2008 Mercedes-benz M Class Owners Manual

foreign objects.

앫 Check to see whether air is leaking from

the valves or from around the rim.

Tire temperature and tire inflation pressure are also increased while driving, depending on the driving speed and the tire load. If you will be driving your vehicle at high speeds of 100 mph (160 km/h) or higher, where it is legal and conditions allow, consult the tire inflation pressure label on the inside of the fuel filler flap (if available) on how to adjust the cold tire inflation pressure. If you do not adjust the tire infla- tion pressure, excessive heat can build up and result in sudden tire failure.

If your vehicle is not equipped with the tire inflation pressure label on the inside of the fuel filler flap, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for proper tire inflation pressure.

i Driving comfort may be reduced when the tire inflation pressure is adjusted to the value for speeds above 100 mph (160 km/h) as specified on the tire inflation pressure label located on the inside of the fuel filler flap.

Be sure to readjust the tire inflation pressure for normal driving speeds. You should wait until the tires are cold before adjusting the tire inflation pressure. Some vehicles may have supplemental tire inflation pressure information for vehicle loads less than the maximum loaded vehi- cle condition. If such information is provid- ed, it can be found on the tire inflation pressure label located on the inside of the fuel filler flap (컄 page 337).

Tire inflation pressure changes by approxi- mately 1.5 psi (0.1 bar) per 18°F (10°C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind when checking tire inflation pressure where the temperature is different from the outside temperature.

Checking tire inflation pressure

Regularly check your tire inflation pressure at least once a month. Check and adjust the tire inflation pressure when the tires are cold. The tires can be considered cold if the vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). If you check the tire inflation pressure when the tires are warm (the vehicle has been driven for several miles or sitting less than 3 hours), the reading will be approximately 4 psi (0.3 bar) higher than the cold reading. This is normal. Do not let air out to match the specified cold tire inflation pressure. Otherwise, the tire will be underinflated.

Warning!

Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.

Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being over- heated.

Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear unevenly, increase stopping distance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.

Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified load limit as indicated on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar. Overloading the tires can overheat them, possibly causing a blowout. Overloading the tires can also result in handling or steering problems, or brake failure.

Operation Tires and wheels

Checking tire inflation pressure manually Follow the steps below to achieve correct tire inflation pressure: 왘 Remove the cap from the valve on one

tire.

왘 Firmly press a tire gauge onto the

valve.

왘 Read tire inflation pressure on tire gauge and check against the recom- mended tire inflation pressure on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 352) or, if available, the inside of the fuel filler flap. If necessary, add air to achieve the recommended tire in- flation pressure.

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Operation Tires and wheels

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i If you have overfilled the tire, release tire in- flation pressure by pushing the metal stem of the valve with e.g. a tip of a pen. Then recheck the tire inflation pressure with the tire gauge. 왘 Install the valve cap. 왘 Repeat this procedure for each tire.

360

Run Flat Indicator (Canada only) While the vehicle is being driven, the Run Flat Indicator monitors the set tire inflation pressures by evaluating each wheel’s rota- tional speed. This allows the system to de- tect a significant loss of pressure in a tire. If a wheel’s rotational speed changes due to falling tire inflation pressure, you will see a corresponding warning message in the multifunction display. The Run Flat Indicator may function in a restricted manner or with a delay 앫 if snow chains are mounted to the

vehicle

앫 in presence of ice and snow 앫 if you are driving on a loose surface

(e.g. sand or gravel)

앫 if you are driving in a very sporty

manner (involving rapid acceleration or high speeds in curves)

Warning!

When the multifunction display shows the message Tire Pressure Check Tires, one or more of your tires is significantly un- derinflated. You should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper tire inflation pressure as indicat- ed on the vehicle’s Tire and Loading Information placard or, if available, on the tire inflation pressure label. Driving on a sig- nificantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Un- derinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability. Each tire, in- cluding the spare, should be checked monthly when cold and set to the recom- mended tire inflation pressure as specified on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 352) or, if available, on the tire inflation pressure la- bel located on the inside of the fuel filler flap (컄 page 337).

Warning!

The Run Flat Indicator does not provide a warning for wrongly selected tire inflation pressures. Always adjust tire inflation pres- sure according to the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 352) or, if available, on the tire inflation pressure label located on the inside of the fuel filler flap (컄 page 337). The Run Flat Indicator does not replace regular checks of the tire inflation pressures since a gradual pressure loss in more than one tire cannot be detected by the Run Flat Indicator.

The Run Flat Indicator is not able to issue a warning due to a sudden dramatic loss of tire inflation pressure (e.g. tire blowout caused by a foreign object). In this case bring the vehicle to a halt by carefully apply- ing the brakes and avoiding abrupt steering maneuvers.

Restarting the Run Flat Indicator The Run flat indicator must be restarted in the following situations: 앫 If you have changed the tire inflation

pressure

앫 If you have replaced the wheels or tires 앫 If you have installed new wheels or

tires

왘 Using the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar or, if available, the tire inflation pressure label on the inside of the fuel filler flap, make sure the tire inflation pressure of all four tires is correct.

Warning!

The Run Flat Indicator can only warn you in a reliable manner if you have set the correct tire inflation pressures for each tire.

If an incorrect tire inflation pressure was set, the system will monitor the pressure according to the incorrect value.

Operation Tires and wheels

왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 40).

Make sure the standard display menu appears in the multifunction display (컄 page 147).

왘 Press button k or j repeatedly until the following message appears in the multifunction display:

왘 Press the reset button on the instru-

ment cluster (컄 page 145). The following message will appear in the multifunction display: Restart Run Flat Indicator? Yes Cancel

361

Checking tire pressure electronically with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), (USA only)

i The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is equipped with a combination low tire pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale in the instrument cluster (컄 page 27). Depending on how the telltale illuminates, it indicates a low tire pressure condition or a malfunction in the TPMS system itself: 앫 If the telltale illuminates continuously, one or more of your tires is significantly underinflated. There is no malfunction in the TPMS.

앫 If the telltale flashes for 60 seconds and then stays illuminated, the TPMS system itself is not operating properly.

i This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interfer-

ence, and

(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

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

The TPMS only functions on wheels that are equipped with the proper electronic sensors. It monitors the tire inflation pres- sure, as selected by the driver, in all four tires. A warning is issued to alert you to a decrease in pressure in one or more of the tires.

Operation Tires and wheels

If you wish to confirm activation: 왘 Press button æ.

The following message will appear in the multifunction display: Run Flat Indicator Restarted

After a certain “learning phase”, the Run Flat Indicator checks the set pressure val- ues for all four tires. If you wish to cancel activation: 왘 Press button ç. or 왘 Wait until the message

Restart Run Flat Indicator? Yes Cancel disappears.

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Warning!

Warning!

overheat and can lead to tire failure.

Operation Tires and wheels

The TPMS does not indicate a warning for wrongly selected inflation pressures. Always adjust tire inflation pressure according to the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar or, if available, the supplemental tire inflation pressure infor- mation on the inside of the fuel filler flap.

The TPMS is not able to issue a warning due to a sudden dramatic loss of pressure (e.g. tire blowout caused by a foreign object). In this case bring the vehicle to a halt by care- fully applying the brakes and avoiding abrupt steering maneuvers.

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recom- mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-Pillar or, if available, the tire inflation pressure label on the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the Tire and Loading Information placard or, if available, the tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires. As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitor- ing system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly underinflated. Accord- ingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illu- minates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significant- ly underinflated tire causes the tire to

Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehi- cle’s handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is com- bined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately 1 minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subse- quent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.

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Operation Tires and wheels

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TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.

i If a condition causing the TPMS to malfunc- tion develops, it may take up to 10 minutes for the system to signal a malfunction using the TPMS telltale flashing and illumination se- quence. The telltale extinguishes after a few minutes driv- ing if the malfunction has been corrected.

i Operating radio transmission equipment (e.g. wireless headsets, two-way radios) in or near the vehicle could cause the TPMS to mal- function.

364

Tire inflation pressure warnings If the system detects a significant loss of tire inflation pressure in one or more than one tire, a message appears in the multi- function display.

Example illustration In addition, a warning signal sounds.

Reactivating the TPMS

Warning!

It is the driver’s responsibility to calibrate the TPMS on the recommended cold infla- tion pressure. Underinflated tires affect the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You might lose control over the vehicle.

The TPMS must be restarted when you have adjusted the tire inflation pressure to a new level (e.g. because of different load or driving conditions). The TPMS is then recalibrated to the current tire inflation pressures. 왘 Using the Tire and Loading Information

placard on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 352) or, if available, the supplemental tire inflation pressure information on the inside of the fuel filler flap (컄 page 337), make sure the tire inflation pressure of all four tires is correct.

i Restart the TPMS after adjusting the tire in- flation pressure to the inflation pressure recom- mended for the vehicle operating condition. Tire pressure should only be adjusted on cold tires. Observe the recommended tire inflation pres- sure on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 352). Some vehicles may have supplemental tire inflation pressure information for driving at high speeds (컄 page 358) or for vehicle loads less than the maximum loaded vehicle condition (컄 page 358). If such information is provided, it can be found on the inside of the fuel filler flap. 왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 40). 왘 Press button è or ÿ on the mul-

tifunction steering wheel repeatedly until the standard display menu ap- pears in the multifunction display (컄 page 147).

왘 Press button j or k repeatedly

until you see the following message: Tire Pressure Monitor Active Menu: R-Button

왘 Press the reset button (컄 page 145). The following message will appear in the multifunction display: Restart tire pressure monitor? 왘 Press button æ.

The following message will appear in the multifunction display: Tire Pressure Monitor Restarted After driving a few minutes the system verifies that the current tire inflation pressures are within the system’s specified range. Afterwards the current tire inflation pressures are accepted as reference pressures and then moni- tored.

If you wish to cancel activation: 왘 Press button ç.

Operation Tires and wheels

Checking tire pressure electronically with the Advanced Tire Pressure Moni- toring System (Advanced TPMS)*, (Canada only)

i This device complies with RSS-210 of Indus- try Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

The TPMS only functions on wheels that are equipped with the proper electronic sensors. It monitors the tire inflation pres- sure, as selected by the driver, in all four tires. A warning is issued to alert you to a decrease in pressure in one or more of the tires. Tire pressure inquiries are made using the multifunction display. The present inflation pressures are displayed only after a few minutes’ travel time.

365

Warning!

Warning!

It is the driver’s responsibility to calibrate the TPMS on the recommended cold infla- tion pressure. Underinflated tires affect the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You might lose control over the vehicle.

i With a spare wheel without wheel sensor mounted, the system may still indicate the tire inflation pressure of the removed wheel for some minutes. If this happens, keep in mind that the indicated value where the spare wheel is mount- ed does not reflect the actual spare tire inflation pressure.

The TPMS does not indicate a warning for wrongly selected inflation pressures. Always adjust tire inflation pressure according to the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar or, if available, the supplemental tire inflation pressure infor- mation on the inside of the fuel filler flap.

The TPMS is not able to issue a warning due to a sudden dramatic loss of pressure (e.g. tire blowout caused by a foreign object). In this case bring the vehicle to a halt by care- fully applying the brakes and avoiding abrupt steering maneuvers.

Operation Tires and wheels

i Possible differences between the readings of a tire pressure gauge of an air hose, e.g. gas station equipment, and the vehicle’s control system can occur. Usually the readings issued by the control system are more precise. 왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 40). 왘 Press button j or k on the

multifunction steering wheel until the current inflation pressures for each tire appear in the multifunction display.

i When the vehicle has been parked for longer than 20 minutes, the message Tire pressure displayed after driving for a few minutes. appears in the multifunction display.

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Warning!

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recom- mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-Pillar or, if available, the tire inflation pressure label on the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle plac- ard or the tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires. As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitor- ing system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires are significantly underinflated. Accord- ingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illu- minates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible. Driving on a signif- icantly underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.

Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may effect the vehi- cle’s handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driv- er’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.

i Operating radio transmission equipment (e.g. wireless headsets, two-way radios) in or near the vehicle could cause the TPMS to mal- function.

Operation Tires and wheels

Tire inflation pressure warnings If the system detects a significant loss of tire inflation pressure in one or more than one tire, a message appears in the multi- function display.

Example illustration The respective tire is indicated by a red rectrangle. In addition, a warning signal sounds.

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Operation Tires and wheels

Restarting Advanced TPMS* The TPMS usually recognizes new refer- ence values automatically, for example when you have 앫 adjusted the tire inflation pressure 앫 changed wheels or tires 앫 mounted new wheels or tires

Warning!

It is the driver’s responsibility to calibrate the TPMS on the recommended cold infla- tion pressure. Underinflated tires affect the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You might lose control over the vehicle.

368

If you want to set new reference values manually: 왘 Using the Tire and Loading Information

placard on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 352) or, if available, the sup- plemental tire inflation pressure information on the inside of the fuel filler flap (컄 page 337), make sure the tire inflation pressure of all four tires is correct.

i Reactivate the TPMS after adjusting the tire inflation pressure to the inflation pressure rec- ommended for the vehicle operating condition. Tire pressure should only be adjusted on cold tires. Observe the recommended tire inflation pressure on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 352). Some vehicles may have supple- mental tire inflation pressure information for driving at high speeds (컄 page 358) or for vehi- cle loads less than the maximum loaded vehicle condition (컄 page 358). If such information is provided, it can be found on the inside of the fuel filler flap.

왘 Press button è or ÿ on the mul-

tifunction steering wheel repeatedly until the standard display menu appears in the multifunction display (컄 page 147).

왘 Press button j or k repeatedly

until 앫 the current inflation pressures for each tire appear in the multifunc- tion display or

앫 the following message appears in

the multifunction display

Tire pressure displayed after driving for a few minutes.

왘 Press the reset button (컄 page 145). The following message will appear in the multifunction display: Restart tire pressure monitor?

왘 Press button æ.

The following message will appear in the multifunction display: Tire Pressure Monitor Restarted After a few minutes driving, the current tire inflation pressure values are ac- cepted as reference values and then monitored.

If you wish to cancel activation: 왘 Press button ç.

Operation Tires and wheels

Potential problems associated with underinflated and overinflated tires

Underinflated tires Underinflated tires can: 앫 cause excessive and uneven tire wear 앫 adversely affect fuel economy 앫 lead to tire failure from being

overheated

앫 adversely affect handling

characteristics

Warning!

Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.

Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.

Overinflated tires Overinflated tires can: 앫 adversely affect handling

characteristics

앫 cause uneven tire wear 앫 be more prone to damage from road

hazards

앫 adversely affect ride comfort 앫 increase stopping distance

Warning!

Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.

Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear unevenly, increase stopping distance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.

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Operation Tires and wheels

Tire labeling

Besides tire name (sales designation) and manufacturer name, a number of markings can be found on a tire. Following are some explanations for the markings on your vehicle’s tires:

370

1 Uniform Quality Grading Standards

(컄 page 377)

Tire size designation, load and speed rating

2 DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)

(컄 page 374)

3 Maximum tire load (컄 page 376) 4 Maximum tire inflation pressure

(컄 page 376) 5 Manufacturer 6 Tire ply material (컄 page 379) 7 Tire size designation, load and speed

rating (컄 page 370)

8 Load identification (컄 page 374) 9 Tire name

i For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illustration. For more information, see “Rims and tires” (컄 page 515).

1 Tire width 2 Aspect ratio in % 3 Radial tire code 4 Rim diameter 5 Tire load rating 6 Tire speed rating

i For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illustration.

General: Depending on the design standards used, the tire size molded into the sidewall may have no letter or a letter preceding the tire size designation. No letter preceding the size designation (as illustrated above): Passenger car tire based on European design standards. Letter “P” preceding the size designation: Passenger car tire based on U.S. design standards. Letter “LT” preceding the size designation: Light Truck tire based on U.S. design standards. Letter “T” preceding the size designation: Temporary spare tires which are high pressure compact spares designed for temporary emergency use only.

Tire width The tire width 1 (컄 page 370) indicates the nominal tire width in mm.

Aspect ratio The aspect ratio 2 (컄 page 370) is the dimensional relationship between tire section height and section width and is expressed in percentage. The aspect ratio is arrived at by dividing section height by section width.

Tire code The tire code 3 (컄 page 370) indicates the tire construction type. The “R” stands for radial tire type. Letter “D” means diag- onal or bias ply construction; letter “B” means belted-bias ply construction. At the tire manufacturer’s option, any tire with a speed capability above 149 mph (240 km/h) can include a “ZR” in the size designation (for example: 245/40 ZR 18). For additional information, see “Tire speed rating” (컄 page 372).

Operation Tires and wheels

Rim diameter The rim diameter 4 (컄 page 370) is the diameter of the bead seat, not the diameter of the rim edge. Rim diameter is indicated in inches (in).

Tire load rating The tire load rating 5 (컄 page 370) is a numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can support. For example, a load rating of 91 corre- sponds to a maximum load of 1356 lbs (615 kg) the tire is designed to support. See also “Maximum tire load” (컄 page 376) where the maximum load as- sociated with the load index is indicated in kilograms and lbs.

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Operation Tires and wheels

Warning!

The tire load rating must always be at least half of the GAWR (컄 page 380) of your vehicle. Otherwise, tire failure may be the result which may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury to you or others.

Always replace rims and tires with the same designation, manufacturer and type as shown on the original part.

For additional information on tire load rating, see “Load identification” (컄 page 374). i Tire load rating 5 (컄 page 370) and Tire speed rating 6 (컄 page 370) are also referred to as “service description”.

Tire speed rating The tire speed rating 6 (컄 page 370) indicates the approved maximum speed for the tire.

Warning!

Warning!

Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified load limit as indicated on the Tire and Loading Information placard located on the driver’s door B-pillar. Overloading the tires can overheat them, possibly causing a blowout. Overloading the tires can also result in handling or steering problems, or brake failure.

Even when permitted by law, never operate a vehicle at speeds greater than the maximum speed rating of the tires.

Exceeding the maximum speed for which tires are rated can lead to sudden tire failure, causing loss of vehicle control and possibly resulting in an accident and/or personal injury and possible death, for you and for others.

i Tire load rating 5 (컄 page 370) and Tire speed rating 6 (컄 page 370) are also referred to as “service description”.

Summer tires

Index (Y) ZR

Speed rating up to 100 mph (160 km/h) up to 106 mph (170 km/h) up to 112 mph (180 km/h) up to 118 mph (190 km/h) up to 130 mph (210 km/h) up to 149 mph (240 km/h) up to 168 mph (270 km/h) up to 186 mph (300 km/h) above 186 mph (300 km/h) above 149 mph (240 km/h)

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앫 At the tire manufacturer’s option, any

tire with a speed capability above 149 mph (240 km/h) can include a “ZR” in the size designation (for exam- ple: 245/40 ZR18). To determine the maximum speed capability of the tire, the service description for the tire must be referred to. The service description is comprised of the tire load rating 5 (컄 page 370) and the tire speed rating 6 (컄 page 370). If your tire includes “ZR” in the size designation and no service description 5 and 6 (컄 page 370) is given, the tire manufacturer must be consulted for the maximum speed ca- pability.

If a service description 5 and 6 (컄 page 370) is given, the speed capa- bility is limited by the speed symbol in the service description. Example: 245/40 ZR18 97Y. In this example, “97Y” is the service description. The letter “Y” designates the speed rating and the speed capabil- ity of the tire is limited to 186 mph (300 km/h).

앫 Any tire with a speed capability above 186 mph (300 km/h) must include a “ZR” in the size designation AND the service description must be placed in parenthesis. Example: 275/40 ZR 18 (99Y). The “(Y)” speed rating in paren- thesis designates the maximum speed capability of the tire as being above 186 mph (300 km/h). Consult the tire manufacturer for the actual maximum permissible speed of the tire.

Operation Tires and wheels

All-season and winter tires

Index Speed rating Q M+S1
up to 100 mph (160 km/h) T M+S1 up to 118 mph (190 km/h) H M+S1 up to 130 mph (210 km/h) V M+S1 up to 149 mph (240 km/h) 1 or M+S.for winter tires

i Not all M+S rated tires provide special winter performance. Make sure the tires you use show M+S and the mountain/snowflake.marking on the tire sidewall. These tires meet specific snow traction performance requirements of the Rubber Manu- facturers Association (RMA) and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) and have been designed specifically for use in snow conditions.

373

In addition to tire load rating, special load identification 1 may be molded into the tire sidewall following the letter designat- ing the tire speed rating (컄 page 370). No specification given: absence of any text (like in above example) indicates a standard load (SL) tire. XL or Extra Load: designates an extra load (or reinforced) tire. Light Load: designates a light load tire. C, D, E: designates load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure.

DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)

U.S. tire regulations require each new tire manufacturer or tire retreader to mold a TIN into or onto a sidewall of each tire produced. The TIN is a unique identifier which facili- tates efforts by tire manufactures to notify purchasers in recall situations or other safety matters concerning tires and gives purchasers the means to easily identify such tires. The TIN is comprised of “Manufacturer’s identification mark”, “Tire size”, “Tire type code” and “Date of manufacture”.

Operation Tires and wheels

Load identification

1 Load identification

i For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illustration.

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Operation Tires and wheels

DOT (Department of Transportation) A tire branding symbol 1 (컄 page 375) which denotes the tire meets require- ments of the U.S. Department of Transpor- tation.

Tire type code The code 4 (컄 page 375) may, at the option of the manufacturer, be used as a descriptive code for identifying significant characteristics of the tire.

Manufacturer’s identification mark The manufacturer’s identification mark 2 (컄 page 375) denotes the tire manufacturer. New tires have a mark with two symbols. Retreaded tires have a mark with four sym- bols. For more information on retreaded tires, see (컄 page 348).

Tire size The code 3 (컄 page 375) indicates the tire size.

Date of manufacture The date of manufacture 5 (컄 page 375) identifies the week and year of manufac- ture. The first two figures identify the week, starting with “01” to represent the first full week of the calendar year. The second two figures represent the year. For example, “3202” represents the 32nd week of 2002.

1 DOT 2 Manufacturer’s identification mark 3 Tire size 4 Tire type code (at the option of the tire

manufacturer)

5 Date of manufacture

i For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illustration.

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Operation Tires and wheels

Maximum tire load

Warning!

Maximum tire inflation pressure

Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified load limit as indicated on the Tire and Loading Information placard located on the driver’s door B-pillar. Overloading the tires can overheat them, possibly causing a blowout. Overloading the tires can also result in handling or steering problems, or brake failure.

For more information on tire load rating (컄 page 371). For information on calculating total and cargo load capacities (컄 page 353).

1 Maximum permissible tire inflation

pressure

i For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illustration.

This is the maximum permissible tire inflation pressure for the tire.

1 Maximum tire load rating

i For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illustration.

The maximum tire load is the maximum weight the tires are designed to support.

376

Always follow the recommended tire inflation pressure (컄 page 357) for proper tire inflation.

Warning!

Never exceed the max. tire inflation pressure. Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.

Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being over- heated.

Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride com- fort, wear unevenly, increase stopping dis- tance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are more likely to become punctured or damaged by road de- bris, potholes etc.

Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards (U.S. vehicles)

Tire manufacturers are required to grade tires based on three performance factors: treadwear, traction and temperature resistance.

1 Treadwear 2 Traction 3 Temperature resistance

i For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illustration.

Operation Tires and wheels

Quality grades can be found, where appli- cable, on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example:

Treadwear Traction Temperature 200

AA

All passenger car tires must conform to federal safety requirements in addition to these grades.

377

Traction The traction grades, from highest to low- est, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades rep- resent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor- mance.

Warning!

The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.

Temperature The temperature grades are A (the high- est), B, and C, representing the tire’s resis- tance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tem- perature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and ex- cessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

Operation Tires and wheels

Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rat- ing based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For ex- ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.

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Warning!

Tire ply material

The temperature grade for this tire is estab- lished for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underin- flation, or excessive loading, either sepa- rately or in combination, can cause excessive heat build-up and possible tire failure.

1 Plies in sidewall 2 Plies under tread

i For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illustration.

This marking tells you about the type of cord and number of plies in the sidewall and under the tread.

Operation Tires and wheels

Tire and loading terminology

Accessory weight The combined weight (in excess of those standard items which may be replaced) of automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that these items are available as factory-installed equipment (whether installed or not).

Air pressure The amount of air inside the tire pressing outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi), or kilopascal (kPa) or bars.

Aspect ratio Dimensional relationship between tire section height and section width expressed in percentage.

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Operation Tires and wheels

Bar Another metric unit for air pressure. There are 14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi) to 1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa) to 1 bar.

Bead The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.

Cold tire inflation pressure Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle has been sitting for at least 3 hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).

Curb weight The weight of a motor vehicle with stan- dard equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped, air conditioning and additional optional equipment, but without passen- gers and cargo.

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DOT (Department of Transportation) A tire branding symbol which denotes the tire meets requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) The GAWR is the maximum permissible axle weight. The gross vehicle weight on each axle must never exceed the GAWR for the front and rear axle indicated on the certification label located on the driver’s door B-pillar.

GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all cargo, equipment, luggage etc. loaded on the trailer.

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) The GVW comprises the weight of the vehicle including fuel, tools, spare wheel, installed accessories, passengers and cargo and, if applicable, trailer tongue load. The GVW must never exceed the GVWR indicated on the certification label located on the driver’s door B-pillar.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) This is the maximum permissible vehicle weight of the fully loaded vehicle (weight of the vehicle including all options, passen- gers, fuel, and cargo and, if applicable, trailer tongue load). It is indicated on certification label located on the driver’s door B-pillar.

Kilopascal (kPa) The metric unit for air pressure. There are 6.9 kPa to 1 psi; another metric unit for air pressure is bars. There are 100 kilopascals (kPa) to 1 bar.

Maximum load rating The maximum load in kilograms and pounds that can be carried by the tire.

Maximum loaded vehicle weight The sum of curb weight, accessory weight, total load limit and production options weight.

Maximum tire inflation pressure This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire under normal driving conditions.

Normal occupant weight The number of occupants the vehicle is designed to seat, multiplied by 68 kilograms (150 lbs).

Occupant distribution The distribution of occupants in a vehicle at their designated seating positions.

Production options weight The combined weight of those installed regular production options weighing over 5 lbs (2.3 kilograms) in excess of those standard items which they replace, not previously considered in curb weight or accessory weight, including heavy duty brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim.

PSI (Pounds per square inch) A standard unit of measure for air pressure -> bar, kilopascal (kPa).

Recommended tire inflation pressure Recommended tire inflation pressure for normal driving conditions is listed on the Tire and Loading Information placard locat- ed on driver’s door B-pillar. Provides best handling, tread life and riding comfort. If so equipped, supplemental information per- taining to special driving situations can be found on the tire inflation pressure label on the inside of the fuel filler flap.

Operation Tires and wheels

Rim A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire beads are seated.

Sidewall The portion of a tire between the tread and the bead.

TIN (Tire Identification Number) Unique identifier which facilitates efforts by tire manufacturers to notify purchasers in recall situations or other safety matters concerning tires and gives purchases the means to easily identify such tires. The TIN is comprised of “Manufacturer’s identifica- tion mark”, “Tire size”, “Tire type code” and “Date of manufacture”.

Tire load rating Numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can support.

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Operation Tires and wheels

Tire ply composition and material used This indicates the number of plies or the number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire tread and sidewall. Tire manufac- turers also must indicate the ply materials in the tire and sidewall, which include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.

Tire speed rating Part of tire designation; indicates the speed range for which a tire is approved.

Total load limit Rated cargo and luggage load plus 68 kilograms (150 lbs) times the vehicle’s designated seating capacity.

Traction Force exerted by the vehicle on the road via the tires. The amount of grip provided.

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Tread The portion of a tire that comes into contact with the road.

Treadwear indicators Narrow bands, sometimes called “wear bars” that show across the tread of a tire when only 1/16 in (1.6 mm) of tread remains.

TWR (Tongue Weight Rating) Maximum permissible weight on trailer tongue.

Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards A tire information system that provides consumers with ratings for a tire’s traction, temperature and treadwear. Ratings are determined by tire manufacturers using government testing procedures. The ratings are molded into the sidewall of the tire.

Vehicle maximum load on the tire Load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each axle its share of the maximum loaded vehicle weight and dividing it by two.

Rotating tires

Warning!

Rotate front and rear wheels only if they are of the same dimension.

If your vehicle is equipped with mixed-size tires (different tire dimensions front vs. rear), tire rotation is not possible.

Tire rotation can be performed on vehicles with tires of the same dimension all around. If your vehicle is equipped with tires of the same dimension all around, tires can be rotated, observing a front-to-rear rotation pattern that will maintain the intended rotation (spinning) direction of the tire (컄 page 351).

Warning!

Have the tightening torque checked after changing a wheel. Wheels could become loose if not tightened with a torque of 110 lb-ft (150 Nm).

Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for your vehicle’s rims.

For information on wheel change, see the “Practical hints” section (컄 page 448) and (컄 page 478).

In some cases, such as when your vehicle is equipped with mixed-size tires (different tire dimension front vs. rear), tire rotation is not possible. If applicable to your vehicle’s tire configu- ration, tires can be rotated according to the tire manufacturer’s recommended in- tervals in the tire manufacturer’s warranty pamphlet located in your vehicle literature portfolio. If none is available, tires should be rotated every 3000 to 6000 miles (5000 to 10000 km), or sooner if neces- sary, according to the degree of tire wear. The same rotation (spinning) direction must be maintained (컄 page 351). Rotate tires before the characteristic tire wear pattern becomes visible (shoulder wear on front tires and tread center wear on rear tires). Thoroughly clean the mounting face of wheels and brake disks, i.e. the inner side of the wheels/tires, during each rotation. Check for and ensure proper tire inflation pressure.

Operation Tires and wheels

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Operation Winter driving

Before the onset of winter, have your vehicle winterized at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. This service includes: 앫 Check of anticorrosion and antifreeze

concentration.

앫 Addition of cleaning concentrate to the water of the windshield and headlamp cleaning system. Add MB Concentrate “MB SummerFit” to a premixed wind- shield washer solvent/antifreeze which is formulated for temperatures below freezing point (컄 page 530). 앫 Battery test. Battery capacity drops

with decreasing ambient temperature. A well charged battery helps to make sure that the engine can be started even at low ambient temperatures. 앫 Tire change. Mercedes-Benz recom-

mends M+S rated radial-ply tires with a minimum tread depth of approximately 1/6 in (4 mm) on all four wheels for the winter season.

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Winter tires

Always use winter tires at temperatures below 45°F (7°C) and whenever wintry road conditions prevail. Not all M+S rated tires provide special winter performance. Make sure the tires you use show the mountain/snowflake.marking on the tire sidewall. These tires meet specific snow traction performance requirements of the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and The Rubber Association of Can- ada (RAC) and have been designed specif- ically for use in snow conditions. Use of winter tires is the only way to achieve the maximum effectiveness of the ABS, ESP®, 4-ETS, and EBP in winter operation. For safe handling, make sure all mounted winter tires are of the same make and have the same tread design.

Warning!

Winter tires with a tread depth of less than 1/6 in (4 mm) must be replaced. They are no longer suitable for winter operation.

Always observe the speed rating of the winter tires installed on your vehicle. If the maximum speed for which your tires are rated is below the speed rating of your vehicle, you must place a notice to this effect where it will be seen by the driver. Such notices are available from your tire dealer or from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Operation Winter driving

Warning!

Snow chains

If you use your spare tire when winter tires are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that the difference in tire characteristics may very well impair turning stability and that overall driving stability may be reduced. Adapt your driving style accordingly.

Have the spare tire replaced with a winter tire at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Block heater (Canada only)

! Even on vehicles with all-wheel-drive use snow chains on rear tires only. Some tire sizes do not leave adequate clearance for snow chains. To help avoid serious damage to your vehicle or tires, use of snow chains is not permissible with the spare wheel.

! Vehicles with ADS*: When driving with snow chains, do not select SPORT mode (컄 page 255).

i When driving with snow chains, you may wish to deactivate the ESP® (컄 page 102) before setting the vehicle in motion. This will improve the vehicle’s traction.

The engine is equipped with a block heater. The electrical cable may be installed at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Snow chains should only be driven on snow-covered roads at speeds not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains as soon as possible when driving on roads without snow.

Please observe the following guidelines when using snow chains: 앫 Use of snow chains is not permissible

with all wheel/tire combinations (컄 page 515).

앫 Snow chains should only be used on the rear wheels. Follow the manufac- turer’s mounting instructions. 앫 Only use snow chains that are

approved by Mercedes-Benz. Any authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center will be glad to advise you on this subject.

앫 Use of snow chains may be prohibited depending on location. Always check local and state laws before installing snow chains.

앫 Do not use snow chains on the spare

wheel (컄 page 518).

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Operation Maintenance

We strongly recommend that you have your vehicle serviced by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center, in accordance with the Maintenance Booklet at the times called for by the maintenance service indicator display.

Starting approximately 1 month before the next maintenance service is due, one of the following messages will appear in the multifunction display while you are driving or when you switch on the ignition (exam- ple service A):

! Failure to have the vehicle maintained in accordance with the Maintenance Booklet and maintenance service indicator at the designated times/mileage will result in vehicle damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Maintenance service indicator message

The maintenance service indicator message will notify you when the next maintenance service is due.

Service A In XXXXX Miles (Km) Service A In XXX Days Service A In X Day Service A Due Now The maintenance services will be indicated by showing a service type A through type H in the multifunction display. Types A through H are classified based on estimat- ed time needed to perform the mainte- nance service, ranging: from

Service A (approximately 1 hour)

to

Service H (approximately 8 hours)

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Refer to Maintenance Booklet for a listing of maintenance services and intervals they need to be performed at.

i The Maintenance System in your vehicle tracks distance driven and the time elapsed since the last maintenance service and calcu- lates other maintenance service work required.

Clearing the maintenance service indicator message The maintenance service indicator mes- sage is automatically cleared 앫 after approximately 10 seconds when

you switch on the ignition or when reaching the maintenance service threshold while driving

앫 after approximately 30 seconds, once

the suggested maintenance service term has passed

You can also clear it yourself:

1 Reset button 왘 Press reset button 1 on the instru-

ment cluster. The maintenance service indicator message is cleared and the standard display appears in the multifunction display (컄 page 154).

Operation Maintenance

Maintenance service term exceeded If you have exceeded the suggested main- tenance service term, you will see the fol- lowing message in the multifunction display:

Service A Exceeded By XXXXX Miles (Km) Service A Exceeded By XXX Days Service A Exceeded By X Day In addition, a signal sounds when the message appears. Any authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center will reset the maintenance service indicator following a completed mainte- nance service.

387

Operation Maintenance

Calling up the maintenance service indicator display

You can call up the maintenance service in- dicator display at any time to check when the next maintenance service is due. 왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 40). 왘 Press button è or ÿ on the mul-

tifunction steering wheel repeatedly until the standard display appears in the multifunction display (컄 page 154).

왘 Press button k or j until the

maintenance service indicator display with the service symbol 9 and the service deadline appears in the multi- function display.

i If the battery is disconnected, the days of disconnection will not be included in the count shown by the maintenance service indicator.

388

To arrive at the true maintenance service dead- line, you will need to subtract these days from the days shown in the maintenance service indi- cator message or maintenance service indicator display. Do not confuse the maintenance service indica- tor with the engine oil level indicator N.

Resetting the maintenance service indicator

! If the maintenance service indicator was inadvertently reset, have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center correct it. Only reset if the proper maintenance service has been performed. Resetting the system without performing the proper service as called for by the maintenance service indicator will result in engine damage and/or other vehicle damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

In the event that the maintenance service on your vehicle is not carried out by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center, you can have the maintenance service indicator reset. The automotive maintenance facility carrying out the maintenance service will find the informa- tion for resetting the maintenance service indicator in the maintenance-relevant information for your vehicle. Such informa- tion is available from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center or di- rectly from Mercedes-Benz.

왔 Vehicle care Cleaning and care of the vehicle

Regular and proper care will help to maintain the value of your vehicle. The best way to protect your vehicle from harmful environmental influences is to wash it and use protective treatments regularly.

Warning!

Many cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are poisonous, others are flammable. Always follow the instructions on the partic- ular container. Always open your vehicle’s doors or windows when cleaning the inside.

Never use fluids or solvents that are not de- signed for cleaning your vehicle.

Always lock away cleaning products and keep them out of reach of children.

While in operation, even while parked, your vehicle is subjected to varying external in- fluences which, if gone unchecked, can at- tack the paintwork as well as the underbody and cause lasting damage. Such damage is caused not only by extreme and varying climatic conditions, but also by: 앫 Air pollution 앫 Road salt 앫 Tar 앫 Gravel and stone chipping To avoid paint damage, you should immediately remove: 앫 Grease and oil 앫 Fuel 앫 Coolant 앫 Brake fluid 앫 Bird droppings 앫 Insects 앫 Tree resins, etc.

Operation Vehicle care

Frequent washing reduces and/or eliminates the aggressiveness and potency of the above adverse influences. More frequent washings are necessary to deal with unfavorable conditions: 앫 near the ocean 앫 in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust

emissions)

앫 during winter operation You should check your vehicle from time to time for stone chipping or other damage. Any damage should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent corrosion. In doing so, do not neglect the underbody of the vehicle. A prerequisite for a thor- ough check is a washing of the underbody followed by a thorough inspection. Dam- aged areas need to be re-undercoated.

389

Operation Vehicle care

Your vehicle has been treated at the facto- ry with a wax-base rustproofing in the body cavities which will last for the lifetime of the vehicle. Post-production treatment is neither necessary nor recommended by Mercedes-Benz because of the possibility of incompatibility between materials used in the production process and others ap- plied later. We have selected car-care products and compiled recommendations which are specially matched to our vehicles and which always reflect the latest technology. You can obtain Mercedes-Benz approved car-care products at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or damage due to negligent or incorrect care cannot always be removed or repaired with the car-care products recommended here. In such cases it is best to seek aid at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

390

The following topics deal with the cleaning and care of your vehicle and give important “how-to” information as well as references to Mercedes-Benz approved car-care products.

Tar stains Quickly remove tar stains before they dry and become more difficult to remove. A tar remover is recommended.

Paintwork, painted body components

! Affixing stickers, adhesive tape or similar materials to painted body components may damage the paintwork.

Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should be applied when water drops on the paint surface do not “bead up”. This should normally be done every 3 to 5 months, depending on the climate and washing detergent used. Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner should be applied if the paint surface shows signs of dirt embedding (i.e. loss of gloss).

Power washer

! Follow the instructions provided by the power washer manufacturer on maintaining a distance between the vehicle and the nozzle of the power washer. Never use a round nozzle to power-wash tires. The intense jet of water can result in damage to the tire. Always replace a damaged tire. Always keep the jet of water moving across the surface. Do not aim directly at electrical parts, electrical connectors, seals, or other rubber parts.

i Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*: If a door handle is hit by a strong jet of water, and a SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* is in close proximity, i.e. within approximately 3 ft (approxi- mately 1 m), the vehicle could be inadvertently locked or unlocked.

Do not apply any of these products or wax if your vehicle is parked in the sun or if the hood is still hot. 왘 Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up

Stick for quick and provisional repairs of minor paint damage (i.e. chips from stones, vehicle doors, etc.).

Engine cleaning Prior to cleaning the engine compartment make sure to protect electrical compo- nents and connectors from the intrusion of water and cleaning agents. Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticorrosion Wax, should be applied to the engine compartment after every en- gine cleaning. Before applying, all control linkage bushings and joints should be lu- bricated. The poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from any wax.

Vehicle washing In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces of road salt as soon as possible. When washing the vehicle underbody, do not forget to clean the inner sides of the wheels.

i Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*: If a door handle is hit by a strong jet of water, and a SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* is in close proximity, i.e. within approximately 3 ft (approxi- mately 1 m), the vehicle could be inadvertently locked or unlocked.

Hand-wash Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle in direct sunlight. 왘 Only use a mild car wash detergent,

such as Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo.

Operation Vehicle care

왘 Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a dif-

fused jet of water. Direct only a very weak spray towards the ventilation intake.

왘 Use plenty of water and rinse the

sponge and chamois frequently.

왘 Rinse with clean water and thoroughly

dry with a chamois. Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on the finish.

! Do not use scouring agents on these parts. Never apply strong force and only use a soft, non-sratching cloth when cleaning the vehicle. Do not attempt to wipe the surface with a dry cloth or sponge. Otherwise you may scratch or damage the paint.

391

Operation Vehicle care

Automatic car wash You can have your car washed in an auto- matic car wash from the start. Automatic car washes without brushes are prefera- ble. 왘 To protect the filter system, switch the climate control system (컄 page 206) or the automatic climate control system* (컄 page 220) to air recirculation mode.

! Do not clean your vehicle in an automatic touchless car wash which use caustic spray. Otherwise the caustic spray will damage the paint or ornamental moldings.

If the vehicle is very dirty, prewash it before running it through the automatic car wash.

! Make sure that the windshield wiper switch is set to 0 (컄 page 61). Otherwise, e.g. the rain sensor could activate and cause the wipers to move unintentionally. This may lead to vehicle damage. Due to the width of the vehicle, fold in exterior rear view mirrors prior to running the vehicle through an automatic car wash to prevent damage to the mirrors.

392

When taking the vehicle through an auto- matic conveyor type car wash, observe the following instructions.

Warning!

When leaving the SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* in the starter switch, do not leave children unattended in the vehicle. It is possible for children to switch on the ignition which could result in unsupervised use of vehicle equipment. A child’s unsupervised access to a vehicle could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Vehicles with SmartKey: 왘 With the vehicle at a standstill and the ignition switched on shift the automatic transmission to neutral position N.

왘 If engaged, release the parking brake

(컄 page 57).

왘 Switch off the ignition and leave the

SmartKey in the starter switch.

Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*: 왘 With the vehicle at a standstill, depress

the brake pedal and keep it pressed.

왘 With the ignition switched on shift the

automatic transmission to park position P.

왘 Release the brake pedal. 왘 Remove the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop

button from the starter switch (컄 page 41).

왘 Insert the SmartKey with

KEYLESS-GO* into the starter switch.

왘 Switch on the ignition. 왘 Depress the brake pedal.

Operation Vehicle care

왘 Shift the automatic transmission to

neutral position N.

왘 Release the brake pedal. 왘 If engaged, release the parking brake

(컄 page 57).

왘 Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* in the starter switch.

i After running the vehicle through an auto- matic car wash, wipe any wax off of the wind- shield (컄 page 395). This will prevent smears and reduce wiping noise which can be caused by residual wax on the windshield. When leaving the car wash, make sure that the mirrors are folded out. Otherwise they may vibrate.

Ornamental moldings For regular cleaning and care of ornamen- tal moldings, use a damp cloth.

Headlamps, brake lamps, tail lamps, side markers, turn signal lenses 왘 Use a mild car wash detergent, such as

! Do not use chrome cleaner on ornamental moldings. Although ornamental moldings may have chrome appearance, they could be made of anodized aluminum that will be damaged when cleaned with chrome cleaner. Instead, use a damp cloth to clean those ornamental moldings. For very dirty ornamental moldings of which you are sure are chrome-plated, use a chrome clean- er. If in doubt whether an ornamental molding is chrome-plated, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Mercedes-Benz approved Car Sham- poo, with plenty of water.

! Only use window cleaning solutions that are suitable for plastic lamp lenses. Window clean- ing solutions which are not suitable may damage the plastic lamp lenses of the headlamps. There- fore, do not use abrasives, solvents or cleaners that contain solvents. Never apply strong force and only use a soft, non-scratching cloth when cleaning the lenses. Do not attempt to wipe dirty lenses with a dry cloth or sponge. Otherwise you may scratch or damage the lens surface.

393

Operation Vehicle care

Cleaning the Parktronic* system sensors

1 Parktronic* system sensors in front

bumper

왘 Use a mild car wash detergent, such as

Mercedes-Benz approved Car Sham- poo, with plenty of water and a soft, non-scratching cloth to clean sensors 1 on the bumpers.

394

! Do not apply strong pressure to the sensor covers. Applying strong pressure may damage the sensor covers. Follow the instructions provided by the power washer manufacturer on maintaining a distance between the vehicle and the nozzle of the power washer.

! To prevent scratches, never apply strong force and only use a soft, non-scratching cloth when cleaning the sensors. Do not attempt to wipe dirty sensors with a dry cloth or sponge.

Cleaning the Rear View Camera lens*

1 Camera lens 왘 Only use clean water and a soft, non-scratching cloth to clean the camera lens 1.

Be careful not to apply wax to camera lens 1 when waxing the vehicle. If necessary, remove the wax using the Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo with plenty of water.

! Do not clean the camera and the area around the camera: 앫 with a high-pressure cleaner 앫 with a dry cloth and high pressure 앫 with aggressive cleaning agents You could otherwise damage the camera.

Operation Vehicle care

왘 Use a soft, clean cloth and a mild win-

dow cleaning solution on all outside and inside glass surfaces. An automotive glass cleaner is recom- mended.

! Fold the windshield wiper arms back onto the windshield before turning the SmartKey in the starter switch or pressing the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button (vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*). Hold on to the wiper when folding the wiper arm back. If released, the force of the impact from the tensioning spring could crack the windshield.

! To clean the window interior, do not use a dry cloth, abrasives, solvents or cleaners con- taining solvents. Do not touch the inside of the front, rear or side windows and the power tilt/sliding sunroof or rear panorama roof with hard objects such as an ice scraper or ring. Doing so may damage the windows.

Cleaning the windows and the wiper blades