2003 Mercedes-benz G Class Owners Manual

notches as possible.

앫 Move the selector lever to position P. 앫 Slowly release brake pedal. 앫 When parked on an incline, turn front

wheels towards the road curb.

앫 Turn the key to starter switch position 0

and remove.

앫 Take the key and lock vehicle when leav-

ing.

1 Lever 2 Button 왘 Pull lever 1 up as many notches as pos-

sible. When the engine is running, the indica- tor lamp ; (USA only) or 3 (Can- ada only) in the instrument cluster will be illuminated.

G

Switching off headlamps

왘 Turn the exterior lamp switch to M

(컄 page 46).

More information can be found in the “Controls in detail” section (컄 page 100).

Turning off engine

왘 Place the selector lever in position P.

Always set the parking brake in addi- tion to shifting to position P. On slopes, turn the front wheels to- wards the curb.

왘 Turn key in the starter switch to

position 0 and remove it. The immobilizer is activated.

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key from the starter switch, and lock the ve- hicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could release the parking brake and/or move the selector lever from position P, either of which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Warning!

Getting out of your vehicle with the selector lever not fully engaged in position P is dan- gerous. Also, when parked on an incline, position P alone may not prevent your vehi- cle from moving, possibly hitting people or objects.

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

When parked on an incline, turn front wheels towards the road curb.

Getting started Parking and locking

The key can only be pulled out when: 앫 it has been turned to position 0 in

the starter switch

앫 the gear selector lever for the auto- matic transmission is in position P 앫 you are not braking with the service

brake

왘 Press the seat belt release button

(컄 page 41). Allow the retractor to completely re- wind the seat belt by guiding the latch plate.

With the key removed and the driver’s door open, a warning sounds if the ve- hicles exterior lamps are not switched off.

51

Getting started Parking and locking

Warning!

Warning!

More information can be found in the “Controls in detail” section (컄 page 84).

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key from the starter switch, and lock your vehicle. 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.

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

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

왘 After exiting the vehicle press the lock

button ‹ on the key (컄 page 32). The locking knobs on the doors move down.

52

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Panic alarm

Driving and safety systems

Anti-theft systems

53

The 1 warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up: 앫 for about 4 seconds when you turn the key in the starter switch to position 1. 앫 for about 4 seconds when you start the

engine by turning the key.

The warning lamp remains lit if the key is turned to position 2 and left there. The warning lamp will go out when you start the engine.

The warning lamp goes out shortly after you start the engine. This shows that the restraint systems are operational.

A malfunction in the system has been de- tected, if the 1 warning lamp: 앫 fails to extinguish after approximately

4 seconds.

앫 does not come on at all. 앫 comes on after the engine was started

or while driving.

For safety reasons, we strongly recom- mend that you visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately to have the system checked. More information can be found in the “Practical hints” section (컄 page 242).

Safety and Security Occupant safety Occupant safety In this section you will learn the most im- portant facts about the restraint systems of the vehicle. The restraint systems are 앫 Seat belts 앫 Emergency tensioning device 앫 Airbags 앫 Child seats 앫 Child seat recognition 앫 Lower anchors and tethers for children

(LATCH)

As independent systems their protective effects work in conjunction with each oth- er.

For information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle and re- straint systems for infants and chil- dren, see Children in the vehicle (컄 page 63).

54

G

Airbags

Warning!

In the event that the SRS malfunction indica- tor lamp lights up during driving or does not come on at all, the SRS may not be opera- tional. For your safety, we strongly recom- mend that you visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center immedi- ately to have the system checked; otherwise the SRS may not be activated when needed in an accident, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpect- edly and unnecessarily which could also re- sult in injury.

Improper work on the restraint systems can lead to unintentional deployment or opera- tional failure.

All work on these systems should therefore only be carried out by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Warning!

Airbags are designed to reduce the potential of injury in certain frontal (front airbags) im- pacts, which may cause significant injuries. However, no system available today can to- tally eliminate injuries and fatalities.

The activation of the SRS temporarily releas- es a small amount of dust from the airbags. This dust, however, is neither injurious to your health, nor does it indicate a fire in the vehicle. The dust might cause some tempo- rary breathing difficulty for people with asth- ma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, you may wish to get out of the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have any breathing difficulty but cannot get out of the vehicle after the airbag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

The service life of the front passenger airbag extends to the date indicated on the label lo- cated on the driver side B pillar. To provide continued reliability after that date, they should be inspected by an authorized Mer- cedes-Benz Light Truck Center at that time and replaced when necessary.

55

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

To reduce the risk of injury when the front airbags inflate, it is very important for the driver and passenger to always be in a prop- erly seated position and to wear your seat belt.

For maximum protection in the event of a collision always be in normal seated position with your back against the backrest. Fasten your seat belt and ensure that it is properly positioned on your body (컄 page 60). Since the airbag inflates with considerable speed and force, a proper seating and hands on steering wheel position will help to keep you at a safe distance from the airbag. Oc- cupants who are unbelted, out of position or too close to the airbag can be seriously in- jured by an airbag as it inflates with great force in the blink of an eye: 앫 Sit properly belted in an upright position

with your back against the backrest.

56

앫 Adjust the driver seat as far as possible rearward, still permitting proper opera- tion of vehicle controls. The distance from the center of the driver’s breast- bone to the center of the airbag cover on the steering wheel must be at least ten inches (25 cm) or more. You should be able to accomplish this by a combina- tion of adjustments to the seat and steering wheel. If you have any prob- lems, please see your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. 앫 Do not lean with your head or chest close to the steering wheel or dash- board.

앫 Keep hands on the outside of steering wheel rim. Placing hands and arms in- side the rim can increase the risk and potential severity of hand/arm injury when driver front airbag inflates.

앫 Adjust the passenger seat as far as pos- sible rearward from the dashboard when the seat is occupied.

앫 Always sit upright, properly use the seat belts and appropriate size infant or child restraint system.

앫 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 vehicle to deacti- vate the passenger side front airbag when it is properly installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the airbag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, seri- ous or fatal injury will result.

Failure to follow these instructions can re- sult in severe injuries to you or other occu- pants.

If you sell your vehicle you are responsible to make the buyer aware of these points. Be sure to give the buyer this Operator’s Manual.

Warning!

Accident research shows that the safest place for children in an automobile is in the rear seat. Should you choose to place a child 12 years old or under in the passenger seat of your vehicle, you must properly use a BabySmartTM child restraint which will turn off the passenger side front airbag (컄 page 65).

Airbags are designed to activate only in certain frontal (front airbags) impacts which exceed preset thresholds. Only during these types of impacts, if of sufficient severity to meet the deploy- ment thresholds, will they provide their supplemental protection. The driver and passenger should al- ways wear their seat belts. Otherwise it is not possible for the airbags to pro- vide their supplemental protection. In cases of other frontal impacts, an- gled impacts, roll-overs, other side im- pacts, rear collisions, or other accidents, the airbags will not be acti- vated. The driver and passengers will then be protected by the fastened seat belts. We caution you not to rely on the pres- ence of the airbags in order to avoid wearing your seat belt.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Your vehicle was originally equipped with airbags that are designed to acti- vate in certain impacts exceeding a preset threshold to reduce the poten- tial and severity of injury. It is important to your safety and that of your passen- ger that you replace deployed airbags and repair any malfunctioning airbags to ensure that the vehicle will continue to provide supplemental crash protec- tion for occupants.

57

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Safety guidelines for the seat belt, emergency tensioning device and airbag

Warning!

앫 Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly stressed in an accident must be replaced and their anchoring points must also be checked. Use only belts in- stalled or supplied by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

앫 No modifications of any kind may be made to any components or wiring of the SRS. This includes changing or re- moving any component or part of the SRS, the installation of additional trim material, badges, etc. over the steering wheel hub, passenger front airbag cov- er, or door trim panels, and installation of additional electrical/electronic equipment on or near SRS components and wiring. Keep area between airbags and occupants free from objects (e.g. packages, purses, umbrellas, etc.).

58

앫 Airbags and ETDs are designed to func- tion on a one-time-only basis. An airbag or emergency tensioning device (ETD) that was activated must be replaced. 앫 Do not pass belts over sharp edges.

They could tear.

앫 Do not make any modification that could

change the effectiveness of the belts.

앫 An airbag system component within the steering wheel gets hot after the airbag has inflated. Do not touch.

앫 Improper work on the system, including incorrect installation and removal, can lead to possible injury through an unin- tended activation of the SRS.

앫 In addition, through improper work

there is a risk of rendering the SRS inop- erative or causing unintended airbag de- ployment. Work on the SRS must therefore only be performed by an au- thorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

앫 For your protection and the protection

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

앫 Given the considerable deployment

speed and the textile structure of the airbags, there is the possibility of abra- sions or other injuries resulting from air- bag deployment.

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

Warning!

Front airbags

In the event that the SRS malfunction indica- tor lamp lights up while driving, the SRS may not be operational. For your safety, we strongly recommend that you visit an autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center im- mediately to have the system checked; otherwise the SRS may not be activated when needed in an accident, which could re- sult in serious or fatal injury, or it might de- ploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily which could also result in injury.

1 Driver airbag 2 Passenger airbag Driver and passenger airbags are de- ployed: 앫 in the event of a frontal impact 앫 if impact exceeds a preset deployment

threshold

Safety and Security Occupant safety

The airbags will not deploy in impacts which do not exceed the system’s deploy- ment thresholds. You will then be protect- ed by the fastened seat belts. The passenger airbag will only be deployed if: 앫 the passenger seat is occupied. 앫 the 7 indicator lamp in the center

console is not lit (컄 page 65).

Do not place objects heavier than 20 lbs (9 kg) on the front passenger seat. This could cause the front airbag on the front passenger side to deploy in a crash which exceeds the system's de- ployment threshold.

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

Seat belts

The seat belt nonusage warning lamp < in the instrument cluster lights up and a warning sounds for a short time when you turn the key in the starter switch to position 2 and the driver’s seat belt is not fastened. After starting the engine, the seat belt non- usage warning lamp blinks for a brief peri- od to remind the driver and passengers to fasten their seat belts. The use of seat belts and infant and child restraint systems is required by law in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and all Canadian provinces. Even where this is not the case, all vehicle occupants should have their seat belts fastened whenever the ve- hicle is in motion. Information on fastening seat belts is found in the “Getting started” section (컄 page 40).

60

For information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle and re- straint systems for infants and chil- dren, see “Children in the vehicle” (컄 page 63)

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 properly wearing your seat belt. Airbags can only protect as they are designed if the occupants are prop- erly wearing their seat belts.

Warning!

Warning!

Warning!

Safety and Security Occupant safety

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

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

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

Have all work carried out only by an autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Never ride in a moving vehicle with the back- rest reclined. Sitting in an excessively 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 backrest 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!

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.

USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY 앫 Seat belts can only work when used

properly. Never wear seat belts in any other way than as described in this sec- tion, as that could result in serious inju- ries in case of an accident.

앫 Each occupant should wear their seat

belt at all times, because seat belts help reduce the likelihood of and potential severity of injuries in accidents, includ- ing rollovers. The integrated restraint system includes SRS (driver airbag and front passenger airbag), ETD (seat belt emergency tensioning device for driv- er’s seat, passenger seat and the out- board passenger seats). The system is designed to enhance the protection of- fered to properly belted occupants in certain frontal (front airbags) impacts which exceed preset deployment thresholds.

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

앫 Never wear the shoulder belt under your arm, against your neck or off your shoul- der. In a crash, your body would move too far forward. That would increase the chance of head and neck injuries. The belt would also apply too much force to the ribs or abdomen, which could se- verely injure internal organs such as your liver or spleen.

앫 Never wear belts over rigid or breakable objects in or on your clothing, such as eyeglasses, pens, keys, etc., as these might cause injuries.

앫 Position the lap belt as low as possible on your hips and not across the abdo- men. If the belt is positioned across your abdomen, it could cause serious injuries in a crash.

앫 Each seat belt should never be used for more than one person at a time. Do not fasten a seat belt around a person and another person or other objects.

62

앫 Belts should not be worn twisted. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to manage impact forces. The twisted belt against your body could cause injuries.

앫 Pregnant women should also use a

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

앫 Never place your feet on the instrument panel or on the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.

Emergency tensioning device, seat belt force limiter The front seat belts and the outboard pas- senger seats belts are equipped with emer- gency tensioning devices. The ETD is designed to activate only when the seat belt is fastened and in the follow- ing cases: 앫 in frontal or rear-end impacts exceed-

ing a preset severity level

앫 if the restraint systems are operational

and functioning correctly, see 1 indicator lamp (컄 page 54)

In an impact, emergency tensioning devic- es remove slack from the belts in such a way that the seat belts fit more snugly against the body.

Warning!

Children in the vehicle

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

When scrapping the emergency tensioning device, our safety instructions must be fol- lowed. These are available at your autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Do not place objects heavier than 20 lbs (9 kg) on the front passenger seat. This could cause the front airbag on the front passenger side to deploy in a crash which exceeds the system's de- ployment threshold.

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

restraint appropriate to the age and size of the child and recommended for use by Mercedes-Benz.

앫 Ensure that the infant or child is prop- erly secured by a belt at all times while the vehicle is in motion.

Infant and child restraint seats and infor- mation on choosing an appropriate re- straint system can be obtained from any Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Infant and child restraint systems Use only a BabySmartTM1 compatible child restraint for the front passenger seat in this vehicle.

1 BabySmartTM is a trademark of Siemens Automo-

tive Corp.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

We recommend that all infants and children be properly restrained at all times while the vehicle is in motion. All lap-shoul- der belts except the driver’s seat belt have special seat belt retractors for secure fas- tening of child restraints. To fasten a child restraint, follow manufac- turer’s instructions for mounting child re- straints. Then pull shoulder belt out completely and let it retract. During the seat belt retraction a ratcheting sound can be heard to indicate that the special seat belt retractor is activated. The belt is now locked. Push down on child restraint to take up any slack. To deactivate, release seat belt buckle and let seat belt retract completely. The seat belt can again be used in the usual man- ner.

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

Information on child seats with mount- ing fittings for tether anchorages (컄 page 67). For information on child seat anchors – “LATCH” type (컄 page 68).

Warning!

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

The use of infant or child restraints is required by law in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territo- ries and all Canadian provinces. Infants and small children should be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system properly secured by a lap-shoulder belt or, if so equipped,

64

a child restraint lower anchorage sys- tem that complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213 and 225 and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213 and 210.2. A statement by the child restraint man- ufacturer of compliance with this stan- dard can be found on the instruction label on the restraint and in the instruc- tion manual provided with the restraint. When using any infant or child restraint system, be sure to carefully read and follow all manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use. Please read and observe warning labels affixed to inside of vehicle and to infant or child restraints.

Warning!

Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mer- cedes-Benz authorized BabySmartTM com- patible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM System installed in the vehi- cle to deactivate the passenger front airbag when it is properly installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the airbag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal in- jury can 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.

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

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!

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

When the child restraint is not in use, re- move it from the vehicle or secure it with the seat belt to prevent the child restraint from becoming a projectile in the event of an ac- cident.

Do not leave children unattended in the ve- hicle, even if the children are secured in a child restraint system. Unsupervised chil- dren in a child restraint system may use ve- hicle equipment and may cause serious personal injury.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

BabySmartTM airbag deactivation system Special BabySmartTM1 compatible child seats, designed for use with the Mer- cedes-Benz system and available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center are required for use with the BabySmartTM airbag deactivation system. With the special child seat properly in- stalled, the passenger front airbag will not deploy. The 7 indicator lamp located in the center console will be illuminated, except with the key removed or in the starter switch position 0.

1 BabySmartTM is a trademark of Siemens Automo-

tive Corp.

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

Self-test BabySmartTM without special child seat installed After turning key in starter switch to position 1 or 2, the 7 indicator lamp located in the center console lights up for approximately 6 seconds and then goes out. If the indicator lamp should not come on or is continuously lit, the system is not func- tioning. You must see an authorized Mer- cedes-Benz Light Truck Center before seating any child on the front passenger seat. More information can be found in the “Practical hints” section (컄 page 244).

66

Warning!

The BabySmartTM airbag deactivation sys- tem will ONLY work with a special child seat designed to operate with it. It will not work with child seats which are not BabySmartTM compatible.

Never place anything between seat cushion and child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces the effectiveness of the deactivation sys- tem. The bottom of the child seat must make full contact with the passenger seat cushion. An incorrectly mounted child seat could cause injuries to the child in case of an accident, instead of protecting the child.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation of special child seats. When using a BabySmartTM compatible child seat on the front passenger side seat, the front passenger airbag will not deploy only if the 7 indicator lamp remains il- luminated.

Warning!

Please be sure to check the indicator every time you use the special system child seat.

Should the light go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. If the light remains out, do not use the BabySmartTM restraint to transport children on the passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

Warning!

Do not place powered-on laptops, cell phones and like electronic devices on the front passenger seat. Signals from such de- vices may interfere with the BabySmartTM system. Such signal interference may cause the 7 indicator lamp not to come on during self-test or be continuously lit, indi- cating that the system is not functioning.

Installation of infant and child restraint system

1 Anchorage ring for rear left side seat 2 Anchorage ring for rear right side seat 3 Anchorage ring for rear center seat 왘 Guide top tether strap between head restraint and top of seat back. Head restraint must be installed and posi- tioned such that the top tether strap can pass freely between the head re- straint and top of seat back. When mounting a tether strap on the rear outer seats, reinstall the cargo area cover blind (컄 page 169) and op- tional partition net (컄 page 171).

4 Hook 왘 Securely fasten hook 4 to anchorage

ring.

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

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

Use only the described anchorage rings for the respective child seat. Other lashing eye- lets could tear in the case of an accident. Make sure that: 앫 the fastening straps are not crossed or

twisted.

앫 the hook is properly attached and is

closed.

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

Child seat anchors – “LATCH” type This vehicle is provided with two “LATCH” (LOWER Anchors and Tethers for CHil- dren) type anchors (at each of the outer rear seats) for installation of a “LATCH” child seat with matching mounting fittings.

Anchors Install a “LATCH” type child seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 왘 Install child seat according to manufac-

turer’s instructions.

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With a child seat installed in the left rear seat, the seat belt for the center seat occupied by a passenger must op- erate freely. Non-“LATCH” type child seats may also be used and can be installed using the vehicle’s seat belt system. Install child seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Warning!

Install child seat according to manufactur- er’s instructions.

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

Warning!

An incorrectly mounted child seat may come loose during an accident.

Damaged or impact-damaged child seats or child seat mounting fittings must be re- placed.

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

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

Blocking rear door window operation

Warning!

Activate the override switch in the rear when children are riding in the car. The children could otherwise injure themselves, e.g. by becoming trapped in the window opening.

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key from the starter switch, 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 can cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

For more information on power windows, see the “Controls in detail” section (컄 page 158).

1 Switch for rear door window override 왘 Slide the switch to the right.

The N symbol becomes visible. The rear windows can no longer be operat- ed using the switch in the rear doors.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

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An audible alarm and blinking turn signal lamps will operate for approximately 2½ minutes. 왘 To activate: Press and hold button 1 for

at least one second.

왘 To deactivate: Press button 1 again or

insert key in starter switch.

For operation in the USA only: This de- vice complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 앫 This device may not cause harmful

interference, and

앫 this device must accept any inter- ference received, including interfer- ence that may cause undesired operation.

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

Safety and Security Panic alarm Panic alarm

1 Â button

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Driving and safety systems In this section you will find information on the following driving safety systems: 앫 ABS (Antilock Brake System) 앫 BAS (Brake Assist System) 앫 4-ETS (Electronic Traction System) 앫 EBB (Electronic Brake Booster) 앫 ESP (Electronic Stability Program)

In winter operation, the maximum ef- fectiveness of the ABS, ESP, EBB and 4-ETS is only achieved with winter tires (M+S tires), or snow chains as re- quired.

Warning!

The following factors increase the risk of ac- cidents: 앫 Excessive speed, especially in turns 앫 Wet and slippery road surfaces 앫 Following another vehicle too closely The ABS, BAS, ESP and 4-ETS cannot reduce this risk.

Always adjust your driving style to the pre- vailing road and weather conditions.

Safety and Security Driving and safety systems

ABS

Warning!

Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump- ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of ABS and significantly reduces braking effec- tiveness.

The ABS regulates the brake pressure so that the wheels do not lock during braking. This allows you to maintain the ability to steer your vehicle. The ABS is functional above a speed of ap- proximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent of road surface conditions (as long as the differential locks are not engaged). At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in the regulating mode. Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while experi- encing the pulsation.

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LOW RANGE– ABS During off-road driving a special low range system for the antilock brake system (ABS) is operational with transfer case in position LOW (컄 page 141). An improved braking action (dig-in effect) is obtained for vehicle speeds up to 37 mph (60 km/h) through a change in the ABS control function. More information can be found in the “Practical hints” section (컄 page 240).

Safety and Security Driving and safety systems

Continuous steady brake pedal pressure yields the advantages provided by the ABS, namely braking power and the ability to steer the vehicle. On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will re- spond even with light brake pressure. The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road conditions and func- tions as a reminder to take extra care while driving.

To alert following vehicles to slippery road conditions you discover, operate your hazard warning flashers as appro- priate.

The - warning lamp in the instrument cluster (컄 page 24) lights up when you turn the key to position 2. It goes out when the engine is running.

Braking At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in the regulating mode. 왘 Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while experiencing the pul- sation.

Emergency brake maneuver 왘 Keep continuous full pressure on the

brake pedal.

If the ABS is malfunctioning, the BAS, EBB, ESP and 4-ETS are also switched off. Normal driving and braking functions are still available.

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Warning!

BAS

The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering efficiency be- yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction af- forded. The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, atten- tive, and skillful driver can prevent acci- dents. The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck- less or dangerous manner which could jeop- ardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in emergency situations. If you apply the brakes very quickly, the BAS automatically provides full brake boost, thereby poten- tially reducing braking distance. Apply con- tinuous full braking pressure until the emergency braking situation is over. The ABS will prevent the wheels from locking. When you release the brake pedal the brakes function again as normal. The BAS is then deactivated. With the BAS malfunctioning, the ABS, ESP and 4-ETS are also switched off.

Safety and Security Driving and safety systems

Warning!

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

More information can be found in the “Practical hints” section (컄 page 248).

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Warning!

When you see the ESP warning lamp v flashing in the speedometer dial, then pro- ceed as follows: 앫 While driving off, apply as little throttle

as possible.

앫 While driving ease up on the accelera-

tor.

앫 Adapt your speed and driving style to

the prevailing road conditions.

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

The 4-ETS cannot prevent accidents result- ing from excessive speed.

The engine must be shut off when 앫 the parking brake is being tested on

a brake test dynamometer.

앫 the vehicle is being towed with one

axle raised.

Otherwise, the 4-ETS will engage the brakes and seriously damage the brake system.

More information can be found in the “Practical hints” section (컄 page 238).

Safety and Security Driving and safety systems

4-ETS

The 4-ETS improves vehicle’s ability to uti- lize available traction, especially under slippery road conditions. The brakes are applied to the spinning wheel and power is allowed to flow to the wheel(s) with trac- tion. The 4-ETS function is available between ve- hicle speeds of 0 mph (km/h) and 37 mph (60 km/h). The ESP warning lamp v in the instru- ment cluster (컄 page 24) lights up when you turn the key to position 2. It goes out when the engine is running. The ESP warning lamp v starts to flash at any vehicle speed, as soon as the tires lose traction and the wheels begin to spin.

74

EBB

ESP

The EBB enhances braking effectiveness by allowing the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion of the braking effort in straight line braking circumstances with- out a loss of vehicle stability.

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) monitors the vehicle's traction (force of adhesive friction between the tires and the road surface) and handling. The ESP recognizes when a wheel is spin- ning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By ap- plying brakes to the appropriate wheel and by limiting engine output, the ESP works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESP warning lamp v in the instru- ment cluster (컄 page 24) flashes when the ESP is engaged. The ESP warning lamp v lights up when you turn the key to position 2. It goes out when the engine is running.

Safety and Security Driving and safety systems

Warning!

Never switch off the ESP when you see the ESP warning lamp v flashing in the speedometer dial. In this case proceed as follows: 앫 While driving off, apply as little throttle

as possible.

앫 While driving ease up on the accelera-

tor.

앫 Adapt your speed and driving style to

the prevailing road conditions.

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

The ESP cannot prevent accidents resulting from excessive speed.

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Safety and Security Driving and safety systems

Warning!

The ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded. The ESP cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, fol- lowing another vehicle too closely, or aqua- planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabili- ties of a ESP equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the wheels to rotate at differ- ent speeds, possibly causing the ESP to activate. For this reason, all wheels, in- cluding the spare wheel, must have the same tire outside diameter.

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The engine must be shut off when 앫 the parking brake is being tested on

a brake test dynamometer.

앫 the vehicle is being towed with one

axle raised.

Otherwise, the ESP will engage the brakes and seriously damage the brake system.

The ABS, BAS and ESP are automatical- ly switched off when the differential locks are switched on (컄 page 145).

Switching off the ESP

Warning!

The ESP should not be switched off during normal driving other than in the circum- stances described below. Disabling of the system will reduce vehicle stability in stan- dard driving maneuvers.

To improve the vehicle's traction, turn off the ESP in driving situations where it would be advantageous to have the drive wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip such as: 앫 starting out on slippery surfaces and in

deep snow in conjunction with snow chains.

앫 sand or gravel. 앫 when driving off-road. When the ESP is turned off 앫 engine torque is not limited. 앫 the drive wheels can spin.

! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an extended period of time with the ESP switched off. This may cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Turn ESP on immediately if the afore- mentioned circumstances do not apply anymore.

The ESP control switch is located in the up- per center console.

ESP on/off switch 왘 Press upper half of switch.

ESP is deactivated and the ESP warning lamp v in the speedometer dial comes on.

Safety and Security Driving and safety systems

Even if the ESP has been turned off, it is still active in the following situations: 앫 when braking 앫 at vehicle speeds up to approximately 37 mph (60 km/h), if one wheel reach- es the grip limit, e.g. when the street is icy on one side The brake is applied until the wheel re- gains sufficient traction.

If one or more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP warning lamp v in the instru- ment cluster flashes, regardless of the speed.

If the ESP is switched off, it will be au- tomatically activated when exceeding a vehicle speed of 37 mph (60 km/h) or exceeding a severity threshold of side acceleration.

77

Safety and Security Driving and safety systems

Warning!

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

Adapt your speed and driving to the prevail- ing road conditions and to the non-operating status of the ESP.

Switching on the ESP 왘 Press lower half of switch.

The ESP warning lamp v in the speedometer goes out. You are now again in normal driving mode.

More information can be found in the “Practical hints” section (컄 page 238).

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Anti-theft systems Immobilizer

The immobilizer prevents unauthorized persons from starting your vehicle.

Activating Removing the key from the starter switch activates the immobilizer.

Deactivating Inserting the key in the starter switch de- activate the immobilizer.

Safety and Security Anti-theft systems

Anti-theft alarm

Once the alarm system has been armed, a visual and audible alarm is triggered when someone: 앫 opens a door 앫 opens the tailgate 앫 opens the hood The alarm will stay on even if the activating element (a door, for example) is immedi- ately closed. The alarm system will also be triggered when 앫 someone attempts to raise the vehicle 앫 opening the vehicle with the mechani-

cal key

If the alarm stays on for more than 20 seconds, an emergency call is initi- ated automatically by the Tele Aid sys- tem (컄 page 183) provided Tele Aid service was subscribed to and properly activated, and that necessary cellular service and GPS coverage are avail- able.

Arming the alarm system The alarm system is armed after locking the vehicle with the SmartKey. The turn signal lamps blink three times to indicate that the alarm system is activated. A red lamp in the tow-away alarm switch will blink after approximately 10 seconds when the alarm system is completely armed (컄 page 27).

79

Canceling the alarm To cancel the alarm: 왘 Insert the key in the starter switch. or 왘 Press the Œ or ‹ button on the

remote control. The alarm is cancelled.

Tow-away alarm

Once the tow-away alarm is armed, a visual and audible alarm will be triggered when someone attempts to raise the vehicle.

The tow-away protection alarm is trig- gered, for example, if the vehicle is lift- ed on one side. If the alarm stays on for more than 20 seconds, an emergency call is initi- ated automatically by the Tele Aid sys- tem provided Tele Aid service was subscribed to and properly activated, and that necessary cellular service and GPS coverage are available.

Safety and Security Anti-theft systems

If the turn signal lamps do not blink three times, one of the following ele- ments may not be properly closed: 앫 a door 앫 the tailgate 앫 the hood Close the respective element and lock the vehicle again.

Disarming the alarm system The alarm system is disarmed when you unlock your vehicle with the SmartKey. The turn signal lamps blink once to indicate that the alarm system is deactivated.

80

Arming tow-away alarm When you lock your vehicle, the tow-away alarm is automatically armed. When you unlock your vehicle, the tow-away protection disarms automatically.

Disarming tow-away alarm To prevent triggering the tow-away alarm feature, switch off the tow-away alarm be- fore towing the vehicle, or when parking on a surface subject to movement, such as a ferry or auto train.

The switch is located on the center con- sole.

1 Tow-away alarm off switch 2 Indicator lamp 왘 Turn off the ignition and remove the

key.

You cannot disarm the tow-away alarm if the ignition is turned on.

Safety and Security Anti-theft systems

왘 Press upper half 1 of the switch.

Indicator lamp 2 in the switch lights up briefly.

왘 Lock your vehicle with the key. The tow-away alarm remains disarmed un- til you lock your vehicle again.

81

82

Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

Seats

Memory function

Lighting

Instrument cluster

Control system

Automatic transmission

Transfer case

Differential locks

Good visibility

Climate control

Power windows

Sliding/pop-up roof

Driving systems

Loading

Useful features

83

Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

In the “Controls in detail” section you will find detailed information on how to oper- ate the equipment installed in your vehicle. If you are already familiar with the basic functions of your vehicle, this section will be of particular interest to you. To quickly familiarize yourself with the ba- sic functions of the vehicle, refer to the “Getting started” section of this manual. The corresponding page numbers are giv- en at the beginning of each segment.

Locking and unlocking Keys

Your vehicle comes supplied with two SmartKeys with remote controls and a re- movable mechanical key. The locking tabs for the mechanical key portion of the two keys are a different color to help distin- guish each key unit. The remote control key provides an ex- tended operating range. To prevent theft, however, it is advisable to only unlock the vehicle when you are in close proximity to it. The key centrally locks and unlocks: 앫 the doors 앫 the tailgate 앫 the fuel filler flap

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SmartKey with remote controls 1 ‹ Lock button 2 Locking tab for mechanical key 3 Œ Unlock button 4 Battery check lamp 5  Panic button (컄 page 70)

You can also open and close the power windows (컄 page 159) and slid- ing/pop-up roof (컄 page 161) using the SmartKey.

Selective setting If you frequently travel alone, you may wish to reprogram the key so that pressing Œ only unlocks the driver’s door and the fuel filler flap. 왘 Press and hold buttons Œ and ‹ simultaneously for about five seconds until battery check lamp 6 blinks twice. The key will then function as follows: Unlocking driver’s door and fuel filler flap 왘 Press button Œ once. Global unlocking 왘 Press button Œ twice. Global locking 왘 Press button ‹.

To prevent possible malfunction, avoid exposing the key to high levels of elec- tromagnetic radiation.

Factory setting

Global unlocking 왘 Press button Œ.

All turn signal lamps blink once. The locking knobs in the doors move up. The vehicle will lock again automatically within approximately 40 seconds of un- locking if neither door nor tailgate is opened, the SmartKey is not inserted in the starter switch, or the central locking switch is not activated.

Global locking 왘 Press button ‹.

All turn signal lamps blink three times. The locking knobs in the doors move down.

Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

Restoring to factory setting 왘 Press and hold buttons Œ and ‹ simultaneously for about six seconds until the battery check lamp 6 blinks twice.

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key from the starter switch, and lock the ve- hicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. It is possible for children to open a locked door from the inside, which could re- sult in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

85

Checking the batteries 왘 Press button ‹ or Œ.

Battery check lamp 6 lights up briefly to indicate that the key batteries are in order.

If battery check lamp 6 does not light up briefly during check, then the key batteries are discharged. Replace the batteries (컄 page 273). You can obtain the required batteries at any authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Loss of SmartKey or mechanical key If you lose a SmartKey or mechanical key, you should do the following: 왘 Have the SmartKey deactivated by an

authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

왘 Report the loss of the SmartKey or the

mechanical key immediately to your car insurance company.

왘 If necessary have the mechanical lock

replaced.

Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center will be glad to supply you with a replacement.

Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

If you can no longer lock or unlock the vehicle with the SmartKey, then the batteries in the remote control are dis- charged, the SmartKey is malfunction- ing or the vehicle battery is drained. 앫 Use the mechanical key to unlock

the doors (컄 page 272).

앫 Check the vehicle battery

(컄 page 295).

앫 Check the batteries in the key and

replace them if necessary (컄 page 86).

앫 Use the mechanical key to lock the

doors and the tailgate (컄 page 273).

If the key is malfunctioning, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

86

Opening the doors from the inside

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

If the vehicle has previously been locked from the outside with the re- mote control, opening a door from the inside will trigger the alarm.

Tailgate

Warning!

The tailgate swings open to one side. Always make sure there is sufficient clearance for tailgate.

Only drive with the liftgate closed as, among other dangers such as visibility blockage, exhaust fumes may enter the vehicle interi- or.

The tailgate can only be opened if the vehicle has already been centrally un- locked.

1 Locking knob 2 Inside door handle 왘 Pull on door handle 2.

If the door was locked, the locking knob 1 will move up.

Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

Opening the tailgate from the outside

1 Door handle 2 Lock cylinder 왘 Press lock cylinder 2 and pull on tail-

gate handle 1.

왘 Open the tailgate to the side.

87

Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

Opening the tailgate from inside

Separately locking the tailgate

1 Locking knob 2 Inside door handle 왘 Pull on door handle 2.

If door was locked, the locking knob 1 will move up.

Warning!

Do not leave children unattended in the ve- hicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equip- ment may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

1 Locked 2 Unlocked 왘 Close the tailgate 왘 Pull the mechanical key out of the

SmartKey (컄 page 272).

왘 Turn the mechanical key completely to

the right to position 1. The tailgate will remain locked, even if the vehicle is centrally unlocked.

88

Separately unlocking the tailgate 왘 Turn the mechanical key completely to

the left to position 2.

Closing the tailgate

Warning!

To prevent possible personal injury, always keep hands and fingers away from the tail- gate opening when closing the tailgate. Be especially careful when small children are around.

Only drive with the tailgate closed as other- wise exhaust fumes may enter the vehicle interior.

Automatic central locking

The doors and the tailgate automatically lock when the ignition is switched on and the wheels are turning at vehicle speeds of approximately 9 mph (15 km/h) or more. You can open a locked door from the in- side. Open door only when conditions are safe to do so.

The doors unlock automatically after an accident if the force of the impact ex- ceeds a preset threshold. The vehicle automatically locks when the ignition is switched on and the wheels are turning. You could therefore lock yourself out when the vehicle 앫 is pushed 앫 is on a test stand

You can deactivate the automatic locking using the control system (컄 page 127).

Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

Locking and unlocking from the inside

You can lock or unlock the vehicle from in- side using the central locking switches. This can be useful, for example, if you want to unlock the passenger door from the in- side or want to lock the vehicle before starting to drive. The fuel filler flap cannot be locked or un- locked with the central locking switch.

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key from the starter switch, 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.

89

Controls in detail Locking and unlocking

The central locking switch is located in the center console.

Locking 왘 Press central locking switch 1.

If all the doors and the tailgate are closed, the vehicle locks.

Unlocking 왘 Press central locking switch 2.

The vehicle unlocks.

Central locking switch 1 Locking 2 Unlocking

90

You can open a locked door from the inside. Open door only when conditions are safe to do so. If the vehicle was previously centrally locked using the SmartKey, it will not unlock using the central locking switch. If the vehicle was previously locked with the central locking switch 앫 while in the selective remote con- trol mode, only the door opened from the inside is unlocked.

앫 while in the global remote control mode, the complete vehicle is un- locked when a door is opened from the inside.

Seats Information on seat adjustment can be found in the “Getting started” section (컄 page 34).

Controls in detail Seats

The easy-entry/exit feature can be switched on or off in the individual setting menu CONVENIENCE - EASY-ENTRY FEATURE ACTIVATE (컄 page 128). When the key is inserted in the starter switch and the driver’s door is closed, the steering wheel returns to the last position set for it.

To cancel the procedure, press the steering wheel adjustment stalk (컄 page 22) or the memory button (컄 page 98).

Easy-entry/exit feature

Warning!

You must ensure that no one can become trapped or injured by the moving steering wheel when the easy-entry/exit feature is activated, the driver’s door is being opened and the engine is turned off. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsuper- vised use of vehicle equipment may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

With the easy-entry/exit feature activated the steering wheel tilts upwards. This allows easier entry into and exit from the vehicle when the driver’s door is opened. However, the engine must be turned off.

91

Controls in detail Seats

Removing and installing head re- straints

Front seat head restraints

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.

Do not interchange head restraints from front and rear seat.

1 Switch

Tilt the seat backrest rearward for eas- ier removal and installation of the head restraints.

Removing front seat head restraint 왘 Press switch 1 upwards and hold until

the head restraint is fully extended.

왘 Pull head restraint out.

Installing front seat head restraint 왘 Press switch 1 upwards and hold for

about five seconds.

왘 Press the head restraint down until it

engages.

왘 Adjust head restraint to the desired po-

sition.

92

Installing rear seat head restraints 왘 Insert the head restraint and push it

down to the stop.

Ensure proper head restraint positioning, (컄 page 36).

Warning!

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

Rear seat head restraints

Removing rear seat head restraints 왘 Pull out head restraint with both hands.

The head restraint(s) should be stored in a secure place.

Controls in detail Seats

Synchronizing head restraints and the seat adjustment fore and aft

If the power supply was interrupted (bat- tery disconnected or discharged), the head restraints and the seat adjustment fore and aft are no longer adjusted automatical- ly. The head restraints and the seat adjust- ment fore and aft must be resynchronized: 왘 Turn key in starter switch to position 2. 왘 Move the seat completely forward

(컄 page 35) and the head restraint fully down (컄 page 36) and hold the switch- es for approximately one second.

93

Controls in detail Seats

Multicontour seat*

Some models may be equipped with driv- er’s multicontour seat. This seat has a movable seat cushion and inflatable air cushions built into the seat backrest to provide additional lumbar and side sup- port. The seat cushion movement and amount of seat backrest cushion height and curva- ture can be continuously varied with regu- lators on the right side of the seat after turning the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 2.

94

Backrest contour in the lumbar area 왘 Adjust the contour of the backrest in the lumbar area to the desired position using switch 2.

Backrest contour in the upper back area 왘 Adjust the contour of the backrest in the upper back area to the desired po- sition using switch 3.

Backrest side bolsters 왘 Adjust the backrest side bolsters so

that they provide good lateral support using switch 4.

1 Seat cushion length 2 Seat backrest contour in the lumbar

area

3 Seat backrest contour in upper back

area

4 Seat backrest side bolsters 왘 Check that the ignition is switched on. All the lamps in the instrument cluster should light up.

Seat cushion length 왘 Adjust the seat cushion to the length of

your upper leg using switch 1.

Heated seats

Switching on seat heating 왘 Press upper switch position 1.

Driver’s and front passenger seats The switch is located in the center console.

A red indicator lamp on the switch lights up.

Switching on rapid seat heating 왘 Press lower switch position 2.