2012 Mercedes-benz M Class Owners Manual

camera lens :.

! Do not clean the camera lens and the area around the rear view camera with a power washer.

Cleaning the trailer tow hitch

The ball coupling must be cleaned if it becomes dirty or corroded.

X Remove rust on the ball of the ball coupling,

e.g. with a wire brush.

X Remove dirt with a clean, lint-free cloth or

a brush.

X After cleaning, lightly grease the ball of the

ball coupling again.

X Clean sensors : of the driving systems

X Check that the vehicle's trailer tow hitch is

with water, car shampoo and a soft cloth.

working properly.

! When cleaning the sensors with a power washer, maintain a distance between the vehicle and the nozzle of the power washer of at least 11.8 in (30 cm). Information about the correct distance is available from the equipment manufacturer.

! Observe the note on care provided by the

trailer manufacturer.

i You can also have the maintenance work on the ball coupling and the trailer tow hitch carried out by a qualified specialist workshop.

H Environmental note Dispose of rags soaked in oil and grease in an environmentally responsible manner.

Care 323

Interior care

Cleaning the display

X Before cleaning the display, make sure that

it is switched off and has cooled down.

X Clean the display surface using a

commercially-available microfiber cloth and TFT/LCD display cleaner.

X Dry the display surface using a dry

microfiber cloth.

! For cleaning, do not use any of the

following:

Ralcohol-based thinner or gasoline

Rabrasive cleaning agents

Rcommercially-available household

cleaning agents

These may damage the display surface. Do not put pressure on the display surface when cleaning. This could lead to irreparable damage to the display.

X Fold down the camera cover by recess :.

Cleaning Night View Assist Plus

X Use a soft cloth to clean the windshield in

! Never clean the camera lens. When

cleaning the field of vision of the driving systems, make sure that you do not spray glass cleaner on the camera lens. If the camera lens is dirty, visit a qualified specialist workshop.

G WARNING Please do not forget that your primary responsibility is to drive the vehicle. A driver's attention to the road must always be his/her primary focus when driving. For your safety and the safety of others, stop before trying to remove window fogging or cleaning the window in front of the Night View Assist Plus camera.

Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph (approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately 14 m) every second.

front of camera ;.

Cleaning the plastic trim

G WARNING When cleaning the steering wheel boss and dashboard, do not use cockpit sprays or cleaning agents containing solvents. Cleaning agents containing solvents cause the surface to become porous, and as a result, plastic parts may break away and be thrown around the interior when an air bag is deployed, which may result in severe injuries.

! Do not affix the following to plastic

surfaces:

Rstickers

Rfilms

Rscented oil bottles or similar items

You can otherwise damage the plastic.

! Do not allow cosmetics, insect repellent or sunscreen to come into contact with the

324 Care

plastic trim. This maintains the high-quality look of the surfaces.

X Wipe the plastic trim with a damp, lint-free

cloth, e.g. a microfiber cloth.

X Heavy soiling: use car care and cleaning products recommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz. The surface may change color temporarily. Wait until the surface is dry again.

Cleaning the steering wheel and gear or

selector lever

X Thoroughly wipe with a damp cloth or use

leather care agents that have been recommended and approved by Mercedes- Benz.

Cleaning genuine wood and trim

elements

X Wipe the wooden trim and trim pieces with

a damp, lint-free cloth, e.g. a microfiber cloth.

X Heavy soiling: use car care and cleaning products recommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.

! Do not use solvent-based cleaning agents

such as tar remover, wheel cleaners, polishes or waxes. There is otherwise a risk of damaging the surface.

! Do not use chrome polish on trim pieces. The trim pieces have a chrome look but are mostly made of anodized aluminum and can lose their shine if chrome polish is used. Use a damp, lint-free cloth instead when cleaning the trim pieces.

If the chrome-plated trim pieces are very dirty, you can use a chrome polish. If you are unsure as to whether the trim pieces are chrome-plated or not, consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Cleaning the seat covers

! Do not use microfiber cloths to clean

genuine leather, artificial leather or Alcantara® covers. If used often, these can damage the cover.

! Observe the following when cleaning:

Rclean genuine leather covers carefully

with a damp cloth and then wipe the covers down with a dry cloth. Make sure that the leather does not become soaked. It may otherwise become rough and cracked. Only use leather care agents that have been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz. You can obtain these from a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz Service center.

Rclean artificial leather covers with a cloth moistened with a solution containing 1% detergent (e.g. dish washing liquid).

Rclean cloth covers with a microfiber cloth moistened with a solution containing 1% detergent (e.g. dish washing liquid). Rub carefully and always wipe entire seat sections to avoid leaving visible lines. Leave the seat to dry afterwards. Cleaning results depend on the type of dirt and how long it has been there.

Rclean Alcantara® covers with a damp cloth. Make sure you wipe entire seat sections to avoid leaving visible lines.

i Note that regular care is essential to

ensure that the appearance and comfort of the covers is retained over time.

Cleaning the seat belts

X Use clean, lukewarm water and soap

solution.

! Do not clean the seat belts using chemical cleaning agents. Do not dry the seat belts by warming them above 176 ‡ (80 †) or placing them in direct sunlight.

G WARNING 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.

Cleaning the headliner and carpets

X Headliner: use a soft brush or a cleaning

agent recommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz to remove heavy soiling.

X Carpets: use the carpet and textile cleaning agents recommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.

Care 325

326

Useful information ............................ 328

Where will I find...? ........................... 328

Flat tire .............................................. 329

Battery ............................................... 338

Jump-starting .................................... 341

Towing and tow-starting .................. 343

Fuses .................................................. 345

327

328 Where will I find...?

Useful information

i This Operator's Manual describes all models and all standard and optional equipment of your vehicle available at the time of publication of the Operator's Manual. Country-specific differences are possible. Please note that your vehicle may not be equipped with all features described. This also applies to safety- related systems and functions.

i Please read the information on qualified

specialist workshops (Y page 25).

wheel are not equipped with the tools needed to change a wheel, such as a jack. Country-specific differences are possible. Some tools for changing a wheel are specific to the vehicle. You can obtain tools that are approved for use on your vehicle at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Vehicles with a TIREFIT kit

X Lift the trunk floor up (Y page 292).

Where will I find...?

First-aid kit

X Open the tailgate.

X Remove first-aid kit : from the parcel net.

i Check the expiration date on the first-aid

kit at least once a year. Replace the contents if necessary, and replace missing contents.

Vehicle tool kit

Notes

The vehicle tool kit can be found in the stowage well under the cargo compartment floor.

i When they leave the factory, vehicles without a "Minispare" emergency spare

: Lug wrench

; Jack

= Tire sealant filler bottle

? Alignment bolt

A Tire inflation compressor

B Folding wheel chock

C Warning triangle

D Ratchet wrench

E Towing eye

Vehicles with a "Minispare" emergency

spare wheel

X Lift the trunk floor up (Y page 292).

X Remove the "Minispare" emergency spare

wheel (Y page 329).

Flat tire 329

X Vehicles with trailer tow hitch: remove

the ball coupling stowage tray.

X Turn emergency spare wheel retainer ;

counterclockwise and remove it.

X Remove "Minispare" emergency spare

wheel :.

Vehicles with lockable trunk floor

X Remove the contents of stowage tray ;.

X Turn the central retaining screw in stowage tray ; and "Minispare" emergency spare wheel : counterclockwise and remove it.

X Remove stowage well ;.

X Vehicles with trailer tow hitch: remove

the ball coupling stowage tray.

X Remove "Minispare" emergency spare

wheel :.

For further information on changing a wheel and mounting the spare wheel, see (Y page 329).

Flat tire

Preparing the vehicle

Your vehicle may be equipped with:

RTIREFIT kit24

Ra "Minispare" emergency spare wheel

RMOExtended tires (tires with run-flat

properties) (Y page 338)

i Vehicle preparation is not necessary on

vehicles with MOExtended tires.

Example: vehicles with AIRMATIC and trailer tow hitch : Folding wheel chock

; Lug wrench

= Alignment bolt

? Ball coupling of the trailer tow hitch

A Towing eye

B Jack

C Ratchet wrench

"Minispare" emergency spare wheel

The "Minispare" emergency spare wheel can be found in the stowage well under the trunk floor.

X Lift the trunk floor up (Y page 292).

Example: vehicles without lockable trunk floor

24 Canada only.

330 Flat tire

i Vehicles equipped with MOExtended tires are not equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the factory. It is therefore recommended that you additionally equip your vehicle with a TIREFIT kit if you mount tires that do not feature run-flat properties, e.g. winter tires. A TIREFIT kit can be obtained from an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

X Make sure that highway level is

selected25(Y page 180).

i Only operate the tire inflation compressor using a 12 V socket (Y page 297), even if the ignition is turned off.

An emergency cut-off ensures that the on- board electrical system voltage does not drop too low. If the on-board electrical system voltage is too low, power to the sockets is automatically cut off. This ensures that there is sufficient power to start the engine.

X Stop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and level ground, as far away as possible from traffic.

TIREFIT kit

X Switch on the hazard warning lamps.

Using the TIREFIT kit

X Engage the electric parking brake manually

(Y page 156).

X Bring the front wheels into the straight-

ahead position.

X Move the DIRECT SELECT lever to P.

X Switch off the engine.

X Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove

the SmartKey from the ignition lock.

X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the

driver's door. The on-board electronics have status 0, which is the same as the SmartKey having been removed.

X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the

Start/Stop button from the ignition lock (Y page 139).

You can use the TIREFIT kit to seal small punctures, particularly those in the tire tread. You can use TIREFIT at outside temperatures down to Ò4 ‡ (Ò20 †).

G WARNING TIREFIT is a limited repair device. TIREFIT cannot be used for cuts or punctures larger than approximately 0.16 in (4 mm) and tire damage caused by driving with extremely low tire inflation pressure, or on a flat tire, or a damaged wheel.

Do not drive the vehicle under such circumstances.

Contact the nearest authorized Mercedes- Benz Center for assistance or call Roadside Assistance.

X All occupants must get out of the vehicle. Make sure that they are not endangered as they do so.

X Do not remove any foreign objects which

have penetrated the tire, e.g. screws or nails.

X Make sure that no one is near the danger

X Remove the tire sealant bottle, the

area while a wheel is being changed. Anyone who is not directly assisting in the wheel change should, for example, stand behind the barrier.

accompanying "max. 80 km/h" sticker and the tire inflation compressor from the stowage well underneath the cargo compartment floor (Y page 328).

X Get out of the vehicle. Pay attention to

traffic conditions when doing so.

X Close the driver's door.

X Unload heavy luggage.

25 Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package.

Flat tire 331

X Affix part : of the sticker within the

X Pull connector ? with the cable and hose

driver's field of vision.

A out of the housing.

X Affix part ; of the sticker near the valve

X Screw hose A onto flange B of tire

on the wheel with the defective tire.

sealant bottle :.

G WARNING Take care not to allow the contents of TIREFIT to come in contact with hair, eyes or clothing. TIREFIT is harmful if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin - causes skin, eye and respiratory irritation.

Any contact with eyes or skin should be flushed immediately with plenty of water.

If clothing comes in contact with TIREFIT, change clothing as soon as possible.

In case of allergic reaction or rash, consult a physician immediately.

G WARNING Keep TIREFIT away from children. If swallowed, rinse mouth immediately with plenty of water and drink plenty of water.

Do not induce vomiting.

Consult a doctor immediately.

X Insert tire sealant bottle : upside down

into opening ; on the tire inflation compressor.

X Remove the cap from valve C on the

defective tire.

X Screw filler hose D onto valve C. X Insert plug ? into the 12 V socket

(Y page 297).

Keep away from open flame or heat source.

X Turn the SmartKey to position

i If TIREFIT leaks out, allow it to dry. It can

then be removed like a layer of film.

If you get TIREFIT on your clothing, have it cleaned as soon as possible with perchloroethylene.

1 (Y page 139) in the ignition lock.

X Press on/off switch = on the tire inflation

compressor to I. The tire inflation compressor is switched on. The tire is inflated.

i First, TIREFIT is pumped into the tire. The pressure can briefly rise to approximately 500 kPa (5 bar/73 psi).

332 Flat tire

Do not switch off the tire inflation

Tire pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/

compressor during this phase.

26 psi) is reached

X Allow the tire inflation compressor to run

X Switch off the tire inflation compressor.

for five minutes. The tire should then have attained a pressure of at least 180 kPa (1.8 bar/26 psi).

! Do not operate the tire inflation

compressor for longer than eight minutes at a time without a break. It may otherwise overheat.

The tire inflation compressor can be operated again once it has cooled down.

If a pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/26 psi) has been achieved after five minutes, see (Y page 332).

If a pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/26 psi) has not been achieved after five minutes, see (Y page 332).

Tire pressure of at least 180 kPa

(1.8 bar/26 psi) is not reached

If, after five minutes, a pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/26 psi) has not been achieved:

X Switch off the tire inflation compressor.

X Unscrew the filler hose from the valve of

the faulty tire.

X Very slowly drive forwards or reverse

approximately 30 ft (10 m).

X Pump up the tire again.

G WARNING If after five minutes a pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/26 psi) cannot be achieved, the tire is too badly damaged to be repaired reliably using TIREFIT.

In this case TIREFIT cannot seal the tire properly.

Do not drive any further.

Contact the nearest authorized Mercedes- Benz Center for assistance or call Roadside Assistance.

X Unscrew the filler hose from the valve of

the faulty tire.

! After use, excess TIREFIT may run out of

the filler hose. This could cause stains.

Therefore, place the filler hose in the plastic bag which contained the TIREFIT kit.

X Stow the tire sealant bottle and the tire

inflation compressor.

X Pull away immediately.

G WARNING Do not exceed a vehicle speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). A TIREFIT repair is not designed to operate at higher speeds.

The sticker must be attached on the instrument cluster where it will be easily seen by the driver.

Vehicle handling characteristics of a TIREFIT repaired tire may change. Adapt your driving accordingly.

X Stop after driving for approximately ten

minutes and check the tire pressure with the tire inflation compressor.

G WARNING If tire inflation pressure has fallen below 130 kPa (1.3 bar/26 psi) do not continue to drive the vehicle.

Park your vehicle safely away from the roadway and contact the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or Roadside Assistance.

Have the damaged tire replaced.

X Correct the tire pressure if it is at least

130 kPa (1.3 bar/20 psi) (for the required values, see the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver's side B-pillar or the tire pressure table inside the fuel filler flap).

X To increase the tire pressure: switch on

the tire inflation compressor.

E Pressure release button

F Pressure gauge

X To reduce the tire pressure: press

pressure release button E on the filler hose.

X Stow the tire sealant bottle and the tire

inflation compressor.

X Drive to the nearest workshop and have the

tire changed there.

X Have the tire sealant bottle replaced as soon as possible at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center.

H Environmental note Have the used tire sealant bottle disposed of professionally, e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

X Have the tire sealant bottle replaced every

four years at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center.

Flat tire 333

Changing a wheel and mounting the

spare wheel

Preparing the vehicle

G WARNING The wheel and tire size of the emergency spare wheel/spare wheel may differ to that of the damaged wheel. When using an emergency spare wheel/spare wheel the handling characteristics of the vehicle may change.

Adapt your style of driving accordingly.

Never operate the vehicle with more than one emergency spare wheel/spare wheel that differs in size.

Only use an emergency spare wheel/spare wheel of a differing size briefly and do not switch off ESP®.

When using an emergency spare wheel, you must not exceed the maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).

G WARNING Have the emergency spare wheel/spare wheel replaced with a new wheel as soon as possible at a qualified specialist workshop which has the necessary specialist knowledge and tools to carry out the work required. Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety or on safety-related systems must be carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.

i Vehicles without a spare wheel/

emergency spare wheel are not equipped with a tire-change tool kit at the factory. For more information on which tools are required to perform a wheel change on your vehicle, e.g. wheel chock, lug wrench or alignment bolt, consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

334 Flat tire

X Prepare the vehicle as described

(Y page 329).

X If a trailer is coupled to the vehicle,

uncouple it.

X Remove the following items (depending on the vehicle's equipment) from the stowage well under the trunk floor:

Rthe emergency spare wheel26

Rthe lug wrench

Rthe folding wheel chock

Rthe jack

Rthe ratchet wrench

Rthe alignment bolt

X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling

away.

Securing the vehicle to prevent it from

rolling away

G WARNING Only jack up the vehicle on level ground or on slight inclines/declines. The vehicle could otherwise fall off the jack and injure you or others.

If your vehicle is equipped with a wheel chock, it can be found in the vehicle tool kit (Y page 328).

The folding wheel chock is an additional securing measure to prevent the vehicle from rolling away, for example when changing a wheel.

26 Vehicles with an emergency spare wheel.

X Fold both plates upwards :. X Fold out lower plate ;.

X Guide the lugs on the lower plate fully into

the openings in base plate =.

Securing the vehicle on level ground

X On level ground: place chocks or other

suitable items under the front and rear of the wheel that is diagonally opposite the wheel you wish to change.

Securing the vehicle on slight downhill gradients

X On downhill gradients: place chocks or other suitable items in front of the wheels of the front and rear axle.

Raising the vehicle

G WARNING When jacking up the vehicle, only use the jack which has been specifically approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle.

The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up the vehicle at the jacking points built into both

sides of the vehicle. The jack saddle must be placed centrally under the jacking point. The jack must always be vertical when in use, especially on inclines or declines.

The jack is intended only for lifting the vehicle briefly for wheel changes. It is not suited for performing maintenance work under the vehicle. To help avoid personal injury, use the jack only to lift the vehicle during a wheel change.

Never get beneath the vehicle while it is supported by the jack. Keep hands and feet away from the area under the lifted vehicle. Always lower the vehicle onto sufficient capacity jackstands before working under the vehicle.

Always firmly engage the parking brake and block the wheels with wheel chocks or other sizable objects before raising the vehicle with the jack. Do not disengage the parking brake while the vehicle is raised.

Make sure that the ground on which the vehicle is standing and where you place the jack is solid, level and not slippery. If necessary, use a large underlay. On slippery surfaces, such as tiled floors, you should use a non-slip underlay, for example a rubber mat.

Do not use wooden blocks or similar objects as a jack underlay. Otherwise, the jack may not be able to achieve its load-bearing capacity if it is not at its full height.

Never start the engine when the vehicle is raised.

Also observe the notes on the jack.

Flat tire 335

X Using lug wrench :, loosen the bolts on

the wheel you wish to change by about one full turn. Do not unscrew the bolts completely.

The jacking points are located just behind the wheel housings of the front wheels and just in front of the wheel housings of the rear wheels (arrows).

G WARNING The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up the vehicle at the jacking points. The jack saddle must be placed centrally under the jacking point.

If you do not position the jack correctly in the jacking point, the vehicle can fall off the jack and seriously or fatally injure you or others.

! The jack is designed exclusively for

jacking up the vehicle at the jacking points. Otherwise, your vehicle could be damaged.

X Take the ratchet wrench out of the vehicle tool kit and place it on the hexagon nut of the jack so that the letters AUF are visible.

X Position jack = at jacking point ;.

336 Flat tire

The alignment bolt on the jack must be inserted into the intended jacking point hole.

X Remove the wheel.

Mounting a new wheel

G WARNING Always replace wheel bolts that are damaged or rusted.

Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.

Damaged wheel hub threads should be repaired immediately. Do not continue to drive under these circumstances! Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call Roadside Assistance.

Incorrect wheel bolts or improperly tightened wheel bolts can cause the wheel to come off. This could cause an accident. Make sure to use the correct wheel bolts.

G WARNING Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts. Other wheel bolts may come loose.

Do not tighten the wheel bolts when the vehicle is raised. Otherwise, the vehicle could fall off the jack.

X Make sure that the base of the jack is

positioned directly under the jacking point.

X Turn ratchet wrench ? until jack = sits

completely on jacking point ; and the base of the jack lies evenly on the ground.

X Turn ratchet wrench ? until the tire is

raised a maximum of 1.2 inches (3 cm) off the ground.

Removing a wheel

X Unscrew the uppermost wheel bolt

completely.

X Screw alignment bolt : into the thread

instead of the wheel bolt.

X Unscrew the remaining wheel bolts fully.

! Do not place wheel bolts in sand or on a

dirty surface. The bolt and wheel hub threads could otherwise be damaged when you screw them in.

: Wheel bolts for all wheels supplied by the

factory

2 Wheel bolts for the "Minispare"

emergency spare wheel

! Always use wheel bolts ; to mount the "Minispare" emergency spare wheel. Using other wheel bolts to mount the "Minispare" emergency spare wheel could damage the brake system.

Flat tire 337

G WARNING Make sure to use the original length wheel bolts when remounting the original wheel after it has been repaired.

X Clean the wheel and wheel hub contact

surfaces.

! To prevent damage to the paintwork, hold the wheel securely against the wheel hub while screwing in the first wheel bolt.

X Slide the emergency spare wheel onto the

alignment bolt and push it on.

X Tighten the wheel bolts until they are

finger-tight.

X Unscrew the alignment bolt.

X Tighten the last wheel bolt until it is finger-

tight.

X Tighten the wheel bolts evenly in a crosswise pattern in the sequence indicated (: to A). The tightening torque must be 110 lb-ft (150 Nm).

G WARNING Have the tightening torque checked immediately after a wheel is changed. The wheels could come loose if they are not tightened to a torque of 110 lb/ft (150 Nm).

X Turn the jack back to its initial position and

store it together with the rest of the tire- change tool kit in the cargo compartment.

Vehicles with an emergency spare wheel:

X Wrap the defective wheel in the protective

film included with the emergency spare wheel and transport the wheel in the cargo compartment.

Lowering the vehicle

or

X Place the ratchet wrench onto the hexagon

nut of the jack so that the letters AB are visible.

X Turn the ratchet wrench until the vehicle is once again standing firmly on the ground.

X Place the jack to one side.

X Depending on the size of the wheel, you may also be able to secure the defective wheel in the emergency spare wheel well. In this case, you must remove the stowage tray from the emergency spare wheel well and store it securely in the cargo compartment.

i When you are driving with the collapsible

spare wheel mounted, the tire pressure loss warning system or the tire pressure monitoring system cannot function reliably. Only restart the tire pressure loss warning system/tire pressure monitoring

338 Battery

system when the defective wheel has been replaced with a new wheel.

Vehicles with tire pressure control system: all wheels mounted must be equipped with functioning sensors. The defective wheel should no longer be in the vehicle.

can be shorter due to high speeds, a heavy load, sudden changes in direction, the road surface condition, outside temperature, etc., or further if you drive carefully and conservatively.

Do not continue to drive in run-flat mode if:

MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat

properties)

MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat properties) allow you to continue driving your vehicle even if one or more tires are entirely deflated.

MOExtended tires may only be used in conjunction with the activated tire pressure loss warning system or with the activated tire pressure monitoring system.

The maximum permissible distance which can be driven in run-flat mode depends on the load in the vehicle. You can drive 50 miles (80 km) if the vehicle is partially laden and 18 miles (30 km) if it is fully laden.

The maximum permissible distance which can be driven in run-flat mode is counted from the moment the tire pressure loss warning appears in the multifunction display.

You must not exceed a maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).

Ryou hear banging noises.

Rthe vehicle starts to shake.

Ryou see smoke and smell rubber.

RESP® is intervening constantly.

Rthere are tears in the sidewalls of the tire.

After driving in run-flat mode, you must have the wheel(s) checked for damage at a qualified specialist workshop which has the necessary specialist knowledge and tools to carry out the work required. The defective tire must be replaced in every case.

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety or on safety-related systems must be carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.

i When replacing one or all tires, make sure

that you only use tires marked MOExtended and of the specified size for the vehicle.

G WARNING The handling characteristics of your vehicle deteriorate in run-flat mode, for example:

Battery

Important safety notes

Rwhen cornering

Rwhen braking

Rwhen accelerating rapidly

Adapt your driving style accordingly and avoid sudden changes in direction and sudden acceleration, as well as driving over obstacles (i.e. curbs, potholes), and driving off-road. This is particularly the case when the vehicle is heavily laden.

The maximum permissible distance that can be driven in run-flat mode depends to a large extent on the loads placed on the vehicle. It

In order for the battery to achieve the maximum possible service life, it must always be sufficiently charged.

! Have the battery checked regularly at a qualified specialist workshop, such as an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Adhere to the service intervals indicated in the service booklet or ask a qualified specialist workshop, such as an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Have the battery charge checked more frequently if you use the vehicle mainly for

short trips or if you leave it standing idle for a lengthy period.

Only replace a battery with a battery that has been recommended by Mercedes-Benz.

Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center if you wish to leave your vehicle parked for a long period of time.

G WARNING Comply with safety precautions and take protective measures when handling batteries.

Risk of explosion

Fire, naked flames and smoking are prohibited when handling the battery. Avoid creating sparks.

Battery acid is caustic. Avoid contact with the skin, eyes or clothing.

Wear suitable protective clothing, in particular gloves, an apron and a face mask.

Immediately rinse acid splashes off with clean water. Consult a doctor if necessary.

Wear eye protection.

Keep children away.

Observe this Operator's Manual.

H Environmental note

Batteries contain dangerous substances. It is against the law to dispose of them with the household rubbish. They

Battery

339

must be collected separately and recycled to protect the environment.

Dispose of batteries in an environmentally friendly manner. Return discharged batteries to a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, or to a special collection point for old batteries.

G WARNING Failure to follow these instructions can result in severe injury or death.

Never lean over batteries while connecting. You might get injured.

Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected area with water and seek medical help if necessary.

A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive. Keep flames or sparks away from battery, avoid improper connection of jumper cables, smoking etc.

G WARNING Do not place any metal objects on the battery as this could result in a short circuit.

Use leak-proof batteries only to avoid the risk of acid burns in the event of an accident.

Take care that you do not become statically charged, e.g. by wearing synthetic clothing or rubbing against textiles. For this reason, you also should not pull or push the battery over carpets or other synthetic materials.

Never touch the battery first. First, touch the outside body of the vehicle in order to release any possible electrostatic charges.

Do not rub the battery with rags or cloths. The battery could explode if touched due to

340 Battery

electrostatic charge or due to spark formation.

! Before working on the battery, e.g.

loosening the battery terminals, switch off the engine and remove the SmartKey from the ignition. On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, make sure that the ignition is switched off. Check that all the indicator lamps in the instrument cluster are off. You may otherwise destroy electronic components, such as the alternator.

! Like other batteries, the vehicle battery may discharge over time if you do not use the vehicle. In this case have the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop, such as an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. You can also charge the battery with a charger recommended by Mercedes- Benz. Contact an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center for more information.

The battery and the cover of the positive terminal clamp must be installed securely during operation.

i Remove the SmartKey if you park the vehicle and do not require any electrical consumers. The vehicle will then use very little energy, thus conserving battery power.

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you do not carry out work on batteries yourself, e.g. removing or charging. Always have this work performed at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Charging the battery

G WARNING Never charge a battery still installed in the vehicle unless a battery charger unit approved by Mercedes-Benz is being used. Gases may escape during charging and cause explosions that may result in paint damage, corrosion or personal injury.

A battery charger unit specially adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz is available as an accessory. It permits the charging of the battery in its installed position. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further information and availability.

Charge the battery in accordance with the separate instructions for the battery charger.

G WARNING There is a risk of acid burns during the charging process due to the gases which escape from the battery. Do not lean over the battery during the charging process.

G WARNING Battery acid is caustic. Avoid contact with the skin, eyes or clothing.

! Only charge the installed battery with a

battery charger which has been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz. These battery chargers allow the battery to be charged while still installed.

! Only use battery chargers with a

maximum charging voltage of 14.8 V.

! Only charge the battery using the jump-

starting connection point.

The jump-starting connection point is in the engine compartment (Y page 341).

X Open the hood (Y page 312).

X Connect the battery charger to the positive terminal and earth point in the same order as when connecting the donor battery in the jump-starting procedure (Y page 341).

X Read the battery charger's operating

instructions before charging the battery.

Jump-starting 341

Jump-starting

G WARNING Failure to follow these directions will cause damage to the electronic components, and can lead to a battery explosion and severe injury or death.

Never lean over batteries while connecting or jump starting. You might get injured.

Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected area with water, and seek medical help if necessary.

A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive. Keep flames or sparks away from battery, avoid improper connection of jumper cables, smoking, etc.

Attempting to jump start a frozen battery can result in it exploding, causing personal injury.

Read all instructions before proceeding.

! Avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts. Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may

damage the catalytic converter27 and create a risk of fire.

Do not use a rapid-charging device to start the engine.

Make sure the jumper cables are not damaged.

Make sure the jumper cables are not touching any other metal objects when they are connected to the battery.

If your vehicle's battery is discharged, the engine can be jump-started from another vehicle or from a second battery using jumper cables.

Observe the following points:

X The battery is not accessible in all vehicles. If the other vehicle's battery is not accessible,

jump-start the vehicle using a second battery or a jump-starting device.

X Only jump-start the vehicle when the engine is cold and the catalytic converter system has

cooled down28.

X Do not start the engine if the battery is frozen. Let the battery thaw first.

X Jump-starting may only be performed from batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 V.

X Only use jumper cables which have a sufficient cross-section and insulated terminal clamps.

X Make sure that the jumper cables cannot come into contact with parts, such as the pulley

or the fan. These parts move when the engine is started and while it is running.

X If the battery is fully discharged, leave the battery that is being used to jump-start connected

for a few minutes before attempting to start. This charges the empty battery a little.

i Jumper cables and further information about jump-starting can be obtained from any

authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, for example.

X Make sure that the two vehicles do not touch.

X Secure the vehicle by applying the electric parking brake.

X Shift the transmission to position P.

27 Only vehicles with a gasoline engine. 28 Only vehicles with a gasoline engine.

342

Jump-starting

X Turn the SmartKey to position 0 (Y page 139) in the ignition lock and remove it. On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, make sure the ignition is switched off (Y page 139). All indicator lamps in the instrument cluster must be off.

X Switch off all electrical consumers (e.g. radio, blower, etc.).

X Open the hood (Y page 312).

Position number B identifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump- starting device. X Slide cover : of positive terminal ; in the direction of the arrow. X Connect positive terminal ; on your vehicle to positive terminal = of donor battery B

using the jumper cable, beginning with your own battery.

X Start the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed. X Connect negative terminal ? of donor battery B to earth point A of your vehicle using

the jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to donor battery B first.

X Start the engine.

X Allow the engine to run for a few minutes before disconnecting the jumper cable. X First, remove the jumper cable from earth point A and negative terminal ?, then from

positive terminal ; and positive terminal =, each time disconnecting from the contacts on your own vehicle first.

X After removing the jumper cable, close cover : on positive terminal ;.

X Have the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center. The jump-starting procedure is not a standard operating state; therefore, have the battery checked.

Towing and tow-starting 343

Towing and tow-starting

Important safety notes

! Do not use the towing eye for recovery,

as this could damage the vehicle. If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.

G WARNING If you tow the vehicle, you must use a rigid towing bar if:

! When towing, pull away slowly and

smoothly. If the tractive power is too high, the vehicles could be damaged.

Rthe engine is not running.

! Do not tow with sling-type equipment.

Rthere is a brake system malfunction.

This could damage the vehicle.

Rthere is a malfunction in the power supply

or the vehicle's electrical system.

The power assistance for the steering and the brake force booster do not work when the engine is not running. You will need more force to steer and brake, you may have to depress the brake pedal with maximum force.

Before towing away, make sure that the steering can be moved and is not locked.

If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its weight must not exceed the maximum permissible gross vehicle weight of your vehicle.

G WARNING The vehicle is braked when the HOLD function or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Therefore, deactivate HOLD and DISTRONIC PLUS if the vehicle is to be towed.

It is better to have the vehicle transported than to have it towed.

! When towing vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,

use the key instead of the Start/Stop button. Otherwise, the automatic transmission may shift to position P when the driver's or front-passenger door are opened, which could lead to damage to the transmission.

! Vehicles with differential locks: make

sure that the differential locks are in automatic mode. When towing, the differential locks must not be switched on by hand. This could otherwise damage the transmission.

If the vehicle has suffered transmission damage, have it transported on a transporter or trailer.

The automatic transmission must be in position N when the vehicle is being towed.

The battery must be connected and charged. Otherwise, you:

Rcannot turn the SmartKey to position 2 in

! You may only tow the vehicle a maximum

the ignition lock

distance of 30 miles (50 km). A towing speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) must not be exceeded.

For towing distances over 30 miles (50 km), the vehicle must loaded onto a transporter.

! Make sure that the electric parking brake is released. If the electric parking brake is faulty, visit a qualified specialist workshop.

! Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged.

Rcannot shift the automatic transmission to

position N

i Before the vehicle is towed, switch off the

automatic locking feature (Y page 235). You could otherwise be locked out when pushing or towing the vehicle.

Installing/removing the towing eye

Installing the towing eye

Vehicles with a trailer tow hitch: if possible, secure the towing device on the trailer tow hitch (Y page 210).

344 Towing and tow-starting

X Remove the towing eye required for frontal

or rear coupling from the vehicle tool kit (Y page 328).

The mountings for the removable towing eyes are located in the bumpers. They are at the front and at the rear, under the covers.

i Observe the identification labels on the

towing eyes and the information panels on using the towing eyes with the vehicle. The towing eyes must be installed in the correct positions. Install the longer towing eye at the front of the vehicle and the shorter towing eye at the back.

X To open the cover at the front: press cover : inwards in the direction of the arrow at the marking.

Towing a vehicle with both axles on

the ground

When having your vehicle towed, observe the important safety notes (Y page 343).

G WARNING The power assistance for the steering and the brake force booster do not work when the engine is not running. You will then need much more effort to brake and steer the vehicle. Adapt your style of driving accordingly.

The automatic transmission automatically shifts to position P when you open the driver's or front-passenger door or when you remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. In order to ensure that the automatic transmission stays in position N when towing the vehicle, you must observe the following points:

X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and

the SmartKey in the ignition lock is in position 0.

X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the

ignition lock.

On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the key instead of the Start/Stop button (Y page 139).

X Depress and hold the brake pedal.

X Shift the automatic transmission to

position N.

X Release the brake pedal.

X To open the cover at the rear: insert a

X Release the electric parking brake.

flat, blunt object into the cutout and lever off cover ; from the bumper.

X Switch on the hazard warning lamps

(Y page 111).

X Take cover : or ; off the opening.

X Leave the SmartKey in position 2 in the

X Screw the towing eye in clockwise to the

stop and tighten it.

Removing the towing eye

X Loosen the towing eye and unscrew it.

X Attach cover : or ; to the bumper and

press until it engages.

X Place the towing eye in the vehicle tool kit.

ignition lock.

i When towing with the hazard warning

lamps switched on, use the combination switch as usual to signal a change of direction. In this case, only the turn signals for the desired direction flash. When the combination switch is reset, the hazard warning lamps start flashing again.

Fuses

345

Transporting the vehicle

Recovering a vehicle that has become

The towing eyes or trailer tow hitch can be used to pull the vehicle onto a trailer or transporter if you wish to transport it.

X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the

ignition lock.

X Shift the automatic transmission to

position N.

As soon as the vehicle is loaded:

X Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by

applying the electric parking brake.

X Shift the automatic transmission to

position P.

X Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the ignition lock and remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.

stuck

! Pull away smoothly, slowly, and in a

straight line when pulling out a vehicle that has become stuck. Excessive tractive power could damage the vehicles.

If the drive wheels have become stuck in loose or muddy ground, pull the vehicle out with extreme caution, particularly if it is laden.

Never attempt to recover a stuck vehicle with a trailer attached.

Pull out the vehicle backwards, if possible using the tracks it made when it became stuck.

X Secure the vehicle.

Tow-starting (emergency starting)

! Only lash the vehicle down by the wheels

or wheel rims, not by parts of the vehicle such as axle or steering components. Otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged.

! Vehicles with automatic transmission

must not be started by tow-starting. This could otherwise damage the transmission.

Notes for 4MATIC vehicles

Important safety notes

Fuses

! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed with either the front or the rear axle raised, as doing so will damage the transmission.

If the vehicle has transmission damage or damage to the front or rear axle, have it transported on a transporter or trailer.

In the event of damage to the electrical

system

If the battery is defective, the automatic transmission will be locked in position P. To shift the automatic transmission to position N, you must provide power to the vehicle's electrical system in the same way as when jump-starting (Y page 341).

Have the vehicle transported on a transporter or trailer.

G WARNING Only use fuses that have been approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and that have the correct fuse rating for the systems concerned. Do not attempt to repair or bridge faulty fuses. Using fuses that have not been approved or attempting to repair or bridge faulty fuses could cause the fuse to be overloaded and result in a fire. Have the cause traced and rectified at a qualified specialist workshop.

The fuses in your vehicle serve to close down faulty circuits. If a fuse blows, all the components on the circuit and their functions stop operating.

Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of the same rating, which you can recognize by

346 Fuses

the color and value. The fuse ratings are listed in the fuse allocation chart.

If a newly inserted fuse also blows, have the cause traced and rectified at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

! Only use fuses that have been approved

for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and which have the correct fuse rating for the system concerned. For the fuse boxes in the engine compartment and under the rear bench seat, only use fuses with the suffix "S". Otherwise, components or systems could be damaged.

Before changing a fuse

X Park the vehicle and apply the electric

parking brake.

X Switch off all electrical consumers.

X Remove the SmartKey from the ignition

lock.

The fuses are located in various fuse boxes:

Rfuse box on the front-passenger side of the

dashboard

Rfuse box in the engine compartment on the right-hand side of the vehicle, when viewed in the direction of travel

Rfuse box under the rear bench seat

The fuse allocation chart is located in the fuse box under the rear bench seat (Y page 347).