2003 Mercedes-benz CL Class Owners Manual

CL 500
CL 600
CL 55 AMG

Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz. Your selection of our product is a demon- stration of your trust in our company name. Furthermore, it exemplifies your de- sire to own an automobile that will be as easy as possible to operate and provide years of service. Your Mercedes-Benz represents the ef- forts of many skilled engineers and crafts- men. To help assure your driving pleasure, as well as your and your passengers’ safe- ty, we ask you to make a small investment of time:

앫 Please read this manual carefully be- fore putting it aside. Then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for your reference.

앫 Please follow the recommendations

contained in this manual. They are de- signed to acquaint you with the opera- tion of your Mercedes-Benz.

앫 Please pay attention to the warnings

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

We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC A DaimlerChrysler Company

At a glance .......................................... 19
Cockpit................................................. 20
Instrument cluster ................................ 22
Multifunction steering wheel ................ 24
Center console ..................................... 25
Upper part ...................................... 25
Lower part ...................................... 26
Overhead control panel ........................ 27
Door control panel................................ 28

Introduction.......................................... 9
Product information................................ 9
Operator’s Manual............................... 10
Service and Warranty Information.. 10
Important notice for California retail buyers and lessees of Mercedes-Benz automobiles .......... 11
Maintenance .................................. 12
Roadside Assistance ...................... 12
Change of address or ownership.... 12
Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada............ 13
Where to find it.................................... 14
Symbols............................................... 15
Operating safety .................................. 16
Proper use of the vehicle ............... 16
Problems with your vehicle.................. 17
Reporting safety defects...................... 18
Reporting safety defects ................ 18

Contents

Getting started................................... 29
Unlocking ............................................. 30
Unlocking with the SmartKey ......... 30
Unlocking with KEYLESS-GO*......... 32
Adjusting .............................................. 34
Seats .............................................. 34
Steering wheel................................ 37
Mirrors............................................ 38
Driving.................................................. 40
Fastening the seat belts ................. 40
Starting the engine ......................... 42
Switching on headlamps................. 46
Turn signals and high beam ............ 46
Windshield wipers........................... 47
Problems while driving.................... 48
Parking and locking.............................. 49
Parking brake ................................. 50
Switching off headlamps................. 50
Turning off engine........................... 51

Contents

Safety and Security ........................... 53
Occupant safety................................... 54
Airbags ........................................... 55
Seat belts ....................................... 60
Children in the vehicle.................... 63
Blocking of rear window operation . 69
Panic alarm.......................................... 70
Activating ....................................... 70
Deactivating ................................... 70
Driving safety systems......................... 71
ABS ................................................ 71
BAS ................................................ 73
ESP................................................. 73
Anti-theft systems................................ 76
Immobilizer..................................... 76
Anti-theft alarm system.................. 77
Tow-away alarm ............................. 78

Controls in detail............................... 79
Locking and unlocking......................... 80
SmartKey ....................................... 80
KEYLESS-GO card* ........................ 83
Opening the doors from the inside............................... 87
Opening the trunk lid from the inside............................... 88
Opening the trunk lid from the outside............................. 89
Trunk lid emergency release .......... 89
Closing the trunk lid....................... 90
Separately locking the trunk .......... 90
Separately unlocking the trunk ...... 91
Trunk lid opening/closing system*.............. 91
Power closing assist for doors and trunk lid.................... 94
Automatic central locking .............. 94
Locking and unlocking from the inside............................... 95

Seats .................................................... 96
Lumbar support .............................. 96
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 96
Head restraints ............................... 97
Multicontour seat*.......................... 99
Folding forward front seat backrests..................... 100
Seat ventilation*.......................... 102
Seat heating................................. 103
Memory function ............................... 105
Storing positions into memory ..... 106
Recalling positions from memory ............................... 106
Storing exterior rear view mirror parking position ........ 107
Lighting ............................................. 108
Exterior lamp switch .................... 108
Combination switch ..................... 111
Hazard warning flasher ................ 111
Interior lighting ............................ 112
Courtesy lighting.......................... 113

Contents

Instrument cluster ............................. 114
Instrument cluster illumination .... 114
Coolant temperature gauge ......... 115
Trip odometer .............................. 115
Tachometer.................................. 115
Outside temperature indicator ..... 116
Control system .................................. 117
Multifunction display.................... 117
Multifunction steering wheel........ 118
Menus .......................................... 120
Standard display menu ................ 122
AUDIO menu ................................ 122
CD changer operating mode ........ 123
TEL menu* ................................... 125
NAVI menu................................... 127
Distronic* menu........................... 128
Trip computer menu..................... 129
Malfunction memory menu .......... 130
Settings menu.............................. 131

Automatic transmission...................... 143
One-touch gearshifting ................. 144
Gear ranges .................................. 145
Gear selector lever position .......... 146
Program mode selector switch ..... 147
Accelerator position...................... 148
Emergency operation (Limp home mode)........................ 148
Steering wheel gearshift control (Speedshift) and manual shift program CL 55 AMG ............. 149
Good visibility ..................................... 151
Rear view mirror ........................... 151
Windshield wipers......................... 154
Headlamp cleaning system ........... 154
Sun visors ..................................... 155
Rear window sunshade ................. 156

Automatic climate control .................. 157
Setting the temperature ............... 160
Adjusting air distribution .............. 161
Adjusting air volume ..................... 162
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL........ 162
Defrosting..................................... 162
Air recirculation mode .................. 163
Charcoal filter ............................... 164
Rear window defroster.................. 165
Deactivating the climate control system.............................. 166
Air conditioning ............................ 166
Residual heat and ventilation........ 167
Ventilated storage compartment under armrest............................... 167
Rear passenger compartment adjustable air vents ...................... 168

Contents

Power windows.................................. 169

Opening and closing the windows ................................. 169
Synchronizing power windows ..... 172
Sliding/pop-up roof........................... 173

Opening and closing the sliding/pop-up roof ..................... 173
Synchronizing the sliding/pop-up roof ..................... 175
Driving systems ................................. 176
Cruise control............................... 176
Distronic*..................................... 179
Active Body Control (ABC)............ 190
Parktronic system* (Parking assist)............................. 193
Loading .............................................. 197
Roof rack*.................................... 197
Loading instructions..................... 197
Cargo tie-down hooks .................. 198

Useful features .................................. 199
Interior storage spaces ................ 199
Ashtrays....................................... 206
Cigarette lighter ........................... 207
Heated steering wheel* ............... 208
Telephone* .................................. 208
Tele Aid ........................................ 209
Garage door opener ..................... 217
Infrared reflecting windshield....... 221

Operation ........................................ 223
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 224
Driving instructions............................ 225
Drive sensibly – save fuel............. 225
Drinking and driving ..................... 225
Pedals .......................................... 225
Power assistance ......................... 225
Brakes.......................................... 226

Driving off .................................... 227
Parking......................................... 227
Tires............................................. 228
Hydroplaning................................ 229
Tire traction ................................. 229
Tire speed rating .......................... 229
Winter driving instructions ........... 230
Standing water............................. 231
Passenger compartment.............. 231
Driving abroad ............................. 231
Control and operation of radio transmitters .................... 232
Catalytic converter....................... 232
Emission control .......................... 233
Coolant temperature.................... 234
At the gas station .............................. 235

Check regularly and before a long trip................... 236

Contents

Engine compartment ......................... 237
Hood ............................................ 237
Engine oil ..................................... 238
Transmission fluid level................ 242
Active Body Control (ABC) fluid level...................................... 242
Coolant ........................................ 242
Battery ......................................... 243
Windshield washer system and headlamp cleaning system........... 244
Tires and wheels................................ 246
Important guidelines .................... 246
Life of tires................................... 247
Direction of rotation..................... 247
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 247
Rotating wheels ........................... 251
Winter driving .................................... 252
Winter tires .................................. 252
Block heater*............................... 253
Snow chains................................. 253

Maintenance....................................... 254
Clearing the service indicator ....... 254
Service term exceeded ................. 254
Calling up the service indicator..... 255
Resetting the service indicator ..... 255
Vehicle care........................................ 256
Cleaning and care of vehicle......... 256

Practical hints .................................. 263
What to do if …? ................................. 264
Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 264
Lamp in center console................. 269
Messages in the display................ 270
Where will I find...? ............................. 295
First aid kit.................................... 295
Vehicle jack, vehicle tool kit, luggage bowl, spare wheel............ 295
Unlocking/locking in an emergency... 297
Unlocking the vehicle.................... 297
Locking the vehicle ....................... 298
Changing batteries........................ 299
Fuel filler flap ................................ 300

Opening/closing in an emergency ..... 301
Sliding/pop-up roof ...................... 301
Replacing bulbs.................................. 302
Bulbs............................................. 302
Replacing bulbs for front lamps .... 304
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 305
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 307
Removing...................................... 307
Installing ....................................... 307
Flat tire............................................... 308
Preparing the vehicle .................... 308
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 308
Battery ............................................... 313
Disconnecting the battery ............ 314
Removing the battery ................... 314
Charging and reinstalling the battery .................................... 314 Reconnecting the battery ............. 315
Jump starting...................................... 316
Towing the vehicle.............................. 318
Installing towing eye bolt .............. 321

Contents

Fuses ................................................. 322

Fuse boxes in passenger compartment................................ 322
Fuse boxes in engine compartment................................ 324
Emergency engine shut-down ...... 324

Technical data.................................. 325
Spare parts service ............................ 326
Warranty coverage............................. 327

Loss of Service and Warranty Information Booklet...................... 327
Identification labels............................ 328
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ................. 329
CL 500 ......................................... 329
CL 55 AMG................................... 329
CL 600 ......................................... 329

Engine................................................ 330
Rims and Tires ................................... 331
Same size tires............................. 332
Mixed size tires ............................ 333
Spare wheel ................................. 333
Electrical system ............................... 334
Main Dimensions ............................... 335
Weights.............................................. 336
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. .......... 337
Capacities .................................... 337
Engine oils.................................... 339
Engine oil additives ...................... 339
Air conditioning refrigerant .......... 339
Brake fluid.................................... 340
Premium unleaded gasoline ......... 340
Fuel requirements ........................ 340
Gasoline additives ........................ 341
Coolants....................................... 342
Windshield and headlamp washer system ............................. 344

Consumer information....................... 345
Uniform tire quality grading ......... 345

Technical terms............................... 347

Index................................................. 353

Introduction Product information

Product information Please observe the following in your own best interest: We recommend using Mercedes-Benz orig- inal parts as well as conversion parts and accessories explicitly approved by us for your vehicle model. We have tested these parts to determine their reliability, safety and special suitabili- ty for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

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

Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories ap- proved by us are available at your autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Center where you will receive comprehensive information, in- cluding permissible technical modifica- tions, and where proper installation will be performed.

Introduction Operator’s Manual Operator’s Manual This Operator’s Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize yourself with the vehicle before driving. For your own safety and longer service life of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the in- structions and warnings contained in this manual. Ignoring them could result in dam- age to the vehicle or personal injury to you or others. Vehicle damage caused by fail- ure to follow instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment described in this manual. Therefore, you may find explanations for optional equipment not installed in your vehicle. If you have any questions about the operation of any equipment, your au- thorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to demonstrate the proper proce- dures.

10

We continuously strive to improve our product, and ask for your understanding that we reserve the right to make changes in design and equipment. Therefore, infor- mation, illustrations and descriptions in this Operator’s Manual might differ from your vehicle. Optional equipment is also described in this manual, including operating instruc- tions wherever necessary. Since they are special-order items, the descriptions and illustrations herein may vary slightly from the actual equipment of your vehicle. If there are any equipment details that are not shown or described in this Operator’s Manual, your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to inform you of correct care and operating procedures. The Operator’s Manual and Service Book- let are important documents and should be kept with the vehicle.

Service and Warranty Information

The Service and Warranty Information Booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your Mercedes-Benz, including: 앫 New Car Limited Warranty 앫 Emission System Warranty 앫 Emission Performance Warranty 앫 California, Maine, Massachusetts, and

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

앫 State Warranty Enforcement Laws

(Lemon Laws)

(1) the same substantial defect or mal-

function results in a condition that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven, that de- fect or malfunction has been subject to repair two or more times, and you have directly notified Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC in writing of the need for its repair,

(2) the same substantial defect or mal-

function of a less serious nature than category (1) has been subject to repair four or more times and you have direct- ly notified us in writing of the need for its repair, or

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

Under California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the purchase price or lease price, if Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and/or its au- thorized repair or service facilities fail to fix one or more substantial defects or mal- functions in the vehicle that are covered by its express warranty after a reasonable number of repair attempts. During the pe- riod of 18 months from original delivery of the vehicle or the accumulation of 18000 miles (approx. 29000 km) on the odometer of the vehicle, whichever occurs first, a reasonable number of repair at- tempts is presumed for a retail buyer or lessee if one or more of the following oc- curs:

Introduction Operator’s Manual

(3) the vehicle is out of service by reason of repair of the same or different sub- stantial defects or malfunctions for a cumulative total of more than 30 calender days. Written notification should be sent to us, not a dealer, at Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, Customer Assistance Center, One Mercedes Drive, Montvale, NJ 07645-0350.

11

Introduction Operator’s Manual

Maintenance

Roadside Assistance

Change of address or ownership

The Service Booklet describes all the nec- essary maintenance work which should be performed at regular intervals. Always have the Service Booklet with you when you take the vehicle to your autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Center for service. The service advisor will record each ser- vice in the booklet for you.

The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program provides factory trained technical help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside Assistance number 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA) 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada) will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Cus- tomer Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For additional information refer to the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Pro- gram brochure in your glove box.

If you change your address, be sure to send in the “Change of Address Notice” found in the Service and Warranty Informa- tion Booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Ser- vice (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. It is in your own interest that we can contact you should the need arise. If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all literature with the vehicle to make it avail- able to the next operator. If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used Car” found in the Service and Warranty In- formation Booklet, or call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Cen- ter (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.

12

Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada

If you plan to operate your vehicle in for- eign countries, please be aware that: 앫 Service facilities or replacement parts

may not be readily available.

앫 Unleaded gasoline for vehicles with catalytic converters may not be avail- able; the use of leaded fuels will dam- age the catalysts.

앫 Gasoline may have a considerably low- er octane rating, and improper fuel can cause engine damage.

Certain Mercedes-Benz models are avail- able for delivery in Europe under our Euro- pean Delivery Program. For details, consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to: In the USA: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC European Delivery Department One Mercedes Drive Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada: Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc. European Delivery Department 849 Eglinton Avenue East Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5

Introduction Operator’s Manual

13

Introduction Where to find it Where to find it This Operator’s Manual is designed to pro- vide comprehensive support information for you, the vehicle operator. Each section has its own reference color so you can find information quickly.

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

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

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

14

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

Operation Here you will find all the information you need for the proper operation of your vehi- cle.

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

Technical data All important technical data for your vehi- cle can be found in this section.

Indexes The glossary provides explanations of the most important technical terms. The table of contents and the index are de- signed to help you find information quickly and easily. The following publications are part of your vehicle documentation: 앫 this Operator’s Manual 앫 the Service Booklet Separate operating instructions will be provided as required depending on the equipment options installed in your vehi- cle.

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

Optional equipment is identified with an asterisk. Since standard equipment varies between models, the descriptions and illustrations in this manual may differ slightly from the actual equipment of your vehi- cle.

Warning!

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

Highlights hazards that may result in damage to your vehicle.

Helpful hints or further information you may find useful.

->

Introduction Symbols

왘 This symbol points to instructions for

you to follow.

왘 A number of these symbols appearing in succession indicates a multiple-step procedure.

컄 Page

컄컄

This symbol tells you where to look for further information on a topic. This continuation symbol marks an interrupted procedure which will be continued on the next page. In the glossary of technical terms, this symbol is used to cross-reference term defini- tions.

DISPLAY Words appearing in the multi- function display are printed in the type shown here.

15

Introduction Operating safety Operating safety

Warning!

Proper use of the vehicle

Proper use of the vehicle requires that you are familiar with the following information and rules: 앫 The safety precautions in this manual 앫 The “Technical data” section in this

manual

앫 Traffic rules and regulations 앫 Motor vehicle laws and safety stan-

dards

Work improperly carried out on electronic components and associated software could cause them to malfunction or cease func- tioning completely. Because the vehicle’s electronic components are interconnected, any modification made may produce an un- desired effect on other systems.

Electronic system malfunctions could seri- ously impair the operating safety of your ve- hicle.

Make sure that any repairs or modifications to electronic components are carried out by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

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

Some safety systems only function while the engine is running. You should therefore nev- er turn off the engine while driving.

16

Introduction Problems with your vehicle

Problems with your vehicle If you should experience a problem with your vehicle, particularly one that you believe may affect its safe operation, we urge you to immediately contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center to have the problem diagnosed and corrected if required. If the matter is not handled to your satisfaction, please discuss the problem with the Mercedes-Benz Center management, or if necessary contact us at one of the following addresses: In the USA: Customer Assistance Center Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC One Mercedes Drive Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada: Customer Relations Department Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc. 849 Eglinton Avenue East Toronto, Ontario, M4G 2L5

17

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

Reporting safety defects

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (or 366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor ve- hicle safety from the Hotline.

18

At a glance Cockpit

Instrument cluster

Multifunction steering wheel

Center console

Overhead control panel

Door control panel

19

At a glance Cockpit Cockpit

20

At a glance Cockpit

Item

Page

Item

Page

Item

1 Combination switch

앫 Turn signals 앫 Windshield wipers 앫 High beam

2 Cruise control lever

앫 Cruise control 앫 Distronic*

3 Instrument cluster

4 Multifunction steering

wheel

5 Gear range indicator, clock

46
47
111

176
179
22, 111
24, 118
22

6 Lever for voice control sys- tem* (see separate operat- ing instructions)

7 Parking assist* (Parktronic) right front area warning in- dicator

8 Overhead control panel 9 Glove box lock 10 Glove box lid release 11 Glove box 12 Center console

13 Starter switch 14 Horn

195

27
199
199
199
25, 26
31

15 Steering wheel adjustment

stalk Heated steering wheel*

16 Parking brake pedal 17 Hood lock release 18 Parking brake release 19 Door control panel 20 Exterior lamp switch

21 Headlamp washer button 22 Parking assist* (Parktronic) left front area warning indi- cator

Page 37

208
44
237
44
28
46, 108
154
195

21

At a glance Instrument cluster Instrument cluster

22

Item

1 Coolant temperature

gauge

2 Fuel gauge with:

Fuel reserve warning lamp

3 L Left turn signal indicator lamp

K Right turn signal

indicator lamp 4 Speedometer with:

Page 115

268
46

46

v Electronic Stability

264

Program (ESP) warning lamp

l Distance warning

265

lamp1
5 Tachometer

115
1 Vehicles without Distronic*: Warning lamp without function. It illuminates with SmartKey in starter switch position 2. It should go out when the engine is running.

At a glance Instrument cluster

Item

Page

Item

Page

6 Right display with:

- Antilock Brake Sys- tem (ABS) malfunc- tion indicator lamp

265

A High beam head-

111

lamp indicator

< Seat belt nonusage

266

warning lamp 7 J Reset button 8 Display with:

Program mode Gear range indicator Digital clock (see COMAND operating instructions)

114

147
145

9 Multifunction display

with:

Trip odometer Main odometer

117
117

Stored speed for: Cruise control or Distronic*

10 Outside temperature indi-

cator

11 Left display with:

1 Supplemental

restraint system indicator lamp ; Brake warning lamp, except Canada

3 Brake warning

lamp, Canada only ? Engine malfunction

indicator lamp

12 Knob for instrument clus-

ter illumination

176
179
115

266

267

267

268

114

23

Page 117
118

Item

Page

4 Menu systems: Press

button è for next system ÿ for previous system

5 Scrolling within a menu:

Press button j for next display k for previous display

Item

1 Multifunction display Operating control system

2 Selecting the submenu or

setting the volume ç down/to decrease æ up/to increase

3 Telephone*: Press button

í to take a call to dial a call ì to end a call to reject an incoming call

At a glance Multifunction steering wheel Multifunction steering wheel

24

Center console Upper part

At a glance Center console

Item

8 Electronic Stability Pro-

gram (ESP) control switch 9 Rear seat head restraints,

switch for folding down 10 Tow-away alarm switch 11 COMAND (see separate

operating instructions)

12 Automatic climate control 13 Ashtray Lighter

Page 75

97

78

157
206
207

Item

1 Rear window sunshade 2 Parking assist* (Parktronic

system) deactivation switch

3 Active Body Control (ABC) 4 Level control switch 5 Central locking switch

Anti-theft alarm system in- dicator lamp

6 Hazard warning flasher

on/off switch

7 Central unlocking switch

Page 156
193

190
191
95
77

111

95

25

Item

1 KEYLESS-GO* start/stop

button

2 Selector lever for

automatic transmission

3 PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF

indicator lamp

4 Thumbwheel for setting

distance in Distronic* 5 Distance warning func-

tion* on/off switch

Page 33, 43

43, 145
65

187

187

6 Program mode selector for

147

automatic transmission

At a glance Center console

Lower part

26

Overhead control panel

At a glance Overhead control panel

Item

1 Left reading lamp on/off 2 Rear interior lighting

on/off

3 Right reading lamp on/off 4 Interior lighting control 5 Sliding/pop-up roof 6 Hands-free microphone for

Tele Aid (emergency call system), telephone* and voice control system* (see separate operating instruc- tions)

7 Rear view mirror

8 Garage door opener 9 Tele Aid (emergency call

system) button

Page 112
112

112
112
173

38, 151
217
209

27

Item

1 Door handle 2 Memory function (for stor- ing seat, mirror and steer- ing wheel settings)

3 Seat heating

Seat ventilation* 4 Seat adjustment 5 Exterior mirror adjustment

Page 87
105

103
102
34, 96
38, 151

Item

6 Switches for opening/

closing front door windows

7 Rear window

override switch

8 Switches for opening/

closing rear windows

9 Remote trunk lid release

switch Trunk lid opening/closing system* switch

Page 169

69

169

88

91

At a glance Door control panel Door control panel

28

Getting started Unlocking

Adjusting

Driving

Parking and locking

29

Getting started Unlocking

The“Getting started” section provides an overview of the vehicle’s most basic func- tions. First-time Mercedes-Benz owners should pay special attention to the infor- mation given here. If you are already familiar with the basic functions described here, the “Controls in detail” section will help you with further in- formation. The corresponding page refer- ences are at the end of each segment.

Unlocking Unlocking with the SmartKey

Your vehicle comes equipped with two SmartKeys with integrated remote con- trols and removable mechanical key. The locking tabs for the mechanical key portion of the two keys are a different color to help distinguish each key unit.

왘 Press unlock button Œ on the key. All turn signal lamps blink once. The locking knobs in the doors move up.

왘 Get in the vehicle and insert the key in

the starter switch.

Opening a door causes the windows on that side of the car to open slightly. They will return to the up position when the door is closed.

SmartKey with remote control 1 ‹ Lock button 2 Š Unlock button for trunk lid 3 Œ Unlock button 4  Panic button (컄 page 70)

30

Starter switch positions

Starter switch 0 For removing key 1 Power supply for some electrical con-

sumers, such as seat adjustment

2 Ignition (power supply for all electrical

consumers) and driving position

3 Starting position

Warning!

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

The SmartKey can only be removed from the starter switch with the gear selector lever in position P.

Getting started Unlocking

If the key is left in starter switch posi- tion 0 for an extended period of time, it can no longer be turned in the starter switch.

왘 Remove the key from the starter

switch and reinsert.

If the key can still not be turned, the battery may not be sufficiently charged.

왘 Check the battery and charge it

if necessary (컄 page 313).

왘 Get a jump start (컄 page 316).

To prevent accelerated battery dis- charge or a completely discharged bat- tery, always remove the key from the starter switch.

31

Getting started Unlocking

Unlocking with KEYLESS-GO*

Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*: in addition to the two SmartKeys with remote controls and removable mechanical key, your vehi- cle comes equipped with two KEY- LESS-GO* cards. The function of the SmartKey overrules the KEYLESS-GO function.

If you have the KEYLESS-GO function, your vehicle checks whether the KEYLESS-GO card is valid when you grasp the door han- dle. If your KEYLESS-GO card is valid, the doors will unlock, and you can open them.

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

Warning!

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

왘 Grasp the door handle.

All turn signal lamps blink once. The locking knobs on the doors move up. Pressing the KEYLESS-GO start/stop but- ton on the selector lever corresponds to turning the key to the various starter switch positions.

32

Make sure the gear selector lever is set to P. Do not depress the brake pedal.

Position 1
왘 Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop but-

ton once. This supplies power to some electrical consumers, such as seat adjustment.

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

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

Getting started Unlocking

Ignition (or position 2) 왘 Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop but-

ton twice in immediate succession. This supplies power to all electrical consumers. All the lights in the instru- ment cluster light up.

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

More information can be found in the “Controls in detail” section (컄 page 83). For information on starting the engine us- ing the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button, see “Starting with KEYLESS-GO*” (컄 page 43).

33

Getting started Adjusting Adjusting

Warning!

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

Warning!

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

Seats

Warning!

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

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

34

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

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key from the starter switch, take the KEY- LESS-GO* card with you, and lock your vehi- cle.

The power seats can also be operated with the driver’s or passenger door open. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsu- pervised use of vehicle equipment may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmartTM compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM system installed in the ve- hicle to deactivate the front passenger air- bag when it is properly installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the airbag when it in- flates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury will result.

According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seat- ing positions. Infants and small children must ride in back seats and be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system, which is properly secured with the vehicle's seat belt and top tether strap, or secured via lower anchors and top tether strap, fully in accordance with the child seat manufactur- er’s instructions.

A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is significantly increased if the child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle and the child is not properly secured in the child restraint.

Seat adjustment The seat adjustment switches are located in each door.

Getting started Adjusting

왘 Turn the key in the starter switch to

position 1 or 2. or

왘 Press the KEYLESS GO* start/stop

button once or twice. or

왘 Open the driver’s or passenger door.

1 Head restraint height 2 Seat height 3 Seat cushion tilt 4 Seat cushion depth 5 Seat fore and aft adjustment 6 Seat backrest tilt

35

Getting started Adjusting

Head restraint height

Warning!

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

Adjust head restraint to support the back of the head approximately at ear level.

Do not drive the vehicle without the seat head restraints. Head restraints are intend- ed to help reduce injuries during an acci- dent.

왘 Press the switch up or down in the di-

rection of arrow 1.

Seat height 왘 Press the switch up or down in the di-

rection of arrow 2.

Seat cushion tilt 왘 Press the switch up or down in the di- rection of arrow 3 until your upper legs are lightly supported.

36

Seat cushion depth 왘 Press the switch forward or backward

Seat backrest tilt 왘 Press the switch forward or backward

in the direction of arrow 4 until your legs are supported comfortably.

Seat fore and aft adjustment 왘 Press the switch forward or backward

in the direction of arrow 5. Adjust to a comfortable seating posi- tion that still allows you to reach the accelerator/brake pedal safely. The position should be as far to the rear as possible, corresponding to the driver’s ability to properly operate the controls.

When moving the seat, be sure that there are no items in the footwell or be- hind the seats. Otherwise you could damage the seats.

in the direction of arrow 6 until your arms are slightly angled when holding the steering wheel.

Head restraint tilt

왘 Manually adjust the angle of the head

restraint. Push or pull on the lower edge of the head restraint cushion.

i The front passenger seat head restraint automatically lowers after a few sec- onds when the front passenger seat is not occupied.This improves the driver's outward view as well as the forward view from the rear passenger compart- ment. When the front passenger seat is occu- pied again, the front passenger head restraint returns to the last set position within a few seconds. If the front passenger seat was moved fore or aft while not being occupied, the front passenger seat head restraint returns to a position that corresponds best with the seat's axial position when the seat is occupied again.

More information can be found in the “Controls in detail” section (컄 page 97).

Getting started Adjusting

Steering wheel

Warning!

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

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

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key from the starter switch, and take the KEYLESS-GO* card with you. The steering wheel adjustment feature can also be operated with the driver’s door open. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equip- ment may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

1 Steering column, lengthen or shorten 2 Steering column, height 왘 Turn the key in the starter switch to

position 1 or 2. or

왘 Press the KEYLESS GO* start/stop

button once or twice. or

왘 Open the driver’s or passenger door.

37

Mirrors

Adjust the inside and exterior rear view mirrors before driving so that you have a good view of the road and traffic condi- tions.

Inside rear view mirror 왘 Manually adjust the inside rear view

mirror.

Exterior rear view mirror

Warning!

Warning!

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

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

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

Getting started Adjusting

Steering column, lengthen or shorten 왘 Move stalk forward or backward in the direction of arrow 1 until a comfortable steering wheel position is reached with your arms slightly bent at the elbow.

Steering column, height 왘 Move the stalk up or down in the direc-

tion of arrow 2. Make sure that your legs can move freely and that all the displays (including malfunction and in- dicator lamps) on the instrument clus- ter are clearly visible.

Please refer to “Controls in detail” for in- formation on the heated steering wheel* (컄 page 208).

38

! Electrolyte drops coming into contact with the vehicle paint finish can only be completely removed while in their liq- uid state and by applying plenty of wa- ter.

The buttons are located on the driver’s door.

왘 Make sure that the ignition is switched

on. All the lights in the instrument cluster light up.

왘 Press button 1 for the left mirror or

button 2 for the right mirror.

왘 Push adjustment button 3 up, down, left or right according to the desired setting.

1 Driver’s side mirror 2 Passenger side mirror 3 Adjustment button

Getting started Adjusting

Information on how to reposition the exterior mirror housing when it was forcibly pushed forward (hit from the rear) or forcibly pushed rearward (hit from the front) can be found in the “Controls in detail” section (컄 page 153)

At low ambient temperatures, the mir- rors will be heated automatically.

Information on the electrically folding exte- rior rear view mirrors can be found in the “Controls in detail” section (컄 page 152).

39

Getting started Driving Driving

Warning!

Do not lay any objects in the driver’s foot- well. Be careful that floor mats or carpets in the driver’s footwell leave sufficient clear- ance for the pedals.

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

40

Fastening the seat belts

Warning!

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

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

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

In the same crash, the possibility of injury or death is lessened if you are wearing your seat belt. The airbags can only protect as ex- pected if the occupants are using their seat belts (컄 page 54).

Warning!

Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmartTM compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM system installed in the ve- hicle to deactivate the passenger front air- bag when it is properly installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the airbag when it in- flates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury will result.

According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seat- ing positions. Infants and small children must ride in back seats and be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system, which is properly secured with the vehicle’s seat belt and top tether strap, or secured via lower anchors and top tether strap, fully in accordance with the child seat manufactur- er's instructions.

A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is significantly increased if the child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle and the child is not properly secured in the child restraint.

Warning!

Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there are seat belts available. Be sure everyone riding in the vehicle is correctly re- strained with a separate seat belt.

Warning!

Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat backrest reclined. Sitting in an extremely re- clined position can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under it, the belt would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That could cause se- rious or even fatal injuries. The seat back- rest and seat belt provide the best restraint when the wearer is in an upright position and the belt is properly positioned on the body.

Warning!

Read and observe the additional warning no- tices printed in the “Safety and Security” section (컄 page 58).

Getting started Driving

1 Release button 2 Buckle 3 Latch plate 왘 With a smooth motion, pull the belt out

of the seat belt outlet.

왘 Place the belt over your shoulder. 왘 Push latch plate 3 into buckle 2 until it

clicks.

왘 If necessary, tighten the lap portion to

a snug fit by pulling shoulder portion up.

41

Warning!

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

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

Never attempt to make modifications to seat belts. This could impair the effective- ness of the belts.

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

Starting the engine

Warning!

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

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

Getting started Driving

Proper use of seat belts 앫 Do not twist the belt when fastening. 앫 Adjust seat belt so that the shoulder

portion is located as close as possible to the middle of the shoulder (it should not touch the neck or pass under the arm).

앫 Position the lap belt as low as possible

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

앫 Place the seat backrest in a nearly up-

right position.

앫 Never use a seat belt for more than one

person at a time.

앫 Do not fasten a seat belt around a per-

son and another object at the same time.

앫 Check your seat belt during travel to ensure that it is properly positioned. 앫 Ensure that the seat belt is always fit- ted snugly. You should avoid wearing bulky clothing, such as winter coats, when traveling in the vehicle.

42

Automatic transmission

Gearshift pattern for automatic transmission P Park position with selector lever lock R Reverse gear N Neutral D Drive position 왘 Make sure that the gear selector lever

is set to P.

Starting with the SmartKey 왘 Turn the key in the starter switch to position 3 and hold until the engine starts (컄 page 31).

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

왘 Firmly depress the brake pedal.

The selector lever lock is released.

For information on turning off the engine with the SmartKey, see “Turning off engine with the SmartKey” (컄 page 51).

Starting with KEYLESS-GO* You can start your vehicle without a key using the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button on the gear selector lever.

Getting started Driving

1 KEYLESS-GO start/stop button 왘 Firmly depress the brake pedal during the starting procedure. Do not depress accelerator. The selector lever lock is released.

왘 Press KEYLESS-GO start/stop

button 1 once. The engine starts automatically.

For information on turning off the engine with KEYLESS-GO, see “Turning off engine with KEYLESS-GO” (컄 page 51).

43

Getting started Driving

Starting difficulties If the engine does not start as described above, carry out the following steps: 왘 If you are starting the engine with the SmartKey, turn key in starter switch to position 0 and repeat starting proce- dure.

왘 If you are starting the engine with

KEYLESS-GO: Close all doors to allow for better detection of the KEYLESS-GO card. Or: Start the engine with the key as radio signals from another source may be in- terfering with the KEYLESS-GO card.

왘 Repeat the starting procedure

(컄 page 42). Remember that extended starting attempts can drain the battery.

왘 Get a jump start (컄 page 316). If the engine does not start after several starting attempts, there could be a mal- function in the engine electronics or in the fuel supply system.

44

왘 Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center.

Parking brake

1 Parking brake pedal 2 Parking brake release handle

Warning!

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

왘 Release the parking brake by pulling on

handle 2. The indicator lamp ; (USA only) or 3 (Canada only) in the instrument cluster goes out.

Driving 왘 Firmly depress the brake pedal. 왘 Move selector lever in position D or R. 왘 Release the brake pedal. 왘 Carefully depress the accelerator

pedal.

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

You can open a locked door from the inside. Open door only when conditions are safe to do so. You can deactivate the automatic lock- ing using the control system (컄 page 139).

If you hear a warning signal when driv- ing off, you have forgotten to release the parking brake. Release the parking brake.

After a cold start the automatic transmis- sion engages at a higher engine speed. This allows the catalytic converter to reach its operating temperature faster.

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

Getting started Driving

Warning!

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

Simultaneously depressing the acceler- ator pedal and applying the brake re- duces engine performance and causes premature brake and drivetrain wear.

45

Getting started Driving

Warning!

More information can be found in the “Controls in detail” section (컄 page 108).

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

Turn signals and high beam

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

Switching on headlamps

Combination switch 1 Turn signals, right 2 Turn signals, left 왘 Press the combination switch up 1 or

down 2.

Exterior lamp switch 1 Off 2 Low beam headlamps on 왘 Turn the switch to B.

46

To signal minor directional changes, e.g. passing or changing lanes, move combination switch to point of resis- tance only and release. The turn signal blinks three times.

High beam 왘 Push the combination switch forward. The high beam headlights are switched on. The high beam symbol A in the tachometer lights up.

More information can be found in the “Controls in detail” section (컄 page 111).

Windshield wipers

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

Combination switch 1 Single wipe 2 Switching on windshield wipers 왘 Make sure that the ignition is switched

on.

Switching on windshield wipers 왘 Turn the combination switch to the de- sired position depending on the inten- sity of the rain. 0 Windshield wipers off Intermittent wiping II Normal wiper speed III Fast wiper speed

The intermittent wiping interval is de- pendent on wetness of windshield. Wiping will not occur with a door open.

Do not leave windshield wipers in inter- mittent setting when vehicle is taken to an automatic car wash or during wind- shield cleaning. Wipers will operate in the presence of water sprayed on the windshield, and wipers may be dam- aged as a result.

Getting started Driving

The switch should not be left in inter- mittent setting as the wipers will wipe the windshield once every time the en- gine is started. Dust that accumulates on the windshield might scratch the glass when wiping occurs on a dry windshield.

Single wipe 왘 Press switch briefly in the direction of