Mercedes Benz ML350 2006, ML500 2006 Owner Manual

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Operator’s Manual

M-Class

1645841481

Order No. 6515 4243 13 Part No. 164 584 14 81 USA Edition C , 2006

Operator’s Manual M-Class

ML 350 ML 500

Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.

앫 Please read this manual carefully,

then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for your reference.

Your selection of our product is a demonstration of your trust in our company name. Furthermore, it exemplifies your desire to own an automobile that will be as easy as possible to operate and provide years of service.

Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To help assure your driving pleasure, and also the safety of you and your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of time:

앫 Please follow the recommendations

contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the operation of your Mercedes-Benz.

앫 Please pay attention to the warnings

and cautions contained in this manual. They are designed to help improve the safety of the vehicle operator and occupants.

We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC A DaimlerChrysler Company

Contents

Introduction.......................................... 9

Product information................................ 9

Operator’s Manual ............................... 10

Service and warranty information .. 10 Important notice for California retail buyers and lessees of

Mercedes-Benz automobiles .......... 11

Maintenance .................................. 12

Roadside Assistance ...................... 12

Change of address or ownership.... 13

Operating your vehicle

outside the USA or Canada ............ 13

Where to find it .................................... 15

Symbols............................................... 16

Operating safety .................................. 17

Proper use of the vehicle ............... 17

Problems with your vehicle .................. 18

Reporting safety defects...................... 19

Reporting safety defects ................ 19

Vehicle data recording ......................... 20

Information regarding electronic

recording devices........................... 20

At a glance .......................................... 21

Cockpit................................................. 22

Instrument cluster ................................ 24

Multifunction steering wheel ................ 26

Center console ..................................... 27

Upper part ...................................... 27

Lower part ...................................... 28

Overhead control panel ........................ 29

Door control panel................................ 30

Getting started................................... 31

Unlocking ............................................. 32

Unlocking with the SmartKey ......... 32

Unlocking with KEYLESS-GO*......... 33

Starter switch positions .................. 34

Adjusting .............................................. 38

Seats .............................................. 38

Steering wheel ................................ 41

Mirrors............................................ 43

Driving.................................................. 46

Fastening the seat belts ................. 46

Starting the engine ......................... 49

Parking brake ................................. 52

Driving ............................................ 52

Switching on headlamps ................. 54

Turn signals .................................... 54

Windshield wipers........................... 55

Rear window wiper/washer ............ 57

Problems while driving.................... 58

Parking and locking .............................. 60

Parking brake ................................. 61

Switching off headlamps................. 62

Turning off engine ........................... 62

Contents

Safety and Security........................... 65

Occupant safety................................... 66

Air bags .......................................... 67

Seat belts ....................................... 73

Preventive occupant safety* (PRE-SAFE)

Children in the vehicle .................... 78

Blocking of rear door

window operation........................... 89

Panic alarm .......................................... 91

Activating ....................................... 92

Deactivating ................................... 92

Driving safety systems......................... 93

ABS ................................................ 93

BAS ................................................ 95

ESP

EBP................................................. 98

4-ETS.............................................. 98

Anti-theft systems.............................. 100

Immobilizer................................... 100

Anti-theft alarm system................ 100

Tow-away alarm ........................... 102

................................... 77

.............................................. 95

Controls in detail............................. 105

Locking and unlocking ....................... 106

SmartKey ..................................... 106

SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* ...... 110

Opening the doors

from the inside ............................. 117

Opening the tailgate..................... 118

Closing the tailgate ...................... 120

Automatic central locking ............ 125

Locking and unlocking

from the inside ............................. 126

Seats ................................................. 128

Easy-entry/exit feature (Vehicles with

memory function*) ....................... 128

Lumbar support............................ 130

Rear seat head restraints ............. 130

Multicontour seat* ....................... 132

Seat heating* ............................... 133

Memory function* ............................. 135

Storing positions in memory ........ 136

Recalling positions

from memory ............................... 136

Storing exterior rear

view mirror parking position ........ 137

Lighting ............................................. 138

Exterior lamp switch .................... 138

Combination switch ..................... 142

Corner-illuminating

front fog lamps*........................... 143

Hazard warning flasher ................ 144

Interior lighting ............................ 145

Door entry lamps ......................... 147

Instrument cluster ............................. 148

Instrument cluster illumination .... 148

Trip odometer .............................. 149

Tachometer.................................. 149

Outside temperature indicator ..... 149

Contents

Control system .................................. 150

Multifunction display.................... 150

Multifunction steering wheel........ 151

Menus .......................................... 153

Standard display menu ................ 156

AUDIO menu ................................ 157

NAV* menu .................................. 158

Off-road menu .............................. 159

Vehicle status message

memory menu .............................. 159

Settings menu .............................. 161

Vehicle configuration ................... 175

Trip computer menu..................... 177

TEL menu* ................................... 178

Automatic transmission..................... 182

Gear selector lever....................... 182

Shifting procedure ....................... 184

Transmission positions................. 185

Gear ranges ................................. 187

Steering wheel gearshift control .. 188 Shifting into optimal gear range ... 190

Canceling gear range limit ........... 190

Driving tips................................... 190

Towing a trailer ............................ 191

Emergency operation

(Limp Home Mode) ...................... 192

Transfer case...................................... 193

Good visibility ..................................... 194

Headlamp cleaning system* ......... 194

Rear view mirrors.......................... 194

Power folding exterior

rear view mirrors*......................... 197

Sun visors ..................................... 198

Rear window defroster.................. 200

Climate control................................... 202

Deactivating the

climate control system ................. 206

Rear air conditioning..................... 206

Setting the temperature................ 207

Adjusting air distribution............... 207

Adjusting air volume ..................... 208

Defrosting ..................................... 208

Air recirculation mode .................. 209

Air conditioning............................. 211

Residual heat and ventilation ........ 212

Rear air conditioning..................... 213

3-zone automatic climate control*..... 216

Deactivating the

climate control system ................. 220

Rear air conditioning..................... 221

Setting the temperature ............... 221

Adjusting air distribution .............. 222

Adjusting air volume ..................... 222

Maximum cooling MAX COOL ....... 223

Defrosting ..................................... 223

Air recirculation mode .................. 223

Air conditioning ............................ 225

Residual heat and ventilation ........ 226

Rear air conditioning..................... 227

Power windows .................................. 230

Opening and closing

the windows ................................. 230

Synchronizing power windows...... 232

Summer opening feature .............. 233

Convenience closing feature......... 234

Power tilt/sliding sunroof* ................ 235

Opening and closing the power

tilt/sliding sunroof........................ 235

Synchronizing the

power tilt/sliding sunroof ............. 237

Contents

Driving systems ................................. 238

Cruise control............................... 238

Downhill Speed Regulation

(DSR)............................................ 243

Off-road driving program .............. 248

Air suspension package* ............. 249

Adaptive Damping System

(ADS)* .......................................... 249

Vehicle level control* ................... 250

Parktronic* system

(Parking assist)............................. 254

Loading .............................................. 259

Loading instructions ..................... 259

,Split rear bench seat ................... 261

Partition net* ............................... 263

Cargo compartment cover*.......... 265

Cargo management system*........ 265

Roof rack*.................................... 269

Useful features .................................. 270

Storage compartments ................ 270

Cup holders.................................. 274

Armrest in rear seat bench........... 275

Ashtrays* ..................................... 275

Cigarette lighter* ......................... 277

12-V sockets ................................ 277

Floormats* ................................... 279

Telephone* .................................. 279

Tele Aid* ...................................... 280

Garage door opener ..................... 289

Compass ...................................... 295

Infrared reflecting windshield*..... 296

Operation ......................................... 297

The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 298

Driving instructions ........................... 299

Drive sensibly – save fuel............. 299

Drinking and driving ..................... 299

Pedals .......................................... 299

Power assistance ......................... 299

Brakes.......................................... 300

Driving off .................................... 301

Parking......................................... 301

Tires ............................................. 302

Hydroplaning................................ 303

Tire traction ................................. 303

Tire speed rating .......................... 303

Winter driving instructions ........... 304

Standing water............................. 305

Off-road driving ............................ 306

Trailer towing ............................... 314

Passenger compartment .............. 319

Driving abroad ............................. 319

Control and operation of radio

transmitters ................................. 320

Catalytic converter....................... 320

Emission control .......................... 321

Coolant temperature.................... 322

Contents

At the gas station .............................. 323

Refueling ...................................... 323

Check regularly and

before a long trip.......................... 324

Engine compartment ......................... 326

Hood ............................................ 326

Engine oil ..................................... 327

Transmission fluid level................ 332

Coolant level ................................ 332

Windshield/rear window washer system and

headlamp cleaning system* ........ 333

Tires and wheels ................................ 335

Important guidelines .................... 335

Tire care and maintenance........... 336

Direction of rotation..................... 338

Loading the vehicle ...................... 338

Recommended tire

inflation pressure ......................... 345

Checking tire inflation pressure ... 347

Tire labeling.................................. 355

Load identification ....................... 359

DOT, Tire Identification

Number (TIN) ............................... 360

Maximum tire load ........................ 361

Maximum tire inflation pressure ... 362

Uniform Tire Quality Grading

Standards (U.S. vehicles) .............. 362

Tire ply material ............................ 364

Tire and loading terminology......... 365

Rotating tires ................................ 368

Winter driving ..................................... 369

Winter tires ................................... 369

Block heater (Canada only) ........... 370

Snow chains.................................. 370

Maintenance....................................... 371

Clearing the maintenance

service indicator ........................... 372

Maintenance service

term exceeded .............................. 372

Calling up the service indicator..... 372

Resetting the

maintenance service indicator ...... 373

Vehicle care........................................ 374

Cleaning and care of the vehicle... 374

Practical hints .................................. 381

What to do if … ................................... 382

Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 382

Lamp in center console ................ 393

Vehicle status messages in the

multifunction display .................... 395

Where will I find ...? ............................ 430

First aid kit.................................... 430

Vehicle tool kit.............................. 430

Spare wheel .................................. 433

Unlocking/locking in an emergency .. 435

Unlocking the vehicle ................... 435

Locking the vehicle ....................... 436

Unlocking and opening

the tailgate ................................... 437

Fuel filler flap ................................ 438

Opening/closing in an emergency ..... 439

Power tilt/sliding sunroof*........... 439

Replacing SmartKey batteries ............ 440

SmartKey ...................................... 440

SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* ....... 441

Contents

Replacing bulbs ................................. 443

Bulbs ............................................ 443

Replacing bulbs for front lamps ... 445

Replacing bulbs for rear lamps..... 450

Adjusting headlamp aim............... 451

Replacing wiper blades ...................... 453

Removing front wiper blades........ 453

Installing front wiper blades......... 453

Removing rear wiper blade........... 454

Installing rear wiper blade............ 455

Flat tire .............................................. 456

Preparing the vehicle ................... 456

Mounting the spare wheel............ 457

Battery............................................... 462

Disconnecting, removing, reinstalling and

reconnecting the battery.............. 464

Charging the battery .................... 469

Jump starting ..................................... 470

Towing the vehicle ............................. 472

Installing towing eye bolt ............. 474

Stranded vehicle .......................... 476

Fuses.................................................. 477

Aids for changing fuses................. 478

Main fuse box ............................... 478

Fuse box in

cargo compartment ...................... 479

Fuse box in

passenger compartment............... 479

Technical data .................................. 481

Parts service....................................... 482

Warranty coverage ............................. 483

Loss of Service and Warranty

Information Booklet ...................... 483

Identification labels ............................ 484

Layout of poly-V-belt drive.................. 485

ML 350 ......................................... 485

ML 500 ......................................... 485

Engine ................................................ 486

Rims and tires .................................... 487

Rims and tires ............................... 488

Minispare wheel............................ 489

Electrical system ................................ 490

Main Dimensions................................ 491

Weights .............................................. 492

Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc........... 493

Capacities..................................... 493

Engine oils .................................... 495

Engine oil additives ....................... 495

Air conditioning refrigerant ........... 495

Brake fluid .................................... 495

Premium unleaded gasoline.......... 496

Fuel requirements......................... 496

Gasoline additives......................... 497

Coolants ....................................... 497

Windshield washer and

headlamp cleaning* system ......... 500

Windshield and headlamp

washer fluid mixing ratio............... 500

Technical terms ............................... 501

Index ................................................. 507

왔

Product information

Please observe the following in your own best interest:

We recommend using genuine Mercedes-Benz parts as well as conversion parts and accessories explicitly approved by us for your vehicle model.

We have tested these parts to determine their reliability, safety and special suitability for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

We are unable to make an assessment for other products and therefore cannot be held responsible for them, even if in individual cases an official approval or authorization by governmental or other agencies should exist. Use of such parts and accessories could adversely affect the safety, performance or reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use them.

Introduction

Product information

Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts as well as conversion parts and accessories approved by us are available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center where you will receive comprehensive information, also on permissible technical modifications, and where proper installation will be performed.

Introduction

Operator’s Manual

This Operator’s Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize yourself with the vehicle before driving.

For your own safety and longer service life of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the instructions and warnings contained in this manual. Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury to you or others. Vehicle damage caused by failure to follow instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment described in this manual. Therefore, you may find explanations for optional equipment not installed in your vehicle. If you have any questions about the operation of any equipment, your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures.

We continuously strive to improve our product, and ask for your understanding that we reserve the right to make changes in design and equipment. Therefore, information, illustrations and descriptions in this Operator’s Manual might differ from your vehicle.

Optional equipment is also described in this manual, including operating instructions wherever necessary. Since they are special-order items, the descriptions and illustrations herein may vary slightly from the actual equipment of your vehicle.

If there are any equipment details that are not shown or described in this Operator’s Manual, your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center will be glad to inform you of correct care and operating procedures.

The Operator’s Manual and Maintenance Booklet are important documents and should be kept with the vehicle.

Service and warranty information

The Service and Warranty Information Booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your Mercedes-Benz, including:

앫 New Light Truck Limited Warranty,

앫 Emission System Warranty,

앫 Emission Performance Warranty,

앫 California, Maine, Massachusetts, and

Vermont Emission Control System Warranty (California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont only),

앫 State Warranty Enforcement Laws

(Lemon Laws).

Introduction

Operator’s Manual

Important notice for California retail buyers and lessees of Mercedes-Benz automobiles

Under California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the purchase price or lease price, if Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and/or its authorized repair or service facilities fail to fix one or more substantial defects or malfunctions in the vehicle that are covered by its express warranty after a reasonable number of repair attempts. During the period of 18 months from original delivery of the vehicle or the accumulation of 18 000 miles (approx. 29 000 km) on the odometer of the vehicle, whichever occurs first, a reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed for a retail buyer or lessee if one or more of the following occurs:

(1) the same substantial defect or mal-

function results in a condition that is

likely to cause death or serious bodily

injury if the vehicle is driven, that de-

fect or malfunction has been subject to

repair two or more times, and you have

directly notified Mercedes-Benz USA,

LLC in writing of the need for its repair,

(2) the same substantial defect or mal-

function of a less serious nature than

category (1) has been subject to repair

four or more times and you have direct-

ly 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 be sent to us, not a dealer, at Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, Customer Assistance Center, One Mercedes Drive, Montvale, NJ 07645-0350.

Introduction

Operator’s Manual

Maintenance

The Maintenance Booklet describes all the necessary maintenance work which should be performed at regular intervals.

Always have the Maintenance Booklet with you when you take the vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for service. The service advisor will record each service in the booklet for you.

Roadside Assistance

The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program provides factory-trained technical help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside Assistance number

1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA) 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)

will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Roadside Assistance will be provided in accordance with standard program guidelines which include providing service to the vehicle up to a reasonable distance from a paved roadway. We will make every effort to assist in a breakdown situation, however, the accessibility of your vehicle will be determined by our authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center technician or the tow service provider on a case-by-case basis and may be a factor in our ability to respond.

Additional charges may be applicable for a breakdown location determined not to be a reasonably accessible roadside location as determined by our authorized technician and tow service provider.

For additional information refer to the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program brochure in your vehicle literature portfolio.

Introduction

Operator’s Manual

Change of address or ownership

If you change your address, be sure to send in the “Change of Address Notice” found in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. It is in your own interest that we can contact you should the need arise.

If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all literature with the vehicle to make it available to the next operator.

If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used Truck” found in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.

Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada

If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that:

앫 service facilities or replacement parts

may not be readily available,

앫 unleaded gasoline for vehicles with cat-

alytic converters may not be available;

the use of leaded fuels will damage the

catalysts,

앫 gasoline may have a considerably low-

er octane rating, and improper fuel can

cause engine damage.

Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available for delivery in Europe under our European Delivery Program. For details, consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center or write to:

In the USA:

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC European Delivery Department One Mercedes Drive Montvale, NJ 07645-0350

In Canada:

Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc. European Delivery Department 98 Vanderhoof Avenue Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9

Introduction

Operator’s Manual

Warning! G

This Sport Utility Vehicle is designed for both on-road and off-road use. It can go places and perform tasks for which conventional 2-wheel drive passenger cars are not intended. This vehicle will handle and maneuver differently from conventional passenger cars in driving conditions which may occur on streets, highways and off-road use.

This vehicle has a higher ground clearance and a higher center of gravity than many passenger cars. As with other vehicles of this type, if you make sharp turns at excessive speeds or abrupt maneuvers, the vehicle may roll over or may go out of control and crash. Utility vehicles have a signifi cantl y higher rol lover rat e th an other t ype s of vehicles . Fa ilure to o perate th is vehic le s afely may result in an acci dent, 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.

왔 Where to find it

This Operator’s Manual is designed to provide comprehensive support information for you, the vehicle operator. Each section has its own reference color.

At a glance

Here you will find an overview of all the controls that can be operated from the driver’s seat.

Getting started

Here you will find all the information you need for your first drive. You should read this section first if this is your first Mercedes-Benz vehicle or if you are renting or borrowing this vehicle.

Safety and Security

Here you will find descriptions of the safety and security features of your vehicle.

Controls in detail

Here you will find detailed information about the equipment installed on your vehicle. This section expands on the “Getting started” section and also describes technical innovations. If you are already familiar with the basic functions of your vehicle, this section will be of particular interest to you.

Operation

Here you will find all the information you need for the proper operation of your vehicle.

Practical hints

This section provides fast assistance for dealing with problems you may encounter.

Introduction

Where to find it

Technical data

All important technical data for your vehicle can be found in this section.

Indexes

The glossary provides explanations of the most important technical terms.

The table of contents and the index are designed to help you find information quickly and easily.

The following publications are part of your vehicle documentation:

앫 this Operator’s Manual

앫 the Maintenance Booklet

Separate operating instructions will be provided as required depending on the equipment options installed in your vehicle.

Introduction

Symbols

Registered trademarks®:

ESP

and PRE-SAFE® are registered trade-

marks of DaimlerChrysler.

The following symbols are found in this Operator’s Manual:

* Optional equipment is identified

with an asterisk. Since standard equipment varies between models, the descriptions and illustrations in this manual may differ slightly from the actual equipment of your vehicle.

Warning! G

Warning notices draw your attention to hazards that may endanger your health or life, or the health or life of others.

Highlights hazards that may result in damage to your vehicle.

Helpful hints or further information you may find useful.

왘 This symbol points to instructions for

you to follow.

왘 A number of these symbols appearing

in succession indicates a multiple-step procedure.

컄 Page This symbol tells you where to

look for further information on a topic.

컄컄 This continuation symbol marks

an interrupted procedure which will be continued on the next page.

-> In the glossary of technical terms, this symbol is used to indicate cross-references to term definitions.

Display

Words appearing in the multifunction display are printed in the type shown here.

왔 Operating safety

Warning! G

Work improperly carried out on electronic components and associated software could cause them to cease functioning. Because the vehicle’s electronic components are interconnected, any modifications made may produce an undesired effect on other systems. Electronic malfunctions could seriously impair the operating safety of your vehicle.

See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for repairs or modifications to electronic components.

Other improper work or modifications on the vehicle could also have a negative impact on the operating safety of the vehicle.

Some safety systems only function while the engine is running. You should therefore never turn off the engine while driving.

Warning! G

Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or tires/wheels, for example when running over an obstacle, road debris or a pothole, may cause serious damage and impair the oper ati ng safety of your ve hicle. If you feel a sudden significant vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect that damage to your vehicle has occurred, you should turn on your hazard warning flashers, carefully slow down, and drive with caution to an area which is a safe distance from the road.

Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center or other qualified maintenance or repair facility for further inspection or repairs.

Introduction

Operating safety

Proper use of the vehicle

Proper use of the vehicle requires that you are familiar with the following information and rules:

앫 the safety precautions in this manual

앫 the “Technical data” section in this

manual

앫 traffic rules and regulations

앫 motor vehicle laws and safety stan-

dards

Warning! G

Various warning labels are attached to your vehicle. These warning labels are intended to make you and others aware of various risks. You should not remove any of these warning labels unless explicitly instructed to do so by information on the label itself. Removal of any of these labels may cause you and others to be unaware of certain risks which may result in an accident and/or personal injury.

Introduction

Problems with your vehicle

If you should experience a problem with your vehicle, particularly one that you believe may affect its safe operation, we urge you to immediately contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center to have the problem diagnosed and corrected if required. If the matter is not handled to your satisfaction, please discuss the problem with the Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center management, or if necessary contact us at one of the following addresses:

In the USA:

Customer Assistance Center Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC One Mercedes Drive Montvale, NJ 07645-0350

In Canada:

Customer Relations Department Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc. 98 Vanderhoof Avenue Toronto, Ontario, M4G 4C9

Introduction

Reporting safety defects

왔 Reporting safety defects

For the USA only: The following text is published as required of manufacturers under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the “National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966”.

Reporting safety defects

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (or 366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.

Introduction

Vehicle data recording

Information regarding electronic recording devices

(Including notice pursuant to California Code § 9951)

Please note that your vehicle is equipped with devices that can record vehicle systems data and, if equipped with the Tele Aid* system, may transmit some data in certain accidents.

This information helps, for example, to diagnose vehicle systems after a collision and to continuously improve vehicle safety. DaimlerChrysler may access the information and share it with others

앫 for safety research or vehicle diagnosis purposes

앫 with the consent of the vehicle owner or lessee

앫 in response to an official request by law enforcement or other government agency

앫 for use in dispute resolution involving DaimlerChrysler, its affiliates or sales/service organization and/or

앫 as otherwise required or permitted by law.

Please check the Tele Aid* subscription service agreement for details regarding the information that may be recorded or transmitted via that system.

At a glance

Cockpit

Instrument cluster

Multifunction steering wheel

Center console

Overhead control panel

Door control panel

At a glance

Cockpit

At a glance

Cockpit

Item Page

1 Cruise control lever 238

2 Instrument cluster 24

3 Multifunction steering

wheel

4 Horn

5 Steering wheel gearshift

189

buttons

6 Gear selector lever for

automatic transmission

7 Front Parktronic* warning

256

indicators

8 Overhead control panel 29

9 Glove box lid release,

270

glove box lock

Item Page

a Glove box 270

b Power outlet 278

c Center console 27

d Starter switch 34

e Steering wheel adjustment,

manual

f Hood lock release 326

g Parking brake release 52

h Parking brake pedal 52

j Door control panel 30

Item Page

k Headlamp washer switch* 194

l Exterior lamp switch 54

138

m Steering wheel adjustment,

electrical*

n Combination switch

앫 Turn signals

앫 Windshield wipers

앫 High beam

142

At a glance

Instrument cluster

At a glance

Instrument cluster

Item Page

1 L Left turn signal

indicator lamp

2 To dim instrument cluster

illumination

3 Reset button for:

Adjusting instrument cluster illumination

4 Multifunction display with:

Trip odometer 150

Main odometer 150

5 To brighten instrument clus-

ter illumination

6 K Right turn signal

indicator lamp

7 Tachometer with:

< Seat belt telltale 388

148

Item Page

1 Supplemental

Restraint System (SRS) indicator lamp

? Engine malfunction

indicator lamp, USA only

± Engine malfunction

indicator lamp, Canada only

A High beam headlamp

indicator

8 Fuel gauge with:

Fuel tank reserve warning lamp

9 Multifunction display

with:

Outside temperature display 150

Gear position indicator 185

390

385

388

Item Page

a Clock

b Speedometer with:

- Antilock Brake Sys-

tem (ABS) indicator lamp

; Brake warning lamp,

USA only

3 Brake warning lamp,

Canada only

v ESP® warning lamp 387

l Distance warning

lamp

Warning lamp without function. It illuminates when the ignition is on. It should go out when the engine is running.

H Combination low tire

pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale*

382

383

391

At a glance

Multifunction steering wheel

Item Page

1 Multifunction display 150

Operating control system 151

2 Telephone*:

Press button

s to take a call, or

to dial a call

t to end a call, or

to reject an incoming call

3 Selecting the submenu or

setting the volume: Press button

æ up/to increase

ç down/to decrease

Item Page

4 Moving within a menu:

Press button

j for next display

k for previous display

5 Menu systems:

Press button

è for next menu

ÿ for previous menu

왔 Center console

Upper part

Item Page

1 Modular COMAND System,

see separate operating instructions

2 Climate control

3-zone automatic climate control*

3 Seat heating*, front

passenger-side

4 Vehicle level control*

switch

5 Front passenger front air

bag off indicator lamp

6 Storage compartment (de-

pending on equipment configuration for your model)

202 216

133

252

271

At a glance

Center console

Item Page

7 Electronic Stability Program

8 Adaptive damping system

9 Seat heating*, driver’s side 133

a Downhill Speed Regulation

b Hazard warning flasher 144

c Switch for Off-road driving

(ESP)

switch

(ADS)* switch

(DSR) switch

program

249

245

248

At a glance

Center console

Lower part

Item Page

1 Ashtray with cigarette light-

er*

Vehicles without ashtray*: Storage compartment with electrical outlet

2 Cup holder 274

3 Button for storage tray 272

4 Button for storage compart-

ment (incl. coin holder)

5 Card, ticket holder

275

271

272

왔 Overhead control panel

At a glance

Overhead control panel

Item Page

1 Left reading lamp on/off 145

2 Cargo compartment lighting

on/off

3 Automatic interior lighting 145

4 Front interior lighting on/off 146

5 Right reading lamp on/off 147

6 Front right interior lamp

7 Tilt/sliding sunroof* switch 235

8 Tele Aid* (emergency call

system) button

9 Garage door opener 289

a Rear view mirror 194

147

280

Item Page

b Right reading lamp 146

c Vehicles with telephone*

installed: Hands-free microphone for Tele Aid* (emergency call system) and telephone*

d Left reading lamp

e Vehicles without

telephone* installed: Hands-free microphone for Tele Aid* (emergency call system)

f Front left interior lamp

At a glance

Door control panel

Item Page

1 Door handle

2 Central unlocking switch

Central locking switch

3 Exterior rear view mirror ad-

justment Power folding exterior mirrors, switch for manual activation

4 Switches for opening/clos-

ing front and rear side windows, rear window override switch

5 Remote tailgate release

switch, Tailgate opening/closing system*

126 126

197

230

118

Getting started

Unlocking

Adjusting

Driving

Parking and locking

Getting started

Unlocking

The “Getting started” section provides an overview of the vehicle’s most basic functions. First-time Mercedes-Benz owners should pay special attention to the information given here.

If you are already familiar with the basic functions described here, the “Controls in detail” section will provide you with further information. The corresponding page references are located at the end of each segment.

Unlocking with the SmartKey

SmartKey

1 ‹ Lock button 2 Š Unlock button* for tailgate 3 Œ Unlock button 4 Â Panic button (

컄 page 91)

Warning! G

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

왘 Press unlock button Œ on the

SmartKey.

All turn signal lamps flash once. The vehicle unlocks. The locking knobs in the doors move up. The anti-theft alarm system is disarmed.

왘 Get in the vehicle and insert the

SmartKey in the starter switch.

For more information, see “Locking and unlocking” (

컄 page 106).

Getting started

Unlocking

Unlocking with KEYLESS-GO*

With the KEYLESS-GO function, you can lock or unlock the vehicle without using the remote control buttons on the SmartKey and start the engine without inserting the SmartKey in the starter switch.

SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*

1 ‹ Lock button 2 Š Unlock button* for tailgate 3 Œ Unlock button 4 Â Panic button (

컄 page 91)

To unlock the vehicle, the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO must be outside the vehicle, no further than approximately 3 feet (1 meter) away from the respective door.

Warning! G

When leaving the vehicle, always take the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

왘 Grasp an outside door handle.

All turn signal lamps flash once. The vehicle unlocks.The locking knobs in the doors move up. The anti-theft alarm system is disarmed.

If the vehicle has been parked for more than 72 hours, you must pull an outside door handle in order to activate the KEYLESS-GO function.

왘 Get in the vehicle.

For more information, see “SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*” (

컄 page 110).

Getting started

Unlocking

Starter switch positions SmartKey

Warning! G

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* from the starter switch, take it with you and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Starter switch

0 For removing SmartKey 1 Power supply for some electrical con-

sumers, such as seat adjustment

2 Ignition (power supply for all electrical

consumers) and driving position All lamps (except high beam headlamp indicator lamp and turn signal indicator lamps unless activated) in the instrument cluster come on. If a lamp in the instrument cluster fails to come on when the ignition is switched on, have it checked and replaced if necessary. If a lamp in the instrument cluster re-

mains on after starting the engine or comes on while driving, refer to “Lamps in instrument cluster” (

컄 page 382).

3 Starting position

When you switch on the ignition, the indicator and warning lamps (except high beam headlamp indicator lamp and turn signal indicator lamps unless activated) in the instrument cluster come on. The indicator and warning lamps (except high beam headlamp indicator lamp and turn signal indicator lamps if activated) will go out when the engine is running. This indicates that the respective systems are operational.

When the SmartKey is removed from the starter switch and the automatic transmission is in a position other than P, the transmission automatically shifts to P.

Getting started

Unlocking

If the SmartKey cannot be turned in the starter switch, the battery may not be sufficiently charged.

앫 Check the battery and charge it if

necessary (

앫 Get a jump start (컄 page 470).

To prevent accelerated battery discharge or a completely discharged battery, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch when the engine is not in operation.

SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*

Vehicles equipped with the KEYLESS-GO feature are supplied with a SmartKey with integrated KEYLESS-GO function and a removable KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.

컄 page 440).

With the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button inserted and the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO present in the vehicle, pressing the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button

앫 without the brake pedal depressed cor-

responds to the various starter switch positions (

앫 with the brake pedal firmly depressed

will start the engine (

컄 page 36)

컄 page 49)

If you wish or should there be a need to insert the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO in the starter switch, the start/stop button can be easily removed by pulling it out of the starter switch.

If you firmly depress the brake pedal while pressing the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button, the engine starts automatically.

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 KEYLESS-GO with you when you leave the vehicle. As long as the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is in your vehicle, the vehicle’s electrical systems can be switched on or the engine can be started using the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.

Warning! G

When leaving the vehicle, always take the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO with you and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Getting started

Unlocking

1 KEYLESS-GO start/stop button 2 Starter switch

KEYLESS-GO start/stop button

1 USA only 2 Canada only

The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO must be located in the vehicle.

왘 Make sure the automatic transmission

is set to P.

왘 Do not depress the brake pedal.

Position 0

Before you press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button, the vehicle’s on-board electronics have status 0 (as with SmartKey removed).

Position 1

왘 Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop

button once.

This supplies power for some electrical consumers, such as seat adjustment.

If you now press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button

앫 once more, the ignition (position 2)

is switched on

앫 twice more, the power supply is

again switched off

Ignition (or Position 2)

왘 Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop

button twice.

All lamps 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” (

컄 page 382).

If you now press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button once more, the power supply is again switched off.

When you switch on the ignition, the indicator and warning lamps (except high beam headlamp indicator lamp and turn signal indicator lamps unless activated) in the instrument cluster come on. The indicator and warning lamps (except high beam headlamp indicator lamp and turn signal indicator lamps if activated) should go out when the engine is running. This indicates that the respective systems are operational.

Getting started

Unlocking

For information on starting the engine using the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button, see “Starting with KEYLESS-GO*” (

컄 page 50).

Getting started

Adjusting

Warning! G

All seat, head restraint, steering wheel, and rear view mirror adjustments, as well as fastening of seat belts, must be done before the vehicle is put into motion.

Seats

Warning! G

Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving. Adjusting the seat while driving could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat back in an excessively reclined position as this can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under it, the belt would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That could cause serious or fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat belts provide the best restraint when the wearer is in a nearly upright position and belts are properly positioned on the body.

Your seat must be adjusted so that you can correctly fasten your seat belt (

Never place hands under the seat or near any moving parts while a seat is being adjusted.

컄 page 39).

Warning! G

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle.

Even with the SmartKey or the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* removed from the starter switch or the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* removed from the vehicle, the power seats can be operated when the respective door is open.

Therefore, do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause 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 appropriate infant, or toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. For additional information, see “Children in the vehicle” (

컄 page 78).

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.

Getting started

Adjusting

Seat adjustment

The seat adjustment switch is located on the entry side of each front seat base.

1 Head restraint height* 2 Seat cushion tilt 3 Seat height 4 Backrest tilt 5 Seat fore and aft adjustment

왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 34).

왘 Open the respective door.

When moving the seat, make sure there are no items in the footwell or behind the seat. Otherwise you could damage the seat.

When the rear bench seat is folded forward, the front seats cannot be moved to the rearmost position. Otherwise you could damage the front seats and the rear bench seat.

When adjusting the backrest tilt and head restraint height, make sure that the sun visor is folded up. If the head restraint is in the uppermost position, it could hit and damage the sun visor.

Seat fore and aft adjustment

왘 Press the switch forward or backward

in the direction of arrow 5.

Adjust seat to a comfortable seating position that still allows you to reach the accelerator/brake pedal safely. The position should be as far to the rear as possible, consistent with ability to properly operate controls.

The memory function* (컄 page 135) lets you store the setting for the seat positions together with the setting for the steering wheel and the exterior rear view mirrors.

Seat height

왘 Press the switch up or down in the

direction of arrow 3.

Getting started

Adjusting

Seat cushion tilt

왘 Press the switch up or down in the

direction of arrow 2 until your upper legs are lightly supported.

Seat backrest tilt

왘 Press the switch forward or backward

in the direction of arrow 4 until your arms are slightly angled when holding the steering wheel.

Head restraint height Vehicles with memory function*:

왘 Press switch 1 (컄 page 39) up or

Warning! G

For your protection, drive only with properly positioned head restraints.

Adjust head restraint so that 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.

down in the direction of arrow.

Vehicles without memory function*:

1 Release button

Raising:

Adjust the head restraint in such a way that it is as close to the head as possible.

왘 Manually adjust the height of the head

restraint by pulling it upward.

If the head restraint is fully retracted, push release button 1 in direction of arrow and pull the head restraint up.

Getting started

Adjusting

Lowering:

왘 To lower the head restraint, push

release button 1 in direction of arrow and press down on the head restraint.

Head restraint tilt

Manually adjust the angle of the head restraint.

왘 Push or pull on the lower edge of the

head restraint cushion.

Adjust the head restraint in such a way that it is as close to the head as possible.

For more information, see “Seats” (

컄 page 128).

Steering wheel

Steering wheel adjustment, manual

Warning! G

Only adjust the steering wheel with the vehicle at a standstill and make sure the steering wheel is securely locked in place before driving off.

Driving without the steering wheel adjustment locked may cause an unexpected steering wheel movement which could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Make sure the steering wheel is securely locked by trying to move it up and down, and in and out before driving off.

Getting started

Adjusting

The adjustment handle for manual steering wheel adjustment is located under the steering column.

왘 To unlock the steering column, pull

handle out to its stop limit.

왘 Move steering wheel to the desired

position.

Make sure your legs can move freely and that all the displays (including malfunction and indicator lamps) on the instrument cluster are clearly visible.

왘 Push handle back to its original posi-

tion to relock the steering column.

The steering column is once again locked into position.

왘 Make sure the steering column is se-

curely locked by trying to move the steering wheel up and down, in and out before driving off.

Do not drive the vehicle until you have properly locked the steering column.

Steering wheel adjustment, electrical*

Warning! G

Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving. Adjusting the steering wheel while driving could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle.

Even with the SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* removed from the starter switch or the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* removed from the vehicle, the steering wheel adjustment feature can be operated when the driver’s door is open. Therefore, do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Getting started

Adjusting

The stalk for steering wheel adjustment is located on the steering column (lower left).

1 Adjusting steering column, in or out 2 Adjusting steering column, up or down

왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 34).

왘 Open the driver’s door.

Adjusting steering column in or out

왘 Move stalk forward or back in the direc-

tion of arrow 1 until a comfortable steering wheel position is reached with your arms slightly bent at the elbow.

Adjusting steering column up or down

왘 Move stalk up or down in the direction

of arrow 2.

Make sure your legs can move freely and that all the displays (including malfunction and indicator lamps) on the instrument cluster are clearly visible.

The memory function* (컄 page 135) lets you store the setting for the seat position together with the setting for the steering wheel and the exterior rear view mirrors.

Mirrors

Adjust the interior and exterior rear view mirrors before driving so that you have a good view of the road and traffic conditions.

Warning! G

In case of an accident, liquid electrolyte may escape the mirror housing if the mirror glass breaks.

Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not allow the liquid to come into contact with eyes, skin, clothing, or respiratory system. In case it does, immediately flush affected area with water, and seek medical help if necessary.

Electrolyte drops coming into contact with the vehicle paint finish can only be completely removed while in their liquid state and by applying plenty of water.

Getting started

Adjusting

Interior rear view mirror

왘 Manually adjust the interior rear view

mirror.

For more information, see “Rear view mirrors” (

컄 page 194).

Exterior rear view mirrors

Warning! G

Exercise care when using the passenger-side exterior rear view mirror. The mirror surface is convex (outwardly curved surface for a wider field of view). Objects in mirror are closer than they appear. Check your interior rear view mirror or glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.

The buttons are located on the driver’s door.

1 Driver’s side exterior rear view mirror

button

2 Adjustment button 3 Passenger-side exterior rear view mir-

ror button

왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 34).

왘 Press button 1 for the driver’s side ex-

terior rear view mirror or button 3 for the passenger-side exterior rear view mirror.

The indicator lamp on the respective button comes on for approximately 15 seconds.

If you do not make adjustments to the selected exterior rear view mirror within 15 seconds, the indicator lamp goes out. You then will have to select the desired exterior rear view mirror again before any adjustments can be made. Adjustments can only be made with the indicator lamp for the respective exterior rear view mirror button illuminated.

왘 Push adjustment button 2 up, down,

left, or right according to the desired setting.

The memory function* (컄 page 135) lets you store the setting for the seat position together with the setting for the steering wheel and the exterior rear view mirrors.

At low ambient temperatures, the mirrors will be heated automatically.

Vehicle without power folding exterior rear view mirrors*: If an exterior rear view mirror was forcibly pushed forward (hit from the rear) or forcibly pushed rearward (hit from the front), reposition it by applying firm pressure until it snaps into place. The mirror housing is now properly positioned and you can adjust the mirror normally.

For vehicle with power folding exterior rear view mirrors, see “Power folding exterior rear view mirrors*” (

컄 page 197).

For more information, see “Rear view mirrors” (

컄 page 194).

Getting started

Adjusting

Getting started

Driving

Warning! G

Do not lay any objects in the driver’s footwell. Be careful that floor mats or carpets in the driver’s footwell have sufficient clearance for the pedals.

During sudden driving or braking maneuvers, the objects could get caught between the pedals. You could then no longer brake or accelerate.

Fastening the seat belts

Warning! G

Always fasten your seat belt before driving off. Always make sure your passengers are properly restrained, even those sitting in the rear and pregnant women.

Failure to wear and properly fasten and position your seat belt greatly increases your risk of injuries and their likely severity in an accident. You and your passengers should always wear seat belts.

If you are ever in an accident, your injuries can be considerably more severe without your seat belt properly buckled. Without your seat belt buckled, you are much more likely to hit the interior of the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed.

In the same crash, the possibility of injury or death is lessened if you are wearing your seat belt. The air bags can only provide the protection they were designed to afford if the occupants are using their seat belts (

컄 page 66).

Warning! G

According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed in the rear seats. Regardless of seating position, children 12 years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriate infant, or toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. For additional information, see “Children in the vehicle” (

컄 page 78).

Getting started

Driving

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

Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat backrest in an excessively reclined position as this can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under it, the belt would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat belt provide the best restraint when the wearer is in a nearly upright position and the belt is properly positioned on the body.

Warning! G

Read and observe the additional warning notices printed in the “Safety and Security” section (

컄 page 70) and (컄 page 73).

1 Latch plate 2 Buckle 3 Release button

Getting started

Driving

왘 With a smooth motion, pull the belt

from the belt outlet.

왘 Place the shoulder portion of the belt

across the top of your shoulder and the lap portion across your hips.

왘 Push latch plate 1 into buckle 2 until

it clicks (

왘 If necessary, tighten the lap portion to

컄 page 47).

a snug fit by pulling shoulder portion up.

Seat belt height adjustment

1 Release button

왘 Press release button 1 and move the

seat belt height adjuster upward or downward.

Proper use of seat belts

앫 Do not twist the belt when fastening.

앫 Adjust seat belt so that the shoulder

portion is located as close as possible to the middle of the shoulder (it should not touch the neck). Never pass the shoulder portion of the belt under your arm. For this purpose, you can adjust the height of the belt outlet (

컄 page 48).

앫 Position the lap belt as low as possible

on your hips (over hip joint) and not across the abdomen.

앫 Place the seat backrest in a nearly up-

right position.

앫 Never use a seat belt for more than one

person at a time.

앫 Do not fasten a seat belt around a

person and another object at the same time. When using a seat belt to secure infant or toddler restraints or children in booster seats, always follow the child seat manufacturer’s instructions.

앫 Check your seat belt periodically

during travel to make sure that it is properly positioned.

앫 Make sure that the seat belt is always

fitted snugly. Take special care of this when wearing loose clothing.

Warning! G

Getting started

Driving

Starting the engine Automatic transmission

Do not pass belts over sharp edges. They could tear.

Do not allow the belt to get caught in the door or in the seat adjustment mechanism. This could damage the belt.

Never attempt to make modifications to seat belts. This could impair the effectiveness of the belts.

Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely weaken them. In a crash, they may not be able to provide adequate protection.

Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly stressed in an accident must be replaced. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Warning! G

Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and lead to death.

Do not run the engine in confined areas (such as a garage) which are not properly ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas fumes are entering the vehicle while driving, have the cause determined and corrected immediately. If you must drive under these conditions, drive only with at least one window fully open.

Gearshift pattern for automatic transmission

P Park position

R Reverse gear N Neutral D Drive position

For more information on how to operate the gear selector lever, see “Automatic transmission” (

컄 page 182).

Getting started

Driving

Starting with the SmartKey

왘 Make sure the automatic transmission

is set to P.

The transmission gear position P appears in the multifunction display.

왘 Do not depress accelerator.

왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch

to position 3 (

컄 page 34) and hold until

the engine starts.

You can also use the “touch-start” function. Turn the SmartKey to position 3 and release it again immediately. The engine then starts automatically.

For information on turning off the engine with the SmartKey, see “Turning off engine” (

컄 page 62).

Starting with KEYLESS-GO*

Warning! G

As long as the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is in your vehicle, the vehicle can be started. Therefore, never leave children unattended in the vehicle, as they could otherwise accidentally start the engine.

When leaving the vehicle, always take the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO with you and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.

You can start your vehicle without the SmartKey in the starter switch using the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in the starter switch.

The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO must be located in the vehicle.

KEYLESS-GO start/stop button

1 USA only 2 Canada only

왘 Make sure the KEYLESS-GO start/stop

button 1 is inserted in the starter switch (

왘 Make sure the automatic transmission

컄 page 35).

is set to P.

왘 Depress the brake pedal during the

starting procedure. Do not depress accelerator.

Getting started

Driving

왘 Press KEYLESS-GO start/stop

button 1 once.

The engine starts if the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is in the vehicle.

If you wish to start the engine using the SmartKey instead of the KEYLESS-GO feature, remove the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button from starter switch (

컄 page 35).

For information on turning off the engine with KEYLESS-GO, see “Turning off with KEYLESS-GO*” (

컄 page 63).

Starting difficulties

If the engine does not start as described, carry out the following steps:

왘 If you are starting the engine with the

SmartKey, turn SmartKey in starter switch to position 0 and repeat starting procedure.

왘 If you are starting the engine with

KEYLESS-GO*: Close any doors that may be open to allow for better detection of the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*.

Or:

왘 Remove KEYLESS-GO* start/stop but-

ton from starter switch.

왘 Start the engine with the SmartKey as

radio signals from another source may be interfering with the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*.

왘 Repeat the starting procedure

(

컄 page 49). Remember that extended

starting attempts can drain the battery.

왘 Get a jump start (컄 page 470).

If the engine does not start after several starting attempts, there could be a malfunction in the engine electronics or in the fuel supply system.

왘 Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Light Truck Center.

Getting started

Driving

Parking brake

1 Parking brake pedal 2 Release handle

Warning! G

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* from the starter switch, take it with you and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could release the parking brake, which could result in an accident and/or serious injury.

왘 Release the parking brake pedal 1 by

pulling on release handle 2.

The warning lamp ; (USA only) or ! (Canada only) in the instrument cluster goes out.

Driving

왘 Depress the brake pedal.

The gear selector lever can now be used.

왘 Shift automatic transmission to D or R

(

컄 page 182).

Wait for the gear selection process to complete before setting the vehicle in motion.

Shifting from gear position P to position R, N, or D is only possible with the brake pedal depressed. Without the brake pedal depressed, the gear selector lever can be moved, but the parking pawl remains engaged, not allowing shifting to occur.

왘 Release the brake pedal.

왘 Carefully depress the accelerator

pedal.

Once the vehicle is in motion, the automatic central locking system engages and the locking knobs drop down.

The automatic door lock feature can be deactivated (

컄 page 172).

You can open a locked door from the inside. Open door only when conditions are safe to do so.

Getting started

Driving

If you hear a warning signal and the message appears in the multifunction display when driving off, you have forgotten to release the parking brake.

Release the parking brake.

After a cold start, the automatic transmission shifts at a higher engine revolution. This allows the catalytic converter to reach its operating temperature earlier.

Warning! G

On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not prevent this type of loss of control.

Release parking brake

Warning! G

It is dangerous to shift the automatic transmission out of P or N if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

Shift automatic transmission to position P or R only when the vehicle is stopped in order to avoid damaging the transmission.

Do not run cold engine at high engine speeds. Running a cold engine at high engine speeds may shorten the service life of the engine.

Simultaneously depressing the accelerator pedal and applying the brake reduces engine performance and causes premature brake and drivetrain wear.

For more information, see “Driving instructions” (

컄 page 299).

For information on off-road driving, see “Off-road driving” (

컄 page 306).

Getting started

Driving

Switching on headlamps

For more information on headlamps, see “Lighting” (

컄 page 138).

Low beam headlamps

The exterior lamp switch is located on the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel.

Exterior lamp switch

1 Off 2 Low beam headlamps on

왘 Turn exterior lamp switch to B.

High beam

The combination switch is located on the left of the steering column.

Combination switch

1 High beam 2 High beam flasher

왘 Push the combination switch in

direction of arrow 1.

The high beam headlamp indicator lamp A in the instrument cluster comes on (

컄 page 25).

For more information on headlamps, see “Combination switch” (

컄 page 142).

Turn signals

The combination switch is on the left of the steering column.

Combination switch

1 Turn signals, right 2 Turn signals, left

왘 Press combination switch in direction

of arrow 1 or 2.

The corresponding turn signal indicator lamp L or K in the instrument cluster flashes.

Getting started

Driving

The combination switch resets automatically after major steering wheel movements.

To signal minor directional changes, move combination switch to point of resistance and release. The turn signal flashes three times.

Windshield wipers

The combination switch is located on the left of the steering column.

Combination switch

1 Single wipe

Wiping with windshield washer fluid

2 Switching on windshield wipers

왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 34).

Switching on windshield wipers

왘 Turn the combination switch to the

desired position depending on the intensity of the rain.

0 Windshield wipers off

I Intermittent wiping

II Normal wiper speed

III Fast wiper speed

Vehicles with rain sensor*: Intermittent wiping interval is dependent on wetness of windshield. Pauses between wipes are automatically controlled by the rain sensor.

Getting started

Driving

Vehicles with rain sensor*: Do not leave windshield wipers in intermittent setting when the vehicle is taken to an automatic car wash or during windshield cleaning. Wipers will operate in the presence of water sprayed on the windshield, and wipers may be damaged as a result.

Do not operate the wipers when the windshield is dry. Dust that accumulates on a windshield might scratch the glass and/or damage the wiper blades when wiping occurs on a dry windshield. If it is necessary to operate the wipers in dry weather conditions, always operate the wipers with windshield washer fluid (

컄 page 56).

Intermittent wiping

왘 Set the wiper switch to position I.

Intermittent wiping is interrupted when the vehicle is at a standstill and a front door is opened.

Single wipe

왘 Press switch briefly in the direction of

arrow 1.

The windshield wipers wipe one time without washer fluid.

Wiping with windshield washer fluid

왘 Push switch in the direction of

arrow 1 past the resistance point.

The windshield wipers operate with washer fluid.

For information on filling up the washer reservoir, see “Windshield/rear window washer system and headlamp cleaning

system*” (

컄 page 333).

Getting started

Driving

If anything blocks the windshield wipers (leaves, snow, etc.), switch them off immediately.

For safety reasons, stop the vehicle in a safe location and

앫 turn off the engine by turning

the SmartKey to position 0 and withdraw SmartKey from starter switch

앫 turn off the engine by pressing

the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button and open the driver’s door (with the driver’s door open, starter switch is in position 0, same as with SmartKey removed from starter switch)

before attempting to remove any blockage.

앫 Remove blockage.

앫 Turn the windshield wipers on

again.

If windshield wipers fail to function at all in switch position I,

앫 set the combination switch to the

next highest wiper speed

앫 have the windshield wipers

checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center

Rear window wiper/washer

The combination switch is located on the left of the steering column.

Combination switch

1 Rear window wiper switch 2 Wiping rear window with washer fluid 3 Intermittent wiping 4 Rear window wiper off 5 Wiping rear window with washer fluid

컄컄

Getting started

Driving

컄컄

6 Symbol in multifunction display indicat-

ing that rear window wiper is activated

왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 34).

The rear window wiper engages automatically if the automatic transmission is shifted to position R with the windshield wipers switched on.

Activating intermittent wiping

왘 Turn switch 1 to position 3.

Deactivating intermittent wiping

왘 Turn switch 1 to position 4.

Wiping with windshield washer fluid

왘 Turn switch 1 to position 2 or 5.

The rear window wiper operates with washer fluid.

Hold switch 1 in position 2 or 5 until the rear window is clean.

For information on filling up the washer reservoir, see “Windshield/rear window washer system and headlamp cleaning

system*” (

컄 page 333).

Problems while driving

The engine runs erratically and misfires

앫 An ignition cable may be damaged.

앫 The engine electronics may not be

operating properly.

앫 Unburned gasoline may have entered

the catalytic converter and damaged it.

왘 Give very little gas.

왘 Have the problem repaired by an au-

thorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center as soon as possible.

Getting started

Driving

The coolant temperature is above 248°F (120°C)

The coolant is too hot and is no longer cooling the engine.

왘 Stop the vehicle as soon as possible

and turn off the engine. Allow engine and coolant to cool.

왘 Check the coolant level and add cool-

ant if necessary (

컄 page 332).

In case of accident

If the vehicle is leaking fuel:

왘 Do not start the engine under any

circumstances.

왘 Notify local fire and/or police authori-

ties.

If the extent of the damage cannot be determined:

왘 Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Light Truck Center.

If no damage can be determined on the

앫 major assemblies

앫 fuel system

앫 engine mount:

왘 Start the engine in the usual manner.

Getting started

Parking and locking

You have now completed your first drive. You have properly stopped and parked your vehicle. End your drive as follows.

Warning! G

With the engine not running, there is no power assistance for the brake and the steering system. In this case, it is important to keep in mind that a considerably higher degree of effort is necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.

Warning! G

Do not park this vehicle in areas where combustible materials such as grass, hay or leaves can come into contact with the hot exhaust system, as these materials could be ignited and cause a vehicle fire.

To reduce the risk of personal injury as a result of vehicle movement, before turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle always:

앫 Keep right foot on brake pedal.

앫 Firmly depress parking brake pedal.

앫 Shift the automatic transmission to

position P.

앫 Slowly release brake pedal.

앫 When parked on an incline, turn front

wheel towards the road curb.

앫 Turn the SmartKey to starter switch

position 0 and remove, or press start/stop button (vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*).

앫 Take the Smart Key or the SmartKey with

KEYLESS-GO* and lock vehicle when leaving.

Parking brake

Warning! G

Getting started

Parking and locking

Warning! G

1 Parking brake pedal 2 Release handle

왘 Step firmly on parking brake pedal 1.

When the engine is running, the indicator lamp ; (USA only) or ! (Canada only) in the instrument cluster comes on.

When leaving the v ehicle, always remove the SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* from the starter switch, take it with you and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could release the parking brake and/or shift the automatic transmission out of position P, either of which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Getting out of your vehicle with the

automatic transmission not fully engaged in

position P is dangerous. Also, when parked

on an incline, position P alone may not pre-

vent your vehicle from moving, possibly hit-

ting people or objects.

Always set the parking brake in addition to

shifting to position P (

When parked on an incline, also turn front

wheel towards the road curb.

컄 page 185).

Getting started

Parking and locking

Switching off headlamps

왘 Turn the exterior lamp switch to M.

For more information, see “Lighting” (

컄 page 138).

Turning off engine

왘 Shift automatic transmission to

position P.

Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting to position P.

On slopes, turn the front wheels towards the road curb.

Turning off with the SmartKey

왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch

to position 0 ( it.

The immobilizer is activated.

컄 page 34) and remove

If you turn off the engine using the SmartKey and remove the SmartKey from the starter switch with the transmission in a position other than P, the transmission will automatically shift to P.

Keep in mind that turning off the engine with the SmartKey alone will not automatically shift the transmission to P. Only when the SmartKey is removed from the starter switch will the transmission automatically shift to P.

왘 Press the seat belt release button

(

컄 page 47).

Allow the retractor to completely rewind the seat belt by guiding the latch plate.

With the SmartKey removed and the driver’s door open, a warning sounds and the message appears in the multifunction display if the vehicle’s exterior lamps are not switched off.

Warning! G

To prevent possible personal injury, always keep hands and fingers away from the door openings when closing the doors. Be especially careful when small children are around.

Before closing doors, make sure there is no possibility of someone getting caught in a door during closing.

Switch off lights

Getting started

Parking and locking

왘 After exiting the vehicle, press the lock

button ‹ on the SmartKey (

컄 page 32).

The turn signal lamps flash three times. The locking knobs on the doors move down. The anti-theft alarm system is armed.

Warning! G

When leaving the v ehicle, always remove the SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

For more information, see “Locking and unlocking” (

컄 page 106).

Turning off with KEYLESS-GO*

왘 Shift automatic transmission to

position P.

왘 Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop

button to shut off the engine.

With the driver’s door closed, the starter switch is now in position 1. With the driver’s door opened, the starter switch is set to position 0, same as SmartKey removed from starter switch (

컄 page 34).

If you turn off the engine using the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and open the driver’s door with the transmission in a position other than P, the transmission will automatically shift to P.

Keep in mind that turning off the engine with the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button alone will not automatically shift the transmission to P. Only when the driver’s door is opened will the transmission automatically shift to P.

왘 Press the seat belt release button.

Allow the retractor to completely rewind the seat belt by guiding the latch plate.

컄컄

Getting started

Parking and locking

컄컄

If you hear a warning signal, you have forgotten to turn off the lights.

Turn off the lights.

Warning! G

To prevent possible personal injury, always keep hands and fingers away from the door openings when closing the doors. Be especially careful when small children are around.

Before closing doors, make sure there is no possibility of someone getting caught in a door during closing.

1 Lock button

왘 After exiting the vehicle, press lock

button 1 at the outside door handle or on the tailgate (

컄 page 121).

All turn signal lamps flash three times. The locking knobs on the doors move down. The anti-theft alarm system is armed.

Warning! G

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* with you, and lock your vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

For more information, see “Locking and unlocking” (

컄 page 106).

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

Panic alarm

Driving safety systems

Anti-theft systems

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

In this section you will learn the most important facts about the restraint systems of the vehicle.

앫 Seat belts (컄 page 73)

앫 Child restraints (컄 page 87)

앫 Lower anchors and tethers for children

(LATCH) (

컄 page 88)

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with

앫 Air bags (컄 page 67)

앫 Air bag control unit (with crash

sensors)

앫 Emergency tensioning device (ETD) for

seat belts (

컄 page 76)

Air bag system components with

앫 Front passenger front air bag off

indicator lamp (

앫 Front passenger seat with Occupant

컄 page 85)

Classification System (OCS) (

컄 page 81)

As independent systems, their protective functions work in conjunction with each other.

For information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle and restraint systems for infants and children, see “Children in the vehicle” (

컄 page 78).

The SRS system conducts a self-test when the ignition is switched on and in regular intervals while the engine is running. This facilitates early detection of malfunctions. The

1 indicator lamp in the instrument

cluster (

컄 page 25) comes on when the

ignition is switched on and goes out no later than a few seconds after the engine has been started.

The SRS components are in operational readiness if the

1 indicator lamp is not

lit when the engine is running.

A malfunction in the system has been detected if the

앫 fails to go out not later than approxi-

1 indicator lamp:

mately four seconds after the engine was started

앫 does not come on at all

앫 comes on after the engine was started

or while driving

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

Warning! G

In the event that the 1 indicator lamp comes on during driving or does not come on at all, the SRS self-check has detected a malfunction. For your safety, we strongly recommend that you visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center immediately to have the system checked; otherwise the SRS may not deploy when needed in an accident, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily which could also result in injury.

In addition, improper work on the SRS creates a risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or causing unintended air bag deployment. Work on the SRS must therefore only be performed by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

If it is necessary to modify an air bag system to accommodate a person with disabilities, contact your local authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center or 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 poten-

tial of injury and fatality in certain frontal im-

pacts (front air bags), side impacts (side

impact air bags and head protection window

curtain air bags) or rollovers (head protec-

tion window curtain air bags). However, no

system available today can totally eliminate

injuries and fatalities.

The deployment of the air bags temporarily

releases a small amount of dust from the air

bags. This dust, however, is neither injurious

to your health, nor does it indicate a fire in

the vehicle. The dust might cause some tem-

porary 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.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

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 backrest. Fasten your seat belt and make sure that it is properly positioned on your body (

Since the air bag inflates with considerable speed and force, a proper seating and hands on steering wheel position will help to keep you at a safe distance from the air bag. Occupants who are unbelted, out of position or too close to the air bag can be seriously injured or killed by an air bag as it inflates with great force in the blink of an eye:

앫 Sit properly belted in a nearly upright

position with your back against the seat backrest.

컄 page 46).

앫 Adjust the driver’s seat as far as possi-

ble rearward, still permitting proper operation of vehicle controls. The distance from the center of the driver’s breastbone to the center of the air bag cover on the steering wheel must be at least ten inches (25 cm) or more. You should be able to accomplish this by a combination of adjustments to the seat and steering wheel. If you have any problems, please see an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

앫 Do not lean your head or chest close to

the steering wheel or dashboard.

앫 Keep hands on the outside of steering

wheel rim. Placing hands and arms inside the rim can increase the risk and potential severity of hand/arm injury when driver’s front air bag inflates.

앫 Adjust the front passenger seat as far as

possible rearward from the dashboard when the seat is occupied.

앫 Occupants, especially children, should

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 air bag be triggered. Always sit nearly upright, properly use the seat belts and use an appropriately sized infant or toddler restraint or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in severe injuries to you or other occupants.

If you sell your vehicle, it is important that you make the buyer aware of this safety information. Be sure to give the buyer this Operator’s Manual.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

Warning! G

Accident research shows that the safest place for children in an automobile is in the rear seat.

It should be noted that with respect to both front and rear side impact air bags there is a possibility for a side impact air bag related injury if occupants, especially children, are not properly seated or restrained when next to a side impact air bag which needs to deploy rapidly in a side impact in order to do its job.

To help avoid the possibility of injury, please follow these guidelines:

(1) Occupants, especially children, should

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 activated.

(2) Always sit nearly upright, properly use

the seat belts and for children 12 years old and under, use an appropriately sized infant or toddler restraint or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child.

(3) Always wear seat belts properly.

If you believe that, even with the use of these guidelines, it would be safer for your rear seat occupants to have the rear door mounted side impact air bags deactivated, then deactivation can be accomplished upon your written request to do so at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center at an additional cost.

Please contact your local authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center or call our Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) for details.

Air bags are designed to deploy only in certain frontal impacts (front air bags), and in side impacts (side impact and head protection window curtain air bags) which exceed preset thresholds, and in certain rollovers (head protection window curtain air bags). Only during these events will they provide their supplemental protection.

The driver and passengers should always wear their seat belts. Otherwise it is not possible for 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 passenger will then be protected to the extent possible by a properly fastened seat belt. A properly fastened seat belt is also needed to provide the best possible protection in a rollover.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

We caution you not to rely on the presence of the air bags in order to avoid wearing your seat belt.

It is important to your safety and that of your passengers that you replace deployed air bags and repair any malfunctioning air bags to make sure the vehicle will continue to provide supplemental crash protection for occupants.

Safety guidelines for the seat belt, emergency tensioning device and air bag

Warning! G

앫 Damaged seat belts or belts that were

highly stressed in an accident must be replaced and their anchoring points must also be checked. Only use belts installed or supplied by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

앫 Air bags and pyrotechnic emergency

tensioning devices (ETDs) are designed to function on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD that is deployed must be replaced. PRE-SAFE* has electrically operated reversible pre-tensioners in addition to the pyrotechnic ETDs.

앫 Do not pass belts over sharp edges.

They could tear.

앫 Do not make any modification that could

change the effectiveness of the belts.

앫 Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this

may severely weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to provide adequate protection.

앫 No modifications of any kind may be

made to any components or wiring of the SRS. This includes changing or removing any component or part of the SRS, the installation of additional trim material, badges, etc. over the steering wheel hub, front passenger front air bag cover, outboard sides of the seat backrests, door trim panels, or door frame trims, and installation of additional electrical/electronic equipment on or near SRS components and wiring. Keep area between air bags and occupants free from objects (e.g. packages, purses, umbrellas, etc.).

앫 Do not hang items such as coat hangers

from the coat hooks or handles over the door. These items may turn into projectiles and cause head and other injuries when curtain air bag is deployed.

앫 Air bag system components will be hot

after an air bag has inflated. Do not touch.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

앫 Never place your feet on the instrument

panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.

앫 In addition, improper repair work on the

SRS creates a risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or causing unintended air bag deployment. Work on the SRS must therefore only be performed by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

앫 For your protection and the protection

of others, when scrapping the air bag unit or emergency tensioning device, our safety instructions must be followed. These instructions are available from your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

앫 Given the considerable deployment

speed, required inflation volume, and the textile structure of the air bags, there is the possibility of abrasions or other more significant injuries resulting from air bag deployment.

Warning! G

Only use seat covers which have been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model. Using other seat covers may interfere with or prevent the deployment of the front side impact air bags or the rear side impact air bags*. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for availability.

When you sell your vehicle we strongly urge you to give notice to the subsequent owner that it is equipped with an SRS by alerting them to the applicable section in the Operator’s Manual.

Front air bags

1 Driver air bag 2 Passenger air bag

Driver and front passenger front air bags are deployed:

앫 in the event of certain frontal impacts

앫 if impact exceeds a preset deployment

threshold

앫 independently of the side impact air

bags

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

The front air bags in this vehicle have been designed to inflate in two stages. This allows the air bag to have different rates of inflation that are based on the rate of relevant vehicle deceleration as assessed by the air bag control unit.

On the front passenger-side, the front air bag deployment is additionally influenced by the passenger’s weight category as identified by the Occupant Classification System (OCS) (

컄 page 81).

The lighter the front passenger-side occupant, the higher the vehicle deceleration rate required for the second stage inflation of the air bag.

The air bags will not deploy in impacts which do not exceed the system’s deployment thresholds. You will then be protected by the fastened seat belts.

The passenger front air bag will only be deployed if:

앫 the system, based on OCS weight sen-

sor readings, senses that the front passenger seat is occupied

앫 the 59 indicator lamp in the

center console is not lit (

앫 the impact exceeds a preset deploy-

컄 page 85)

ment threshold

Side impact air bags, window curtain air bags

1 Front side impact air bag 2 Window curtain air bag 3 Rear side impact air bag*

The side impact air bags and window curtain air bags are deployed:

앫 on the impacted side of the vehicle

앫 in impacts exceeding a preset deploy-

ment threshold

앫 independently of the front air bags

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

In addition, the window curtain air bags 2 are deployed in certain vehicle rollovers.

The front passenger side impact air bag 1 will not deploy if the OCS senses that the front passenger seat is empty and the front passenger seat belt is not fastened (latch plate is not insert into the buckle). With an empty front passenger seat and the seat belt fastened (latch plate properly inserted into buckle) the front passenger side impact air bag will deploy regardless of the empty seat.

The side impact air bags and window curtain air bags are not deployed in impacts which do not exceed the system’s deployment threshold.

Seat belts

Always wear your seat belt. All vehicle occupants always need to have their seat belts fastened and wear them properly.

In addition, applicable motor vehicle safety laws require you to wear seat belts. Even where this is not the case, we strongly recommend that all vehicle occupants have their seat belts fastened and wear them properly.

For more information, see “Fastening the seat belts” (

컄 page 46).

For information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle and restraint systems for infants and children, see “Children in the vehicle” (

컄 page 78).

Warning! G

Always fasten your seat belt before driving

off. Always make sure all of your passengers

are properly restrained, even those sitting in

the rear and pregnant women.

Failure to wear and properly fasten and po-

sition your seat belt greatly increases your

risk of injuries and their likely severity in an

accident. You and your passengers should

always wear seat belts.

If you are ever in an accident, your injuries

can be considerably more severe without

your seat belt properly buckled. Without

your seat belt buckled, you are much more

likely to hit the interior of the vehicle or be

ejected from it. You can be seriously injured

or killed.

In the same crash, the possibility of injury or

death is lessened if you are properly wearing

your seat belt. Air bags can only protect as

they are designed if the occupants are prop-

erly wearing their seat belts.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

Warning! G

Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly stressed in an accident must be replaced and their anchoring points must also be checked.

Only use seat belts which have been approved by Mercedes-Benz.

Do not make any modifications to the seat belts. This can lead to unintended activation of the ETDs or to failure.

Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to provide adequate protection.

Have all work carried out only by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Warning! G

USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY

앫 Seat belts can only work when used

properly. Never wear seat belts in any other way than as described in this section, as that could result in serious injuries in case of an accident.

앫 Each occupant should wear their seat

belt at all times, because seat belts help reduce the likelihood of and potential severity of injuries in accidents, including rollovers. The integrated restraint system includes SRS (driver air bag, passenger front air bag, side impact air bags, head protection window curtain air bags for side windows), ETD (seat belt emergency tensioning device), and front seat knee bolsters. The system is designed to enhance the protection offered to properly belted occupants in certain frontal (front air bags and ETD) and side (side impact, window curtain air bags and ETD) impacts which exceed preset deployment thresholds and in

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

certain rollovers (window curtain air bags and ETD).

앫 Never wear the shoulder belt under your

arm, against your neck or off your shoulder. In a frontal crash, your body would move too far forward. That would increase the chance of head and neck injuries. The belt would also apply too much force to the ribs or abdomen, which could severely injure internal organs such as your liver or spleen.

앫 Never wear belts over rigid or breakable

objects in or on your clothing, such as eyeglasses, pens, SmartKeys, etc., as these might cause injuries.

앫 Position the lap belt as low as possible

on your hips and not across the abdomen. If th e belt is pos it io ned acros s y ou r abdomen, it could cause serious injuries in a crash.

앫 Never use a seat belt for more than one

person at time. Do not fasten a seat belt around a person and another person or other objects.

앫 Belts should not be worn twisted. In a

crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to distribute impact forces. The twisted belt against your body could cause injuries.

앫 Pregnant women should also use a

lap-shoulder belt. The lap belt portion should be positioned as low as possible on the hips to avoid any possible pressure on the abdomen.

앫 Never place your feet on the instrument

panel, dashboard or on the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.

앫 When using a seat belt to secure infant

or toddler restraints or children in booster seats, always follow the child seat manufacturer's instructions.

Enhanced seat belt reminder system

When the engine is started, the seat belt telltale < illuminates for a maximum of six seconds and a warning chime sounds to remind you and your passengers to fasten your seat belts.

If after these six seconds, the driver’s or the front passenger’s seat belt (with the front passenger seat occupied) are not fastened with all doors closed,

앫 and the vehicle speed does not exceed

15 mph (25 km/h), the seat belt telltale < remains illuminated for as long as either the driver’s or front passenger’s seat belt is not fastened.

앫 and the vehicle speed exceeds

15 mph (25 km/h), the seat belt telltale < starts flashing and a warning chime sounds with increasing intensity until both the driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt are fastened, or for a maximum of 60 seconds from the time the vehicle speed

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

exceeded 15 mph (25 km/h) if either the driver’s or front passenger’s seat belt remains unfastened.

If the driver’s or front passenger’s seat belt remains unfastened after 60 seconds, the seat belt telltale < stops flashing and the warning chime stops sounding. The seat belt telltale < then continues to be illuminated for as long as either the driver’s or front passenger’s seat belt are not fastened.

The seat belt telltale < will only go out if both the driver’s and the front passenger’s seat belt (with the front passenger seat occupied) are fastened, or the vehicle is standing still and a front door is opened.

For more information, see “Practical hints” (

컄 page 401).

Emergency tensioning device (ETD), seat belt force limiter

The seat belts for the front and rear outer seats are equipped with emergency tensioning devices and belt force limiters.

The ETD is designed to activate in the following cases:

앫 in frontal or rear-end impacts

exceeding a preset severity level

앫 in certain vehicle rollovers

앫 if the restraint systems are operational

and functioning correctly, see 1 indicator lamp (

컄 page 390)

The ETDs for the front seats will only activate if the front seat belt is fastened (latch plate properly inserted into buckle).

The ETDs for the rear outer seats will activate with or without the respective seat belt fastened.

In an impact, emergency tensioning devices remove slack from the belts in such a way that the seat belts fit more snugly against the body. Belt force limiters, when activated, are employed to help reduce the peak force exerted by the seat belts on occupants during a crash.

Warning! G

A pyrotechnic emergency tensioning device (ETD) that was activated must be replaced.

When disposing of the pyrotechnic emergency tensioning device, our safety instructions must be followed. These are available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

PRE-SAFE* has electrically operated reversible pre-tensioners that do not require replacement after activation.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

Preventive occupant safety* (PRE-SAFE)

Warning! G

The PRE-SAFE® system is intended to reduce the effects of an accident on properly seat-belted vehicle occupants. Despite having the PRE-SAFE cle, the possibility of injuries occurring as a result of an accident cannot be eliminated. Therefore, you should always drive carefully and adjust your driving to the prevailing road, weather, and traffic conditions.

system in your vehi-

Your vehicle automatically takes preventive measures to better protect the occupants in the following hazardous situations:

앫 You execute an emergency braking

maneuver and the Brake Assist System (

컄 page 95) is activated.

앫 The PRE-SAFE

system detects a criti-

cal driving dynamics situation.

In such cases, the following systems are automatically activated:

앫 The front seat belts are pre-tensioned

electrically.

Vehicles with front passenger seat memory function*:

앫 If the OCS senses that the front pas-

senger seat is occupied and the seat is in an unfavorable position, it will be adjusted to a better position.

Vehicles with power tilt/sliding sunroof*:

앫 The tilt/sliding sunroof closes if the

vehicle is in a severe skid or is spinning.

If the closing procedure of the tilt/sliding sunroof is blocked, the tilt/sliding sunroof will stop and open slightly.

The PRE-SAFE® system is activated in the previously described circumstances only at speeds exceeding 22 mph (35 km/h).

When the critical driving dynamic situation has passed without an accident occurring, the pre-tensioning on the seat belts is deactivated.

You can then adjust the seat and the tilt/sliding sunroof to their previous position.

If the seat belts do not release:

왘 Adjust the backrest or seat slightly to

the rear until the seat belt tension is diminished.

The locking mechanism releases.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

Children in the vehicle

If an infant or child is traveling with you in the vehicle:

앫 Secure the child using an infant or child

restraint appropriate to the age and size of the child.

앫 Make sure the infant or child is

properly secured at all times while the vehicle is in motion.

Infant and child restraint seats and information on choosing an appropriate restraint system can be obtained from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Infant and child restraint systems

We recommend all infants and children be properly restrained at all times while the vehicle is in motion.

All lap-shoulder belts except the driver’s seat belt have special seat belt retractors for secure fastening of child restraints.

To fasten a child restraint, follow child restraint instructions for mounting. Then pull the shoulder belt out completely and let it retract. During seat belt retraction, a ratcheting sound can be heard to indicate that the special seat belt retractor is activated. The belt is now locked. Push down on child restraint to take up any slack.

To deactivate, release seat belt buckle and let seat belt retract completely. To deactivate the special seat belt retractor for the front passenger seat, the front passenger seat must be in the most backward position. The seat belt can again be used in the usual manner.

Information on child seats with mounting fittings for tether anchorages (

컄 page 87).

For information on LATCH-type child seat mounts (

컄 page 88).

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 properly secured by a lap/shoulder belt or, if so equipped, a top tether anchorage point and a child restraint lower anchorage system that complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213 and 225 and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 and 210.2.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

Warning! G

Never release the seat belt buckle while the vehicle is in motion, since the special seat belt retractor will be deactivated.

A statement by the child restraint manufacturer of compliance with this standard can be found on the instruction label on the restraint and in the instruction manual provided with the restraint.

When using any infant or child restraint system, make sure to carefully read and follow all manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use.

Please read and observe warning labels affixed to the inside of the vehicle and to infant or child restraints.

Warning! G

According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed in the rear seats whenever possible. Regardless of seating position, children 12 years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriate infant or child restraint recommended for the size and weight of the child.

The infant or child restraint must be properly secured with the vehicle’s seat belt, the seat belt and top tether strap, or lower anchors and top tether strap, fully in accordance with the child seat manufacturer’s instructions.

Children can be killed or seriously injured by

an inflating air bag. Note the following im-

portant information when circumstances

require you to place a child in the front

passenger seat:

앫 Your vehicle is equipped with air bag

technology designed to turn off the front passenger front air bag in your vehicle when the OCS senses the weight of a typical 12-month-old child or less along with the weight of a standard appropriate child restraint on the front passenger seat.

앫 A child in a rear-facing child restraint on

the front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front passenger front air bag inflates in a collision which could occur under some circumstances, even with the air bag technology installed in your vehicle. The only means to completely eliminate this risk is to never place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat. We therefore strongly recommend that you always place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the back seat.

컄컄

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

컄컄

앫 If you must install a rear-facing child

restraint on the front passenger seat because circumstances require you to do so, make sure that the 59 indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. Should the 59 indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. Periodically check the 59 indicator lamp while driving to make sure the lamp is illuminated. If the 59 indicator lamp goes out or remains out, do not transport a child on the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired. A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front passenger front air bag inflates.

앫 If you have to place a child in a

forward-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat, move the seat as far back as possible, use the proper child restraint recommended for the age, size and weight of the child, and secure child restraint with the vehicle’s seat belt according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. For children larger than the typical 12-month-old child, the front passenger front air bag may or may not be activated (

컄 page 82).

Warning! G

Infants and small children should never share a seat belt with another occupant. During an accident, they could be crushed between the occupant and seat belt.

Children too big for a toddler restraint must ride in seats using regular seat belts. Position shoulder belt across chest and shoulder, not face or neck. A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper belt positioning for children from 41 lbs until they reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt fits properly without a booster.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

When the child restraint is not in use, remove it from the vehicle or secure it with the seat belt to prevent the child restraint from becoming a projectile in the event of an accident.

Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, even if the children are secured in a child restraint system. Unsupervised children in a child restraint system may use vehicle equipment and may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Occupant Classification System

The Occupant Classification System (OCS) automatically turns the front passenger front air bag on or off based on the classified occupant weight category determined by weight sensor readings from the front passenger seat.

The system does not deactivate the front passenger side impact air bag, the window curtain air bag and the emergency tensioning device.

Occupants must sit properly belted in a nearly upright position with their back against the seat backrest and feet on the floor to be correctly classified. If the occupant’s weight is transferred to another object in the vehicle (e.g. by leaning on armrests), the OCS may not be able to properly approximate the occupant’s weight category.

Furthermore, the occupant weight may appear to increase or decrease due to objects hanging on the seat, other passengers pushing on the seat, objects lodged underneath the seat or stuffed between seat and middle console or between seat and door or due to objects applying pressure on the back of the seat. Always make sure that the seat has clearance in all directions at all times.

If your seat, including your trim cover and cushion needs to be serviced in any way, take the vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Only seat accessories approved by Mercedes-Benz may be used.

Both driver and the front passenger should always use the 59 indicator lamp as an indication of whether or not the front passenger is properly positioned.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

Warning! G

If the 59 indicator lamp illuminates when an adult or someone larger than a small individual is in the front passenger seat, have the front passenger re-position himself or herself in the seat until the 59 indicator lamp goes out, or check whether objects are caught under or around the seat.

More information about air bag display messages (

컄 page 401).

In the event of a collision, the air bag control unit will not allow front passenger front air bag deployment when the OCS classified the front passenger seat occupant as being up to or less than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint or if the front passenger seat is sensed as being empty.

When the OCS senses that the front passenger seat occupant is classified as being up to or less than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint, the 59 indicator lamp will illuminate when the engine is started and remain illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated.

When the OCS senses that the front passenger seat is classified as being empty, the 59 indicator lamp will illuminate when the engine is started and remain illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated.

When the OCS senses that the front 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 59 indicator lamp will illuminate for approximately six seconds when the engine is started and then, d epending on occupant weight sensor readings from the seat, remain illuminated or go out. With the 59 indicator lamp illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. With the 59 indicator lamp out, the front passenger front air bag is activated.

When the OCS senses that the front passenge r se at o ccu pan t is clas sif ied as a n ad ult or someone larger than a small individual, the 59 indicator lamp will illuminate for approximately six seconds when the engine is started and then go out, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is activated.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

If the 59 indicator lamp is illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is deactivated and will not be deployed.

If the 59 indicator lamp is not illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is activated and will be deployed:

앫 in the event of certain frontal impacts

앫 if impact exceeds a preset deployment

threshold

앫 independently of the side impact air

bags.

If the front passenger air bag is deployed, the rate of inflation will be influenced by:

앫 the rate of relevant vehicle deceleration

as assessed by the air bag control unit

앫 front passenger’s weight category as

identified by the Occupant Classification System (OCS).

Warning! G

According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed in the rear seats whenever possible. Regardless of seating position, children 12 years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriate infant or child restraint recommended for the size and weight of the child.

Children can be killed or seriously injured by

an inflating air bag. Note the following im-

portant information when circumstances re-

quire you to place a child in the front

passenger seat:

앫 Your vehicle is equipped with air bag

technology designed to turn off the front passenger front air bag in your vehicle when the system senses the weight of a typical 12-month-old child or less along with the weight of a standard appropriate child restraint on the front passenger seat.

앫 A child in a rear-facing child restraint on

컄컄

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

컄컄

앫 If you must install a rear-facing child

restraint on the front passenger seat because circumstances require you to do so, make sure that the 59 indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. Should the 59 not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. Periodically check the 59 indicator lamp while driving to make sure the 59 indicator lamp is illuminated. If the 59 indicator lamp goes out or remains out, do not transport a child on the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired. A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front passenger front air bag inflates.

앫 If you have to place a child in a

컄 page 82).

Deployment of the driver front air bag does not mean that the front passenger front air bag also should have deployed.

The Occupant Classification System (

컄 page 81) may have determined:

앫 that the seat was empty or occu-

pie d b y t he we ig ht up to o r l es s t ha n that of a typical 12-month-old child seated in a standard child restraint

- both instances where the system suppresses deployment of the front passenger front air bag even though the impact met the criteria and was of sufficient severity to deploy the driver front air bag.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

앫 that the seat was occupied by a

small individual (such as a young teenager or a small adult) or a child weighing more than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint - instances where the system may suppress deployment of the front passenger front air bag even though the impact met the criteria and was of sufficient severity to deploy the driver front air bag.

The 59 indicator lamp is located in the center console.

1 59 indicator lamp

The 59 indicator lamp 1 will be illuminated, except with the SmartKey removed from the starter switch or with the starter switch in position 0 (

컄 page 34).

Warning! G

If the 1 indicator lamp and the

59 indicator lamp are lit at the

same time, there is a malfunction in the

Occupant Classification System. The front

passenger front air bag will be deactivated

in this case. Have the system checked as

soon as possible by qualified technicians.

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light

Truck Center.

In order to ensure proper operation of the

air bag system and OCS:

앫 Do not place more than 4.4 lbs (2 kg)

into the ruffled storage bag on the back of the front passenger seat. Otherwise, the OCS may not be able to properly approximate the occupant weight category.

컄컄

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

컄컄

앫 Do not place objects under and/or

around the front passenger seat.

앫 Do not hang anything from or attach any

items to the seats.

앫 Do not stuff objects such as books be-

tween the middle console and the front passenger seat.

앫 Do not move the front passenger seat

backwards against stiff objects.

앫 Sit properly belted in a nearly upright

position with your back against the seat backrest.

앫 Do not lean on the armrests or lift your-

self from the seat by using the handle over the door as this may cause the OCS to be unable to correctly approximate the occupant weight category.

앫 Only have the seat repaired or replaced

by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

앫 Read and observe all warnings in this

chapter.

Self-test Occupant Classification System

After turning the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 1 or 2 or pressing the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button once or twice, the 59 indicator lamp 1 located in the center console illuminates. If an adult occupant is properly sitting on the front passenger seat and the system senses the occupant as being an adult, the 59 indicator lamp will illuminate and go out after approximately six seconds.

If the seat is not occupied and the system senses the front passenger seat as being empty, the 59 indicator lamp will illuminate and not go out.

Warning! G

If the 59indicator lamp should not illuminate, the system is not functioning. You must see an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center before seating any child on the front passenger seat.

For more information, see the “Practical hints” section (

컄 page 401).

Warning! G

Never place anything between seat cushion (e.g. pillow), since it reduces the effectiveness of the Occupant Classification System. The bottom of the child seat must make full contact with the passenger seat cushion. An incorrectly mounted child seat could cause injuries to the child in case of an accident, instead of increasing protection for the child.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation of child seats.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

Installation of infant and child restraint system

This vehicle is equipped with tether anchorages for a top tether strap at each of the rear seating positions.

1 Anchorage ring 2 Hook

왘 Release the rear seat backrest

(

컄 page 261).

왘 Fold rear seat backrest slightly

forward.

왘 Guide top tether strap between head

restraint and top of seat back.

Head restraint must be installed and positioned such that the top tether strap can pass freely between the head restraint and top of seat back.

왘 Make sure the tether strap is not twist-

ed.

Example for tether strap

1 Anchorage ring 2 Hook

왘 Securely fasten hook 2, which is part

of the tether strap, to anchorage ring 1.

For safety, make sure the hook has attached to the ring beyond the safety catch, as illustrated.

왘 Swing rear seat backrest to the rear un-

til it engages.

왘 Check the rear seat backrest to be

locked in its upright position (

컄 page 262).

Warning! G

Always lock backrest in its upright position

when rear seat bench is occupied by pas-

sengers, or the extended cargo area is not in

use. Check for secure locking by pushing

and pulling on the backrest.

Once the top tether anchorage hook is attached, the child restraint itself can be secured. Tigthen the top tether strap according to the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

Child seat anchors – LATCH type

This vehicle is equipped with two LATCH (L

ower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) type anchors (at each of the outer rear seats) for the installation of a LATCH child seat with matching mounting fittings.

1 Cover, indicator for anchor location

왘 If installed, pry off cover using a suit-

able tool (screwdriver etc.).

The anchors are now visible and accessible.

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.

2 Anchor

왘 Install child seat according to the

manufacturer’s instructions.

The child seat must be firmly attached in the right and left side anchors 2.

Make sure the seat belt for the center seat can operate freely with a child seat installed.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

Warning! G

Install child seat according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Th e ch ild seat mus t be fir mly att ach ed i n th e right and left side anchors 1.

An incorrectly mounted child seat may come loose during an accident which could result in serious injury or death to the child.

Damaged or impact damaged child seats or child seat mounting fittings must be replaced.

Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, even if the children are secured in a child restraint system.

Blocking of rear door window operation

You can block the rear door window operation (e.g. when you have children riding in the rear passenger compartment).

The override switch is located on the door control panel of the driver’s door.

1 Override switch

Activating

왘 Press override switch 1.

The switch engages in the recessed position.

The rear door windows can no longer be operated using the switches located in the rear doors.

Operation of the rear door windows with the switches located on the door control panel of the driver’s door is still possible.

Deactivating

왘 Press override switch 1 again.

The switch disengages from the recessed position back to original position.

The rear door windows can again be operated using the switches located in the rear doors.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

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 window opening.

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

For more information on power windows, see “Power windows” (

컄 page 230).

왔 Panic alarm

An audible alarm and flashing exterior lamps will operate briefly.

SmartKey

1 Â button

SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*

1 Â button

USA only: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

앫 This device may not cause harmful

interference, and

Safety and Security

Panic alarm

앫 this device must accept any inter-

ference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Canada only: This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

앫 This device may not cause

interference, and

앫 this device must accept any inter-

ference 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

Panic alarm

Activating

왘 Press and hold button 1 for at least

one second.

Deactivating

왘 Press button 1 again.

왘 Insert the SmartKey or the SmartKey

with KEYLESS-GO* in the starter switch.

왘 Press the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop

button (

The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO must be inside the vehicle.

컄 page 36).

왔 Driving safety systems

In this section you will find information on the following driving safety systems:

앫 ABS (Antilock Brake System)

앫 BAS (Brake Assist System)

앫 ESP (Electronic Stability Program)

앫

EBP (Electronic Brake Proportioning)

앫 4-ETS (Electronic Traction System)

In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the ABS, the BAS, the

ESP

, the EBP, and the 4-ETS is only achieved with winter tires ( or snow chains as required.

Warning! G

The following factors increase the risk of accidents:

앫 Excessive speed, especially in turns

앫 Wet and slippery road surfaces

앫 Following another vehicle too closely

The ABS, BAS, ESP duce this risk.

Always adjust your driving style to the prevailing road and weather conditions.

and 4-ETS cannot re-

컄 page 369)

Safety and Security

Driving safety systems

ABS

Warning! G

Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS and significantly reduces braking effectiveness.

The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates the brake pressure so that the wheels do not lock during braking. This allows you to maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.

The ABS is functional above a speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent of road surface conditions.

On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even to light brake pressure.

The - indicator lamp in the instrument cluster ( switch on the ignition. It goes out when the engine is running.

컄 page 25) comes on when you

Safety and Security

Driving safety systems

Braking

At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in the regulating mode.

왘 Keep firm and steady pressure on the

brake pedal while experiencing the pulsation.

Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure yields the advantages provided by the ABS, namely braking power and ability to steer the vehicle.

The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road conditions and functions as a reminder to take extra care while driving.

Emergency brake maneuver

왘 Keep continuous full pressure on the

brake pedal.

With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS, the ESP switched off.

The basic driving and braking functions are still available.

Off-road – ABS

With the off-road driving program switched on ( off-road use is automatically activated.

When applying the brakes at speeds below approximately 18 mph (30 km/h), the front wheels are locked cyclically to shorten the braking distance (dig-in effect). This affects steering the vehicle.

, and the 4-ETS are also

컄 page 248), the ABS designed for

Warning! G

The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded. The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

For more information, see “Practical hints” (

컄 page 381).

Safety and Security

Driving safety systems

BAS

The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in emergency situations. If you apply the brakes very quickly, the BAS automatically provides full brake boost, thereby potentially reducing braking distance. 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 is malfunctioning, the brake system is still functioning, but without the additional brake boost available that BAS would normally provide in an emergency braking maneuver. Therefore, the braking distance may increase.

Warning! G

The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded. The BAS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of a BAS equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

ESP

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 when a wheel is spinning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By applying brakes to the appropriate wheel and by limiting 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 helps stabilize the vehicle during braking maneuvers.

The ESP ment cluster flashes when the ESP

warning lamp v in the instru-

is en-

gaged.

The ESP

warning lamp v in the instru-

ment cluster come on when you switch on the ignition. It goes out when the engine is running.

Safety and Security

Driving safety systems

Warning! G

Never switch off the ESP® when you see the

ESP

-warning lamp v flashing in the

speedometer. In this case, proceed as follows:

앫 While driving off, apply as little throttle

as possible.

앫 While driving ease up on the accelera-

tor.

앫 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 prevent accidents resulting from excessive speed.

Warning! G

The ESP® cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded. The ESP cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ESP er be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

equipped vehicle must nev-

The ESP® will only function properly if you use wheels of the recommended tire size (

컄 page 487).

Because of the ESP’s® automatic operation, 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 (

컄 page 34)) when

앫 the parking brake is being tested on

a brake test dynamometer

앫 the vehicle is being towed with the

front or rear axle raised

Active braking action through the ESP may otherwise seriously damage the brake system.

Operational tests with the engine running can only be conducted on a two-axle dynamometer.

For more information, see “Practical hints” (

컄 page 381).

Safety and Security

Driving safety systems

Switching off the ESP

Warning! G

The ESP® should not be switched off during normal driving other than in the circumstances described below. Disabling of the system will reduce vehicle stability in standard driving maneuvers.

Do not switch off the ESP Minispare wheel is mounted.

when a

To improve the vehicle’s traction, turn off the ESP

in driving situations where it would be advantageous to have the drive wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip such as:

앫 starting out on slippery surfaces and in

deep snow in conjunction with snow chains

앫 in sand or gravel

Turn ESP® on immediately if the aforementioned circumstances do not apply anymore.

When you switch off the ESP

앫

the ESP® does not stabilize the vehicle

앫 the engine output is not limited, which

allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip

앫 the 4-ETS will still brake a spinning

wheel

앫 the ESP

continues to operate when

you are braking

When the ESP® is switched off and one or more drive wheels are spinning, the

ESP

warning lamp v in the instru-

ment cluster flashes. However, the

ESP

will then not stabilize the vehicle.

The switch is located on the upper center console.

1 ESP

왘 With the engine running, press ESP

switch

switch 1.

The ESP

warning lamp v in the

instrument cluster comes on. The

ESP

is deactivated.

Safety and Security

Driving safety systems

Warning! G

When the ESP® warning lamp v is illuminated continuously, the ESP switched off.

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 of time 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

왘

Press ESP® switch 1.

The ESP

warning lamp v in the

instrument cluster goes out.

You are now again in normal driving mode.

Turn on the ESP® immediately if the aforementioned circumstances do not apply anymore.

For more information, see “Practical hints” (

컄 page 381).

Off-road – ESP

With the off-road driving program switched on (

컄 page 248), the ESP

off-road use is automatically activated. At speeds below 27 mph (45 km/h), the

ESP

assists in over-/understeering, thus

improving vehicle traction.

designed for

EBP

The EBP enhances braking effectiveness by allowing the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion of the braking effort without a loss of vehicle stability.

4-ETS

The 4-Electronic Traction System (4-ETS) improves vehicle’s ability to utilize available traction, especially under slippery road conditions. The brakes are applied to the spinning wheel and power is transferred to the wheel(s) with traction.

The ESP

warning lamp v in the instru-

ment cluster, starts to flash at any vehicle speed, as soon as a tire loses traction and the wheel begins to spin.

If conditions require, switch on Off-road driving program* (

컄 page 248).

Safety and Security

Driving safety systems

Warning! G

When you see ESP®-warning lamp v flashing in the speedometer, then proceed as follows:

앫 While driving off, apply as little throttle

as possible.

앫 While driving ease up on the accelera-

tor.

앫 Adapt your speed and driving style to

the prevailing road conditions.

Failure to observe these guidelines could cause the vehicle to skid.

The 4-ETS cannot prevent accidents resulting from excessive speed.

Because of the ESP’s® automatic operation, the engine must be shut off (

컄 page 34) when the parking brake is

being tested on a brake test dynamometer.

Active braking action through ESP

may otherwise seriously damage the brake system.

Operational tests with the engine running can only be conducted on a two-axle dynamometer.

If the yellow ESP® warning lamp v comes on while driving, the 4-ETS is being switched off temporarily to prevent overheating of the drive wheel brakes. In addition, the message

able See Operator’s Manual

in the multifunction display.

ESP unavail-

appears

Off-road - 4-ETS

With the off-road driving program switched on (

컄 page 248), the 4-ETS designed for

off-road use is automatically activated.

For more information, see the “Practical hints” section ( (

컄 page 387).

컄 page 382) and

Mercedes Benz ML350 2006, ML500 2006 Owner Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual