214
Engine coolant
see Coolant
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 215
Additives ........................................ 359
Checking level ............................... 214
Consumption ................................. 214
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 291
Page 11
Index
9
Oil dipstick ..................................... 215
Recommended engine oils and oil
filter ............................................... 359
ESP® (Electronic Stability
Program) .............................................. 63
ETS/4-ETS ....................................... 64
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 273, 284
Off-road ESP® .................................. 65
Trailer stabilization ........................... 66
Warning lamp ................................. 301
ETD (Emergency Tensioning
Device) ................................................. 52
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
ETS/4-ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ................................................ 64
Express operation
Power windows .............................. 100
Tilt/sliding sunroof ........................ 184
Exterior lamp switch ........................... 93
Exterior rear view mirrors .................. 89
Fold-in function ........................ 91, 137
Parking position ............................... 90
Power-folding ................................... 91
Exterior view of vehicle ...................... 26
F
Fastening the seat belts ..................... 50
First aid kit ......................................... 268
Flat tire ............................................... 319
Lowering the vehicle ...................... 329
Mounting the spare wheel ............. 324
Preparing the vehicle ..................... 320
Spare wheel ........................... 319, 356
TIREFIT (tire repair kit) ................... 320
Floormats ........................................... 208
Fluids
AdBlue® ......................................... 358
Automatic transmission fluid ......... 357
Brake fluid ..................................... 358
Capacities ...................................... 356
Engine coolant ............................... 358
Engine oil ....................................... 357
Power steering fluid ....................... 357
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ........................................... 358
Fog lamps ............................................. 95
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 293, 294
Fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors ................................ 91, 137
Four-wheel drive
see All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
Front air bags
see Air bags
Front axle oil ...................................... 357
Front lamps
see Headlamps
Front passenger front air bag ............ 40
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 275
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (Canada only) ..... 46, 305
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (USA only) .......... 42, 305
Front seat head restraints
see Head restraints
Fuel ..................................................... 210
Additives ........................................ 361
Capacity, fuel tank ......................... 358
Diesel fuel ............................. 358, 360
Drive sensibly–safe fuel ................. 244
Fuel consumption statistics ........... 138
Fuel filler flap and cap ................... 212
Fuel tank reserve warning
lamp ........................................ 29, 303
Premium unleaded gasoline ... 358, 360
Refueling ........................................ 210
Requirements ................................ 360
Fuel filler flap ..................................... 212
Opening manually .......................... 308
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Capacities ...................................... 356
Fuel system, bleeding (diesel
engine) ............................................... 331
Fuel tank
Capacity ........................................ 358
Fuel filler flap and cap ................... 212
Refueling ........................................ 210
Fuses .................................................. 342
Page 12
10
Index
G
Garage door opener .................... 32, 204
Gasoline
see Fuel
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) ... 240
Gear range ......................................... 113
Indicator ........................................ 114
Limiting .......................................... 115
Shifting into optimal ...................... 115
Gear selector lever ............................ 109
Cleaning ......................................... 265
Gearshift pattern ........................... 109
Shifting procedure ......................... 111
Transmission position indicator ..... 112
Transmission positions .................. 112
Generator
see Alternator
Global locking/unlocking
see Key, SmartKey
Glove box ........................................... 193
Gross Axle Weight Rating
see GAWR
Gross Trailer Weight
see GTW
Gross Vehicle Weight
see GVW
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
see GVWR
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) .............. 240
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) ............ 240
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) ................................................ 240
H
Halogen headlamps
see Headlamps
Hard plastic trim items, cleaning .... 265
Hazard warning flasher ....................... 96
Headlamp cleaning system ................ 96
Headlamps
Active Bi-Xenon headlamps ............. 92
Adjusting aim ................................. 317
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 93
Bi-Xenon .................................. 92, 312
Cleaning lenses ............................. 263
Cleaning system .............................. 96
Daytime running lamp mode ............ 94
Delayed shut-off ............................ 134
Halogen ......................................... 312
High-beam flasher ............................ 96
High-beam headlamps ..................... 96
Low-beam headlamps ...................... 93
Replacing bulbs ............................. 311
Switch .............................................. 93
Headliner, cleaning and care of ....... 265
Head restraints .................................... 81
Adjustment ................................ 81, 83
Folding back .................................... 84
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints ......................................... 53
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints, resetting ....................... 309
Rear seat head restraints ................. 84
Heated steering wheel ........................ 88
Height adjustment
Seat belt outlet ................................ 51
Seats ............................................... 81
Vehicle level control ...................... 156
High-beam flasher ............................... 96
High-beam headlamps ................ 96, 312
Indicator lamp .................................. 29
High-performance brake system ..... 246
Hill-start assist system ..................... 152
Hood ................................................... 212
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 286
Hooks ................................................. 189
Horn ...................................................... 27
HVAC
see Climate control system
Hydroplaning ..................................... 247
I
Identification labels .......................... 346
Identification number, vehicle
(VIN) ................................................... 347
Ignition ................................... 79, 80, 104
Immobilizer .......................................... 66
Indicator lamps
see Lamps, indicator and warning
Infant and child restraint systems
see Children in the vehicle
Page 13
Index
11
Inflation pressure
see Tires, Inflation pressure
Infrared reflecting windshield ......... 208
Inside door handle .............................. 74
Instrument cluster ............................ 117
Illumination .................................... 118
Lamps ............................................ 297
Multifunction display ..................... 121
Instrument lighting
see Instrument cluster, Illumination
Instrument panel
see Instrument cluster
Instruments and controls
see Cockpit
Interior lighting
Delayed shut-off ............................ 135
Emergency lighting .......................... 98
Front ................................................ 97
Front reading lamps ......................... 97
Rear ................................................. 98
Rear reading lamps .......................... 98
Interior rear view mirror ..................... 89
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ....... 90
Interior storage spaces
see Storage compartments
Intermittent wiping
Rain sensor ...................................... 99
J
Jack ..................................................... 270
Jump starting ..................................... 336
K
Key, Mechanical
Loss of ............................................. 73
Replacing ......................................... 74
Unlocking/locking manually .......... 306
Key, SmartKey
Battery check lamp .......................... 73
Checking batteries ........................... 73
Factory setting ........................... 71, 72
Global locking (KEYLESS-
GO) .................................................. 73
Global locking (SmartKey) ................ 71
Global unlocking (KEYLESS-
GO) ............................................ 72, 73
Global unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 71
Important notes on KEYLESS-GO ..... 72
Locking/unlocking ........................... 70
Loss of ............................................. 73
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 286, 287
Opening and closing the power
tilt/sliding sunroof ......................... 102
Opening and closing the windows . 102
Remote control ................................ 70
Replacing ......................................... 74
Replacing batteries ........................ 309
Restoring to factory setting ....... 71, 73
Selective setting ........................ 71, 73
Starter switch positions ................... 79
KEYLESS-GO
Starter switch positions ................... 80
Kickdown ........................................... 113
Kickdown (manual shift program) ... 117
Kilopascal (air pressure unit) ........... 240
L
Labels
Certification ................................... 346
Emission control information ......... 347
Tire and Loading Information
placard ........................................... 227
Tire inflation pressure .................... 220
Lamps, exterior
Exterior lamp switch ........................ 93
Front .............................................. 312
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 293
Rear ............................................... 312
Switching on/off .............................. 93
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS .......................................... 28, 298
Brakes ..................................... 28, 299
Center console ................................ 31
Distance warning
lamp .............................. 146, 151, 302
Engine malfunction .................. 29, 303
ESP® ........................................ 28, 301
Fog lamps ........................................ 95
Front passenger front air bag off
(Canada only) .......................... 46, 305
Page 14
12
Index
Front passenger front air bag off
(USA only) ................................ 42, 305
Fuel tank reserve ..................... 29, 303
High-beam headlamps ............... 29, 96
Instrument cluster ................... 28, 297
Low-beam headlamps ................ 29, 93
Low tire pressure/TPMS
malfunction telltale .................. 28, 304
Seat belt telltale ................ 29, 51, 300
SRS .................................... 29, 36, 301
Turn signals ..................................... 28
Language, selecting .......................... 131
LATCH-type child seat anchors
see Children in the vehicle
License plate lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 294
Replacing bulbs ............................. 313
Light alloy wheels, cleaning ............. 264
Lighter
see Cigarette lighter
Lighting ................................................ 92
Daytime running lamp mode ............ 94
Exterior ............................................ 93
Interior ............................................. 97
Limp-home mode .............................. 117
Load index (tires) ...................... 236, 240
Loading
see Vehicle loading
Locator lighting ................................. 133
Lock button
Outside door handle (KEYLESS-
GO) .................................................. 73
Locking the vehicle
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 71
Manually ........................................ 307
SmartKey ......................................... 70
Loss of
Key .................................................. 73
Service and Warranty Information
booklet .......................................... 346
Low-beam headlamps ......................... 93
Exterior lamp switch ........................ 93
Indicator lamp .................................. 29
Switching on .................................... 93
Lubricants .......................................... 356
Lumbar support ................................... 84
M
Maintenance ........................................ 21
Maintenance System
Service indicator display ................ 259
Service indicator message ............. 258
Service term exceeded .................. 259
Manual headlamp mode (Low-
beam headlamps) ................................ 93
Manual shift program ....................... 115
Maximum engine speed
see Vehicle specification
Maximum loaded vehicle weight ..... 241
Maximum load rating (tires) ............. 240
Maximum permissible tire
inflation pressure .............................. 241
Mechanical key .................................. 306
Media interface ................................. 193
Memory function ................................. 92
Menus
see Control system menus
Minispare wheel
see Spare wheel
Mirrors .................................................. 89
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ....... 90
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position ............................................ 90
Exterior rear view mirrors ................ 89
Interior rear view mirror ................... 89
Memory function .............................. 92
Power-folding exterior rear view
mirrors ............................................. 91
Vanity mirror .................................. 195
MOExtended system ......................... 330
MOExtended tires ..................... 330, 352
MON (Motor Octane Number) .......... 360
Motor Octane Number
see MON
Multicontour seat ................................ 85
Multifunction display ........................ 121
Symbol messages .......................... 283
Text messages ............................... 273
Vehicle status messages ............... 272
Multifunction display messages
ABS ....................................... 273, 284
Active headlamps .......................... 293
Advanced TPMS ..................... 281, 296
Air bags ......................................... 275
Page 15
Index
13
Air filter .......................................... 292
Air suspension program ................. 285
Alternator .............................. 280, 290
Automatic
transmission .................................. 280
Battery ................................... 280, 290
Brake fluid ..................................... 284
Brake pads ..................................... 283
Coolant .......................................... 288
Corner-illuminating front fog
lamps ............................................. 295
Cruise control ................................ 278
Distronic ........................................ 278
Doors ............................................. 286
Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) .. 286
EBP ................................................ 284
Engine oil ....................................... 291
ESP® ...................................... 273, 284
Fog lamps .............................. 293, 294
Front passenger front air bag ........ 275
Gas cap .......................................... 292
High-beam lamps ........................... 294
Hood .............................................. 286
License plate lamps ....................... 294
Light sensor ................................... 294
Low-beam lamps ............................ 294
Parking brake ................................ 284
Parking lamps ................................ 294
PRE-SAFE® .................................... 274
Reserve fuel ................................... 291
Reverse lamp ................................. 293
Side marker lamps ......................... 293
SmartKey ............................... 286, 287
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO .......... 286
SRS ................................................ 285
Tailgate .......................................... 286
Tail lamps ...................................... 295
Tele Aid .......................................... 285
Tire inflation pressure ............ 281, 296
Tire pressure monitor .................... 281
Tires ...................................... 281, 296
Trailer brake lamps ........................ 295
Trailer tail lamps ............................ 295
Trailer turn signal lamps ................ 295
Turn signals ................................... 296
Washer fluid ................................... 288
Multifunction steering wheel
Adjustment ...................................... 86
Buttons .......................................... 119
Cleaning ......................................... 265
Easy-entry/exit feature ........... 87, 136
Gearshift control ............................ 115
Heating ............................................ 88
Memory function .............................. 92
Overview .......................................... 30
N
Navigation menu ............................... 127
Navigation system
see Separate operating instructions
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints ............................................. 53
Resetting ....................................... 309
Nets, parcel ....................................... 188
Night security illumination .............. 134
Normal occupant weight .................. 241
Number, vehicle identification
(VIN) ................................................... 347
O
Occupant Classification System
see OCS (Occupant Classification
System)
Occupant distribution ....................... 241
Occupant safety
Air bags ........................................... 37
BabySmart™ .................................... 46
Children and air bags ....................... 37
Children in the vehicle ..................... 55
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type .... 59
Fastening the seat belts ................... 50
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (Canada
only) ........................................ 46, 305
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (USA only) ........ 42, 305
Infant and child restraint systems .... 56
Introduction ..................................... 36
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 42
PRE-SAFE® ....................................... 52
Seat belts .................................. 39, 48
Page 16
14
Index
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ................................................ 42
Self-test ........................................... 45
Odometer ........................................... 121
Off-road driving ................................. 248
Checklist ............................... 249, 253
Crossing obstacles ........................ 252
Driving instructions ........................ 248
Driving on sand .............................. 252
Driving through water .................... 251
Returning ....................................... 253
Ruts ............................................... 253
Steep terrain .................................. 250
Off-road driving program .................. 155
Off-road Mode menu ......................... 125
Oil, oil level
see Engine oil
On-board computer
see Control system
One-touch gearshifting ..................... 115
Operating safety .................................. 23
Ornamental moldings, cleaning ....... 262
Outside temperature
see Displays
Overhead control panel ...................... 32
P
Paintwork, cleaning .......................... 261
Paintwork code ................................. 347
Panic alarm .......................................... 61
Parcel nets ......................................... 188
Parking ............................................... 107
Parktronic system .......................... 160
Parking brake ............................ 107, 247
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 284
Parking position
Exterior rear view mirrors ................ 90
Transmission position .................... 112
Parktronic system
Cleaning system sensors ............... 263
Malfunction .................................... 163
Minimum distance ......................... 161
Sensor range ................................. 161
Switching on/off ........................... 162
System sensors ............................. 160
Warning indicators ................... 27, 161
Parts service ...................................... 346
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
(Canada only)
see Front passenger front air bag
off indicator lamp (Canada only)
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
(USA only)
see Front passenger front air bag
off indicator lamp (USA only)
Passenger safety
see Occupant safety
Pedals ................................................. 244
Phone
see Telephone
Plastic parts, cleaning ...................... 264
Power assistance .............................. 244
Power outlets .................................... 197
Power seats
see Seats
Power tailgate
Closing ............................................. 76
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 286
Opening ........................................... 76
Power tilt/sliding sunroof
Operation ....................................... 184
Synchronizing ................................ 186
Power washer .................................... 261
Power windows ................................. 100
Cleaning ......................................... 264
Operation ....................................... 100
Rear door window, override
switch .............................................. 60
Synchronizing ................................ 102
Practical hints ................................... 268
Preglow indicator lamp .............. 29, 104
PRE-SAFE® ............................................ 52
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 274
Problems
While driving .................................. 106
With vehicle ..................................... 23
With wipers .................................... 100
Product information ............................ 20
Production options weight ............... 241
Page 17
Index
15
Program mode selector switch
Automatic shift program ................ 114
Manual shift program ..................... 116
Proximity key
see Key, SmartKey
PSI (air pressure unit) ....................... 241
R
RACETIMER ........................................ 124
Radiator ..................................... 214, 242
Radio
Selecting stations .......................... 126
Radio transmitters ............................ 257
Rain sensor
see Intermittent wiping
Rear axle oil ....................................... 357
Rear center console ashtray
see Ashtrays
Rear doors
Child safety locks ............................ 60
Rear door window
Override switch ................................ 60
Rear fog lamp
see Fog lamps
Rear lamps
see Tail lamps
Rear seat head restraints
see Head restraints
Rear view camera .............................. 163
Cleaning the camera lens .............. 263
Rear window defroster ..................... 183
Rear window wiper/washer ............. 100
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ..................................... 219, 241
Refilling
AdBlue® ......................................... 332
Refrigerant, air conditioning ............ 359
Refueling ............................................ 210
Regular checks .................................. 212
Reminder, Seat belt
see Seat belts, Telltale
Remote control
see Key, SmartKey
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) ......... 203
Replacing
Key .................................................. 74
Replacing bulbs ................................. 311
Reporting safety defects .................... 24
Research Octane Number
see RON
Reserve fuel
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 291
Warning lamp ................................... 29
Reset button ................................ 28, 118
Reset tool (NECK-PRO active front
head restraints) ................................. 309
Restraint systems
see Occupant safety
Rims ........................................... 241, 352
Roadside Assistance ................... 21, 201
RON (Research Octane Number) ..... 360
Rubber parts, cleaning ...................... 264
Run-flat tires
see MOExtended tires
S
Safety
Driving safety systems ..................... 61
Occupant safety ............................... 36
Reporting defects ............................ 24
Safety belts
see Seat belts
Seat belt force limiter ......................... 52
Seat belts ............................................. 48
Adjustment function ........................ 51
Children in the vehicle ..................... 55
Cleaning ......................................... 265
Fastening ......................................... 50
Height adjustment ........................... 51
Proper use of ................................... 48
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Safety notes ..................................... 48
Telltale ..................................... 29, 300
Seat heating ......................................... 86
Seating capacity ................................ 228
Seats ..................................................... 81
Adjustment ...................................... 81
Easy-entry/exit feature .................... 87
Folding (expanding cargo volume) . 189
Heating ............................................ 86
Memory function .............................. 92
Multicontour seat ............................ 85
Ventilation ....................................... 85
Page 18
16
Index
Securing cargo
Cargo tie-down rings ...................... 188
Selective setting
see Key, SmartKey
Selector lever
see Gear selector lever
Self-test
BabySmart™ .................................... 47
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 45
Tele Aid .......................................... 199
Service
see Maintenance
Service, parts .................................... 346
Service and warranty information ..... 20
Service intervals
see Maintenance System, Service
indicator message
Service life (tires) .............................. 232
Settings
Factory setting (KEYLESS-GO) ......... 72
Factory setting (SmartKey) .............. 71
Memory function .............................. 92
Menu ............................................. 129
Selective setting (KEYLESS-GO) ....... 73
Selective setting (SmartKey) ............ 71
Side impact air bags ........................... 40
Side marker lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 263
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 293
Sidewall (tires) .................................. 241
SmartKey
see Key, SmartKey
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
see Key, SmartKey
Snow chains ...................................... 243
Snow tires
see Winter tires
Spare wheel ....................................... 352
Mounting ....................................... 324
Storage location ............................ 271
Speedometer ............................... 28, 146
Speed settings
Cruise control ................................ 142
Distronic ........................................ 148
Resume function ................... 143, 149
Sport Utility Vehicle
see SUV
SRS
Indicator lamp ................... 29, 36, 301
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 285
Standing water, driving through ...... 247
Starter switch positions
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 80
SmartKey ......................................... 79
Starting difficulties (engine) ............ 105
Starting the engine ........................... 103
Steering column
see Multifunction steering wheel,
Adjustment
Steering wheel
see Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel gearshift control ..... 115
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services ... 204
Storage compartments ..................... 192
Storing tires ....................................... 233
Stranded vehicle ............................... 342
Sunroof
see Power tilt/sliding sunroof
Sun visors .......................................... 195
Suspension tuning
see Air suspension program
SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) ................. 22
T
Tachometer .................................. 29, 119
Overspeed range ........................... 119
Tailgate
Closing ............................................. 75
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 286
Opening ........................................... 75
Power tailgate .................................. 76
Unlocking manually ....................... 307
Tail lamps ........................................... 312
Cleaning lenses ............................. 263
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 295
Tar stains ........................................... 261
Technical data
Air conditioning refrigerant ............ 359
Brake fluid ..................................... 359
Page 19
Index
17
Capacities fuels, coolants,
lubricants etc. ................................ 356
Coolant .......................................... 362
Engine oil additives ........................ 359
Engine oils ..................................... 359
Fuel requirements .......................... 360
Gasoline additives .......................... 361
Identification labels ....................... 346
Premium unleaded gasoline ........... 360
Rims and tires ................................ 352
Spare wheel ................................... 356
Vehicle specification ML 350 ......... 348
Vehicle specification
ML 350 4MATIC ............................. 349
Vehicle specification
ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC ............... 348
Vehicle specification
ML 550 4MATIC ............................. 350
Vehicle specification ML 63 AMG .. 351
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................... 358, 364
Technical data (dimensions)
see Vehicle specification
Technical data (electrical system)
see Vehicle specification
Technical data (engine)
see Vehicle specification
Technical data (weights)
see Vehicle specification
Tele Aid ............................................... 199
Emergency calls ............................. 200
Information button ......................... 202
Initiating an emergency call
manually ........................................ 201
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 285
Remote door unlock ...................... 203
Roadside Assistance button .......... 201
Search & Send ............................... 203
SOS button .................................... 201
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services .. 204
System self-test ............................. 199
Telephone ............................................. 30
Answering/ending a call ................ 140
Hands-free microphone ................... 33
Menu ............................................. 139
Operation ....................................... 139
Phone book .................................... 140
Redialing ........................................ 141
Temperature
Interior temperature .............. 170, 179
Outside .................................. 123, 131
Tether anchorage points
see Children in the vehicle
Tie-down rings ................................... 188
Tightening torque
Wheels ........................................... 330
Time setting ....................................... 132
TIN (Tire Identification Number) ...... 241
Tire and Loading Information
placard ............................................... 227
Tire and loading terminology ........... 239
TIREFIT ............................................... 320
Tire Identification Number
see TIN
Tire inflation pressure
Checking ........................................ 221
Important notes on ........................ 220
Label on the inside of fuel filler
flap ................................................ 220
Placard on driver’s door B-pillar ..... 227
Tire labeling ....................................... 235
Tire load rating .................................. 240
Tire ply composition and material
used .................................................... 241
Tire pressure loss warning system . 222
Tire repair kit
see TIREFIT
Tires ........................................... 218, 352
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ............................................ 223
Air pressure ................................... 219
Care and maintenance ................... 232
Cleaning ......................................... 233
Direction of rotation, spinning ....... 231
Important notes on tire inflation
pressure ........................................ 220
Inflation pressure ........................... 221
Information placard ....................... 227
Inspection ...................................... 232
Labeling ......................................... 235
Load index ............................. 236, 240
Load rating .................................... 240
Page 20
18
Index
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 281, 296
MOExtended .................................. 352
Ply composition and material
used ............................................... 241
Problems under-/overinflation ...... 221
Retreads ........................................ 218
Rims and tires (technical data) ...... 352
Rotation ......................................... 234
Service life ..................................... 232
Sizes .............................................. 352
Snow chains .................................. 243
Speed rating .......................... 237, 241
Storing ........................................... 233
Temperature .......................... 220, 234
Terminology ................................... 239
TIREFIT (tire repair kit) ................... 320
Tire Identification Number ............. 241
Tire pressure loss warning system . 222
TPMS low tire pressure/
malfunction telltale ........................ 304
Traction ................................. 233, 241
Tread ............................................. 242
Tread depth ........................... 232, 242
Treadwear ...................................... 233
Treadwear indicators ............. 232, 242
Vehicle maximum load on .............. 242
Wear pattern .................................. 234
Winter tires ............................ 242, 352
Tire speed rating ....................... 237, 241
Tongue Weight Rating
see TWR
Top tether
see Children in the vehicle
Total load limit ................................... 241
Towing
Towing eye bolt .............................. 339
Trailer .................................... 113, 254
Vehicle ........................................... 338
Towing eye bolt ................................. 339
Traction ...................................... 233, 241
Trailer towing ............................ 113, 254
Coupling a trailer ........................... 255
Decoupling ..................................... 257
Electrical connections .................... 254
Towing ........................................... 256
Trailer hitch ................................... 254
Weights and ratings ....................... 254
Transfer case ..................................... 117
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission fluid level .................... 216
Transmission gear selector lever
see Gear selector lever
Transmission positions .................... 112
Traveling abroad ............................... 257
Tread (tires) ....................................... 242
Tread depth (tires) .................... 232, 242
Treadwear .......................................... 233
Treadwear indicators (tires) .... 232, 242
Trip computer menu ......................... 138
Trip odometer, resetting ................... 118
Turning off the engine ...................... 108
Turn signals ......................................... 95
Cleaning lenses ............................. 263
Indicator lamps ................................ 28
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 296
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating) ........... 242
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards .................................. 233, 242
Units
Selecting digital speedometer
display mode ................................. 131
Selecting speedometer/
odometer display mode ................. 131
Unleaded gasoline, premium ........... 360
Unlocking the vehicle
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 71
Manually ........................................ 306
SmartKey ......................................... 70
Upholstery, cleaning ......................... 265
Useful features .................................. 194
V
Vehicle
Battery ........................................... 334
Care ............................................... 260
Control system .............................. 119
Identification Number (VIN) ........... 346
Locking/unlocking ........................... 70
Lowering (wheel change) ............... 329
Page 21
Index
19
Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety .............................. 23
Towing ........................................... 338
Unlocking/locking manually .......... 306
Vehicle configuration menu ............. 137
Vehicle dimensions
see Vehicle specification
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ................................................... 346
Vehicle jack
see Jack
Vehicle level control
see Air suspension program
Vehicle lighting .................................... 92
Vehicle loading
Cargo tie-down rings ...................... 188
Cargo volume, expanding .............. 189
Carriers .......................................... 187
Instructions .................................... 186
Load limit ....................................... 228
Terminology ................................... 239
Vehicle maximum load on the tire ... 242
Vehicle specification
ML 350 .......................................... 348
ML 350 4MATIC ............................. 349
ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC ............... 348
ML 550 4MATIC ............................. 350
ML 63 AMG ................................... 351
Vehicle status message memory .... 128
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 268
Vehicle washing
see Vehicle care
Vehicle weights
see Vehicle specification
W
Warning lamps
see Lamps, Indicator and warning
Warning sounds
Distance warning function ............. 151
Distronic ........................................ 146
Driver’s or passenger’s seat belt ..... 51
Parking brake ................................ 284
Parktronic system .......................... 163
Seat belt telltale ............................ 300
Warranty coverage ............................ 346
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................................ 364
Washer fluid
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 288
Mixing ratio .................................... 364
Refilling .......................................... 217
Washing the vehicle .......................... 260
Wear pattern (tires) .......................... 234
Weights (vehicle)
see Vehicle specification
Wheel
Changing ....................................... 319
Removing ....................................... 327
Spare ............................................. 319
Tightening torque ........................... 330
Wheels, sizes ..................................... 352
Wheels, Tires and .............................. 218
Window curtain air bags ..................... 41
Windows
see Power windows
Windows, cleaning ............................ 264
Windshield
Cleaning wiper blades .................... 264
Infrared reflecting .......................... 208
Washer fluid ................................... 364
Wipers ............................................. 98
Windshield wipers
Replacing wiper blades .................. 318
Winter cover .............................. 214, 242
Winter driving
Instructions .................................... 243
Radiator cover ............................... 242
Snow chains .................................. 243
Tires ............................................... 242
Winter tires ................................ 242, 352
Wood trims, cleaning ........................ 266
Page 22
Introduction
20
Product Information
Please observe the following in your own best
interest:
We recommend using Genuine MercedesBenz 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.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts and preapproved conversion parts and accessories
are available at any authorized MercedesBenz Center. In addition, you will receive
comprehensive information on permissible
technical modifications and expert
installations.
Operator’s Manual
Notes
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
Operator’s 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.
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.
Vehicle equipment
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
operating particular equipment, any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad
to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Optional equipment is also described in this
manual, including operating instructions
wherever necessary. Since they are specialorder 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
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:
R
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R
Emission System Warranty
R
Emission Performance Warranty
R
California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Page 23
Introduction
21
Rhode Island, and Vermont Emission
Control System Warranty
R
State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon
1
Laws)
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 after a
reasonable number of repair attempts
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. 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
malfunction 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
malfunction 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
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 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
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
1
Applicable to vehicles with gasoline engine only.
Z
Page 24
Introduction
22
determined by our authorized technician and
tow service provider.
For additional information refer to the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program brochure (in the USA) or the
Roadside Assistance section of the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet (in
Canada) in your vehicle literature portfolio.
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 (1-800-367-6372), or
Customer Service (in Canada) at
1-800-387-0100. This will assist us in
contacting you in a timely manner 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 MercedesBenz Customer Assistance Center (in the
USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372), 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:
R
Service facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
R
Unleaded gasoline for vehicles with
catalytic converters may not be available;
the use of leaded fuels will damage the
catalysts.
R
Gasoline may have a considerably lower
octane rating, and improper fuel can cause
engine damage.
Sport Utility Vehicle
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.
Page 25
Introduction
23
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.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz 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 may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole. If you feel a sudden significant
vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect
that damage to your vehicle as occurred:
R
turn on your hazard warning flashers
R
slow down carefully
R
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 Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
Proper use of the vehicle
Proper use of the vehicle requires that you are
familiar with the following information and
rules:
R
the safety precautions in this manual
R
the “Technical data” section in this manual
R
traffic rules and regulations
R
motor vehicle laws and safety standards
Warning!
G
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended to
make you and others aware of various risks.
Do not remove any of these warning labels
unless explicitly instructed to do so by
information on the label itself. Removing
warning labels may cause you and others to
be unaware of certain risks which may result
in an accident and/or personal injury.
Warning!
G
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not recognize
potential danger.
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
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately 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 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
Z
Page 26
Introduction
24
In Canada:
Customer Relations Department
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
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
www.safercar.gov; or write to:
Administrator, NHTSA Headquarters,
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, West Building,
Washington, DC 20590.
You can also obtain other information about
motor vehicle safety from
www.safercar.gov.
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.
Daimler may access the information and
share it with others
R
for safety research or vehicle diagnosis
purposes
R
with the consent of the vehicle owner or
lessee
R
in response to an official request by law
enforcement or other government agency
R
for use in dispute resolution involving
Daimler, its affiliates or sales/service
organization and/or
R
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.
Page 27
Exterior view ....................................... 26
Cockpit ................................................. 27
Instrument cluster .............................. 28
Multifunction steering wheel ............. 30
Center console .................................... 31
Overhead control panel ...................... 32
Door control panel .............................. 33
25
At a glance
Page 28
Exterior view
26
Exterior view
At a glance
i
This Operator’s Manual describes all features, standard or optional, potentially available
for your vehicle at the time of purchase. Please be aware that your vehicle might not be
equipped with all features described in this manual.
Function Page
:
Tailgate 75
Power tailgate 76
;
Rear window defroster 183
=
Rear window wiper/washer 100
Wiper blade, replacing 318
Wiper blade, cleaning 264
?
Rear lamps 311
A
Fuel filler flap 210
B
Doors:
Locking and unlocking 70,
C
Exterior rear view mirrors 89
D
Towing eyes 339
E
Front lamps
306
311
Function Page
F
Hood 212
G
Wipers 98
Wiper blades, replacing 318
Wiper blades, cleaning 264
H
Windshield:
Wiping with washer fluid 99
Cleaning 264
I
Power tilt/sliding sunroof 184
J
Carriers 187
K
Tires and wheels 218
Rims and tires 352
L
Headlamp cleaning system 96
M
Front fog lamp 95
Page 29
Cockpit
Cockpit
27
At a glance
Function Page
:
Cruise control lever:
Cruise control 141
Distronic 144
;
Instrument cluster 28,
=
Multifunction steering
wheel
?
Horn
A
Steering wheel gearshift
control 115
B
Gear selector lever 109
C
Front Parktronic warning
indicators 161
D
Overhead control panel 32
E
Glove box lid release, glove
box lock 193
F
Glove box 192
G
Power outlet 197
H
Center console
117
30,
119
31
Function Page
I
Starter switch 79
J
Steering wheel adjustment,
manual 86
K
On-board diagnostics
(OBD) socket
L
Hood lock release 212
M
Parking brake release 107
N
Parking brake pedal 107
O
Door control panel 33
P
Exterior lamp switch 93
Q
Steering wheel adjustment,
electrical 86
Heated steering wheel 88
R
Combination switch:
Turn signals 95
Wipers 98
High beam 96
Z
Page 30
Instrument cluster
28
Instrument cluster
At a glance
Function Page
:
# Left turn signal
indicator lamp
;
To dim instrument cluster
illumination 118
=
Reset button for:
Trip odometer 118
Settings 129
?
To brighten instrument
cluster illumination 118
A
! Right turn signal
Function Page
$ Brake warning lamp,
USA only
d ESP® warning lamp
· Distance warning
3
lamp
J Brake warning lamp,
Canada only
h Combination low tire
pressure/TPMS
malfunction telltale, USA
only
indicator lamp
B
Clock 132
C
Speedometer with:
! Antilock Brake
System (ABS) indicator
lamp
298
È Variable speed limiter
indicator lamp
2
Lamp without function. It illuminates when the ignition is on. It should go out when the engine is running.
3
Vehicles without Distronic: Warning lamp without function. It illuminates when the ignition is on. It should
go out when the engine is running.
2
299
301
302
299
223,
304
Page 31
Instrument cluster
29
At a glance
Function Page
D
Multifunction display with:
Trip odometer 118
Main odometer 121
E
Tachometer with:
7 Seat belt telltale 51,
300
% Preglow indicator
lamp, diesel engine only
104
or
é Recuperative Brake
System (RBS) warning
lamp, ML 450 HYBRID only
4
+ Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)
indicator lamp
36,
301
L Low-beam headlamp
indicator lamp
93
; Engine malfunction
indicator lamp, Canada only
303
! Engine malfunction
indicator lamp, USA only
303
K High-beam headlamp
indicator lamp
4
See separate HYBRID Supplemental Operating Instructions.
96
Function Page
Fuel gauge with: Fuel tank
reserve warning lamp 303
8 Fuel filler flap
indicator: The fuel filler flap
is located on the rear righthand side.
G
Multifunction display with:
Outside temperature
indicator or digital
speedometer (depending
on selected setting in the
control system)
Transmission position
indicator 112
Gear range indicator 114
Automatic transmission
program mode indicator 114
Rear window wiper
indicator 100
Downhill Speed Regulator
(DSR) indicator 153
Off-road driving program
indicator 155
123,
131
Z
Page 32
Multifunction steering wheel
30
Multifunction steering wheel
At a glance
Function Page
:
Multifunction display 121
;
Press button ~:
to end a call 139
to reject an incoming call 139
Press button 6:
to answer a call 139
5
to dial
to redial
Press button W or X:
to select submenus in the
Settings menu 130
to set values
to set the volume
Press button ? to turn
the Voice Control System
on6, see separate operating
instructions.
=
Press button V or U
to select next/previous
menu.
5
139
139
119
Function Page
Press button & or *
briefly:
to move within a menu
to select previous or next
track, scene or stored
station within Audio/DVD
menu
126
to switch to the phone book
and select a name or
number within Telephone
menu
139
Press and hold button
& or *:
to select previous or next
track with quick search or
to select previous or next
station in station list or
wave band within Audio/
DVD menu
126
to start the quick search in
the phone book within
Telephone menu
139
Press button A to turn
the Voice Control System
off6, see separate operating
instructions.
5
Function only available in telephone menu.
6
Vehicles without Voice Control System: Button without function.
Page 33
Center console
31
Center console
Upper part
Function Page
:
COMAND system, see
separate operating
instructions
;
Climate control system 165
Rear window defroster 183
=
Seat heating, front
passenger side 86
?
Seat ventilation, front
passenger side 85
A
Parktronic system
deactivation switch 162
ML 450 HYBRID: Fuel filler
flap switch
B
Vehicle level control switch 156
C
Front passenger front air
7
bag off indicator lamp (USA
only)
42,
305
Function Page
Front passenger front air
bag off indicator lamp
(Canada only)
D
Storage compartment 192
E
Alarm system indicator
lamp 67
F
Electronic Stability
Program (ESP®) switch 64
G
Adaptive Damping System
(ADS) switch 156
H
Seat ventilation, driver’s
side 85
I
Seat heating, driver’s side 86
J
Switch for Downhill Speed
Regulation (DSR) 152
ML 450 HYBRID: Parktronic
system deactivation switch 160
K
Hazard warning flasher
switch 96
L
Switch for off-road driving
program 155
ML 63 AMG: Program mode
selector switch for
automatic transmission 115
ML 450 HYBRID: Program
mode selector switch for
automatic transmission
46,
305
At a glance
7
7
See separate HYBRID Supplemental Operating Instructions.
Z
Page 34
Overhead control panel
32
Lower part
At a glance
Function Page
:
Ashtray with storage
compartment 196
Cigarette lighter 196
;
Cup holder 194
=
Front armrest storage
compartment 192
?
Removable card/ticket
holder 194
Overhead control panel
Function Page
:
Left front reading lamp on/
off 97
;
Automatic interior lighting 97
=
Rear interior lighting on/off 97
?
Front interior lighting on/
off 97
A
Right reading lamp on/off 97
B
Front right interior lamp 97
C
Power tilt/sliding sunroof
switch 184
D
SOS button (Tele Aid
system) 201
E
Interior rear view mirror 89
F
Reading lamps 97
G
Garage door opener 204
Page 35
Door control panel
33
Function Page
H
Hands-free microphone for
Tele Aid (emergency call
system), telephone and
Voice Control System, see
separate operating
instructions
I
Front left interior lamp 97
Door control panel
Function Page
:
Inside door handle 74
;
Central locking/unlocking
switch 75
=
Exterior rear view mirror
adjustment 89
?
Selection buttons for
exterior rear view mirror
adjustment 89
Power-folding exterior rear
view mirrors 91
A
Switches for opening/
closing front and rear door
windows 100
B
Rear door window override
switch 60
C
Remote tailgate switch,
power tailgate 78
At a glance
Z
Page 36
34
Page 37
Vehicle equipment .............................. 36
Occupant safety .................................. 36
Panic alarm .......................................... 61
Driving safety systems ....................... 61
Anti-theft systems .............................. 66
35
Safety and security
Page 38
Occupant safety
36
Vehicle equipment
i
This Operator’s Manual describes all
features, standard or optional, potentially
available for your vehicle at the time of
purchase. Please be aware that your
vehicle might not be equipped with all
features described in this manual.
Occupant safety
Introduction
In this section you will learn the most
important facts about the restraint system
Safety and security
components of the vehicle.
The restraint systems are:
R
Seat belts
R
Child restraints
R
Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren
(LATCH)
Additional protection potential is provided by:
R
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with
-
Air bags
-
Air bag control unit (with crash sensors)
-
Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD) for
seat belts
-
Seat belt force limiter
R
NECK-PRO active front head restraints
R
Preventive occupant safety (PRE-SAFE®)
R
Air bag system components with
-
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp
-
USA only: Front passenger seat with
Occupant Classification System (OCS)
-
Canada only: Front passenger seat with
BabySmart™ air bag deactivation system
Although the systems are independent, their
protective functions work in conjunction with
each other.
Warning!
G
Modifications to or work improperly
conducted on restraint system components
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
(ETDs), 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.
i
See “Children in the vehicle”
(Y page 55) for information on
R
infants and children traveling with you in
the vehicle
R
restraint systems for infants and children
SRS indicator lamp
The SRS system conducts a self-test when
the ignition is switched on and in regular
intervals while the engine is running. This
facilitates detection of system malfunctions.
The SRS indicator lamp + in the
instrument cluster comes on when the
ignition is switched on. It goes out no later
than a few seconds after the engine has been
started.
The SRS components are in operational
readiness when the SRS indicator lamp
+ is not lit while the engine is running.
A malfunction in the system has been
detected if the SRS indicator lamp +
R
fails to go out after approximately
4 seconds after the engine was started
R
does not come on at all
R
comes on after the engine was started or
while driving
Page 39
Occupant safety
37
Warning!
G
The SRS self-check has detected a
malfunction when the SRS indicator lamp
+:
R
does not come on at all
R
does not go out after 4 seconds after the
engine was started
R
comes on while driving
For your safety, we strongly recommend that
you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center immediately to have the system
checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be
activated when needed in an accident, which
could result in serious or fatal injury. The SRS
might also deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in injury
as well.
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 Center.
If it is necessary to modify an air bag system
to accommodate a person with disabilities,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
USA only: Call our Customer Assistance
Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) for details.
Air bags
Warning!
G
Air bags are designed to reduce the potential
of injury and fatality in certain
R
frontal impacts (front air bags)
R
side impacts (side impact air bags and
window curtain air bags)
R
rollovers (window curtain air bags)
However, no system available today can
completely eliminate injuries and fatalities.
Deployment of the air bags temporarily
releases a small amount of dust from the air
bags. This dust, however, is neither harmful
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.
Since the air bag inflates with considerable
speed and force, a proper seating position
and correct positioning of the hands on the
steering wheel will help to keep you at a safe
distance from the air bag. Occupants who are
not wearing their seat belt, are not seated
properly or are too close to the air bag can be
seriously injured or killed by an air bag as it
inflates with great force instantaneously:
R
Sit with the seat belt properly fastened in a
position that is as upright as possible with
your back against the seat backrest.
R
Move the driver’s seat as far back as
possible, still permitting proper operation
of vehicle controls. The distance from the
center of the driver’s chest 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
adjusting the seat and steering wheel. If
Safety and security
Z
Page 40
Occupant safety
38
you have any difficulties, please contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
R
Do not lean your head or chest close to the
steering wheel or dashboard.
R
Keep hands on the outside of the steering
wheel rim. Placing hands and arms inside
the rim can increase the risk and potential
severity of hand/arm injury when the driver
front air bag inflates.
R
Adjust the front passenger seat as far as
possible rearward from the dashboard
when the seat is occupied.
R
Occupants, especially children, should
Safety and security
never place their bodies or lean their heads
in the area of the door where the side
impact air bag inflates. This could result in
serious injuries or death should the side
impact air bag be deployed. Always sit as
upright as possible, wear the seat belt
properly and use an appropriately sized
infant restraint, toddler restraint, or
booster seat recommended for the size and
weight of the child.
R
Canada only: Children 12 years old and
under must never ride in the front seat,
except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized
BabySmart™ compatible child seat, which
operates with the BabySmart™ air bag
deactivation system installed in the vehicle
to deactivate the front passenger front air
bag when it is installed properly. Otherwise
they will be struck by the air bag when it
inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious
or fatal injury will result.
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 a rear seat.
There is a possibility for a side impact air bagrelated 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,
wear the seat belt properly, and for
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.
Air bags are designed to deploy only in certain
R
frontal impacts (front air bags)
R
side impacts (side impact and window
curtain air bags) if the system determines
the need for air bag deployment
R
rollovers (window curtain air bags)
Only in the event of such a situation will they
provide their supplemental protection.
The driver and passengers should always
wear their seat belts. Otherwise it is not
possible for the air bags to provide their
supplemental protection.
In case of other types of impacts and impacts
below air bag deployment thresholds, air
bags will not deploy. The driver and
passengers 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
protection in a rollover.
Air bags are not a substitute for seat belts.
Always wear your seat belt, regardless of
whether or not your vehicle is equipped with
air bags.
It is important to your safety and that of your
passengers to have deployed air bags
replaced and to have any malfunctioning air
Page 41
Occupant safety
39
bags repaired. This will help to make sure the
air bags will continue to provide supplemental
crash protection for occupants.
Safety guidelines for the seat belt,
Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD)
and air bag
Warning!
G
R
Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have
been subjected to stress in an accident
must be replaced. Their anchoring points
must also be checked. Only use seat belts
installed or supplied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R
Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency
Tensioning Devices (ETDs) contain
perchlorate material, which may require
special handling and regard for the
environment. Check with your local
government’s disposal guidelines.
California residents, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/
Perchlorate/index.cfm.
R
Air bags and ETDs are designed to function
on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD
that has deployed must be replaced. PRESAFE® has electrically operated reversible
pre-tensioners in addition to the
pyrotechnic ETDs.
R
Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges.
They could tear.
R
Do not make any modification that could
change the effectiveness of the seat belts.
R
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.
R
No modifications of any kind may be made
to any components or wiring of the SRS.
R
Do no change or remove any component or
part of the SRS.
R
Do not install additional trim material, seat
covers, 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.
R
Do not install additional electrical/
electronic equipment on or near SRS
components and wiring.
R
Keep area between air bags and occupants
free of objects (e.g. packages, purses,
umbrellas, etc.).
R
Do not hang items such as coat hangers
from the coat hooks or handles over the
door. These items may be thrown around in
the vehicle and cause head and other
injuries when the window curtain air bag is
deployed.
R
Air bag system components will be hot after
an air bag has inflated. Do not touch them.
R
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.
R
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
Center.
R
For your protection and the protection of
others, when scrapping the air bag unit or
ETD, our safety instructions must be
followed. These instructions are available
from any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
R
Given the considerable deployment speed,
required inflation volume, and the material
of the air bags, there is the possibility of
abrasions or other, potentially more serious
injuries resulting from air bag deployment.
If you sell your vehicle, we strongly
recommend that you inform the subsequent
owner that the vehicle is equipped with SRS.
Also refer them to the applicable section in
the Operator’s Manual.
Safety and security
Z
Page 42
Occupant safety
40
Front air bags
Observe Safety notes, see page 37.
G
Driver’s front air bag : and front passenger
Safety and security
front air bag ; are designed to provide
increased protection for the driver and front
passenger against the risk of injuries to the
head and thorax.
Driver and front passenger front air bags are
deployed
R
in the event of certain frontal impacts
R
if the system determines that air bag
deployment can offer additional protection
to that provided by the seat belt
R
depending on whether the respective seat
belt is in use
R
independently of the side impact air bags
and/or the window curtain air bags
The front air bags in this vehicle have been
designed to inflate in two stages. This allows
the air bags to have different rates of inflation.
The rate of inflation is based on the vehicle
deceleration rate as assessed by the air bag
control unit.
Vehicles with OCS, USA only: The front
passenger front air bag deployment is
additionally influenced by the passenger’s
weight category as identified by the Occupant
Classification System (OCS) (Y page 42).
Vehicles with OCS, USA only: The lighter the
front passenger-side occupant, the higher the
vehicle deceleration rate required for second
stage inflation of the front passenger front air
bag.
The air bags will not deploy in impacts which
do not exceed the system’s preset
deployment thresholds. You will then be
protected by the fastened seat belts.
The front air bags will not deploy in the event
of a rollover unless the vehicle’s rate of
longitudinal deceleration or acceleration
exceeds the preset deployment threshold for
the front air bags.
The front passenger front air bag will only be
deployed if
R
vehicles with OCS, USA only: the system,
based on OCS weight sensor readings,
detects that the front passenger seat is
occupied
R
the 42 indicator lamp in the
center console is not lit
(USA only: (Y page 42),
Canada only: (Y page 46))
R
the impact exceeds a preset deployment
threshold
!
Vehicles with BabySmart™ air bag
deactivation system (Canada only): Do not
place objects heavier than 20 lb (9 kg) on
the front passenger seat. This could cause
the front or side impact air bag on the front
passenger side to deploy in a crash which
exceeds the system’s deployment
threshold.
Side impact air bags
Observe Safety notes, see page 37.
G
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
Page 43
Occupant safety
41
doors must therefore only be performed by
qualified technicians. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Front side impact air bags : and rear side
impact air bags ; are designed to provide
increased protection for the thorax but not
the head, neck and arms.
The side impact air bags are deployed
R
on the impacted side of the vehicle
R
in instances with a high rate of lateral
vehicle deceleration or acceleration
R
regardless of whether the seat belts on the
impacted side of the vehicle are in use
R
independently of the front air bags
R
independently of the ETDs
Vehicles with OCS (USA only): 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. With the front passenger
seat empty and the seat belt fastened, the
front passenger side impact air bag will
deploy independently of the empty seat.
Whether a seat belt is recognized as fastened
depends on whether or not the latch plate is
properly inserted into the buckle.
The side impact air bags are not deployed in
side impacts which do not exceed the
system’s deployment threshold.
The side impact air bags will not deploy in the
event of a rollover unless the vehicle’s rate of
lateral deceleration or acceleration exceeds
the preset deployment threshold for the side
impact air bags.
!
Vehicles with BabySmart™ air bag
deactivation system (Canada only): Do not
place objects heavier than 20 lb (9 kg) on
the front passenger seat. This could cause
the front or side impact air bag on the front
passenger side to deploy in a crash which
exceeds the system’s deployment
threshold.
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 side impact air bags. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
availability.
Window curtain air bags
Observe Safety notes, see page 37.
G
Window curtain air bags : are designed to
provide increased protection for the head but
not the chest or arms.
Window curtain air bags : are deployed
R
on the impacted side of the vehicle
R
in instances with a high rate of lateral
vehicle deceleration or acceleration
R
independently of the front air bags
Safety and security
Z
Page 44
Occupant safety
42
R
regardless of whether the front passenger
seat is occupied
R
in certain vehicle rollovers, if the system
determines that air bag deployment can
offer additional protection to that provided
by the seat belt
Window curtain air bags : are not deployed
in impacts which do not exceed the system’s
deployment threshold.
Window curtain air bags : deploy in the area
indicated by the arrows.
Occupant Classification System
Safety and security
The Occupant Classification System (OCS) is
standard equipment in USA.
The OCS activates or deactivates the front
passenger front air bag automatically. The
respective status is based on the classified
occupant weight category determined by
weight sensor readings from the front
passenger seat.
The system does not deactivate
R
the front passenger side impact air bag
R
the window curtain air bag
R
the Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs)
To be classified correctly, the front passenger
must sit
R
with the seat belt properly fastened
R
in a position that is as upright as possible
with the back against the seat backrest
R
with the feet on the floor
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 the
following:
R
objects hanging on the seat
R
objects lodged underneath the seat
R
objects stuffed between the seat and
middle console
R
objects stuffed between the seat and door
R
other passengers pushing on the seat
R
objects applying pressure to the back of
the seat
Always make sure the seat has clearance
in all directions at all times.
If your seat, including the trim cover and
cushion, needs to be serviced in any way, take
the vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Only seat accessories approved by
Mercedes-Benz may be used.
Both the driver and the front passenger
should always use the 42
indicator lamp as an indication of whether or
not the front passenger is properly
positioned.
Warning!
G
If the 42 indicator lamp
illuminates when an adult or someone larger
than a small individual is in the front
passenger seat, have the front passenger
reposition himself or herself in the seat until
the 42 indicator lamp goes out,
or check whether objects are caught under or
around the seat.
In the event of a collision, the air bag control
unit will not allow front passenger front air bag
deployment when the OCS has classified the
front passenger seat occupant as weighting
as much as or less than a typical 12-monthold child in a standard child restraint or if the
front passenger seat is classified as being
empty.
Page 45
Occupant safety
43
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 42 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 42 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 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
42 indicator lamp will illuminate
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
42 indicator lamp illuminated,
the front passenger front air bag is
deactivated. With the 42
indicator lamp out, the front passenger front
air bag is activated.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat occupant is classified as an
adult or someone larger than a small
individual, the 42 indicator lamp
will illuminate for approximately 6 seconds
when the engine is started and then goes out,
indicating that the front passenger front air
bag is activated.
If the 42 indicator lamp is
illuminated, the front passenger front air bag
is deactivated and will not be deployed.
If the 42 indicator lamp is not
illuminated, the front passenger front air bag
is activated and will be deployed
R
in the event of certain frontal impacts
R
if impact exceeds a preset deployment
threshold
R
independently of the side impact air bags
If the front passenger front air bag is
deployed, the rate of inflation will be
influenced by
R
the rate of relevant vehicle deceleration as
assessed by the air bag control unit
R
the front passenger’s weight category as
identified by the OCS
For more information on air bag display
messages in the multifunction display, see
(Y page 275).
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 restraint, toddler restraint, or booster
seat 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.
Occupants, especially children, should always
sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt
properly and use an appropriately sized infant
restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
Safety and security
Z
Page 46
Occupant safety
44
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:
R
Your vehicle is equipped with air bag
technology designed to deactivate 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.
R
A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the
front passenger seat will be seriously
Safety and security
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 a backseat.
R
If you must install a rear-facing child
restraint on the front passenger seat
because circumstances require you to do
so, make sure the 42
indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating
that the front passenger front air bag is
deactivated. Should the 42
indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while
the restraint is installed, please check
installation. Periodically check the
42 indicator lamp while
driving to make sure the 42
indicator lamp is illuminated. If the
42 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.
R
If you have to place a child in a forwardfacing 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-monthold child, the front passenger front air bag
may or may not be activated.
Deployment of the driver front air bag does
not mean that the front passenger front air
bag also should have deployed.
The OCS may have determined
R
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 of which are 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
R
that the seat was occupied by a small
individual (such as a young teenager or a
small adult) or a child who weighs more
than the weight of a typical 12-month-old
child in a standard child restraint – both of
which are 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
Page 47
42 indicator lamp : will be
illuminated, except with the SmartKey
removed from the starter switch or with the
starter switch in position 0.
Warning!
G
If the red SRS indicator lamp + in the
instrument cluster and the 42
indicator lamp are lit at the same time, there
is a malfunction in the OCS. The front
passenger front air bag will be deactivated in
this case. Have the system checked by
qualified technicians as soon as possible.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Only have the seat repaired or replaced at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
In order to ensure proper operation of the air
bag system and OCS:
R
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.
R
Do not place objects under and/or around
the front passenger seat.
R
Do not hang anything from or attach any
items to the seats.
R
Do not stuff objects such as books between
the front passenger seat and the center
console or front passenger door.
R
Do not move the front passenger seat
backwards against stiff objects.
Occupant safety
R
Sit with the seat belt properly fastened in a
position that is as upright as possible with
your back against the seat backrest.
R
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.
R
Read and observe all warnings in this
chapter.
OCS Self-test
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
42
illuminates. If an adult occupant is properly
sitting on the front passenger seat and the
system classifies the occupant as an adult,
the 42 indicator lamp will
illuminate and go out after approximately
6 seconds.
If the seat is not occupied and the system
classifies the front passenger seat as being
empty, the 42 indicator lamp
will illuminate and not go out.
Warning!
G
If the 42 indicator lamp does not
illuminate, the system is not functioning. You
must contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center before seating any child on the front
passenger seat.
For more information, see the “Practical
hints” section (Y page 305).
Warning!
G
Never place anything between seat cushion
and child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces
the effectiveness of the OCS. The bottom and
back of the child seat must make full contact
with the passenger seat cushion and
backrest.
indicator lamp
45
Safety and security
Z
Page 48
Occupant safety
46
If necessary, adjust the tilt of the passenger
seat backrest.
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.
BabySmart™ air bag deactivation system
The BabySmart™ air bag deactivation system
is standard equipment in Canada.
Safety and security
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 restraint, toddler restraint, or booster
seat 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.
Occupants, especially children, should always
sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt
properly 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:
R
Children 12 years old and under must never
ride in the front seat, except in a MercedesBenz authorized BabySmart™ compatible
child seat, which operates with the
BabySmart™ system installed in the vehicle
to deactivate the front passenger front air
bag when it is installed properly. Otherwise
they will be struck by the air bag when it
inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious
or fatal injury will result.
R
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 a backseat.
R
If you must install a BabySmart™
compatible rear-facing child restraint on
the front passenger seat because
circumstances require you to do so, make
sure the 42 indicator lamp is
illuminated, indicating that the front
passenger front air bag is deactivated.
Should the 42 indicator lamp
not illuminate or go out while the restraint
is installed, please check installation.
Periodically check the 42
indicator lamp while driving to make sure
the 42 indicator lamp is
illuminated. If the 42 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.
R
If you have to place a child in a forwardfacing 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
Page 49
Occupant safety
47
of the child, and secure child restraint with
the vehicle’s seat belt according to the child
seat manufacturer’s instructions.
Warning!
G
When using a BabySmart™ compatible child
seat on the front passenger seat, the front
passenger front air bag will not deploy only if
the 42 indicator lamp remains
illuminated.
Please be sure to check the 42
indicator lamp every time you use a
BabySmart™ compatible child seat on the
front passenger seat. Should the
42 indicator lamp go out while
the restraint is installed, please check
installation. If the 42 indicator
lamp remains out, do not use the
BabySmart™ restraint to transport a child on
the front passenger seat until the system has
been repaired.
Special BabySmart™ compatible child seats,
designed for use with the Mercedes-Benz
system, are required for use with the
BabySmart™ air bag deactivation system.
Please contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for information on availability. With
the special child seat installed properly, the
front passenger front air bag will not deploy.
The 42 indicator lamp : will be
illuminated, except with the SmartKey
removed from the starter switch or with the
starter switch in position 0.
The system does not deactivate
R
the side impact air bag
R
the window curtain air bag
R
the Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD)
Self-test BabySmart™ without special
child seat installed
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
42
indicator lamp
comes on for approximately 6 seconds and
then goes out.
If the 42 indicator lamp should
not come on or is continuously lit, the system
is not functioning. You must see an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center before
seating any child on the front passenger seat.
More information can be found in the
“Practical hints” section (Y page 305).
Warning!
G
Do not place powered-on laptops, mobile
phones, electronic tags such as those used in
ski passes and like electronic devices on the
front passenger seat. Signals from such
devices may interfere with the BabySmart™
air bag deactivation system. Such signal
interference may cause the 42
indicator lamp not to come on during self-test.
The SRS indicator lamp + and/or the
42 indicator lamp could be
continuously lit, indicating that the system is
not functioning. The front passenger front air
bag could deploy inadvertently or fail to
deploy in an accident.
Warning!
G
The BabySmart™ air bag deactivation system
will ONLY work with a special child seat
designed to operate with it. It will not work
with child seats which are not BabySmart™
compatible.
Never place anything between seat cushion
and child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces
Safety and security
Z
Page 50
Occupant safety
48
the effectiveness off the BabySmart™ air bag
deactivation system. The bottom of the child
seat must make full contact with the front
passenger seat cushion. An incorrectly
mounted child seat could cause injuries to the
child in case of an accident, instead of
protecting the child.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
installation of special child seats.
Seat belts
Safety notes
Safety and security
The use of seat belts and infant and child
restraint systems 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 information on infants and children
traveling with you in the vehicle and restraint
systems for infants and children, see
“Children in the vehicle” (Y page 55).
Warning!
G
Always fasten your seat belt before driving off.
Always make sure all of your passengers are
properly restrained. You and your passengers
should always wear seat belts.
Failure to wear and properly fasten and
position your seat belt greatly increases your
risk of injuries and their likely severity in an
accident.
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. The air bags can only protect
as intended 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 seat 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 seat 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 seat belts that have
been subjected to stress in an accident must
be replaced. Also, the seat belt anchoring
points must 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 their failure to activate when
necessary.
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 Center.
Proper use of seat belts
Warning!
G
USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY
R
Seat belts can only protect when used
properly. Never wear seat belts in any other
Page 51
Occupant safety
49
way than as described in this section, as
that could result in serious injuries in case
of an accident.
R
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 front air bag, front passenger
front air bag, side impact air bags, window
curtain air bags for door windows),
Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs),
seat belt force limiters, 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 ETDs) and side (side impact air bags,
window curtain air bags, and ETDs) impacts
which exceed preset deployment
thresholds and in certain rollovers (window
curtain air bags and ETDs).
R
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 seat
belt would also apply too much force to the
ribs or abdomen, which could severely
injure internal organs such as your liver or
spleen.
Adjust the seat belt so that the shoulder
section 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 seat belt under your arm. For
this purpose, you can adjust the height of
the seat belt outlet.
R
Position the lap belt as low as possible on
your hips and not across the abdomen. If
the lap belt is positioned across your
abdomen, it could cause serious injuries in
a crash.
R
Never wear seat belts over rigid or
breakable objects in or on your clothing,
such as eyeglasses, pens, keys etc., as
these might cause injuries.
R
Make sure the seat belt is always fitted
snugly. Take special care of this when
wearing loose clothing.
R
Never use a seat belt for more than one
person at a time. Do not fasten a seat belt
around a person and another person or
other objects at the same time.
R
Seat belts should not be worn twisted. In a
crash, you would not have the full width of
the seat belt to distribute impact forces.
The twisted seat belt against your body
could cause injuries.
R
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.
R
Place the seat backrest in a position that is
as upright as possible.
R
Check your seat belt during travel to make
sure it is properly positioned.
R
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.
R
When using a seat belt to secure infant
restraints, toddler restraints, or children in
booster seats, always follow the child seat
manufacturer’s instructions.
Warning!
G
Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges. They
could tear.
Do not allow the seat belt to get caught in the
door or in the seat adjustment mechanism.
This could damage the seat belt.
Never attempt to make modifications to seat
belts. This could impair the effectiveness of
the seat belts.
Safety and security
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Page 52
Occupant safety
50
Fastening the seat belts
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”.
Safety and security
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.
Warning!
G
Vehicles with BabySmart™ air bag
deactivation system, Canada only: Children
12 years old and under must never ride in the
front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz
authorized BabySmart™ compatible child
seat, which operates with the BabySmart™
system installed in the vehicle to deactivate
the front passenger front air bag when it is
installed properly. Otherwise they will be
struck by the air bag when it inflates in a
crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury
will result.
X
With a smooth motion, pull the seat belt out
of seat belt outlet :.
X
Place the shoulder portion of the seat belt
across the top of your shoulder and the lap
portion across your hips.
X
Push latch plate ; into buckle = until it
clicks.
Seat belt adjustment function: The seat
belts on both front seats adjust to the
upper body automatically as necessary
(Y page 51).
X
If necessary, adjust the seat belt to the
correct height (Y page 51).
X
If necessary, tighten the lap portion to a
snug fit by pulling shoulder portion up.
All lap/shoulder belts except the driver’s seat
belt have special seat belt retractors to
secure child restraints properly. For more
information on special seat belt retractors,
see “Infant and child restraint system”
(Y page 56).
To release the seat belt with seat belt release
button ?, see (Y page 51).
Page 53
Occupant safety
51
Seat belt outlet height adjustment
X
Raising: Slide the seat belt outlet height
adjuster upward.
The seat belt outlet height adjuster
engages in different positions.
X
Lowering: Press and hold release
button :.
X
Slide the seat belt outlet height adjuster
downward.
X
Release button : and make sure the seat
belt outlet height adjuster engages into
place.
Seat belt adjustment function
The seat belt adjustment function adjusts the
seat belts on both front seats to the upper
body of the respective vehicle occupant. The
seat belt will be pulled slightly tighter for that
purpose when
R
you engage the latch plate into the buckle
and then turn the SmartKey in the starter
switch to position 2
R
the SmartKey in the starter switch is in
position 2 and you then engage the latch
plate in the buckle
The seat belt adjustment function takes place
with a certain amount of retracting force
when the system senses slack between the
vehicle occupant and the seat belt. Do not
retain the seat belt during this procedure. You
can activate or deactivate the seat belt
adjustment function via the control system
(Y page 136).
Releasing the seat belts
X
Press seat belt release button ?
(Y page 50).
Allow the retractor to completely rewind
the seat belt by guiding latch plate ;
(Y page 50).
!
Make sure the seat belt retracts
completely. Otherwise the seat belt and/or
latch plate could get caught or pinched in
the door or in the seat mechanism. This can
damage the seat belt and impair its
effectiveness, 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
Center.
Enhanced seat belt reminder system
When the engine is started, the seat belt
telltale 7 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 sound. The warning chime goes out
after approximately 6 seconds or once 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,
R
the seat belt telltale 7 remains
illuminated for as long as either the driver’s
or front passenger’s seat belt is not
fastened.
R
and if the vehicle speed once exceeds
15 mph (25 km/h), the seat belt telltale
7 starts flashing and a warning chime
sounds with increasing intensity for a
maximum of 60 seconds or until the
driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt are
fastened.
Safety and security
Z
Page 54
Occupant safety
52
If you and/or your passenger release the
seat belt during driving, the seat belt
telltale 7 starts flashing and the
warning chime sounds as described before.
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 7 stops flashing but
continues to be illuminated.
After a vehicle standstill, the warning chime
is reactivated and the seat belt telltale
7 is flashing again if the vehicle speed
once exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h).
The seat belt telltale 7 will only go out if
Safety and security
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”
(Y page 300).
Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD),
seat belt force limiter
The seat belts for the front seats and rear
outer seats are equipped with ETDs and seat
belt force limiters.
The ETDs are designed to activate in the
following cases:
R
in frontal or rear-end impacts exceeding
the system’s preset deployment threshold
R
in side impacts exceeding the system’s
preset deployment threshold on the far
side of the impact
R
in certain vehicle rollovers
R
if the restraint systems are operational and
functioning correctly, see “SRS indicator
lamp” (Y page 36)
The ETDs for the front seats will only activate
if the front seat belts are fastened (latch plate
properly inserted into buckle).
The ETDs for the rear outer seats will activate
with or without the respective seat belts
fastened.
In an impact, the ETDs remove slack from the
seat belts in such a way that the seat belts fit
more snugly against the body. Seat belt force
limiters, when activated, are employed to
help reduce the peak force exerted by the
seat belts on occupants during a crash.
i
The ETDs do not correct an incorrect seat
position or incorrectly worn seat belts.
The ETDs do not pull occupants back
toward the seat backrest.
Warning!
G
Pyrotechnic ETDs that were activated must be
replaced.
For your safety, when disposing of the
pyrotechnic ETDs always follow our safety
instructions. These are available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The PRE-SAFE® system has electrically
operated reversible pre-tensioners that do
not require replacement after activation.
Preventive occupant safety (PRESAFE®)
Warning!
G
The PRE-SAFE® system is intended to reduce
the effects of an accident on vehicle
occupants who are wearing their seat belt
properly. Despite your vehicle being equipped
with the PRE-SAFE® system, the possibility of
personal injuries occurring as a result of an
accident cannot be eliminated. Therefore,
always drive carefully and adjust your driving
to the prevailing road, weather, and traffic
conditions.
Page 55
The PRE-SAFE® system takes preventive
measures to better protect the occupants
from the possibility of personal injuries in the
following hazardous situations:
R
emergency braking maneuvers with the
Brake Assist System (BAS) (Y page 63)
activated
R
critical dynamic driving situations, e.g.
when the vehicle has been caused to
understeer or oversteer because it has
exceeded its physical limitations or in case
of evasive steering maneuvers at speeds
above approximately 85 mph (140 km/h)
PRE-SAFE® takes the following measures
when it is activated:
R
The front seat belts are pre-tensioned
automatically.
R
Vehicles with front passenger seat memory
function: If the passenger seat is in an
unfavorable position, the seat will be
adjusted to a position that seeks to better
protect the occupant.
R
If the vehicle is in a critical dynamic driving
situation, the door windows close, except
for a minimal gap that remains open.
R
Vehicles with power tilt/sliding sunroof: If
the vehicle is in a critical dynamic driving
situation, the tilt/sliding sunroof also
closes, except for a minimal gap that
remains open.
If the closing procedure of any of these
elements is blocked, it will stop and open
slightly.
Once the hazardous situation no longer exists
and an accident has been avoided, the seat
belt pre-tensioning is deactivated. All of the
PRE-SAFE® settings can be re-adjusted
following the critical driving event.
If the seat belts do not release:
X
Adjust the seat backrest or seat slightly to
the rear until the seat belt tension is
reduced.
The locking mechanism releases.
Occupant safety
!
When moving the seats, make sure there
are no items in the footwell or behind the
seats. Otherwise, you could damage the
seats and/or the items.
For information on the seat belt adjustment
function as an integrated comfort feature of
PRE-SAFE®, see (Y page 51).
NECK-PRO active front head restraints
The NECK-PRO active front head restraints
are intended to offer the driver and front
passenger increased protection from
whiplash-type injuries. In the event of a rearend collision, the NECK-PRO active front head
restraints on the front seats are designed to
move forward in the direction of travel. They
thus provide the head with increased support
earlier on in the collision sequence. The
NECK-PRO active front head restraints will
move forward whether the seats are occupied
or not.
Warning!
G
Do not attach any objects (e.g. hangers) to the
head restraint posts. Otherwise, the NECKPRO active front head restraints may not be
able to function properly or offer the intended
degree of protection they were designed for
in the event of a rear-end collision.
Warning!
G
Only use seat or head restraint covers which
have been tested and approved by MercedesBenz for your vehicle model.
Using other seat or head restraint covers may
interfere with or prevent the activation of the
NECK-PRO active front head restraints and/
or the deployment of the front side impact air
bags.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for availability.
When the NECK-PRO active front head
restraints have been triggered in an accident,
the NECK-PRO active front head restraints
53
Safety and security
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Page 56
Occupant safety
54
must be reset. Otherwise, the NECK-PRO
active front head restraints cannot offer any
additional protection in the event of another
rear-end collision.
For information on resetting the activated
NECK-PRO active front head restraints, see
“Resetting activated head restraints”
(Y page 309).
You cannot remove the NECK-PRO active
front head restraints.
Warning!
G
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint so that it is as close
Safety and security
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.
For information on head restraint adjustment,
see “Head restraint height” (Y page 83), or
see “Head restraint fore and aft adjustment”
(Y page 83).
Correct driver seat adjustment
Warning!
G
In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle
control the following must be done before the
vehicle is put into motion:
R
seat adjustment
R
head restraint adjustment
R
steering wheel adjustment
R
rear view mirror adjustment
R
fastening of seat belts
Steering wheel
Observe Safety notes, see page 86.
G
X
Position steering wheel : properly. See
(Y page 87) for manual adjustment and
(Y page 87) for electrical adjustment.
Make sure:
R
You can reach the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent at the elbows.
R
You can move your legs freely.
R
All displays (including malfunction and
indicator lamps) on the instrument cluster
are clearly visible.
Seat belt
Observe Safety notes, see page 48.
G
X
Fasten and position your seat belt ;
correctly (Y page 50).
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Occupant safety
55
Make sure:
R
The seat belt is always fitted snugly.
R
Adjust the seat belt so that the shoulder
section is located as close as possible to
the middle of the shoulder.
R
Place the lap portion of the seat belt as low
as possible on your hips.
Seat and head restraint
Observe Safety notes, see page 81.
G
X
Position seat = and head restraint
properly. See (Y page 82) for seat and
head restraint adjustment.
Observe the following points:
R
Always be in a properly seated position.
R
The position should be as far rearward from
the front air bag in the steering wheel as
possible, while still permitting proper
operation of vehicle controls.
R
Adjust the seat to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely.
R
The seat must be adjusted so that you can
correctly fasten and position your seat belt.
R
The seat backrest must be in a position that
is as nearly upright as possible.
R
Adjust the seat cushion so that the front
edge of the seat cushion lightly supports
your legs.
R
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.
R
Never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while the seat is being
adjusted.
Children in the vehicle
Safety notes
If an infant or child is traveling with you in the
vehicle:
X
Secure the child using an infant or child
restraint appropriate to the age and size of
the child.
X
Make sure the infant or child is properly
secured at all times while the vehicle is in
motion.
Warning!
G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch. Always
take the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in
the vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, 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 children
could
R
injure themselves on parts of the vehicle
R
be seriously or fatally injured through
excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold
R
injure themselves or cause an accident with
vehicle equipment that can be operated
even if the SmartKey is removed from the
starter switch or removed from the vehicle,
such as seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment, or the memory function
If children open a door, they could injure other
persons or get out of the vehicle and injure
themselves or be injured by following traffic.
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 by these
parts.
Safety and security
Warning!
G
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger or cargo compartment unless they
are firmly secured in place.
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Page 58
Occupant safety
56
Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child’s risk of injury in the event
of
R
strong braking maneuvers
R
sudden changes of direction
R
an accident
Infant and child restraint systems
Observe Safety notes, see page 55.
G
We recommend all infants and children be
properly restrained at all times while the
vehicle is in motion.
Safety and security
Canada only:
Only use a BabySmart™ compatible child
restraint for the front passenger seat in this
vehicle.
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 the child
restraint manufacturer’s instructions for
mounting.
To activate the special seat belt retractor:
X
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 seat belt is now locked.
X
Push down on child restraint to take up any
slack.
To deactivate the special seat belt retractor:
X
Release the seat belt buckle and let the
seat belt retract completely.
The seat belt can then again be used in the
usual manner.
To deactivate the special seat belt retractor
for the front passenger seat, the front
passenger seat must be in the most backward
position.
Warning!
G
Never release the seat belt buckle while the
vehicle is in motion, since the special seat belt
retractor will be deactivated.
i
Information on child seats with mounting
fittings for tether anchorages
(Y page 58).
For information on LATCH-type child seat
anchors (Y page 59).
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.
Infants and small children should be seated
in an appropriate infant or child restraint
system. They must be properly secured in
accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions for the child restraint. All infant
or child restraint systems must comply 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 restraint, toddler
restraint, or booster seat, 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
Page 59
Occupant safety
57
infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster
seat 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.
Occupants, especially children, should always
sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt
properly 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:
R
USA only: Your vehicle is equipped with air
bag technology designed to deactivate 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.
R
USA only: For children larger than the
typical 12-month-old child, the front
passenger front air bag may or may not be
activated. Always make sure the
42 indicator lamp is
illuminated, indicating that the front
passenger front air bag is deactivated.
R
Canada only: Children 12 years old and
under must never ride in the front seat,
except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized
BabySmart™ compatible child seat, which
operates with the BabySmart™ system
installed in the vehicle to deactivate the
front passenger front air bag when it is
installed properly. Otherwise they will be
struck by the air bag when it inflates in a
crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury
will result.
R
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 a backseat.
R
If you must install a rear-facing child
restraint on the front passenger seat
because circumstances require you to do
so, make sure the 42
indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating
that the front passenger front air bag is
deactivated. Should the 42
indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while
the restraint is installed, please check
installation. Periodically check the
42 indicator lamp while
driving to make sure the 42
indicator lamp is illuminated. If the
42 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.
R
If you have to place a child in a forwardfacing 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.
Warning!
G
Infants and small children should never share
a seat belt with another occupant. During an
Safety and security
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Page 60
Occupant safety
58
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.
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 seat belt
positioning for children over 41 lb (18 kg) until
they reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt
Safety and security
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.
Installation of infant and child restraint
systems
Observe Safety notes, see page 55.
G
Warning!
G
Always lock the seat backrests in their upright
position when the rear seats are occupied by
passengers. Lock the seat backrests in their
upright position after installing top tether
straps or when the extended cargo
compartment is not in use. Make sure that
seat backrests are secured properly by
pushing and pulling on the seat backrests. If
a seat backrest is not locked properly, the
seat backrest could fold. The child seat would
no longer be supported properly or positioned
to provide its intended benefit. That could
cause serious or even fatal injuries.
anchors and rear seats. This can further
reduce the risk of injury.
X
Press in lower part of anchorage ring
cover : on the seat backrest on which a
child seat is to be installed.
X
Pull on upper part of anchorage ring
cover : to remove cover.
X
Store anchorage ring cover : in a
convenient place (e.g. glove box).
X
Move the respective head restraint to its
uppermost position (Y page 84).
This vehicle is equipped with tether
anchorages for a top tether strap at each of
the rear seating positions.
Top tether straps enable an additional
connection to be made between child
restraint systems secured with LATCH-type
Page 61
X
Guide top tether strap ? between the
head restraint and top of the seat backrest.
X
Securely fasten hook =, which is part of
top tether strap ?, to anchorage ring ;.
Make sure
R
hook = is attached to anchorage ring ;
beyond the safety catch, as illustrated
R
top tether strap ? is not twisted
R
the head restraint is installed and
positioned such that top tether strap ?
can pass freely between the head restraint
and top of the seat backrest
R
top tether strap ? is positioned between
the seat backrest and the cargo
compartment cover blind (if installed)
R
top tether strap ? is positioned between
the seat backrest and the cargo net (if
installed)
X
Lower the head restraint if necessary
(Y page 84).
Make sure the top tether strap can pass
freely between the head restraint and top
of the seat backrest.
X
Install the child restraint system and
tighten the top tether strap according to
the child restraint manufacturer’s
instructions.
After removing the child restraint system and
top tether strap ?:
X
Reinstall anchorage ring cover :.
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type
Observe Safety notes, see page 55.
G
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 seat belt positioning for children over
Occupant safety
41 lb (18 kg) 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 both
anchors.
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.
Each rear outer seat has two LATCH-type
anchors for the installation of a LATCH-type
child seat with matching mounting fittings.
Non-LATCH-type child seats may also be used
and can be installed using the vehicle’s seat
belt system. Install child seat according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
The LATCH-type anchors are blended with
covers.
X
Remove anchorage ring covers : from
anchors ; of the seat on which a child seat
is to be installed.
59
Safety and security
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Occupant safety
60
X
Install a LATCH-type child seat according
to the manufacturer’s instructions.
A rigid connection between the child seat
and the body of the vehicle is established.
Safety and security
X
Make sure that the seat belt for the rear
center seat can operate freely with a child
seat installed.
Child safety
Child safety locks
Observe Safety notes, see page 55.
G
Warning!
G
Children could open a rear door from the
inside. This may cause serious personal injury
or an accident. Therefore, secure the rear
doors with the child safety locks whenever
children are riding in the back seats of the
vehicle.
The child safety locks on the rear doors
enable you to secure each rear door
individually. You cannot open a secured rear
door from the inside. You can open the rear
door from the outside when the vehicle is
unlocked.
X
Securing: Press the lever down in direction
of arrow ;.
X
Check to make sure the child safety locks
are working properly.
X
Releasing: Press the lever up in direction
of arrow :.
Override switch
Observe Safety notes, see page 55.
G
With the override switch you can disable the
rear door window switches in the rear door
panels. This can be useful, for instance, when
you have children riding in the rear passenger
compartment.
Warning!
G
Activate the override switch when children
are riding in the back seats of the vehicle. The
children may otherwise injure themselves,
e.g. by becoming trapped in the rear door
window opening.
X
Activating: Press override switch :.
The switch engages in recessed position.
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Driving safety systems
61
The rear door windows can no longer be
operated using the respective switch
located in the rear doors.
You can still operate the rear door windows
using the switches located on the door
control panel of the driver’s door.
X
Deactivating: Press override switch :
again.
The switch disengages from its recessed
position back to its original position.
The rear door windows can be operated
again using the respective switch located
in the rear doors.
For more information on power windows, see
the “Controls in detail” section
(Y page 100).
Panic alarm
i USA only:
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
interference, 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.
i Canada only:
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.
Safety and security
Example illustration: SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
X
Activating: Press and hold !
button : for at least 1 second.
An audible alarm and flashing exterior
lamps will operate briefly.
X
Deactivating: Press ! button : again.
or
X
Insert the SmartKey into the starter switch.
or
X
Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO must be
inside the vehicle.
Driving safety systems
Introduction
This section contains information about the
following driving safety systems:
R
ABS (
Antilock Brake System)
R
BAS (Brake Assist System)
R
EBP (Electronic Brake Proportioning)
R
ESP® (Electronic Stability Program)
i
In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of most of the driving
systems described in this section is only
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Driving safety systems
62
achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
Safety notes
Warning!
G
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R
Excessive speed, especially in turns
R
Wet and slippery road surfaces
R
Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
Safety and security
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
Warning!
G
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not recognize
potential danger.
ABS
Observe Safety notes, see page 62.
G
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 ABS indicator lamp ! indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal. The pulsation indicates that the
ABS is in the regulating mode.
X
Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal while you feel the pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the 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
X
Keep continuous full pressure on the brake
pedal.
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Driving safety systems
63
Warning!
G
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety
systems such as the BAS or the ESP® are also
switched off. Observe indicator and warning
lamps that may come on as well as messages
in the multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
Off-road ABS (vehicles with 4MATIC)
Vehicles with 4MATIC have a special ABS offroad feature. With the off-road driving
program switched on (Y page 155), the ABS
designed for off-road driving is activated
automatically.
When applying the brakes at speeds below
18 mph (30 km/h), the front wheels are
locked cyclically to shorten the braking
distance (dig-in effect). This will restrict
steering the vehicle.
BAS
Observe Safety notes, see page 62.
G
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the brakes
very quickly, the BAS provides full brake
boost automatically, thereby potentially
reducing the braking distance.
X
Apply continuous full braking pressure until
the emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes
function again as normal. The BAS is then
deactivated.
Warning!
G
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
EBP
Observe Safety notes, see page 62.
G
The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP)
enhances braking effectiveness by allowing
the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion
of the braking effort in straight-line braking
without a loss of vehicle stability.
Warning!
G
If the EBP malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
®
ESP
Observe Safety notes, see page 62.
G
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) is
operational as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESP® recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual
wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESP® works to stabilize the vehicle. The
ESP® is especially useful while driving off and
on wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP
®
also stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESP® warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
The ESP® warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster flashes when the ESP® is
engaged.
Safety and security
Z
Page 66
Driving safety systems
64
Warning!
G
Never switch off the ESP® when you see the
ESP® warning lamp d flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R
When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R
While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R
Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP® cannot
Safety and security
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
!
Vehicles with 4MATIC:
Only conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system or the transfer case which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
!
Vehicles without 4MATIC:
Because the ESP® operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or
1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in
position 0 or 1) when the parking brake is
being tested on a brake test dynamometer
or the vehicle is being towed with one axle
raised.
Active braking action through the ESP
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!
Vehicles with 4MATIC:
Because the ESP® operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or
1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in
position 0 or 1) when the parking brake is
being tested on a brake test dynamometer.
Such testing should be no longer than 10
seconds.
Active braking action through the ESP
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!
The ESP® will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
as specified in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
i
The cruise control switches off
automatically when the ESP® engages.
Electronic Traction System
(ETS/4-ETS)
Observe Safety notes, see page 62.
G
The ETS (Electronic Traction System) and
4-ETS (four-wheel Electronic Traction
System, vehicles with 4MATIC only) are
components of the ESP®. The ETS/4-ETS
improves the vehicle’s ability to utilize
available traction, especially under slippery
road conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel. Vehicles with 4MATIC also
transfer more power to the wheel(s) with
traction.
When you switch off the ESP®, the
ETS/4-ETS is still enabled.
X
If conditions require, switch on the off-road
driving program (Y page 155).
Off-road 4-ETS (vehicles with 4MATIC)
®
With the off-road driving program switched on
(Y page 155), the 4-ETS designed for off-road
use is activated automatically.
Switching off the ESP
Warning!
G
The ESP® should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
®
®
Page 67
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP® when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESP®. This allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for
example
R
when driving with snow chains
R
in deep snow
R
in sand or gravel
Warning!
G
Switch on the ESP® immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESP® will not
stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to skid
or a wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESP®,
R
the ESP® does not stabilize the vehicle
R
the engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
R
the ETS/4-ETS will still apply the brakes to
a spinning wheel
R
the ESP® continues to operate when you
are braking
R
the cruise control cannot be activated
R
the cruise control or the Distronic system
switch off if activated
i
When the ESP® is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP
®
warning lamp d in the instrument
cluster flashes. However, the ESP® will
then not stabilize the vehicle.
Driving safety systems
X
With the engine running, press ESP
switch : until the ESP® warning lamp
d in the instrument cluster comes on.
The ESP® is switched off.
Warning!
G
When the ESP® warning lamp d is
illuminated continuously, the ESP® is
switched off or is not operational due to a
malfunction. Vehicle stability in standard
driving maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP®.
!
Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period with the ESP® switched
off. This may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Switching on the ESP
X
Press ESP® switch : until the ESP
®
warning lamp d in the instrument
cluster goes out.
You are now again in normal driving mode
with the ESP® switched on.
Off-road ESP® (vehicles with 4MATIC)
With the off-road driving program switched on
(Y page 155), the ESP® designed for off-road
use is activated automatically. At speeds
below 27 mph (45 km/h), the ESP® assists in
®
®
65
Safety and security
Z
Page 68
Anti-theft systems
66
over-/understeering, thus improving vehicle
traction.
ESP® trailer stabilization
If the trailer you are towing should begin to
sway, the rig can only be stabilized by
immediately applying the brakes hard.
Steering during this maneuver will not help to
stabilize the rig.
The ESP® will assist you in such situations.
The ESP® recognizes when the trailer starts
swaying and will apply the brakes to reduce
the vehicle speed to a non-critical speed that
allows the vehicle-trailer combination to
Safety and security
stabilize.
The ESP® trailer stabilization is functional at
vehicle speeds above approximately 40 mph
(65 km/h) when the ESP® is switched on.
Warning!
G
The system will not be able to assist when the
trailer jackknifes
R
if the ESP® has switched off due to a
malfunction
R
on wet or icy roads
R
on roads with slippery surface
R
in sand or gravel
Trailers with a high center of gravity may tip
over before the system recognizes swaying of
the trailer.
Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents unauthorized
persons from starting your vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
Activating
X
With SmartKey: Remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch.
X
With KEYLESS-GO: Turn off the engine and
open the driver’s door.
Deactivating
X
Switch on the ignition.
i
Starting the engine will also deactivate
the immobilizer.
In the event that the engine cannot be
started (yet the vehicle’s battery is
charged), the system is not operational.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the
USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
Anti-theft alarm system
Once the alarm system has been armed, a
visual and audible alarm is triggered when
someone opens
R
a door
R
the tailgate
R
the hood
The alarm will stay on even if the activating
element, a door, for example, is closed
immediately.
The alarm system will also be triggered when
R
the vehicle is opened with the mechanical
key
R
a door is opened from the inside
To cancel the alarm after it has been
triggered, see “Canceling the alarm”
(Y page 67).
Page 69
Anti-theft systems
67
i If the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, the Tele Aid system initiates a
call to the Response Center automatically.
The Tele Aid system will initiate the call
provided that
R
you have subscribed to the Tele Aid
service
R
the Tele Aid service has been activated
properly
R
the necessary mobile phone, power
supply and GPS coverage are available
X
Arming: Lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO.
The turn signal lamps flash three times to
indicate that the vehicle is locked. Indicator
lamp : flashes to indicate that the alarm
system is armed.
Canceling the alarm
To cancel the alarm, do one of the following:
X
Insert the SmartKey into the starter switch.
X
Press button % or & on the
SmartKey.
In vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
X
Grasp an outside door handle.
The SmartKey must be within 3 ft (1 m) of
the vehicle.
X
Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
The SmartKey must be inside the vehicle.
Safety and security
i
If the turn signal lamps do not flash three
times, a door or the tailgate may not be
properly closed.
Close the respective element.
X
Disarming: Unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO.
The turn signal lamps flash once to indicate
that the alarm system is disarmed.
i Unless you open a door or the tailgate
within approximately 40 seconds after
unlocking the vehicle:
R
The vehicle will be locked again.
R
The anti-theft alarm system will be
rearmed.
Z
Page 70
68
Page 71
Vehicle equipment .............................. 70
Locking and unlocking ....................... 70
Starter switch positions ..................... 79
Seats .................................................... 81
Multifunction steering wheel ............. 86
Mirrors ................................................. 89
Memory function ................................. 92
Lighting ................................................ 92
Wipers .................................................. 98
Power windows ................................. 100
Driving and parking .......................... 103
Automatic transmission ................... 109
Transfer case .................................... 117
Instrument cluster ............................ 117
Control system .................................. 119
Driving systems ................................ 141
Overview of climate control sys-
tem functions and air vents ............. 165
Climate control ................................. 167
3-zone automatic climate control ... 173
Rear window defroster ..................... 183
Power tilt/sliding sunroof ............... 184
Loading and storing .......................... 186
Useful features ................................. 194
69
Controls in detail
Page 72
Locking and unlocking
70
Vehicle equipment
i
This Operator’s Manual describes all
features, standard or optional, potentially
available for your vehicle at the time of
purchase. Please be aware that your
vehicle might not be equipped with all
features described in this manual.
Locking and unlocking
Notes
Observe Safety notes, see page 55.
G
When unlocking the vehicle, all turn signal
lamps flash once. The locking knobs in the
Controls in detail
doors move up. The anti-theft alarm system
is disarmed.
When locking the vehicle, all turn signal lamps
flash three times. The locking knobs in the
doors move down. The anti-theft alarm
system is armed.
All doors and the tailgate must be closed.
If you cannot lock or unlock the vehicle with
the SmartKey, the batteries in the SmartKey
are discharged, the SmartKey is
malfunctioning, or the vehicle battery is
drained.
X
Check the batteries in the SmartKey
(Y page 73) and replace them if
necessary.
X
Use the mechanical key to unlock the
driver’s door (Y page 306).
X
Use the mechanical key to lock the vehicle
(Y page 307).
X
Have the vehicle battery and the vehicle
battery connections checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If the SmartKey is malfunctioning, contact
Roadside Assistance or an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
SmartKey
Your vehicle comes supplied with two
SmartKeys, each with remote control and a
removable mechanical key.
The SmartKey centrally locks and unlocks:
R
the doors
R
the tailgate
R
the fuel filler flap
Example illustration: SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
: &
; F
= %
Lock button
Unlock button for tailgate
Unlock button
i USA only:
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
interference, 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.
Page 73
Locking and unlocking
71
i Canada only:
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.
Factory setting
X
Global unlocking: Press button %.
Unless you open a door or the tailgate within
approximately 40 seconds after unlocking
the vehicle:
R
The vehicle will be locked again.
R
The antitheft alarm system will be rearmed.
X
Global locking: Press button &.
Selective setting
If you frequently travel alone, you may wish
to reprogramm the SmartKey. Pressing
button % will then only unlock the driver’s
door and the fuel filler flap.
X
Switching on/off: Press and hold buttons
% and & simultaneously for
approximately 6 seconds until the battery
check lamp (Y page 73) flashes twice.
The SmartKey will then function as follows:
X
Unlocking driver’s door and fuel filler
flap: Press button % once.
X
Global unlocking: Press button %
twice.
X
Global locking: Press button &.
KEYLESS-GO
Vehicles equipped with KEYLESS-GO come
with two SmartKeys with KEYLESS-GO, each
with remote control and a removable
mechanical key.
The KEYLESS-GO function is integrated into
the SmartKey. The validity of the SmartKey is
checked every time you grasp an outside door
handle.
When the SmartKey is valid, your vehicle
unlocks
R
the doors
R
the fuel filler flap
R
the tailgate
i USA only:
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
interference, 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.
i Canada only:
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.
Controls in detail
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Page 74
Locking and unlocking
72
Important notes on using KEYLESS-GO
R
You can also use the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO like a normal SmartKey
(Y page 70).
R
You can combine KEYLESS-GO functions
with normal SmartKey functions (e.g.
unlocking with KEYLESS-GO and locking
with button &).
R
Always carry the SmartKey with you.
R
Never store the SmartKey together with:
-
Electronic items such as a mobile phone
or another SmartKey
-
Metallic objects such as coins or metal
foil
Controls in detail
Doing so could impair the function of the
KEYLESS-GO system.
R
To lock or unlock the vehicle, the SmartKey
must be located outside the vehicle within
approximately 3 ft (1 m) of a door or the
tailgate.
R
When the vehicle has been parked for more
than 72 hours, the KEYLESS-GO function is
deactivated. Pull an outside door handle
and switch on the ignition once to activate
the KEYLESS-GO function.
R
If the SmartKey is positioned farther away
from the vehicle, the system may no longer
recognize the SmartKey. The vehicle
cannot be locked or the engine started via
the KEYLESS-GO system.
R
If the SmartKey is removed from the vehicle
(e.g. if a passenger exits the vehicle with
the SmartKey)
-
when pressing the KEYLESS-GO start/
stop button or trying to lock the vehicle
with the lock button on an outside door
handle the message Key Not
Detected appears in the multifunction
display
-
with the engine running, the red message
Key Not Detected appears in the
multifunction display while driving off
Find the SmartKey or change its present
location immediately (e.g. place it on the
front passenger seat or insert it in shirt
pocket).
R
If you have started the engine with the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button, you can
turn it off again by
-
pressing the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button
-
inserting the SmartKey into the starter
switch when the vehicle is at a standstill
and the automatic transmission is in park
position P
R
The vehicle could be inadvertently
unlocked if the SmartKey is within 3 ft (1 m)
of the vehicle and
-
an outside door handle is splashed with
water
or
-
you attempt to clean an outside door
handle
R
Remember that the engine can be started
by anyone with a SmartKey that is left
inside the vehicle.
Possibility 1 (One SmartKey in the vehicle,
one SmartKey outside the vehicle):
If you leave the SmartKey behind when
exiting and locking the vehicle, no message
appears in the multifunction display.
Possibility 2 (One SmartKey in the vehicle,
no SmartKey outside the vehicle):
When exiting and trying to lock the vehicle,
the message Key Detected In Vehicle
appears in the multifunction display. The
vehicle will not be locked.
Factory setting
X
Global unlocking: Grasp an outside door
handle.
Page 75
Locking and unlocking
73
Unless you open a door or the tailgate within
approximately 40 seconds after unlocking
the vehicle:
R
The vehicle will be locked again.
R
The antitheft alarm system will be rearmed.
X
Global locking: Press lock button : on an
outside door handle.
Selective setting
If you frequently travel alone, you may wish
to reprogram the SmartKey. Grasping the
driver’s outside door handle will then only
unlock the driver’s door and the fuel filler flap.
X
Switching on/off: Press and hold buttons
% and & simultaneously for
approximately 6 seconds until the battery
check lamp (Y page 73) flashes twice.
The SmartKey will then function as follows:
X
Unlocking driver’s door and fuel filler
flap: Grasp the driver’s outside door
handle.
X
Global unlocking: Grasp any outside door
handle other than the driver’s outside door
handle.
X
Global locking: Press lock button : on an
outside door handle.
Checking SmartKey batteries
Example illustration: SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
X
Press button & or % on the
SmartKey.
Battery check lamp : comes on briefly to
indicate that the SmartKey batteries are in
order.
If the battery check lamp does not come on
briefly during check, the SmartKey batteries
are discharged.
X
Replace the batteries (Y page 309).
i
You can obtain the required batteries at
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
i
If the batteries are checked within signal
range of the vehicle, pressing button
& or % will lock or unlock the vehicle
accordingly.
Loss of the SmartKey
If you lose your SmartKey or mechanical key,
you should do the following:
X
Have the SmartKey deactivated by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
X
Report the loss of the SmartKey or the
mechanical key to your car insurance
company immediately.
X
Have the mechanical lock replaced if
necessary.
Any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be
glad to supply you with a replacement. For
Controls in detail
Z
Page 76
Locking and unlocking
74
information on replacing the SmartKey, see
“Replacing the SmartKey” (Y page 74).
Replacing the SmartKey
Only you, or someone authorized by you can
order a replacement key from any MercedesBenz Center. In order to do so, the MercedesBenz Center will require proof of identity and
vehicle ownership with original documents,
including the following:
If you are the current owner of the vehicle:
R
the vehicle’s current state registration
R
a current identity card, passport, or drivers
license
Controls in detail
If you are an authorized person:
R
the vehicle’s current state registration
R
a current identity card, passport, or drivers
license for the authorized individual
R
signed and dated authorization from the
owner of the vehicle for which the key is
being requested
i
Duplicated or photocopied
documentation will not be accepted.
Example illustration driver’s door
If the vehicle has previously been locked with
the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO, opening
a door from the inside will trigger the antitheft alarm system.
To cancel the alarm, see (Y page 67).
X
Front doors: Pull on inside door
handle ; on the respective front door.
If the door was locked, locking knob : will
move up.
X
Rear doors: Pull up locking knob on the
respective rear door to unlock door.
X
Pull on the inside door handle on the
respective rear door.
Activating the key
Once you, or an authorized person, has
provided the appropriate documents, the
Mercedes-Benz Center will need to
synchronize the key to your vehicle before it
can be used. In order to do so, the MercedesBenz Center need access to your vehicle.
Opening the doors from the inside
You can open a door from the inside even
when it is locked unless it is secured with the
child safety lock (Y page 60).
Open door only when conditions are safe to
do so.
Automatic central locking
The doors and the tailgate lock automatically
when the vehicle is set into motion.
You can open a locked front door from the
inside. Open door only when conditions are
safe to do so.
The doors are designed to unlock
automatically after an accident if the force of
the impact exceeds a preset threshold.
The vehicle locks automatically when the
ignition is switched on and the wheels are
turning at vehicle speeds of above 9 mph
(15 km/h). You could therefore lock yourself
out when the vehicle is pushed or towed or is
on a test stand.
i
You can also activate or deactivate the
automatic central locking using the control
system (Y page 135).
Page 77
Locking and unlocking
75
Locking and unlocking from the inside
Observe Safety notes, see page 55.
G
You can lock or unlock the vehicle from the
inside using the central locking switches. This
can be useful, for example, if you want to lock
the vehicle before starting to drive.
The central locking switches do not lock or
unlock the fuel filler flap.
The switches are located in each front door.
X
Locking: Press central locking switch ;.
When all doors and the tailgate are closed,
the vehicle locks.
X
Unlocking: Press central unlocking
switch :.
You can open a locked front door from the
inside at any time. Open door only when
conditions are safe to do so.
If the vehicle was previously locked with the
central locking switch
R
and the SmartKey is set to factory settings,
the complete vehicle is unlocked when a
front door is opened from the inside
R
and the SmartKey is set to selective
settings, only the front door opened from
the inside is unlocked
If the vehicle has been locked centrally with
the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO, it will not
unlock using the central unlocking switch.
Tailgate
Warning!
G
Make sure the tailgate is closed when the
engine is running and while driving. Among
other dangers, deadly carbon monoxide (CO)
gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
A minimum height clearance of 7.20 ft
(2.20 m) is required to open the tailgate.
Opening the tailgate from the outside
X
Pull on handle :.
In vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: The
vehicle must be unlocked.
X
Pull tailgate upwards to open.
Closing the tailgate from the outside
Observe Safety notes, see page 55.
G
Warning!
G
To prevent possible personal injury, always
keep hands and fingers away from the cargo
compartment opening when closing the
tailgate. Be especially careful when small
children are around.
Controls in detail
Z
Page 78
Locking and unlocking
76
X
Lower tailgate by pulling firmly on
handles :.
X
Close tailgate with hands placed flat on it.
Once the tailgate touches the latch, the
tailgate will pull itself shut automatically.
Controls in detail
Power tailgate
Warning!
G
Make sure the tailgate is closed when the
engine is running and while driving. Among
other dangers, deadly carbon monoxide (CO)
gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
Notes for operating the tailgate with the
SmartKey:
You can also open, close, and stop the
tailgate by pressing button F on the
SmartKey.
The prerequisites for this are:
R
No SmartKey is inserted in the starter
switch.
R
KEYLESS-GO: The vehicle’s on-board
electronics must have status 0
(Y page 80).
Opening the tailgate from the outside
You can unlock and open the tailgate
simultaneously from the outside when the
vehicle is stationary.
X
Press and hold button F on the
SmartKey until the tailgate unlocks and
begins to open.
While the tailgate is opening, an acoustic
warning sounds.
or
X
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Pull on the
handle (Y page 75).
!
The tailgate swings open upwards
automatically. Always make sure there is
sufficient overhead clearance.
A minimum height clearance of 7.20 ft
(2.20 m) is required to open the tailgate.
In vehicles with power tailgate, you can
R
open and close the tailgate from the inside
and the outside electrically
R
limit the opening height of the tailgate
R
interrupt the opening/closing procedure at
any time by
-
pressing or pulling the door-mounted
remote tailgate opening/closing switch
-
pulling the outside handle on the tailgate
-
pressing the tailgate closing switch
-
pressing the KEYLESS-GO locking/
closing switch
Closing the tailgate from the outside
Observe Safety notes, see page 55.
G
Warning!
G
Monitor the closing procedure carefully to
make sure no one is in danger of being
injured. To prevent possible personal injury,
always keep hands and fingers away from the
cargo compartment opening when closing the
tailgate. Be especially careful when small
children are around. To stop the closing
procedure, do one of the following:
R
Press or pull the remote tailgate opening/
closing switch on the driver’s door.
R
Press the tailgate closing switch.
R
Press the KEYLESS-GO locking/closing
switch.
Page 79
Locking and unlocking
77
R
Pull outside handle on the tailgate.
R
When no SmartKey is inserted in the starter
switch (vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Make
sure the vehicle’s on-board electronics
have status 0): Press button F on the
SmartKey.
Do not leave the SmartKey in the vehicle. You
may lock yourself out.
If the vehicle was previously centrally locked
with the SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO, the
tailgate will lock automatically when it is
closed. The turn signal lamps flash three
times to confirm locking.
Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO
Closing the tailgate and locking the
vehicle from the outside (vehicles with
KEYLESS-GO)
Observe Safety notes, see page 55.
G
Warning!
G
Monitor the closing procedure carefully to
make sure no one is in danger of being
injured. To prevent possible personal injury,
always keep hands and fingers away from the
cargo compartment opening when closing the
tailgate. Be especially careful when small
children are around. To stop the closing
procedure, do one of the following:
R
Press or pull the remote tailgate opening/
closing switch on the driver’s door.
R
Press the tailgate closing switch.
R
Press the KEYLESS-GO locking/closing
switch.
R
Pull outside handle on the tailgate.
R
When no SmartKey is inserted in the starter
switch (vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Make
sure the vehicle’s on-board electronics
have status 0): Press button F on the
SmartKey.
Controls in detail
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO
X
Press tailgate closing switch : or press
and hold button F on the SmartKey until
the tailgate begins to close.
If the tailgate comes into contact with an
object while closing, the closing procedure is
stopped and the tailgate reopens. This may
happen if luggage has been piled too high, for
example.
You can close the tailgate and lock the vehicle
simultaneously from the outside using the
KEYLESS-GO locking/closing switch.
X
Make sure you have the SmartKey with you.
X
Press KEYLESS-GO locking/closing
switch : briefly.
The tailgate closes.
Once the tailgate and all doors are closed:
Z
Page 80
Locking and unlocking
78
R
The vehicle locks.
R
The turn signals flash three times to
confirm locking.
R
The locking knobs in the doors move
down.
R
The anti-theft alarm system is armed.
If the tailgate comes into contact with an
object while closing, the closing procedure is
stopped and the tailgate reopens. This may
happen if luggage has been piled too high, for
example.
The closing process is stopped if the system
cannot recognize a SmartKey with KEYLESSGO anymore. Make sure the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO is within approximately 3 ft
Controls in detail
(1 m) of the tailgate. Repeat the closing
procedure if necessary.
The tailgate remains unlocked when a
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is recognized
inside the vehicle to prevent a possible
inadvertent lockout. In this case, the turn
signals will not flash and the anti-theft alarm
will be triggered when the tailgate is opened.
Opening/closing the tailgate from the
inside
Opening
Observe Safety notes, see page 76.
G
Warning!
G
Maintain sight of the area around the rear of
the vehicle while operating the tailgate with
the door-mounted remote tailgate switch.
Monitor the opening procedure carefully to
make sure no one is in danger of being
injured.
To interrupt the opening procedure, press or
pull the door-mounted remote tailgate switch.
When the SmartKey is not inserted in the
starter switch (vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
Make sure the vehicle’s on-board electronics
have status 0): Press button F on the
SmartKey.
You can unlock and open the tailgate
simultaneously from the driver’s seat when
the vehicle is stationary.
X
Pull remote tailgate opening/closing
switch : until the tailgate begins to open.
While the tailgate is opening, an acoustic
warning sounds.
Closing
Observe Safety notes, see page 55.
G
Warning!
G
Maintain sight of the area around the rear of
the vehicle while operating the tailgate with
the door-mounted remote tailgate switch.
Monitor the closing procedure carefully to
make sure no one is in danger of being
injured.
To interrupt the closing procedure, press or
pull the door-mounted remote tailgate switch.
If the tailgate comes into contact with an
object while closing, the closing procedure is
stopped and the tailgate reopens. This may
happen if luggage has been piled too high, for
example.
X
Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 1 or 2.
X
Press remote tailgate opening/closing
switch : until the tailgate begins to close.
While the tailgate is closing an acoustic
warning sounds.
X
Interrupting the closing procedure:
Press or pull remote tailgate opening/
closing switch :.
Page 81
Starter switch positions
79
Limiting opening height of tailgate
You can limit the opening height of the
tailgate in the upper opening range. This can
be useful, for example, when the space above
the tailgate is not sufficient.
Activating
X
Open the tailgate: Pull on handle
(Y page 75) or press and hold button
F on the SmartKey until the tailgate
opens.
X
Stop opening procedure: When the
tailgate is in the desired position, press
tailgate closing switch (Y page 77) or pull
on handle once more.
X
You can also press or pull the remote
tailgate opening/closing switch
(Y page 78) to stop the opening procedure.
X
Press and hold the tailgate closing switch
in the tailgate (Y page 77) until you hear a
short acoustic signal.
The opening height of the tailgate is limited.
The tailgate will now stop at the stored
position when opened.
Deactivating
X
Press and hold the tailgate closing switch
in the tailgate (Y page 77) until you hear
two short, consecutive acoustic signals.
Starter switch positions
SmartKey
Observe Safety notes, see page 55.
G
Starter switch
g
For removing SmartKey
1
Power supply for some electrical
consumers, e.g. radio
2
Ignition (power supply for all electrical
consumers) and driving position
3
Starting position
When you switch on the ignition, all lamps
(except low-beam headlamp indicator lamp,
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” (Y page 297).
X
Always remove the SmartKey from the
starter switch when the engine is not in
operation.
This will help to prevent accelerated vehicle
battery discharge or a completely
discharged vehicle battery.
If the SmartKey cannot be turned in the
starter switch, the vehicle battery may not be
sufficiently charged.
X
Check the vehicle battery and charge it if
necessary.
or
Controls in detail
Z
Page 82
Starter switch positions
80
X
Get a jump start.
i
If the SmartKey does not belong to the
vehicle, the SmartKey can be turned in the
starter switch. However, the ignition does
not switch on and the engine does not start.
KEYLESS-GO
Observe Safety notes, see page 55.
G
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.
The KEYLESS-GO start/stop button must be
inserted in the starter switch and the
Controls in detail
SmartKey present in the vehicle.
Pressing the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
without depressing the brake pedal
corresponds to the various starter switch
positions (Y page 79).
Pressing the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
with the brake pedal firmly depressed will
start the engine (Y page 103).
The KEYLESS-GO start/stop button can be
pulled out of the starter switch easily. You can
then insert the SmartKey into the starter
switch.
i
The KEYLESS-GO start/stop button does
not need to be removed from the starter
switch when you leave the vehicle.
However, always take the SmartKey with
you when you leave the vehicle. As long as
the SmartKey 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.
:
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
;
Starter switch
X
Insert the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
into the starter switch (if not inserted
already).
X
Make sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P.
X
Do not depress the brake pedal.
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
=
USA only
?
Canada only
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
X
Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
once.
This supplies power for some electrical
consumers, such as radio functions.
Page 83
Seats
81
i If you now press the KEYLESS-GO start/
stop button
R
once more, the ignition (position 2) is
switched on
R
twice more the power supply is again
switched off
Ignition (or position 2)
X
Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
twice.
This supplies power for all electrical
consumers.
All lamps (except low-beam headlamp
indicator lamp, 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” (Y page 297).
i
If you now press the KEYLESS-GO start/
stop button once, the power supply is again
switched off.
Seats
Safety notes
Warning!
G
In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle
control the following must be done before the
vehicle is put into motion:
R
seat adjustment
R
head restraint adjustment
R
steering wheel adjustment
R
rear view mirror adjustment
R
fastening of seat belts
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 seat 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 seat 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:
R
Adjust the seat backrest until your arms are
slightly angled when holding the steering
wheel.
R
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.
R
Adjust the head restraint so that it is as
close to the head as possible. The center of
the head restraint must support the back of
the head at eye level.
R
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
The power seats can be operated at any time.
Therefore, do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. A child’s unsupervised access to a
Controls in detail
Z
Page 84
82
Seats
vehicle could result in an accident and/or
serious personal injury.
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”.
Controls in detail
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.
Warning!
G
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned 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 drive the vehicle without the seat head
restraints. Head restraints are intended to
help reduce injuries during an accident.
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. If the head restraint is in
the uppermost position, it could hit and
damage the sun visor.
i
Vehicles without memory function:
The seats can be adjusted within 5 minutes
after either front door has been opened.
The counter resets each time
R
you open or close a front door
R
you insert the SmartKey into the starter
switch
R
you remove the SmartKey from the
starter switch
R
you switch the ignition on or off
Just like in vehicles with memory function,
the power seats can be operated at any
time when the ignition is switched on.
i
The memory function (Y page 92) lets
you store the settings for the seat position
together with the settings for the steering
wheel (electrical) and exterior rear view
mirrors.
Seat adjustment
!
When moving the seats, make sure there
are no items in the footwell or behind the
seats. Otherwise, you could damage the
seats and/or the items.
Power seats
!
When the rear seats are folded forward,
e.g. for cargo volume expansion, the front
Page 85
X
Seat fore and aft adjustment: Press the
switch forward or backward in direction of
arrow A.
X
Seat backrest tilt: Press the switch
forward or backward in direction of
arrow ?.
X
Seat height: Press the switch up or down
in direction of arrow =.
X
Seat cushion tilt: Press the switch up or
down in direction of arrow ; until your
upper legs are lightly supported.
X
Head restraint height (vehicles with
memory function): Press the switch up or
down in direction of arrow :.
Head restraint height adjustment,
manual
This feature is only available in vehicles
without memory function.
Warning!
G
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned 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 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.
Seats
X
Raising: Adjust the height of head
restraint : by pulling it upward.
If head restraint : is fully retracted, press
release button ; in direction of arrow and
pull head restraint : upward.
X
Lowering: Press release button ; in
direction of arrow and press down on head
restraint :.
Head restraint fore and aft adjustment
Warning!
G
Vehicles with Rear Seat Entertainment
System: When adjusting the head restraint,
make sure your fingers do not become caught
between the head restraint cushion and the
monitor. Failing to do so may lead to injury.
83
Controls in detail
!
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 Center.
X
While seated, reach behind you with both
hands and find lower edge of the head
restraint.
X
Push or pull on the lower edge of the head
restraint cushion to the desired position.
Z
Page 86
84
Seats
Lumbar support
You can adjust the contour of the driver’s seat
lumbar support to help enhance support to
your spine.
Controls in detail
X
Curvature position: Use button : to
move the curvature up and button = to
move it down.
X
Degree of curvature: Use button ; to
lessen the curvature and button ? to
increase it.
Rear seat head restraints
Warning!
G
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
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.
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.
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.
Warning!
G
Make sure the rear seat head restraints
engage when placing them upright manually.
Otherwise their protective function cannot be
ensured.
The back of the head will not be supported in
the event of a collision. That could cause
serious or even fatal injuries. Rear seat
occupants can be seriously injured or killed.
Rear seat head restraint height
adjustment
X
Raising: Pull head restraint : upward to
the desired position.
X
Lowering: Press release button ; and
push down on head restraint :.
Rear seat head restraint fore and aft
adjustment
Page 87
X
While seated, reach behind you with both
hands and find lower edge of the head
restraint.
X
Adjust the head restraint to the desired
position by pushing or pulling on the lower
edge of the head restraint cushion.
Rear seat head restraints, removing
and installing
X
Removing: Pull head restraint : to its
uppermost position.
X
Press release button ; and pull out head
restraint.
X
Installing: Insert head restraint : into
openings on the seat backrest.
X
Push head restraint : down until it audibly
engages.
X
Press release button ; and adjust head
restraint : to the desired position.
Seats
X
Switch on the ignition.
X
Seat cushion depth: Adjust the seat
cushion depth to the length of your upper
leg using switch :.
X
Seat backrest contour: Adjust the
contour of the seat backrest to the desired
position using W or X.
X
Move the seat backrest support cushion to
the bottom with button ? or to the center
with button =.
X
Seat backrest side bolsters: Adjust the
side bolsters so that they provide good
lateral support using switch ;.
Seat ventilation
85
Controls in detail
Multicontour seats
The multicontour seat has a movable seat
cushion and inflatable air cushions built into
the seat backrest to provide additional
lumbar and side support.
The blue indicator lamps ; in seat ventilation
switch : come on to show which ventilation
level you have selected.
i
The seat ventilation for the driver’s seat
can be activated using the summer opening
feature (Y page 102).
Z
Page 88
Multifunction steering wheel
86
X
Switch on the ignition.
X
Switching on: Press respective seat
ventilation switch :.
Three blue indicator lamps ; in seat
ventilation switch : come on.
X
Press seat ventilation switch : repeatedly
until the desired ventilation level is set.
X
Switching off: Press seat ventilation
switch : repeatedly until all indicator
lamps ; go out.
If there is insufficient voltage the seat
ventilating switches off automatically.
Seat heating
Controls in detail
Front seat heating switches
The switches for the outboard rear seat
heating are located in the rear center console.
The seat heating switches from level 3 (high)
to level 2 after approximately 5 minutes.
The seat heating switches from level 2 to level
1 (low) after approximately 10 minutes.
After approximately 20 minutes in level 1, the
seat heating switches off automatically.
X
Switch on the ignition.
X
Switching on: Press respective seat
heating switch :.
Three red indicator lamps ; in the
respective seat heating switch : come on.
X
Continue pressing respective seat heating
switch : until desired seat heating level is
reached.
X
Switching off: Press respective seat
heating switch : repeatedly until all
indicator lamps ; go out.
If one or more of indicator lamps
; in
respective seat heating switch : are
flashing, there is insufficient voltage available
since too many electrical consumers are
turned on. The seat heating switches off
automatically.
The seat heating will switch back on again
automatically as soon as sufficient voltage is
available.
Multifunction steering wheel
Rear seat heating switches
The red indicator lamps ; in front or rear
seat heating switch : come on to show
which heating level you have selected.
Safety notes
Warning!
G
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
Adjusting the steering wheel while driving, or
driving without the steering wheel adjustment
feature locked could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.
The electrical steering wheel adjustment
feature can be operated at any time.
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.
Page 89
Multifunction steering wheel
87
Make sure
R
you can reach the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent at the elbows
R
you can move your legs freely
R
all displays (including malfunction and
indicator lamps) on the instrument cluster
are clearly visible
Steering wheel adjustment, manual
X
Unlocking: Pull release handle : out to
its stop limit.
X
Move steering wheel to the desired
position.
X
Locking: Push release handle : back to
its original position.
X
Make sure the steering wheel is securely
locked by trying to move it up and down as
well as in and out before driving off.
Steering wheel adjustment, electrical
X
Adjusting steering wheel in or out: Move
stalk in direction of arrows :.
X
Adjusting steering wheel up or down:
Move stalk in direction of arrows ;.
i
You can store the settings for the steering
wheel with the memory function
(Y page 92).
Easy-entry/exit feature
This feature allows the driver an 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 (Y page 135).
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:
R
Move steering wheel adjustment stalk.
R
Press one of the memory position buttons.
R
Press memory button M.
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.
Controls in detail
With the easy-entry/exit feature activated,
the steering wheel will return to its last set
position when you close the driver’s door with
the ignition switched on. The steering wheel
will also return to its last set position when
you insert the SmartKey into the starter
switch or press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button once with the driver’s door closed.
Z
Page 90
Multifunction steering wheel
88
i
The last set steering wheel position is
stored when the ignition is switched off or
the position is stored in memory
(Y page 92).
With the easy-entry/exit feature activated,
the steering wheel tilts upwards when you
remove the SmartKey from the starter switch.
The steering wheel also tilts upwards when
you 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.
i
When the current position for the steering
wheel is in the uppermost tilt position, the
steering wheel will no longer be able to
move upward when the easy-entry/exit
Controls in detail
feature is activated.
The adjustment procedure is briefly
interrupted when the engine is started.
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.
Crash-responsive exit aid
When you open the driver’s door after an
accident has occurred, the steering column
moves up. The position of the SmartKey in the
starter switch is insignificant. This function
facilitates exiting as well as rescue of vehicle
occupants.
The crash-responsive exit aid can only be
triggered when the easy-entry/exit feature is
activated via the control system.
Heated steering wheel
The steering wheel heating warms up the
leather area of the steering wheel.
X
Switch on the ignition.
X
Switching on: Turn switch at the tip of the
stalk in direction of arrow :.
Indicator lamp = comes on.
i
The steering wheel heating may be
suspended temporarily. However, indicator
lamp = remains on. The steering wheel
heating is suspended when the
temperature of the vehicle interior is above
86‡ (30†). It is also suspended when the
temperature of the steering wheel is above
95‡ (35†).
When these conditions do not apply
anymore, steering wheel heating
continues.
X
Switching off: Turn switch at the tip of
stalk in direction of arrow ;.
Indicator lamp = goes out.
i
Indicator lamp = flashes or goes out in
case of power surge or undervoltage or if
the steering wheel heating malfunctions.
i
The steering wheel heating switches off
automatically when you remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch or, on
vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, when you
switch off the ignition and open the driver’s
door.
For more information on the steering wheel,
see “Multifunction steering wheel”
(Y page 119).
Page 91
Mirrors
Notes
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
X
Adjust the interior rear view mirror
manually.
Interior rear view mirror, antiglare
position
X
Tilt the mirror to the antiglare position by
moving lever : towards the windshield.
The interior rear view mirror is dimmed.
Mirrors
X
Switch on the ignition.
X
Press button : for the driver’s side
exterior rear view mirror or button = for
the passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror.
The indicator lamp in the respective button
comes on for approximately 15 seconds.
If you do not make adjustments to the
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
adjustments can be made. Adjustments
can only be made with the indicator lamp
for the respective exterior rear view mirror
button illuminated.
X
Press adjustment button ; up, down, left
or right according to the desired setting.
89
Controls in detail
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 and glance over your
shoulder before changing lanes.
!
If an exterior rear view mirror was forcibly
hit from the front, manually snap it back
into place.
!
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 front),
press fold button to fold mirrors in, then
press fold button again to fold 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.
Z
Page 92
Mirrors
90
i
At low ambient temperatures, the exterior
rear view mirrors will be heated
automatically.
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors
The exterior rear view mirror on the driver’s
side and the interior rear view mirror will
respond automatically to glare when the
ignition is switched on and incoming light
from headlamps falls on the sensor in the
interior rear view mirror.
The rear view mirrors will not react if the
automatic transmission is set to reverse gear
R or the interior lighting is switched on.
Controls in detail
Warning!
G
The auto-dimming function does not react if
incoming light is not aimed directly at sensors
in the interior rear view mirror.
The interior rear view mirror and the exterior
rear view mirror on the driver’s side do not
react, for example, when transporting cargo
which covers the rear window.
Light hitting the mirror(s) at certain angles
(incident light) could blind you. As a result,
you may not be able to observe traffic
conditions and could cause an accident.
Exterior rear view mirror parking position
For more convenient parking, you can set the
passenger-side exterior rear view mirror so
that you can see the rear wheel and the road
curb.
X
Switch on the ignition.
X
Press button =, to select the passengerside exterior rear view mirror.
X
Shift the automatic transmission into
reverse gear R.
The passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror moves to the preset parking
position.
X
Adjust the passenger-side exterior rear
view mirror with adjustment button ; so
that you see the rear wheel and the road
curb.
The exterior rear view mirror parking
position is stored.
Calling up the parking position
X
Switch on the ignition.
X
Press button =, to select the passengerside exterior rear view mirror.
X
Shift the automatic transmission into
reverse gear R.
The passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror moves to the stored parking
position.
Setting and storing the parking position
Page 93
Mirrors
91
The passenger-side exterior rear view mirror
returns to its previously stored driving
position
R
10 seconds after you have put the gear
selector lever out of reverse gear R
R
immediately once your vehicle exceeds a
speed of approximately 6 mph (10 km/h)
R
immediately when you press button : to
select the driver’s side exterior rear view
mirror
Power-folding exterior rear view mirrors
!
Before you drive the vehicle through an
automatic car wash, fold in the exterior rear
view mirrors. Otherwise they may get
damaged.
Folding in and out automatically
The function must be activated in the
Convenience submenu (Y page 137).
The exterior rear view mirrors fold in
automatically as soon as the vehicle is locked
from the outside.
The exterior rear view mirrors fold out
automatically as soon as the vehicle is
unlocked and the driver’s or front passenger
door is subsequently opened.
Synchronizing
The power-folding rear view mirrors may have
to be synchronized after the vehicle battery
has been disconnected or discharged. If the
exterior rear view mirrors do not fold properly
upon locking or unlocking the vehicle, do the
following:
X
Make sure the power-folding function in the
control system is activated (Y page 137).
X
When the power-folding function is
activated and the exterior rear view
mirrors still do not fold properly: Fold
each exterior rear view mirror in completely
(Y page 91).
X
Fold each exterior rear view mirror out
completely (Y page 91).
When the exterior rear view mirrors fold
properly upon locking the vehicle, the exterior
mirrors are synchronized. Otherwise repeat
the above steps.
Folding in and out manually
The exterior rear view mirrors can vibrate if
they are not folded out completely.
X
Switch on the ignition.
X
Folding in: Briefly press button :.
Both exterior rear view mirrors fold in.
i
At speeds above approximately 30 mph
(47 km/h), you will not be able to fold the
exterior mirrors in.
X
Folding out: Briefly press button :.
Both exterior rear view mirrors fold out.
!
If an exterior rear view mirror housing is
forcibly pushed forward (hit from the rear)
or forcibly pushed rearward (hit from the
front), press button : to fold mirrors in.
Then press button : again to fold 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.
Make sure both rear view mirrors are folded
out before driving off.
Controls in detail
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Page 94
92
Lighting
Memory function
Notes
With the memory function you can store up
to three different configurations per front
seat.
Each memory position button on the driver’s
side can store all of the following settings:
R
Seat position
R
Steering wheel position
R
Exterior rear view mirrors’ position
Warning!
G
Do not activate the memory function while
driving. Activating the memory function while
Controls in detail
driving could cause the driver to lose control
of the vehicle.
Each memory position button on the front
passenger side can store the setting of the
seat position.
Recalling positions from memory
X
Press and hold desired memory position
button 1, 2 or 3 until the seat has moved
to the stored position completely. On the
driver’s side, also wait for the steering
wheel and exterior rear view mirrors to
move to the stored position.
i
Releasing the memory position button
stops movement to the stored positions
immediately.
Lighting
Notes
i
If you drive in countries with left-hand
driving, you must have the headlamps
modified for symmetrical low beams.
Relevant information can be obtained at
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
i
Vehicles equipped with active Bi-Xenon
headlamps:
The active Bi-Xenon headlamps increase
usable illumination over conventional
headlamps because they follow the
curvature of the road ahead. The beams of
the active Bi-Xenon headlamps shift to
either side according to the vehicle’s
steering angle and speed.
Storing positions into memory
X
Adjust the seats.
X
On the driver’s side, also adjust the
steering wheel and exterior rear view
mirrors to the desired positions.
X
Press memory button M once and within
3 seconds press memory position button
1, 2 or 3.
When the settings are stored to the
selected position, an acknowledgement
signal sounds.
Page 95
Exterior lamp switch
1 W
2 X
3 $
Standing lamps, left
Standing lamps, right
Off
Daytime running lamp mode
4 Ã
Automatic headlamp mode
Daytime running lamp mode
5 T
Parking lamps (also tail lamps,
license plate lamps, side marker
lamps and instrument panel lamps)
6 L
Low-beam headlamps or high-beam
headlamps
7 N
8 R
i
Front fog lamps
Rear fog lamp
The exterior lamps (except standing
lamps or parking lamps) go out
automatically when you remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch or open
the driver’s door with the ignition switched
off.
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 Switch Off
Lights appears in the multifunction
display.
Switch off the parking lamps or the rear fog
lamp manually.
Lighting
!
Failure to switch off the parking lamps
when leaving the vehicle may result in a
discharged battery.
Low-beam headlamps
The low-beam headlamps can be switched on
and off with the exterior lamp switch.
X
Switch on the ignition.
X
Switching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position L.
The following lamps come on:
R
Low-beam headlamps
R
Tail lamps
R
Parking lamps
R
License plate lamps
R
Side marker lamps
R
Instrument panel lamps
R
Green indicator lamp L in the
instrument cluster
X
Switching off: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position $.
Automatic headlamp mode
The following lamps come on and go out
automatically depending on the brightness of
the ambient light:
R
Low-beam headlamps
R
Tail lamps
R
Parking lamps
R
License plate lamps
R
Side marker lamps
Warning!
G
If the exterior lamp switch is set to Ã, the
headlamps will not automatically come on
under foggy conditions.
To minimize risk to you and to others, activate
headlamps by turning exterior lamp switch to
L when driving or when traffic and/or
93
Controls in detail
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Page 96
94
Lighting
ambient lighting conditions require you to do
so.
In low ambient lighting conditions, only switch
from position à to L with the vehicle
at a standstill in a safe location. Switching
from à to L will briefly switch off the
headlamps. Doing so while driving in low
ambient lighting conditions may result in an
accident.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an aid
to the driver. The driver is responsible for the
operation of the vehicle’s lights at all times.
X
Switching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position Ã.
Controls in detail
The following lamps come on and go out
depending on the brightness of the ambient
light with the SmartKey in starter switch
position 1 or the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button pressed once:
R
tail lamps
R
parking lamps
R
license plate lamps
R
side marker lamps
When the engine is running, the low-beam
headlamps will also come on and turn off
automatically.
Canada only: High-beam headlamps are only
available with the exterior lamp switch in
position L.
Daytime running lamp mode
In Canada, the daytime running lamp mode is
mandatory and therefore in a constant mode.
In the USA, the daytime running lamp mode
is deactivated by default.
X
Activate the daytime running lamp mode
using the control system, see “Switching
daytime running lamp mode on or off (USA
only)” (Y page 133).
X
Turn the exterior lamp switch to position
$ or Ã.
When the engine is running, the low-beam
headlamps come on.
In low ambient lighting conditions, the
following lamps will come on additionally:
R
Tail lamps
R
Parking lamps
R
License plate lamps
R
Side marker lamps
With the daytime running lamp mode
activated and the engine running, you cannot
switch off the low-beam headlamps manually.
Canada only
With the exterior lamp switch in position
$ or Ã, you cannot switch on the high-
beam headlamps.
The high-beam flasher is available at all times.
X
For nighttime driving turn the exterior lamp
switch to position L to permit activation
of the high-beam headlamps.
When the engine is running, and you
R
shift from a driving position to park
position P with the vehicle at a standstill or
the parking brake is engaged, the low-beam
headlamps will go out with a delay of
3 minutes
R
turn the exterior lamp switch to position
T, the low-beam headlamps, the tail
and parking lamps, the license plate lamps
and the side marker lamps come on
R
turn the exterior lamp switch to position
L, the manual headlamp mode has
priority over the daytime running lamp
mode
The corresponding exterior lamps come on
(Y page 93).
Page 97
Lighting
95
USA only
You can only switch on the high-beam
headlamps in low ambient lighting conditions.
The high-beam flasher is available at all times.
X
For nighttime driving turn the exterior lamp
switch to position L or à to permit
activation of the high-beam headlamps.
When the engine is running, and you turn the
exterior lamp switch to position T or
L, the manual headlamp mode has
priority over the daytime running lamp mode.
The corresponding exterior lamps come on
(Y page 93).
Fog lamps
Fog lamps cannot be switched on with the
exterior lamp switch in position Ã.
Warning!
G
In low ambient lighting or foggy conditions,
only switch from position à to L with
the vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching from à to L will briefly
switch off the headlamps. Doing so while
driving in low ambient lighting conditions may
result in an accident.
X
Switching on rear fog lamp: Pull out the
exterior lamp switch to second stop.
The rear fog lamp, the front fog lamps, the
green and the yellow indicator lamp R
in the exterior lamp switch come on.
X
Switching off front fog lamps/rear fog
lamp: Push in the exterior lamp switch to
its stop.
Locator lighting and night security
illumination
Locator lighting and night security
illumination are described in the “Control
system” section, see “Switching locator
lighting on or off” (Y page 133) and
“Switching night security illumination
(Headlamps delayed shut-off feature) on or
off” (Y page 134).
Combination switch
Controls in detail
Fog lamps will operate with the parking lamps
and/or the low-beam headlamps on. Fog
lamps should only be used in conjunction with
low-beam headlamps. Consult your State or
Province Motor Vehicle Regulations
regarding permissible lamp operation.
X
Switch on the ignition.
X
Turn the exterior lamp switch to position
T or L (Y page 93).
X
Switching on front fog lamps: Pull out the
exterior lamp switch to first stop.
The green indicator lamp N in the
exterior lamp switch comes on.
Turn signals
X
Press the combination switch in direction
of arrow ; or ?.
The corresponding turn signal indicator
lamp ! or # in the instrument
cluster flashes.
The combination switch resets automatically
after major steering wheel movements.
i
To signal minor directional changes such
as changing lanes, press the combination
switch only to point of resistance and
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Page 98
96
Lighting
release. The corresponding turn signal
lamps will flash three times.
High beam
X
Turn the exterior lamp switch to position
L (Y page 93).
X
Switching on: Push the combination
switch in direction of arrow :.
The high-beam headlamp indicator lamp
K in the instrument cluster comes on.
X
Switching off: Pull the combination switch
in direction of arrow = to its original
position.
i
Also note the information on high-beam
Controls in detail
headlamps with activated automatic
headlamp mode (Y page 93) or the daytime
running lamp mode (Y page 94).
High-beam flasher
X
Switching on: Pull the combination switch
briefly in direction of arrow =.
Hazard warning flasher
The hazard warning flasher can be switched
on at all times, even with the SmartKey
removed from the starter switch.
The hazard warning flasher comes on
automatically when an air bag deploys.
X
Switching on: Press hazard warning
flasher switch :.
All turn signal lamps are flashing.
i
With the hazard warning flasher activated
and the combination switch set for either
left or right turn, only the respective left or
right turn signals will operate when the
ignition is switched on.
X
Switching off: Press hazard warning
flasher switch : again.
i
If the hazard warning flasher has been
activated automatically, press hazard
warning flasher switch : to switch it off.
Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps will be cleaned with a highpressure water jet automatically when the
engine is running and you have
R
switched on the headlamps
and
R
the windshield wipers have wiped the
windshield with washer fluid five times
The counter resets when you switch off the
headlamps.
For information on filling up the washer
reservoir, see “Washer system and headlamp
cleaning system” (Y page 217).
Corner-illuminating front fog lamps
The corner-illuminating front fog lamps
improve illumination of the area in the
direction into which you are turning.
The corner-illuminating front fog lamps will
only operate
R
in low ambient lighting conditions
R
at vehicle speeds below 25 mph
(40 km/h)
Page 99
R
with the front fog lamps switched off
R
when the engine is running
Switching on
X
Turn the exterior lamp switch to position
L or Ã.
or
X
Activate the daytime running lamp mode
(Y page 94).
X
Switch on the left or right turn signal,
depending on whether you are turning left
or right.
The respective front fog lamp comes on. If
you have switched on the turn signal for
one side but turn the steering wheel in the
other direction, the corner-illuminating
front fog lamp on the side of the turn signal
comes on.
or
X
Turn the steering wheel in the desired
direction.
Driving forward: The front fog lamp on the
side of your steering direction comes on.
Driving in reverse: The front fog lamp
opposite to your steering direction comes
on.
The corner-illuminating front fog lamps will
come on automatically depending on the
steering angle, even if you did not switch on
either turn signal. If the corner-illuminating
front fog lamps came on automatically, they
will also go out automatically depending on
the steering angle and vehicle speed.
The corner-illuminating front fog lamps
temporarily come on on both sides of the
vehicle if you turn the steering wheel in one
direction and then again in the other direction
shortly thereafter.
The corner-illuminating front fog lamp
remains lit for a short time only. It then goes
out automatically.
Lighting
Switching off
X
Switch off the left or right turn signal.
or
X
Steer straight ahead.
i
There may be a brief delay before the
corner-illuminating front fog lamps go out.
Interior lighting in the front
:
p Left front reading lamp on/off
;
v Rear interior lighting on/off
=
~ Automatic control on/off
?
c Front interior lighting on/off
A
p Right front reading lamp on/off
B
Front interior lighting
C
Front reading lamps
D
Front interior lighting
Automatic control
X
Activating: Press button ~.
Button ~ disengages and sits flush with
the other buttons.
The interior lighting comes on when you
97
Controls in detail
Z
Page 100
Wipers
98
R
unlock the vehicle
R
remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch (Interior Lighting Delayed
Shut-off must be switched on
(Y page 135))
R
open a door
R
open the tailgate
The interior lighting goes out after a short
time.
i
If a door remains open, the interior lamps
go out automatically after approximately
5 minutes when the SmartKey is removed
or in starter switch position 0.
X
Deactivating: Press button ~.
Controls in detail
Button ~ engages.
Interior lighting in the rear
!
An interior lamp switched on manually
does not go out automatically.
Leaving an interior lamp switched on for an
extended period of time with the engine
turned off could result in a discharged
battery.
Manual control
!
An interior lamp switched on manually
does not go out automatically.
Leaving an interior lamp switched on for an
extended period of time with the engine
turned off could result in a discharged
battery.
X
Switching front interior lighting on/
off: Press switch c.
X
Switching rear interior lighting on/off:
Press switch v.
X
Switching front reading lamps on/off:
Press respective switch p.
Emergency lighting
The interior lighting comes on automatically
if the vehicle is involved in an accident.
Switching off:
X
Press button ~.
or
X
Press hazard warning flasher switch
(Y page 96).
or
X
Unlock the vehicle with the SmartKey.
X
Switching rear reading lamps on/off:
Press reading lamp : where indicated by
the arrow.
Wipers
Notes
!
Do not operate the wipers when the
windshield/rear window is dry. Dust that
accumulates on a windshield/rear window
might scratch the glass and/or damage the
wiper blades when wiping occurs on a dry
windshield/rear window. If it is necessary
to operate the wipers in dry weather
conditions, always operate the wipers with
washer fluid.
Windshield wipers
X
Observe notes on page (Y page 98).
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