2010 Mercedes-benz M Class Owners Manual

i To start the engine with the SmartKey

instead of the KEYLESS-GO function, remove the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button from the starter switch. Proceed as described in “With SmartKey” (Y page 104).

X Depress the brake pedal during the starting

procedure.

X Do not depress the accelerator pedal. X Gasoline engine: Press the KEYLESS-GO

start/stop button once. The engine starts automatically.

X Diesel engine: Press the KEYLESS-GO

start/stop button once. The engine preglows and starts automatically.

i If the engine is at operating temperature,

the time the engine needs to preglow is reduced.

Starting difficulties ! Remember that extended starting

attempts can drain the battery.

The engine does not start. You can hear the starter. There could be a malfunction in the engine electronics or in the fuel supply system. Carry out the following steps: X If you are starting the engine with the

SmartKey: Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 0 and repeat the starting procedure.

X If you are starting the engine with KEYLESS- GO: Close any doors that may be open to allow for better detection of the SmartKey.

or X Remove the KEYLESS-GO start/stop

button from the starter switch.

Driving and parking 105

X Start the engine with the SmartKey as radio

signals from another source may be interfering with the KEYLESS-GO function.

X Repeat the starting procedure. If the engine does not start after several starting attempts: X Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center or call Roadside Assistance.

The engine does not start. You cannot hear the starter. The battery may not be charged sufficiently. X Get a jump start (Y page 336). If the engine will not start despite a jump start: X Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center or call Roadside Assistance.

The starter has been exposed to excessive temperatures. X Let the starter cool for about 2 minutes. X Repeat the starting procedure. If the engine does not start after several starting attempts: X Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center or call Roadside Assistance.

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

! Do not run a cold engine at high engine

speeds. Running a cold engine at high engine speeds may shorten the service life of the engine. This is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. ML 63 AMG: At engine temperatures below 68‡ (20†), the engine’s maximum speed

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106 Driving and parking

is restricted in order to protect it from damage. Avoid driving your vehicle at full speed when the engine is cold to prevent premature engine wear and/or diminished comfort.

! If an acoustic warning sounds and the message Release Parking Brake appears in the multifunction display when driving off, you have forgotten to release the parking brake. Release the parking brake.

! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel. This may

cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

! Simultaneously depressing the

accelerator pedal and applying the brakes reduces engine performance and causes premature brake and drivetrain wear which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

i Once the vehicle is in motion, the

automatic central locking function engages and the locking knobs in the doors move down. The automatic central locking function can be switched off (Y page 135).

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

! Only shift the automatic transmission into reverse gear R or park position P when the vehicle is stopped. Otherwise the automatic transmission could be damaged.

X Depress the brake pedal.

The gear selector lever can now be used. X Shift the automatic transmission into drive

position D or reverse gear R.

i Shifting the automatic transmission out of

park position P is only possible with the brake pedal depressed. Without the brake pedal depressed, the gear selector lever can be moved up or down. However, the parking pawl remains engaged, not allowing shifting to occur.

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

X If engaged, release the parking brake. X Release the brake pedal. X Carefully depress the accelerator pedal. After a cold start, the automatic transmission shifts at a higher engine speed. This allows the catalytic converter (gasoline engine) or the oxidation catalyst (diesel engine) to reach its operating temperature earlier. For more information on driving, see “Driving instructions” (Y page 244). For information on off-road driving, see “Off- road driving” (Y page 248).

Problems while driving The engine runs erratically and misfires RGasoline engine: An ignition cable may be

damaged.

RThe engine electronics may not be

operating properly.

RGasoline engine: Unburned gasoline may have entered the catalytic converter and damaged it.

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X Give very little gas. X Have the problem checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.

The coolant temperature is above 248‡ (120†) The coolant is too hot and is no longer cooling the engine. X Stop the vehicle in a safe location as soon

as possible.

X Turn off the engine immediately. X Allow the engine and coolant to cool off. X Check the coolant level and add coolant if

necessary (Y page 216).

In case of accident If the vehicle is leaking fuel: X Do not start the engine under any

circumstances.

X Exit the vehicle at a safe distance from the

roadway.

X Notify local fire and/or police authorities. If the extent of the damage cannot be determined: X Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center or call Roadside Assistance. If no damage on major assemblies, fuel system, and engine mount can be determined: X Start the engine in the usual manner.

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

Driving and parking 107

Vehicle movement may result in serious personal injury or damage to the vehicle or vehicle drivetrain. Therefore, always do the following before turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle: RKeep right foot on the brake pedal. REngage the parking brake. RShift the automatic transmission into park

position P.

RSlowly release the brake pedal. RWhen parked on an incline, always turn the

front wheels towards the road curb.

RTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 0 and remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, or press the KEYLESS- GO start/stop button.

RTake the SmartKey with you and lock the

vehicle when leaving.

Parking brake G Warning! Engaging the parking brake while the vehicle is in motion can cause the rear wheels to lock up. You could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. In addition, the vehicle’s brake lights do not light up when the parking brake is engaged. G Warning! When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could release the parking brake and/or shift the automatic transmission out of park position P, either of which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

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108 Driving and parking

i Observe instructions if you want the automatic transmission to remain in neutral position N, see “Remaining in neutral position N” (Y page 111).

With SmartKey X Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to

position 0.

X Remove the SmartKey from the starter

switch.

When you turn off the engine using the SmartKey, and remove the SmartKey from the starter switch or open a front door, the automatic transmission will shift into park position P automatically. G Warning! Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone only will shift the automatic transmission into neutral position N automatically. Always shift the automatic transmission into park position P before turning off the engine. Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

With KEYLESS-GO X Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button. With the driver’s door closed, the starter switch is now in position 1. With the driver’s door opened, the starter switch is set to position 0, same as the SmartKey removed from the starter switch (Y page 79). When you turn off the engine using the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and open a front door, the automatic transmission will shift into park position P automatically. G Warning! Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone only will shift the automatic transmission into neutral position N automatically. Always shift the automatic transmission into park position P before turning off the engine.

X Releasing: Pull on release handle :. When the ignition is switched on or the engine is running, the brake warning lamp $ (USA only) or J (Canada only) in the instrument cluster goes out. X Engaging: Step on parking brake

pedal ; firmly. When the engine is running, the brake warning lamp $ (USA only) or J (Canada only) in the instrument cluster comes on.

Turning off the engine G Warning! Do not turn off the engine before the vehicle has come to a complete stop. With the engine not running, there is no power assistance for the brake and steering systems. In this case, it is important to keep in mind that a considerably higher degree of effort is necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.

i If the engine cannot be turned off as

described, see “Emergency engine shutdown” (Y page 344).

X Shift the automatic transmission into park

position P.

X Engage the parking brake. i Always engage the parking brake in

addition to shifting the automatic transmission into park position P.

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Automatic transmission 109

Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

i In an emergency you can turn off the

engine while driving by pressing and holding the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button for approximately 3 seconds.

If you have started the engine with the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and cannot turn it off as described above: X Remove the KEYLESS-GO start/stop

button from the starter switch.

X Insert the SmartKey into the starter switch. The engine turns off. The starter switch is in position 0 (Y page 79).

! Allow the engine to warm up under low

load use. Do not place full load on the engine until the operating temperature has been reached. Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an extended period when driving off on slippery road surfaces. This may cause serious damage to the engine and the drivetrain which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

i During the brief warm-up, transmission

upshifting is delayed. This allows the catalytic converter (gasoline engine) or oxidation catalyst (diesel engine) to heat up more quickly to operating temperature.

Automatic transmission Introduction For information on driving with an automatic transmission, see “Driving and parking” (Y page 103). G Warning! Make sure absolutely no objects are obstructing the pedals’ range of movement. Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all obstacles. If there are any floormats or carpets in the footwell, make sure the pedals still have sufficient clearance. During sudden driving or braking maneuvers the objects could get caught between the pedals. You could then no longer brake or accelerate. This could lead to accidents and injury. G Warning! HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read the HYBRID Supplemental Operating Instructions included in your vehicle literature portfolio. You may otherwise not recognize potential danger.

Gear selector lever

Gearshift pattern for automatic transmission : Button for selecting park position P j Park position k Reverse gear i Neutral position h Drive position G Warning! It is dangerous to shift the automatic transmission out of park position P or neutral position 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

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110 Automatic transmission

something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

! The vehicle must be stopped when you

shift the automatic transmission Rdirectly between drive position D and

reverse gear R

Rdirectly between reverse gear R and

drive position D

Rdirectly into park position P Otherwise the automatic transmission could be damaged.

When trying to free a vehicle stuck in mud or snow, see “Rocking the vehicle” (Y page 113). i Shifting the automatic transmission out of

park position P is only possible with the brake pedal depressed. Without the brake pedal depressed, the gear selector lever can be moved up or down, but the parking pawl remains engaged, not allowing shifting to occur.

i Depending on vehicle production date: The automatic transmission will shift into park position P automatically when Ryou open the driver’s door while driving

at low speed, and

Rthe automatic transmission is in drive

position D or reverse gear R

After the vehicle has engaged park position P automatically, you can engage drive position D or reverse gear R again to override this locking feature purposely.

i The gear selector lever always returns to

its original position. The current transmission position P, R, N, or D appears in the multifunction display (Y page 112).

Shifting into park position P X With the vehicle at a standstill, press button : on the gear selector lever.

SmartKey: When you turn off the engine using the SmartKey, and remove the SmartKey from the starter switch or open a front door, the automatic transmission will shift into park position P automatically. KEYLESS-GO: When you turn off the engine using the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and open a front door, the automatic transmission will shift into park position P automatically. G Warning! Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone only will shift the automatic transmission into neutral position N automatically. Always shift the automatic transmission into park position P before turning off the engine. Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

i Moving the gear selector lever up or down

shifts the automatic transmission out of park position P.

Shifting into neutral position N X With the vehicle at a standstill, depress the

brake pedal.

X Move the gear selector lever up or down to

the resistance point to select neutral position N.

When you turn off the engine, the automatic transmission will shift into neutral position N automatically. SmartKey: Removing the SmartKey from the starter switch or opening a front door after turning off the engine will shift the automatic transmission into park position P automatically. KEYLESS-GO: Opening a front door after turning off the engine will shift the automatic

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transmission into park position P automatically. Remaining in neutral position N If you want the automatic transmission to remain in neutral position N, e.g. when taking the vehicle through an automatic conveyor- type car wash, observe the following instructions. G Warning! When leaving the SmartKey in the starter switch, do not leave children unattended in the vehicle. It is possible for children to switch on the ignition which could result in unsupervised use of vehicle equipment. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

With SmartKey: X Make sure the ignition is switched on. X With the vehicle at a standstill, depress the

brake pedal and keep it pressed.

X Shift the automatic transmission into

neutral position N.

X Release the brake pedal. X If engaged, release the parking brake. X Switch off the ignition and leave the

SmartKey in the starter switch.

With KEYLESS-GO: X Make sure the ignition is switched on. X With the vehicle at a standstill, depress the

brake pedal and keep it pressed.

X Shift the automatic transmission into park

position P.

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

button from the starter switch.

X Insert the SmartKey into the starter switch. X Switch on the ignition. X Depress the brake pedal and keep it

pressed.

Automatic transmission 111

X Shift the automatic transmission into

neutral position N.

X Release the brake pedal. X If engaged, release the parking brake. X Switch off the ignition and leave the

SmartKey in the starter switch.

Shifting into reverse gear R X With the vehicle at a standstill, depress the

brake pedal.

X Move the gear selector lever up past the

resistance point.

Shifting into drive position D X With the vehicle at a standstill, depress the

brake pedal.

X Move the gear selector lever down past the

resistance point.

Shifting procedure The automatic transmission selects individual gears automatically, depending on Rthe selected gear range (Y page 113) Rthe selected program mode:

C/S (ML 63 AMG only) (Y page 114) or M (ML 63 AMG only) (Y page 115)

Rthe position of the accelerator pedal Rthe vehicle speed With drive position D selected, you can influence transmission shifting by Rlimiting the gear range Rextending the gear range Rchanging the gears manually (ML 63 AMG

only)

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112 Automatic transmission

Transmission positions The current transmission position appears in the multifunction display.

: Transmission position indicator If the current transmission position does not appear in the multifunction display due to a malfunction, for example, make sure that the automatic transmission is in the desired position. X Shift the automatic transmission into drive

position D.

X Select automatic program mode C

(ML 63 AMG only).

X Do not limit the gear range. X Drive off carefully.

Effect

B Park position

Shift the automatic transmission into park position P only when the vehicle is stopped. The park position is not intended to serve as a brake when the vehicle is parked. Rather, the driver should always engage the parking brake in addition to shifting the automatic transmission into park position P to secure the vehicle. If the vehicle’s electrical system is malfunctioning, the automatic transmission could remain locked in park position P. X Have the vehicle’s electrical

system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.

C Reverse gear

Shift the automatic transmission into reverse gear R only when the vehicle is stopped.

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Effect

A Neutral position

No power is transmitted from the engine to the drive axle. When the brakes are released, the vehicle can be moved freely (pushed or towed). To avoid damage to the transmission, never shift the automatic transmission into neutral position N while driving. Exception: If the ESP® is switched off or malfunctioning, shift the automatic transmission into neutral position N if the vehicle is in danger of skidding. ! Coasting the vehicle, or driving

for any other reason with the automatic transmission in neutral position N can result in transmission damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

7 Drive position

The automatic transmission shifts automatically. All forward gears are available.

Driving tips Kickdown Use the kickdown when you want maximum acceleration. X U.S. vehicles except AMG vehicles:

Fully depress the accelerator pedal. Depending on the engine speed the automatic transmission shifts into a lower gear.

X Canada vehicles and AMG vehicles: Depress the accelerator pedal past the point of resistance. Depending on the engine speed the automatic transmission shifts into a lower gear.

Automatic transmission 113

Rocking the vehicle Rocking the vehicle by shifting the automatic transmission directly between drive position D and reverse gear R can help free a vehicle stuck in mud or snow. The engine control system of this vehicle electronically limits directly shifting the automatic transmission between drive position D and reverse gear R to very low speeds, i.e. approximately 5 mph (9 km/h). To shift the automatic transmission directly between drive position D and reverse gear R, move the gear selector lever up or down past the resistance point.

Working on the vehicle G Warning! When working on the vehicle, engage the parking brake and shift the automatic transmission into park position P. Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Towing a trailer X When you tow a trailer, shift into a lower

gear range manually if the automatic transmission hunts between gears on inclines. A lower gear range and reduction of speed reduces the potential to overload or to overheat the engine.

For more information on trailer towing, see “Trailer towing” (Y page 254).

Gear ranges With the automatic transmission in drive position D, you can limit or extend the gear range, see “One-touch gearshifting” (Y page 115). ML 63 AMG: You only can limit or extend the gear range when driving in automatic program mode C or S.

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114 Automatic transmission

The current gear range appears in the multifunction display.

: Gear range indicator

Effect

= With this selection you can use the

braking effect of the engine.

5 Allows the use of the engine’s

braking effect when driving Ron steep downgrades Rin mountainous regions Runder extreme operating

conditions

4 For maximum use of the engine’s

braking effect on very steep or lengthy downgrades.

Automatic shift program The automatic shift program is available on ML 63 AMG only.

Program mode selector switch

C Comfort

S Sport

M Manual

For standard driving (Y page 114) For sporty driving (Y page 114) For manual gearshifting (Y page 115)

The current program mode appears in the multifunction display.

: Program mode indicator You should only change the program mode when the automatic transmission is in park position P. The last selected automatic program mode (C or S) is active when the engine is restarted. X Press the program mode selector switch repeatedly until the letter of the desired program mode appears in the multifunction display.

Selecting program mode C means: RThe vehicle starts out more gentle, both forward and reverse, except when driving off with full throttle.

RTraction and driving stability are improved

on icy roads.

RUpshifts occur earlier even when you give

more gas. The engine then operates at lower revolutions and the wheels are less likely to spin.

Selecting program mode S means that upshifts occur later.

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One-touch gearshifting With the automatic transmission in drive position D, you can limit or extend the gear range using the steering wheel gearshift control. ML 63 AMG: You only can limit or extend the gear range when driving in automatic program mode C or S. For information on using the steering wheel gearshift control in manual program mode M, see “Manual shift program” (Y page 115).

Steering wheel gearshift control (example illustration)

i You cannot shift with the steering wheel

gearshift control when the automatic transmission is in park position P, neutral position N, or reverse gear R.

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

X Briefly pull left gearshift control :.

The automatic transmission will shift into the next lower gear as permitted by the shift program. This action simultaneously limits the gear range of the automatic transmission.

Automatic transmission 115

i To avoid overrevving the engine when

downshifting, the automatic transmission will not shift into a lower gear if the engine’s maximum speed would be exceeded.

Extending gear range X Briefly pull right gearshift control ;.

The automatic transmission will shift into the next higher gear as permitted by the shift program. This action simultaneously extends the gear range of the automatic transmission.

i If you press on the accelerator pedal

when the engine has reached the revolution limit of the current gear range, the automatic transmission will upshift beyond any gear range limit selected.

Canceling gear range limit X Pull and hold right gearshift control ; until the gear range indicator disappears from the multifunction display. The automatic transmission will shift from the current gear range directly into drive position D.

Shifting into optimal gear range X Pull and hold left gearshift control :.

The automatic transmission will select the gear range suited for optimal acceleration and deceleration automatically. This will involve shifting down one or more gears.

Manual shift program The manual shift program is available on ML 63 AMG only. Manual program mode M differs with regard to spontaneity, response time, and shifting smoothness from automatic program mode S. In manual program mode M, system- controlled automatic gearshifting is switched off. You need to change the gears by manually

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116 Automatic transmission

upshifting or downshifting using the steering wheel gearshift control.

Program mode selector switch C Comfort S Sport M Manual

For standard driving For sporty driving For manual gearshifting

The current program mode appears in the multifunction display (Y page 114). For information on automatic program mode (C or S), see “Automatic shift program” (Y page 114) and “One-touch gearshifting” (Y page 115).

Activating manual shift program X Press the program mode selector switch repeatedly until M appears in the multifunction display. The automatic transmission switches to manual program mode M. Automatic shifting is switched off. The gear range is not limited.

You can change the gears manually with drive position D selected. You can upshift or downshift through the gears in succession. i Manual program mode M will not be

stored. When the engine is turned off with manual program mode M selected, the automatic transmission will go to automatic program mode (C or S) when the engine is restarted.

Upshifting ! In manual program mode M, the

automatic transmission will not upshift, even if the engine has reached its overrevving range. Shift up into the next gear before the engine has reached its overrevving range. Make absolutely certain that the engine speed does not reach the red marking on the tachometer. Otherwise the engine could be damaged which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

X Briefly pull right gearshift control ;

(Y page 115). The automatic transmission shifts into the next higher gear.

Upshift indicator

In manual program mode M, upshift indicator ; in the multifunction display advises you to upshift before the engine reaches the overspeed range. Thus you can drive at the maximum engine speed for each gear without overrevving the engine. X Shift the automatic transmission from

current gear : into the next higher gear. The fuel supply will otherwise be interrupted to prevent the engine from overrevving.

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

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X Briefly pull left gearshift control :

(Y page 115). The automatic transmission shifts into the next lower gear.

i For maximum acceleration, pull and hold the left gearshift control. Depending on the engine speed the automatic transmission selects the optimal gear for maximum acceleration.

i When you brake or stop, the automatic transmission shifts down into a gear from which you can easily accelerate or take off.

Kickdown Using the kickdown while driving in manual program mode M is not possible.

Deactivating manual shift program X Press the program mode selector switch repeatedly until C or S appears in the multifunction display.

or X Restart the engine.

The automatic transmission will go to automatic program mode (C or S).

Manual program mode M is not stored.

Emergency operation (limp-home mode) If vehicle acceleration becomes less responsive or sluggish or the automatic transmission no longer shifts, the automatic transmission is most likely operating in limp- home (emergency operation) mode. In this mode only second gear and reverse gear R can be selected. X Stop the vehicle in a safe location. X Shift the automatic transmission into park

position P.

X Turn off the engine. X Wait at least 10 seconds before restarting. X Restart the engine.

Instrument cluster

117

X Shift the automatic transmission into drive position D (for second gear) or reverse gear R.

X Have the automatic transmission checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.

Transfer case

This section applies to vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (4MATIC) only. Both the front and rear axles are powered at all times when the vehicle is being operated. ! Only conduct operational or performance tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such tests are necessary, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. You could otherwise seriously damage the brake system or the transfer case which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

! Because the ESP® operates

automatically, the engine and ignition must be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in position 0 or 1) when the parking brake is being tested on a brake test dynamometer. Such testing should be no longer than 10 seconds. Active braking action through the ESP® may otherwise seriously damage the brake system which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Instrument cluster Introduction For a full view illustration of the instrument cluster, see “Instrument cluster” (Y page 28).

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118

Instrument cluster

G Warning! No messages will be displayed if either the instrument cluster or the multifunction display is inoperative. As a result, you will not be able to see information about your driving conditions, such as Rspeed Routside temperature Rwarning/indicator lamps Rmalfunction/warning messages Rfailure of any systems Driving characteristics may be impaired. If you must continue to drive, do so with added caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center as soon as possible. G Warning! HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read the HYBRID Supplemental Operating Instructions included in your vehicle literature portfolio. You may otherwise not recognize potential danger.

: To dim instrument cluster illumination ; Reset button = To brighten instrument cluster

illumination

For information on changing the instrument cluster settings, e.g. the language, see (Y page 130).

Activating the instrument cluster The instrument cluster is activated when you Ropen the driver’s door Rswitch on the ignition Rpress button :, ; or =

i Opening the driver’s door or pressing

button :, ; or = without switching on the ignition activates the instrument cluster illumination only for 30 seconds.

Adjusting the instrument cluster illumination X To brighten illumination: Press and hold

button = until the desired level of illumination is reached.

X To dim illumination: Press and hold

button : until the desired level of illumination is reached.

i The instrument cluster illumination is

dimmed or brightened automatically to suit ambient light conditions. The instrument cluster illumination will also be adjusted automatically when you switch on the vehicle’s exterior lamps.

i With the exterior lighting switched on, the

brightness of the switches in the center console will also be adjusted when using button : or =.

Resetting trip odometer X Make sure you are viewing the standard display (Y page 122) in the multifunction display.

X Press and hold the reset button in the

instrument cluster (Y page 117) until the trip odometer is reset.

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Tachometer The red marking on the tachometer (Y page 29) denotes excessive engine speed. ! Avoid driving at excessive engine speeds, as it may result in serious engine damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

To help protect the engine, the fuel supply is interrupted if the engine is operated within the red marking.

Control system Introduction The control system is activated as soon as the starter switch is in position 1 (Y page 79). The control system enables you to call up information about your vehicle and to change vehicle settings. For example, you can use the control system to find out when your vehicle is next due for maintenance service, to set the language for messages in the instrument cluster display, and much more. G Warning! A driver’s attention to the road and traffic conditions must always be his/her primary focus when driving. For your safety and the safety of others, selecting features through the multifunction steering wheel should only be done by the driver when traffic and road conditions permit it to be done safely. Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph (approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately 14 m) every second.

Control system 119

G Warning! HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read the HYBRID Supplemental Operating Instructions included in your vehicle literature portfolio. You may otherwise not recognize potential danger. The control system relays information to the multifunction display.

Multifunction steering wheel The displays in the multifunction display and the settings in the control system are controlled by using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel.

: Multifunction display ; Press button

~ to end a call

to reject an incoming call

6 to answer a call

to dial10
to redial10

10 Function only available in telephone menu.

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wheel will alter what appears in the multifunction display. The information available in the multifunction display is arranged in menus and accompanying functions and submenus. The individual functions are then found within the relevant menu (radio or CD operations under Audio/DVD menu, for example). These functions serve to call up relevant information or to customize the settings for your vehicle. It is helpful to think of the menus, and the functions within each menu, as being arranged in a circular pattern. X Press button V or U repeatedly to

pass through each menu one after the other.

X Press button * or & repeatedly to pass through each function display, one after the other, in the current menu. In the Settings menu, instead of functions, you will find a number of submenus for calling up and changing settings. For instructions on using these submenus, see “Settings menu” (Y page 129). The number of menus available in the system depends on which optional equipment is installed in your vehicle.

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120 Control system

Press button

to select submenus in the Settings menu to set values to operate the RACETIMER11
to set the volume

Press button ? to turn Voice Control System on12, see separate operating instructions

= Press button

to select next or previous menu

Press button briefly

to move within a menu Within Audio/DVD menu to select previous or next track, scene or stored station Within Telephone menu to switch to the phone book and select a name or number

Press and hold button

Within Audio/DVD menu to select previous or next track with quick search or to select previous or next station in station list or wave band Within Telephone menu to start the quick search in the phone book

Press button A to turn Voice Control System off12, see separate operating instructions

Depending on the selected menu, pressing the buttons on the multifunction steering

11 AMG vehicles only. 12 Vehicles without Voice Control System: Button without function.

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Control system 121

Multifunction display

: Trip odometer ; Main odometer

Menus and submenus

= Transmission position/gear range

indicator

? Automatic transmission program mode

indicator13

A Outside temperature or digital

speedometer

For more information on menus displayed in the multifunction display, see “Menus and submenus” (Y page 121).

i The headings used in the menus table are designed to facilitate navigation within the system and are not necessarily identical to those shown in the multifunction display. The first function displayed in each menu will automatically show you which part of the system you are in.

Function

: Standard display menu

(Y page 122)

; AMG14 menu (Y page 123) = Off-road Mode14 menu

(Y page 125)

13 AMG vehicles only. 14 AMG vehicles only.

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122 Control system

Function

? Audio/DVD menu (Y page 126) A Navigation menu (Y page 127) B AIRMATIC/Compass menu

(Y page 127)

C Distronic menu (Y page 128) D Vehicle status message

memory15 menu (Y page 128) E Settings menu (Y page 129) F Vehicle configuration menu

(Y page 137)

G Trip computer menu (Y page 138) H Telephone menu (Y page 139)

Standard display menu

Standard display In the standard display, trip odometer : and main odometer ; appear in the multifunction display. X If you see another display, press button

V or U repeatedly until the standard display appears.

X Press button & or * to select the functions in the Standard display menu.

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The following functions are available: RRestarting the tire pressure loss warning

system (Y page 223) (Canada only)

RChecking tire inflation pressure with the Advanced TPMS (Y page 223) (USA only)

RChecking coolant temperature

(Y page 122)

RCalling up digital speedometer or outside

temperature (Y page 123)

RCalling up maintenance service indicator

display (Y page 259)

Checking coolant temperature G Warning! Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned. Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening the engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.

X Press button & or * repeatedly until

the coolant temperature appears in the multifunction display.

During severe operating conditions, e.g. stop- and-go traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to 248‡ (120†). ! Excessive coolant temperature triggers a

warning in the multifunction display.

15 The vehicle status message memory menu is only displayed if there is a message stored.

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The engine should not be operated with a coolant temperature above 248‡ (120†). Doing so may cause serious engine damage which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Calling up digital speedometer or outside temperature You can select whether the digital speedometer or the outside temperature appears in the multifunction display (Y page 131). G Warning! The outside temperature indicator is not designed to serve as an ice-warning device and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. Indicated temperatures just above the freezing point do not guarantee that the road surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in wooded areas or on bridges.

X Press button & or * repeatedly until

the digital speedometer or the outside temperature appears in the multifunction display.

Digital speedometer

Outside temperature

Control system 123

AMG menu This function is only available in AMG vehicles. X Press button V or U repeatedly until

the AMG menu appears in the multifunction display.

The main screen of the AMG menu shows you the gear currently engaged : as well as the engine oil temperature ;. The engine oil temperature flashes if the engine oil temperature has not yet reached 80†. During this time, avoid driving at full engine speed. If the engine reaches the overspeed range in the manual shift program, the menu will be shown in red. In addition, you will see UP next to gear indicator : as a reminder to upshift. Use buttons & or * to select the following functions in the AMG menu: RVehicle supply voltage (Y page 123) RRACETIMER (Y page 124) ROverall analysis (Y page 125) RLap analysis (Y page 125)

Vehicle supply voltage X Press button V or U repeatedly until

the AMG menu appears in the multifunction display.

X Press button & repeatedly until the vehicle supply voltage appears in the multifunction display.

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X Starting: Press button W. X Displaying intermediate time: Press button X while the timer is running. The intermediate time is shown for 5 seconds.

X Stopping: Press button W. When you stop the vehicle and turn the SmartKey to position 1 (Y page 79) or, in vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, turn off the engine and do not open the driver’s door, the RACETIMER stops timing. Timing is resumed when you press button W after switching the ignition back on or restarting the engine. Saving lap time and starting a new lap You can save up to nine laps. X Press button X while the timer is

running. The intermediate time will be shown for 5 seconds.

X Press button X within 5 seconds.

The intermediate time shown will be saved as a lap time. The RACETIMER begins timing the new lap. The new lap begins to be timed as soon as the intermediate time is called up.

: Vehicle supply voltage indicator

RACETIMER G Warning! The RACETIMER feature is only for use on roads and in conditions where high speed driving is permitted. Racing on public roads is prohibited under all circumstances. The driver is and must always remain responsible for following posted speed limits. The RACETIMER allows you to time and save driving stretches. X Press button V or U repeatedly until

the AMG menu appears in the multifunction display.

X Press button & repeatedly until the

RACETIMER appears in the multifunction display.

: RACETIMER ; Lap number You can start the RACETIMER when the engine is running or the starter switch is in position 2 (Y page 79). While the RACETIMER is being displayed, you cannot adjust the audio volume using buttons W or X.

: RACETIMER ; Best lap time = Lap number Resetting current lap X Press button W while the timer is

running. The timer stops.

X Press button X.

The lap time is reset to “0”.

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Control system 125

Deleting all laps It is not possible to delete a single saved lap. When you turn off the engine, the RACETIMER will be reset to “0” after 30 seconds. All laps are deleted. X Press button W while the timer is

running. The timer stops.

X Press the reset button in the instrument

cluster twice (Y page 118).

X Press button W.

The timer starts. The saved laps are deleted.

Overall analysis This function is only available if you have saved at least one lap and have stopped the RACETIMER. X Press button V or U repeatedly until

the AMG menu appears in the multifunction display.

X Press button & repeatedly until the

overall analysis appears in the multifunction display.

: Overall analysis of RACETIMER ; Overall driving time = Maximum speed ? Overall distance driven A Average speed

Lap analysis This function is only available if you have saved at least two laps and have stopped the RACETIMER.

X Press button V or U repeatedly until

the AMG menu appears in the multifunction display.

X Press button & repeatedly until the lap

analysis appears in the multifunction display.

Each lap is shown in its own submenu. The fastest lap is indicated by flashing symbol :.

: Lap number ; Lap time = Maximum speed during lap ? Lap length A Average speed during lap X Press button & or * to see other lap

analyses.

Off-road Mode menu This function is only available in AMG vehicles. Use this function to switch the off-road driving program (Y page 155) On or Off.

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X Press button V or U repeatedly until the Off-road Mode menu appears in the multifunction display.

X Press button W or X to switch the off-road driving program On or Off. The symbol Ç appears in the lower multifunction display.

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For more information on HD Radio with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, refer to separate COMAND system operating instructions. Additional optional satellite radio equipment and a subscription to a satellite radio service provider are required for satellite radio operation. Contact an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center for details and availability for your vehicle. X Switch on the COMAND system and select radio. Refer to separate COMAND system operating instructions.

X Press button V or U repeatedly until the currently tuned station appears in the multifunction display.

The setting is stored when you turn off the engine.

Audio/DVD menu The functions in the Audio/DVD menu operate the audio or video equipment which you have currently switched on. The following functions are available: RSelecting radio station (Y page 126) ROperating audio devices/audio media

(Y page 127)

ROperating video DVD (Y page 127) If no audio equipment is currently switched on, the message AUDIO Off appears in the multifunction display.

Selecting radio station The HD Radio with SIRIUS Satellite Radio is treated as a radio application.

Example illustration : Wave band setting and stored memory

position

; Station frequency X Selecting next or previous stored

station: Press button * or & briefly to select a stored station.

X Selecting next or previous station in the station list: Press and hold button * or & to select a station.

X Selecting next or previous station in

wave band (Only if no station list is available): Press and hold button * or & to select a station.

You can only store new stations using the corresponding feature on the radio. Refer to separate COMAND system operating instructions. You can also operate the radio in the usual manner.

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Operating audio devices/audio media X Switch on the COMAND system and select the audio device or audio media. Refer to separate COMAND system operating instructions.

X Press button V or U repeatedly until

the Audio/DVD menu appears in the multifunction display.

Example illustration : Disc number ; Current track X Selecting next or previous track: Press

button * or & briefly.

X Selecting a track from the track list (quick search): Press and hold button * or &.

The current track does not appear during Audio AUX mode operation.

Operating video DVD X Switch on the COMAND system and select

DVD-Video. Refer to separate COMAND system operating instructions.