Mercedes Benz 2006 Slk 280 Users Manual 171_BA.boo

2015-02-05

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Order No. 6515 3255 13 Part No. 171 584 76 81 USA Edition A 2006

Operator’s Manual SLK-Class

Operator’s Manual
SLK-Class

SLK 280
SLK 350
SLK 55 AMG

Our company and staff congratulate you
on the purchase of your new
Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a demonstration of your trust in our company
name. Furthermore, it exemplifies your desire to own an automobile that will be as
easy as possible to operate and provide
years of service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To help assure your driving pleasure,
and also the safety of you and your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of time:
앫

Please read this manual carefully, then
return it to your vehicle where it will be
handy for your reference.

앫

Please follow the recommendations
contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the operation of your Mercedes-Benz.

앫

Please pay attention to the warnings
and cautions contained in this manual.
They are designed to help improve the
safety of the vehicle operator and occupants.

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

Contents

Introduction .......................................... 9
Product information................................ 9
Operator’s Manual ............................... 10
Service and warranty information .. 10
Important notice for California
retail buyers and lessees of
Mercedes-Benz automobiles .......... 11
Maintenance .................................. 12
Roadside Assistance ...................... 12
Change of address or ownership.... 12
Operating your vehicle outside
the USA or Canada......................... 13
Where to find it.................................... 14
Symbols............................................... 15
Operating safety .................................. 16
Proper use of the vehicle ............... 16
Problems with your vehicle.................. 17
Reporting safety defects...................... 18
Reporting safety defects ................ 18
Vehicle data recording......................... 19
Information regarding electronic
recording devices........................... 19

At a glance .......................................... 21
Cockpit................................................. 22
Instrument cluster ................................ 24
Multifunction steering wheel ................ 26
Center console ..................................... 28
Upper part ...................................... 28
Lower part ...................................... 29
Overhead control panel ........................ 30
Door control panel................................ 31

Getting started ...................................
Unlocking .............................................
Unlocking with the SmartKey .........
Starter switch positions..................
Adjusting ..............................................
Seats ..............................................
Steering wheel................................
Mirrors............................................
Driving..................................................
Fastening the seat belts .................
Starting the engine .........................
Parking brake .................................
Driving ............................................
Switching on headlamps.................
Turn signals ....................................
Windshield wipers...........................
Problems while driving....................
Parking and locking..............................
Parking brake .................................
Switching off headlamps.................
Turning off engine...........................
Locking ...........................................

33
34
34
36
38
38
42
45
47
47
50
52
53
55
55
56
58
59
59
60
61
62

Contents

Safety and Security ...........................
Occupant safety...................................
Air bags ..........................................
Seat belts .......................................
Children in the vehicle....................
Panic alarm ..........................................
Activating .......................................
Deactivating ...................................
Driving safety systems.........................
ABS ................................................
BAS ................................................
ESP® ...............................................
Anti-theft systems................................
Immobilizer.....................................
Anti-theft alarm system ..................
Tow-away alarm .............................

63
64
65
71
75
80
81
81
82
82
83
84
87
87
87
88

Controls in detail ............................... 91
Locking and unlocking ......................... 92
SmartKey ....................................... 92
Opening the doors from the inside. 97
Opening the trunk .......................... 98
Closing the trunk............................ 99
Trunk lid emergency release ........ 100
Automatic central locking ............ 101
Locking and unlocking from
the inside ..................................... 102
Seats ................................................. 104
Seat heating*............................... 104
AIRSCARF neck-level heating* ..... 105
Memory function* ............................. 107
Storing positions into memory ..... 108
Recalling positions from memory . 108
Storing exterior rear view mirror
parking position (parking aid)....... 108
Lighting.............................................. 110
Exterior lamp switch..................... 110
Combination switch ..................... 114
Corner-illuminating front fog
lamps* (SLK 280, SLK 350: with
Bi-Xenon* headlamps and without
Sport Package*)........................... 115

Hazard warning flasher ................
Interior lighting ............................
Door entry lamps .........................
Instrument cluster .............................
Instrument cluster illumination ....
Tachometer..................................
Outside temperature indicator .....
Trip odometer ..............................
Clock............................................
Control system ..................................
Multifunction display....................
Multifunction steering wheel........
Menus ..........................................
Standard display menu ................
AUDIO menu ................................
NAV* menu..................................
Vehicle status message
memory menu..............................
Settings menu..............................
Trip computer menu.....................
TEL menu* ...................................
Manual transmission .........................
Shifting into reverse.....................
Automatic transmission*...................
Gear selector lever position .........
Gear ranges .................................

117
117
119
120
120
121
121
122
122
123
123
124
126
128
129
132
132
134
149
151
155
156
157
159
160

Contents

Driving tips...................................
Automatic shift program ..............
Gear selector lever one-touch
gearshifting ..................................
Steering wheel gearshift control
one-touch gearshifting .................
Manual shift program
SLK 55 AMG.................................
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) ......................
Good visibility ....................................
Headlamp cleaning system* ........
Rear view mirrors.........................
Sun visors ....................................
Rear window defroster .................
Climate control ..................................
Switching climate control
system on/off ..............................
Setting the temperature...............
Adjusting air distribution..............
Adjusting air volume ....................
Basic settings...............................
Defrosting windshield ..................
Air recirculation mode..................
Air conditioning............................
Residual engine heat utilization....

162
163
164
165
169
172
173
173
173
176
177
178
181
181
182
183
183
184
185
187
188

Automatic climate control* ................ 190
Deactivating the climate
control system .............................. 194
Operating the climate control
system in automatic mode............ 194
Setting the temperature................ 195
Adjusting air distribution............... 196
Adjusting air volume ..................... 197
Defrosting windshield ................... 197
Maximum cooling MAX COOL ....... 199
Air recirculation mode .................. 199
Air conditioning............................. 200
Residual heat and ventilation........ 202
Audio system...................................... 203
Audio and telephone*, operation.. 203
Operating safety ........................... 203
Operating and display elements.... 204
Button and soft key operation....... 206
Operation...................................... 206
Radio operation ............................ 209
Introduction to satellite radio*
(USA only)..................................... 214
CD mode....................................... 219
GSM network phones ................... 229
TDMA or CDMA network phones .. 236
Emergency calls “911”.................. 243

Power windows .................................. 246
Opening and closing the
windows........................................ 246
Synchronizing power windows...... 251
Retractable hardtop ........................... 252
Opening and closing the
retractable hardtop....................... 252
Wind screen.................................. 259
Driving systems.................................. 260
Cruise control ............................... 260
Loading .............................................. 265
Roof rack ...................................... 265
Useful features................................... 266
Storage compartments ................. 266
Shelf behind roll bars.................... 268
Cup holder .................................... 268
Ashtray ......................................... 269
Cigarette lighter............................ 270
Power outlet ................................. 271
Floormat (driver’s side only) ......... 271
Telephone* ................................... 272
Tele Aid......................................... 273
Garage door opener*.................... 281
Heated steering wheel*
(SLK 280, SLK 350, Canada only). 288

Contents

Operation .........................................
The first 1000 miles (1500 km).........
Driving instructions............................
Drive sensibly – save fuel .............
Drinking and driving .....................
Pedals ..........................................
Power assistance .........................
Brakes ..........................................
Driving off.....................................
Parking .........................................
Tires .............................................
Hydroplaning ................................
Tire traction..................................
Tire speed rating ..........................
Winter driving instructions ...........
Standing water .............................
Passenger compartment ..............
Driving abroad..............................
Control and operation of radio
transmitter ...................................
Catalytic converter .......................
Emission control...........................
Coolant temperature ....................

291
292
293
293
293
293
293
294
296
296
297
297
298
298
299
300
301
301
301
302
302
303

At the gas station ..............................
Refueling ......................................
Check regularly and before
a long trip.....................................
Engine compartment .........................
Hood ............................................
Engine oil .....................................
Transmission fluid level* ..............
Coolant level ................................
Battery .........................................
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*.........
Tires and wheels................................
Important guidelines ....................
Tire care and maintenance...........
Direction of rotation.....................
Loading the vehicle ......................
Recommended tire inflation
pressure.......................................
Checking tire inflation pressure ...
MOExtended system* ..................
Tire labeling..................................
Load identification .......................

304
304
305
307
307
308
313
313
314
315
317
317
318
320
320
327
329
333
334
338

DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) .............................................
Maximum tire load .......................
Maximum tire inflation pressure ..
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) .............
Tire ply material ...........................
Tire and loading terminology........
Rotating tires ...............................
Winter driving ....................................
Winter tires ..................................
Snow chains.................................
Maintenance......................................
Clearing the maintenance
service indicator ..........................
Maintenance service term
exceeded .....................................
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator ..........................
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator ..........................
Vehicle care.......................................
Cleaning and care of vehicle ........

339
340
341
341
343
344
347
348
348
349
350
351
351
351
352
353
353

Contents

Practical hints .................................
What to do if … ..................................
Lamps in instrument cluster ........
Lamp in center console................
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display....................
Where will I find...? ............................
First aid kit...................................
Vehicle tool kit, vehicle jack.........
Spare wheel with collapsible tire..
Spare wheel bolts ........................
Unlocking/locking in an emergency..
Unlocking the vehicle...................
Locking the vehicle ......................
Manually unlocking the gear
selector lever
(automatic transmission*) ...........
Opening/closing in an emergency.....
Raising retractable hardtop
manually ......................................
Replacing SmartKey batteries ...........
SmartKey .....................................

361
362
362
367
368
388
388
388
391
392
394
394
395

396
397
397
398
399

Replacing bulbs .................................. 400
Bulbs............................................. 401
Replacing bulbs for front lamps .... 403
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 405
Replacing wiper blades....................... 406
Removing wiper blades ................. 406
Installing wiper blades .................. 407
Flat tire............................................... 408
Preparing the vehicle .................... 408
Sealing tires with TIREFIT.............. 408
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 412
Battery................................................ 421
Disconnecting the battery............. 422
Removing the battery.................... 422
Charging and reinstalling battery .. 423
Reconnecting the battery.............. 423
Jump starting...................................... 424
Towing the vehicle.............................. 426
Installing towing eye bolt .............. 428
Fuses.................................................. 430
Aids for replacing fuses ................ 430
Main fuse box in passenger
compartment ................................ 431
Fuse box in engine compartment.. 432

Technical data .................................. 433
Parts service ...................................... 434
Warranty coverage ............................. 435
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet ...................... 435
Identification labels ............................ 436
Layout of poly-V-belt drive.................. 437
SLK 280, SLK 350 ........................ 437
SLK 55 AMG ................................. 437
Engine ................................................ 438
Rims and tires .................................... 439
Same size tires ............................. 441
Mixed size tires............................. 443
Spare wheel with collapsible tire .. 445
Electrical system ................................ 446
Main Dimensions................................ 447
Weights .............................................. 448

Contents

Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. .........
Capacities ....................................
Engine oils....................................
Engine oil additives ......................
Air conditioning refrigerant ..........
Brake fluid ....................................
Premium unleaded gasoline .........
Fuel requirements ........................
Gasoline additives ........................
Coolants.......................................
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system* .........

449
449
451
451
451
451
452
452
453
453
456

Technical terms............................... 457

Index................................................. 465

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

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

Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts as well as
conversion parts and accessories approved by us are available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center where you will
receive comprehensive information, also
on permissible technical modifications,
and where proper installation will be performed.

9

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

10

We continuously strive to improve our
product, and ask for your understanding
that we reserve the right to make changes
in design and equipment. Therefore, information, illustrations and descriptions in
this Operator’s Manual might differ from
your vehicle.

Service and warranty information

앫

New Car Limited Warranty

Optional equipment is also described in
this manual, including operating instructions wherever necessary. Since they are
special-order items, the descriptions and
illustrations herein may vary slightly from
the actual equipment of your vehicle.

앫

Emission System Warranty

앫

Emission Performance Warranty

앫

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

앫

State Warranty Enforcement Laws
(Lemon Laws)

If there are any equipment details that are
not shown or described in this Operator’s
Manual, your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center will be glad to inform you of correct
care and operating procedures.
The Operator’s Manual and Maintenance
Booklet are important documents and
should be kept with the vehicle.

The Service and Warranty Information
Booklet contains detailed information
about the warranties covering your
Mercedes-Benz, including:

Introduction
Operator’s Manual
Important notice for California
retail buyers and lessees of
Mercedes-Benz automobiles
Under California law you may be entitled to
a replacement of your vehicle or a refund
of the purchase price or lease price, if
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and/or its authorized repair or service facilities fail to fix
one or more substantial defects or malfunctions in the vehicle that are covered by
its express warranty after a reasonable
number of repair attempts. During the period of 18 months from original delivery of
the vehicle or the accumulation of
18000 miles (approx. 29000 km) on the
odometer of the vehicle, whichever occurs
first, a reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed for a retail buyer or
lessee if one or more of the following
occurs:

(1) the same substantial defect or malfunction results in a condition that is
likely to cause death or serious bodily
injury if the vehicle is driven, that defect or malfunction has been subject to
repair two or more times, and you have
directly notified Mercedes-Benz USA,
LLC in writing of the need for its repair,
(2) the same substantial defect or malfunction of a less serious nature than
category (1) has been subject to repair
four or more times and you have directly notified us in writing of the need for
its repair, or

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

11

Introduction
Operator’s Manual
Maintenance

Roadside Assistance

Change of address or ownership

The Maintenance Booklet describes all the
necessary maintenance work which should
be performed at regular intervals.

The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program provides factory-trained technical
help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to
the toll-free Roadside Assistance number

If you change your address, be sure to
send in the “Change of Address Notice”
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or simply call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center (in the USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer
Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.
It is in your own interest that we can
contact you should the need arise.

Always have the Maintenance Booklet with
you when you take the vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for service. The service advisor will record each
service in the booklet for you.

1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA)
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)
will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Representatives
24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
For additional information refer to the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program Brochure in your vehicle literature
portfolio.

12

If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all
literature with the vehicle to make it available to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used
Car” found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center (in the USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer
Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.

Introduction
Operator’s Manual
Operating your vehicle outside the USA
or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that:

Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available for delivery in Europe under our
European Delivery Program. For details,
consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or write to:

앫

service facilities or replacement parts
may not be readily available,

In the USA:

앫

unleaded gasoline for vehicles with catalytic converters may not be available;
the use of leaded fuels will damage the
catalysts,

앫

gasoline may have a considerably lower octane rating, and improper fuel can
cause engine damage.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:
Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9

13

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

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

Controls in detail

Technical data

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

All important technical data for your vehicle can be found in this section.

Getting started

Operation

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

Here you will find all the information you
need for the proper operation of your vehicle.

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

14

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

Indexes
The glossary provides explanations of the
most important technical terms.
The table of contents and the index are designed to help you find information quickly
and easily.
The following publications are part of your
vehicle documentation:
앫

this Operator’s Manual

앫

the Maintenance Booklet

Separate operating instructions will be
provided as required depending on the
equipment options installed in your vehicle.

Introduction
Symbols
왔 Symbols
Trademarks:
앫

ESP® is a registered trademark of
DaimlerChrysler.

앫

HomeLink® is a registered trademark
of Prince, a Johnson Controls
Company.

앫

BabySmartTM

앫

SIRIUS and related marks are trademarks of Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.

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

왘

This symbol points to instructions for
you to follow.

*

왘

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

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

is a trademark of
Siemens Automotive Corp.

Warning!

컄

Page

컄컄

This continuation symbol marks
an interrupted procedure which
will be continued on the next
page.

->

In the glossary of technical
terms, this symbol is used to indicate cross-references to term
definitions.

Display

Words appearing in the multifunction display are printed in
the type shown here.

G

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

!
Highlights hazards that may result in
damage to your vehicle.

This symbol tells you where to
look for further information on a
topic.

i
Helpful hints or further information you
may find useful.

15

Introduction
Operating safety

Warning!

G

Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because
the vehicle’s electronic components are interconnected, any modification made may
produce an undesired effect on other systems.
See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function while the
engine is running. You should therefore never turn off the engine while driving.

16

Warning!

G

Heavy blows against the vehicle undercarriage or tires/wheels, for example when
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole, may cause serious damage and impair the operating safety or your vehicle. If
you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that damage to your vehicle has occurred, you should
turn on your hazard warning flashers, carefully slow down, and drive with caution to an
area which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle undercarriage or
tires/wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle appears unsafe, have it towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or other qualified maintenance or repair facility for further inspection or repairs.

Proper use of the vehicle
Proper use of the vehicle requires that you
are familiar with the following information
and rules:
앫

the safety precautions in this manual

앫

the “Technical data” section
(컄 page 433) in this manual

앫

the traffic rules and regulations

앫

the motor vehicle laws and safety standards
Warning!

G

Various labels are attached to your vehicle.
These warning labels are intended to make
you and others aware of various risks. You
should not remove any of these warning labels unless explicitly instructed to do so by
information on the label itself. Removal of
any of these labels may cause you and others to be unaware of certain risks which may
result in an accident and/or personal injury.

Introduction
Problems with your vehicle
왔 Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your vehicle, particularly one that you believe may affect its safe operation, we urge you to
immediately contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center to have the problem diagnosed and corrected if required. If the matter is
not handled to your satisfaction, please discuss the problem with the Mercedes-Benz Center management, or if necessary contact us
at one of the following addresses:
In the USA:
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:
Customer Relations Department
Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9

17

Introduction
Reporting safety defects
For the USA only:
The following text is published as required of manufacturers under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the
“National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966”.
Reporting safety defects
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it
may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer,
or Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (or 366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or
write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.

18

Introduction
Vehicle data recording
왔 Vehicle data recording
Information regarding electronic
recording devices
(Including notice pursuant to California Code § 9951)
Please note that your vehicle is equipped with devices that can record vehicle systems data and, if equipped with the Tele Aid system,
may transmit some data in certain accidents.
This information helps, for example, to diagnose vehicle systems after a collision and to continuously improve vehicle safety.
DaimlerChrysler may access the information and share it with others
앫

for safety research or vehicle diagnosis purposes

앫

with the consent of the vehicle owner or lessee

앫

in response to an official request by law enforcement or other government agency

앫

for use in dispute resolution involving DaimlerChrysler, its affiliates or sales/service organization and/or

앫

as otherwise required or permitted by law.

Please check the Tele Aid subscription service agreement for details regarding the information that may be recorded or transmitted
via that system.

19

20

At a glance
Cockpit
Instrument cluster
Multifunction steering wheel
Center console
Overhead control panel
Door control panel

21

At a glance
Cockpit

22

At a glance
Cockpit

Item
1 Automatic transmission*:
Steering wheel gearshift
control*
SLK 55 AMG:
Steering wheel gearshift
control
2 Multifunction steering
wheel

Page
165

167

26,
124

3 Horn

Item

Page

a Steering wheel adjustment
handle, manual

42

b Steering wheel adjustment
lever, electrical*

43

Heated steering wheel*
(SLK 280, SLK 350, Canada
only)

288

c Headlamp cleaning* switch

173

d Hood lock release

307

4 Instrument cluster

24,
120

e Exterior lamp switch

55,
110

5 Overhead control panel

30,
117

f Combination switch

6 Glove box

266

7 Center console

28, 29

8 Sun sensor for automatic
climate control*
9 Starter switch

앫

Turn signals

55

앫

Windshield wipers

56

앫

High beam headlamps

55

g Power window switches
36

h Door handle
j Cruise control lever

246
97
260

23

At a glance
Instrument cluster

24

At a glance
Instrument cluster

Item

Page

128

Trip odometer

122

Automatic transmission*:
Gear range indicator

51,
158

Automatic transmission*:
Program mode

163,
169

Outside temperature
indicator (or actual speed
when selected)

138

364

indicator lamp,
Canada only

headlamp indicator
lamp

4 Fuel reserve warning

364

55,
114

K Right turn signal

365

System (ABS)
indicator lamp

Program (ESP®)
warning lamp
USA only

3 Brake warning lamp,

84,
365
59,
363
363

Canada only

5 Speedometer with:

- Antilock Brake

indicator lamp

; Brake warning lamp,
304

55

indicator lamp

v Electronic Stability

122

Restraint System
(SRS) indicator lamp

Page

L Left turn signal

lamp
The arrow indicates that the
fuel filler flap is on the rear
right-hand side.

Item

71,
366

3 Fuel gauge with:

1 Supplemental

indicator lamp,
USA only

± Engine malfunction

A High beam

4 Clock

2 Tachometer with:

? Engine malfunction

Page

< Seat belt telltale

1 Multifunction display
with:
Main odometer

Item

64,
366

6 Reset button

120

7 Knobs for instrument
cluster illumination

120

82,
362

25

At a glance
Multifunction steering wheel

Item

Page

1 Multifunction display
Operating control system
2 Selecting a submenu or setting the volume:
Press button

æ up/to increase
ç down/to decrease
3 Telephone*:
Press button

s to take a call, or
to dial a call

t to end a call, or
to reject an incoming
call

26

120
123

Item
4 Moving within a menu:
Press button

j for next display
k for previous display
5 Menu systems:
Press button

è for next menu
· for previous menu

Page

At a glance
Multifunction steering wheel

i
SLK 55 AMG:
The steering wheel in this vehicle will
vary from steering wheel shown. However, multifunction steering wheel symbols and feature description apply to
AMG vehicles as well.

27

At a glance
Center console
Upper part

Item

Page

1 Cup holder

268

2 Audio system, or

129

COMAND* (see separate
operating instructions)

Page

a AIRSCARF neck-level
heating* switch,
driver’s side

105

b Passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp

77,
367

c Climate control

178

3 AIRSCARF neck-level
heating* switch,
passenger-side

105

4 Seat heater* switch,
passenger-side

104

5 Central unlocking switch

101

d Cigarette lighter

270

6 Hazard warning flasher
switch

117

e Ashtray

269

7 Central locking switch

101

8 ESP® switch
9 Seat heater* switch,
driver’s side

28

Item

84
104

Automatic climate control*

190

Rear window defroster
switch

177

At a glance
Center console
Lower part

Item

Page

Item

Page

1 Automatic transmission*:
Gear selector lever

157

6 Passenger-side exterior rear
view mirror switch

45,
173

Manual transmission:
Gearshift lever

155

7 Driver’s side exterior rear
view mirror switch

45,
173

252

8 Exterior rear view mirrors
adjustment switch

45,
173

3 Tow-away alarm
deactivation switch

89

163,
169

4 Parking brake lever

52

9 Automatic transmission*:
Program mode selector
switch

2 Retractable hardtop
opening/closing switch

5 Storage compartment

266

Telephone* compartment

29

At a glance
Overhead control panel

Item

30

Page

1 Interior lighting on/off

117

2 Interior lighting automatic
control switch

119

3 Right reading lamp on/off

117

4 Tele Aid (emergency call
system) button

273

5 Garage door opener*

281

6 Sensor for auto-dimming
mirrors*

174

7 Interior rear view mirror

45,
173

8 Left reading lamp on/off

119

At a glance
Door control panel
왔 Door control panel
Item
1 Door handle

Page
97

2 Power window switch for
opening/closing
passenger-side window

246

3 Power window switch for
opening/closing
driver’s side window

246

31

32

Getting started
Unlocking
Adjusting
Driving
Parking and locking

33

Getting started
Unlocking
The “Getting started” section provides an
overview of the vehicle’s most basic functions. First-time Mercedes-Benz owners
should pay special attention to the information given here.

Unlocking with the SmartKey

Press unlock button Πon the
SmartKey.
All turn signal lamps flash once. The
locking knobs in the doors move up.
The anti-theft alarm system is disarmed.

If you are already familiar with the basic
functions described here, the “Controls in
detail” section (컄 page 91) will provide you
with further information. The corresponding page references are located at the end
of each segment.

왘

SmartKey with remote control

1 ‹ Lock button
2 Š Unlock button for trunk lid
3 ΠUnlock button
4 Â Panic button (컄 page 80)

34

왘

Get in the vehicle and insert the
SmartKey in the starter switch.

Getting started
Unlocking

i

!

i

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

The side windows will not open or close
if the battery is discharged or the windows are covered with ice. As a result,
you may no longer be able to properly
close the door. Do not attempt to force
the door shut. Doing so may damage
the door or the side window. Correct
the condition that prevents the
windows from operating before
attempting to close the door.

Without the antenna on the left rear
side of the vehicle installed, the
SmartKey signaling range is considerably reduced. Hold the SmartKey in
close proximity towards the antenna
base when locking or unlocking the
vehicle.
For more information, see “Locking and
unlocking” (컄 page 92).

35

Getting started
Unlocking
Starter switch positions

Warning!

SmartKey

G

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. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause
an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Starter switch

0 For removing the SmartKey
The steering is locked when the
SmartKey is removed from the starter
switch.
1 Power supply for some electrical consumers, such as seat adjustment.

36

2 Ignition (power supply for all electrical
consumers) and driving position.
All lamps (except high beam headlamp
indicator lamp and turn signal indicator
lamps unless activated) in the instrument cluster come on. If a lamp in the
instrument cluster fails to come on
when the ignition is switched on, have
it checked and replaced if necessary.
If a lamp in the instrument cluster remains on after starting the engine or
comes on while driving, refer to see
“Lamps in instrument cluster”
(컄 page 362).
3 Starting position.

Getting started
Unlocking

i

!

When you switch on ignition, the indicator and warning lamps (except high
beam headlamp indicator lamp and
turn signal indicator lamps unless activated) in the instrument cluster come
on. The indicator and warning lamps
(except high beam headlamp indicator
lamp and turn signal indicator lamps if
activated) will go out when the engine
is running. This indicates that the respective systems are operational.

If the SmartKey cannot be turned in the
starter switch, the vehicle battery may
not be sufficiently charged.
앫

Check the vehicle battery and
charge it if necessary (컄 page 421).

앫

Get a jump start (컄 page 424).

To prevent accelerated vehicle battery
discharge or a completely discharged
vehicle battery, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch when
the engine is not in operation.

i
Vehicles with automatic transmission*:
The SmartKey can only be removed
from the starter switch with the gear
selector lever in position P.

For information on starting the engine, see
(컄 page 50).

37

Getting started
Adjusting

Warning!

G

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

Seats
The seats can be adjusted either manually
or electrically, depending on the vehicle’s
equipment.
For more information, see “Seats”
(컄 page 104).

Warning!

G

G

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

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it
with you, and lock the vehicle.

Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
back in an excessively reclined position as
this 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 serious or
fatal injuries. The seat back and seat belts
provide the best restraint when the wearer
is in a nearly upright position and belts are
properly positioned on the body. Your seat
must be adjusted so that you can correctly
fasten your seat belt (컄 page 47).

Even with the SmartKey removed from the
starter switch, the power seats* can be operated when the respective door is open.
Therefore, do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause an accident and/or serious
personal injury.

Never place hands under the seat or near
moving parts while the seat is being
adjusted.

38

Warning!

Getting started
Adjusting

Warning!

G

Children 12 years old and under must never
ride in this vehicle, except in a
Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmartTM
compatible child seat, which operates with
the BabySmartTM system installed in the vehicle to deactivate the passenger front
air bag when it is properly installed.
Otherwise they will be struck by the air bag
when it inflates in a crash. If this happens,
serious or fatal injury will result.
Infants and small children must be seated in
an appropriate BabySmartTM compatible infant or child restraint system, which is properly secured with the vehicle’s seat belt,
fully in accordance with the child seat
manufacturer’s instructions.
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and
the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.

!

Seat fore and aft adjustment

When moving the seats, make sure
there are no items in the footwell or
behind the seats. Otherwise you could
damage the seats.

왘

Pull handle 1.

왘

Slide the seat to the desired position.
Adjust seat to a comfortable seating
position that allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely. The
position should be as far rearward as
possible, consistent with ability to
properly operate controls.

Manual seat adjustment

왘

Allow handle 1 to reengage with an
audible click.

왘

Check for proper engagement before
driving.

1 Seat fore and aft adjustment
2 Seat height
3 Backrest tilt

39

Getting started
Adjusting
Seat height

Power seat* adjustment

i

왘

The seat adjustment switches are located
on the outer side of each seat.

The memory function* (컄 page 107)
lets you store the settings for power
seats*, steering wheel adjustment
(electrical)*, and exterior rear view
mirrors.

Pull or push handle 2 up or down and
adjust the seat height until your legs
are slightly supported.

Backrest tilt
왘

왘

Pull handle 3 and adjust the backrest
until your arms are slightly angled
when holding the steering wheel.

Seat fore and aft adjustment
왘

Release handle 3 when the desired
backrest tilt is reached.
When you hear an audible click, the
backrest is again fixed into place.

For more information, see “Seats”
(컄 page 104).

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

or
왘

40

Adjust seat to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach
the accelerator/brake pedal safely.
The position should be as far rearward
as possible, consistent with ability to
properly operate controls.

1 Seat fore and aft adjustment
2 Seat height
3 Backrest tilt
4 Seat cushion tilt
왘

Seat height
왘

Open the respective door.

Press the horizontal switch forward or
backward in direction of arrow 1.

Press the horizontal switch up or down
in direction of arrow 2 and adjust the
seat height until your legs are slightly
supported.

Getting started
Adjusting
Backrest tilt
왘

Press the vertical switch forward or
backward in direction of arrow 3 until
your arms are slightly angled when
holding the steering wheel.

Seat cushion tilt
왘

Press the horizontal switch up or down
in direction of arrow 4 until your upper legs are lightly supported.

Head restraint height
Warning!

G

For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust head restraint so that the head restraint supports the back of the head at eye
level. This will reduce the potential for injury
to the head and neck in the event of an accident or similar situation.
Do not drive the vehicle without the seat
head restraints. Head restraints are intended to help reduce injuries during an accident.

Head restraint
왘

Adjust the height of head restraints
manually by pulling them upwards or
pushing them downwards.

i
Adjust the head restraint in such a way
that it is as close to the head as
possible.

41

Getting started
Adjusting
Steering wheel

Warning!

Steering wheel adjustment, manual

G

Even with the SmartKey removed from the
starter switch, the electrical steering wheel
adjustment feature* can be operated when
the driver’s door is open. Therefore, do not
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may
cause an accident and/or serious personal
injury.

42

Make sure the steering column is securely locked by trying to move the
steering wheel up and down, in and out
before driving off.

!

Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving. Adjusting the steering wheel while driving, or driving without the steering wheel
adjustment feature locked could cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it
with you, and lock the vehicle.

왘

Do not drive the vehicle until you have
properly locked the steering column.

Warning!
1 Adjustment handle
왘

To unlock the steering column, pull
handle 1 out to its stop limit.

왘

Move the steering wheel to the desired
position.

왘

Push handle 1 back to its original position to relock the steering column.
When you hear an audible click, the
steering column is again fixed into
place.

G

Only adjust the steering wheel with the vehicle at a standstill and make sure the steering column is securely locked in place
before driving off.
Driving without the steering column locked
may cause an unexpected steering wheel
movement which could cause the driver to
lose control of the vehicle. Make sure the
steering column is securely locked by trying
to move it up and down, and in and out before driving off.

Getting started
Adjusting
Steering wheel adjustment, electrical*

i

Easy-entry/exit feature*

The lever for the electrical steering wheel
adjustment is located on the steering column (lower left).

The memory function* (컄 page 107)
lets you store the settings for the steering wheel together with the settings for
the exterior rear view mirrors and the
driver’s seat position.

This feature allows for easier entry into and
exit from the vehicle.

Adjusting steering column in or out
왘

1 Adjusting steering column, in or out
2 Adjusting steering column, up or down
왘

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

or
왘

Open the driver’s door.

The easy-entry/exit feature can be activated or deactivated in the Convenience
submenu of the control system
(컄 page 147).

Move the lever in direction of
arrows 1 until a comfortable steering
wheel position is reached with your
arms slightly bent at the elbow.

Adjusting steering column up or down
왘

Move the lever in direction of
arrows 2.
Make sure your legs can move freely
and all the displays (including malfunction and indicator lamps) on the instrument cluster are clearly visible.

43

Getting started
Adjusting

Warning!

G

You must make sure no one can become
trapped or injured by the moving steering
wheel when the easy-entry/exit feature is
activated.
To cancel steering wheel movement, do one
of the following:
앫

Move steering column lever*
(컄 page 43).

앫

Press one of the memory position buttons* or the memory button M*
(컄 page 107).

Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Children could open the driver’s door and
unintentionally activate the easy-entry/exit
feature, which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.

44

With the easy-entry/exit feature activated,
the steering wheel will return to its last set
position when you:
앫

앫

close the driver’s door with the ignition
switched on,
or

앫

With the easy-entry/exit feature activated,
the steering wheel tilts upwards when you:
remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch,
or
앫

insert the SmartKey into the starter
switch with the driver’s door closed.

open the driver’s door with the
SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1.

i

i

The last set steering wheel position is
stored when

If the current position for the steering
wheel is in the uppermost tilt position,
the steering wheel will no longer be
able to move upward when the
easy-entry/exit feature is activated.

앫

the ignition is switched off

앫

the position is stored in memory
(컄 page 107)

The adjustment procedure is briefly interrupted when the engine is started.

Getting started
Adjusting

Warning!

G

Let the system complete the adjustment
procedure before setting the vehicle in motion. All steering wheel adjustment must be
completed before setting the vehicle in motion. Driving off with the steering wheel still
adjusting could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Interior rear view mirror

Mirrors
Adjust the interior and exterior rear view
mirrors before driving so that you have a
good view of the road and traffic conditions.
Warning!

G

In case of an accident, liquid electrolyte may
escape the mirror housing if the mirror glass
breaks.
Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not allow the liquid to come into contact with
eyes, skin, clothing, or respiratory system.
In case it does, immediately flush affected
area with water, and seek medical help if
necessary.

왘

Adjust the interior rear view mirror
manually.

For more information, see “Rear view mirrors” (컄 page 173).
Exterior rear view mirrors
Warning!

G

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

!
Electrolyte drops coming into contact
with the vehicle paint finish can only be
completely removed while in their
liquid state and by applying plenty of
water.

45

Getting started
Adjusting
!

i

i

If an exterior rear view mirror housing
is forcibly pushed forward (hit from the
rear) or rearward (hit from the front),
reposition it by applying firm pressure
until it snaps into place. The exterior
rear view mirror housing is now properly positioned and you can adjust the
mirror normally.

The memory function (컄 page 107) lets
you store the settings for the exterior
rear view mirrors together with the settings for the steering wheel and the
driver’s seat position.

At low ambient temperatures, the exterior rear view mirrors will be heated automatically.

왘

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

왘

Press switch 1 or 3 to select the
respective exterior rear view mirror.

The switches are located on the lower part
of the center console.

The indicator lamp in the respective
switch comes on. If you do not adjust
the selected exterior rear view mirror
by pressing adjustment switch 2, the
indicator lamp in the switch will switch
off automatically after approximately
10 seconds.
왘

1 Driver’s side exterior rear view mirror
2 Adjustment switch
3 Passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror

46

Press adjustment switch 2 forward,
rearward, left, or right according to the
desired setting.

!
Before driving the vehicle through an
automatic car wash, fold the exterior
mirrors in. Otherwise they may get
damaged.
For more information, see “Storing exterior
rear view mirror parking position (parking
aid)” (컄 page 108).

Getting started
Driving
왔 Driving
Warning!

G

Do not lay any objects in the driver’s footwell. Be careful that floor mats or carpets in
the driver’s footwell have sufficient clearance for the pedals.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate.

Fastening the seat belts

Warning!

G

Always fasten your seat belt before driving
off. Always make sure your passengers are
properly restrained, even pregnant women.

In the same crash, the possibility of injury or
death is lessened if you are wearing your
seat belt. The air bags can only provide the
protection they were designed to afford if
the occupants are using their seat belts
(컄 page 64).

Failure to wear and properly fasten and position your seat belt greatly increases your
risk of injuries and their likely severity in an
accident. You and your passenger 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.

47

Getting started
Driving

Warning!

G

Warning!

G

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 deactivate the passenger front
air bag when it is properly installed.
Otherwise they will be struck by the air bag
when it inflates in a crash. If this happens,
serious or fatal injury will result.

Never let more people ride in the vehicle
than there are seat belts available. Be sure
everyone riding in the vehicle is correctly restrained with a separate seat belt. Never use
a seat belt for more than one person at a
time.

Infants and small children must be seated in
an appropriate BabySmartTM compatible infant or child restraint system, which is properly secured with the vehicle's seat belt,
fully in accordance with the child seat
manufacturer’s instructions.
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and
the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.

Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined position
as this 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 serious or
even fatal injuries. The seat backrest and
seat belt provide the best restraint when the
wearer is in a nearly upright position and the
belt is properly positioned on the body.

48

Warning!

G

Warning!

G

Read and observe the additional warning notices printed in the “Safety and Security”
section (컄 page 68) and (컄 page 71).

Getting started
Driving

1 Loop for seat belt guidance
2 Latch plate
3 Release button
4 Buckle

왘

With a smooth motion, pull the belt
from the belt outlet.

왘

Place the shoulder portion of the belt
across the top of your shoulder and the
lap portion across your hips.

Proper use of seat belts
앫

Do not twist the seat belt when fastening.

앫

Adjust seat belt so that the shoulder
portion is located as close as possible
to the middle of the shoulder (it should
not touch the neck). Never pass the
shoulder portion of the belt under your
arm.

왘

Push latch plate 2 into buckle 4 until
it engages.

왘

If necessary, tighten the lap portion to
a snug fit by pulling shoulder portion
up.

앫

For more information, see “Safety guidelines for the seat belt, emergency tensioning device and air bag” (컄 page 68).

Position the lap belt as low as possible
on your hips (over hip joint) and not
across the abdomen.

앫

Place the seat backrest in a nearly upright position.

49

Getting started
Driving
앫

Never use a seat belt for more than one
person at a time.

앫

Do not fasten a seat belt around a person and another object at the same
time.

앫

When using a seat belt to secure infant
or toddler restraints or children in
booster seats, always follow the child
seat manufacturer’s instructions.

앫

Check your seat belt during travel to
make sure it is properly positioned.

앫

Make sure the seat belt is always fitted
snugly. Take special care of this when
wearing loose clothing.

50

Warning!

G

Starting the engine

G

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

Warning!

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

Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide, and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and possible death.

Never attempt to make modifications to
seat belts. This could impair the effectiveness of the belts.
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash, they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly
stressed in an accident must be replaced.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.

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

Getting started
Driving
Manual transmission

Starting
왘

Depress brake pedal.

왘

Make sure the gearshift lever is in neutral position (no gear selected).

왘

Fully depress clutch pedal.

Automatic transmission*

Otherwise the engine cannot be started due to the integrated safety interlock.
Gearshift pattern for manual transmission

For more information, see “Manual transmission” (컄 page 155).

왘

Do not depress accelerator.

왘

Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 3 (컄 page 36) and hold until
the engine starts.

For information on turning off the engine,
see “Turning off engine” (컄 page 61).

Gearshift pattern for automatic
transmission

P Park position with gear selector lever
lock
R Reverse gear
N Neutral position
D Drive position
For more information, see “Automatic
transmission*” (컄 page 157).

51

Getting started
Driving
Starting

Starting difficulties

왘

Place the gear selector lever in
position P.

If the engine does not start as described,
carry out the following steps:

왘

Do not depress accelerator.

왘

왘

Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 3 (컄 page 36) and release it
again immediately. The engine starts
automatically.

For information on turning off the engine,
see “Turning off engine” (컄 page 61).

Remember that extended starting attempts can drain the vehicle battery.
왘

Get a jump start (컄 page 424).

If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts, there could be a malfunction in the engine electronics or in the
fuel supply system.
왘

52

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

Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.

Parking brake

Warning!

G

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, which
could result in an accident and/or serious
injury.

Getting started
Driving
Driving

Warning!

!

G

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.

1 Parking brake lever
2 Release button
왘

Pull up slightly on parking brake
lever 1 and press release button 2.

왘

Push parking brake lever 1 down to
its original position.
The brake warning lamp ; (USA
only) or 3 (Canada only) in the
speedometer dial goes out.

!
If you hear a warning signal and the
message Release parking brake appears in the multifunction display when
driving off, you have forgotten to release the parking brake.

Simultaneously depressing the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal reduces
engine performance and causes premature brake and drivetrain wear.

i
Once the vehicle is in motion, the automatic central locking system engages
and the locking knobs drop down.
For more information, see “Automatic
central locking” (컄 page 101).

53

Getting started
Driving
Manual transmission

Automatic transmission*

왘

Depress the brake pedal.

!

왘

Fully depress the clutch pedal.

왘

Move gearshift lever to first gear to
drive forward, or to reverse gear to
drive rearward.

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

왘

Simultaneously release the brake pedal
and slowly the clutch pedal.

왘

Carefully depress the accelerator
pedal.

왘

Depress the brake pedal.

왘

Move gear selector lever to position D
to drive forward, or to position R to
drive rearward.

왘

Release the brake pedal.

왘

Carefully depress the accelerator
pedal.

i
During the brief warm-up, transmission
upshifting is delayed. This allows the
catalytic converter to heat up more
quickly to operating temperature.

54

Warning!

G

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

Getting started
Driving
Switching on headlamps

High beam

Low beam headlamps

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

Turn signals
The combination switch is located on the
left of the steering column.

The exterior lamp switch is located on the
dashboard to the left of the steering wheel.

Combination switch
Exterior lamp switch

1 Off
2 Low beam headlamps on
왘

Turn exterior lamp switch to
position B.

1 High beam
2 High beam flasher
왘

Combination switch

1 Turn signals, right
2 Turn signals, left

Push combination switch in direction of
arrow 1.
The high beam headlamp indicator
lamp A in the instrument cluster
comes on (컄 page 24).

For more information on headlamps, see
“Lighting” (컄 page 110).

55

Getting started
Driving
왘

Press combination switch in direction
of arrow 1 or 2.
The corresponding turn signal indicator
lamp K or L in the instrument
cluster flashes (컄 page 24).

Windshield wipers

!
Do not operate the windshield wipers
when the windshield is dry. Dust that
accumulates on a windshield might
scratch the glass and/or damage the
wiper blades when wiping occurs on a
dry windshield. If it is necessary to operate the wipers in dry weather conditions, always operate the windshield
wipers with windshield washer fluid
(컄 page 57).

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

The combination switch resets automatically after major directional changes.

i
To signal minor directional changes,
press combination switch only to point
of resistance and release. The corresponding turn signals will flash three
times.

Switching on windshield wipers
Combination switch

1 Single wipe
Wiping with windshield washer fluid
2 Switching on windshield wipers
왘

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

왘

Turn the combination switch to the desired position depending on the intensity of the rain.
0 Windshield wipers off
I

Intermittent wiping

II Normal wiper speed
III Fast wiper speed

56

Getting started
Driving
Intermittent wiping

!
Vehicles with rain sensor*:
Do not leave windshield wipers in intermittent setting when vehicle is taken to
an automatic car wash or during windshield cleaning. Windshield wipers will
operate in the presence of water
sprayed on the windshield, and windshield wipers may be damaged as a
result.
Vehicles with rain sensor*:
Intermittent wiping interval is dependent
on wetness of windshield.
왘

Turn the combination switch to
position I.
Vehicles with rain sensor*:
After the initial wipe, pauses between
wipes are automatically controlled by
the rain sensor.

i

Single wipe

Intermittent wiping is interrupted when
the vehicle is at a standstill and a door
is opened. This helps to avoid people
being sprayed with water from wiper
action when getting into and out of the
vehicle.

왘

Intermittent wiping will be continued
when

Wiping with windshield washer fluid

앫

all doors are closed

and
앫

앫

The windshield wipers wipe one time
without washer fluid.

왘

Press the combination switch in direction of arrow 1 past the resistance
point.

the clutch pedal is depressed (vehicles with manual transmission)

The windshield wipers operate with
washer fluid.

or

i

the gear selector lever is in
position D or R (vehicles with automatic transmission*)

To prevent smears on the windshield,
wipe with windshield washer fluid every
now and then even when it is raining.

or
앫

Press the combination switch briefly in
direction of arrow 1 to the resistance
point.

the wiper setting is changed using
the combination switch

For information on filling up the washer
reservoir, see “Windshield washer system
and headlamp cleaning system*”
(컄 page 315).

57

Getting started
Driving
Problems while driving

!
If anything blocks the windshield wipers (leaves, snow, etc.), switch them off
immediately.
앫

For safety reasons, stop the vehicle
in a safe location, turn off the engine and remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch before attempting to remove any blockage.

In case of accident
If the vehicle is leaking gasoline:

The engine runs erratically and misfires

왘

Do not start the engine under any circumstances.

The engine electronics may not be operating properly.

왘

Notify local fire and/or police authorities.

앫

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

If the extent of the damage cannot be determined:

앫

An ignition cable may be damaged.

앫

앫

Remove blockage.

왘

Give very little gas.

왘

앫

Turn the windshield wipers on
again.

왘

Have the problem repaired by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.

If no damage can be determined on the

If the windshield wipers fail to function
at all with combination switch in
position I,
앫

set combination switch to the next
higher wiper speed

앫

have the windshield wipers
checked at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center

58

Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.

앫

Major assemblies

The coolant temperature is above
248°F (120°C)

앫

Fuel system

앫

Engine mount

The coolant is too hot and is no longer
cooling the engine.

왘

Start the engine in the usual manner.

왘

Stop the vehicle as soon as possible
and turn off the engine. Allow engine
and coolant to cool.

왘

Check the coolant level and add coolant if necessary (컄 page 313).

Getting started
Parking and locking
왔 Parking and locking
You have now completed your first drive.
You have properly stopped and parked
your vehicle. End your drive as follows.
Warning!

G

Vehicles with manual transmission:
Wait until the vehicle is stationary before removing the SmartKey from the starter
switch. The vehicle cannot be steered when
the SmartKey is removed.

Warning!

G

With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering
system. 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.

Warning!

G

Parking brake

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, as these materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
To reduce the risk of personal injury as a result of vehicle movement, before turning off
the engine and leaving the vehicle always:
앫

Keep right foot on brake pedal.

앫

Pull up the parking brake lever firmly.

앫

Move the gear selector lever* to
position P (manual transmission: first or
reverse gear).

앫

Slowly release brake pedal.

앫

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

앫

Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 0 and remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch.

앫

Take the SmartKey and lock vehicle
when leaving.

1 Parking brake lever
2 Release button
왘

Pull up parking brake lever 1 firmly.
When the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running, the brake warning
lamp ; (USA only) or 3 (Canada
only) in the speedometer dial comes
on.

59

Getting started
Parking and locking

Warning!

G

Getting out of your vehicle with the gear selector lever* not fully engaged in position P
(manual transmission: first or reverse gear)
is dangerous. Also, when parked on an incline, position P (manual transmission: first
or reverse gear) alone may not prevent your
vehicle from moving, possibly hitting people
or objects.
Always set the parking brake in addition to
shifting to position P (manual transmission:
first or reverse gear).
When parked on an incline, turn the front
wheels towards the road curb.

60

Warning!

G

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
move the gear selector lever* from
position P (manual transmission: into
Neutral), either of which could result in an
accident and/or serious injury.

Switching off headlamps
왘

Turn exterior lamp switch to M
(컄 page 55).

For more information, see “Lighting”
(컄 page 110).

Getting started
Parking and locking
Turning off engine
왘

Manual transmission: Move the gearshift lever into first or reverse gear.

왘

Automatic transmission*: Place the
gear selector lever in position P.

i
Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting into first or reverse gear
(automatic transmission*: gear selector lever in position P).
On slopes, turn the front wheels towards the road curb.
왘

Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 0 and remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch.
The immobilizer is activated.

i

!

Vehicles with automatic transmission*:
The SmartKey can only be removed
from the starter switch with the gear
selector lever in position P.

Make sure the seat belt retracts fully so
that the seat belt and/or latch plate
cannot get caught or pinched in the
door or in the seat mechanism. This
can damage the seat belt and impair
the effectiveness of the seat belt,
and/or cause damage to the door
and/or door trim panel. Such damage
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.

왘

Press the seat belt release button
(컄 page 49).

왘

Guide the latch plate to allow the retractor to completely rewind the seat
belt.

Damaged seat belts must be replaced.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.

i
With the SmartKey removed from the
starter switch and the driver’s door
open, a warning sounds if the parking
lamps or low beam headlamps are
switched on (컄 page 110).
The message Turn off lights appears
in the multifunction display.

61

Getting started
Parking and locking

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

!
The side windows will not open or close
if the battery is discharged or the windows are covered with ice. As a result,
you may no longer be able to properly
close the door. Do not attempt to force
the door shut. Doing so may damage
the door or the side window. Correct
the condition that prevents the
windows from operating before
attempting to close the door.

62

Locking

Warning!

G

To prevent possible personal injury, always
keep hands and fingers away from the door
openings when closing the doors. Be especially careful when small children are
around.
Before closing doors, make sure there is no
possibility of someone getting caught in a
door during closing.

Warning!

G

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. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause
an accident and/or serious personal injury.

왘

Exit the vehicle and close all doors.

왘

Press the lock button ‹ on the
SmartKey (컄 page 34).
With the trunk and all doors closed, all
turn signal lamps flash three times. The
locking knobs on the doors move
down.
The anti-theft alarm system is armed
now (컄 page 87).

i
Without the antenna on the left rear
side of the vehicle installed, the
SmartKey signaling range is considerably reduced. Hold the SmartKey in
close proximity towards the antenna
base when locking or unlocking the
vehicle.
For more information, see “Locking and
unlocking” (컄 page 92).

Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Panic alarm
Driving safety systems
Anti-theft systems

63

Safety and Security
Occupant safety
In this section you will learn the most important facts about the restraint systems
of the vehicle.

The 1 indicator lamp in the speedometer dial (컄 page 24) comes on
앫

The restraint systems are

for about 4 seconds when you turn the
SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 1. It then goes out briefly,
comes on again and remains lit until
you start the engine.

앫

Seat belts

앫

Emergency tensioning device (ETD)

앫

Air bags

앫

Child seats

for about 4 seconds when you start the
engine by turning the SmartKey.

앫

Child seat recognition

i

As independent systems, their protective
effects work in conjunction with each
other.

i
For information on infants and children
traveling with you in the vehicle and restraint systems for infants and children, see “Children in the vehicle”
(컄 page 75).

64

앫

The 1 indicator lamp remains lit if
the SmartKey is turned to position 2
and left there. The indicator lamp will
go out when you start the engine.

The 1 indicator lamp goes out shortly
after you start the engine. This shows that
the restraint systems are operational.
A malfunction in the system has been detected if the 1 indicator lamp
앫

fails to extinguish after approximately
4 seconds with the SmartKey in the
starter switch position 1

앫

does not come on at all

앫

comes on after the engine was started

앫

comes on while driving

For safety reasons, we strongly recommend that you visit an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately to
have the system checked.
For more information, see “Practical hints”
(컄 page 366).

Safety and Security
Occupant safety

Warning!

G

In the event that the 1 indicator lamp
comes on during driving or does not come
on at all, the SRS self-check has detected a
malfunction. For your safety, we strongly
recommend that you visit an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately 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 unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in
injury.
In addition, improper work on the SRS creates a risk of rendering the SRS inoperative
or causing unintended air bag deployment.
Work on the SRS must therefore only be performed by qualified technicians. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Air bags
Warning!
Warning!

G

Air bags are designed to reduce the potential of injury in certain frontal impacts (front
air bags, kneebags), or side impacts
(head-thorax air bags) which may cause significant injuries. However, no system available today can totally eliminate injuries and
fatalities.
The activation of the air bags temporarily releases a small amount of dust from the
air bags. This dust, however, is neither injurious to your health, nor does it indicate a
fire in the vehicle. The dust might cause
some temporary breathing difficulty for people with asthma 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 air bag inflates,
then get fresh air by opening a window or
door.

G

To reduce the risk of injury when the front
air bags inflate, it is very important for the
driver and passenger to always be in a properly seated position and to wear their seat
belts.
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 it is properly positioned on your body.
Since the air bag 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 air bag.
Occupants who are unbelted, out of position
or too close to the air bag can be seriously
injured or killed by an air bag as it inflates
with great force in the blink of an eye:
앫

Sit properly belted in a nearly upright
position with your back against the seat
컄컄
backrest.

65

Safety and Security
Occupant safety
컄컄

앫

Adjust the driver seat as far as possible
rearward, still permitting proper operation of vehicle controls. The distance
from the center of the driver’s breastbone to the center of the air bag cover
on the steering wheel must be at least
ten inches (25 cm) or more. You should
be able to accomplish this by a combination of adjustments to the seat and the
steering wheel. If you have any problems, please see an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

앫

Do not lean with your head or chest
close to the steering wheel or dashboard.

앫

Keep hands on the outside of the steering wheel rim. Placing hands and arms
inside the rim can increase the risk and
potential severity of hand/arm injury
when driver front air bag inflates.

앫

Adjust the passenger seat as far as possible rearward from the dashboard when
the seat is occupied.

66

앫

앫

Occupants, especially children, should
never lean their heads in the area of the
door where the head-thorax air bag inflates. This could result in serious injuries or death should the air bag be
triggered. Always sit nearly upright,
properly use the seat belts and appropriately sized infant or child restraint system.
Children 12 years old and under must
never ride in this vehicle, except in a
Mercedes-Benz authorized
BabySmartTM compatible child seat,
which operates with the BabySmartTM
system installed in the vehicle to deactivate the passenger front air bag when it
is properly installed. Otherwise, they will
be struck by the air bag when it inflates
in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury will result.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in severe injuries to you or other occupants.
If you sell your vehicle, it is important that
you make the buyer aware of this safety information. Be sure to give the buyer this
Operator’s Manual.

Safety and Security
Occupant safety

G

To help avoid the possibility of injury, please
follow these guidelines:

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 front air bag.
BabySmartTM will not, however, turn off any
head-thorax air bag.

(1) Occupants, especially children, should
never place their bodies or lean their
heads in the area of the door where the
head-thorax air bag inflates. This could
result in serious injuries or death should
the head-thorax air bag be activated.

Warning!

It should be noted, however, that there is a
possibility of a head-thorax air bag related
injury if occupants, especially children, are
not properly seated or restrained when next
to a head-thorax air bag which needs to deploy rapidly in a side impact in order to do its
job.

(2) Always sit nearly upright, properly use
the seat belts and use an appropriately
sized infant or child restraint system for
all children 12 years old or under.

(3) Always wear seat belts properly.
If you believe that, even with the use of
these guidelines, it would be safer for your
passenger seat occupants to have the passenger head-thorax air bag deactivated,
then deactivation can be accomplished
upon your written request to do so at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center at an additional cost.
Please contact your local authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or call our Customer
Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) for details.

67

Safety and Security
Occupant safety

i
Air bags are designed to activate only
in certain frontal impacts (front
air bags, kneebags), or side impacts
(head-thorax air bags) which exceed
preset thresholds.
Only during these types of impacts, if of
sufficient severity to meet the deployment thresholds, will they provide their
supplemental protection.
The driver and passenger should always wear their seat belts. Otherwise it
is not possible for the air bags to provide their supplemental protection.
In cases of other frontal impacts, angled impacts, roll-overs, other side impacts, rear collisions, or other
accidents, the air bags will not be activated. The driver and the passenger will
then be protected by the fastened seat
belts.

68

We caution you not to rely on the presence of the air bags in order to avoid
wearing your seat belt.
Your vehicle was originally equipped
with air bags that are designed to activate in certain impacts exceeding a
preset threshold to reduce the potential and severity of injury. It is important
to your safety and that of your passengers that you replace deployed air bags
and repair any malfunctioning air bags
to make sure the vehicle will continue
to provide supplemental crash protection for occupants.

Safety guidelines for the seat belt,
emergency tensioning device and
air bag
Warning!

G

앫

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 belts installed or supplied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

앫

Air bags and emergency tensioning devices (ETDs) are designed to function on
a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD
that was activated must be replaced.

앫

No modifications of any kind may be
made to any components or wiring of
the SRS. This includes changing or removing any component or part of the
SRS, the installation of additional trim
material, badges etc. over the steering
wheel hub, passenger air bag cover, outboard sides of the seat backrests, door
trim panels, or door frame trims,

Safety and Security
Occupant safety

and installation of additional electrical/electronic equipment on or near
SRS components and wiring. Keep area
between air bags and occupants free
from objects (e.g. packages, purses,
umbrellas, etc.).

앫

앫

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

앫

앫

Do not make any modification that could
change the effectiveness of the belts.

앫

Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this
may severely weaken them. In a crash
they may not be able to provide adequate protection.

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.

앫

Air bag system components will be hot
after an air bag has inflated. Do not
touch.

앫

In addition, improper repair work on the
SRS creates a risk of rendering the SRS
inoperative or causing unintended
air bag deployment. Work on the SRS
must therefore only be performed by
qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
For your protection and the protection
of others, when scrapping the air bag
unit or emergency tensioning device,
our safety instructions must be followed. These instructions are available
from your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Given the considerable deployment
speed and the textile structure of the
air bags, there is the possibility of abrasions or other injuries resulting from
air bag deployment.

Warning!

G

Only use seat covers which have been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz for your
vehicle model. Using other seat covers may
interfere with or prevent the deployment of
the head-thorax airbags. Contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for availability.

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.

69

Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Front air bags

1 Driver’s air bag
2 Passenger air bag
3 Kneebag (passenger side)
4 Kneebag (driver’s side)

70

Driver and passenger air bags are deployed
앫

in the event of certain frontal impacts

앫

if impact exceeds a preset deployment
threshold

앫

independently of the head-thorax
air bags

The air bags will not deploy in impacts
which do not exceed the system’s deployment thresholds. You will then be protected by the fastened seat belts.
The passenger air bag will only be deployed if
앫

the passenger seat is occupied

앫

the 75 indicator lamp in the
center console is not lit (컄 page 77)

앫

the impact exceeds a preset deployment threshold

!
Do not place objects heavier than
20 lbs (9 kg) on the passenger seat.
This could cause the front air bag or
head-thorax air bag on the passenger
side to deploy in a crash which exceeds
the system’s deployment threshold.
Kneebags
The driver-side kneebag is located on the
driver’s side lower instrument panel. The
passenger-side kneebag is located on the
passenger side below the glove box. They
are designed to operate together with the
air bags in certain frontal impacts exceeding a preset threshold. The kneebags operate best in conjunction with properly
positioned and fastened seat belts.

Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Head-thorax air bags

Seat belts
When the engine is started, the seat belt
telltale < illuminates for a maximum of
6 seconds and a warning chime sounds to
remind you and your passenger to fasten
your seat belt.
If after these 6 seconds, the driver’s or the
passenger’s seat belt (with the passenger
seat occupied) are not fastened with all
doors closed,

1 Head-thorax air bag
The head-thorax air bags are deployed
앫

on the impacted side of the vehicle

앫

in impacts exceeding a preset deployment threshold

앫

independently of the front air bags

The passenger-side head-thorax air bag
will only deploy if the system senses that
the passenger seat is occupied.
The head-thorax air bags are not deployed
in impacts which do not exceed the system’s deployment threshold.

앫

and the vehicle speed does not exceed
15 mph (25 km/h), the seat belt
telltale < remains illuminated for as
long as either the driver’s or passenger’s seat belt is not fastened.

앫

and the vehicle speed exceeds 15 mph
(25 km/h), the seat belt telltale <
starts flashing and a warning chime
sounds with increasing intensity until
both the driver’s and passenger’s seat
belt are fastened, or for a maximum of
60 seconds from the time the vehicle
speed exceeded 15 mph (25 km/h) if
either the driver’s or passenger’s seat
belt remains unfastened.
If the driver’s or passenger’s seat belt
remains unfastened after 60 seconds,
the seat belt telltale < stops flashing and the warning chime stops
sounding. The seat belt telltale <
then continues to be illuminated for as
long as either the driver’s or passenger’s seat belt are not fastened.

The seat belt telltale < will only go out
if both the driver’s and passenger’s seat
belt (with the passenger seat occupied)
are fastened, or the vehicle is standing still
and a door is opened.

71

Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Always wear your seat belt. All vehicle occupants always need to have their seat
belts fastened and wear them properly.
In addition, applicable motor vehicle safety
laws require you to wear seat belts. Even
where this is not the case, we strongly recommend that all vehicle occupants have
their seat belts fastened and wear them
properly.
For more information, see “Fastening the
seat belts” (컄 page 47).

i
For information on infants and children
traveling with you in the vehicle and restraint systems for infants and children, see “Children in the vehicle”
(컄 page 75).

Warning!

G

Always fasten your seat belt before driving
off. Always make sure your passenger is
properly restrained, even pregnant women.
Failure to wear and properly fasten and position your seat belt greatly increases your
risk of injuries and their likely severity in an
accident. You and your passenger 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. Air bags can only protect as
they are designed if the occupants are properly wearing their seat belts.

72

Warning!

G

Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined position
as this 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 serious or
even fatal injuries. The seat backrest and
seat belt provide the best restraint when the
wearer is in a nearly upright position and the
belt is properly positioned on the body.

Warning!

G

Never let more people ride in the vehicle
than there are seat belts available. Be sure
everyone riding in the vehicle is correctly restrained with a separate seat belt. Never use
a seat belt for more than one person at a
time.

Safety and Security
Occupant safety

Warning!

G

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

Warning!

Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
Have all work carried out only by qualified
technicians. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

앫

Never wear the shoulder belt under your
arm, against your neck or off your shoulder. 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 severely injure internal organs such as
your liver or spleen.

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 section, as that could result in serious injuries in case of an accident.

앫

Each occupant should wear his or her
seat belt at all times, because seat belts
help reduce the likelihood and potential
severity of injuries in accidents, including rollovers. The integrated restraint
system includes SRS (driver air bag,
passenger air bag, kneebags,
head-thorax air bags) and ETD (seat belt
emergency tensioning device).

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 abdomen. If the belt is positioned across your
abdomen, it could cause serious injuries
in a crash.

The system is designed to enhance the
protection offered to properly belted occupants in certain frontal (front air bags,
kneebags, and EDT) and side (head-thorax air bags and EDT) impacts which exceed preset deployment thresholds.

앫

Never use a seat belt for more than one
person at a time. Do not fasten a seat
belt around a person and another per컄컄
son or other objects.

Only use seat belts which have been approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Do not make any modifications to the seat
belts. This can lead to unintended activation
of the ETDs or to failure.

G

73

Safety and Security
Occupant safety
컄컄

앫

앫

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.
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 pressure on the abdomen.
Never place your feet on the instrument
panel, dashboard or on the seat. Always
keep both feet on the floor in front of the
seat.

Emergency tensioning device (ETD),
seat belt force limiter
The seat belts are equipped with
emergency tensioning devices (ETDs) and
seat belt force limiters.
The ETD is designed to activate in the following cases:
앫
앫

in frontal or rear-end impacts exceeding a preset severity level.
if the restraint systems are operational
and functioning correctly, see
1 indicator lamp (컄 page 64).

i
The ETDs for the seats will only activate
if the respective seat belt is fastened
(latch plate properly inserted into
buckle).

74

In an impact emergency tensioning
devices remove slack from the belts in
such a way that the seat belts fit more
snugly against the body. Belt force limiters
reduce the force exerted by the seat belts
on occupants during a crash.
Warning!

G

An emergency tensioning device (ETD) that
was activated must be replaced.
When scrapping the emergency tensioning
device, our safety instructions must be followed. These are available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Safety and Security
Occupant safety
!
Do not place objects heavier than
20 lbs (9 kg) on the passenger seat.
This could cause the front air bag or
head-thorax air bag on the passenger
side and, with the seat belt fastened to
secure the object, the ETD to deploy in
a crash which exceeds the system’s
deployment threshold.

Children in the vehicle

Infant and child restraint systems

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

Use only a BabySmartTM compatible child
restraint for the passenger seat in this
vehicle.

앫

Secure the child using an infant or child
restraint appropriate to the age and
size of the child.

앫

Ensure the infant or child is properly
secured at all times while the vehicle is
in motion.

Infant and child restraint seats and information on choosing an appropriate restraint system can be obtained from any
Mercedes-Benz Center.

We recommend all infants and children be
properly restrained at all times while the
vehicle is in motion.
The passenger lap-shoulder belt has a special seat belt retractor for secure fastening
of child restraints.
To fasten a child restraint, follow child restraint instructions for mounting. Then pull
the shoulder belt out completely and let it
retract. During 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 manner.

75

Safety and Security
Occupant safety

Warning!

G

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. territories 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 that complies with
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards 213 and 225 and Canadian
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213
and 210.2.

76

A statement by the child restraint manufacturer of compliance with this standard can be found on the instruction
label on the restraint and in the instruction 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!

G

Children 12 years old and under must never
ride in this vehicle, except in a
Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmartTM
compatible child seat, which operates with
the BabySmartTM system installed in the vehicle to deactivate the passenger front
air bag when it is properly installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the air bag when
it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious
or fatal injury can result.
Infants and small children must be seated in
an appropriate BabySmartTM compatible infant or child restraint system, which is properly secured with the vehicle’s seat belt,
fully in accordance with the child seat
manufacturer’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.

Safety and Security
Occupant safety

Children too big for child restraint systems
should use regular seat belts. Position the
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 until they reach a
height where a lap/shoulder belt fits properly without a booster.
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.
When the child restraint is not in use, remove 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 accident.

BabySmartTM air bag deactivation
system

Special BabySmartTM compatible child
seats, designed for use with the
Mercedes-Benz system and available at
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center are
required for use with the BabySmartTM
air bag deactivation system. With the special child seat properly installed, the passenger front air bag will not deploy.
The 75 indicator lamp will be illuminated, except with the SmartKey removed or in starter switch position 0.

1 75 indicator lamp

i
The system does not deactivate the
head-thorax air bag and the ETD (emergency tensioning device).

Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle; even if the children are secured in a
child restraint system. Unsupervised children in a child restraint system may use vehicle equipment and may cause serious
personal injury.

77

Safety and Security
Occupant safety
Self-test BabySmartTM without special
child seat installed

Warning!

After turning the SmartKey in the starter
switch to position 1 or 2, the
75 indicator lamp comes on for
approximately 6 seconds and then goes
out.

The BabySmartTM air bag deactivation system 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.

When using a BabySmartTM compatible child
seat on the passenger seat, the front passenger air bag will not deploy only if the
75 indicator lamp remains illuminated.

Never place anything between seat cushion
and child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces
the effectiveness of the deactivation system. 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.

Please be sure to check the
75 indicator lamp every time you
use the special system child seat. Should
the 75 indicator lamp go out while
the restraint is installed, please check installation. If the 75 indicator lamp remains out, do not use the BabySmartTM
restraint to transport children on the passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

If the 75 indicator lamp should
not come on or is continuously lit, the system is not functioning. You must see an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center before
seating any child on the passenger seat.
For more information, see “Practical hints”
(컄 page 367).

G

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
installation of special child seats.

78

Warning!

G

Safety and Security
Occupant safety

Warning!

G

Do not place powered-on laptops, cell
phones, electronic tags such as those used
in ski passes, and like electronic devices on
the passenger seat. Signals from such devices may interfere with the BabySmartTM
system. Such signal interference, for example, may cause the 75 indicator
lamp not to come on during self-test or be
continuously lit, indicating that the system
is not functioning.

79

Safety and Security
Panic alarm
An audible alarm and flashing exterior
lamps will operate for approximately
21/2 minutes.

1 Â button

80

i

i

USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:

Canada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and

(1) This device may not cause
interference, and

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

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

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

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

Safety and Security
Panic alarm
Activating

Deactivating

왘

Press and hold button 1 for at least
1 second.

왘

i

왘

Without the antenna on the left rear
side of the vehicle installed, the
SmartKey signaling range for the panic
alarm is considerably reduced. The
panic alarm then only functions if the
SmartKey is held in close proximity
towards the antenna base.

Press button 1 again.

or
Insert the SmartKey in the starter
switch.

81

Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
In this section you will find information on
the following driving safety systems:
앫

ABS (Antilock Brake System)

앫
앫

Warning!

G

ABS

G

Warning!

BAS (Brake Assist System)

The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:

ESP® (Electronic Stability Program)

앫

Excessive speed, especially in turns

앫

Wet and slippery road surfaces

앫

Following another vehicle too closely

Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the brake pedal defeats the purpose of
the ABS and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.

i
In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the ABS, the BAS, and
the ESP® is only achieved with winter
tires (컄 page 348), or snow chains as
required.

The ABS, BAS, and ESP® cannot reduce this
risk.
Always adjust your driving style to the prevailing road and weather conditions.

The Antilock Brake System (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
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The - indicator lamp in the speedometer dial (컄 page 24) comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.

82

Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Braking

Emergency brake maneuver

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

왘

Keep firm and steady pressure on the
brake pedal while experiencing the pulsation.

Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to
steer the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.

BAS

Keep continuous full pressure on the
brake pedal.

Warning!

G

The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded. The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ABS equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize 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 potentially reducing braking distance. Apply continuous 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.
Warning!

G

If the BAS is malfunctioning, the brake system is still functioning normally, but without
the additional brake boost available that
BAS would normally provide in an emergency braking maneuver. Therefore, the braking
distance may increase.

For more information, see “Practical Hints”
(컄 page 362).

83

Safety and Security
Driving safety systems

Warning!

G

The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking efficiency beyond that
afforded 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, following another vehicle too closely,
or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities 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.

ESP®
Warning!
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) is
operational as soon as the engine is running and 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 spinning or if the vehicle starts to skid.
By applying brakes to the appropriate
wheel and by limiting engine output, the
ESP® works to stabilize the vehicle. The
ESP® is especially useful while driving off
and on wet or slippery road surfaces. The
ESP® also stabilizes the vehicle during
braking maneuvers.
The ESP® warning lamp v in the speedometer dial flashes when the ESP® is engaged.
The ESP® warning lamp v in the speedometer dial comes on when you switch on
the ignition. It goes out when the engine is
running.

84

G

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 accelerator.

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.

Safety and Security
Driving safety systems

Warning!

G

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, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an 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.

i
The ESP® will only function properly if
you use wheels of the recommended
tire size (컄 page 439).

Switching off the ESP®

!
Because of the ESP®’s automatic operation, the engine must be turned off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 0
or 1) when
앫

the parking brake is being tested on
a brake test dynamometer

앫

the vehicle is being towed with the
front axle raised

Active braking action through the ESP
may otherwise seriously damage the
brake system.

Warning!

The ESP® should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the circumstances described below. Disabling of the
system will reduce vehicle stability in standard driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP® when a spare
wheel with collapsible tire is mounted.

®

For more information, see “Practical Hints”
(컄 page 365).

G

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

when driving with snow chains

앫

in deep snow

앫

in sand or gravel

85

Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
!
®

Turn on the ESP immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not
apply anymore.

The switch is located on the upper part of
the center console.

the ESP® does not stabilize the vehicle

앫

the engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and
thus cut into surfaces for a better grip

앫

the traction control will still brake a
spinning wheel

앫

the ESP® continues to operate when
you are braking

i
When the ESP® is switched off and one
or more drive wheels are spinning, the
ESP® warning lamp v in the speedometer dial flashes. However, the ESP®
will then not stabilize the vehicle.

G

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

When you switch off the ESP®
앫

Warning!

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

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

1 ESP® switch (off/on)
왘

With the engine running, press ESP®
switch 1.
The ESP® warning lamp v in the
speedometer dial comes on.
The ESP® is switched off.

Switching on the ESP®
왘

Press ESP® switch 1.
The ESP® warning lamp v in the
speedometer dial goes out.
You are now again in normal driving
mode with the ESP® switched on.

86

Safety and Security
Anti-theft systems
왔 Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer

Anti-theft alarm system

The immobilizer prevents unauthorized
persons from starting your vehicle.

Once the alarm system has been armed, a
visual and audible alarm is triggered when
someone opens

Activating
왘

Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.

The alarm will stay on, even if the activating element (e.g. a door) is immediately closed.

앫

a door

i

앫

the trunk lid

If the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, a call to the Response
Center is initiated automatically by the
Tele Aid system (컄 page 273), provided
Tele Aid service was subscribed to and
properly activated, and that necessary
cellular service and GPS coverage are
available (컄 page 273).

앫

the hood

Deactivating

앫

the glove box

왘

앫

the storage compartment in the center
console

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

i

i
Starting the engine will also deactivate
the immobilizer.

The alarm system will also be triggered
when

In case the engine cannot be started
(yet the vehicle’s battery is charged),
the system is not operational. Contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the
USA), or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).

앫

someone attempts to raise the vehicle

앫

opening the vehicle with the
mechanical key

앫

someone opens a door from the inside

앫

someone opens the trunk lid with the
emergency release button

87

Safety and Security
Anti-theft systems
Arming the alarm system

Disarming the alarm system

왘

왘

Lock your vehicle with the SmartKey.
The turn signal lamps flash three times
to indicate that the alarm system is activated.
The indicator lamp in the central locking switch starts flashing (컄 page 102).

The turn signal lamps flash once to indicate that the alarm system is disarmed.
Canceling the alarm
To cancel the alarm:

i

왘

If the turn signal lamps do not flash
three times, one of the following elements may not be properly closed:

or

앫

a door

왘

앫

the trunk lid

앫

the fuel filler flap

앫

the glove box

앫

the storage compartment under the
armrest

Close the respective element and lock
the vehicle again.

88

Unlock your vehicle with the SmartKey.

Press the Œ or ‹ button on the
SmartKey.

Insert the SmartKey in the starter
switch.

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.

i
The tow-away protection alarm is triggered, for example, if the vehicle is lifted on one side.
If the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, a call to the Response
Center is initiated automatically by the
Tele Aid system (컄 page 273), provided
Tele Aid service was subscribed to and
properly activated, and that necessary
cellular service and GPS coverage are
available (컄 page 273).

Safety and Security
Anti-theft systems
Arming tow-away alarm
왘

Lock your vehicle with the SmartKey.

The switch is located on the lower part of
the center console.

왘

Indicator lamp 1 in the tow-away
alarm deactivation switch comes on
briefly.

The tow-away alarm is automatically
armed after about 30 seconds.

i
When you unlock your vehicle, the
tow-away protection disarms
automatically. The tow-away alarm
remains disarmed until you lock the
vehicle again.
Disarming tow-away alarm
To prevent triggering the tow-away alarm,
switch off the tow-away alarm feature before towing the vehicle, or when parking on
a surface subject to movement, such as a
ferry or auto train.

Press tow-away alarm deactivation
switch 2.

왘

Exit your vehicle.

왘

Lock your vehicle with the SmartKey.

The tow-away alarm remains disarmed until you lock your vehicle again.
1 Indicator lamp
2 Tow-away alarm deactivation switch

Canceling tow-away alarm
To cancel the alarm:

왘

Switch off the ignition (컄 page 36).

왘

왘

Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.

or

i
You cannot disarm the tow-away alarm
while the ignition is switched on.

왘

Press the Œ or ‹ button on the
SmartKey.

Insert the SmartKey in the starter
switch.

89

90

Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking
Seats
Memory function*
Lighting
Instrument cluster
Control system
Manual transmission
Automatic transmission*
Good visibility
Climate control
Automatic climate control*
Audio system
Power windows
Retractable hardtop
Driving systems
Useful features

91

Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking
In the “Controls in detail” section you will
find detailed information on how to operate 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 basic functions of the vehicle, refer to the
“Getting started” section of this manual.
The corresponding page numbers are given at the beginning of each segment.
For more information on unlocking and
locking, see (컄 page 34) and (컄 page 59).

SmartKey
Your vehicle comes supplied with two
SmartKeys, each with remote control and
a removable mechanical key.
The locking tabs for the mechanical key
portion of the two SmartKeys are a different color to help distinguish each
SmartKey unit.
The SmartKey provides an extended operating range. To prevent theft, however, it is
advisable to only unlock the vehicle when
you are in close proximity to it.
The SmartKey centrally locks and unlocks:

92

앫

the doors

앫

the trunk lid

앫

the fuel filler flap

앫

the glove box

앫

the storage compartment under the
armrest

SmartKey with remote control

1 ‹ Lock button
2 Š Unlock button for the trunk lid
3 Mechanical key locking tab
4 ΠUnlock button
5 Battery check lamp
6 Â Panic button (컄 page 80)

Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking

i

i

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

Without the antenna on the left rear
side of the vehicle installed, the
SmartKey signaling range is considerably reduced. Hold the SmartKey in
close proximity towards the antenna
base when locking or unlocking the
vehicle.

!
The side windows will not open or close
if the battery is discharged or the windows are covered with ice. As a result,
you may no longer be able to properly
close the door. Do not attempt to force
the door shut. Doing so may damage
the door or the side window. Correct
the condition that prevents the
windows from operating before
attempting to close the door.

Warning!

G

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. It is possible
for children to open a locked door from the
inside, which could result in an accident
and/or serious injury.

!
To prevent possible malfunction, avoid
exposing the SmartKey to high levels of
electromagnetic radiation.

93

Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking

i

i

USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:

Canada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and

(1) This device may not cause interference, and

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

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

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

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

i
You can also open and close the
retractable hardtop using the
SmartKey* (컄 page 257).

94

Factory setting
Global unlocking
왘

Press button Œ.
All turn signal lamps flash once.
The locking knobs on the doors move
up. The anti-theft alarm system is disarmed (컄 page 87).

The vehicle will lock again automatically
and reactivate the anti-theft alarm system
within approximately 40 seconds of unlocking if:
앫

neither door nor trunk is opened

앫

the SmartKey is not inserted in the
starter switch

앫

the central locking switch is not
activated

Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking
Global locking

Selective setting

Global unlocking

왘

If you frequently travel alone, you may wish
to reprogram the SmartKey so that pressing button Œ only unlocks the driver’s
door, the storage compartment under the
armrest, the glove box, and the fuel filler
flap.

왘

왘

Global locking

Press button ‹.
With the trunk and all doors closed, all
turn signal lamps flash three times. The
locking knobs on the doors move
down.
The anti-theft alarm system is armed
now (컄 page 87).

i

Press and hold buttons Œ and ‹
simultaneously for about 6 seconds.
Battery check lamp 5 flashes twice.

If the turn signal lamps do not flash
three times, one of the following elements may not be properly closed:

The SmartKey will then function as follows:

앫

a door

Unlocking driver’s door and fuel filler
flap

앫

the trunk lid

앫

the fuel filler flap

앫

the glove box

앫

the storage compartment under the
armrest

왘

Press button Πonce.

Press button Πtwice.
All turn signal lamps flash once.
The locking knobs on the doors move
up. The anti-theft alarm system is disarmed (컄 page 87).

왘

Press button ‹.
With the trunk and all doors closed, all
turn signal lamps flash three times. The
locking knobs on the doors move
down.
The anti-theft alarm system is armed
now (컄 page 87).

All turn signal lamps flash once.
The locking knob on the driver’s door
move up. The anti-theft alarm system is
disarmed (컄 page 87).

Close the respective element and lock
the vehicle again.

95

Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking
Restoring to factory setting

!

Unlocking the trunk lid

왘

If you can no longer lock or unlock the
vehicle with the SmartKey, then the
batteries in the SmartKey are discharged, the SmartKey is malfunctioning, or the vehicle battery is drained.

You can unlock and open the trunk lid separately.

Press and hold buttons Œ and ‹
simultaneously for about 6 seconds.
Battery check lamp 5 flashes twice.
The SmartKey is set to the factory setting again.

앫

Check the batteries in the
SmartKey and replace them if necessary (컄 page 398).

앫

Use the mechanical key to lock/unlock the driver’s door (컄 page 394).

앫

Use the mechanical key to lock/unlock the trunk lid as required
(컄 page 395).

앫

Have the vehicle battery and the
battery connections checked
(컄 page 421).

If the SmartKey is malfunctioning, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.

96

왘

Press and hold button Š on the
SmartKey until the trunk lid unlocks.
For opening the trunk, see “Opening
the trunk” (컄 page 98).

i
The trunk lid can only be opened when
the vehicle is not in motion and the retractable hardtop is fully opened or
closed.

Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking
Checking the batteries

Loss of SmartKey or mechanical key

왘

If you lose a SmartKey or mechanical key,
you should do the following:

Press button ‹ or Œ.
Battery check lamp 5 comes on briefly to indicate that the SmartKey batteries are in order.

i
If battery check lamp 5 does not
come on briefly during check, then the
SmartKey batteries are discharged.
앫

Replace the batteries (컄 page 398).

You can obtain the required batteries
at any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.

i
If the batteries are checked within signal range of the vehicle, pressing
button ‹ or Œ will lock or unlock the vehicle accordingly.

왘

Have the SmartKey deactivated by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

왘

Report the loss of the SmartKey or the
mechanical key to your car insurance
company immediately.

왘

If necessary have the mechanical lock
replaced.

Opening the doors from the inside
You can open a locked door from the inside. Open door only when conditions are
safe to do so.

Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
will be glad to supply you with a replacement.
1 Inside door handle
2 Locking knob
왘

Pull on door handle 1 of the desired
door.
If the door was locked, locking knob 2
will move up.
컄컄

97

Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking
컄컄

i

i

If the vehicle has previously been centrally locked with the SmartKey, opening a door from the inside will trigger
the anti-theft alarm system.

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

To cancel the alarm, do one of the following:

!

왘

Pull on the handle.

The side windows will not open or close
if the battery is discharged or the windows are covered with ice. As a result,
you may no longer be able to properly
close the door. Do not attempt to force
the door shut. Doing so may damage
the door or the side window. Correct
the condition that prevents the
windows from operating before
attempting to close the door.

왘

Lift the trunk lid.

앫

Press button Œ or ‹ on the
SmartKey.

앫

Insert the SmartKey in the starter
switch.

98

Opening the trunk
A minimum height clearance of 5.78 ft
(1.76 m) is required to open the trunk lid.
The handle is located above the rear
license plate recess.

!
When the trunk lid is lifted slightly, it
swings open upwards automatically.
Always make sure there is sufficient
overhead clearance.

Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking

i

Closing the trunk
Warning!

The vehicle or trunk lid must be
unlocked before the trunk lid can be
opened.

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

The trunk lid can only be opened when
the vehicle is not in motion and the retractable hardtop is fully opened or
closed.
The trunk lid can also be opened from its
inside in an emergency, see “Trunk lid
emergency release” (컄 page 100).

G

Warning!
1 Handle
왘

Lower the trunk lid using handle 1.

왘

Close the trunk lid with hands placed
flat on the trunk lid.

G

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. It is possible
for children to open a locked door from the
inside, which could result in an accident
and/or serious injury.

99

Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking

Warning!

G

Only drive with the trunk lid closed as,
among other dangers such as blocked visibility, exhaust fumes may enter the vehicle
interior.

i

Trunk lid emergency release
The emergency release button is located
on the inside of the trunk lid.
With the emergency release button, the
trunk can be opened from inside the trunk.

i
Do not place the SmartKey in the open
trunk. You may lock yourself out.

The emergency release button unlocks
the trunk while the vehicle is standing
still or in motion.
Illumination of the emergency release button:
앫

The button flashes for 30 minutes after
opening the trunk.

앫

The button flashes for 60 minutes after
closing the trunk.

i

i

If the vehicle was previously centrally
locked, the trunk lid will lock automatically when closed. The turn signal
lamps will flash three times to confirm
locking.

The emergency release button does
not unlock the trunk if the vehicle battery is discharged or disconnected.

1 Emergency release button
왘

Briefly press emergency release
button 1.
The trunk lid unlocks and opens
slightly.

왘

100

Push up the trunk lid to fully open.

Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking

i

Automatic central locking

If the vehicle has previously been centrally locked with the SmartKey, opening the trunk from the inside will trigger
the anti-theft alarm system.
To cancel the alarm, do one of the following:
앫

Press button Œ or ‹ on the
SmartKey.

앫

Insert the SmartKey in the starter
switch.

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

i
The doors unlock automatically after an
accident if the force of the impact exceeds a preset threshold.
To prevent the vehicle door locks from
locking, deactivate the automatic central locking when the vehicle
앫

is pushed or towed

앫

is on a test stand

You can deactivate the automatic locking
using the control system, see “Setting
automatic locking” (컄 page 147).

101

Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking
Locking and unlocking from the inside
Warning!
You can lock or unlock the doors and the
trunk from inside using the central locking
switch. This can be useful, for example, if
you want to lock the vehicle before starting
to drive.
The fuel filler flap will not be locked or unlocked with the central locking or unlocking switch, respectively.

G

The switches are located on the upper part
of the center console.

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. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause
an accident and/or serious personal injury.

1 Central locking switch
2 Central unlocking switch

102

Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking

i

Locking

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

왘

If the vehicle was previously centrally
locked using the SmartKey, it will not
unlock using the central unlocking
switch 2.
If the vehicle was previously locked
with the central locking switch 1
앫

while in the selective remote control mode, only the door opened
from inside is unlocked.

앫

while in the global remote control
mode, the vehicle is unlocked completely when a door is opened from
the inside.

Press central locking switch 1.
If all doors are closed, the vehicle
locks.

Unlocking
왘

Press central unlocking switch 2.
The vehicle unlocks.

103

Controls in detail
Seats
For information on seat adjustment, see
“Adjusting” (컄 page 38).

Red indicator lamps 2 on the seat heating
switch show which heating level you have
selected:

Switching on seat heating
왘

Three red indicator lamps 2 on the respective seat heating switch come on.

Seat heating*
Level
The switches are located on the upper part
of the center console.

3

Three indicator lamps on
(highest level).
After approximately 5 minutes,
seat heating is automatically
switched to level 2.

2

Two indicator lamps on.
After approximately 10 minutes,
seat heating is automatically
switched to level 1.

1
1 Seat heating switch (driver’s side)
2 Indicator lamps

왘

104

One indicator lamp on
(lowest level).
After approximately 20 minutes,
seat heating is automatically
switched to off.

off

Press the desired seat heating switch.

No indicator lamp on.
Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

왘

Press the seat heating switch repeatedly until the desired seat heating level
is reached.

Controls in detail
Seats
Switching off seat heating
왘

Press the desired seat heating switch
repeatedly until all indicator lamps 2
on the seat heating switch go out.

i
If one or more of indicator lamps 2 on
the seat heating switch are flashing,
there is insufficient voltage available
since too many electrical consumers
are turned on. The seat heating switches off automatically.

AIRSCARF neck-level heating*
Warning!
The AIRSCARF neck-level heating provides
the area surrounding the occupants’ necks
with a heated air stream flowing from
openings in the head restraints.
The switches are located on the upper part
of the center console.

G

When switching on the AIRSCARF neck-level
heating, the air streaming from the openings
may be very hot. When in close proximity to
the openings, you could be seriously
burned. To help avoid serious personal
injuries, switch the AIRSCARF to a lower
heating level.

The seat heating will switch back on
again automatically as soon as sufficient voltage is available.

1 AIRSCARF switch (driver’s side shown)
2 Indicator lamps

105

Controls in detail
Seats
Red indicator lamps 2 on the AIRSCARF
switches show which heating level you
have selected:

Switching on

Switching off

왘

왘

All three indicator lamps on the respective AIRSCARF switch come on. After
a preheating time of approximately
7 seconds, the blower starts.

Level
3

Three indicator lamps on
(highest heating level).

2

Two indicator lamps on.

1

One indicator lamp on
(lowest heating level).

off

No indicator lamp on.

왘

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

Press the respective AIRSCARF switch
for the desired side.

왘

Press the respective AIRSCARF switch
repeatedly until the desired AIRSCARF
heating level for the corresponding
seat is reached.

Press the respective AIRSCARF switch
repeatedly until all indicator lamps on
the AIRSCARF switch go out.

i
After switching off the AIRSCARF
neck-level heating, the AIRSCARF fan
continues to operate for approximately
10 seconds to cool down the heater
elements.

i
If one or more of indicator lamps 2 on
the AIRSCARF switch are flashing,
there is insufficient voltage available
since too many electrical consumers
are turned on. The AIRSCARF neck-level heating switches off automatically.
The AIRSCARF neck-level heating will
switch back on again automatically as
soon as sufficient voltage is available.

106

Controls in detail
Memory function*
왔 Memory function*
Prior to operating the vehicle, the driver
should check and adjust the seat height,
seat position fore and aft, and seat backrest angle if necessary, to ensure adequate
control, reach and comfort. The head restraint should also be adjusted for proper
height. See also the section on air bags for
proper seat positioning (컄 page 65).
In addition, adjust the steering wheel to
ensure adequate control, reach, operation
and comfort. Both the interior and exterior
rear view mirrors should be adjusted for
adequate rear vision.
Fasten seat belts. Infants and small children should be seated in a properly secured restraint system that complies with
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards 213 and 255 and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213
and 210.2.

The following settings are stored when
using the buttons on the outer side of the
respective seat:

The memory button and memory position
switch are located on the outer side of
each seat.

Driver and passenger seat:
앫

Seat and backrest position

Driver only:
앫

Steering wheel position

앫

Exterior rear view mirrors
Warning!

G

Do not activate the memory function while
driving. Activating the memory function
while driving could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.

1 Memory button M
2 Memory position switch
왘

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

or
왘

Open the respective door.

107

Controls in detail
Memory function*
Storing positions into memory
왘

Recalling positions from memory

Adjust the seat, on the driver’s side
also the steering wheel and exterior
rear view mirrors, to the desired positions (컄 page 38).

왘

Press memory button M 1.

왘

Release memory button M 1 and
press a memory position switch 2
within 3 seconds.
All settings are stored to the selected
position.

!
Do not operate the power seats using
the memory position switches if the
seat backrest is in an excessively reclined position. Doing so could cause
damage to the seats.
왘

Press and hold desired memory position switch 2 until the seat, on the
driver’s side also the steering wheel
and exterior rear view mirrors, have
completely moved to the stored positions.

i
Releasing the memory position switches immediately stops movement to the
stored positions.

108

Storing exterior rear view mirror
parking position (parking aid)
For easier parking, you can adjust the
passenger-side exterior rear view mirror so
that you can see the right rear wheel as
soon as you engage reverse gear R.
You can switch the parking position feature on and off via the control system
(컄 page 148).
For information on activating the parking
position feature, see “Activating exterior
rear view mirror parking position*”
(컄 page 175).

Controls in detail
Memory function*
The switches are located on the lower part
of the center console.

1 Driver’s side exterior rear view mirror
switch
2 Adjustment switch
3 Passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror switch

왘

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

왘

Press switch 3 to select the passenger-side exterior rear view mirror.

왘

Adjust the passenger-side exterior rear
view mirror with adjustment switch 2
so that you see the rear wheel and the
road curb.

왘

Press memory button M (컄 page 107).

왘

Within 3 seconds, press adjustment
switch 2 forward, backward, left, or
right.
The parking position is stored if the
mirror does not move.

i
If the mirror does move, repeat the
above steps. After the setting is stored,
you can move the mirror again.

109

Controls in detail
Lighting
For information on how to switch on the
headlamps and use the turn signals, see
“Switching on headlamps” (컄 page 55)
and “Turn signals” (컄 page 55).

Exterior lamp switch
The exterior lamp switch is located on the
dashboard to the left of the steering wheel.

i
If you drive in countries where vehicles
drive on the other side of the road than
the country in which the vehicle is registered, you must have the headlamps
modified for symmetrical low beams.
Relevant information can be obtained
at your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.

M Off
Daytime running lamp mode
(컄 page 112)
U Automatic headlamp mode
Daytime running lamp mode
(컄 page 112)
C Parking lamps (also tail lamps,
license plate lamps, side marker
lamps, instrument panel lamps)
B Low beam headlamps (or high
beam headlamps when the combination switch is pushed forward)
and parking lamps

Exterior lamp switch

ˆ Standing lamps, right
(turn left one stop)
‚ Standing lamps, left
(turn left two stops)
C Indicator lamp for parking lamps
‡ Indicator lamp for front fog lamps
† Indicator lamp for rear fog lamp

110

Controls in detail
Lighting

i
With the SmartKey removed from the
starter switch and the driver’s door
open, a warning sounds if the parking
lamps or low beam headlamps are
switched on.
The message Turn off lights appears
in the multifunction display.
Manual headlamp mode
The low beam headlamps and the parking
lamps can be switched on and off with the
exterior lamp switch.
Automatic headlamp mode
The following lamps switch on and off automatically depending on the brightness of
the ambient light:
앫

Low beam headlamps

앫

Tail and parking lamps

앫

License plate lamps

앫

Side marker lamps

Warning!

G

If the exterior lamp switch is set to U
앫

앫

the headlamps may switch off unexpectedly when the system senses bright ambient light, for example light from
oncoming traffic.
the headlamps will not be automatically
switched on under foggy conditions.

To minimize risk to you and to others, activate headlamps by turning exterior lamp
switch to B when driving or when traffic
and/or ambient lighting conditions require
you to do so.
In low ambient lighting conditions, only
switch from position U to B with the
vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching from U to B will briefly
switch off the headlamps. Doing so while
driving in low ambient lighting conditions
may result in an accident.

The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid to the driver. The driver is responsible for
the operation of the vehicle's lights at all
times.
왘

Turn the exterior lamp switch to
position U.
With the SmartKey in starter switch
position 1 only the parking lamps will
switch on and off automatically.
When the engine is running, the low
beam headlamps, the tail and parking
lamps, the license plate lamps, and the
side marker lamps will switch on and
off automatically.

111

Controls in detail
Lighting
Daytime running lamp mode

Canada only:

USA only:

왘

Turn exterior lamp switch to
position M or U.

The daytime running lamp mode is mandatory and therefore in a constant mode.

When the engine is running, the low
beam headlamps are switched on.

Vehicles with automatic transmission*:
When the engine is running, and you shift
from a driving position to position N or P,
the low beam headlamps will switch off
with a three-minute delay.

By default, the daytime running lamp mode
is deactivated. Activate the daytime running lamp mode using the control system,
see “Setting daytime running lamp mode”
(컄 page 143).

In low ambient light conditions, the following lamps will switch on additionally:
앫

Tail and parking lamps

앫

License plate lamps

앫

Side marker lamps

For nighttime driving you should turn the
exterior lamp switch to position B to
permit activation of the high beam headlamps.

i
With the daytime running lamp mode
and the exterior lamp switch in
position M you cannot switch on the
high beam headlamps.
The high beam flasher is available at all
times.

112

When the engine is running, and you
앫

앫

turn the exterior lamp switch to
position C, the parking lamps
switch on additionally.
turn the exterior lamp switch to
position B, the manual headlamp
mode has priority over the daytime running lamp mode.
The corresponding exterior lamps
switch on (컄 page 110).

When the engine is running, and you turn
the exterior lamp switch to
position C or B, the manual headlamp mode has priority over the daytime
running lamp mode.
The corresponding exterior lamps switch
on (컄 page 110).

Controls in detail
Lighting
Locator lighting and night security illumination

Fog lamps

The locator lighting and the night security
illumination are described in the “Control
system” section, see (컄 page 144) and
(컄 page 145).

Warning!

i

G

In low ambient lighting or foggy conditions,
only switch from position U to B with
the vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching from U to B will briefly
switch off the headlamps. Doing so while
driving in low ambient lighting conditions
may result in an accident.

Fog lamps will operate with the parking
lamps and/or low beam headlamps on.
Fog lamps should only be used in conjunction with low beam headlamps.
Consult your State or Province Motor
Vehicle Regulations regarding allowable lamp operation.

i
Fog lamps cannot be switched on with
the exterior lamp switch in
position U. To switch on the fog
lamps, turn the exterior lamp switch to
position B first.

113

Controls in detail
Lighting
Front fog lamps

Rear fog lamp (driver’s side only)

왘

왘

Switch on the front fog lamps
(컄 page 114).

왘

Pull out the exterior lamp switch to second stop.

Switch on the low beam headlamps
(컄 page 110).

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

The rear fog lamp switches on.
The yellow indicator lamp † in the
exterior lamp switch comes on
(컄 page 110).
왘
왘

With the exterior lamp switch in the low
beam headlamp position, pull out the
exterior lamp switch to first stop.
The front fog lamps switch on.
The green indicator lamp ‡ in the
exterior lamp switch comes on
(컄 page 110).

왘

Push in the exterior lamp switch.
The front fog lamps switch off.
The green indicator lamp ‡ in the
exterior lamp switch goes out.

114

Push in the exterior lamp switch to first
stop.
The rear fog lamp switches off.
The yellow indicator lamp † in the
exterior lamp switch goes out.
The front fog lamps remain lit.

1 High beam
2 High beam flasher

Controls in detail
Lighting
High beam
왘

Turn the exterior lamp switch to
position B or U (컄 page 110).

왘

Push the combination switch in direction of arrow 1 to switch on the high
beam.
The high beam headlamp indicator
lamp A in the instrument cluster
comes on (컄 page 24).

왘

Pull the combination switch in direction
of arrow 2 to its original position to
switch off the high beam.
The high beam headlamp indicator
lamp A in the instrument cluster
goes out.

Corner-illuminating front fog lamps*
(SLK 280, SLK 350: with Bi-Xenon*
headlamps and without
Sport Package*)

i

The corner-illuminating front fog lamps improve illumination of the road onto which
you are turning.

The corner-illuminating front fog lamps
function is not available at a vehicle
speed above 25 mph (40 km/h).

The corner-illuminating front fog lamps will
operate with the engine running and with
앫

앫

왘

Pull the combination switch briefly in
direction of arrow 2.

앫

Driving forward

the exterior lamp switch in
position B (컄 page 110)

Switching on corner-illuminating front
fog lamps

or

왘

the exterior lamp switch in
position U (컄 page 110)
or

High beam flasher

Corner-illuminating front fog lamps will
only come on in low ambient lighting
conditions.

the daytime running lamp mode
activated (컄 page 112)

Depending on whether you are turning
left or right, switch on the left or right
turn signal (컄 page 55).
The respective front fog lamp comes on
and illuminates the road onto which
you are turning.
컄컄

115

Controls in detail
Lighting
컄컄

i
The respective corner-illuminating
front fog lamp will stay lit until you
switch off the turn signal, even if the
steering wheel is in the straight-ahead
position.
The respective corner-illuminating
front fog lamp may stay on for a brief
period after the turn signal is switched
off.
The respective corner-illuminating
front fog lamp stays on for a maximum
of 3 minutes. After that period, it will go
out even if the turn signal is still on.

i
The corner-illuminating front fog lamps
will come on automatically depending
on the steering angle, even if you did
not switch on either turn signal.
If the corner-illuminating front fog
lamps came on automatically, they will
also go out automatically depending on
the steering angle.

116

Switching off corner-illuminating front
fog lamps
The combination switch for the turn signal
resets automatically after major steering
wheel movements. This will switch off the
corner-illuminating front fog lamps if they
where activated by switching on the left or
right turn signal.
If the turn signal should stay on after making the turn, the turn signal and corner-illuminating front fog lamp can be switched
off by returning the combination switch to
its original position.

Driving rearward
Switching on corner-illuminating front
fog lamps
왘

Place the gearshift lever (gear selector
lever*) in position R.
The inverse front fog lamp comes on
automatically depending on the
steering direction and steering angle.

Switching off corner-illuminating front
fog lamps
왘

Place the gearshift lever (gear selector
lever*) out of position R.
The respective front fog lamp goes out.

Controls in detail
Lighting
Hazard warning flasher
The hazard warning flasher can be
switched on at all times, even with the
SmartKey removed from the starter
switch.

Switching on hazard warning flasher
왘

Press hazard warning flasher
switch 1.

The controls are located in the overhead
control panel.

All turn signal lamps are flashing.

i

The hazard warning flasher switches on automatically when an air bag deploys.

With the hazard warning flasher activated and the combination switch set
for either left or right turn, only the respective turn signals will operate when
the SmartKey is in the starter switch
position 1 or 2.

The hazard warning flasher switch is located on the upper part of the center console.

Switching off hazard warning flasher
왘

Press hazard warning flasher switch 1
again.

i
1 Hazard warning flasher switch

Interior lighting

If the hazard warning flasher has been
activated automatically, press hazard
warning flasher switch 1 once to
switch it off.

1 Interior lighting on/off
2 Automatic control on/off
3 Right reading lamp on/off
4 Left reading lamp on/off

i
Leaving an interior light switch in the
ON position for extended periods of
time with the engine turned off could
result in a discharged battery.

117

Controls in detail
Lighting
Automatic control
Activating
왘

Press automatic control switch 2 until
it is flush to the other switches.
The interior lighting switches on in
darkness, when you
앫

unlock the vehicle

앫

remove the SmartKey from the
starter switch

앫

open a door

The interior lighting switches off automatically following a preset time delay.
For more information, see “Interior lighting
delayed shut-off” (컄 page 146).

i
If the door remains open, the interior
lighting switches off automatically after
approximately 5 minutes when the
SmartKey is in starter switch position 0
or removed.

118

Deactivating
왘

Press automatic control switch 2 until
it engages at a deeper position than the
other switches.
The interior lighting remains switched
off in darkness, even when you
앫

unlock the vehicle

앫

remove the SmartKey from the
starter switch

앫

open a door

i
When you open the trunk, the trunk
lighting switches on automatically.
If the trunk lid remains open, the trunk
lighting switches off automatically after
approximately 10 minutes.

Manual control
Interior lighting
왘

Press interior lighting switch 1.
The interior lighting switches on.

왘

Press interior lighting switch 1 again.
The interior lighting switches off.

i
The footwell lighting* is switched on
and off simultaneously with the manual
control.

Controls in detail
Lighting
Reading lamps

Door entry lamps

The standard reading lamps are located to
the left and right of the overhead control
panel. Reading lamps as part of the interior
lighting package* are located on the lower
edge of the interior rear view mirror.

For better orientation in the dark, the corresponding door entry lamps will switch on
in darkness when you open a door and the
automatic control is activated.

왘

Press reading lamp switch 3 or 4 to
switch on the desired reading lamp.

The door entry lamps switch off when the
corresponding door is closed.

왘

Press reading lamp switch 3 or 4
again to switch off the respective
reading lamp.

i
If you turn the SmartKey in the starter
switch to position 0 and switch off the
exterior headlamps, the door entry
lamps will remain lit for approximately
5 minutes.

119

Controls in detail
Instrument cluster
A full view illustration of the instrument
cluster can be found in the “At a glance”
section (컄 page 24).
The multifunction display in the instrument
cluster is activated when you
앫

open a door

앫

switch on exterior lighting

앫

switch on ignition (컄 page 36)

앫

press reset button J (컄 page 24)

Instrument cluster illumination

i

Adjusting

The instrument cluster illumination
automatically adjusts to the ambient
light.

The knobs for adjusting the instrument
cluster illumination are on the left side of
the instrument cluster (컄 page 24).

You can only adjust the brightness of
the instrument cluster illumination
when it is dark outside.

i
With the exterior lighting switched on,
the brightness of the switches in the
center console will be adjusted when
using knob + or -.

i
Opening a door or pressing the reset
button Jwithout switching on the ignition or the exterior lighting activates
the multifunction display illumination
only for 30 seconds.
For information on changing the instrument cluster settings, e.g. the language,
see “Instrument cluster submenu”
(컄 page 137).

Brightening illumination
1 Brightening illumination (knob +)
2 Dimming illumination (knob -)
3 Reset button J

왘

Press knob + briefly.
The instrument cluster illumination
brightens.

Dimming illumination
왘

Press knob - briefly.
The instrument cluster illumination
dims.

120

Controls in detail
Instrument cluster
Tachometer
The red marking on the tachometer
(컄 page 24) 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.

Outside temperature indicator

Warning!

G

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.

The outside temperature is displayed in
the multifunction display (컄 page 129).

The temperature sensor is located in the
front bumper area. Due to its location, the
sensor can be affected by road or engine
heat during idling or slow driving. Therefore, the accuracy of the displayed temperature can only be verified by comparison to
a thermometer placed next the sensor, not
by comparison to external displays, e.g.
bank signs, etc.
When moving the vehicle into colder ambient temperatures (e.g. when leaving your
garage), you will notice a delay before the
lower temperature is displayed.
A delay also occurs when ambient temperatures rise. This prevents inaccurate temperature displays caused by heat radiated
from the engine during idling or slow driving.

121

Controls in detail
Instrument cluster
Trip odometer

Clock

왘

Make sure you are viewing the standard display menu (컄 page 128).

왘

Press and hold reset button Juntil
the trip odometer is reset.

Vehicles with COMAND*:
The clock in the instrument cluster can be
synchronized with the time set in
COMAND using the time synchronization
with head unit feature (컄 page 139), or set
independently from COMAND using the
control system (컄 page 139) with the time
synchronization with head unit feature set
to Off.
For setting the time in COMAND, see separate COMAND operating instructions.
For setting the time with audio system,
(컄 page 139).

122

Controls in detail
Control system
왔 Control system
The control system is activated as soon as
the SmartKey in the starter switch is
turned to position 1. The control system
enables you to
앫

call up information about your vehicle

앫

change vehicle settings

For example, you can use the control system to find out when your vehicle is next
due for service, to set the language for
messages in the instrument cluster display, and much more.

i
The displays for the audio systems
(radio, CD player) will appear in English,
regardless of the language selected.

Warning!

G

Multifunction display

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.

The control system relays information to
the multifunction display.

1 Main odometer
2 Trip odometer
3 Current program mode
(automatic transmission* only)
4 Status indicator (outside temperature/digital speedometer)
5 Current gear selector lever position/gear range
(automatic transmission* only)

123

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

1 Multifunction display
Operating the control system
2 Selecting the submenu or setting the
volume:
Press button
æ up/to increase
ç down/to decrease
3 Telephone*:
Press button
s to take a call, or
to dial a call
t to end a call, or
to reject an incoming call
4 Moving within a menu:
Press button
j for next display

Pressing any of the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel will alter what is
shown in the multifunction display.
The information available in the multifunction display are arranged in menus, each
containing a number of functions or submenus.
The individual functions are then found
within the relevant menu (radio or CD operations under Audio, 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.
앫

If you press button è or ÿ repeatedly, you will pass through each
menu one after the other.

앫

If you press button j or k repeatedly, you will pass through each
function display, one after the other, in
the current menu.

k for previous display
5 Menu systems:
Press button
è for next menu
ÿ for previous menu

124

Controls in detail
Control system
In the Settings... menu, you will find a
number of submenus instead of functions
for calling up and changing settings. For instructions on using these submenus, see
“Settings menu” (컄 page 134).
The number of menus available in the system depends on which optional equipment
is installed in your vehicle.

i

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
control system displays.

SLK 55 AMG:
The steering wheel in this vehicle will
vary from steering wheel shown. However, multifunction steering wheel symbols and feature description apply to
AMG vehicles as well.

The first function displayed in each
menu will automatically show you
which part of the system you are in.

125

Controls in detail
Control system
Menus

126

This is what you will see when you scroll
through the menus.

The table below provides an overview of
the individual menus.

Controls in detail
Control system
Menus, submenus and functions
Menu 1

Menu 2

Menu 3

Menu 4

Standard display AUDIO

NAV*

(컄 page 128)

Menu 6

Menu 7

Vehicle status Settings
message
memory1

Trip computer

TEL*

(컄 page 132)

(컄 page 132)

(컄 page 134)

(컄 page 149)

(컄 page 151)

Show route
guidance instructions,
current direction traveled

Call up vehicle
malfunction,
warning and
system status
messages
stored in
memory

Reset to factory Fuel consumpsettings
tion statistics
after start

Load phone book

Instrument clus- Fuel consumpter submenu
tion statistics
since last reset

Search for name
in phone book

Digital speedome- Operate the CD
ter/outside tem- player
perature

Time/Date
submenu

Redialing

Call up maintenance service
indicator

Lighting
submenu

Check engine oil
level (SLK 55 AMG
only)

Vehicle submenu

(컄 page 129)

Commands/submenus

Run Flat Indicator* Select radio
station

1

Check coolant
temperature

Select satellite
radio station*
(USA only)

Menu 5

Call up range

Convenience
submenu

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

127

Controls in detail
Control system
Standard display menu

The following functions are available:

Checking coolant temperature

The multifunction display shows the main
odometer and trip odometer. This default
setting is referred to as the standard display.

Function

Page

왘

Run Flat Indicator*

329

Checking coolant temperature

128

Display digital speedometer or
outside temperature

129

Calling up maintenance service
indicator

350

Checking engine oil level
(SLK 55 AMG only)

309

1 Main odometer
2 Trip odometer
If another display is shown instead of the
standard display:
왘

Press button è or ÿ repeatedly
until you see the standard display.

왘

Press button k or j to select
the functions in the standard display
menu.

128

When in the standard display menu,
press button j or k repeatedly
until you see the coolant temperature
in the multifunction display.

During severe operating conditions, e.g.
stop-and-go city traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to 248°F (120°C).
The engine should not be operated with a
coolant temperature above 248°F
(120°C). Doing so may cause serious engine damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

i
Excessive coolant temperature triggers
a warning message in the multifunction
display (컄 page 376).

Controls in detail
Control system

Warning!
앫

앫

G

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.

Displaying digital speedometer or
outside temperature
왘

Press button j or k repeatedly
until you see the digital speedometer.
The current vehicle speed is shown in
the multifunction display.

Steam from an overheated engine can
cause serious burns and can occur just
by opening the hood. Stay away from
the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.

Turn off the engine, get out of the car and do
not stand near the vehicle until the engine
has cooled down.

AUDIO menu
The functions in the AUDIO menu operate
the audio equipment which you currently
have turned on.
If no audio equipment is currently switched
on, the message AUDIO off is shown in the
multifunction display.
The following functions are available:

i
You can select either the display of the
digital speedometer or the outside
temperature indicator (컄 page 138).

Function

Page

Selecting radio station

130

Selecting satellite radio
station* (USA only)

130

Operating the CD player

131

129

Controls in detail
Control system
Selecting radio station

i

왘

You can only store new stations using
the corresponding feature on the radio
(컄 page 212).

Switch on the radio (컄 page 209).
Vehicles with COMAND*:
Refer to the separate operating instructions.

왘

Press button è or ÿ repeatedly
until you see the currently tuned
station in the multifunction display.

1 Waveband setting
2 Tuned station
왘

Press button j or k repeatedly
until the desired station is found.

130

Vehicles with COMAND*:
Refer to the separate operating
instructions.

Selecting satellite radio station*
(USA only)
The Sirius satellite radio is treated as a
radio application.
왘

Select satellite radio with the corresponding soft key (SAT) in the radio
menu.

1 SAT mode and preset number
2 Channel name or number
왘

Press button j or k repeatedly
until the desired channel is found.

Controls in detail
Control system

i

Operating the CD player

For more information on satellite radio
operation, see “Introduction to satellite
radio* (USA only)” (컄 page 214).

왘

Vehicles with COMAND*:
Refer to separate operating
instructions.

Switch on the radio and select the
CD player (컄 page 222).
Vehicles with COMAND*:
Refer to the separate operating instructions.

왘

Press button è or ÿ repeatedly
until the settings for the CD currently
being played are shown in the multifunction display.

왘

Press button j or k repeatedly
until the desired track is selected.

i
To select a CD from the magazine,
press a number on the audio system or
the COMAND* system key pad located
in the center dashboard.

1 Current CD
(CD0 for single CD drive in head unit,
CD1 through CD6 for CD in
CD changer*)
2 Current track

131

Controls in detail
Control system
NAV* menu
The NAV menu contains the functions needed to operate your navigation system.
왘

Press button è or ÿ repeatedly
until you see the message NAV in the
multifunction display.
앫

앫

132

If the COMAND system is switched
off, the message NAV off is shown
in the multifunction display.
With COMAND switched on but
route guidance not activated, the
direction of travel and, if available,
the name of the street currently
traveled on appear in the multifunction display.

앫

With COMAND switched on and
route guidance activated, the direction of travel and maneuver instructions appear in the multifunction
display.

Please refer to the COMAND* manual for
instructions on how to activate the route
guidance system.

Vehicle status message memory menu
Use the vehicle status message memory
menu to scan malfunction and warning
messages that may be stored in the system. Such messages appear in the multifunction display and are based on
conditions or system status the vehicle’s
system has recorded.
The vehicle status message memory menu
only appears if there are any messages
stored in the system.

Controls in detail
Control system

Warning!

G

Malfunction and warning messages are only
indicated for certain systems and are intentionally not very detailed. The malfunction
and warning messages are simply a reminder with respect to the operation of certain
systems and do not replace the owner’s
and/or driver’s responsibility to maintain
the vehicle’s operating safety by having all
required maintenance and safety checks
performed on the vehicle and by bringing
the vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center to address the malfunction and
warning messages (컄 page 368).
왘

Press button è or ÿ repeatedly
until the vehicle status message memory appears in the multifunction display.
If the vehicle status message memory
menu does not appear, then there are
no messages stored.

Vehicle status messages have been
recorded
If conditions have occurred causing status
messages to be recorded, the number of
messages appears in the multifunction display:

Should the vehicle’s system record any
conditions while driving, the number of
messages will reappear in the multifunction display when the SmartKey in the
starter switch is turned to position 0 or removed from the starter switch:
왘

Press button Jrepeatedly until you
have seen all occurred messages.

i

1 Number of messages
왘

Press button j or k.
The stored messages will now be displayed in the order in which they have
occurred. For malfunction and warning
messages, see “Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display”
(컄 page 368).

The vehicle status message memory
will be cleared when you turn the
SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 1 or 2.
You will then only see high-priority
messages in the multifunction display
(컄 page 368).

133

Controls in detail
Control system
Settings menu

The following settings and submenus are
available in the Settings... menu:

Resetting all settings

Function

Page

You can reset all the functions of all submenus to the factory settings.

The function To reset: Press reset
button for 3 seconds for resetting all
settings to factory standard.

Resetting all settings

134

왘

Instrument cluster submenu

137

앫

A collection of submenus for performing individual settings for your vehicle.

Time/date submenu

137

Lighting submenu

143

왘

Press button è or ÿ repeatedly
until the Settings... menu appears in
the multifunction display.

Vehicle submenu

147

Convenience submenu

147

In the Settings... menu are two functions:
앫

Submenus in the Settings menu 135

Press the reset button Jon the instrument cluster (컄 page 24) for approximately 3 seconds.
The request to press the reset
button Jonce more to confirm appears in the multifunction display.

왘

Press the reset button Jagain.
The functions of all submenus will be
reset to the factory settings.
The message Reset to factory
settings appears in the multifunction
display.

134

Controls in detail
Control system

i

Submenus in the Settings menu

For safety reasons, the following function cannot be reset while driving:

왘

앫

Press button j.
In the multifunction display you see the
collection of the submenus.

the function Lamp circuit headlamp mode in the Lighting submenu

The following message appears in the
multifunction display:
Lighting Cannot be completely reset to factory settings while driving.

i

왘

Press button ç.

The submenus are arranged by hierarchy.
Scroll up with button æ, and scroll
down with button ç.
With the selection marker on the desired
submenu, use the j button to access
the individual functions within that submenu. Once within the submenu, you can
use the j button to move to the next
function or the k button to move to the
previous function within that submenu.
The settings themselves are made with
button æ or ç.

The selection marker moves to the next
submenu.

Your individual settings will not be reset unless you confirm the action by
pressing the reset button Jagain.
After 5 seconds the Settings... menu
reappears in the multifunction display.

135

Controls in detail
Control system
The table below shows what settings can
be changed within the various submenus.

Detailed instructions on making individual
settings can be found on the following
pages.

Instrument cluster

Time/Date

Lighting

Vehicle

Convenience*

(컄 page 137)

(컄 page 139)

(컄 page 143)

(컄 page 147)

(컄 page 147)

Selecting digital speedometer display mode

Time synchronization
with head unit*

Daytime running lamp
mode (USA only)

Setting automatic locking Activating
easy-entry/exit feature*

Selecting language

Setting the time (hours)

Locator lighting

Selecting display (speed Setting the time
display or outside
(minutes)
temperature) for status Setting the date (month)
indicator
Setting the date (day)
Setting the date (year)

136

Night security
illumination
Interior lighting delayed
shut-off

Setting parking position
for exterior rear view
mirror*

Controls in detail
Control system
Instrument cluster submenu
Access the Instr. cluster submenu via
the Settings... menu. Use the Instr.
cluster submenu to change the instrument cluster display settings. The following functions are available:

Selecting digital speedometer display
mode
왘

Move the selection marker with
button æ or ç to the Instr.
cluster submenu.

왘

Function

Page

Selecting speedometer display
mode

137

Press button j or k repeatedly
until you see Display unit Digital
speedometer in the multifunction display.

Selecting language

137

The selection marker is on the current
setting.

Selecting language
왘

Move the selection marker with
button æ or ç to the Instr.
cluster submenu.

왘

Press button j or k repeatedly
until you see Language in the multifunction display.
The selection marker is on the current
setting.

Selecting display (speed display 138
or outside temperature) for
status indicator
왘
왘

Press button æ or ç to set the
speedometer unit to km or miles.

Press button æ or ç to select
the desired language to be used for the
multifunction display messages.
컄컄

137

Controls in detail
Control system
컄컄

Available languages:
앫

German

앫

English

앫

Italian

앫

French

앫

Spanish

Selecting display (speed display or outside temperature) for status indicator
왘

Move the selection marker with
button æ or ç to the Instr.
cluster submenu.

왘

Press button j or k repeatedly
until you see Select display in the
multifunction display.
The selection marker is on the current
setting.

왘

Press button æ or ç to select
the desired setting.
The selected display is then shown
continuously in the lower display.
The other display now appears in the
menu of the standard display:
앫

Digital speedometer
or

앫

138

Outside temperature

Controls in detail
Control system
Time/Date submenu
Access the Time/Date submenu via the
Settings... menu. Use the Time/Date
submenu to change the instrument cluster
display settings.

Time and date synchronization with
head unit*
This function can only be seen on vehicles
with COMAND* and navigation module*.
왘

Move the selection marker with
button æ or ç to the Time/Date
submenu.

왘

Press button j or k repeatedly
until you see Synchronization with
head unit in the multifunction display.

The following functions are available:
Function

Page

Time synchronization with head 139
unit*
Setting the time (hours)

139

Setting the time (minutes)

140

Setting the date (month)

141

Setting the date (day)

141

Setting the date (year)

142

The selection marker is on the current
setting.

왘

Setting the time (hours)
This function can be seen in vehicles with
audio system, or in vehicles with
COMAND* and navigation module*, if the
time and date synchronization with head
unit* feature was set to Off (컄 page 139).

i
Vehicles with COMAND*:
For information on setting the time in
COMAND, refer to the separate
COMAND operating instructions.

Press button æ or ç to select
the desired setting.

139

Controls in detail
Control system
왘

왘

Move the selection marker with
button æ or ç to the Time/Date
submenu.
Press button j or k repeatedly
until you see Clock, hours in the multifunction display.
The selection marker is on the hours.

Setting the time (minutes)

왘

This function can be seen in vehicles with
audio system, or in vehicles with
COMAND* and navigation module*, if the
time and date synchronization with head
unit* feature was set to Off (컄 page 139).

Move the selection marker with
button æ or ç to the Time/Date
submenu.

왘

Press button j or k repeatedly
until you see Clock, minutes in the
multifunction display.
The selection marker is on the minutes.

i
Vehicles with COMAND*:
For information on setting the time in
COMAND, refer to the separate
COMAND operating instructions.

왘

Press button æ or ç to set the
correct hours displayed in the multifunction display.

왘

Press button æ or ç to set the
correct minutes displayed in the multifunction display.

왘

Press reset button Jto confirm the
set hours.

왘

Press reset button Jto confirm the
set minutes.

140

Controls in detail
Control system
Setting the date (month)
This function can be seen in vehicles with
audio system, or in vehicles with
COMAND* and navigation module*, if the
time and date synchronization with head
unit* feature was set to Off (컄 page 139).

왘

왘

Move the selection marker with
button æ or ç to the Time/Date
submenu.
Press button j or k repeatedly
until you see Set date month in the
multifunction display.
The selection marker is on the month.

i
Vehicles with COMAND*:
For information on setting the time in
COMAND, refer to the separate
COMAND operating instructions.

Setting the date (day)
This function can be seen in vehicles with
audio system, or in vehicles with
COMAND* and navigation module*, if the
time and date synchronization with head
unit* feature was set to Off (컄 page 139).

i
Vehicles with COMAND*:
For information on setting the time in
COMAND, refer to the separate
COMAND operating instructions.

왘

Press button æ or ç to set the
month.

141

Controls in detail
Control system
왘

왘

Move the selection marker with
button æ or ç to the Time/Date
submenu.
Press button j or k repeatedly
until you see Set date day in the multifunction display.
The selection marker is on the day.

Setting the date (year)

왘

This function can be seen in vehicles with
audio system, or in vehicles with
COMAND* and navigation module*, if the
time and date synchronization with head
unit* feature was set to Off (컄 page 139).

Move the selection marker with
button æ or ç to the Time/Date
submenu.

왘

Press button j or k repeatedly
until you see Set date year in the multifunction display.
The selection marker is on the year.

i
Vehicles with COMAND*:
For information on setting the time in
COMAND, refer to the separate
COMAND operating instructions.

왘

Press button æ or ç to set the
day.

142

왘

Press button æ or ç to set the
year.

Controls in detail
Control system
Daytime running lamp mode (USA only)

Lighting submenu
Access the Lighting submenu via the
Settings... menu. Use the Lighting submenu to change the lamp and lighting settings on your vehicle.

i
This function is not available in countries where the daytime running lamp
mode is mandatory and therefore in a
constant mode.

The following functions are available:
Function

Page

Daytime running lamp mode
(USA only)

143

Locator lighting

144

Night security illumination

145

Interior lighting delayed shut-off 146

왘

왘

왘

Move the selection marker with
button æ or ç to the Lighting
submenu.
Press button j or k repeatedly
until you see Lamp circuit headlamp
mode in the multifunction display.
The selection marker is on the current
setting.

Press button æ or ç to select
manual operation (manual) or daytime
running lamp mode (constant) activated.

With daytime running lamp mode activated
and the exterior lamp switch in
position M or U, the low beam
headlamps are switched on when the engine is running.
In low ambient light conditions the following lamps will switch on additionally:
앫

Parking lamps

앫

Tail lamps

앫

License plate lamps

앫

Side marker lamps

For more information on the daytime running lamp mode, see “Lighting”
(컄 page 110).

143

Controls in detail
Control system

i

Locator lighting

왘

For safety reasons, resetting all the
functions of all submenus to the factory settings while driving (컄 page 134)
will not deactivate the daytime running
lamp mode.

With the locator lighting feature activated
and the exterior lamp switch in
position U, the following lamps will
switch on during darkness when the vehicle is unlocked with the SmartKey:

Move the selection marker with
button æ or ç to the Lighting
submenu.

왘

Press button j or k repeatedly
until you see Function Surround
lighting in the multifunction display.

The following message appears in the
multifunction display:

앫

Parking lamps

앫

Tail lamps

앫

License plate lamps

앫

Side marker lamps

앫

Front fog lamps

Lighting Cannot be completely
reset to factory settings while
driving.

The locator lighting switches off when the
driver’s door is opened.
If you do not open a door after unlocking
the vehicle with the SmartKey, the lamps
will switch off automatically after approximately 40 seconds.

The selection marker is on the current
setting.

왘

Press button æ or ç to switch
the locator lighting function On.

왘

Turn the exterior lamp switch to
position U when exiting the vehicle
(컄 page 55).
The locator lighting feature is
activated.

144

Controls in detail
Control system
Night security illumination (Headlamps
delayed shut-off)
Use this function to set whether or not the
exterior lamps illuminate during darkness
after exiting the vehicle and all doors
closed.
With the delayed shut-off feature activated
and the exterior lamp switch in
position U before the engine is turned
off, the following lamps will switch on
when the engine is turned off and remain
lit for approximately 15 seconds:
앫

Parking lamps

앫

Tail lamps

앫

License plate lamps

앫

Side marker lamps

앫

Front fog lamps

If after turning off the engine you do not
open a door or do not close an opened
door, the lamps will automatically switch
off after 60 seconds.

The selection marker is on the current
setting.

i
You can reactivate this function within
10 minutes by opening a door.
왘

왘

Move the selection marker with
button æ or ç to the Lighting
submenu.
Press button j or k repeatedly
until you see Headlamps delayed
shut-off in the multifunction display.

왘

Press button æ or ç to set the
function to On or Off.

왘

Turn the exterior lamp switch to
position U before turning off the engine (컄 page 55).

145

Controls in detail
Control system
You can temporarily deactivate the delayed shut-off feature:
왘

Before exiting the vehicle, turn the
SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 0.

왘

Then turn it to position 2 and back to
position 0.
The delayed shut-off feature is deactivated. It will reactivate as soon as you
reinsert the SmartKey in the starter
switch.

146

Interior lighting delayed shut-off

The selection marker is on the current
setting.

Use this function to set whether or not the
interior lighting remains lit during darkness
for approximately 10 seconds after you
have removed the SmartKey from the
starter switch.
왘

왘

Move the selection marker with
button æ or ç to the Lighting
submenu.
Press button j or k repeatedly
until you see Interior lighting
delayed shut-off in the multifunction
display.

왘

Press button æ or ç to set the
function to On or Off.

Controls in detail
Control system
Vehicle submenu

Setting automatic locking

Convenience* submenu

Access the Vehicle submenu via the
Settings... menu. Use the Vehicle submenu to make general vehicle settings.

Access the Convenience submenu via the
Settings... menu. Use the Convenience

Move the selection marker with
button æ or ç to the Vehicle
submenu.

Function

Page

Activating easy-entry/exit
feature*

148

Press button j or k repeatedly
until you see Automatic door lock in
the multifunction display.

Setting parking position for
exterior rear view mirror*

148

Function

Page

Use this function to activate or deactivate
the automatic locking system. With the
automatic locking system activated, the
vehicle is centrally locked at vehicle
speeds of approximately 9 mph
(15 km/h).

Setting automatic locking

147

왘

The following function is available:

For additional information on central locking, see “Automatic central locking”
(컄 page 101).

왘

submenu to change the settings for a number of convenience features.
The following functions are available:

The selection marker is on the current
setting.

왘

Press button æ or ç to set the
automatic central locking to On or Off.

147

Controls in detail
Control system
Activating easy-entry/exit feature*

왘

Use this function to activate and deactivate the easy-entry/exit feature
(컄 page 43).

Move the selection marker with
button æ or ç to the
Convenience submenu.

왘

Press button j or k repeatedly
until you see Function Easy-entry
feature in the multifunction display.

Warning!

G

The selection marker is on the current
setting.

You must make sure no one can become
trapped or injured by the moving steering
wheel when the easy-entry/exit feature is
activated.

앫

Move steering column lever*
(컄 page 43).
Press one of the memory position buttons* or the memory button M*
(컄 page 107).

Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Children could open the driver’s door and
unintentionally activate the easy-entry/exit
feature, which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.

148

Use this function to select whether the
passenger-side exterior rear view mirror
should be turned downward during parking
maneuvers when reverse gear R is engaged.
For additional information, see “Storing
exterior rear view mirror parking position
(parking aid)” (컄 page 108).
왘

To cancel steering wheel movement, do one
of the following:
앫

Setting parking position* for exterior
rear view mirror

왘

Press button æ or ç to set the
function to On or Off.

Move the selection marker with
button æ or ç to the
Convenience submenu.

Controls in detail
Control system
왘

Press button j or k repeatedly
until you see Mirror adjustment
Parking aid in the multifunction display.

Trip computer menu

The selection marker is on the current
setting.

The following information is available:

Fuel consumption statistics after start

Use the trip computer menu to call up
statistical data on your vehicle.

Function

Page

Fuel consumption statistics after 149
start

왘

Press button æ or ç to set the
function to On or Off.

Fuel consumption statistics
since last reset

150

Calling up range (distance to
empty)

151

i
When you enter the trip computer
menu, you will always see the fuel
consumption statistics after start first.

왘

Press button è or ÿ repeatedly
until you see the first function of the
trip computer menu.

왘

Press button j or k repeatedly
until you see After start in the multifunction display.

1 Statistics called up: since start
2 Time elapsed since start
3 Average fuel consumption since start
4 Average speed since start
5 Distance driven since start

149

Controls in detail
Control system

i

Fuel consumption since last reset

All statistics stored since the last engine start will be reset approximately
four hours after the SmartKey in the
starter switch is turned to position 0 or
removed from the starter switch.

왘

Resetting will not occur if you turn the
SmartKey back to position 1 or 2
within this time period.

왘

Press button è or ÿ repeatedly
until you see the first function of the
trip computer menu.
Press button j or k repeatedly
until you see After reset in the multifunction display.

왘

Press and hold reset button Juntil
the values of the statistics are reset
to 0.

Resetting fuel consumption statistics
automatically
The values of the statistics will be automatically reset to 0 when one of the following
values exceeds:

1 Statistics called up: since last reset
2 Time elapsed since last reset
3 Average fuel consumption since last
reset
4 Average speed since last reset
5 Distance driven since last reset

150

Resetting fuel consumption statistics
manually

앫

distance: 100000 miles (100000 km)

앫

elapsed time: 10000 hours

Controls in detail
Control system
Calling up range (distance to empty)
왘

왘

Press button è or ÿ repeatedly
until you see the first function of the
trip computer menu.
Press button j or k repeatedly
until you see Range: in the multifunction display.
In the multifunction display you will see
the calculated range based on the current fuel tank level.

TEL menu*

Warning!

G

A driver’s attention to the road must always
be his/her primary focus when driving. For
your safety and the safety of others, we recommend that you pull over to a safe location
and stop before placing or taking a telephone call. If you choose to use the telephone while driving, please use the
hands-free device and only use the telephone when weather, road, and traffic conditions permit.
Some jurisdictions prohibit the driver from
using a cellular telephone while driving a vehicle.
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.

Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. without being connected to an external antenna)
from inside the vehicle while the engine is
running. Doing so could lead to a malfunction of the vehicle’s electronic system, possibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury.

You can use the functions in the TEL menu
to operate your telephone, provided it is
connected to a hands-free system and
switched on.
왘

Switch on the telephone and Audio or
COMAND*.
See separate operating instructions.

왘

Press button è or ÿ repeatedly
until you see the TEL menu in the
multifunction display.

151

Controls in detail
Control system
Which messages will appear in the multifunction display depends on whether your
telephone is switched on or off:
앫

앫

If the telephone is switched off, the
message in the multifunction display is:
PHONE off.

Answering a call

Rejecting a call

When your telephone is ready to receive
calls, you can answer a call at any time. In
the multifunction display you will see the
message:

If you do not wish to receive the call, you
can choose to reject it.
왘

You have rejected the call.
The caller receives a busy signal.

If the telephone is switched on:
The telephone will then search for a
network. During this time the multifunction display is empty.
As soon as the telephone has found a
network, Ready is indicated in the multifunction display.

Ending a call
왘

Audio system

152

Press button t.
You have ended the call.
The standby message appears in the
multifunction display.

COMAND*

This standby message indicates that your
telephone is ready for use and you can operate it using the control system.

Press button t.

왘

Press button s.
You have answered the call.
The duration of the call appears in the
multifunction display.

Controls in detail
Control system
Dialing a number from the phone book
If your telephone is ready to receive calls,
you may select and dial a number from the
phone book at any time.
왘

Press button è or ÿ repeatedly
until you see the TEL menu and the
standby message in the multifunction
display.

왘

Press button j or k.
The control system reads the phone
book which is stored in the telephone.
This may take up to 30 seconds. In the
multifunction display you will see the
message Please wait.
When the message Please wait disappears, the phone book has been loaded.

왘

Press button j or k repeatedly
until the desired name appears in the
multifunction display.

왘

Press button s.
The control system dials the selected
phone number.

The stored names are displayed in
ascending or descending alphabetical
order.

앫

If the connection is successful, the
name of the party you called and
the duration of the call will appear
in the display.

앫

If no connection is made, the control system stores the dialed number in the redial memory.

1 Selected name from phone book

i
If you press and hold button j
or k for longer than 1 second, the
system scrolls rapidly through the list
of names until you release the button
again.

or
왘

Cancel the call you have intended to
make by pressing button t.

Cancel the quick search mode by
pressing button t.

153

Controls in detail
Control system
Redialing
The control system stores the most recently dialed phone numbers. This eliminates
the need to search through your entire
phone book.
왘

왘

왘

Press button j or k repeatedly
until the desired number or name appears in the multifunction display.

왘

Press button s.
The control system dials the selected
phone number.

Press button è or ÿ repeatedly
until you see the TEL menu and the
standby message in the multifunction
display.

If the connection is successful, the duration of the call will appear in the multifunction display, and

Press button s.

앫

In the multifunction display you will see
the first number in the redial memory.

the name of the party if stored in
the phone book

or
앫

instead of it the dialed number

or
왘

154

Cancel the call you have intended to
make by pressing button t.

Controls in detail
Manual transmission
왔 Manual transmission
Manual transmission is standard equipment on select models and not available
on all models.

Warning!

For information on driving with a manual
transmission, see “Manual transmission”
(컄 page 51).

For vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, getting out of your vehicle with the
gearshift lever not engaged in first or reverse gear and parking brake engaged is
dangerous.

G

Also, when parked on an incline, an engaged
first or reverse gear alone may not prevent
your vehicle from moving, possibly hitting
people or objects.
Always set the parking brake in addition to
engaging first or reverse gear (컄 page 59).
When parked on an incline, turn front wheels
towards the road curb.
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, as these materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.

Warning!

G

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 move the gearshift lever, which could
result in an accident and/or serious injury.

Warning!

G

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.

155

Controls in detail
Manual transmission
!

Shifting into reverse

When you are shifting into the 5th
or 6th gear, make sure that you press
the gearshift lever to the right. Otherwise, you could accidentally shift into
the 3rd or 4th gear and damage the
transmission.

Gearshift pattern for manual transmission

Downshifting gears leading to overrevving the engine can result in engine
damage that is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Never hold the vehicle stopped on a hill
by using the clutch pedal. The clutch
may be damaged which is not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Do not exceed the engine speed limits.
Refer to tachometer (컄 page 121) for
engine speeds.

156

!
Only shift into reverse gear R when the
vehicle is stationary, as the transmission could otherwise be damaged.
왘

Stop the vehicle completely.

왘

Fully depress the clutch pedal.

왘

Move the gearshift lever to the neutral
position (no gear selected).

왘

Move the gearshift lever to the left until
you feel a certain resistance.

왘

Push the gearshift lever past this resistance.

왘

Then move the gearshift lever forward
into position R.

Controls in detail
Automatic transmission*
왔 Automatic transmission*
For more information on driving with an
automatic transmission, see “Automatic
transmission*” (컄 page 51).
Your vehicle’s transmission adapts its gear
shifting process to your individual driving
style by continually adjusting the shift
points up or down. These shift point adjustments are performed based on current
operating and driving conditions.

i
During the brief warm-up, transmission
upshifting is delayed. This allows the
catalytic converter to heat up more
quickly to operating temperature.

The automatic transmission selects individual gears automatically, depending on:
앫

the gear selector lever
position D (컄 page 159) with
gear ranges (컄 page 160)

앫

the selected program mode:
(C/S) (컄 page 163)
or

If the operating conditions change, the
automatic transmission reacts by
adjusting its shift program.

(M/C/S) (SLK 55 AMG only)
(컄 page 169)
앫

the position of the accelerator pedal
(컄 page 162)

앫

the vehicle speed

Gearshift pattern for automatic
transmission

157

Controls in detail
Automatic transmission*

Warning!

1 Current gear range/gear selector lever
position
2 Current program mode
The current gear range/gear selector lever
position and program mode (C/S) or
(M/C/S) appear in the multifunction
display.

158

!

G

Allow engine to warm up under low
load use. Do not place full load on the
engine until the operating temperature
has been reached.

It is dangerous to shift the gear selector
lever out of P or N if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not
firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or 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.

Shift into reverse gear R or parking
position P only when the vehicle is
stopped.
Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period when driving off on
slippery road surfaces. This may cause
serious damage to the drivetrain which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
When the gear selector lever is in
position D, you can influence transmission
shifting by:
앫

limiting the gear range

앫

changing gears manually

Controls in detail
Automatic transmission*
Gear selector lever position
Effect

ì Park position
Gear selector lever position
when the vehicle is parked. Place
gear selector lever in position P
only when vehicle is stopped.
The park position is not intended
to serve as a brake when the
vehicle is parked. Rather, the
driver should always set the
parking brake in addition to
placing the gear selector lever in
position P to secure the vehicle.

Effect
The SmartKey can only be
removed from the starter switch
with the gear selector lever in
position P. With the SmartKey
removed, the gear selector lever
is locked in position P.
If the vehicle’s electrical system
is malfunctioning, the gear
selector lever could remain
locked in position P
(컄 page 396).

í Reverse gear
Place gear selector lever in
position R only when vehicle is
stopped.

Effect

ë Neutral
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 engage N while
driving.
If the ESP® is deactivated or
malfunctioning:
Move gear selector lever to N
only if the vehicle is in danger of
skidding, e.g. on icy roads.

ê Drive
The transmission shifts
automatically. All forward gears
are available.

159

Controls in detail
Automatic transmission*
!
Coasting the vehicle, or driving for any
other reason with gear selector lever
in N can result in transmission damage
that is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Warning!

G

Getting out of your vehicle with the gear
selector lever not fully engaged in position P
is dangerous. Also, position P alone is not
intended to or capable of preventing your
vehicle from moving, possibly hitting people
or objects.
Always set the parking brake in addition to
shifting to position P (컄 page 52). When
parked on an incline, turn the front wheels
towards the road curb.
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, as these materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.

160

Warning!

G

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 move the gear selector lever from
position P, which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.

Gear ranges
With the gear selector lever in position D
and driving in the automatic shift
program C or S (컄 page 163), you can
select a gear range for the automatic
transmission to operate within:
Gear selector lever (컄 page 164):
You can limit the gear range by pressing
the gear selector lever to the left (D-), and
reverse the gear range limit by pressing
the gear selector lever to the right (D+).
Steering wheel gearshift control
(컄 page 165):
You can limit the gear range by pressing
the respective downshift button on the
steering wheel gearshift control, and
reverse the gear range limit by pressing
the respective upshift button on the
steering wheel gearshift control.

Controls in detail
Automatic transmission*
The selected gear range appears in the
multifunction display (컄 page 158). If you
press on the accelerator when the engine
has reached its rpm limit, the transmission
will upshift beyond any gear range limit
selected.

Effect

ï The transmission shifts through
sixth gear only.

î The transmission shifts through
fifth gear only.

é The transmission shifts through
fourth gear only.

Effect

è The transmission shifts through
third gear only.
With this selection you can use
the braking effect of the engine.

ç The transmission shifts through
second gear only.
Allows the use of engine’s
braking power when driving:
앫

on steep downgrades

앫

in mountainous regions

앫

under extreme operating
conditions

æ The transmission operates in
first gear only.
For maximum use of engine’s
braking effect on very steep or
lengthy downgrades.

161

Controls in detail
Automatic transmission*
Stopping

Driving tips

Working on the vehicle

When you stop briefly, e.g. at traffic lights:

G

Accelerator position

왘

Leave the transmission in gear.

Warning!

Your driving style influences the
transmission’s shifting behavior:

왘

Hold the vehicle with the brake.

Less throttle

Earlier upshifting

When you stop longer with the engine
idling and/or on a hill:

More throttle

Later upshifting

When working on the vehicle, set the
parking brake and move gear selector lever
to position P. Otherwise the vehicle could
roll away.

Kickdown
Use kickdown when you want maximum
acceleration.
왘

왘

Press the accelerator past the point of
resistance.

왘

Set the parking brake.

왘

Move the gear selector lever to
position P.

Maneuvering
When you maneuver in tight areas,
e.g. when pulling into a parking space:

The transmission shifts into a lower
gear.

왘

Control the vehicle speed by gradually
releasing the brakes.

Ease on the accelerator when you have
reached the desired speed.

왘

Accelerate gently.

왘

Never abruptly step on the accelerator.

The transmission shifts up again.

162

Controls in detail
Automatic transmission*
Automatic shift program

!

The program mode selector switch is
located on the lower part of the center
console.

Never change the program mode when
the gear selector lever is out of
position P. This could result in a
change of driving characteristics for
which you may not be prepared.

왘

Press program mode selector
switch 1 repeatedly until the letter of
the desired program mode appears in
the multifunction display.
Select C for comfort driving:
앫

The vehicle starts out in second
gear (both forward and reverse) for
gentler starts. This does not apply if
full throttle is applied or gear
range 1 is selected.

앫

Traction and driving stability are
improved on icy roads.

앫

Upshifts occur earlier even when
you give more gas. The engine then
operates at lower rpms and the
wheels are less likely to spin.

i
The last selected program
mode (C or S) is switched on when the
engine is restarted.

1 Program mode selector switch
C Comfort

For comfort driving

S Sport

For standard driving

The current gear selector lever position
and the selected program mode (C/S) are
indicated in the multifunction display
(컄 page 158).

163

Controls in detail
Automatic transmission*
Gear selector lever one-touch
gearshifting
Even with an automatic transmission, you
can change the gears manually and limit or
extend the gear range for automatic
shifting with the gear selector lever in
position D and driving in the automatic
program mode C or S.

Downshifting
Warning!

Upshifting

G

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.

!
Allow engine to warm up under low
load use. Do not place full load on the
engine until the operating temperature
has been reached.
Shift into reverse gear R or parking
position P only when the vehicle is
stopped.
Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period when driving off on
slippery road surfaces. This may cause
serious damage to the drivetrain which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.

164

왘

Briefly press the gear selector lever to
the right in the D+ direction.

The transmission will shift from the current
gear to the next higher gear as permitted
by the shift program. This action simultaneously extends the gear range of the
transmission.
Canceling gear range limit

왘

Briefly press the gear selector lever to
the left in the D- direction.

The transmission will shift from the current
gear to the next lower gear as permitted by
the shift program. This action simultaneously limits the gear range of the
transmission (컄 page 160).

i
To avoid overrevving the engine when
the gear selector lever is moved to
the D- direction, the transmission will
not shift to a lower gear if the engine’s
max. speed would be exceeded.

왘

Press and hold the gear selector lever
in the D+ direction until D reappears in
the multifunction display.

The transmission will shift from the current
gear range directly to gear range D.
Shifting into optimal gear range
왘

Press and hold the gear selector lever
in the D- direction.

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

Controls in detail
Automatic transmission*
Steering wheel gearshift control
one-touch gearshifting
The steering wheel gearshift control provides an alternative method for changing
the gears manually and limiting or extending the gear range for automatic shifting
with the gear selector lever in position D
and driving in the automatic program
mode C or S.

i
To avoid overrevving the engine when
downshifting with steering wheel
gearshift buttons, the transmission will
not shift to a lower gear if the engine’s
max. speed would be exceeded.

Steering wheel gearshift control*
SLK 280, SLK 350
The steering wheel gearshift buttons are
located to the left and right of the steering
wheel.

!
Allow engine to warm up under low
load use. Do not place full load on the
engine until the operating temperature
has been reached.
Shift into reverse gear R or parking
position P only when the vehicle is
stopped.
Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period when driving off on
slippery road surfaces. This may cause
serious damage to the drivetrain which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.

1 Button, inside: downshift
2 Button, outside: upshift

165

Controls in detail
Automatic transmission*

i
You cannot shift with the steering
wheel gearshift buttons when the gear
selector lever is in position P, N or R.
The last selected program
mode (C or S) is switched on when the
engine is restarted.

Upshifting

Downshifting
Warning!

G

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.
왘

Briefly press the inside 1 of one of the
buttons on the steering wheel.

The transmission will shift to the next
lower gear as permitted by the shift
program. This action simultaneously limits
the gear range of the transmission
(컄 page 160).

166

왘

Briefly press the outside 2 of one of
the buttons on the steering wheel.

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

Controls in detail
Automatic transmission*
Canceling gear range limit
왘

Press and hold the outside 2 of one of
the buttons on the steering wheel
until D reappears in the multifunction
display.

Steering wheel gearshift control
SLK 55 AMG
The steering wheel gearshift buttons are
located to the left and right of the steering
wheel.

The transmission will shift from the current
gear range directly to gear range D.

i
You cannot shift with the steering
wheel gearshift buttons when the gear
selector lever is in position P, N or R.
The last selected program
mode (C or S) is switched on when the
engine is restarted in the automatic
program mode.

Shifting into optimal gear range
왘

The following instructions describe operation of the steering wheel gearshift control
when driving in the automatic program
mode C or S.

Press and hold the inside 1 of one of
the buttons on the steering wheel.

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

1 Left button: downshift
2 Right button: upshift

For instructions on operating the steering
wheel gearshift control and gear selector
lever in the manual program mode M, see
“Manual shift program SLK 55 AMG”
(컄 page 169).

167

Controls in detail
Automatic transmission*
Downshifting
Warning!

G

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.
왘

Briefly press button 1 on the left side
of the steering wheel.

The transmission will shift to the next
lower gear as permitted by the shift
program. This action simultaneously limits
the gear range of the transmission
(컄 page 160) when you are driving in the
automatic program mode (C or S).

168

Upshifting

Canceling gear range limit

왘

왘

Briefly press button 2 on the right
side of the steering wheel.

The transmission will shift to the next
higher gear as permitted by the shift
program. This action simultaneously
extends the gear range of the transmission
when you are driving in the automatic
program mode (C or S).

Press and hold button 2 on the right
side of the steering wheel until D
reappears in the multifunction display.

The transmission will shift from the current
gear range directly to gear range D.
Shifting into optimal gear range
왘

Press and hold button 1 on the left
side of the steering wheel.

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

Controls in detail
Automatic transmission*
Manual shift program SLK 55 AMG

!

In addition to the automatic shift
program C or S, your vehicle is equipped
with the manual shift program M.

Allow engine to warm up under low
load use. Do not place full load on the
engine until the operating temperature
has been reached.

In the manual program mode M,
system-controlled automatic gearshifting
is switched off and you need to change the
gears by manually upshifting or downshifting using the steering wheel gearshift buttons to the left and right of the steering
wheel (컄 page 167) or the gear selector
lever.

The program mode selector switch is
located on the lower part of the center
console.

Shift into reverse gear R or parking
position P only when the vehicle is
stopped.
Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period when driving off on
slippery road surfaces. This may cause
serious damage to the drivetrain which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.

1 Program mode selector switch
M Manual

For manual gear shifting

C Comfort

For comfort driving

S Sport

For standard driving

169

Controls in detail
Automatic transmission*
The current gear selector lever position
and the selected program mode (M/C/S)
are indicated in the multifunction display
(컄 page 158).

i
For information on automatic program
modes C or S, see “Automatic shift
program” (컄 page 163), “Gear selector
lever one-touch gearshifting”
(컄 page 164), and “Steering wheel
gearshift control one-touch gearshifting” (컄 page 165).

Activating manual shift program
왘

Press program mode selector
switch 1 repeatedly until the M for
manual program mode M appears in
the multifunction display.
The transmission switches to the
manual program mode M. Automatic
shifting is switched off. The gear range
is not limited.

You can change the gears manually when
the gear selector lever is in position D. You
can upshift or downshift through the gears
in succession.

i
The manual program mode M will not
be stored. When the engine is turned
off with the manual program mode M
selected, the transmission will go to
the automatic program mode (C or S)
when the engine is restarted.

170

Upshifting

!
In the manual program mode M, the
transmission will not upshift, even if
the engine has reached its overrevving
range. Shift up to 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
(컄 page 24). Otherwise the engine
could be damaged which is not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

Controls in detail
Automatic transmission*
왘

Briefly press the gear selector lever to
the right in the D+ direction.

or
왘

Warning!
Briefly press button 2 on the right
side of the steering wheel
(컄 page 167).
The transmission shifts to the next
higher gear.

If, instead of the manual program mode
symbol M, the p symbol appears in the
multifunction display (컄 page 158), shift to
the next higher gear. The fuel supply will
otherwise be interrupted to prevent the
engine from overrevving.

Kickdown

Downshifting

G

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

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.
왘

Briefly press the gear selector lever to
the left in the D- direction.

or
왘

Briefly press button 1 on the left side
of the steering wheel (컄 page 167).
The transmission shifts to the next
lower gear.

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

171

Controls in detail
Automatic transmission*
Deactivating manual shift program
왘

Press the program mode selector
switch (컄 page 169) repeatedly
until C or S appears in the multifunction
display.

or
왘

Restart the engine.
The transmission will go to the
automatic program mode (C or S).
The manual program mode M is not
stored.

172

Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode)
If vehicle acceleration worsens or the
transmission no longer shifts, the transmission is most likely operating in limp
home (emergency operation) mode. In this
mode only second gear and reverse gear
can be activated.
왘

Stop the vehicle.

왘

Move gear selector lever to P.

왘

Turn off the engine.

왘

Wait at least 10 seconds before
restarting.

왘

Restart the engine.

왘

Move gear selector lever to position D
(for second gear) or R.

왘

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

Controls in detail
Good visibility
왔 Good visibility
For information on the windshield wipers,
see (컄 page 56).
Headlamp cleaning system*
The button is located on the left side of the
dashboard.

i

Rear view mirrors

The headlamps will automatically be
cleaned when you have
앫

switched on the headlamps
and

앫

For more information on setting the rear
view mirrors, see “Mirrors” (컄 page 45).

operated the windshield wipers
with windshield washer fluid
15 times

Interior rear view mirror, antiglare
position

When you switch off ignition, the
counter resets.

1 Headlamp cleaning button
왘

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

왘

Press button 1.

For information on filling up the washer
reservoir, see “Windshield washer system
and headlamp cleaning system*”
(컄 page 315).

왘

Tilt the mirror to the antiglare night
position by moving the lever towards
the windshield.
The interior rear view mirror is dimmed.

The headlamps are cleaned with a
high-pressure water jet.

173

Controls in detail
Good visibility
Auto-dimming mirrors*
The reflection brightness of the exterior
rear view mirrors and the interior rear view
mirror will respond automatically to glare
when
앫

ignition is switched on
and

앫

incoming light from headlamps falls on
the sensor in the interior rear view
mirror

Warning!

G

The auto-dimming function does not react if
incoming light is not aimed directly at sensors in the interior rear view mirror.
The interior rear view mirror and the exterior
rear view mirror on the driver’s side do not
react, for example, if the wind screen is installed.
Glare can endanger you and others.

The rear view mirrors will not react if
앫

reverse gear R is engaged

앫

interior lighting is switched on

Warning!

G

In case of an accident, liquid electrolyte may
escape from the mirror housing if the mirror
glass breaks.
Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not allow the liquid to come into contact with
eyes, skin, clothing, or the respiratory system. In case it does, immediately flush affected area with water, and seek medical
help if necessary.

174

!
Electrolyte drops coming into contact
with the vehicle paint finish can only be
completely removed while in their
liquid state and by applying plenty of
water.

Warning!

G

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

Controls in detail
Good visibility
Activating exterior rear view mirror
parking position*
Follow these steps to activate the mirror
parking position so that the passenger-side exterior rear view mirror will be
turned downward during parking maneuvers to the stored position.
The switches are located on the lower part
of the center console.

왘

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

왘

Store a parking position* for the passenger-side exterior rear view mirror
(컄 page 108).

왘

Switch the Mirror adjustment
Parking aid function* in the
Convenience submenu of the control
system to ON (컄 page 148).

왘

Press switch 3 for the passenger-side
exterior rear view mirror.

왘

Shift into reverse gear R.

The passenger-side exterior rear view mirror returns to its previously stored driving
position:
앫

10 seconds after you shifted out of reverse gear R

앫

immediately once you exceed a vehicle
speed of approximately 6 mph
(10 km/h)

앫

immediately when you press adjustment switch 2

The passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror turns downwards to the stored
position.

1 Driver-side exterior rear view mirror
2 Adjustment switch
3 Passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror

175

Controls in detail
Good visibility
Sun visors
Warning!
The sun visors protect you from sun glare
while driving.

G

Do not use the vanity mirror while driving.
Keep the mirrors in the sun visors closed
while vehicle is in motion. Reflected glare
can endanger you and others.

1 Mirror lamp*
2 Mounting*
3 Mirror cover
4 Sun visor

176

i
If sunlight enters through a side window, disengage sun visor from
mounting* 2 and pivot it to the side.
You then can slide the sun visor along
the pivot arm to a different position if
so desired.

왘

Swing sun visors down when you experience glare.

The mirror lamp* 1 will switch off as
soon as sun visor is disengaged from
mounting* 2.

왘

To use mirror and switch on mirror
lamp*, lift up mirror cover 3.

!
Close mirror cover 3 if open before
you disengage the sun visor 4 from
mounting* 2 and pivot it to the side.

Controls in detail
Good visibility
Rear window defroster
The rear window defroster uses a large
amount of power. To keep the battery
drain to a minimum, switch off the defroster as soon as the rear window is clear.
The defroster is automatically deactivated
after approximately 6 to 17 minutes of operation depending on the outside temperature.
Warning!

G

Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from the rear window before driving. Visibility could otherwise be impaired,
endangering you and others.

Switching on

Switching off

왘

왘

Press the rear window defroster
switch F in the control panel of the
climate control (컄 page 179) or the automatic climate control* (컄 page 192).

Press the rear window defroster
switch F again in the control panel
of the climate control or the automatic
climate control*.

The indicator lamp on the rear window
defroster switch F comes on.

The indicator lamp on the rear window
defroster switch F goes out.

!

!

The rear window defroster cannot be
switched on when the retractable hardtop is open. The indicator lamp starts
flashing if the hardtop is open.

If the rear window defroster switches
off too soon and the indicator lamp
starts flashing, this means that too
many electrical consumers are operating simultaneously and there is insufficient voltage in the battery. The system
responds automatically by deactivating
the rear window defroster.

앫

Close the retractable hardtop first.

The rear window defroster can be
switched on again.

As soon as the battery has sufficient
voltage, the rear window defroster automatically turns itself back on.

177

Controls in detail
Climate control

178

Controls in detail
Climate control

Item
1 Thumbwheel for air volume control
for adjustable left side air vent

Item
d Climate control panel

2 Left side air vent, adjustable

i

3 Fixed air vent for defrosting left side
window

When you turn the thumbwheels 5
and 8 upwards to the first stop, the
fixed center air vents 4 and 9 and
the adjustable center air vents 6
and 7 are open.

4 Left center air vent, fixed
5 Thumbwheel for air volume control
for fixed/adjustable left center air
vents
6 Left center air vent, adjustable
7 Right center air vent, adjustable
8 Thumbwheel for air volume control
for fixed/adjustable right center air
vents
9 Right center air vent, fixed
a Fixed air vent for defrosting right
side window
b Right side air vent, adjustable
c Thumbwheel for air volume control
for adjustable right side air vent

When you turn the thumbwheels completely upwards, only the adjustable
center air vents 6 and 7 are open.
For draft-free ventilation, move the sliders for the center air vents 6 and 7
to the middle position.

Item
1 Temperature control, left side
2 Air volume control, climate control
on/off
3 Air distribution control
4 Temperature control, right side
5 F Rear window defroster
(컄 page 177)
6 P Front defroster
7 9 AC cooling on/off,
Residual heat/ventilation
8 , Air recirculation

179

Controls in detail
Climate control
The climate control is operational whenever the engine is running. The system cools
or heats the interior depending on the selected interior temperature and the current outside temperature.
Warning!

G

When operating the climate control, the air
that enters the passenger compartment
through the air vents can be very hot or very
cold (depending on the set temperature).
This may cause burns or frostbite to unprotected skin in the immediate area of the air
vents. Always keep sufficient distance between unprotected parts of the body and the
air vents. If necessary, use the air distribution controls (컄 page 179) to direct the air
to air vents in the vehicle interior that are
not in the immediate area of unprotected
skin.

180

Nearly all dust particles, pollutants and
odors are filtered out before outside air enters the interior through the air distribution
system.
The air conditioning will not engage (no
cooling) if the A/C mode is deactivated
(컄 page 179).
Warning!

G

Follow the recommended settings for heating and cooling given on the following pages. Otherwise the windows could fog up,
impairing visibility and endangering you and
others.

i
Severe conditions (e.g. strong air pollution) may require replacement of the filter before its scheduled interval.
A clogged filter will reduce the air volume to the interior.
If the vehicle interior is hot, ventilate
the interior before driving off. The climate control will then adjust the interior temperature to the set value much
faster.
Keep the air intake grille in front of the
windshield free of snow and debris.
When the retractable hardtop is closed,
do not obstruct air flow by placing objects on the air flow-through exhaust
slots below the rear window.

Controls in detail
Climate control
Switching climate control system
on/off
Switching on
왘

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

왘

Set air volume control 2 to any speed
(컄 page 179).
The previous settings are once again in
effect.

Switching off
왘

Set air volume control 2 (컄 page 179)
to position 0.

i

Setting the temperature
Use temperature controls 1 and 4
(컄 page 179) to separately adjust the air
temperature on each side of the passenger
compartment. You should raise or lower
the temperature setting in small increments, preferably starting at 72°F (22°C).
The climate control will adjust to the set
temperature as fast as possible.

Increasing
왘

Turn temperature control
1 and/or 4 (컄 page 179) slightly
clockwise.
The climate control system will correspondingly adjust the interior air temperature.

Decreasing
왘

Turn temperature control
1 and/or 4 (컄 page 179) slightly
counterclockwise.
The climate control system will correspondingly adjust the interior air temperature.

When the climate control system is
switched off, the outside air supply and
circulation are also switched off. Only
choose this setting for a short time.
Otherwise the windows could fog up.

181

Controls in detail
Climate control
Adjusting air distribution
Use air distribution control 3
(컄 page 179) to adjust the air distribution.
The following symbols are found on the
control:
Symbol

Function

a

Directs air through the
center and side air vents

Z

Directs air to the windows
and through the center and
side air vents

b

Directs air into the entire
vehicle interior

Y

Directs air to the footwells
and through the center and
side air vents

182

왘

Turn the air distribution control to the
desired symbol (컄 page 179).

Opening the center air vents
왘

The climate control system will correspondingly adjust the interior air distribution.

i
You can also turn the control to a
position between two symbols.

Turn thumbwheels 5 and 8
(컄 page 178) upward to the first stop.
Center air vents 4, 6, 7 and 9 are
open.

왘

Turn thumbwheels 5 and 8
(컄 page 178) upward all the way.
Only center air vents 6 and 7 are
open.

Controls in detail
Climate control
Closing the center air vents
왘

Turn thumbwheels 5 and 8
(컄 page 178) downward all the way.
Center air vents 4, 6, 7 and 9 are
closed.

Opening and closing side air vents
왘

Adjusting air volume
Ten blower speeds are available.
왘

Use air volume control 2
(컄 page 179) to adjust the air volume.

Basic settings
Heating (winter)
왘

Turn temperature controls 1 and 4
(컄 page 179) to the desired position.

왘

Turn air volume control 2
(컄 page 179) to level 2 or higher.

Turn thumbwheels 1 and c
(컄 page 178) in the required direction.
Side air vents 2 and b are open or
closed.

Otherwise the windows may fog over.
왘

Turn air distribution control 3
(컄 page 179) to a position
between b and Y.

왘

Open the side air vents if necessary.

왘

Close the center air vents.

183

Controls in detail
Climate control
Heating (summer)
왘

Turn air temperature
control 1 and 4 (컄 page 179) to the
desired position.

Defrosting windshield
You can use this setting to defrost the
windshield, for example if it is iced up.
You can also defog the side windows.

왘

Turn air volume control 2
(컄 page 179) to level 1 or higher.

i

왘

Turn air distribution control 3
(컄 page 179) to position a.

Keep this setting selected only until the
windshield or the side windows are
clear again.

왘

Open the center and side air vents.

184

Activating
왘

Press button P (컄 page 179).
The indicator lamp on the button
comes on.
The air conditioning switches
automatically to the following functions:
앫

cooling on to dehumidify

앫

maximum blowing and heating
power

앫

air flows onto the windshield
and the front side windows

Controls in detail
Climate control
Deactivating

Windshield fogged on the outside

왘

Press button P (컄 page 179) again.

왘

The indicator lamp on the button goes
out.

Switch the windshield wipers on
(컄 page 56).

왘

Turn air distribution control 3 to
position a or Y (컄 page 179).

The previous settings are once again in
effect.

Air recirculation mode
Switch to air recirculation mode to prevent
unpleasant odors from entering the vehicle
from the outside (e.g. before driving
through a tunnel). This setting cuts off the
intake of outside air and recirculates the
air in the interior.

i
The cooling remains switched on.

Warning!

G

Fogged windows impair visibility, endangering you and others. If the windows begin to
fog on the inside, switching off the air
recirculation mode immediately should clear
interior window fogging. If interior window
fogging persists, make sure the air
conditioning (컄 page 187) is activated, or
press button P.

185

Controls in detail
Climate control
Activating
왘

Briefly press button ,
(컄 page 179).
The indicator lamp on the button
comes on.

Warning!

G

Never operate the side windows if there is
the possibility of anyone being harmed by
the closing procedure.

The air recirculation mode is activated
automatically at high outside temperatures.

In the event that the closing procedure causes potential danger, the closing of the door
windows can be immediately halted by releasing the , button or by pressing the
respective power window switch.

The indicator lamp on button , is
not lit when the air recirculation mode
is automatically switched on.

The closing of the rear side windows can be
immediately halted by releasing the
, button.

i

A quantity of outside air is added after
approximately 30 minutes.

i

Deactivating
왘

Press button , (컄 page 179) again.
The indicator lamp on the button goes
out.

i
The air recirculation mode is deactivated automatically:
앫

after 5 minutes if the outside temperature is below approximately
41°F (5°C)

앫

after 5 minutes if the air conditioning is turned off

앫

after 30 minutes if the outside temperature is above approximately
41°F (5°C)

If you press button , and keep it
pressed, the side windows will close.
The closing of the side windows can be
immediately halted by releasing
button ,.

i
If you press button , and keep it
pressed, the side windows will open.
The opening of the side windows can
be immediately halted by releasing
button ,.

186

Controls in detail
Climate control
Air conditioning
The cooling function, only operational
when the engine is running, cools the vehicle interior down to the selected temperature. The cooling function also
dehumidifies the air in the vehicle interior,
thus preventing the windows from fogging
up.

i
Condensation may drip from underneath the vehicle. This is normal and
not an indication of a malfunction.

Warning!

Deactivating

Activating

It is possible to deactivate the air conditioning (cooling) function of the climate
control system. The air in the vehicle will
then no longer be cooled or dehumidified.

Moist air can fog up the windows. You can
dehumidify the air with the air conditioning.

왘

Press button 9 (컄 page 179).
The indicator lamp on the button goes
out. The cooling function switches off
after a short delay.

왘

Press button 9 (컄 page 179) again.
The indicator lamp on the button
comes on.

The air conditioning uses the refrigerant
R134a. This refrigerant is free of CFCs
which are harmful to the ozone layer.

G

If you turn off the cooling function, the vehicle will not be cooled when the weather conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.

187

Controls in detail
Climate control
Maximum cooling
왘

Turn thumbwheels 5 and 8
(컄 page 178) upwards to the first stop.
The fixed center air vents 4 and 9
(컄 page 178) and the adjustable air
vents 6 and 7 (컄 page 178) are
open.

왘

왘

For draft-free ventilation, move the
sliders for the center air vents
6 and 7 (컄 page 178) to the middle
position.

왘

Turn thumbwheels 1 and c
(컄 page 178) for the adjustable side air
vents 2 and b (컄 page 178) to the
fully open position.

왘

Set air distribution control 3
(컄 page 182) to position a.
The air distribution directs the air
through the center and side air vents.

188

Set air volume control 2 (컄 page 183)
to position 5.
The ventilation operates with maximum
blower speed.

왘

Turn temperature controls 1 and 4
(컄 page 179) completely counterclockwise to their end stops.
The lowest temperature for both sides
is set.

i
When the vehicle’s interior has cooled
down enough, reduce the air volume
and increase the air temperature to
comfortable settings if desired.

Residual engine heat utilization
With the engine switched off, it is possible
to continue to heat or ventilate the interior
for up to 30 minutes. This feature makes
use of the residual heat produced by the
engine.

Controls in detail
Climate control
Activating

Deactivating

왘

Switch off the ignition (컄 page 36).

왘

왘

Press button 9 (컄 page 179).
The indicator lamp on the button
comes on.

i
How long the system will provide heating depends on
앫

the coolant temperature

앫

the temperature set by the operator

The blower will run at speed setting 1
regardless of the air distribution control setting.

Press button 9 (컄 page 179) again.
The indicator lamp on the button goes
out.

i
The residual heat is automatically
turned off
앫

when the ignition is switched on
(컄 page 36)

앫

after about 30 minutes

앫

if the battery voltage drops

189

Controls in detail
Automatic climate control*

190

Controls in detail
Automatic climate control*

Item
1 Thumbwheel for air volume control
for adjustable left side air vent
2 Left side air vent, adjustable
3 Fixed air vent for defrosting left side
window

Item
d Right side air vent, adjustable
e Thumbwheel for air volume control
for adjustable right side air vent
f Automatic climate control panel

4 Left center air vent, fixed

i

5 Thumbwheel for air volume control
for fixed/adjustable left center air
vents

When you turn the thumbwheels 5
and a upwards to the first stop, the
fixed center air vents 4 and b and
the adjustable center air vents 6
and 9 are open.

6 Left center air vent, adjustable
7 Cockpit air vent
8 Thumbwheel for air volume control
for cockpit air vent
9 Right center air vent, adjustable
a Thumbwheel for air volume control
for fixed/adjustable right center air
vents

When you turn the thumbwheels completely upwards, only the adjustable
center air vents 6 and 9 are open.
For draft-free ventilation, move the sliders for the center air vents 6 and 9
to the middle position.

b Right center air vent, fixed
c Fixed air vent for defrosting right
side window

191

Controls in detail
Automatic climate control*

Item
1 Air volume control, manual
2 U Automatic mode
3 P Front defroster
4 ‚ To increase temperature on
the left side
5 ´ Automatic climate control
on/off
6 ‚ To increase temperature on
the right side
7 F Rear window defroster
(컄 page 177)
8 Air distribution control, manual
9 T Residual heat/ventilation
a œ AC cooling on/off
b ƒ To lower temperature on the
right side
c ƒ To lower temperature on the
left side
d , Air recirculation
e Display

192

Controls in detail
Automatic climate control*
The automatic climate control is operational whenever the engine is running. You can
operate the automatic climate control system in either the automatic or manual
mode. The system cools or heats the interior depending on the selected interior
temperature and the current outside temperature.
Warning!

G

When operating the automatic climate control, the air that enters the passenger compartment through the air vents can be very
hot or very cold (depending on the set temperature). This may cause burns or frostbite
on unprotected skin in the immediate area
of the air vents. Always keep sufficient distance between unprotected parts of the
body and the air vents. If necessary, use the
air distribution controls (컄 page 192) to direct the air to air vents in the vehicle interior
that are not in the immediate area of unprotected skin.

Nearly all dust particles, pollutants and
odors are filtered out before outside air enters the interior through the air distribution
system.
The air conditioning will not engage (no
cooling) if the A/C mode is deactivated
(컄 page 192).
Warning!

G

Follow the recommended settings for heating and cooling given on the following pages. Otherwise the windows could fog up,
impairing visibility and endangering you and
others.

i
Severe conditions (e.g. strong air pollution) may require replacement of the filter before its scheduled interval.
A clogged filter will reduce the air volume to the interior.
If the vehicle interior is hot, ventilate
the interior before driving off. The climate control will then adjust the interior temperature to the set value much
faster.
Keep the air intake grille in front of the
windshield free of snow and debris.
When the retractable hardtop is closed,
do not obstruct air flow by placing objects on the air flow-through exhaust
slots below the rear window.

193

Controls in detail
Automatic climate control*
Deactivating the climate control
system
Deactivating
왘

Reactivating
왘

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

왘

Press button ´ (컄 page 192) again.

i

The previous settings are once again in
effect.

When operating the climate control
system in automatic mode, you will
only rarely need to adjust the temperature, air volume and air distribution.

Press button ´ (컄 page 192).
The indicator lamp on the button
comes on.

i
When the climate control system is
switched off, the outside air supply and
circulation are also switched off. Only
choose this setting for a short time.
Otherwise the windows could fog up.

194

Operating the climate control system
in automatic mode

or
왘

Press button U (컄 page 192).
The indicator lamp on the button
comes on. Air volume and air distribution are adjusted automatically.

In automatic mode, cooling with dehumidify is switched on. This function can
be switched off if necessary.

Controls in detail
Automatic climate control*
Activating
왘

Press button U (컄 page 192) while
the engine is running.
The indicator lamp on the button
comes on. The air volume and air distribution are adjusted automatically.

왘

Use temperature controls 4 and 6
or b and c (컄 page 192) to separately adjust the air temperature on
each side of the passenger compartment.
The temperature of the vehicle interior
is adjusted automatically.

Deactivating
왘

Press button U (컄 page 192) again.

Setting the temperature
Use temperature controls 4 and c for
the left side or 6 and b for the right side
(컄 page 192) to separately adjust the air
temperature on each side of the passenger
compartment. You should raise or lower
the temperature setting in small increments, preferably starting at 72°F (22°C).
The climate control will adjust to the set
temperature as fast as possible.

Increasing
왘

Press temperature button(s)
4 and/or 6 (컄 page 192) until the
desired temperature appears in the
control panel display e (컄 page 192).
The automatic climate control system
will correspondingly adjust the interior
air temperature.

Decreasing
왘

Press temperature button(s)
b and/or c (컄 page 192) until the
desired temperature appears in the
control panel display e (컄 page 192).
The automatic climate control system
will correspondingly adjust the interior
air temperature.

The indicator lamp on the button goes
out. The air volume changes to level 2
and the air distribution changes
to b. Automatic control of air volume and air distribution is switched off.

195

Controls in detail
Automatic climate control*
Adjusting air distribution
Use the air distribution
control 8 (컄 page 192) to adjust the air
distribution. The following symbols are
found on the control:
Symbol

Function

a

Directs air through the
center, side and cockpit air
vents

Z

Directs air to the windows
and side air vents

b

Directs air into the entire
vehicle interior

Y

Directs air to the footwells
and side air vents

196

왘

Turn air distribution control 8
(컄 page 192) to the desired position.

Opening the cockpit air vent and center
air vents

The indicator lamp on the button U
(컄 page 192) goes out.

왘

The automatic air distribution is
switched off. The air distribution is
controlled according to the selected
control setting.

i
You can also turn the control to a
position between two symbols.

Turn thumbwheels 5 and a
(컄 page 190) to the first stop and turn
thumbwheel 8 (컄 page 190) upward
all the way.
The cockpit air vent 7 and the center
air vents 4, 6, 9 and b are open.

왘

Turn thumbwheels 5 and a
(컄 page 190) upward all the way.
Only center air vents 6 and 9 are
open.

Controls in detail
Automatic climate control*
Closing the cockpit air vent and center
air vents
왘

Turn thumbwheels 5, 8 and a
(컄 page 190) downward.
The cockpit air vent and the center air
vents are closed.

Opening and closing side air vents
왘

Adjusting air volume

Defrosting windshield

Use button U (컄 page 192) for automatic mode or air volume control 1
(컄 page 192) to adjust air volume
manually.

You can use this setting to defrost the
windshield, for example if it is iced up.
You can also defog the side windows.

Eleven blower speeds are available.
왘

Turn air volume control 1
(컄 page 192) to the desired position.

Turn thumbwheels 1 and e
(컄 page 190) in the corresponding direction.

The indicator lamp on the button U
(컄 page 192) goes out.

Side air vents 2 and d are open or
closed.

The automatic operation of air volume
switches off.

i
Keep this setting selected only until the
windshield or the side windows are
clear again.

197

Controls in detail
Automatic climate control*
Activating

Deactivating

왘

왘

Press button P (컄 page 192).

Windows fogged on the outside

Press button P (컄 page 192) again.

i

The indicator lamp on the button
comes on.

The indicator lamp on the button goes
out.

Keep this setting selected only until the
windshield is clear again.

The air conditioning switches
automatically to the following functions:

The previous settings are once again in
effect.

앫

cooling on to dehumidify

i

앫

maximum blowing and heating
power

The cooling remains switched on.

앫

왘

Switch the windshield wipers on
(컄 page 56).

왘

Press button U (컄 page 192).
The indicator lamp on the button come
on. Air distribution and air volume are
adjusted automatically.

air flows onto the windshield and
the front side windows

If the automatic air distribution and air volume are switched off:
왘

198

Turn air distribution control 8 to
position a or Y (컄 page 192).

Controls in detail
Automatic climate control*
Activating

Maximum cooling MAX COOL

Air recirculation mode

When operating the automatic climate
control system in automatic mode U
and there is a high need for cooling,
MAX COOL is activated. This provides the
fastest possible cooling of the vehicle’s interior (when retractable hardtop is closed).

Switch to air recirculation mode to prevent
unpleasant odors from entering the vehicle
from the outside (e.g. before driving
through a tunnel). This setting cuts off the
intake of outside air and recirculates the
air in the interior.

MAX COOL will appear in display e

(컄 page 192).

Warning!

G

Fogged windows impair visibility, endangering you and others. If the windows begin to
fog on the inside, switching off the air
recirculation mode immediately should clear
interior window fogging. If interior window
fogging persists, make sure the air
conditioning (컄 page 187) is activated, or
press button P.

왘

Press button , (컄 page 192).
The indicator lamp on the button
comes on.

i
The air recirculation mode activates automatically at high outside temperatures.
The indicator lamp on button , is
not lit when the air recirculation mode
is automatically switched on.
A quantity of outside air is added after
approximately 30 minutes.
컄컄

199

Controls in detail
Automatic climate control*
컄컄

Warning!

G

Never operate the side windows if there is
the possibility of anyone being harmed by
the closing procedure.
In the event that the procedure causes potential danger, the closing of the door windows can be immediately halted by
releasing the , button or by pressing the
respective power window switch.
The closing of the rear side windows can be
immediately halted by releasing the
, button.

i

Deactivating
왘

Press button , (컄 page 192) again.
The indicator lamp on the button goes
out.

i
The air recirculation mode is deactivated automatically:
앫

after 5 minutes if the outside temperature is below approximately
41°F (5°C)

앫

after 5 minutes if the air conditioning is turned off (컄 page 200)

앫

after 30 minutes if the outside temperature is above approximately
41°F (5°C)

If you press button , and keep it
pressed, the side windows will close.
The closing of the windows can be immediately halted by releasing
button ,.

i
If you press button , and keep it
pressed, the side windows will open.
The opening of the windows can be immediately halted by releasing
button ,.

200

Air conditioning
The cooling function, only operational
when the engine is running, cools the vehicle interior down to the selected temperature. The cooling function also
dehumidifies the air in the vehicle interior,
thus preventing the windows from fogging
up.
The air conditioning uses the refrigerant
R134a. This refrigerant is free of CFCs
which are harmful to the ozone layer.

Controls in detail
Automatic climate control*

Warning!

G

If you turn off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog
up more quickly. Window fogging may
impair visibility and endanger you and
others.

Deactivating

Activating

It is possible to deactivate the air conditioning (cooling) function of the automatic
climate control system. The air in the vehicle will then no longer be cooled or dehumidified.

Moist air can fog up the windows. You can
dehumidify the air with the air conditioning.

왘

Press button œ (컄 page 192).

왘

Press button œ (컄 page 192).
The indicator lamp on the button
comes on.

The indicator lamp on the button goes
out.

i
Condensation may drip from underneath the vehicle. This is normal and
not an indication of a malfunction.

201

Controls in detail
Automatic climate control*
Residual heat and ventilation
With the engine switched off, it is possible
to continue to heat or ventilate the interior
for up to 30 minutes. This feature makes
use of the residual heat produced by the
engine.

i
How long the system will provide
heating depends on

Activating

Deactivating

왘

Switch off the ignition (컄 page 36).

왘

왘

Press button T (컄 page 192).
The indicator lamp on the button
comes on. The display in the automatic
climate control panel remains switched
off.

Press button T (컄 page 192) again.
The indicator lamp on the button goes
out.

i
The residual heat is automatically
turned off:
앫

when the ignition is switched on
(컄 page 36)

앫

the coolant temperature

앫

after about 30 minutes

앫

the temperature set by the operator

앫

if the battery voltage drops

The blower will run at speed setting 1
regardless of the air volume control
setting.

202

Controls in detail
Audio system
왔 Audio system
Audio and telephone*, operation
Warning!
These instructions are intended to help
you become familiar with your
Mercedes-Benz audio system. They contain useful tips and a detailed description
of the user functions.

G

In order to avoid distraction which could
lead to an accident, the driver should enter
system settings with the vehicle at a
standstill and operate the system only when
road and traffic conditions permit. Always
pay full attention to traffic conditions first
before operating system controls while
driving.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your car is
covering a distance of 44 feet
(approximately 14 m) every second.

Operating safety

Warning!

G

Any alterations made to electronic
components can cause malfunctions.
The radio, amplifier, CD changer*, satellite
radio* and telephone* are interconnected.
When one of the components is not operational or has not been removed/replaced
properly, the function of other components
may be impaired.
This condition might seriously impair the
operating safety of your vehicle.
We recommend that you have any service
work on electronic components carried out
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

203

Controls in detail
Audio system
Operating and display elements

204

Controls in detail
Audio system

Item

Page

1 CD changer mode selector

219

2 Single CD mode selector

222

Item

Page

9 Speed dialing memory (telephone*) in descending order

Item

Page

g Soft keys

206

h Volume

207

a Accepting a call
(telephone*)

235

j Switching on/off

206

b Telephone* mode selector

229

k Manual tuning / seek
tuning (radio)

211

c Speed dialing memory (telephone*) in ascending order

231
235

7 Display

d Terminating a call
(telephone*)

8 Alphanumeric keypad

e CD slot

3 Radio mode selector
4 Mute function (radio)
Pause (CD)

212
229

5 Volume distribution

208

6 Sound settings

207

f CD ejection

Track search, reverse (CD)

228

l Manual tuning / seek
tuning (radio)

211

Track search,
fast forward (CD)

228

222

205

Controls in detail
Audio system
Button and soft key operation
In these instructions, the alphanumeric
keypad (right side of radio panel) and the
function buttons (left side of radio panel)
are referred to as “buttons”. The four keys
below the display panel are referred to as
“soft keys”.

!

Operation

i

Switching the unit on/off

If the radio is switched on without the
SmartKey in the starter switch, it will
automatically switch off again after
approximately 30 minutes.

Switching on
왘

Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 1 or 2 (컄 page 36).

왘

If the audio system was on as you
removed the SmartKey from the starter
switch, the audio system will
automatically come back on as you
turn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2.

Do not press directly in the display
face. Otherwise, the display will be
damaged.
or
왘

206

PressDbutton.

If your vehicle is equipped with a
telephone, the display may prompt you
to enter your PIN (GSM network) or
code (TDMA or CDMA network).

Controls in detail
Audio system
Switching off

i

왘

If your vehicle equipment includes a
Mercedes-Benz specified mobile
telephone*, you can adjust its volume
separately from the volume of the
audio system while the telephone is
being used.

Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.

or
왘

PressDbutton.

i
Should excessively high temperatures
occur while the audio system is being
operated, the display will dim. If temperatures continue to rise, HIGH TEMP
will appear in the display, after which
the audio system will be switched off
for a cooling-down period.

왘

Adjusting sound functions
The bass and treble functions are called up
by pressing the O button.
Settings for bass and treble are stored
separately for the AM and FM wavebands,
weather band, CD mode and telephone
mode.

Adjusting the volume
왘

Turn rotary control ofEbutton.
The volume will increase or decrease
depending on the direction turned.

Press + or – soft key to increase or
decrease tone level accordingly.

or
왘

Press RES soft key briefly to reset bass
tones to their center level.
The radio switches back to the
standard radio menu 8 seconds after
the last soft key is pressed.

Bass
왘

Press O button repeatedly until
BASS appears in the display.

207

Controls in detail
Audio system
Adjusting treble
왘

왘

Press O button repeatedly until
TREBLE appears in the display.

Press + or – soft key to increase or
decrease tone level accordingly.

Returning sound functions to factory
settings
왘

Press O button to call up settings
menu in the display.

왘

Press RES soft key briefly; the respective sound function is reset to its center
level.

or
왘

Press RES soft key briefly to reset treble
tones to their center level.
The radio switches back to the
standard radio menu 8 seconds after
the last soft key is pressed.

Press and hold RES soft key until RESET
appears in the display.
The sound settings for bass and treble
are returned to their center level and
the volume is set to a predefined level.
The radio switches back to the
standard radio menu 4 seconds after
the last soft key is pressed.

208

왘

Press P button.
BALANCE appears in the display.

왘

Press X or Y soft key.
The volume is distributed between the
left and right sides of the vehicle.

or

or
왘

Adjusting balance

왘

Press RES soft key briefly.
The balance is reset to its center level.
The radio switches back to the
standard radio menu 8 seconds after
the last button is pressed.

Controls in detail
Audio system
Returning volume distribution to
factory settings
왘

Press P button to call up settings
menu in the display.

Telephone* muting
If your vehicle equipment includes a
Mercedes-Benz specified mobile
telephone*, you can adjust its volume
separately from the volume of the audio
system while the telephone* is being used.

Radio operation
Selecting radio mode
왘

Press b button.

Calling up wavebands
You can choose from among the FM, AM
and WB wavebands.
Weather band (컄 page 213).

왘

Press RES soft key briefly; the
respective volume distribution is reset
to its center (flat) level.

i
FM waveband:

87.7......107.9 MHz

AM waveband:

530......1710 KHz

or
왘

Press and hold RES soft key until RESET
appears in the display.
The volume distribution settings for the
balance is set to the center level.
The radio switches back to the
standard radio menu 4 seconds after
the last soft key is pressed.

209

Controls in detail
Audio system
Calling up wavebands for radios
without SAT

Calling up wavebands for radios
with SAT

왘

왘

Press FM or AM soft key to switch
between FM and AM.
The FM and AM wavebands are called
up one after another.

or
왘

Press WB soft key.
The weather band menu is called up.
The waveband currently selected
appears in the upper left-hand corner
of the display.

210

Press FM, AM or WB soft key repeatedly
until desired waveband has been
selected.
The FM, AM and WB wavebands are
called up one after another.
The waveband currently selected
appears in the upper left-hand corner
of the display.

Selecting a station
The following options are available for
selecting a station:
앫

Direct frequency input (컄 page 211)

앫

Manual tuning (컄 page 211)

앫

Automatic seek tuning (컄 page 211)

앫

Scan search (컄 page 211)

앫

Station memory (컄 page 212)

앫

Automatic station memory (Autostore)
(컄 page 212)

The station search proceeds in the
following frequency increments:
앫

0.2 MHz in FM range

앫

10 kHz in AM range

Controls in detail
Audio system
Direct frequency input

Manual tuning

Scan search

왘

왘

Select desired waveband.

앫

왘

Press G or H button for approx.
3 seconds.

왘

Press button repeatedly until desired
frequency has been reached.

Select desired waveband.

왘

Press * button.

왘

Enter desired frequency with
buttons 1 to R.

i
You can only enter frequencies within
the respective waveband.
If a button is not pressed within
4 seconds, the radio will return to the
last station tuned.

Step-by-step station tuning takes place
in ascending or descending order. Each
time the button is pressed, the radio
tunes further by 0.2 MHz. During
manual tuning, the radio is muted.

Starting scan search
왘

Select desired waveband.

왘

Press SC soft key.
SC will appear in the display. The

Automatic seek tuning
왘

Select desired waveband.

왘

Press G or H button briefly.
The radio will tune to the next highest
or next lowest receivable frequency.

i
If no station is received after two
consecutive scans of the complete
frequency range, then the scan stops
at the frequency from which it began.

radio briefly (approximately
8 seconds) tunes in all receivable
stations on the waveband selected.
앫

Ending scan search
왘

Press SC soft key or G or H.
The station last played will be
selected and SC disappears from
the display.

211

Controls in detail
Audio system
Station memory

Autostore – automatic station memory

You can store ten AM and ten FM stations
in the memory.

The Autostore memory function provides
an additional memory level. The station
memory for manually stored stations is not
overwritten.

앫

Storing stations
왘

Tune in desired station.

왘

Press and hold desired station
button 1 to R until a brief
signal tone is heard.

앫

Calling up Autostore memory level and
storing stations

Press desired station button 1
to R briefly.

앫

Press desired station button 1
to R.

Leaving the Autostore memory level
왘

Press FM or AM soft key briefly.

Interrupting radio mode

Mute on
왘

왘

Press F button.
The radio mode is interrupted and
MUTED appears in the display.

Press AS soft key briefly.
The radio switches to the Autostore
memory level. AS and SEARCH
appear in the display and the radio
finds the ten stations with the
strongest signals. These stations
are stored on the station
buttons 1 to R in order of
signal strength.

212

왘

앫

Calling up stations
왘

Calling up stations

The radio mode is interrupted by an
incoming call on the telephone*
(컄 page 235).

The frequency is stored on the
selected station button.
앫

앫

앫

Mute off
왘

Press F button.
The radio mode is again active.

Controls in detail
Audio system
Weather band

Search
왘

Press G or H button to tune in
the next receivable weather band
station.

Scan search
앫

Starting scan search
왘

SC will appear in the display. The

i

왘

Press WB soft key.
The weather band station last received
is tuned in.

Selecting a weather band station
directly
왘

If no weather band station is received
after three consecutive scans of the
complete frequency range, then the
scan stops at the channel with which it
began and NO WB FOUND appears in the
display.
If this happens, switch back to
standard radio mode.

Press SC soft key.
radio briefly (approximately
8 seconds) tunes in all receivable
weather band stations.

앫

Ending scan search
왘

Press SC soft key or G or H.
The weather band station last
played will be selected and SC
disappears from the display.

Select desired weather band station
with buttons 1 to 7.
If a station cannot be tuned in, a search
is automatically started.

213

Controls in detail
Audio system
Introduction to satellite radio*
(USA only)
SIRIUS satellite radio provides 100 channels of digital-quality radio, among others
music, sports, news, and entertainment,
free of commercials. SIRIUS satellite radio
uses a fleet of high-power satellites to
broadcast 24 hours per day, coast to
coast, in the contiguous U.S.
This diverse, satellite-delivered programming is available for a monthly subscription fee.
For more information and service
availability, call the SIRIUS Service Center
(컄 page 218), or contact
www.siriusradio.com

214

i

i

Additional satellite radio equipment
and a subscription to a satellite radio
service provider are required for the
satellite radio operation described
here.

Satellite radio service may be unavailable or interrupted from time to time
for a variety of reasons, such as environmental or topographic conditions
and other things beyond the service
provider’s or our control. Service might
also not be available in certain places
(e.g., in tunnels, parking garages, or
within or next to buildings) or near
other technologies.

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for details and availability for
your vehicle.
Note that categories and channels
shown in illustrations are dependent on
programming content delivered by the
service provider. Programming content
is subject to change. Therefore,
channels and categories shown in
illustrations and descriptions
contained in this manual may differ
from the channels and categories
delivered by the service provider.

Program categories
The channels are categorized. Categories
allow you to tune to stations broadcasting
a certain type of program (category mode)
(컄 page 216).

Controls in detail
Audio system
Calling up the SAT main menu
왘

Press SAT soft key.
SAT is displayed in the upper left-hand

corner of the display.
Prior to activation of the satellite radio
service (컄 page 215).
After activation of satellite radio
service (컄 page 215).
Prior to activation of the satellite radio
service

왘

Press ESN soft key.

i

The twelve-digit electronic serial
number (ESN) of the SAT tuner*
installed in your vehicle is displayed.

The system will tune to a default
station if no station had been selected
previously.

This information is required to call the
SIRIUS Service Center for an activation
request.

i
Credit card information may also be
required for your application.
The activation process takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes after calling
the SIRIUS Service Center.
After activation of the satellite radio
service

The telephone number of the SIRIUS
Service Center (888-539-7474) is
displayed.

The satellite radio main menu appears.
The radio station selected last is audible,
provided it can be received.

The first channel 001 is called up and the
PTY system changes to All categories.
If no station can be received, ACQUIRING
appears in the display.
If the Satellite radio service is not
activated, ACQUIRING will also appear in the
radio display and NO SAT will appear in the
multifunction display.

215

Controls in detail
Audio system
Selecting a station

Accessing via number keys

The following options are available:

왘

앫

Selecting a station using the selected
category (컄 page 217).

앫

Tuning via station presets
(컄 page 216).

앫

Tuning via scan search (컄 page 217).

앫

Tuning via manual channel input
(컄 page 216).

앫

Tuning via the program category list
(컄 page 216).

왘

Input line appears in the main radio
menu.

Enter number of preset you wish to
select, e.g. 1.
The radio plays the station stored
under this number and the PTY function
changes to the category corresponding
to the station.

Tuning via manual channel input

Press *.

왘

Use number keys to enter desired
channel within 8 seconds,
e.g. 1 6.
The system tunes to channel 16.
The station you have selected begins to
play.

i
You can only enter available channel
numbers.

Tuning via station presets
Ten satellite radio station presets are
available.
You can access the presets via number
keys.

216

Tuning via the program category list
Example: tuning in channel 16

The category list contains all currently
receivable categories of programs. It is
arranged alphabetically.

Controls in detail
Audio system
앫

The system will automatically switch to
a station of the selected category if the
currently selected station is not of the
selected category. Otherwise, the
currently selected station remains
tuned.

Selecting a category
왘

Press PTY soft key.

앫

The channels identified for the
currently selected category are
arranged numerically. Only one entry is
visible at a time.

The current PTY category of the
station is displayed.
왘

Press <<< or >>> soft key.

왘

This switches between the
individual categories.
When changing the category, the
channel selected last in the new
category becomes audible.

Tuning a station within the selected
category

Press G or H button briefly.
The next station within the category
is started.

Tuning via scan search
Scan search is characterized as follows:
앫

Scan search plays a channel for
approx. 8 seconds and then skips to
the next channel within the current category.

앫

Scan search can be terminated
manually.

왘

Press SC soft key.
The search starts. SC appears in the
display.

왘

Press SC soft key again.
The search stops.

or
왘

Press and hold
G or H button for approx.
3 seconds until desired station has
been reached.

217

Controls in detail
Audio system
Obtaining additional text information

Storing stations

Calling up the ESN information menu

Additional text information (artist, title)
related to the current channel can be
displayed.

왘

Tune in desired station.

왘

Press INF soft key.

왘

Press and hold desired station
button 1 to R until a brief signal
tone is heard.

왘

Press ESN soft key.

왘

Press INF soft key.
The title being played is displayed.

왘

Press INF soft key again.
The name of the artist performing the
title being played is displayed.

i
If a button is not pressed within
4 seconds, the radio will return to the
standard display.

The frequency is stored on the selected
station button.
The radio saves the current station at
the memory preset selected. The
memory preset selected appears in the
status line, e.g. S3.

i
There are ten presets available.
An existing entry is overwritten in the
memory list when a new entry is given.

218

The twelve-digit electronic serial
number (ESN) of the SAT tuner*
installed in your vehicle is displayed.
왘

Press RET soft key to exit the menu.

Controls in detail
Audio system
CD mode
Warning!
Safety precautions
Warning!

G

The single CD player and the CD changer*
are Class 1 laser products. There is a danger
of invisible laser radiation if the housing is
opened or damaged.
Do not open the housing. The single CD
player and the CD changer* do not contain
any parts that can be serviced by the user.
For safety reasons, have any service work
which may be necessary performed only by
qualified personnel.

G

In order to avoid distraction which could
lead to an accident, the driver should insert
CDs with the vehicle at a standstill and
operate the audio system only if permitted
by road, weather and traffic conditions.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your car covers a
distance of 44 feet (approximately 14 m)
every second.

General notes
The system may not be able to play audio
CDs with copy protection.
Playing copied CDs may cause
malfunctions during playback.

i
The audio system plays both CD-Rs and
CD-RWs with audio data.

!
If you affix stickers to the CDs, they can
become warped due to the heat that
develops in the CD drive or
CD changer.
In certain situations, the CDs can then
no longer be ejected and cause
damage to the drive. Such damage is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.

!
Your CD drive or CD changer has been
designed to play CDs which
correspond to the EN 60908 standard.
You can therefore only use CDs with a
maximum thickness of 1.3 mm.
If you insert thicker data carriers, e.g.
ones that have data on both sides (one
side with DVD data, the other side with
audio data), they cannot be ejected and
will damage the drive.

219

Controls in detail
Audio system
Do not use CDs with an 8 cm diameter, not
even with a CD adapter. Attempting to play
CDs with an 8 cm diameter or playing such
CDs with an adapter may cause damage to
the CD drive. Such damage is not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Should excessively high or low temperatures occur while in CD changer mode*,
CD TEMP will appear in the display, and the
CD will be muted until the temperature has
reached an acceptable level for the system
to continue operation.

Tips on handling CDs

MP3

앫

Handle CDs carefully to prevent
interference during playback.

The CD changer* can play audio CDs as
well as CDs with MP3 files.

앫

Avoid scratches, fingerprints and dust
on the CDs.

Information on MP3 data carriers

앫

Do not write on CDs or apply any labels
or other material to them.

앫

The single CD player and the CD changer*
play audio CDs.

Clean CDs from time to time with a
commercially available cleaning cloth.
Never wipe the CD in a circular motion;
instead, wipe it in a straight line starting in the center and moving outward.
Do not use solvents, anti-static sprays,
etc. for cleaning.

앫

Replace the CD in its case after use.

앫

Protect CDs from heat and direct
sunlight.

i
CD media, CD burning software and
CD writers are available in great variety. Due to this variety, it cannot be
guaranteed that the CD changer will be
able to play every user-written CD.
The burning process can lead to data
errors and aging of the medium may result in data loss. Therefore, the
CD changer may be restricted in its
ability to play MP3 data carriers; it may
play them with reduced sound quality,
or it may not be able to play them at all.
Problems may be encountered during
playback of user-written CDs with a
storage capacity of more than 700 MB.
These CDs do not meet valid standards
as of this printing.

220

Controls in detail
Audio system
Compatible MP3 data carriers

Compatible bit and sampling rates

Information on copyright

The CD changer can read the following
data carriers in MP3 mode:

Fixed and variable bit rates of up to
320 kBit/s are possible.

앫

CD-DA

앫

CD-R

The following table lists possible sampling
rates:

The music tracks that you create for use in
MP3 mode or that you play in MP3 mode
are subject to copyright laws under applicable international and national regulations.

앫

CD-RW

Compatible file systems and compression methods
Use Romeo or Joliet. Depending on file format used, up to 128 characters are possible.

MPEG1
Audio Layer3

44.1 KHz, 48 KHz,
32 KHZ

MPEG2
Audio Layer3

22.5 KHz, 24 KHz,
16 KHz

MPEG2.5
Audio Layer3

11.025 KHz,
12 KHz, 8 KHz

WMA

32 KHz, 44.1 KHz,
48 KHz

The following compression methods are
compatible:
앫

MP3

i

앫

WMA

앫

WAV

Only use MP3 tracks with a bit rate of
128 kBit/s or higher and with the specified sampling rates.

In many countries, the reproduction of
copyrighted materials is not permitted,
even if only for personal use, without the
express prior consent of the copyright
holder.
Please check the current copyright laws
for your country and comply with them.
These restrictions do not apply, for example, to your own compositions and recordings, or for recordings for which
authorization has been obtained from the
copyright holder.

The use of rates other than those specified may lead to noticeably inferior
sound quality.

221

Controls in detail
Audio system
MP3 playback
You can play an MP3 CD on the
CD changer* as you would any standard
audio CD. All of the functions described for
the CD changer also apply for the playback
of MP3 CDs. Keep in mind that the single
CD player in the audio system unit is not
able to read MP3 CDs.
The first 99 tracks on the CD, including
tracks in subdirectories, are recognized
and played. Any additional tracks will not
be played.

i
Due to the branched data structure,
playback of the first track may be delayed slightly.

222

i

Operating the single CD player in the
audio system unit

If a CD has been inserted incorrectly or
cannot be read, WRONG CD0 will appear
in the display.

Loading a CD
The single CD player in the audio system
unit has capacity for one CD. The CD slot
for loading the drive is located underneath
the soft keys.
왘

Make sure the system is switched on.

왘

Insert CD into CD slot. The label side of
the CD must face upwards.
The system automatically pulls the CD
into the CD slot. The audio CD begins
to play.

Ejecting a CD
왘

Make sure the system is switched on.

왘

Press g button.
The system ejects the CD. Remove CD0
will appear in the display.

왘

Remove CD from slot.
With the CD removed, NO CD will appear
in the display.

!

i

If a CD is already loaded, it must be
ejected before inserting a new CD.
Inserting a second CD in the slot with
another CD still loaded will cause damage to the CD drive not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

If you do not take the CD out of the CD
slot within approx. 15 seconds, the
system automatically pulls the CD back
in and plays it.
If a CD is pulled back in, press
g button, the CD will then be
ejected.

Controls in detail
Audio system
Operational readiness of CD changer*
If a CD changer has been installed in the
vehicle, it can be operated from the front
control panel of the audio system.
The CD changer is located in the glove box.

A light-emitting diode in the buttons shows
the status of the corresponding magazine
slot.

Loading the CD magazine

i
If a CD has been inserted incorrectly or
cannot be read, WRONG CD0 will appear
in the display.

CD loading slot 1 is above buttons 2
and is used to load CDs.
LEDs
no LED is lit

Loading one or more CDs interrupts the
CD playback.

Magazine slot is
empty.

green LED flashes CD can be loaded.
red LED is lit

Magazine slot is in
use.

red LED flashes

CD is being ejected.

Loading single CDs
왘

Open the glove box.

1 CD loading slot
2 Magazine slot button
A magazine is integrated into the CD
changer as a fixed element. It holds a maximum of six CDs.
The CD changer features six magazine slot
buttons 2 for controlling the loading procedure.

1 CD loading slot
2 Magazine slot button

컄컄

223

Controls in detail
Audio system
컄컄왘

Briefly press button 2 for the empty
magazine slot that you would like to
use.
The light-emitting diode in the magazine slot button flashes in green.
INSERT CD appears in the display along
with the slot number.
The flashing light indicates that the CD
changer is ready to receive a CD.

왘

Insert an audio CD into CD loading
slot 1 within 5 seconds, label side up.
The CD is pulled in and played.

왘

Close the glove box.

Loading several CDs
왘

Open the glove box.

왘

Press button 2 of an empty magazine
slot for more than 2 seconds.
The light-emitting diodes in all the magazine slot buttons light up several
times in green, and ALL LOAD appears
in the display.

224

왘

왘

Wait until the light-emitting diode for
the first magazine slot flashes in green.

왘

Repeat the previous step until all six
magazine slots are loaded.

The flashing light indicates that the CD
changer is ready to receive a CD.

Once all magazine slots are loaded, the
CD in the sixth magazine slot is played.

Insert an audio CD into CD loading
slot 1 within 5 seconds, label side up.

i
If, for example, you only want to load
magazine slots 1 - 4 instead of all six,
simply do not insert a fifth CD into the
CD loading slot. The CD changer will
first try to load a CD but will then cancel the procedure, after which the radio
will play the fourth CD.

The CD is pulled in and the light-emitting diode in the magazine slot button
lights up in red. The magazine slot is
loaded.
The light-emitting diode in the next
available magazine slot button flashes
in green. The CD changer is ready to receive the next CD.

왘

Close the glove box.

Controls in detail
Audio system
Ejecting CDs

i
The CD playback is interrupted while
one or more CDs are being ejected.
Ejecting single CDs
왘

Open the glove box.

왘

Briefly press desired magazine slot button.
The light-emitting diode in the magazine slot button flashes in red. The corresponding CD is ejected. EJECTING CD
appears in the display along with the
magazine slot number.

왘

Remove CD from CD loading slot within
15 seconds.
If after removing a single CD no other
CDs remain loaded in the magazine,
MAG. EMPTY appears in the display.

i

Ejecting all loaded CDs

If you do not take the CD from the CD
loading slot within 15 seconds, the CD
changer will automatically pull the CD
back in. The system will then play the
CD.

왘

Open the glove box.

왘

Press the button of a loaded magazine
slot for more than 2 seconds.
The light-emitting diodes in all magazine slot buttons light up several times
in red, and ALL EJECT appears in the
display.

If you are listening to a CD while ejecting another CD from the changer:
The Audio system stops playing the CD
while another CD is being ejected.
Once the CD has been ejected, the
Audio system will continue playing
where it left off.
왘

The CD changer ejects the CDs one after another.
The light-emitting diode for the magazine slot being emptied flashes in red.
왘

Close the glove box.

Take corresponding CD from CD loading slot within 15 seconds.
The ejection procedure is finished once
you have removed all CDs from the CD
loading slot or if the CD changer cancels the procedure.
With all CDs removed from the magazine, MAG. EMPTY appears in the
display.

225

컄컄

Controls in detail
Audio system
컄컄

i

왘

Playing CDs

If you do not take the CD from the CD
loading slot within 15 seconds, the CD
changer will automatically pull the CD
back in. The system will then play the
CD.

왘

With all CDs ejected, press the
b button to switch back to the
radio mode.

The CD will resume playback at the point
where it was switched off.

Close the glove box.

Single CD player in the audio unit
Press i button.
CD0 will appear in the upper left-hand
corner of the display.

CD changer*
왘

Press Q button.
CD and the selected magazine slot

number appear in the upper left-hand
corner of the display.
If you have not removed a CD since the last
time the CD audio source was activated,
the last CD listened to will begin to play at
the point where it was switched off.
After the last track on a CD has finished,
the next CD is automatically played.

226

Playing tracks
You have the following options:
앫

Audio system with CD changer*:
selecting CDs

앫

Direct track entry

앫

Track skip forward/reverse

앫

Fast forward/reverse

앫

Scan

앫

Random tracks

앫

Repeat track

Selecting CDs in the audio unit with
CD changer*

Controls in detail
Audio system
왘

You can select from among the
inserted CDs with buttons
R to 6.

Direct track entry

앫

Skipping tracks forward
왘

R = CD player in the audio unit
1 to 6 = CDs in the
CD changer*

Press H button briefly.
The next track will be played.

앫

The magazine slot number of the
selected CD appears next to CD in the
display, and the number of the
currently played track appears next
to TRACK.

왘

Press * button.

i

왘

Enter track number using buttons 1
to R.

If there is no CD in the selected
magazine slot, NO CD appears in the
display with the corresponding slot
number.

Skipping tracks forward/backward

Skipping tracks backward
왘

You can make a direct selection from
among the tracks on a CD.

The number of the track being played
appears next to TRACK in the display.
You can only enter available track
numbers.

Press G button briefly.
If the track has been playing for
more than 10 seconds, the unit
skips back to the beginning of the
track currently playing. If less than
10 seconds have been played, the
unit skips back to the beginning of
the previous track.

Pressing the G or H button
repeatedly will result in multiple tracks
being skipped.

227

Controls in detail
Audio system
Fast forward/reverse

Random play

Repeat

앫

The random function (RDM) plays the
tracks of the current CD in random order.

The track being played is repeated until the
repeat function is switched off.

Fast forward
왘

앫

Press and hold H button until
desired point has been reached.

Reverse
왘

Press and hold G button until
desired point has been reached.

i

앫

The track number and the relative time
of the track is shown in the display
during the search.

i

i

When you start the RDM function, the
RPT function is automatically switched
off.

When you start the RPT function, the
RDM function is automatically
switched off.

Switching on random
왘

앫

Starting scan
왘

Press SC soft key.
SC will appear in the display.

Each track on the current CD will be
played for approx. 8 seconds in ascending order.
앫

Ending scan
왘

228

Press SC soft key or G or H.

앫

Switching off random
왘

Press RDM soft key again.

Switching on repeat
왘

Press RDM soft key.
RDM appears in the display.
A randomly selected track is
played.

Scan

앫

Press RPT soft key.
RPT appears in the display.

앫

Switching off repeat
왘

Press RPT soft key again.

Controls in detail
Audio system
Pause function

Track and time display

The CD changer mode is interrupted by an
incoming call on the telephone*
(컄 page 235).
앫

GSM network phones
Using your Mercedes-Benz specified
mobile telephone*, a number of functions
and operating steps can be performed and
displayed in the audio system display.

Switching on pause function

왘

Press T soft key.
The number of the track being played
and the elapsed playing time appear in
the display.

왘

Press F button.

왘

The CD changer mode is
interrupted and PAUSE appears in
the display.
앫

Switching off pause function
왘

Press F button.
The CD changer mode is active
again.

Press T soft key again.
The total number of tracks and the total
playing time of the CD appear in the
display.

왘

Press T soft key.
The standard CD playback menu
appears in the display.

229

Controls in detail
Audio system

Warning!

G

A driver’s attention to the road must always
be his/her primary focus when driving. For
your safety and the safety of others, we recommend that you pull over to a safe location
and stop before placing or taking a telephone call. If you choose to use the telephone1 while driving, please use the
hands-free device and only use the telephone when weather, road, and traffic conditions permit.
Some jurisdictions prohibit the driver from
using a cellular telephone while driving a vehicle.
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.
1

Observe all legal requirements.

230

Further operating instructions not covered
here can be found in the operating instructions for the multifunction steering wheel
and the cellular telephone*.

Switching on the telephone
Switching on the telephone
왘

If your audio system is set up for telephone
operation, the t symbol will appear in
the display.
When you insert your Mercedes-Benz
specified mobile telephone* into the
telephone cradle, you will be prompted to
enter your PIN for 30 seconds
(컄 page 231). This display disappears
when you press any button.
When your mobile telephone* is inserted
into the telephone cradle, you will see the
reception strength in the upper right-hand
corner of the display.

Press h button.
If the telephone was previously
switched off, PROCESSING appears in
the display and you will then be
prompted to enter your PIN.

Switching off the telephone
왘

Press h button for approx.
3 seconds.
PROCESSING appears in the display until

the telephone is off. Afterward,
PHONE OFF appears in the display.

Controls in detail
Audio system

i

PIN entry

If the PIN is entered incorrectly three
times, NEED PUK will appear in the
display. Enter PUK via your telephone.
Please refer to the separate telephone
operating instructions for more
information.
왘

Enter PIN number using buttons 1
to R.

왘

If necessary, correct number entered
with the CLR soft key. Press soft key
briefly to delete the last digit entered;
press soft key and hold to delete the
complete number.

i

Press OK soft key after entering correct
PIN.

The volume can be adjusted separately
for telephone mode and audio mode.

왘

왘 READY or ROAMING will

display.

appear in the

Placing a call
Entering a telephone number and
starting the dialing process

Adjusting the volume
왘

Turn rotary control ofEbutton
during a telephone call.
The volume will increase or decrease
depending on the direction turned.

왘

Enter desired telephone number using
buttons 1 to R.
The number can have up to 32 digits,
but only twelve of these are visible in
the display.

Adjusting sound
왘

Adjust sound during a telephone call.
Sound adjustment (컄 page 207).

231

컄컄

Controls in detail
Audio system
컄컄왘

왘

i

If necessary, correct number entered
with the CLR soft key. Press soft key
briefly to delete the last digit entered;
press soft key and hold to delete the
complete number.

This is only possible, however, when
the call information transmitted
includes the number of the person
calling. If the telephone number is not
transmitted, NO NUMBER will be stored
in the phone book.

After correct telephone number has
been entered, press s button.

i
If the telephone number has been
saved together with a name in the
telephone book, the name will appear
in the display.
Phone book

앫

232

Press MEM soft key or press
button ‚ or ƒ.

왘

Press desired numerical key 2
to 9.
The stored entries are selected
according to the alphabetical order
of the initial letters (e.g. for
S -Schneider, press button 7
four times).

Searching and calling up telephone
book entries by name
You can access your mobile
telephone’s phone book using the
audio system. You can access both the
main entries and the sub-entries of
your phone book.

or
왘

Press and hold button ‚
or ƒ.
The system jumps from one initial
letter to the next in ascending or
descending order.

The numbers stored in the phone book of
the telephone can be called up either by
name or number.
In addition, incoming calls are stored in the
phone book.

왘

왘

or

Press and hold button ‚
or ƒ until desired initial letter
has been reached.

Controls in detail
Audio system
왘

왘

Press button ‚ or ƒ
repeatedly until desired entry has
been reached.
The stored entries are selected in
alphabetical order with the
sub-entries.

앫

i
Several sub-entries can be stored for
each main entry (name). These entries
are marked by a corresponding
abbreviation that appears in the upper
left-hand corner of the display. The
following abbreviations for sub-entries
are possible:
CEL = Mobile phone
HOM = Home
WOR = Work
FAX = Fax
PAG = Pager
TEL = Main

When you have selected a number,
press s button.

왘

Press MEM soft key or press
button ‚ or ƒ.

The call will be made.

왘

Press RCV soft key (received calls).
The number of received calls and
then the call last received appear
briefly in the display.

Viewing the telephone number of a
telephone book entry
왘

Search for desired entry.

왘

Press NUM soft key.

왘

The telephone number of the phone
book entry appears in the display.
앫

Select desired telephone number
with button ‚ or ƒ.
The letter R and the number of the
memory position appear in the
upper left-hand corner of the
display. The numbers are stored in
the order of the calls received.

Returning calls received

왘

When you have selected a number,
press s button.
The call will be made.

233

Controls in detail
Audio system
앫

Speed dial

Redial

If you have stored telephone numbers
as speed dial numbers in your
telephone, you can also enter these
with buttons 1 to R on the radio
head unit.

If the number you have dialed is busy, you
can again place calls to the last ten
telephone numbers dialed using the redial
function.

왘

Press desired button 1 to R
briefly.

왘

Press s button.

If you have activated the automatic
redial function on your telephone, the
number of the person being called is
automatically redialed after a short
waiting period if there is a busy signal.
Refer to the separate operating
instructions for the mobile telephone.

Turbo dial
If you have stored telephone numbers
as turbo dial numbers in your
telephone, you can also enter these
with buttons 1 to R on the radio
head unit.
왘

234

Press desired button 1 to R
until the call is made.

Press s button.
The telephone number last dialed
will appear in the display.

왘

i

The call will be made.
앫

왘

Select desired telephone number
with button ‚ or ƒ.
The letter L and the number of the
memory position appears in the
left-hand corner of the display. The
numbers are stored in the order of
the calls received.

왘

When you have selected a number,
press s button.
The call will be made.

앫

Manual redial

Controls in detail
Audio system
Accepting an incoming call

Muting a call

If the telephone is active in the background
(reception symbol is visible in the display),
the audio source is muted when an incoming call is received. A ringing tone can be
heard and the caller’s telephone number,
or the name under which the telephone
number has been saved in the phone book,
appears in the display. If the caller’s
number is not transmitted with the call,
CALL will appear in the display.

It is possible to mute a call; the caller is
then no longer able to hear you.

왘

Press s button.
The call is accepted.

앫

Mute on
왘

Press MUT soft key.

왘 MIC MUTE will
앫

appear in the display.

Mute off
왘

Press MUT soft key again.

Talking with two callers at the same
time
If you wish to receive or place another call
during an already active call, you can
accept or place the second call and switch
between the callers or combine them into
one call. Note that the feature described
here is dependent on availability from your
mobile phone service provider.
앫

Terminating a call
왘

Press t button.
The current call is terminated and the
muted audio source becomes active
again.

Placing/accepting a second call
왘

Place new call by entering
telephone number manually.

왘

Press s button.
You are connected to the second
caller; the first caller is kept on
hold.

or
왘

Press s button to accept a
second call.

235

컄컄

Controls in detail
Audio system
컄컄

앫

i
You will be notified of the second call
acoustically, but you will not see this in
the display.
You are connected with the second
caller; the first caller is kept on hold.
앫

Switching between calls
왘

Press 2 and s buttons.

Combining two calls
왘

TDMA or CDMA network phones

Press 3 and s buttons.
The calls are combined into one
call.

앫

Warning!

A driver’s attention to the road must always
be his/her primary focus when driving. For
your safety and the safety of others, we recommend that you pull over to a safe location
and stop before placing or taking a telephone call. If you choose to use the telephone1 while driving, please use the
hands-free device and only use the telephone when weather, road, and traffic conditions permit.

Terminating a combined call
왘

Press t button.
The connection to both callers is
terminated.

This switches between the calls.
The non-active call is kept on hold.
앫

Terminating a call
왘

Press t button.

Some jurisdictions prohibit the driver from
using a cellular telephone while driving a vehicle.

The current call is terminated. You
are again connected with the caller
previously placed on hold.

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.
1

236

G

Observe all legal requirements.

Controls in detail
Audio system
Using your Mercedes-Benz specified
mobile telephone*, a number of functions
and operating steps can be performed and
displayed in the audio system display.

Switching on the telephone

왘

Switching on the telephone
왘

Further operating instructions not covered
here can be found in the operating instructions for the multifunction steering wheel
and the mobile telephone*.

The telephone is unlocked. If you have
entered an incorrect code, you must
enter the correct code.

Press h button.
If you have programmed an unlock
code for the telephone, you must now
enter the code.

Switching off the telephone
왘

If your audio system is set up for telephone
operation, the t symbol will appear in
the display.
When you insert your Mercedes-Benz
specified mobile telephone* into the
telephone cradle, you will be prompted to
enter your PIN for 30 seconds
(컄 page 237). This display disappears
when you press any button.
When your mobile telephone* is inserted
into the telephone cradle, you will see the
reception strength in the upper right-hand
corner of the display.

Press OK soft key after entering correct
code.

Press h button for approx.
3 seconds.
PROCESSING appears in the display until

the telephone is off. Afterward,
PHONE OFF appears in the display.

Adjusting the volume
왘

Enter code using buttons 1
to R.

왘

If necessary, correct number entered
with the CLR soft key. Press soft key
briefly to delete the last digit entered;
press soft key and hold to delete the
complete number.

왘

Turn rotary control ofEbutton
during a telephone call.
The volume will increase or decrease
depending on the direction turned.

i
The volume can be adjusted separately
for telephone mode and audio mode.

237

Controls in detail
Audio system
Adjusting sound
왘

왘

Adjust sound during a telephone call.
Sound adjustment (컄 page 207).

Placing a call
왘

Entering a telephone number and
starting the dialing process

i

Phone book
Enter desired telephone number using
buttons 1 to R.
The number can have up to 32 digits,
but only twelve of these are visible in
the display.

238

This is only possible, however, when
the call information transmitted
includes the number of the person
calling. If the telephone number is not
transmitted, NO NUMBER will be stored
in the phone book.

After correct telephone number has
been entered, press s button.
If the telephone number has been
saved together with a name in the
phone book, the name will appear in
the display.

왘

i

If necessary, correct number entered
with the CLR soft key. Press soft key
briefly to delete the last digit entered;
press soft key and hold to delete the
complete number.

The numbers stored in the phone book of
the mobile telephone can be called up
either by name or number.
In addition, incoming calls are stored in the
phone book.

앫

Searching and calling up phone book
entries by name
You can access your mobile
telephone’s phone book with the audio
system. You can access both the main
entries and the sub-entries of your
phone book.

Controls in detail
Audio system
왘

Press MEM soft key or press
button ‚ or ƒ.

왘

Press desired numerical key 2
to 9.
The stored entries are selected
according to the alphabetical order
of the initial letters (e.g. for
S -Schneider, press button 7
four times).

or
왘

Press and hold button ‚
or ƒ.
The system jumps from one initial
letter to the next in ascending or
descending order.

왘

or

Press and hold button ‚
or ƒ until desired initial letter
has been reached.

왘

왘

Press button ‚ or ƒ
repeatedly until desired entry has
been reached.
The stored entries are selected in
alphabetical order with the
sub-entries.

The call will be made.
앫

i
Several sub-entries can be stored for
each main entry (name). These entries
are marked by a corresponding
abbreviation that appears in the upper
left-hand corner of the display. The
following abbreviations for sub-entries
are possible:

When you have selected a number,
press s button.

Viewing the telephone number of a
phone book entry
왘

Search for desired entry.

왘

Press NUM soft key.
The telephone number of the phone
book entry appears in the display.

앫

Returning calls received

CEL = Mobile phone
HOM = Home
WOR = Work
FAX = Fax
PAG = Pager
TEL = Main

239

Controls in detail
Audio system
왘

Press MEM soft key or press
button ‚ or ƒ.

왘

Press RCV soft key (received calls).

앫

The number of received calls and
then the call last received appear
briefly in the display.
왘

Select desired telephone number
with button ‚ or ƒ.
The letter R and the number of the
memory position appear in the
upper left-hand corner of the
display. The numbers are stored in
the order of the calls received.

왘

When you have selected a number,
press s button.
The call will be made.

Speed dial

Redial

If you have stored telephone numbers
as speed dial numbers in your
telephone, you can also enter these
with buttons 1 to R on the radio
unit.

If the number you have dialed is busy, you
can again place calls to the last ten
telephone numbers dialed using the redial
function.

왘

Press desired button 1 to R
briefly.

왘

Press s button.

If you have activated the automatic redial function on your mobile telephone,
the number of the person being called
is automatically redialed after a short
waiting period if there is a busy signal.
Refer to the separate operating instructions for the mobile telephone.

The call will be made.
앫

Turbo dial
If you have stored telephone numbers
as turbo dial numbers in your
telephone, you can also enter these
with buttons 1 to R on the radio
unit.
왘

240

i

Press desired button 1 to R
until the call is made.

앫

Manual redial

Controls in detail
Audio system
왘

왘

Press s button.

Accepting an incoming call

Muting a call

The telephone number last dialed
will appear in the display.

If the telephone is active in the background
(reception symbol is visible in the display),
the audio source is muted when an incoming call is received. A ringing tone can be
heard and the caller’s telephone number,
or the name under which the telephone
number has been saved in the telephone
book, appears in the display. If the caller’s
number is not relayed, CALL will appear in
the display.

It is possible to mute a call; the caller is
then no longer able to hear you.

Select desired telephone number
with button ‚ or ƒ.
The letter L and the number of the
memory position appears in the
left-hand corner of the display. The
numbers are stored in the order of
the calls received.

왘

When you have selected a number,
press s button.
The call will be made.

왘

Press s button.
The call is accepted.

앫

Mute on
왘

Press MUT soft key.

왘 MIC MUTE will
앫

appear in the display.

Mute off
왘

Press MUT soft key again.

Terminating a call
왘

Press t button.
The current call is terminated and the
muted audio source becomes active
again.

241

Controls in detail
Audio system
Accepting a second incoming call

앫

왘

If you receive another call during an
already active call, you can accept the
second call and switch between the two.
앫

Accepting a second call
왘

Place new call by entering
telephone number manually.

i
You will be notified of the second call
acoustically, but you will not see this in
the display.
You are connected to the second
caller; the first caller is kept on hold.

242

Switching between calls
Press s button.
This switches between the calls.
The non-active call is kept on hold.

앫

Terminating a call
왘

Press t button.
The current call is terminated. The
connection to the caller previously
kept on hold is also interrupted;
however, reconnection is indicated
by an acoustic signal.

Placing a second call
If you wish to place another call during an
already active call, you can place the
second call and switch between the callers
or combine them into one call. Note that
this feature is dependent on availability
from your mobile phone service provider.
앫

Placing a second call
왘

Place a new call by entering
telephone number manually.

왘

Press s button.
You are connected to the second
caller; the first caller is kept on
hold.

Controls in detail
Audio system
앫

Terminating a call
왘

Press t button.
The current call is terminated. The
connection to the caller previously
kept on hold is also interrupted;
however, reconnection is indicated
by an acoustic signal.

앫

Combining two calls
왘

Press s button.
The calls are combined into one
call.

앫

Terminating a combined call
왘

Emergency calls “911”
The following describes how to dial a “911”
emergency call using the audio system
head unit when a Mercedes-Benz specified
mobile phone* is inserted in the phone
cradle. Unless otherwise specified, the descriptions refer to the audio system head
unit.
Consult the separate telephone operating
instructions that came with your mobile
phone* for information on how to place a
“911” emergency call on the mobile
phone*.

Press t button.
The connection to both callers is
terminated.

The following conditions must be met for a
“911” emergency call:

Warning!

G

앫

Telephone must be switched on.

앫

The corresponding mobile communications network must be available.

i
Emergency calls may not be possible
with all telephone networks or if certain
network services and/or telephone
functions are active. Check with your
local service providers.
If you cannot make an emergency call, you
will have to initiate rescue measures
yourself.

The “911” emergency call system is a public
service. Using it without due cause is a criminal offense.

243

Controls in detail
Audio system
GSM network phones
Placing a “911” emergency call using
audio head unit with the phone locked
왘

Press h button to switch to
telephone operation.

Placing a “911” emergency call using
audio head unit with the phone
unlocked
왘
왘

PIN? appears in the audio display.
왘

Enter 911 using the number keypad on
the audio head unit.

왘

Press OK soft key or s button for
dialing to begin.
DIALING appears in the audio display

while the telephone establishes the
connection.
왘

Wait until the emergency call center
answers, then describe the emergency.

244

왘

Press h button to switch to
telephone operation.

TDMA/CDMA network phones
Placing a “911” emergency call using
audio head unit with the phone locked
왘

Enter 911 using the number keypad on
the audio head unit.
Press s button for dialing to begin.

CODE? appears in the audio display.
왘

Enter 911 using the number keypad on
the audio head unit.

왘

Press OK soft key or s button for
dialing to begin.

DIALING appears in the audio display

while the telephone establishes the
connection.
왘

Wait until the emergency call center
answers, then describe the emergency.

i
If no SIM card is in the mobile phone,
NO SERVICE appears in the audio
display. In that case, you only can make
an emergency call on the mobile phone
itself, without the use of the head unit.

Press h button to switch to
telephone operation.

DIALING appears in the audio display

while the telephone establishes the
connection.
왘

Wait until the emergency call center
answers, then describe the emergency.

Controls in detail
Audio system
Placing a “911” emergency call using
audio head unit with the phone
unlocked
왘

Press h button to switch to
telephone operation.

왘

Enter 911 using the number keypad on
the audio head unit.

왘

Press s button for dialing to begin.
DIALING appears in the audio display

while the telephone establishes the
connection.
왘

Wait until the emergency call center
answers, then describe the emergency.

245

Controls in detail
Power windows
Opening and closing the windows
Warning!
The windows are opened and closed eletrically. Switches for operating the driver and
passenger door windows are located on
the driver’s door. A switch for operating
the passenger door window is located on
the passenger door.
The door windows can also be operated
using the retractable hardtop switch
(컄 page 248). The rear side windows can
only be operated using the retractable
hardtop switch (컄 page 248) or the
SmartKey* (컄 page 249).

1 Left window
2 Right window

246

G

When closing the windows, make sure there
is no danger of anyone being harmed by the
closing procedure.
The closing of the door windows can be immediately halted by releasing the switch or,
if the switch was pressed past the resistance point and released, by pressing the respective switch.
The door windows are equipped with the express-close and automatic reversal function. If a door window encounters an
obstruction that blocks its path in a circumstance where you pressed the switch past
the resistance point and released it to close
the window, the automatic reversal function
will stop the window and open it slightly.

If a door window encounters an obstruction
that blocks its path in a circumstance where
you are closing the window by pressing and
holding the switch, by pressing and holding
button ‹ on the SmartKey*, by pushing
and holding the retractable hardtop switch,
or by pressing and holding the , button
on the climate control panel or automatic
climate control* panel, the automatic reversal function will not operate.
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. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment can cause an
accident and/or serious personal injury.

Controls in detail
Power windows

i

Opening the door windows

You can also open or close the
windows using the SmartKey*
(컄 page 249) or the retractable
hardtop switch (컄 page 248).

왘

You can close and open the windows
using the air recirculation switch ,
in the control panel of the climate
control (컄 page 185) or the automatic
climate control* (컄 page 199).

i
With the SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or removed from the starter
switch, the door windows can be operated:

왘

앫

until you open a door

앫

for at least 5 minutes

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

Press and hold switch 1 or 2 at the
symbol k to the resistance point.

Fully opening the door windows
(Express-open)
왘

The corresponding window will move
downwards until you release the
switch.

Press switch 1 or 2 at the
symbol k past the resistance point
and release.
The corresponding window opens
completely.

Closing the door windows
왘

Press and hold switch 1 or 2 at the
symbol j to the resistance point.
The corresponding window will move
upwards until you release the switch.

Warning!

G

If you press and hold the switch when closing the window, and upward movement of
the window is blocked by some obstruction
including but not limited to arms, hands, fingers, etc., the automatic reversal will not operate.

Fully closing the door windows
(Express-close)
왘

Press switch 1 or 2 at the
symbol j past the resistance point
and release.
The corresponding window closes
completely.

Warning!

G

Driver’s door only:
If the switch is pressed again past the resistance point and released within 5 seconds,
the automatic reversal will not operate.
컄컄

247

Controls in detail
Power windows
컄컄

!
If the upward movement of the window
is blocked during the closing procedure, the window will stop and open
slightly.
Remove the obstruction, press the respective switch at the symbol j
again past the resistance point and release.

Opening and closing the windows with
the retractable hardtop switch
All windows can be opened or closed with
the retractable hardtop switch.
The retractable hardtop switch is located
on the lower part of the center console.

If the window still does not close when
there is no obstruction, press and hold
the respective switch at the
symbol j. The window will then
close without the obstruction sensor
function.
Stopping windows during
Express-operation
왘

Briefly press the respective switch at
the symbol k or j again.

248

Warning!

G

Never operate the windows if there is the
possibility of anyone being harmed by the
opening or closing procedure.
In case the procedure causes potential danger, the procedure can be immediately halted by releasing the retractable hardtop
switch.
If a door window encounters an obstruction
that blocks its path in a circumstance where
you are closing the windows using the retractable hardtop switch, the automatic reversal function will not operate.

Retractable hardtop switch

1 Opening all side windows
2 Closing all side windows

왘

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

Controls in detail
Power windows
Opening

Closing

왘

Push the retractable hardtop switch in
quick succession twice in direction of
arrow 1.

왘

All side windows open.

왘

i
You can operate the rear side windows
only by using the retractable hardtop
switch.

Push the retractable hardtop switch in
quick succession twice in direction of
arrow 2.
Keep the retractable hardtop switch
pushed the second time until all windows are closed.

Opening and closing the windows with
the SmartKey*
The retractable hardtop (컄 page 252) will
also be opened or closed when the power
windows are operated with the SmartKey.

The windows in the driver’s and passenger door will close first, followed by
the rear side windows.

i
If the retractable hardtop is open, only
the windows in the driver’s and passenger door will close. The rear side windows remain open.

왘

Aim transmitter eye at the outside
driver’s or passenger door handle.
The SmartKey must be in close proximity to the respective outside door handle.

249

Controls in detail
Power windows
Opening (Summer opening feature)

Closing (Convenience closing feature)

왘

왘

Press and hold button Œ.
The windows and retractable hardtop
begin to open after approximately
1 second.
In the multifunction display you will see
the message Retractable roof in
operation.

왘

Release button Πon the SmartKey
to interrupt procedure.

250

왘

Press and hold lock button ‹.

Warning!

G

The windows and retractable hardtop
begin to close after approximately
1 second.
In the multifunction display you will see
the message Retractable roof in
operation.

When closing the side windows and retractable hardtop, make sure that there is no
danger of anyone being harmed by the
closing procedure.

Release button ‹ on the SmartKey
to interrupt procedure.

앫

If potential danger exists, proceed as follows:
Release button ‹ to stop the closing
procedure. To open, press and hold
button Œ. To continue the closing
procedure after making sure that there
is no danger of anyone being harmed by
the closing procedure, press and hold
button ‹.

Controls in detail
Power windows

Warning!

G

Synchronizing power windows
The power windows must be synchronized

If the retractable hardtop does not completely open or close, the roof hydraulics will
lose pressure and the retractable hardtop is
lowered
앫

after approximately 7 minutes when the
ignition is switched on.

앫

after approximately 15 seconds when
the ignition is switched off.

앫
앫

after the battery has been disconnected or discharged.
if the power windows cannot be fully
opened (Express-open) or closed
(Express-close).

Each power window must be synchronized.
왘

Close all doors.

왘

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

왘

Press and hold both switches 1
and 2 at the symbol j until the
windows are completely closed.

왘

Hold on to switches 1 and 2 for approximately 1 second.
The power windows are synchronized.

Shortly before the hardtop is lowered, a
warning will sound. In the multifunction display you will see K and the message
Retractable roof being opened.
Properly lock the retractable hardtop
(컄 page 255) before continuing to drive.

251

Controls in detail
Retractable hardtop
Opening and closing the retractable
hardtop
For safety reasons, the retractable hardtop
can only be opened and closed when the
vehicle is standing still.
Warning!

G

Before operating the switch for the retractable hardtop, make sure no persons are injured by the moving parts (retractable
hardtop, roof frame, and trunk lid).
Hands must never be placed near the roof
frame, upper windshield area, retractable
hardtop, shelf behind roll bars, or trunk lid
while the retractable hardtop is being raised
or lowered. Serious personal injury may
occur.
If potential danger exists, release the retractable hardtop switch. This immediately
interrupts the raising or lowering procedure.
You can then operate the retractable hardtop switch to raise or lower the retractable
hardtop away from the danger zone.

252

Warning!

G

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. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause
an accident and/or serious personal injury.

!
When opening and closing the retractable hardtop, make sure
앫

there is sufficient clearance for the
retractable hardtop to move up and
the trunk lid to move back

앫

the cargo compartment cover is
extended and closed

앫

the trunk is only loaded to the
height of the cargo compartment
cover

앫

the luggage/cargo does not push
the closed cargo compartment
cover up

앫

the trunk lid is closed

앫

no roof luggage carrier is installed

앫

the outside temperature is above
+5°F (-15°C)

!
Never sit or place heavy objects on the
rear shelf. Doing so could cause damage to the retractable hardtop and the
rear shelf.

Otherwise the roof and other parts of
the vehicle could be damaged.

Controls in detail
Retractable hardtop
Cargo compartment cover

Opening

The cargo compartment cover is located in
the trunk.

왘
왘

Press the release handle on the cargo
compartment cover.
Guide the cargo compartment cover
forward to its end stop.

!
To prevent damage to the retractable
hardtop or luggage/cargo when lowering the roof:

Cargo compartment cover

앫

Load trunk only to the height of the
cargo compartment cover.

앫

Do not permit luggage/cargo to
push up the closed cargo compartment cover.

Closing
왘

Pull the cargo compartment cover at
the handle in direction of the arrow until it engages on both sides at the trunk
sill.

앫

Do not place anything on top or in
front of the cargo compartment
cover.

앫

Do not place anything on the shelf
behind the roll bar.

Retractable hardtop
Warning!

G

To prevent possible accidents, drive the vehicle only with the retractable hardtop either
completely closed and locked, or fully lowered into its storage compartment.

i
For safety reasons, the retractable
hardtop cannot be opened or closed
while driving.
Make sure the retractable hardtop and
the rear window are dry before you
open it. Otherwise water may enter the
interior and/or trunk.

253

Controls in detail
Retractable hardtop

i
Before operating the retractable hardtop via the retractable hardtop switch,
do the following first:
앫

Engage the parking brake
(컄 page 59).

앫

Close the cargo compartment
cover.

앫

Close the trunk lid.

앫

Switch on ignition (컄 page 36).

The switch for opening/closing the retractable hardtop is on the lower part of the
center console.

왘

Push and hold the retractable hardtop
switch in direction of arrow 1 until the
retractable hardtop is completely lowered into the trunk.

Closing
왘

Retractable hardtop switch

1 Opening
2 Closing
For operating the power windows with the
retractable hardtop switch (컄 page 248).

254

Opening

Push and hold the retractable hardtop
switch in direction of arrow 2 until the
retractable hardtop is completely
closed and locked.

Controls in detail
Retractable hardtop
Locking the retractable hardtop after
raising/lowering
Warning!

G

Be sure to keep the hardtop switch pushed
until the hardtop is fully opened or closed.
The hydraulic pump will then shut off.
To prevent possible accidents, drive the vehicle only with the hardtop either completely
closed and locked, or fully lowered into its
storage compartment.

Warning!

G

If the retractable hardtop does not completely open or close, the roof hydraulics will
lose pressure and the retractable hardtop is
lowered
앫

after approximately 7 minutes when the
ignition is switched on.

앫

after approximately 15 seconds when
the ignition is switched off.

Shortly before the hardtop is lowered, a
warning will sound. In the multifunction display you will see K and the message
Retractable roof being opened.
앫

Warning!

G

The hardtop is not fully closed and locked or
not fully opened and locked if:
앫

the message Retractable roof in
operation is shown in the multifunction display

앫

a warning sounds for 10 seconds when
driving and a message in the multifunction display appears (컄 page 381).

If the retractable hardtop is not properly
locked, lock it as described below.

Properly lock the retractable hardtop
before continuing to drive (컄 page 256).

255

Controls in detail
Retractable hardtop
Unlocked status noticed when stopped
왘

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

왘

To lock the retractable hardtop in its
fully closed position, push the retractable hardtop switch forward until the
retractable hardtop is fully closed.
or:

왘

To lock the retractable hardtop in its
fully opened position, push the retractable hardtop switch rearward until the
retractable hardtop is fully open.

256

Unlocked status noticed while driving
Warning!

G

Stop the vehicle and lock the retractable
hardtop before continuing to drive. You
could otherwise endanger yourself and others.
왘

왘

Stop the vehicle and leave the ignition
switched on.

To lock the retractable hardtop in its
fully closed position, push the retractable hardtop switch forward until the
retractable hardtop is fully closed.
or:

왘

To lock the retractable hardtop in its
fully opened position, push the retractable hardtop switch rearward until the
retractable hardtop is fully open.

Controls in detail
Retractable hardtop
Opening (Summer opening feature)

Opening and closing the retractable
hardtop with the SmartKey*

왘

The power windows (컄 page 246) will also
be opened or closed when you operate the
retractable hardtop with the SmartKey.
Warning!

The retractable hardtop and windows
begin to open after approximately
1 second. In the multifunction display
you will see the message Retractable
roof in operation.

G

Before operating the retractable hardtop,
make sure no persons can be injured by the
moving parts (retractable roof, roof frame,
and trunk lid) due to negligence.
Hands must never be placed near the roof
frame, upper windshield area, hardtop, shelf
behind roll bars, or trunk lid while the retractable hardtop is being raised or lowered.
Serious personal injury may occur.

Press and hold unlock button Πuntil the retractable hardtop is completely open.

왘

Aim transmitter eye at the outside
driver’s or passenger door handle.

왘

Release button Πon the SmartKey
to interrupt procedure.

The SmartKey must be in close proximity to the respective outside door handle.

If potential danger exists, release the respective button on the SmartKey. This immediately interrupts the raising or lowering
procedure. You can then operate Œ
or ‹ to raise or lower the hardtop away
from the danger zone.

257

Controls in detail
Retractable hardtop
Closing (Convenience closing feature)
왘

Press and hold lock button ‹ until
the retractable hardtop is fully closed.
The retractable hardtop and windows
begin to close after approximately
1 second. In the multifunction display
you will see the message Retractable
roof in operation.

왘

Release button ‹ on the SmartKey
to interrupt procedure.

Warning!

G

Warning!

When closing the side windows and retractable hardtop, make sure that there is no
danger of anyone being harmed by the
closing procedure.

If the retractable hardtop does not completely open or close, the roof hydraulics will
lose pressure and the retractable hardtop is
lowered

If potential danger exists, proceed as follows:

앫

after approximately 7 minutes when the
ignition is switched on.

앫

앫

after approximately 15 seconds when
the ignition is switched off.

Release button ‹ to stop the closing
procedure. To open, press and hold
button Œ. To continue the closing
procedure after making sure that there
is no danger of anyone being harmed by
the closing procedure, press and hold
button‹.

Shortly before the hardtop is lowered, a
warning will sound. In the multifunction display you will see K and the message
Retractable roof being opened.
앫

258

G

Properly lock the retractable hardtop
before continuing to drive (컄 page 256).

Controls in detail
Retractable hardtop

i

Wind screen

Warning!

Make sure the lower wind screen
edging is inserted through the gap 5
between the storage compartment and
the rear panel.

G

The wind screen can restrict the driver’s
vision to the rear of the vehicle. To prevent
a possible accident when visibility is limited
(e.g. in darkness), the upper part of the wind
screen should be folded back.

왘

Close snap fasteners 2 by pushing in
handle cap 6.

왘

6 Handle cap

Pull wind screen 1 on molding over
roll bars.

Installing

Pull the wind screen edging, not on the
netting itself.

왘

Remove wind screen 1 from its storage bag and unfold.
The storage bag is located on the wall
behind the seat backrests.

왘

1 Wind screen
2 Snap fastener (with handle cap)
3 Supporting strap
4 Fastening pin
5 Gap

Attach supporting straps 3 to fastening pins 4.

Removing
왘

Pull off wind screen 1 from roll bars.

왘

Open snap fasteners 2 by pulling out
handle cap 6.

왘

Loosen supporting straps 3 from fastening pins 4.

왘

Fold wind screen 1 and put it back
into storage bag.

259

Controls in detail
Driving systems
The driving system of your vehicle is
described on the following pages:
앫

Cruise control, with which the vehicle
can maintain a preset speed.

The BAS, ABS and ESP® driving systems
are described in the “Safety and Security”
section (컄 page 82).

Cruise control
Warning!
The cruise control automatically maintains
the speed you set for your vehicle.
Use of cruise control is recommended for
driving at a constant speed for extended
periods of time.
You can set or resume cruise control at any
speed over 20 mph (30 km/h).
The cruise control function is operated by
means of the cruise control lever.

G

The cruise control is a convenience system
designed to assist the driver during vehicle
operation. The driver is and must remain at
all times responsible for the vehicle speed
and for safe brake operation.
Only use the cruise control if the road,
traffic, and weather conditions make it
advisable to travel at a steady speed.
앫

The use of cruise control can be dangerous on winding roads or in heavy traffic
because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a steady speed.

앫

The use of cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid changes in
tire traction can result in wheel spin and
loss of control.

앫

Deactivate the cruise control when driving in fog.

The cruise control lever is the uppermost
lever on the left-hand side of the steering
column (컄 page 22).

The “Resume” function should only be operated if the driver is fully aware of the previously set speed and wishes to resume this
particular preset speed.

260

Controls in detail
Driving systems

Warning!

G

Cruise control brakes automatically so that
the set speed is not exceeded. The brake
pedal is depressed automatically to do this.

1 Set current or higher speed
2 Set current or lower speed
3 Cancel cruise control
4 Resume to last set speed

Keep in mind that cruise control is a convenience system designed to assist the driver
during vehicle operation. The driver is and
must always remain responsible for the vehicle’s speed and for safe braking operation.
Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times, including the area under the brake pedal. Objects stored in this area may impair pedal
movement which could interfere with the
braking ability of the cruise control system.

Setting current speed
왘

Accelerate or decelerate to the desired
speed.

왘

Briefly lift 1 or depress 2 the cruise
control lever (컄 page 261).
The current speed is set.

왘

Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
The cruise control is activated.

The selected speed appears in the multifunction display.

Do not place your foot under the brake pedal
- your foot could become caught.

261

Controls in detail
Driving systems

i

i

Canceling cruise control

On uphill or downhill grades, the cruise
control may not be able to maintain the
set speed. Once the grade eases, the
set speed will be resumed.

Vehicles with manual transmission:

There are several ways to cancel the cruise
control:

On downhill grades, the cruise control
maintains the set speed with braking
from the vehicle’s braking system.
In addition, on longer downhill grades
the automatic transmission* will automatically downshift.

If you depress the clutch pedal when
shifting into another gear, the engine
speed may increase.

왘

Step on the brake pedal.
The cruise control is canceled. The last
speed set is stored for later use.

앫

Drive with sufficient engine speed.

앫

Shift gears in a timely manner.

or

앫

If possible, do not shift down more
than one gear.

왘

Briefly push the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow 3 (컄 page 261).
The cruise control is canceled. The last
speed set is stored for later use.

i
The last stored speed is canceled when
you turn off the engine.

262

Controls in detail
Driving systems

i

!

Setting a higher speed

The cruise control switches off automatically, if

왘

Lift the cruise control lever in direction
of arrow 1 (컄 page 261) and hold it
up until the desired speed is reached.

왘

Release the cruise control lever.

앫

the vehicle speed is below 20 mph
(30 km/h).

Vehicles with automatic transmission*:
Moving gear selector lever to
position N while driving also cancels
cruise control. However, the gear selector lever should not be moved to
position N while driving except to coast
when the vehicle is in danger of skidding (e.g. on icy roads).

앫

ESP® is in operation or switched off
with the ESP® switch (컄 page 84).

i

앫

Vehicles with manual transmission:
you depress the clutch pedal for
longer than 6 seconds during shifting into another gear.

Depressing the accelerator pedal does
not deactivate the cruise control. After
brief acceleration (e.g. for passing), the
cruise control will resume the last
speed set.

앫

you step on the brake pedal.

앫

you pull up the parking brake lever
firmly.

앫

Vehicles with automatic transmission*: you move the gear selector
lever to position N while driving.

The new speed is set.
Setting a lower speed
왘

Depress the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow 2 (컄 page 261) and
hold it down until the desired speed is
reached.

왘

Release the cruise control lever.
The new speed is set.

i
When you use the cruise control lever
to decelerate, the brake system will
automatically brake the vehicle if the
engine’s braking power does not brake
the vehicle sufficiently.

263

Controls in detail
Driving systems
Fine adjustment in 1 mph
(Canada: 1 km/h) increments
Faster
왘

Briefly tip the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow 1 (컄 page 261).

Slower
왘

Briefly tip the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow 2 (컄 page 261).

264

왘

Setting to last stored speed
(“Resume” function)
Warning!

The cruise control resumes the last set
speed.

G

The speed stored in memory should only be
set again if prevailing road conditions permit. Possible acceleration or deceleration
differences arising from returning to the preset speed could cause an accident and/or
serious injury to you and others.

Briefly pull the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow 4 (컄 page 261).

왘

Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.

The last set speed appears in the multifunction display.

Controls in detail
Loading
왔 Loading
Roof rack

!
This vehicle is not designed to carry
items on its roof. Roof rails and any
roof-mounted devices, unless expressly approved by Mercedes-Benz for use
on this vehicle model, must not be used
as they will damage the vehicle and
retractable hardtop.

!
This vehicle is not designed to carry
any items on its trunk lid or accommodate any type of trunk lid rack or device. Using such devices may damage
the vehicle and retractable hardtop
mechanism.

At time of printing, Mercedes-Benz
does not offer any roof racks or any
other roof-mounted devices for use on
this vehicle.

265

Controls in detail
Useful features
Storage compartments

Warning!

Glove box

Storage compartment and telephone*
compartment under armrest

G

To help avoid personal injury during a collision or sudden maneuver, exercise care
when storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or cargo in the trunk if possible. Do not
place anything on shelf behind the roll bars.
Parcel nets cannot secure hard or heavy objects.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
around and injuring vehicle occupants during an accident.

i
The glove box and the storage compartment under the armrest are centrally
locked and unlocked.

266

1 Glove box lid release
2 Glove box
왘

왘

Pull glove box lid release 1 to open
the glove box.

1 Armrest
2 Recess for opening storage and
telephone* compartment

The glove box lid opens downward.

Storage compartment

Push glove box lid 1 up until it engages to close the glove box.

왘

Reach into recess 2 on the left or
right side and lift armrest 1 in direction of arrow to open the storage compartment.

왘

Lower armrest 1 until it engages to
close storage compartment.

i
The CD changer* is located in the glove
box.

Controls in detail
Useful features
Telephone* compartment
왘

Reach into recess 2 on the left or
right side, press in and fold up armrest
to the right or left side to open it.

Storage compartment between the
seat backrests

The compartment for the telephone* is
opened.
왘

Parcel net in passenger footwell
A small convenience parcel net is located
in the passenger footwell and behind the
driver’s seat. It is for small and light items,
such as road maps, mail, etc.
Warning!

Fold armrest back until it engages to
close the telephone* compartment.

G

Do not place heavy or fragile objects, or objects having sharp edges, in the parcel net.

1 Storage compartment lid release
2 Storage compartment
왘

Press storage compartment lid
release 1 to open.

In an accident, during hard braking or sudden maneuvers, they could be thrown
around inside the vehicle, and cause injury
to vehicle occupants.

The storage compartment lid opens
downward.
왘

Push storage compartment lid up until
it engages to close it.

267

Controls in detail
Useful features
Shelf behind roll bars

Warning!

Cup holder

G

The shelf behind the roll bars should not be
used to carry objects. This will prevent such
objects from being thrown around and injuring vehicle occupants during an accident or
sudden maneuver.
The trunk is the preferred place to carry objects.

Warning!

G

In order to help prevent spilling liquids on
vehicle occupants and/or vehicle equipment, only use containers that fit into the
cup holder. Use lids on open containers and
do not fill containers to a height where the
contents, especially hot liquids, could spill
during braking, vehicle maneuvers, or in an
accident. Liquids spilled on vehicle occupants may cause serious personal injury.
Liquids spilled on vehicle equipment may
cause damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
When not in use, keep the cup holder
closed. An open cup holder may cause injury
to you or others when contacted during
braking, vehicle maneuvers, or in an accident.

Keep in mind that objects placed in the cup
holder may come loose during hard braking,
vehicle maneuvers, or in an accident and be
thrown around in the vehicle interior. Objects thrown around in the vehicle interior
may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

1 Cover plate
왘

Press briefly on cover plate 1 to open
the cup holder.
The cup holder opens automatically.

왘

268

Press cover plate 1 until the cup holder engages to close it.

Controls in detail
Useful features
Ashtray

Installing ashtray insert

Removing ashtray insert
Warning!

G

Remove front ashtray only with vehicle
standing still. Set the parking brake to secure vehicle from movement. Move gear
selector lever to position N (manual transmission: into second gear). With gear selector lever in position N (manual transmission:
into second gear), turn off the engine.

왘

Place the ashtray insert into the
retainer.

왘

Push the ashtray insert down into the
retainer until it engages.

1 Cover plate
왘

Press cover plate 1 briefly in the direction of the arrow.
The ashtray opens automatically.

왘

왘

Secure vehicle from movement by
setting the parking brake.

왘

Move the selector lever to position N
(manual transmission: second gear).

To close the ashtray again, press
cover plate 1 until the ashtray
engages.

Now you have more room to take out
the ashtray insert.
왘

Open the ashtray.

왘

Reach into both recesses on the left
and right side of the retainer and pull
out the ashtray insert.

269

Controls in detail
Useful features
Cigarette lighter

Warning!

!

G

Never touch the heating element or sides of
the cigarette lighter; they are extremely hot.
Hold the knob only.
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. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause
an accident and/or serious personal injury.

1 Cigarette lighter
왘

Cigarette lighter 1 will pop out automatically when hot.
왘

왘

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

270

Push in cigarette lighter 1.

Reinsert cigarette lighter 1 in its
socket after use.

The lighter socket can be used to
accommodate 12V DC electrical accessories (up to a maximum of 85 W)
designed for use with the standard
“cigarette lighter” plug type. Keep in
mind, however, that connecting accessories to the lighter socket (for example extensive connecting and
disconnecting, or using plugs that do
not fit properly) can damage the lighter
socket. With the socket damaged, the
lighter may no longer be able to be
placed in the heating (pushed-in) position, or the lighter may pop out too early with the lighter not hot enough.
To help avoid damaging the cigarette
lighter socket, we recommend connecting 12V DC electrical assessories
designed for use with the standard
“cigarette lighter” plug type to the 12V
power outlets (컄 page 271) in your vehicle whenever possible.

Controls in detail
Useful features
Power outlet

Floormat (driver’s side only)

Installing

Removing

A power outlet 1 is located in the passenger footwell on the side panel of the center
console.
왘

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

왘

Flip up cover of power outlet 1 and insert electrical plug (cigarette lighter
type).

왘

Pull floormat off of retainer pins 2 in
direction of arrow 1.

왘

Remove the floormat.

왘

Lay down the floormat.

왘

Press the floormat eyelets 4 onto retainer pins 5 in direction of arrow 3.

i
The power outlet can be used to accommodate 12V DC electrical assessories (e.g. air pump, auxiliary lamps)
up to a maximum of 180 W.

271

Controls in detail
Useful features

Warning!

G

Whenever you are using floormats, make
sure there is enough clearance and the
floormats are securely fastened.
Floormats should always be securely fastened using eyelets 4 and retainer pins 5.
Before driving off, check that the floormats
are securely in place and adjust them if necessary. A loose floormat could slip and
hinder proper functioning of the pedals.

i
For easier removing and installing the
floormat, slide the driver’s seat fully
backwards (컄 page 38).

Telephone*
Warning!
Warning!

G

The external antenna must be approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Please contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for information on the installation of an approved
external antenna. Refer to the radio transmitter operating instructions regarding use
of an external antenna.

272

Please do not forget that your primary responsibility is to drive the vehicle. A driver’s
attention to the road must always be
his/her primary focus when driving. For
your safety and the safety of others, we recommend that you pull over to a safe location
and stop the vehicle before placing or taking
a telephone call.

Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. without being connected to an external antenna)
from inside the vehicle while the engine is
running. Doing so could lead to a malfunction of the vehicle’s electronic system, possibly resulting in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.

Radio transmitters, such as a portable telephone or a citizens band unit, should only
be used inside the vehicle if they are connected to an antenna that is installed on
the outside of the vehicle.

G

If you choose to use the telephone1 while
driving, please use the hands-free device
and only use the telephone when road,
weather and traffic conditions permit. Some
jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a
cellular telephone while driving a vehicle.
1

Observe all legal requirements.

Controls in detail
Useful features

Only operate the COMAND (Cockpit Management and Data System)* or audio system if road, weather, and traffic conditions
permit.
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.

You can take and place telephone calls using the buttons s and t on the multifunction steering wheel. Use the control
system for performing other telephone
functions (컄 page 151).
See separate operating manual for instructions on how to use the telephone.

Tele Aid

!

The Tele Aid system
(Telematic Alarm Identification on
Demand)

The initial activation of the Tele Aid system may only be performed by completing the subscriber agreement and
placing an acquaintance call using the
¡ button. Failure to complete either
of these steps will result in a system
that is not activated.

앫

Automatic and manual emergency

앫

Roadside Assistance

앫

Information

If you have any questions regarding activation, please call the Response
Center at 1-800-756-9018 (in the USA)
or 1-888-923-8367 (in Canada).

The Tele Aid system is operational providing that the vehicle’s battery is charged,
properly connected, not damaged and cellular and GPS coverage is available.

Shortly after the completion of your Tele
Aid acquaintance call, you will receive a
user ID and password. By visiting
www.mbusa.com and selecting “Tele Aid”
(USA only), you will have access to account
information, remote door unlock and
more.

The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response:

The speaker volume of a Tele Aid call can
be adjusted when using the volume control
on the multifunction steering wheel. To
raise, press button æ and to lower,
press button ç or use the volume knob
on your audio system or COMAND* head
unit.

273

Controls in detail
Useful features
왘

To activate, press the SOS button, the
Roadside Assistance button • or
the Information button ¡, depending on the type of response required.

i
The SOS button is located in the overhead control panel.
The Roadside Assistance button •
and the Information button ¡ are
located below the center armrest cover.

!
The Tele Aid system utilizes the cellular
network for communication and the
GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites for vehicle location. If either of
these signals are unavailable, the
Tele Aid system may not function and if
this occurs, assistance must be summoned by other means.

274

i

System self-check

When a Tele Aid call has been initiated,
the audio system or COMAND* system
audio is muted and the selected mode
(radio, tape or CD) pauses. The optional
cellular phone* (if installed) and inserted in cradle switches off. If you must
use this phone, we recommend that
you use it only with the vehicle at a
standstill in a safe location. Remove
the phone from the cradle and place
the call. The COMAND* navigation system (if engaged) will continue to run.
The display in the instrument cluster is
available for use, and spoken commands are only available by pressing
the RPT button on the COMAND* unit.
A pop-up window will appear in the
COMAND* display to indicate that a
Tele Aid call is in progress. After the
Tele Aid call has ended, the optional
cellular phone switches on again. A PIN
entry might be necessary.

Initially, after switching on ignition, malfunctions are detected and indicated (the
indicator lamps in the SOS button, the
Roadside Assistance button •, and the
Information button ¡ stay on longer
than 10 seconds or do not come on). The
message Malfunction. Drive to
workshop appears for approximately
10 seconds in the multifunction display.

Controls in detail
Useful features

Warning!

G

If the indicator lamps in the SOS button, in
the Roadside Assistance button, and/or in
the Information button do not come on during the system self-check or if any of these
indicators remain illuminated constantly in
red and/or the message Malfunction.
Drive to workshop is displayed in the
multifunction display after the system
self-check, a malfunction in the system has
been detected.
If a malfunction is indicated as outlined
above, the system may not operate as expected. Have the system checked at the
nearest Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.

Emergency calls
An emergency call is initiated automatically following an accident in which the emergency tensioning devices (ETDs) or
air bags deploy.
An emergency call can also be initiated
manually by opening the cover next to the
interior rear view mirror labeled SOS, then
briefly pressing the button located under
the cover. See (컄 page 276) for instructions on initiating an emergency call manually.
Once the emergency call is in progress, the
indicator lamp in the SOS button will begin
to flash. The message Connecting call
appears in the multifunction display and
the audio system is muted. When the connection is established, the message
Call connected appears in the multifunction display. All information relevant to the
emergency, such as the location of the vehicle (determined by the GPS satellite location system), vehicle model, identification
number and color are generated.

A voice connection between the Response
Center and the occupants of the vehicle
will be established automatically soon after the emergency call has been initiated.
The Response Center will attempt to determine more precisely the nature of the
emergency provided they can speak to an
occupant of the vehicle.
The Tele Aid system is available if:
앫

it has been activated and is operational. Activation requires a subscription
for monitoring services, connection
and cellular air time.

앫

the relevant cellular phone network
and GPS signals are available and pass
the information on to the Response
Center.

i
Location of the vehicle on a map is only
possible if the vehicle is able to receive
signals from the GPS satellite network
and pass the information on to the
Response Center.

275

Controls in detail
Useful features

Warning!

G

Initiating an emergency call manually

Press SOS button 2 briefly.
The indicator lamp in SOS button 2
flashes until the emergency call is concluded.

If the indicator lamp in the SOS button is
flashing continuously and there was no
voice connection to the Response Center
established, then the Tele Aid system could
not initiate an emergency call (e.g. the relevant cellular phone network is not available).
The message Call failed appears in the
multifunction display for approximately
10 seconds.

왘

Wait for a voice connection to the
Response Center.

왘

Close cover 1 after the emergency
call is concluded.

Warning!

Should this occur, assistance must be summoned by other means.

1 Cover
2 SOS button
왘

Briefly press on cover 1.
The cover opens.

276

왘

G

If you feel at any way in jeopardy when in the
vehicle (e.g. smoke or fire in the vehicle, vehicle in a dangerous road location), please
do not wait for voice contact after you have
pressed the emergency button. Carefully
leave the vehicle and move to a safe location. The Response Center will automatically
contact local emergency officials with the
vehicle’s approximate location if they receive an automatic SOS signal and cannot
make voice contact with the vehicle occupants.

Controls in detail
Useful features
Roadside Assistance button •
Located below the center armrest cover is
the Roadside Assistance button •.
왘

Open center armrest cover
(컄 page 266).

왘

Press and hold the button (for longer
than 2 seconds).
A call to a Mercedes-Benz Roadside
Assistance dispatcher will be initiated.
The button will flash while the call is in
progress. The message Connecting
call will appear in the multifunction
display and the audio system is muted.

When the connection is established, the
message Call connected appears in the
multifunction display. The Tele Aid system
will transmit data generating the vehicle
identification number, model, color and location (subject to availability of cellular
and GPS signals).

A voice connection between the Roadside
Assistance dispatcher and the occupants
of the vehicle will be established.
왘

Describe the nature of the need for assistance.

The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
dispatcher will either dispatch a qualified
Mercedes-Benz technician or arrange to
tow your vehicle to the nearest
Mercedes-Benz Center. For services such
as labor and/or towing, charges may apply. Refer to the Roadside Assistance manual for more information.
The following is only available in the USA:
앫

Sign and Drive services: Services such
as jump start, a few gallons of fuel or
the replacement of a flat tire with the
vehicle spare tire are obtainable.

i
The indicator lamp in the Roadside
Assistance button • remains illuminated in red for approx. 10 seconds
during the system self-check after
switching on ignition (together with the
SOS button and the Information
button ¡).
See “System self-check” (컄 page 274)
when the indicator lamp does not come
on in red or stays on longer than approximately 10 seconds.
If the indicator lamp in the Roadside
Assistance button • is flashing continuously and there was no voice connection to the Response Center
established, then the Tele Aid system
could not initiate a Roadside
Assistance call (e.g. the relevant cellular phone network was not available).
The message Call failed appears in
the multifunction display.

277

Controls in detail
Useful features
Roadside Assistance calls can be terminated using the button t on the
multifunction steering wheel or the respective button for ending a telephone
call on the audio system or COMAND*
head unit.
Information button ¡
Located below the center armrest cover is
the Information button ¡.
왘

Open center armrest cover
(컄 page 266).

왘

Press and hold the button (for longer
than 2 seconds).
A call to the Customer Assistance
Center will be initiated. The button will
flash while the call is in progress. The
message Connecting call will appear
in the multifunction display and the
audio system is muted.

278

When the connection is established, the
message Call connected appears in the
multifunction display. The Tele Aid system
will transmit data generating the vehicle
identification number, model, color and location (subject to availability of cellular
and GPS signals).

i

A voice connection between the Customer
Assistance Center representative and the
occupants of the vehicle will be established. Information regarding the operation
of your vehicle, the nearest
Mercedes-Benz Center or Mercedes-Benz
USA products and services is available to
you.

See “System self-check” (컄 page 274)
when the indicator lamp does not come
on in red or stays on longer than approximately 10 seconds.

For more details concerning the Tele Aid
system, please visit www.mbusa.com and
use your ID and password (sent to you separately) to learn more (USA only).

The indicator lamp in the Information
button ¡ remains illuminated in red
for approx. 10 seconds during the system self-check after switching on ignition (together with the SOS button and
the Roadside Assistance button •).

If the indicator lamp in the Information
button ¡ is flashing continuously
and there was no voice connection to
the Response Center established, then
the Tele Aid system could not initiate
an Information call (e.g. the relevant
cellular phone network is not available). The message Call failed appears in the multifunction display.

Controls in detail
Useful features
Information calls can be terminated using the button t on the multifunction steering wheel or the respective
button for ending a telephone call on
the audio system or COMAND* head
unit.

Call priority

!

If other service calls such as a Roadside
Assistance call or Information call are active, an Emergency call is still possible. In
this case, the Emergency call will take priority and override all other active calls.

If the indicator lamp continues to flash
or the system does not reset, contact
the Response Center at
1-800-756-9018 (in the USA) or
1-888-923-8367 (in Canada), or
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) in the USA or
Customer Service at 1-800-387-0100
in Canada.

!

i

If the indicator lamps do not start flashing after pressing one of the buttons or
remain illuminated (in red) at any time,
the Tele Aid system has detected a
malfunction or the service is not currently active, and may not initiate a call.
Visit your Mercedes-Benz Center and
have the system checked or contact
the Response Center at
1-800-756-9018 (in the USA) or
1-888-923-8367 (in Canada) as soon
as possible.

The indicator lamp in the respective
button flashes until the call is concluded. Calls can only be terminated by a
Response Center or Customer
Assistance Center representative,
except Roadside Assistance and
Information calls, which can also be
terminated by pressing the
t button on the multifunction
steering wheel or the respective button
for ending a telephone call on the audio
system or COMAND* head unit.

279

Controls in detail
Useful features
Remote door unlock
In case you have locked your vehicle unintentionally (e.g. SmartKey inside vehicle),
and the reserve SmartKey is not handy:
왘

왘

The Response Center will then unlock your
vehicle with the remote door unlocking
feature.

i

Contact the Mercedes-Benz Response
Center at 1-800-756-9018 (in the USA)
or 1-888-923-8367 (in Canada).

The remote door unlock feature is available if the relevant cellular phone network is available.

You will be asked to provide your password which you provided when you
completed the subscriber agreement.

The SOS button will flash and the message Connecting call will appear in
the multifunction display to indicate
receipt of the door unlock command.

Then return to your vehicle and pull the
trunk recessed handle for a minimum
of 20 seconds until the SOS button is
flashing.
The message Connecting call appears in the multifunction display.

As an alternative, you may unlock the vehicle via Internet using the ID and password
sent to you shortly after the completion of
your acquaintance call.

280

Once the vehicle is unlocked,
a Response Center specialist may
attempt to establish voice contact with
the vehicle occupants.
If the trunk recessed handle was pulled
for more than 20 seconds before door
unlock authorization was received by
the Response Center, you must wait
15 minutes before pulling the trunk
handle again.

Stolen Vehicle Recovery services
In the event your vehicle was stolen:
왘

Report the incident to the police.
The police will issue a numbered incident report.

왘

Pass this number on to the
Mercedes-Benz Response Center along
with your password issued to you when
you subscribed to the service.
The Response Center will then attempt
to covertly contact the vehicle’s
Tele Aid system. Once the vehicle is located, the Response Center will contact the local law enforcement and you.
The vehicle’s location will only be provided to law enforcement.

i
When the anti-theft alarm or the
tow-away alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, a call is initiated automatically to the Response Center. See
anti-theft alarm system (컄 page 87)
and tow-away alarm (컄 page 88).

Controls in detail
Useful features
Garage door opener*
Warning!
The integrated remote control is capable of
operating up to three separately controlled
devices. It provides a convenient way to replace up to three hand-held remote controls used to operate devices such as
garage door openers, gate openers, or other devices compatible with HomeLink® or
some other systems.
Before the integrated remote control can
be used, it must be programmed to the garage door opener, gate operator or other
device you wish to operate. See the following instructions for programming information.

Overhead control panel with integrated remote control

1

Indicator lamp

2 3 4 Signal transmitter button
Needed for programming (not part of vehicle equipment):
5

Hand-held remote control of garage door opener, gate operator
or other device

6

Hand-held remote control button

G

Before programming the integrated remote
control to a garage door opener or gate
operator, make sure people and objects are
out of the way of the device to prevent potential harm or damage. When programming
a garage door opener, the door moves up or
down. When programming a gate operator,
the gate opens or closes.
Do not use the integrated remote control
with any garage door opener that lacks
safety stop and reverse features as required
by U.S. federal safety standards (this
includes any garage door opener model
manufactured before April 1, 1982).
A garage door that cannot detect an object
- signaling the door to stop and reverse does not meet current U.S. federal safety
standards.
컄컄

281

Controls in detail
Useful features
컄컄

When programming a garage door opener, it
is advised to park outside the garage.
Do not run the engine while programming
the integrated remote control. Inhalation of
exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All
exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, and
inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and
possible death.

Programming the integrated remote
control
Step 1:
왘

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

Step 2:

Step 3:

왘

왘

If you have previously programmed an
signal transmitter button and wish to
retain its programming, proceed to
step 3.
If you are programming the integrated
remote control for the first time, press
and hold the two outer signal transmitter buttons 2 and 4 and release
them only when the indicator lamp 1
begins to flash after approximately
20 seconds (do not hold the button for
longer than 30 seconds). This procedure erases any previous settings for
all three channels and initializes the
memory.
If you later wish to program a second
and/or third hand-held transmitter to
the remaining two signal transmitter
buttons, do not repeat this step and begin directly with step 3.

282

Hold the end of the hand-held remote
control 5 of the device you wish to
train approximately 2 to 5 in
(5 to12 cm) away from the signal transmitter button (2, 3 or 4) to be programmed, while keeping the indicator
lamp 1 in view.

Step 4:
왘

Using both hands, simultaneously
press the hand-held remote control
button 6 and the desired signal transmitter button (2, 3 or 4). Do not
release the buttons until step 5 is completed.
The indicator lamp 1 will flash, first
slowly and then rapidly.

Controls in detail
Useful features
If the indicator lamp 1 stays on
constantly, programming is complete
and your device should activate when
the respective signal transmitter
button (2, 3 or 4) is pressed and released.

i
The indicator lamp 1 flashes immediately the first time the signal transmitter button is programmed. If this button
has already been programmed, the indicator lamp will only start flashing after 20 seconds.

i
If the indicator lamp 1 flashes rapidly
for about 2 seconds and then turns to a
constant light, continue with
programming steps 8 through 12 as
your garage door opener may be
equipped with the “rolling code”
feature.

Step 5:
왘

After the indicator lamp 1 changes
from a slow to a rapidly flashing light,
release the hand-held remote control
button and the signal transmitter button.

Step 6:
왘

Press and hold the just-trained signal
transmitter button (2, 3 or 4) and
observe the indicator lamp 1.

Step 7:
왘

To program the remaining two signal
transmitter buttons, repeat the steps
above starting with step 3.

Rolling code programming
To train a garage door opener (or other
rolling code devices) with the rolling code
feature, follow these instructions after
completing the “Programming” portion
(steps 1 through 6) of this text. (A second
person may make the following training
procedures quicker and easier.)
Step 8:
왘

Locate “training” button on the garage
door opener motor head unit.
Exact location and color of the button
may vary by garage door opener brand.
Depending on manufacturer, the
“training” button may also be referred
to as “learn”or “smart” button. If there
is difficulty locating the transmitting
button, refer to the garage door opener
operator’s manual.
컄컄

283

Controls in detail
Useful features
컄컄Step
왘

9:

Press the “training” button on the garage door opener motor head unit.
The “training light” is activated.

You have 30 seconds to initiate the following step.

i

Gate operator/Canadian programming

Some garage door openers (or other
rolling code equipped devices) may
require you to press, hold for 2 seconds
and release the same signal transmitter button a third time to complete the
training process.

Canadian radio-frequency laws require
transmitter signals to “time-out” (or quit)
after several seconds of transmission
which may not be long enough for the
integrated signal transmitter to pick up the
signal during programming. Similar to this
Canadian law, some U.S. gate operators
are designed to “time-out” in the same
manner.

Step 10:
왘

Return to the vehicle and firmly press,
hold for 2 seconds and release the programmed signal transmitter button
(2, 3 or 4).

Step 12:
왘

Confirm the garage door operation by
pressing the programmed signal transmitter button (2, 3 or 4).

Step 11:

Step 13:

왘

왘

Press, hold for 2 seconds and release
same signal transmitter button a second time to complete the training process.

284

To program the remaining two signal
transmitter buttons, repeat the steps
above starting with step 3.

Controls in detail
Useful features
If you live in Canada or if you are having
difficulties programming a gate operator
(regardless of where you live) by using the
programming procedures, replace step 4
with the following:
Step 4:
왘

Press and hold the signal transmitter
button (2, 3 or 4). Do not release
this button until it has been successfully trained.

왘

While still holding down the signal
transmitter button (2, 3 or 4),
“cycle” your hand-held remote control
button 6 as follows: Press and hold
button 6 for 2 seconds, then release
it for 2 seconds, and again press and
hold it for 2 seconds. Repeat this sequence on the hand-held remote control until the frequency signal has been
learned. Upon successful training, the
indicator lamp 1 will flash slowly and
then rapidly after several seconds.

왘

Proceed with programming step 5 and
step 6 to complete.

i
Upon completion of programming the
integrated remote control, make sure
you retain the hand-held remote control that came with the garage door
opener, gate operator or other device.
You may need it for use in other vehicles, for future programming of an
integrated remote control, or simply for
continued use as a hand-held remote
control to operate the respective
device in other situations.

Reprogramming a single signal transmitter button
To program a device using a signal transmitter button previously trained, follow
these steps:
왘

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

왘

Press and hold the desired signal
transmitter button (2, 3 or 4).
Do not release the button.

왘

The indicator lamp 1 will begin to
flash after 20 seconds. Without releasing the signal transmitter button, proceed with programming starting with
step 3.

285

Controls in detail
Useful features
Operation of integrated remote control
왘
왘

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).
Select and press the appropriate integrated signal transmitter button (2,
3 or 4) to activate the remote controlled device.
The integrated remote control transmitter continues to send the signal as
long as the button is pressed – up to
20 seconds.

Erasing the integrated remote control
memory
왘

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

왘

Simultaneously press and hold down
the outer signal transmitter buttons 2
and 4, for approximately 20 seconds,
until the indicator lamp 1 flashes rapidly. Do not hold for longer than
30 seconds.
The codes of all three channels are
erased.

i
If you sell your vehicle, erase the codes
of all three channels.

286

Programming tips
If you are having difficulty programming
the integrated remote control, here are
some helpful tips:
앫

Check the frequency of the hand-held
remote control 5 (typically located on
the reverse side of the remote). The integrated remote control is compatible
with radio-frequency devices operating
between 288-399 MHz.

앫

Put a new battery in the hand-held remote control 5. This will increase the
likelihood of the hand-held remote control sending a faster and more accurate
signal to the integrated remote control.

Controls in detail
Useful features
앫

앫

앫

While performing step 3, hold the
hand-held remote control 6 at different lengths and angles from the signal
transmitter button (2, 3 or 4) you
are programming. Attempt varying angles at the distance of 2 to 5 inches
(5 to 12 cm) away or the same angle at
varying distances.
If another hand-held remote control is
available for the same device, try the
programming steps again using that
other hand-held remote control. Make
sure new batteries are in the hand-held
remote control before beginning the
procedure.

i

i

Certain types of garage door openers
are incompatible with the integrated
remote control. If you should experience further difficulties with programming the integrated remote control,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center, or call Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center (in the
USA only) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or
Customer Service (in Canada) at
1-800-387-0100.

USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
(2) this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.

Straighten the antenna wire from the
garage door opener assembly. This
may help improve transmitting and/or
receiving signals.

287

Controls in detail
Useful features

i
Canada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interference, and

Heated steering wheel*
(SLK 280, SLK 350, Canada only)

Switching on
왘

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

The steering wheel heating warms up the
leather area of the steering wheel.

왘

Turn switch at tip of lever in direction of
arrow 1 and release it.

The lever is on the lower left-hand side of
the steering wheel.

i

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

The steering wheel heating is temporarily suspended while indicator
lamp 2 remains on when

Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.
1 Switching on
2 Indicator lamp
3 Switching off

288

The steering wheel is heated. Indicator
lamp 2 comes on.

앫

the temperature of the vehicle interior is above 86°F (30°C)

앫

the temperature of the steering
wheel is above 95°F (35°C)

When these conditions do not apply
anymore, steering wheel heating continues.

Controls in detail
Useful features
Switching off
왘

Turn switch at tip of lever in direction of
arrow 3 and release it.
The steering wheel heating is switched
off. Indicator lamp 2 goes out.

i
Indicator lamp 2 flashes or switches
off in case of
앫

power surge or undervoltage

앫

steering wheel heating malfunction

i
The steering wheel heating switches off
automatically when you remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch.

289

290

Operation
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
Driving instructions
At the gas station
Engine compartment
Tires and wheels
Winter driving
Maintenance
Vehicle care

291

Operation
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
In the “Operation” section you will find detailed information on operating, maintaining and caring for your vehicle.

The more cautiously you treat your vehicle
during the break-in period, the more satisfied you will be with its performance later
on.
앫

Drive your vehicle during the first
1000 miles (1500 km) at varying but
moderate vehicle and engine speeds.

앫

During this period, avoid heavy loads
(full throttle driving) and excessive engine speeds (no more than 2/3 of maximum rpm in each gear).

앫

Do not attempt to slow the vehicle
down by shifting to a lower gear using
the gear selector lever*.

앫

Shift gears in a timely manner.

앫

Avoid accelerating by kickdown.

앫

Select positions 3, 2, or 1 only when
driving at moderate speeds (for hill
driving).

앫

292

Select C as the preferred shift program
(컄 page 163) for the first 1000 miles
(1500 km).

After 1000 miles (1500 km), you may
gradually increase vehicle and engine
speeds to the permissible maximum.

!
Additional instructions for
SLK 55 AMG:
앫

During the first 1000 miles
(1500 km), do not exceed a speed
of 85 mph (140 km/h).

앫

During this period, avoid engine
speeds above 4500 rpm in each
gear.

All of the above instructions, as may apply
to your vehicle type, also apply when driving the first 1000 miles (1500 km) after
the engine or the rear differential has been
replaced.

i
Always obey applicable speed limits.

Operation
Driving instructions
왔 Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Fuel consumption, to a great extent, depends on driving habits and operating conditions.
To save fuel you should:
앫

Keep tires at the recommended inflation pressures.

앫

Remove unnecessary loads.

앫

Allow engine to warm up under low
load use.

앫

Avoid frequent acceleration and deceleration.

앫

Have all maintenance work performed
at the intervals specified in the
Maintenance Booklet and as required
by the maintenance service indicator.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.

Drinking and driving

Warning!

Pedals

G

Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs
and driving are very dangerous combinations. Even a small amount of alcohol or
drugs can affect your reflexes, perceptions
and judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal accident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.

Warning!

G

Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times. Objects stored in this area may impair pedal
movement.

Power assistance

Warning!

G

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.

Fuel consumption is also increased by driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic,
on short trips and in hilly area.

293

Operation
Driving instructions
Brakes

Warning!

G

After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through water deep enough to wet brake components
or salty road conditions, the first braking action may be somewhat reduced and increased pedal pressure may be necessary to
obtain expected braking effect. Maintain a
safe distance from vehicles in front.

To help prevent brake disc corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to
parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes.
If your brake system is normally only subjected to moderate loads, you should occasionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads.

Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.

!

It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their effectiveness. It may not be possible to stop the
vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an accident.

Refer to the description of the Brake
Assist System (BAS) (컄 page 83).

294

Be very careful not to endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.

If the parking brake is released and the
brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster stays on, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected immediately. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Install only brake pads and brake fluid
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.

Operation
Driving instructions

Warning!

G

If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially impaired. This
could result in an accident.

High-performance brake system
(SLK 55 AMG only)
The high-performance brake system is designed to operate under the extremely high
operating demands required to accommodate the performance capabilities of the
vehicle. The brakes may produce a squeaking-type noise depending on the
앫

vehicle speed

!

앫

brake force applied

When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes
by shifting into a lower gear to use the
engine’s braking power. This helps prevent overheating of the brakes and reduces brake pad wear.

앫

ambient conditions, e.g. temperature
and humidity

After hard braking, it is advisable to drive
on for some time, rather than immediately
park, so that the air stream will cool down
the brakes faster.

As with any brake system, the wear of individual brake system components such as
brake pads or discs strongly depends on
your driving style and the conditions under
which you operate the vehicle. Thus, a driving style calling for high demand braking
will cause your vehicle’s brakes to wear
more quickly.

Warning!

G

New vehicle brake pads and discs, and
replacement brake pads and discs may take
several hundred miles of driving until they
provide optimum braking efficiency. Until
that time, you may need to use increased
brake pedal pressure while braking. Please
be aware of this and adjust your driving and
braking accordingly during this break-in
period.
Excessive high demand braking will cause
correspondingly high brake wear. Please be
attentive to the brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster and brake condition messages in the multifunction display. Especially for high performance driving, it is
important to maintain the brake system and
have it checked regularly.

295

Operation
Driving instructions
Driving off
Apply the brakes to test them briefly after
driving off. Perform this procedure only
when the road is clear of other traffic.
Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not
place full load on the engine until the operating temperature has been reached.
When starting off on a slippery surface, do
not allow a drive wheel to spin for an extended period with the ESP® switched off.
Doing so 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 brake reduces engine performance and causes
premature brake and drivetrain wear.

296

Parking

Warning!

G

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, as these materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
To reduce the risk of personal injury as a result of vehicle movement, before turning off
the engine and leaving the vehicle always:
앫

Keep right foot on brake pedal.

앫

Pull the parking brake lever up as many
notches as possible.

앫

Move the selector lever to position P
(manual transmission: first or reverse
gear).

앫

Slowly release brake pedal.

앫

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

앫

Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 0 and remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch.

앫

Take the SmartKey and lock vehicle
when leaving.

!
Set the parking brake whenever parking or leaving the vehicle. In addition,
place gear selector lever* in position P
(manual transmission: move gearshift
lever to first or reverse gear).
In addition, when parking on hills, turn
front wheel towards the road curb.

Operation
Driving instructions
Tires

Warning!

The treadwear indicator appears as a solid
band across the tread.

G

If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible damage to your vehicle has occurred,
you should turn on the hazard warning flashers, carefully slow down, and drive with caution to an area which is a safe distance from
the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle undercarriage for possible damage. If the vehicle or
tires appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed
to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center or tire
dealer for repairs.

Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. These indicators are located in six
places on the tread circumference and become visible at a tread depth of approximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), at which point
the tire is considered worn and should be
replaced.

Warning!

G

Although the applicable federal motor vehicle safety laws consider a tire to be worn
when the treadwear indicators (TWI) become visible at approximately 1/16 in
(1.6 mm), we recommend that you do not allow your tires to wear down to that level. As
tread depth approaches 1/8 in (3.0 mm),
the adhesion properties on a wet road are
sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely.

Warning!

G

Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
may lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high
speed with a flat tire will cause excessive
heat build-up and possibly a fire.

Hydroplaning
Depending on the depth of the water layer
on the road, hydroplaning may occur, even
at low speeds and with new tires. Reduce
vehicle speed, avoid track grooves in the
road and apply brakes cautiously in the
rain.

Specified tire inflation pressures must be
maintained. This applies particularly if the
tires are subject to high loads (e.g. high
speeds, heavy loads, high ambient temperatures).

297

Operation
Driving instructions
Tire traction
The safe speed on a wet, snow-covered or
icy road is always lower than on a dry road.
You should pay particular attention to the
condition of the road whenever the outside
temperatures are close to the freezing
point.
Warning!

G

If ice has formed on the road, tire traction
will be substantially reduced. Under such
weather conditions, drive, steer and brake
with extreme caution.

298

Mercedes-Benz recommends winter tires
(컄 page 348) with a minimum tread depth
of approximately 1/6 in (4 mm) on all four
wheels for the winter season to ensure
normal balanced handling characteristics.
On packed snow, they can reduce your
stopping distance as compared with summer tires.
Stopping distance, however, is still considerably greater than when the road is not
covered with snow or ice. Exercise appropriate caution.

!
Avoid spinning of a drive wheel. This
may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Tire speed rating
Regardless of the tire speed rating, local
speed limits should be obeyed. Use prudent driving speeds appropriate to prevailing conditions.
Warning!

G

Even when permitted by law, never operate
a vehicle at speeds greater than the maximum speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire failure, causing loss of vehicle control and possibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury and possible death, for you
and for others.

Operation
Driving instructions
SLK 280, SLK 350
SLK 280 with Sport Package*
SLK 350 with Sport Package*
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“W”-rated tires, which have a tire speed
rating of 168 mph (270 km/h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
155 mph (250 km/h).
SLK 55 AMG
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“Y”-rated tires, which have a tire speed
rating of 186 mph (300 km/h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
155 mph (250 km/h).

SLK 55 AMG with Performance
Package*
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“Y”-rated tires, which have a tire speed
rating of 186 mph (300 km/h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
174 mph (280 km/h).

i
For information on speed rating for
winter tires, see “Winter tires”
(컄 page 348).
For additional general information on
tire speed markings on tire sidewall,
see “Tire speed rating” (컄 page 334).

Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move gear selector lever* to position N or
declutch in case of manual transmission.
Try to keep the vehicle under control by
corrective steering action.

i
For information on driving with snow
chains, see “Snow chains”
(컄 page 349).

Warning!

G

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 control loss.

299

Operation
Driving instructions
Road salts and chemicals can adversely affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce
the normal brake effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn
roads can bring road-salt-impaired braking
efficiency back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking efficiency should be tested as soon as possible after driving is resumed.
Warning!

G

Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking maneuvers.

Warning!

G

If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter the vehicle interior, resulting in unconsciousness and death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation,
open a window slightly on the side of the vehicle not facing the wind.

Warning!

G

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.

For more information, see “Winter driving”
(컄 page 348).

300

Standing water

!
Do not drive through flooded areas or
water of unknown depth. Before driving
through water, determine its depth.
Never accelerate before driving into
water. The bow wave could force water
into the engine and auxiliary equipment, thus damaging them.
If you must drive through standing water, drive slowly to prevent water from
entering the passenger compartment
or the engine compartment. Water in
these areas could cause damage to
electrical components or wiring of the
engine or transmission, or could result
in water being ingested by the engine
through the air intake, causing severe
internal engine damage. Any such damage is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Operation
Driving instructions
Control and operation of radio
transmitter

Passenger compartment

Warning!

G

Warning!

G

COMAND*, radio, and telephone*

Always fasten items being carried as securely as possible.

Warning!

In an accident, during hard braking or sudden maneuvers, loose items will be thrown
around inside the vehicle, and cause injury
to vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.

G

Please do not forget that your primary responsibility is to drive the vehicle safely.
Only operate the COMAND*, radio or telephone1 if road, traffic and weather conditions permit.

The trunk is the preferred place to carry objects.

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.

Driving abroad
Abroad, there is an extensive
Mercedes-Benz service network at your
disposal. If you plan to drive into areas
which are not listed in the index of your
Mercedes-Benz Center directory, you
should request pertinent information from
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Telephones and two-way radios

1

Observe all legal requirements.

Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. without being connected to an external antenna)
from inside the vehicle while the engine is
running. Doing so could lead to a malfunction of the vehicle’s electronic system, possibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury.

Radio transmitters, such as a portable telephone or a citizens band unit should only
be used inside the vehicle if they are connected to an antenna that is installed on
the outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation instructions regarding use of an external
antenna.

301

Operation
Driving instructions
Catalytic converter
Warning!
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with
monolithic-type catalytic converters, an
important element in conjunction with the
oxygen sensors to achieve substantial control of the pollutants in the exhaust emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our recommended maintenance instructions as
outlined in your Maintenance Booklet.

!
To prevent damage to the catalytic
converters, use only premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel
may reach the catalytic converter,
causing it to overheat and potentially
start a fire.

302

G

As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or operate this vehicle in areas where combustible materials such as grass, hay or leaves
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials could be ignited
and cause a vehicle fire.

Emission control
Certain engine systems serve to keep the
toxic components of the exhaust gases
within permissible limits required by law.
These systems, of course, will function
properly only when maintained strictly according to factory specifications. Any adjustments on the engine should therefore
only be carried out by qualified
Mercedes-Benz Center authorized technicians.
Engine adjustments should not be altered
in any way. Moreover, the specified service
jobs must be carried out regularly according to Mercedes-Benz servicing requirements. For details refer to the
Maintenance Booklet.

Operation
Driving instructions

Warning!

G

Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as a garage) which are not properly
ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas
fumes are entering the vehicle while driving,
have the cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one window fully open at all times.

Coolant temperature
Warning!
During severe operating conditions, e.g.
stop-and-go city traffic, the coolant
temperature may rise to approx. 248°F
(120°C).
The engine should not be operated with
the coolant temperature over 248°F
(120°C). Doing so may cause serious engine damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

i
Excessive coolant temperature triggers
a warning message in the multifunction
display (컄 page 376).

G

앫

Driving when your engine is badly overheated can cause some fluids, which
may have leaked into the engine compartment, to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.

앫

Steam from an overheated engine can
cause serious burns and can occur just
by opening the hood. Stay away from
the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.

Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle
and do not stand near the vehicle until the
engine has cooled down.

303

Operation
At the gas station
Refueling

Warning!

G

Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious injury. Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and skin contact, extinguish
all smoking materials. Never allow sparks,
flame or smoking materials near gasoline!

The fuel filler flap is located on the
right-hand side of the vehicle towards the
rear.
Locking and unlocking the vehicle with the
remote control automatically locks and unlocks the fuel filler flap.

Only use premium unleaded gasoline
with a minimum Posted Octane Rating
of 91 (average of 96 RON/86 MON).
Information on gasoline quality can
normally be found on the fuel pump.
For more information on gasoline, see
“Premium unleaded gasoline”
(컄 page 452) or the Factory Approved
Service Products pamphlet.

Failure to remove the fuel cap slowly could
result in personal injury.

1 To open fuel filler flap
2 To insert fuel filler cap
3 Supplemental tire inflation pressure
information

304

i

Operation
At the gas station
왘
왘

Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
Open fuel filler flap by pushing at point
indicated by arrow 1.
The fuel filler flap springs open.

왘

Turn fuel filler cap counterclockwise
and hold on to it until possible pressure
is released.

왘

Take off fuel filler cap and set it in direction of arrow 2 in the recess on the
inside of fuel filler flap.
To prevent fuel vapors from escaping
into open air, fully insert filler nozzle
unit.

왘

Only fill your tank until the filler nozzle
unit cuts out – do not top up or overfill.

Warning!

G

Check regularly and before a long trip

Overfilling of the fuel tank may create pressure in the system which could cause a gas
discharge. This could cause the gas to spray
back out when removing the fuel pump nozzle, which could cause personal injury.
왘

Replace the fuel filler cap by turning it
clockwise until it audibly engages.

왘

Close the fuel filler flap.

Engine compartment (SLK 350, example)

i

1 Windshield washer system and headlamp cleaning system* reservoir
2 Brake fluid reservoir
3 Coolant expansion tank

Leaving the engine running and the fuel
cap open can cause the yellow fuel
tank reserve warning lamp to flash and
the ? malfunction indicator lamp
(USA only) or the ± malfunction indicator lamp (Canada only) to illuminate.

i
For opening the hood, see “Hood”
(컄 page 307).

For more information, see “Practical
hints” (컄 page 364).

305

Operation
At the gas station
Windshield washer system and headlamp cleaning system*
For information on refilling the reservoir,
see “Windshield washer system and headlamp cleaning system*” (컄 page 315).
Brake fluid

Coolant

Vehicle lighting

For normal replenishing, use water (potable water quality).

Check function and cleanliness.

For more information on coolant, see
“Coolant” (컄 page 313) and “Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.” (컄 page 449).

!

Engine oil level

If you find that the brake fluid in the
brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
minimum mark or below, have the
brake system checked for brake pad
thickness and leaks immediately. Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately. Do not add brake fluid as
this will not solve the problem.

For information on engine oil, see “Engine
oil” (컄 page 308).

For more information, see “Practical
hints” (컄 page 363).
For information on brake fluid, see “Fuels,
coolants, lubricants, etc.” (컄 page 449).

306

For more information on vehicle lighting,
see “Replacing bulbs” (컄 page 400).
For information on switching on the exterior lighting, see “Exterior lamp switch”
(컄 page 110).
Tire inflation pressure
For information on tire inflation pressure,
see “Important notes on tire inflation
pressure” (컄 page 328).

Operation
Engine compartment
왔 Engine compartment
왘

Hood

Warning!

G

Pull hood lock release lever 1 in direction of arrow.
The hood is unlocked.

!

Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle is in motion. Otherwise the hood could
be forced open by passing air flow.

To avoid damage to the windshield
wipers or hood, never open the hood if
the wiper arms are folded forward away
from the windshield.

Opening
The hood release is located on the driver
side under the instrument panel.

왘

With the hood released, lift the hood by
lifting it at the front edge.
The hood will be automatically held
open at shoulder height by gas-filled
struts.

Warning!

G

To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running. Make sure the hood is
properly closed before driving. When closing
the hood, use extreme caution not to catch
hands or fingers.
The radiator fan may continue to run for approximately 30 seconds or even restart after the engine has been turned off. Stay
clear of fan blades.
컄컄

2 Lever for opening the hood
1 Hood lock release lever

왘

Push lever 2 on the hood upward to
release hood.

307

Operation
Engine compartment
컄컄

Warning!

G

If you see flames or smoke coming from the
engine compartment, or if the coolant temperature display in the multifunction display
indicates that the engine is overheated, do
not open the hood. Move away from vehicle
and do not open the hood until the engine
has cooled down. If necessary, call the fire
department.

Closing
Warning!

G

The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic socket) of the ignition system
앫

with the engine running

앫

while starting the engine

앫

if ignition is “on” and the engine is
turned manually

308

G

Be careful that you do not close the hood on
anyone.
왘

왘

Warning!

Engine oil
The amount of oil your engine needs will
depend on a number of factors, including
driving style. Higher oil consumption can
occur when
앫

the vehicle is new

Let the hood drop from a height of
approximately 1 ft (30 cm).

앫

the vehicle is driven frequently at
higher engine speeds

The hood will lock audibly.

Engine oil consumption checks should only
be made after the vehicle break-in period.

Check to make sure the hood is fully
closed.
If you can raise the hood at a point
above the headlamps, then it is not
properly closed. Open it again and let it
drop with somewhat greater force.

i
Do not use any special lubricant additives, as these may damage the drive
assemblies. Using special additives not
approved by Mercedes-Benz may
cause damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
More information on this subject is
available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

Operation
Engine compartment
Checking engine oil level with the
control system (SLK 55 AMG only)
When checking the oil level
앫

the vehicle must be parked on level
ground.

앫

with the engine at operating temperature, the vehicle must have been stationary for at least 5 minutes with the
engine turned off.

앫

with the engine not at operating temperature, the vehicle must have been
stationary for at least 30 minutes with
the engine turned off.

To check the engine oil level via the
multifunction display, do the following:
왘

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).
The standard display appears in the
multifunction display (컄 page 128).

왘

Press button k or j on the multifunction steering wheel repeatedly
until the following message appears in
the multifunction display (컄 page 124):

앫

Add 1.5 qts. (Canada:
1.5 liters)
to reach max. oil level

앫

Add 2.0 qts. (Canada:
2.0 liters)
to reach max. oil level

i
If you want to interrupt the checking
procedure, press button k or j
on the multifunction steering wheel
(컄 page 124).

One of the following messages will
subsequently appear in the multifunction display:
앫
앫

Engine oil level
ok
Add 1.0 qt. (Canada: 1.0 liter)
to reach max. oil level

왘

If necessary, add engine oil.
For adding engine oil, see “Adding engine oil” (컄 page 312).

For more information on engine oil, see
“Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.”
(컄 page 449).

309

Operation
Engine compartment
Other display messages

If you see the message:

If the ignition is not switched on, the following message will appear:

Engine oil level
Not when engine on

Turn on ignition
to see engine oil level

왘

Turn off the engine.

왘

If the engine is at operating temperature, wait 5 minutes before checking
oil.

왘

If the engine is not at operating
temperature yet, you must wait
30 minutes before checking oil.

왘

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

If you see the message:
Observe waiting time
왘

왘

If engine is at operating temperature,
wait 5 minutes before repeating check
procedure.
If engine is not at operating temperature yet, you must wait 30 minutes
before checking oil.

310

i
If you want to interrupt the checking
procedure, press button k or j
on the multifunction steering wheel
(컄 page 124).

If there is excess engine oil with the engine
at normal operating temperature, the
following message will appear:
Engine oil level
Reduce oil level
왘

Have excess oil siphoned or drained
off. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

!
Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the
engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
For more information on messages in the
display concerning engine oil, see the
“Practical hints” section (컄 page 368).

Operation
Engine compartment
왘

Checking engine oil level with the oil
dipstick (SLK 280, SLK 350 only)
When checking the oil level
앫

the vehicle must be parked on level
ground.

앫

with the engine at operating temperature, the vehicle must have been stationary for at least 5 minutes with the
engine turned off.

앫

with the engine not at operating temperature, the vehicle must have been
stationary for at least 30 minutes with
the engine turned off.

Pull out oil dipstick 1 again after
approximately 3 seconds to obtain accurate reading.
The oil level is correct when it is between the lower (min) mark 3 and
upper (max) mark 2 of oil dipstick 1.

i
1 Oil dipstick
2 Upper (max) mark
3 Lower (min) mark
To check the engine oil level with the oil
dipstick, do the following:
왘

Open the hood (컄 page 307).

왘

Pull out oil dipstick 1.

왘

Wipe oil dipstick 1 clean.

왘

Fully insert oil dipstick 1 into the
dipstick guide tube.

The filling quantity between the upper
and lower marks on the oil dipstick is
approximately 2.1 US qt. (2.0 l).
왘

If necessary, add engine oil.
For adding engine oil, see “Adding engine oil” (컄 page 312).

For more information on engine oil, see
“Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.”
(컄 page 449).
For more information on messages in the
multifunction display concerning engine
oil, see the “Practical hints” section
(컄 page 368).

311

Operation
Engine compartment
Adding engine oil

왘

Unscrew filler cap 1 from filler neck.

Only use approved engine oils and oil filters required for vehicles with
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or
FSS PLUS (Canada vehicles). For a listing
of approved engine oils and oil filters, refer
to the Factory Approved Service Products
pamphlet in your vehicle literature
portfolio, or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

왘

Add engine oil as required.

Using engine oils and oil filters of specification other than those expressly required
for the Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS PLUS (Canada vehicles), or
changing of oil and oil filter at change intervals longer than those called for by the
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or
FSS PLUS (Canada vehicles) will result in
engine damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Be careful not to overfill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water.

!

1 Filler cap

왘

Screw filler cap 1 back on filler neck.

For more information on engine oil, see
“Technical data” (컄 page 449) and
(컄 page 451).

SLK 55 AMG

1 Filler cap

312

Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the
engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

SLK 350 (example)

Operation
Engine compartment
Transmission fluid level*

Coolant level

Vehicles with automatic transmission*:
The transmission fluid level does not need
to be checked. If you notice transmission
fluid loss or gear shifting malfunctions,
have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
check the transmission.

The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze. To check
the coolant level, the vehicle must be
parked on level ground and the engine
must be cool.
Warning!

G

앫

Using a rag, slowly open the cap approximately ½ turn to relieve excess pressure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out under pressure.

앫

Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine
parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene
glycol which may burn if it comes into
contact with hot engine parts.

In order to avoid any possibly serious burns:
앫

Use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system,
or if the coolant temperature gauge indicates that the coolant is overheated.

앫

Do not remove pressure cap on coolant
reservoir if coolant temperature is
above 158°F (70°C). Allow engine to
cool down before removing cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and
is under pressure.

313

Operation
Engine compartment
The coolant expansion tank is located on
the passenger side of the engine compartment.

왘

왘

Using a rag, turn cap 2 slowly approximately one half turn counterclockwise
to release any excess pressure.
Continue turning cap 2 counterclockwise and remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level

SLK 350 (example)

1 Coolant expansion tank
2 Cap
3 Marking bar in the expansion tank

314

앫

for cold coolant: reaches marking
bar 3 in expansion tank 1

앫

for warm coolant: is approximately
0.6 in (1.5 cm) higher

왘

Add coolant as required.

왘

Replace and tighten cap 2.

For more information on coolant, see
“Coolants” (컄 page 453).

Battery
Your vehicle’s battery is located in the engine compartment.
The battery should always be sufficiently
charged in order to achieve its rated service life. Refer to the Maintenance Booklet
for battery maintenance intervals.
If you use your vehicle mostly for
short-distance trips, you will need to
have the battery charge checked more
frequently.
When replacing the battery, always use
batteries approved by Mercedes-Benz.
If you do not intend to operate your vehicle
for an extended period of time, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center about
steps you need to observe.

Operation
Engine compartment

G

Observe all safety instructions
and precautions when handling
automotive batteries.

A
flames or sparks away
from battery. Do not smoke.
D Keep
Risk of explosion

acid is caustic. Do not
allow it to come into contact
B Battery
with skin, eyes or clothing.
In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with clean
water and seek medical help if
necessary.

E
C Keep children away.
the instructions in this
Operator's Manual.
F Follow
Wear eye protection.

Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*
The windshield washer reservoir is located
on the passenger side of the engine compartment.

Batteries contain materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred
method of disposal. Many states require
sellers of batteries to accept old batteries
for recycling.
SLK 350 (example)

1 Washer fluid reservoir cap
Fluid for the windshield washer system and
the headlamp cleaning system* is supplied
from the windshield washer reservoir. It
has a capacity of approx. 7.4 US qt (7 l).

315

Operation
Engine compartment
During all seasons, add MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate “S” to water. Premix
the windshield washer fluid in a suitable
container.
Warning!

왘

Pull cap upward using latch until it
opens.

왘

Refill the reservoir with MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate and water (or
commercially available premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze, depending on ambient temperatures).

G

Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/antifreeze
on hot engine parts, because it may ignite
and burn. You could be seriously burned.

Always use washer solvent/antifreeze
where temperatures may fall below
freezing point. Failure to do so could result in damage to the washer system/reservoir.
왘

316

Push cap down until it engages.

!
Only use washer fluid which is suitable
for plastic lenses. Improper washer fluid can damage the plastic lenses of the
headlamps.
For more information, see “Windshield
washer system and headlamp cleaning
system*” (컄 page 456).

Operation
Tires and wheels
왔 Tires and wheels
See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for information on tested and recommended rims and tires for summer and winter
operation. They can also offer advice concerning tire service and purchase.
Warning!

G

Replace rims or tires with the same designation, manufacturer and type as shown on the
original part. See an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for further information. If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted:
앫

The wheel brakes or suspension components can be damaged.

앫

The operating clearance of the wheels
and the tires may no longer be correct.

Warning!

G

Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can result in the bolts loosening and may lead to
an accident.

Retreaded tires are not tested or recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous
damage cannot always be recognized on
retreads. Mercedes-Benz therefore cannot
assure the operating safety of the vehicle
when such tires are used.

Important guidelines
앫

Only use sets of tires and rims of the
same type and make.

앫

Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.

앫

Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate
speeds.

앫

Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can
cause tire inflation pressure loss or
damage the tire beads.

앫

If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
inflation pressure and correct as required.

앫

Do not allow your tires to wear down
too far. Adhesion properties on wet
roads are sharply reduced at tread
depths under 1/8 in (3 mm).

앫

When replacing individual tires, you
should mount new tires on the front
wheels first (on vehicles with
same-sized wheels all around).

317

Operation
Tires and wheels
Tire care and maintenance

Warning!

G

Regularly check the tires for damage. Damaged tires can cause tire inflation pressure
loss. As a result, you could lose control of
your vehicle.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.

Regularly check your tire inflation pressure
at least once a month. For more information on checking tire inflation pressure,
see “Recommended tire inflation pressure” (컄 page 327).

318

Tire inspection

Life of tire

Every time you check your tire inflation
pressure, you should also inspect your
tires for the following:

The service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including but not limited to:

앫

excessive treadwear (컄 page 319)

앫

cord or fabric showing through the
tire’s rubber

앫

bumps, bulges, cuts, cracks or splits in
the tread or side of the tire

Replace the tire if you find any of the above
conditions.
Make sure you also inspect the spare tire
periodically for condition and inflation.
Spare tires will age and become worn over
time even if never used, and thus should be
inspected and replaced when necessary.

앫

Driving style

앫

Tire inflation pressure

앫

Distance driven
Warning!

G

Tires and spare tire should be replaced after
six years, regardless of the remaining tread.

Operation
Tires and wheels
Tread depth
Do not allow your tires to wear down too
far. Adhesion properties on wet roads are
sharply reduced at tread depths under
1⁄ in (3 mm).
8
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. These indicators are located in six
places on the tread circumference and
become visible at a tread depth of approximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), at which point
the tire is considered worn and should be
replaced.

to wear down to that level. As tread depth
approaches 1/8 in (3 mm), the adhesion
properties on a wet road are sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely.

Summer tires 1/8 in (3 mm)

앫

Winter tires 1/6 in (4 mm)
Warning!

!
Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as
possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease and gasoline.
Cleaning tires

!
Never use a round nozzle to power
wash tires. The intense jet of water can
result in damage to the tire.

Recommended minimum tire tread depth:
앫

Storing tires

Always replace a damaged tire.

G

Although the applicable federal motor safety
laws consider a tire to be worn when the
treadwear indicators (TWI) become visible at
approximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), we recommend that you do not allow your tires

1 TWI (Tread Wear Indicator)
The treadwear indicator appears as a solid
band across the tread.

319

Operation
Tires and wheels
Direction of rotation

Loading the vehicle

Unidirectional tires offer added advantages, such as better hydroplaning performance. To benefit, however, you must
make sure the tires rotate in the direction
specified.

Two labels on your vehicle show how much
weight it may properly carry.

An arrow on the sidewall indicates the
intended direction of rotation (spinning) of
the tire.

i
Spare wheels may be mounted against
the direction of rotation (spinning) even
with a unidirectional tire for temporary
use only until the regular drive wheel
has been repaired or replaced. Always
observe and follow applicable temporary use restrictions and speed limitations indicated on the spare wheel.

320

앫

The Tire and Loading Information
placard (Example A) or the Vehicle Tire
Information placard (Example B) can be
found on the driver’s door B-pillar. This
placard tells you important information
about the number of people that can be
in the vehicle and the total weight that
can be carried in the vehicle. It also
contains information on the proper size
and recommended tire inflation
pressures for the original equipment
tires on your vehicle.

앫

The Certification label, also found on
the driver’s door B-pillar tells you about
the gross weight capacity of your vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the
weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
fuel and cargo. The Certification label
also tells you about the front and rear
axle weight capacity, called the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The GAWR
is the total allowable weight that can be
carried by a single axle (front or rear).
Never exceed the GVWR or GAWR for
either the front axle or rear axle.

Operation
Tires and wheels

i

Tire and Loading Information
Warning!

1 Driver’s door B-pillar
Following is a discussion on how to work
with the information contained on the two
placards with regards to loading your vehicle.

G

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

Data shown on placard examples are
for illustration purposes only. Load limit data are specific to each vehicle and
may vary from data shown in the illustrations below. Refer to placard on vehicle for actual data specific to your
vehicle.
Placard (Example A)

Your vehicle is equipped with either the
Tire and Loading Information placard
(Example A) or the Vehicle Tire Information
placard (Example B).

1 Load limit information on the Tire and
Loading Information placard
The placard showing the load limit information is located on the driver’s door B-pillar.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Tire and

321

Operation
Tires and wheels
Loading Information placard (Example A),
locate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kilograms or XXX lbs.”
on this placard. The combined weight of all
occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer
tongue load (if applicable) should never
exceed the weight referenced in that
statement.
Placard (Example B)

1 Load limit information on the Vehicle
Tire Information placard

322

The placard showing the load limit information is located on the driver’s door B-pillar.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Vehicle
Tire Information placard (Example B),
locate the heading “Vehicle Capacity
Weight” on this placard. The combined
weight of all occupants, cargo/luggage
and trailer tongue (if applicable) should
never exceed the weight listed next to
vehicle capacity weight.

Seating capacity
The seating capacity gives you important
information on the number of occupants
that can be in the vehicle. Your vehicle is
equipped with either placard Example A or
placard Example B located on the driver’s
door B-pillar (컄 page 321).

i
Data shown on placard examples are
for illustration purposes only. Seating
data are specific to each vehicle and
may vary from data shown in the illustrations below. Refer to placard on vehicle for actual data specific to your
vehicle.

Operation
Tires and wheels
Steps for determining correct load limit

Step 3

The following steps have been developed
as required of all manufacturers under Title
49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part
575 pursuant to the “National Traffic and
Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966”.

왘

Step 1 (Vehicles equipped with placard
Example A)
왘

Placard (Example A)

1 Seating capacity

Step 4
왘

Locate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on
your vehicle’s placard.

The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs and there will
be five 150 lbs passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs
(1400-750 (5 x150) = 650 lbs).

Step 1 (Vehicles equipped with placard
Example B)

Step 5

왘

왘

Locate the heading “Vehicle Capacity
Weight” on your vehicle’s placard.

Step 2
왘

Placard (Example B)

Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX lbs.

Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.

Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in step 4.
컄컄

1 Seating capacity

323

Operation
Tires and wheels
컄컄Step
왘

6 (if applicable)

If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces
the available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle (컄 page 326).

The following table shows examples on
how to calculate total and cargo load
capacities with varying seating configurations and number and size of occupants.
The following examples use a load limit
of 1500 lbs. This is for illustration
purposes only. Make sure you are using
the actual load limit for your vehicle stated
on the vehicle’s placard (컄 page 321).

324

Operation
Tires and wheels

Example Combined
weight limit
of occupants and
cargo from
placard

Number of Seating
occupants configura(driver and tion
passengers)

Occupants weight

Combined
Available cargo/luggage and trailer
weight of all tongue weight (total load limit or
occupants
vehicle capacity weight from placard minus combined weight of all
occupants)

1

1500 lbs

2

2

Occupant 1: 150 lbs
Occupant 2: 180 lbs

330 lbs

1500 lbs - 330 lbs = 1170 lbs

2

1500 lbs

1

1

Occupant 1: 200 lbs

200 lbs

1500 lbs - 200 lbs = 1300 lbs

3

1500 lbs

1

1

Occupant 1: 150 lbs

150 lbs

1500 lbs - 150 lbs = 1350 lbs

The higher the weight of all occupants, the
less cargo and luggage load capacity is
available.
For more information, see “Trailer tongue
load” (컄 page 326).

325

Operation
Tires and wheels
Certification label
Even after careful determination of the
combined weight of all occupants, cargo
and the trailer tongue load (if applicable)
(컄 page 326) as to not exceed the permissible load limit, you must make sure that
your vehicle never exceeds the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the
front or rear axle. You can obtain the
GVWR and GAWR from the Certification label. The Certification Label can be found
on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 321).

326

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The
total weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
all cargo, and the trailer tongue load
(컄 page 326) must never exceed the
GVWR.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): The total allowable weight that can be carried by
a single axle (front or rear).
To assure that your vehicle does not exceed the maximum permissible weight
limits (GVWR and GAWR for front and rear
axle), have the loaded vehicle (including
driver, passengers and all cargo and, if applicable, trailer fully loaded) weighed on a
suitable commercial scale.

Trailer tongue load
The tongue load of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects
the load you can carry in your vehicle. If a
trailer is towed, the tongue load must be
added to the weight of all occupants riding
and any cargo you are carrying in the
vehicle. The tongue load typically is ten
percent of the trailer weight and everything loaded in it.
Your Mercedes-Benz has been designed
primarily to carry passengers and their
cargo. Mercedes-Benz does not recommend trailer towing with your vehicle.

Operation
Tires and wheels
Recommended tire inflation pressure

Warning!

G

Follow recommended tire inflation
pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear excessively and/or unevenly,
adversely affect handling and fuel economy,
and are more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires
can adversely affect handling and ride
comfort, wear unevenly, increase stopping
distance, and result in sudden deflation
(blowout) because they are more likely to
become punctured or damaged by road
debris, potholes etc.

Your vehicle is equipped with either the
Tire and Loading Information placard
(Example A) or the Vehicle Tire Information
placard (Example B) located on the driver’s
door B-pillar (컄 page 321).

The tire inflation pressure should be
checked regularly and should only be adjusted on cold tires. The tires can be considered cold if the vehicle has been parked
for at least three hours or driven less than
one mile (1.6 km).

Placard (Example A)

Follow recommended cold tire inflation
pressures listed on placard.
Keeping the tires properly inflated
provides the best handling, tread life and
riding comfort.
In addition to the tire placard on the
driver’s door B-pillar, also consult the fuel
filler flap for any additional information
pertaining to special driving situations. For
more information, see “Important notes on
tire inflation pressure” (컄 page 328).

i

1 Tire and Loading Information placard
with recommended cold tire inflation
pressures
Placard (Example A) lists the recommended cold tire inflation pressures for maximum loaded vehicle weight. The tire
inflation pressures listed apply to the tires
installed as original equipment.

Data shown on placard examples are
for illustration purposes only. Tire data
are specific to each vehicle and may
vary from data shown in the illustrations below. Refer to placard on vehicle
for actual data specific to your vehicle.

327

Operation
Tires and wheels
Placard (Example B)

Important notes on tire inflation
pressure
Warning!

G

If the tire inflation pressure repeatedly
drops:

1 Vehicle Tire Information placard with
recommended cold tire inflation
pressures
Placard (Example B) lists the recommended cold tire inflation pressures for maximum loaded vehicle weight. The tire
inflation pressures listed apply to the tires
installed as original equipment.

i
Placard (Example B) may list
recommended cold tire inflation
pressures for different vehicle loads.

328

앫

Check the tires for punctures from
foreign objects.

앫

Check to see whether air is leaking from
the valves or from around the rim.

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

Be sure to readjust the tire inflation
pressure for normal driving speeds. You
should wait until the tires are cold before
adjusting the tire inflation pressure.
Some vehicles may have supplemental tire
pressure information for vehicle loads less
than the maximum loaded vehicle condition. If such information is provided, it can
be found on the placard located on the inside of the fuel filler flap.
Tire inflation pressure changes by approximately 1.5 psi (0.1 bar) per 18°F (10°C) of
air temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire inflation pressure
where the temperature is different from
the outside temperature.

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

Checking tire inflation pressure
manually
Follow the steps below to achieve correct
tire inflation pressure:
왘

Remove the cap from the valve on one
tire.

왘

Firmly press a tire gauge onto the
valve.

왘

Read tire inflation pressure on tire
gauge and check against the recommended tire inflation pressure on the
placard on the driver’s door B-pillar
(컄 page 327). If necessary, add air to
achieve the recommended tire inflation
pressure.

i
If you have overfilled the tire, release
tire inflation pressure by pushing the
metal stem of the valve with e.g. a tip of
a pen. Then recheck the tire inflation
pressure with the tire gauge.

왘

Install the valve cap.

왘

Repeat this procedure for each tire.

Run Flat Indicator*
While the vehicle is being driven, the Run
Flat Indicator monitors the set tire inflation
pressures by evaluating each wheel’s rotational speed. This allows the system to detect a significant loss of pressure in a tire.
If a wheel’s rotational speed changes due
to falling tire inflation pressure, you will
see a corresponding warning message in
the multifunction display.
The Run Flat Indicator may function in a restricted manner or with a delay if:
앫

snow chains are mounted to the
vehicle

앫

winter road conditions prevail

앫

you are driving on a loose surface (e.g.
sand or gravel)

앫

you are driving in a very sporty manner
(involving rapid acceleration or high
speeds in curves)

329

Operation
Tires and wheels

Warning!

G

When the multifunction display shows the
message Low pressure mode Check
tires max. Speed 50 mph, one or more
of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
You should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper tire inflation pressure as indicated on
the vehicle’s tire information placard. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Each tire, including the spare, should be
checked monthly when cold and set to the
recommended tire inflation pressure as
specified in the vehicle placard and owner’s
manual.

330

i
The recommended tire inflation pressures for your vehicle can be found on
the tire placard located on the driver’s
door B-pillar (컄 page 321). The tire inflation pressures are not listed in the
owner’s manual.

Warning!

G

The Run Flat Indicator does not indicate a
warning for wrongly selected tire inflation
pressures. Always adjust tire inflation pressure according to the placard on the driver’s
door B-pillar or fuel filler flap.
The Run Flat Indicator does not replace regular checks of the tire inflation pressures
since a gradual pressure loss in all four tires
cannot be detected by the Run Flat
Indicator.
The Run Flat Indicator is not able to issue a
warning due to a sudden dramatic loss of
tire inflation pressure (e.g. tire blowout
caused by a foreign object). In this case
bring the vehicle to a halt by carefully applying the brakes and avoiding abrupt steering
maneuvers.

Operation
Tires and wheels

Warning!

G

Follow recommend tire inflation pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear excessively and/or unevenly,
adversely affect handling and fuel economy,
and are more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires
can adversely affect handling and ride
comfort, wear unevenly, increase stopping
distance, and result in sudden deflation
(blowout) because they are more likely to
become punctured or damaged by road
debris, potholes etc.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit or vehicle capacity
weight as indicated on the placard on the
driver’s door B-pillar. Overloading the tires
can overheat them, possibly causing a
blowout.

Reactivating the Run Flat Indicator

왘

The tire inflation pressure monitor must be
reactivated in the following situations:
앫

If you have changed the tire inflation
pressure

앫

If you have replaced the wheels or tires

앫

If you have installed new wheels or
tires

왘

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

Warning!

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).
The standard display menu appears in
the multifunction display (컄 page 128).

왘

Press button k or j repeatedly
until the following message appears in
the multifunction display:
Run Flat Indicator
active
Reactivation poss.: +

왘

Press button æ.
The following message will appear in
the multifunction display:
Tire pres. now
OK?

G

The Run Flat Indicator can only warn you in
a reliable manner if you have set the correct
tire inflation pressures for each tire.
If an incorrect tire inflation pressure was
set, the system will monitor the pressure according to the incorrect value.

331

Operation
Tires and wheels
If you wish to confirm activation:
왘

Press button æ.
The following message will appear in
the multifunction display:
Run Flat Indicator
reactivated

After a certain “learning phase”, the Run
Flat Indicator checks the set pressure values for all four tires.
If you wish to cancel activation:
왘

Press button ç.

Potential problems associated with
underinflated and overinflated tires

Overinflated tire inflation pressure

Underinflated tire inflation pressure

앫

adversely affect handling
characteristics

앫

cause uneven tire wear

앫

be more prone to damage from road
hazards

앫

adversely affect ride comfort

앫

increase stopping distance

Underinflated tires can:
앫

cause excessive and uneven tire wear

앫

adversely affect fuel economy

앫

lead to tire failure from being
overheated

앫

adversely affect handling
characteristics

Warning!

or
왘

Overinflated tires can:

Wait until the message
Tire pres. now
OK?

disappears.

Warning!

G

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

332

G

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

Operation
Tires and wheels
MOExtended system*
Warning!
The MOExtended system allows you to
continue driving your vehicle even if there
is a total loss of pressure in one or more
tires.
You may only use the MOExtended system
in conjunction with the Run Flat Indicator*.

!
The maximum distance in emergency
mode depends on the vehicle’s load. It
is 30 miles (50 km) if the vehicle is partially loaded and 18 miles (30 km) if the
vehicle is fully loaded.
The point at which the maximum driving distance begins in emergency
mode is when the warning message
appears in the multifunction display
indicating that there is a loss of tire
inflation pressure.
Do not exceed the maximum speed of
50 mph (80 km/h).

G

In emergency mode, your vehicle’s driving
characteristics are diminished in such situations as:

Do not continue driving in emergency mode
if
앫

you notice knocking sounds

앫

the vehicle starts to shake

앫

smoke develops and you smell rubber

앫

driving around curves

앫

ESP® is intervening continuously

앫

while braking

앫

you notice tears on the tire sidewalls

앫

while accelerating rapidly

Therefore, your driving style must be adapted accordingly. Avoid abrupt steering and
driving maneuvers, as well as driving over
obstacles (road curbs, potholes, or off-road
areas). This is especially important if the vehicle is heavily loaded.
The emergency driving distance that can be
achieved greatly depends on the demands
placed on the vehicle. Depending on speed,
load, driving maneuvers, road conditions,
outside temperature, etc., the distance can
be significantly shorter or, if the vehicle is
driven cautiously, somewhat longer.

After driving in emergency mode, you must
have the rims inspected by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to check if they are
suitable for further use. The failed tire must
be replaced in any case.

i
When replacing individual or all tires on
the vehicle, make sure only tires
marked with “MOExtended” are mounted in the size specified for your vehicle
(컄 page 439).

333

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

1 Uniform Quality Grading Standards
(컄 page 341)
2 DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)
(컄 page 339)
3 Maximum tire load (컄 page 340)
4 Maximum tire inflation pressure
(컄 page 341)
5 Manufacturer
6 Tire ply material (컄 page 343)
7 Tire size designation, load and speed
rating (컄 page 334)
8 Load identification (컄 page 338)
9 Tire name

i
For illustration purposes only. Actual
data on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in
above illustration.
For more information, see “Rims and
tires” (컄 page 439).

334

Tire size designation, load and speed
rating

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

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

Operation
Tires and wheels
General:

Tire width

Rim diameter

Depending on the design standards used,
the tire size molded into the sidewall may
have no letter or a letter preceding the tire
size designation.

The tire width 1 (컄 page 334) indicates
the nominal tire width in mm.

The rim diameter 4 (컄 page 334) is the
diameter of the bead seat, not the
diameter of the rim edge. Rim diameter is
indicated in inches (in).

No letter preceding the size designation
(as illustrated above): Passenger car tire
based on European design standards.

The aspect ratio 2 (컄 page 334) is the
dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width and is
expressed in percentage. The aspect ratio
is arrived at by dividing section height by
section width.

Letter “P” preceding the size designation:
Passenger car tire based on U.S. design
standards.
Letter “LT” preceding the size designation:
Light Truck tire based on U.S. design
standards.
Letter “T” preceding the size designation:
Temporary spare tires which are high
pressure compact spares designed for
temporary emergency use only.

Aspect ratio

Tire code
The tire code 3 (컄 page 334) indicates
the tire construction type. The “R” stands
for radial tire type. Letter “D” means diagonal or bias ply construction; letter “B”
means belted-bias ply construction.

Tire load rating
The tire load rating 5 (컄 page 334) is a
numerical code associated with the
maximum load a tire can support.
For example, a load rating of 91 corresponds to a maximum load of 1356 lbs
(615 kg) the tire is designed to support.
See also “Maximum tire load”
(컄 page 340) where the maximum load associated with the load index is indicated in
kilograms and lbs.

At the tire manufacturer’s option, any tire
with a speed capability above 149 mph
(240 km/h) can include a “ZR” in the size
designation (for example: 245/40 ZR 18).
For additional information, see “Tire speed
rating” (컄 page 336).

335

Operation
Tires and wheels

Warning!

G

The tire load rating must always be at least
half of the GAWR (컄 page 344) of your vehicle. Otherwise, tire failure may be the result
which may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury to you or others.
Always replace rims and tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as
shown on the original part.

Warning!

G

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

336

For additional information on tire load
rating, see “Load identification”
(컄 page 338).

i
Tire load rating 5 (컄 page 334) and
Tire speed rating 6 (컄 page 334) are
also referred to as “service description”.

Tire speed rating
The tire speed rating 6 (컄 page 334)
indicates the approved maximum speed
for the tire.
Warning!

G

Even when permitted by law, never operate
a vehicle at speeds greater than the
maximum speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire
failure, causing loss of vehicle control and
possibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury and possible death, for you
and for others.

i
Tire load rating 5 (컄 page 334) and
Tire speed rating 6 (컄 page 334) are
also referred to as “service description”.

Operation
Tires and wheels
Summer tires
Index

Speed rating

Q

up to 100 mph (160 km/h)

R

up to 106 mph (170 km/h)

S

up to 112 mph (180 km/h)

T

up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

H

up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

V

up to 149 mph (240 km/h)

W

up to 168 mph (270 km/h)

Y

up to 186 mph (300 km/h)

(Y)

above 186 mph (300 km/h)

ZR

above 149 mph (240 km/h)

앫

At the tire manufacturer’s option, any
tire with a speed capability above
149 mph (240 km/h) can include a
“ZR” in the size designation (for example: 245/40 ZR18). To determine the
maximum speed capability of the tire,
the service description for the tire must
be referred to.

The service description is comprised of
the tire load rating 5 (컄 page 334)
and the tire speed rating 6
(컄 page 334).
If your tire includes “ZR” in the size
designation and no service
description 5 and 6 (컄 page 334) is
given, the tire manufacturer must be
consulted for the maximum speed capability.

앫

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

If a service description 5 and 6
(컄 page 334) is given, the speed capability is limited by the speed symbol in
the service description.
Example: 245/40 ZR18 97Y.
In this example, “97Y” is the service
description. The letter “Y” designates
the speed rating and the speed capability of the tire is limited to 186 mph
(300 km/h).

337

Operation
Tires and wheels
All-season and winter tires
Index

Speed rating

Q

M+S1

up to 100 mph (160 km/h)

T

M+S1

up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

1

up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

M+S1

up to 149 mph (240 km/h)

H M+S
V
1

Load identification

No specification given: absence of any text
(like in above example) indicates a
standard load (SL) tire.
XL or Extra Load: designates an extra load
(or reinforced) tire.

or M+S.for winter tires.

Light Load: designates a light load tire.

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

338

In addition to tire load rating, special load
information may be molded into the tire
sidewall following the letter designating
the tire speed rating 1 (컄 page 338).

1 Load identification

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

C, D, E: designates load range associated
with the maximum load a tire can carry at
a specified pressure.

Operation
Tires and wheels
DOT (Department of Transportation)

DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)

A tire branding symbol 1 (컄 page 339)
which denotes the tire meets requirements of the U.S. Department of
Transportation.

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

Manufacturer’s identification mark

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

The manufacturer’s identification mark 2
(컄 page 339) denotes the tire
manufacturer.
New tires have a mark with two symbols.
Retreaded tires have a mark with four symbols. For more information on retreaded
tires, see (컄 page 317).

i

Tire size

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

The code 3 (컄 page 339) indicates the
tire size.

339

Operation
Tires and wheels
Tire type code

Maximum tire load
Warning!

The code 4 (컄 page 339) may, at the
option of the manufacturer, be used as a
descriptive code for identifying significant
characteristics of the tire.

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

Date of manufacture
The date of manufacture 5 (컄 page 339)
identifies the week and year of manufacture.
The first two figures identify the week,
starting with “01” to represent the first full
week of the calendar year. The second two
figures represent the year.
For example, “3202” represents the 32nd
week of 2002.

1 Maximum tire load rating

i
For illustration purposes only. Actual
data on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in
above illustration.
The maximum tire load is the maximum
weight the tires are designed to support.

340

G

For more information on tire load rating
(컄 page 335).
For information on calculating total and
cargo load capacities (컄 page 323).

Operation
Tires and wheels
Maximum tire inflation pressure

Always follow the recommended tire
inflation pressure (컄 page 327) for proper
tire inflation.
Warning!

G

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

1 Maximum permissible tire inflation
pressure

i
For illustration purposes only. Actual
data on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in
above illustration.
This is the maximum permissible tire
inflation pressure for the tire.

Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards
(U.S. vehicles)
Tire manufacturers are required to grade
tires based on three performance
factors: treadwear, traction and
temperature resistance.

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

1 Treadwear
2 Traction
3 Temperature resistance

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

341

Operation
Tires and wheels
Quality grades can be found, where applicable, on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear Traction Temperature
200

AA

A

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

342

Treadwear

Traction

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

The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
Warning!

G

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

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

Warning!

G

Tire ply material

The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.

1 Plies in sidewall
2 Plies under tread

i
For illustration purposes only. Actual
data on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in
above illustration.
This marking tells you about the type of
cord and number of plies in the sidewall
and under the tread.

343

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

Bar

DOT (Department of Transportation)

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

A tire branding symbol which denotes the
tire meets requirements of the
U.S. Department of Transportation.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)

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

Air pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi), or kilopascal (kPa), or
bars.
Aspect ratio
Dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width
expressed in percentage.

344

Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle
has been sitting for at least three hours or
driven no more than one mile (1.6 km).
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so
equipped, air conditioning and additional
optional equipment, but without passengers and cargo.

The GAWR is the maximum permissible
axle weight. The gross vehicle weight on
each axle must never exceed the GAWR for
the front and rear axle indicated on the
certification label located on the driver’s
door B-pillar.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
The GVW comprises the weight of the
vehicle including fuel, tools, spare wheel,
installed accessories, passengers and
cargo and, if applicable, trailer tongue
load. The GWV must never exceed the
GWVR indicated on the certification label
located on the driver’s door B-pillar.

Operation
Tires and wheels
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

Maximum tire inflation pressure

PSI (Pounds per square inch)

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

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

A standard unit of measure for air pressure
-> bar, kilopascal (kPa).

Kilopascal (kPa)
The metric unit for air pressure. There are
6.9 kPa to 1 psi; another metric unit for air
pressure is bars. There are 100 kilopascals
(kPa) to 1 bar.
Maximum load rating
The maximum load in kilograms and
pounds that can be carried by the tire.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight and production
options weight.

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

Recommended tire inflation pressure
listed on placard located on driver’s door
B-pillar for normal driving conditions.
Provides best handling, tread life and
riding comfort.

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

Rim
A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube
assembly upon which the tire beads are
seated.
Sidewall
The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead.

345

Operation
Tires and wheels
TIN (Tire Identification Number)

Tire speed rating

Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards

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

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

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

Tire load rating

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

Numerical code associated with the
maximum load a tire can support.
Tire ply composition and material used
This indicates the number of plies or the
number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in
the tire tread and sidewall. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the ply materials
in the tire and sidewall, which include
steel, nylon, polyester, and others.

346

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

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

Vehicle capacity weight
Rated cargo and luggage load plus
68 kilograms (150 lbs) times the vehicle’s
designated seating capacity.
Vehicle maximum load on the tire
Load on an individual tire that is
determined by distributing to each axle its
share of the maximum loaded vehicle
weight and dividing it by two.

Operation
Tires and wheels
Rotating tires

Warning!

G

Rotate front and rear wheels only if the tires
are of the same dimension.
If your vehicle is equipped with mixed-size
tires (different tire dimensions front vs.
rear), tire rotation is not possible.

Tire rotation can be performed on vehicles
with tires of the same dimension all
around. If your vehicle is equipped with
tires of the same dimension all around,
tires can be rotated, observing a
front-to-rear rotation pattern that will
maintain the intended rotation (spinning)
direction of the tire (컄 page 320).
In some cases, such as when your vehicle
is equipped with mixed-size tires (different
tire dimension front vs. rear), tire rotation
is not possible.

If applicable to your vehicle’s tire configuration, tires can be rotated according to
the tire manufacturer’s recommended intervals in the tire manufacturer’s warranty
pamphlet located in your vehicle literature
portfolio. If none is available, tires should
be rotated every 3000 to 6000 miles
(5000 to 10000 km), or sooner if necessary, according to the degree of tire wear.
The same rotation (spinning) direction
must be maintained (컄 page 320).
Rotate tires before the characteristic tire
wear pattern becomes visible (shoulder
wear on front tires and tread center wear
on rear tires).

Warning!

G

Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. Wheels could become
loose if not tightened with a torque of
80 lb-ft (110 Nm).
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel
bolts specified for your vehicle’s rims.

For information on wheel change, see the
“Practical hints” section (컄 page 388) and
(컄 page 408).

Thoroughly clean the mounting face of
wheels and brake discs, i.e. the inner side
of the wheels/tires, during each rotation.
Check for and ensure proper tire inflation
pressure.

347

Operation
Winter driving
Before the onset of winter, have your
vehicle winterized at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. This service
includes:
앫

Checking anticorrosion and antifreeze
concentration.

앫

Adding of cleaning concentrate to the
water of the windshield and headlamp
cleaning* system. Add
MB Concentrate “S” to a pre-mixed
windshield washer solvent/antifreeze
which is formulated for temperatures
below freezing point (컄 page 456).

앫

Battery test. Battery capacity drops
with decreasing ambient temperature.
A well charged battery helps to make
sure the engine can be started, even at
low ambient temperatures.

앫

Tire change.

348

!
When scraping ice or snow from the
rear window, be careful not to damage
the sealing strip or apertures along the
side of the window.
Winter tires
Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45°F (7°C) and whenever wintry
road conditions prevail. Not all M+S rated
tires provide special winter performance.
Make sure the tires you use show M+S and
the mountain/snowflake.marking on
the tire sidewall. These tires meet specific
snow traction performance requirements
of the Rubber Manufacturers Association
(RMA) and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) and have been designed specifically for use in snow conditions. Using
winter tires is the only way to achieve the
maximum effectiveness of the ABS and
ESP® in winter operation.

For safe handling, make sure all mounted
winter tires are of the same make and have
the same tread design.
Warning!

G

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

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

Operation
Winter driving

Warning!

G

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

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

i
When driving with snow chains, you
may wish to deactivate the ESP®
(컄 page 85) before setting the vehicle
in motion. This will improve the vehicle’s traction.

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

앫

Only use snow chains that are approved by Mercedes-Benz. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be
glad to advise you on this subject.

앫

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

!

Please observe the following guidelines
when using snow chains:

Some tire sizes do not leave adequate
clearance for snow chains. To help
avoid serious damage to your vehicle or
tires, use of snow chains is not permitted with the collapsible tire and
MOExtended tires in general, and/or
the following tire sizes:

앫

Use of snow chains is not permissible
with all wheel/tire combinations.

앫

225/45 R17

앫

Snow chains should only be used on
the rear wheels. Follow the manufacturer’s mounting instructions.

앫

245/40 R17

앫

225/40 ZR18 92Y XL (Extra Load)

앫

245/35 ZR18 92Y XL (Extra Load)

349

Operation
Maintenance
In the “Operation” section you will find detailed information on operating, maintaining, and caring for your vehicle.
We strongly recommend that you have
your vehicle serviced by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, in accordance with
the Maintenance Booklet at the times
called for by the maintenance service indicator display.
Failure to have the vehicle maintained in
accordance with the Maintenance Booklet
and maintenance service indicator at the
designated times/mileage will result in vehicle damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The maintenance service indicator will notify you when your next maintenance service is due.
Starting approximately one month before
maintenance service is due, one of the following messages will appear in the multifunction display while you are driving or
when you switch on the ignition (example
service A):

350

Service A
Service A
Service A
Carry out

in XXXXX miles (km)
in XXX days
in X day
service A

The maintenance services will be indicated
by showing a service type A through
type H in the multifunction display.
Types A through H are classified based on
estimated time needed to perform the
maintenance service, ranging:
from

Service A

(approx. 1 hour)
to

Service H

(approx. 8 hours)

i
Vehicles equipped with FSS PLUS
(Flexible Service System PLUS) only
(Canada vehicles): The interval between maintenance services depends
on your driving habits. A gentle driving
style, moderate engine speeds and the
avoidance of short-distance trips will
lengthen the interval between maintenance services.

Operation
Maintenance
Clearing the maintenance service
indicator
The maintenance service indicator is automatically cleared after 30 seconds.
You can also clear it yourself.
왘

Press reset button J(컄 page 25) for
clearing the maintenance service indicator.
The maintenance service indicator is
cleared and the standard display menu
appears in the multifunction display
(컄 page 128).

Maintenance service term exceeded
If you have exceeded the suggested maintenance service term, you will see the following message in the multifunction
display:
Service A exceeded by XXXXX miles (km)
Service A exceeded by XXX days
Service A exceeded by X day

In addition, a signal sounds when the message appears.

Calling up the maintenance service
indicator
왘

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).
The standard display menu appears in
the multifunction display (컄 page 128).

왘

Press button j or k repeatedly
on the multifunction steering wheel until the maintenance service
indicator 9 appears in the multifunction display (컄 page 124).
컄컄

Any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
reset the maintenance service indicator
following a completed maintenance
service.

351

Operation
Maintenance
컄컄

i
If the battery is disconnected, the days
of disconnection will not be included in
the count shown by the maintenance
service indicator. To arrive at the true
maintenance service deadline, you will
need to subtract these days from the
days shown in the maintenance service
indicator.
Do not confuse the maintenance service indicator with the engine oil level
indicator N.

352

Resetting the maintenance service
indicator

i

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

Only reset if the proper maintenance
service has been performed. Resetting
the system without performing the
proper maintenance service as called
for by the maintenance service indicator will result in engine damage and/or
other vehicle damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

If the maintenance service indicator
was inadvertently reset, have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center correct it.

Operation
Vehicle care
왔 Vehicle care
Cleaning and care of vehicle

Warning!

G

Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the particular container. Always open your vehicle’s
doors or windows when cleaning the inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not designed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock away cleaning products and
keep them out of reach of children.

While in operation, even while parked, your
vehicle is subjected to varying external influences which, if gone unchecked, can attack the paintwork as well as the
undercarriage and cause lasting damage.

Such damage is caused not only by extreme and varying climatic conditions, but
also by:

More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions:
앫

near the ocean

앫

in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)

Tar

앫

during winter operation

Gravel and stone chipping

You should check your vehicle from time to
time for stone chipping or other damage.
Any damage should be repaired as soon as
possible to prevent corrosion.

앫

Air pollution

앫

Road salt

앫
앫

To avoid paint damage, you should immediately remove:
앫

Grease and oil

앫

Fuel

앫

Coolant

앫

Brake fluid

앫

Bird droppings

앫

Insects

앫

Tree resins, etc.

Frequent washing reduces and/or eliminates the aggressiveness and potency of
the above adverse influences.

In doing so, do not neglect the underbody
of the vehicle. A prerequisite for a thorough check is a washing of the underbody
followed by a thorough inspection. Damaged areas need to be re-undercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the factory with a wax-base rustproofing in the body
cavities which will last for the lifetime of
the vehicle. Post-production treatment is
neither necessary nor recommended by
Mercedes-Benz because of the possibility
of incompatibility between materials used
in the production process and others applied later.

353

Operation
Vehicle care
We have selected car-care products and
compiled recommendations which are
specially matched to our vehicles and
which always reflect the latest technology.
You can obtain Mercedes-Benz approved
car-care products at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or
damage due to negligent or incorrect care
cannot always be removed or repaired with
the car-care products recommended here.
In such cases it is best to seek aid at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The following topics deal with the cleaning
and care of your vehicle and give important
“how-to” information as well as references
to Mercedes-Benz approved car-care
products.

354

Power washer

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

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

Operation
Vehicle care
Paintwork, painted body components

!
Affixing stickers, adhesive tape or similar materials to painted body components may damage the paintwork.
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care
should be applied when water drops on the
paint surface do not “bead up”. This should
normally be done every 3 to 5 months, depending on the climate and washing detergent used.
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner
should be applied if the paint surface
shows signs of embedded dirt (i.e. loss of
gloss).
Do not apply any of these products or wax
if your vehicle is parked in the sun or if the
hood is still hot.
왘

Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up
Stick for quick and provisional repairs
of minor paint damage (i.e. chips from
stones, vehicle doors, etc.).

Engine cleaning

Vehicle washing

Prior to cleaning the engine compartment,
make sure to protect electrical components and connectors from the intrusion of
water and cleaning agents.

In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces
of road salt as soon as possible.

Corrosion protection, such as
MB Anticorrosion Wax should be applied to
the engine compartment after every engine cleaning. Before applying, all control
linkage bushings and joints should be lubricated. The poly-V-belt and all pulleys
should be protected from any wax.

Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle
in direct sunlight.

Hand-wash

왘

Use only a mild car wash detergent,
such as Mercedes-Benz approved Car
Shampoo.

왘

Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a diffused jet of water.
Direct only a very weak spray towards
the ventilation intake.

왘

Use plenty of water and rinse the
sponge and chamois frequently.

왘

Rinse with clean water and thoroughly
dry with a chamois.
Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on
the finish.

355

Operation
Vehicle care
Automatic car wash

i

Ornamental moldings

You can have your car washed in an automatic car wash from the start. Automatic
car washes without brushes are preferable.

After running the vehicle through an automatic car wash, wipe any wax off of
the windshield (컄 page 357). This will
prevent smears and reduce wiping
noise which can be caused by residual
wax on the windshield.

For regular cleaning and care of very dirty
chrome-plated parts, use a chrome cleaner.

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

!
Due to the width of the vehicle, fold in
exterior rear view mirrors prior to running the vehicle through an automatic
car wash to prevent damage to the
mirrors.
Make sure that the windshield wiper
switch is set to 0 (컄 page 56). Otherwise, the rain sensor could activate and
cause the wipers to move unintentionally. This may lead to vehicle damage.

356

When leaving the car wash, make sure
that the mirrors are folded out. Otherwise they may vibrate.

Operation
Vehicle care
Headlamps, tail lamps, side makers,
turn signal lenses
왘

Cleaning the windows and the wiper
blades

Use a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car
Shampoo, with plenty of water.

!
The windshield wipers must be in a vertical position before folding them away
from the windshield. They could otherwise damage the hood.

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

Warning!

G

For safety reasons, switch off wipers and remove SmartKey from starter switch before
cleaning the windshield. Otherwise, the wiper motor could suddenly turn on and cause
injury.

Never open the hood when the wiper
arms are folded forward.

왘

Fold the wiper arms forward until it
snaps into place.

왘

Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

왘

왘

Turn combination switch to wiper
setting II (컄 page 56).

Clean the wiper blade inserts with a
clean cloth and detergent solution.

왘

Use a clean cloth and window cleaning
solution on all outside and inside glass
surfaces.

왘

With wiper arms in vertical position,
switch off the ignition (컄 page 36).

An automotive glass cleaner is recommended.
컄컄

357

Operation
Vehicle care
컄컄

!

Rear window cleaning

Light alloy wheels

To clean the window interior, do not
use a dry cloth, abrasives, solvents or
cleaners containing solvents. Do not
touch the inside of the front, rear or
side windows with hard objects such as
an ice scraper or ring. Doing so may
damage the windows.

Clean the rear window with the hardtop
fully raised and closed.

If possible, clean wheels once a week.

!
Fold the windshield wiper arms back
onto the windshield before turning the
SmartKey in the starter switch.
Hold on to the wiper when folding the
wiper arm back. If released, the force
of the impact from the tensioning
spring could crack the windshield.

358

Warning!

G

Do not clean the rear window with the hardtop in a position other than the fully raised
and closed position. Otherwise, the hardtop
may move unexpectedly which may result in
personal injury to you or others.
왘

Use a clean cloth and window cleaning
solution on all outside and inside glass
surfaces.
An automotive glass cleaner is recommended.

왘

Use Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel
Care, a soft bristle brush and a strong
spray of water for cleaning the light alloy wheels.

!
Only use acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid may cause corrosion or damage
the clear coat.

Operation
Vehicle care
!

Plastic and rubber parts

Hard plastic trim items

The vehicle should not be parked for an
extended period of time immediately
after it has been cleaned, especially not
after the wheel rims have been cleaned
with wheel rim cleaner. Wheel rim
cleaners can lead to increased corrosion of the brake discs and brake pads.
Therefore, the vehicle’s brake system
should always be warmed-up before it
is parked after cleaning. To do so,
please drive your vehicle for several
minutes to allow the brakes to dry.

왘

왘

When applying Mercedes-Benz approved Tire Care and Mercedes-Benz
approved Wheel Care products, take
care not to spray them on the brake
discs.

Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution.

Use Pour Mercedes-Benz approved
Interior Care, a soft, lint-free cloth and
apply with light pressure onto.

!

!

Do not use oil or wax on these parts.

To prevent scratches, do not use scouring agents.

Instrument cluster and cup holders
왘

왘

Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution.

Steering wheel and gearshift/gear selector lever
왘

Wipe with a cloth moistened in a lukewarm solution.

Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly or clean with Mercedes-Benz
approved Leather Care.

!

Carpets

To prevent scratches, do not use scouring agents.

왘

Use Mercedes-Benz approved Carpet
and Fabric Care for cleaning the carpets.

359

Operation
Vehicle care
Headliner and shelf below rear window

Upholstery

Wood trims

왘

Using aftermarket seat covers or wearing
clothing that have the tendency to give off
coloring (e.g. when wet, etc.) may cause
the upholstery to become permanently discolored. By lining the seats with a proper
intermediate cover, contact-discoloration
will be prevented.

왘

Use a soft bristle brush or a dry-shampoo cleaner in case of excessive dirt.

Seat belts
왘

Use only clear, lukewarm water and
soap.

!
The webbing must not be treated with
chemical cleaning agents. Do not dry
the webbing at temperatures above
176°F (80°C) or in direct sunlight.

Warning!

G

Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.

360

Leather upholstery
왘

Wipe leather upholstery with a damp
cloth and dry thoroughly or clean with
Mercedes-Benz approved Leather
Care.

Exercise particular care when cleaning perforated leather as its underside should not
become wet.

Dampen cloth using water and use
damp cloth to clean wood trims in your
vehicle.

!
Do not use solvents like tar remover or
wheel cleaner nor polishes or waxes as
these may be abrasive.

Practical hints
What to do if …
Where will I find...?
Unlocking/locking in an emergency
Opening/closing in an emergency
Replacing SmartKey batteries
Replacing bulbs
Replacing wiper blades
Flat tire
Battery
Jump starting
Towing the vehicle
Fuses

361

Practical hints
What to do if …
Lamps in instrument cluster

Problem

-

General information:
If any of the following lamps in the instrument cluster fails to come on during the
Possible cause/consequence

The yellow ABS indicator lamp comes on The ABS has detected a malfunction
while driving.
and has switched off. The BAS and
ESP® are also switched off (see messages in display).
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the ABS available.

bulb self-check when switching on ignition
(컄 page 36), have the respective bulb
checked and replaced if necessary.
Suggested solution
왘

Continue driving with added caution.
Wheels may lock during hard braking,
reducing steering capability.

왘

Read and observe messages in the
multifunction display (컄 page 368).

왘

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

If the ABS control unit is malfunctioning, other systems such as the
Failure to follow these instructions inautomatic transmission* may also be creases the risk of an accident.
malfunctioning.
The charging voltage has fallen below
10 volts and the ABS has switched
off.

왘

Switch off electrical consumers that
are currently not needed, e.g. seat
heating*.

The battery might not be charged sufficiently.

왘

If necessary, have the generator and
battery checked.

When the voltage is above this value
again, the ABS is operational again.

362

Practical hints
What to do if …

Problem

Possible cause/consequence

Suggested solution

; (USA only)
The red brake warning
You are driving with the parking brake
lamp comes on while driv- set.
3 (Canada only)

왘

Release the parking brake
(컄 page 52).

The red brake warning
There is insufficient brake fluid in the
lamp comes on while driv- reservoir.
ing.

왘

Risk of accident! Carefully stop the
vehicle and notify an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Do not add
brake fluid! This will not solve the
problem.

ing and you hear a warning
sound.

Warning!

G

Driving with the brake warning lamp illuminated can result in an accident. Have your
brake system checked immediately if the
brake warning lamp stays on. Do not add
brake fluid before checking the brake
system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir
can result in spilling brake fluid on hot
engine parts and the brake fluid catching
fire. You can be seriously burned.

!
If you find that the brake fluid in the
brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
minimum mark or below, have the
brake system checked for brake pad
thickness and leaks.

363

Practical hints
What to do if …

Problem

Possible cause/consequence

? (USA only)
The yellow engine
There is a malfunction in:
malfunction indicator
± (Canada only)
앫 the fuel management system
lamp comes on while
driving.

앫

the ignition system

앫

the emission control system

앫

systems which affect emissions

Suggested solution
왘

An on-board diagnostic connector is used by
the service station to link the vehicle to the
shop diagnostics system. It allows the accurate identification of system malfunctions
through the readout of diagnostic trouble
codes. It is located in the front left area of the
footwell near the hood release.

Such malfunctions may result in excessive emissions values and may
switch the engine to its limp-home
(emergency operation) mode.
Your fuel tank is empty.

Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

왘

After refueling start, turn off and restart the
engine three or four times in succession.
The limp-home mode is canceled. You do not
need to have your vehicle checked.

Additionally you see
the message Check
gas cap
See Operator’s
Manual in the multi-

function display.

364

A loss of pressure has been detect- 왘 Check the fuel cap (컄 page 304).
ed in the fuel system. The fuel cap If it is not closed properly:
may not be closed properly or the
왘 Close the fuel cap.
fuel system may be leaking.
If it is closed properly:
왘

Have the fuel system checked by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Practical hints
What to do if …

Problem

Possible cause/consequence

v The yellow ESP warning lamp
®

comes on while driving.

®

The ESP is deactivated.

Suggested solution
왘

Switch the ESP® back on (컄 page 86).

If the ESP® cannot be switched back on, have the
Adapt your speed and driving to the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
prevailing road, weather and traffic Center as soon as possible.
conditions.
Risk of accident!

The yellow ESP® warning lamp flash- The ESP® or traction control has
es while driving.
come into operation because of detected traction loss in at least one
tire.

왘

When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.

왘

While driving, ease up on the accelerator.

왘

Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road and weather conditions.

왘

Do not deactivate the ESP®.
Exceptions: (컄 page 84).

Failure to follow these instructions increases the
risk of an accident.

4 The yellow fuel reserve warning lamp The fuel level has gone below the recomes on while driving.
Additionally you see the message
Reserve fuel in the multifunction
display.

serve mark.

왘

Refuel at the next gas station (컄 page 304).

After refueling you will see the message
1 message in the multifunction display.
왘

Press reset button J to confirm the message
(컄 page 24).

365

Practical hints
What to do if …

Problem

Possible cause/consequence

4 The yellow fuel reserve warning lamp The fuel cap is not closed properly.

Suggested solution
왘

Close the fuel cap.

The seat belt telltale reminds you
and your passenger to fasten your
seat belts before driving off.

왘

Fasten your seat belts (컄 page 71).

You and/or your passenger have
forgotten to fasten your seat belts.

왘

Fasten your seat belts (컄 page 71).

There are items placed on the passenger seat and therefore the system senses the passenger seat as
being occupied.

왘

Remove the items from the passenger seat
and put them in a safe place.

There is a malfunction in the restraint systems. The air bags or
emergency tensioning devices
(ETDs) could deploy unexpectedly or
fail to deploy in an accident.

왘

Drive with added caution to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

flashes after starting the engine.

< The red seat belt telltale comes on
after starting the engine with all
doors closed.
The red seat belt telltale flashes and
you additionally hear an intermittent
warning signal with increasing intensity for a maximum of 60 seconds
when the vehicle’s speed exceeds
15 mph (25 km/h).

1 The red SRS indicator lamp comes
on while driving.

Warning!

G

In the event that a malfunction of the SRS is
indicated as outlined above, the SRS may
not be operational. For your safety, we

366

strongly recommend that you visit an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately 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
unexpectedly and unnecessarily which
could also result in an accident and/or
injury to you or to others.

Practical hints
What to do if …
Lamp in center console
Problem

75

Possible cause/consequence
The passenger front air
bag off indicator lamp
comes on and remains
illuminated
(컄 page 77).

Suggested solution

TM

A BabySmart child seat is installed on
the passenger seat. Therefore the passenger front air bag is switched off.
The system is malfunctioning when there
is no BabySmartTM child seat installed on
the passenger seat.

The passenger front air The system is malfunctioning.
bag off indicator lamp
does not come on or
does not remain illuminated with a
BabySmartTM child seat
properly installed on
the passenger seat.

왘

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

왘

Make sure there is nothing between
seat cushion and child seat.

왘

Check installation of the child seat
(컄 page 75).

If the passenger front air bag off indicator
lamp remains out:
왘

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

Do not use the BabySmartTM restraint to
transport children on the front passenger
seat until the system has been repaired.

367

Practical hints
What to do if …
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display
Warning and malfunction messages appear in the multifunction display located in
the instrument cluster.
Certain warning and malfunction messages are accompanied by an audible signal.
Address these messages accordingly and
follow the additional instructions given in
this Operator’s Manual.
Selecting the vehicle status message
memory menu in the control system
(컄 page 132) displays both cleared and
uncleared messages.
High-priority messages appear in the
multifunction display in red color.

368

Certain messages of high priority cannot
be cleared from the multifunction display
using the reset button J (컄 page 24) or
button j, k, ·, or è on the
steering wheel.
Other high-priority messages and messages of less immediate priority (regular display colors) can be cleared from the
multifunction display using the reset
button J (컄 page 24) or button j,
k, ·, or è on the steering
wheel. They are then stored in the vehicle
status message memory (컄 page 132). Remember that clearing a message will only
make the message disappear. Clearing a
message will not correct the condition that
caused the message to appear.

Warning!

G

All categories of messages contain important information which should be taken note
of and, where a malfunction is indicated, addressed as soon as possible at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Failure to repair condition noted may cause
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty, or result in property damage or personal injury.

Practical hints
What to do if …

Warning!

G

No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction display is inoperative.
Contact your nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

i
Switching on ignition (컄 page 36)
causes all instrument cluster lamps
(except high beam headlamp indicator
lamp and turn signal indicator lamps
unless activated) as well as the multifunction display to come on. Make sure
the lamps and multifunction display are
in working order before starting your
journey.

On the pages that follow, you will find
a compilation of the most important warning and malfunction messages that may
appear in the multifunction display.
For your convenience the messages are
divided into two sections:
앫

Text messages (컄 page 370)

앫

Symbol messages (컄 page 374)

369

Practical hints
What to do if …
Text messages
Display message

ABS

malfunction
Visit workshop

Display malfunction
Visit workshop

Possible cause/consequence

Possible solution

The ABS has detected a malfunction
and has switched off. The ESP® and
the BAS are also deactivated.

왘

Continue driving with added caution.
Wheels may lock during hard braking,
reducing steering capability.

The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the ABS available.

왘

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

The ABS or the ABS display is malfunctioning.

Failure to follow these instructions increases
the risk of an accident.
왘

Continue driving with added caution.
Wheels may lock during hard braking,
reducing steering capability.

왘

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

Failure to follow these instructions increases
the risk of an accident.

Cruise
control

370

Cruise control
Drive to workshop

Cruise control is malfunctioning.

왘

Have cruise control checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Practical hints
What to do if …

Display message

ESP

malfunction
Visit workshop

Possible cause/consequence
®

The ESP was deactivated because of
a malfunction.
The ABS might not be operational.
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the ESP® available.

unavailable
See Operator’s Manual

Possible solution
왘

Continue driving with added caution.

왘

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.

Failure to follow these instructions increases
the risk of an accident.

The self-diagnosis has not been com- The display will clear after driving a short displeted.
tance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h).
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the ESP® available.
The charging voltage has fallen below
ten volts. The ESP® has switched off.
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the ESP® available.

왘

Continue driving with added caution.
When the voltage is above this value again,
the ESP® is operational again.

왘

If necessary, have the generator and battery checked.

371

Practical hints
What to do if …

Display message

ESP

Display malfunction
Visit workshop

Possible cause/consequence
®

®

The ESP or the ESP display is malfunctioning.

Possible solution
왘

Continue driving with added caution.

왘

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.

Failure to follow these instructions increases
the risk of an accident.

SRS

Restraint system
malfunction
Drive to workshop

The SRS system is malfunctioning.

왘

Drive with added caution to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Transmission

Visit workshop

Vehicles with automatic transmission*:
The provided operating safety of the
automatic transmission is reduced.

왘

Drive with added caution to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

372

Practical hints
What to do if …

Display messages

Possible cause/consequence

Possible solution

Run Flat Indicator
inactive

The Run Flat Indicator* is malfunctioning.

왘

Have the Run Flat Indicator* checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Tire pressure
Check tires

The pressure is too low in one or
more tires.

왘

Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding
abrupt steering and braking maneuvers. Observe
the traffic situation around you.

왘

Check and adjust the tire inflation pressure as
required (컄 page 329).

왘

If necessary, change the wheel (컄 page 408).

왘

Reactivate the Run Flat Indicator* after adjusting
the tire inflation pressure values (컄 page 304).

왘

Make sure that the correct tire inflation pressure
is set for each tire.

Then reactivate
Run Flat Indicator

There was a warning message about
a loss in tire inflation pressure and
the Run Flat Indicator* has not been
reactivated yet.

왘

Then reactivate the Run Flat Indicator*.

Run Flat Indicator
unavailable

The Run Flat Indicator* has been
switched off due to an error.

왘

Have the Run Flat Indicator* checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Check tires

Warning!

G

Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle.

You may lose control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up and possibly a fire.

373

Practical hints
What to do if …
Symbol messages
Display symbol

Display message

Possible cause/consequence

Possible solution

#

Battery/Alternator
Visit workshop

The battery is no longer charging.
Possible causes:

왘

앫

Alternator malfunctioning

앫

Broken poly-V-belt

Do not forget that the brake system
requires electrical energy and may
be operating with restricted capability. Considerably greater brake
pedal force is required and the stopping distance is increased.

374

Stop immediately and check the poly-V-belt.
If it is broken:
왘

Do not continue to drive. Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

If it is in order:
왘

Drive immediately to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Adjust driving to be consistent with reduced
braking responsiveness.

Practical hints
What to do if …

Display symbol

Display message

Possible cause/consequence

Possible solution

USA only:

Release
parking brake

You are driving with the parking
brake set.

왘

Release parking brake (컄 page 52).

Brake fluid
Visit workshop

There is insufficient brake fluid in
the reservoir.

왘

Risk of accident! Stop the vehicle and notify
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Do
not add brake fluid! This will not solve the
problem.

Brake wear
Visit workshop

The brake pads have reached their
wear limit.

왘

Have the brake pads replaced as soon as
possible.

;
Canada only:

!
USA only:

;
Canada only:

3
2

Warning!

G

Driving with the message Brake fluid
Visit workshop displayed can result in an
accident. Have your brake system checked
immediately. Do not add brake fluid before
checking the brake system.

!

!

If you find that the brake fluid in the
brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
minimum mark or below, have the
brake system checked for brake pad
thickness and leaks.

Brake pad thickness must be visually
checked by a qualified technician at the
intervals specified in the Maintenance
Booklet.

Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine
parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You
can be seriously burned.

375

Practical hints
What to do if …

Display symbol

Display message

Possible cause/conse- Possible solution
quence

Ï

Coolant
Stop, engine off

The poly-V-belt could be
broken.

왘

Stop the vehicle and immediately turn off the engine.

왘

Check the poly-V-belt (컄 page 437).

If it is broken:
왘

Do not continue to drive. Otherwise the engine will overheat
due to an inoperative water pump which may result in damage to the engine. Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.

If it is in order:

During severe operating conditions and
stop-and-go city traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to 248°F (120°C).

376

왘

Do not continue to drive the vehicle with this message displayed. Doing so could result in serious engine damage that
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Drive immediately to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

왘

Observe the coolant temperature display (컄 page 128).

!
The engine should not be operated with
the coolant temperature above 248°F
(120°C).

Doing so may cause serious engine
damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Practical hints
What to do if …

Display symbol

Display message

Possible cause/consequence

Possible solution

Ï

Coolant
Stop, engine off

The coolant is too hot.

왘

Stop the vehicle and turn off the engine.

왘

Only start the engine again after the message disappears. You could otherwise damage the engine.

Coolant
Check level

The coolant level is too low.

왘

Add coolant (컄 page 313).

왘

If you have to add coolant frequently, have
the cooling system checked by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

/

Warning!

G

Driving when your engine is badly 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 and can occur just by opening
the hood. Stay away from the engine if you
see or hear steam coming from it. Turn off
the engine, get out of the vehicle and do not
stand near the vehicle until the engine has
cooled down.

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

Warning!

G

Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts. You can be seriously burned.

!
Do not ignore the low engine coolant
level warning. Extended driving with
this message and symbol displayed
may cause serious engine damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Do not drive without sufficient amount
of coolant in the cooling system. The
engine will overheat, causing major engine damage.

377

Practical hints
What to do if …

Display symbol

Display message

Possible cause/consequence

Possible solution

±

Display malfunction
Visit workshop

Certain electronic systems are unable to relay information to the control system. The following systems
may have failed:

왘

G

J

378

Display malfunction
Visit workshop

Doors open

앫

Coolant temperature display

앫

Tachometer

앫

Cruise control display

The instrument cluster display is
malfunctioning.

Have the electronic systems checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

When the display is malfunctioning, warnings
and malfunction messages might not be displayed.
왘

Continue driving with added caution.

왘

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.

The displays for several systems
have malfunctioned. Some systems
themselves may also have malfunctioned.

왘

Continue driving with added caution.

왘

Have the electronic systems checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

You are attempting to drive with
one or more doors open.

왘

Close all doors.

Practical hints
What to do if …

Display symbol

Display message

Possible cause/consequence

Possible solution

N

Check oil level
when next refueling

SLK 280 and SLK 350 only:

왘

The engine oil level has dropped to
a critical level.

Check the engine oil level (컄 page 308) and
add engine oil as required (컄 page 312).

왘

If you must add engine oil frequently, have
the engine checked for possible leaks.

USA only:

SLK 55 AMG only:

왘

Add 1 qt. engine oil
when next refueling

The engine oil level is too low.

Add engine oil (컄 page 312) and check the
engine oil level (컄 page 308).

Canada only:
Add 1 liter engine oil
when next refueling

When the message Add 1 qt. (Canada:
1 liter) engine oil when next
refueling (SLK 55 AMG) or Check oil
level when next refueling (SLK 280,
SLK 350) appears while the engine is running and at operating temperature, the engine oil level has dropped to approximately
the minimum level.

When this occurs, the warning will first
come on intermittently and then stay on if
the oil level drops further.
Visually check for oil leaks. If no obvious oil
leaks are noted, drive to the nearest service station where the engine oil should be
topped to the required level with an approved oil specified in the Factory
Approved Service Products pamphlet.

!
The engine oil level warnings should
not be ignored. Extended driving with
the symbol displayed could result in
serious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

379

Practical hints
What to do if …

Display symbol

Display message

Possible cause/consequence

Possible solution

N

Engine oil level
Stop, engine off

SLK 55 AMG only:

왘

There is no oil in the engine. There
is a danger of engine damage.

Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt as soon
as possible.

왘

Turn off the engine.

왘

Add engine oil (컄 page 312) and check the
engine oil level (컄 page 308).

왘

Have the measuring system checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

왘

Have oil siphoned or drained off.
Observe all legal requirements with respect
to its disposal.

왘

Have the engine oil checked.

380

Engine oil level
Visit workshop

SLK 55 AMG only:

Engine oil level
Reduce oil level

SLK 55 AMG only:

Engine oil
Visit workshop

SLK 55 AMG only:

The measuring system is malfunctioning.
You have added too much engine
oil. There is a risk of damaging the
engine or the catalytic converter.
There may be water in the engine
oil.

Practical hints
What to do if …

Display symbol

Display message

Possible cause/consequence

Possible solution

A

Fuel reserve

The fuel level has dropped below
the reserve mark.

왘

Refuel at the next gas station (컄 page 304).

Check gas cap
See Operator’s Manual

The fuel cap may not be closed
properly.

왘

Check the fuel cap (컄 page 304).

If it is not closed properly:
왘

Close the fuel cap.

If it is closed properly:

K

O
F

Lock retractable roof

You are driving with the retractable
hardtop not properly locked.

왘

Have the fuel system checked by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

왘

Stop the vehicle in a safe location. Observe
the traffic situation around you.

왘

Push the retractable hardtop switch forward
or rearward until the retractable hardtop is
completely closed or open (컄 page 252).

Retractable roof
Visit workshop

The retractable hardtop is
malfunctioning.

왘

Have the retractable hardtop checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Close hood!

You are driving with the hood open.

왘

Close the hood (컄 page 307).

Replace key

The SmartKey is malfunctioning.

왘

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

381

Practical hints
What to do if …

Display symbol

Display message

Possible cause/consequence

Possible solution

.

3rd brake light

The high mounted brake lamp is
malfunctioning. This message will
only appear if a critical number of
LEDs have stopped working.

왘

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.

Tail lamp / brake lamp The left tail lamp/brake lamp is
left
malfunctioning. This message will
Back-up lamp on
only appear if a critical number of

왘

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.

왘

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.

LEDs have stopped working.
A backup bulb has been brought
into use.
Tail lamp / brake lamp The right tail lamp/brake lamp is
right
malfunctioning. This message will
Back-up lamp on
only appear if a critical number of

LEDs have stopped working.
A backup bulb has been brought
into use.

382

Brake lamp
Visit workshop

Brake lamp illumination is delayed
or lamp is permanently on.

왘

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.

Front foglamp, L

The left front fog lamp is malfunctioning.

왘

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.

Front foglamp, R

The right front foglamp is malfunctioning.

왘

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.

Practical hints
What to do if …

Display symbol

Display message

Possible cause/consequence

Possible solution

.

Rear foglamp
Back-up lamp on

The rear fog lamp on the driver’s
side is malfunctioning. A backup
bulb has been brought into use.

왘

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

High beam, left

The left high beam lamp (halogen
headlamps)/high beam flasher
lamp (Bi-Xenon* headlamps) is malfunctioning.

왘

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

High beam, right

The right high beam lamp (halogen
headlamps)/high beam flasher
lamp (Bi-Xenon* headlamps) is malfunctioning.

왘

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

Lamp sensor
Drive to workshop

The light sensor is malfunctioning.
The headlamps switch on automatically.

왘

In the control system, set lamp operation to
manual (컄 page 143).

왘

Switch on headlamps using the exterior
lamp switch (컄 page 110).

왘

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.

Left license plate
lamp malfunction

The left license plate lamp is malfunctioning.

왘

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

Right license plate
lamp malfunction

The right license plate lamp is malfunctioning.

왘

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

383

Practical hints
What to do if …

Display symbol

Display message

Possible cause/consequence

Possible solution

.

Left reverse
lamp malfunction

The left backup lamp is malfunctioning.

왘

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

Right reverse
lamp malfunction

The right backup lamp is malfunctioning.

왘

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

Low beam, left

The left low beam lamp is malfunc- Halogen headlamp:
tioning.
왘 Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Bi-Xenon* headlamp:
왘

Low beam, right

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.

The right low beam lamp is malfunc- Halogen headlamp:
tioning.
왘 Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Bi-Xenon* headlamp:

384

왘

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.

Park. light,
front left

The left front parking lamp is malfunctioning.

왘

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

Park. light,
front right

The right front parking lamp is malfunctioning.

왘

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

Remove key

You have forgotten to remove the
SmartKey.

왘

Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.

Practical hints
What to do if …

Display symbol

Display message

Possible cause/consequence

Possible solution

.

Side marker lamp,
front left

The left front side marker lamp is
malfunctioning.

왘

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

Side marker lamp,
front right

The right front side marker lamp is
malfunctioning.

왘

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

Rear left side marker
lamp malfunction

The left rear side marker lamp is
malfunctioning. This message will
only appear if a critical number of
LEDs have stopped working.

왘

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.

Rear right side marker The right rear side marker lamp is
lamp malfunction
malfunctioning. This message will

왘

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.

only appear if a critical number of
LEDs have stopped working.
Tail light, left
Back-up lamp on

The left tail lamp is malfunctioning.
This message will only appear if a
critical number of LEDs have
stopped working. A backup bulb
has been brought into use.

왘

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.

Tail light, right
Back-up lamp on

The right tail lamp is malfunctioning. This message will only appear if
a critical number of LEDs have
stopped working. A backup bulb
has been brought into use.

왘

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.

385

Practical hints
What to do if …

Display symbol

Display message

Possible cause/consequence

Possible solution

.

Turn off
lights

You have forgotten to switch off the
headlamps when exiting the vehicle
and no SmartKey is in the starter
switch.

왘

Switch off the headlamps.

Turn signal in
mirror, left

The left turn signal in the side mirror
is malfunctioning. This message will
only appear if a critical number of
LEDs have stopped working.

왘

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.

Turn signal in
mirror, right

The right turn signal in the side mirror is malfunctioning. This message
will only appear if a critical number
of LEDs have stopped working.

왘

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.

Turn signal,
front left

The left front turn signal is malfunctioning.

왘

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

Turn signal,
front right

The right front turn signal is malfunctioning.

왘

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

Rear left turn signal
Back-up lamp on

The left rear turn signal is malfunctioning. A backup bulb has been
brought into use.

왘

Replace the bulb as soon as possible.

Rear right turn signal The right rear turn signal is malfunc- 왘 Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Back-up lamp on
tioning. A backup bulb has been

brought into use.

386

Practical hints
What to do if …

Display symbol

Display message

Possible cause/consequence

Possible solution

<

Seat belt system
Visit workshop

The seat belt system is malfunctioning.

왘

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.

Function
Not available

This display appears if button s
or t on the multifunction steering wheel is pressed and the vehicle
is not equipped with a telephone*.

Ê

Close trunk lid!

This message will appear whenever
the trunk lid is open.

왘

Close the trunk lid.

W

Washer fluid
Top up

The fluid level in the windshield
washer fluid reservoir has dropped
below its minimum mark.

왘

Add washer fluid (컄 page 315).

t

387

Practical hints
Where will I find...?
First aid kit

Removing the vehicle tool kit

The first aid kit is stored in a parcel net
behind the driver’s seat.

Vehicles with spare wheel

Vehicle tool kit, vehicle jack
The vehicle tool kit is stored in a storage
compartment under the trunk floor.
The following is included:
앫

Collapsible chock

앫

Vehicle jack

앫

Protective wrap

앫

Alignment bolt

앫

Towing eye bolt

앫

Wheel wrench

앫

Spare fuses

앫

Fuse extractor

앫

Valve extractor

앫

Electric air pump

앫

TIREFIT kit*

388

1 Spare wheel
2 Vehicle tool kit (under collapsible tire,
together with wheel bolts for spare
wheel with collapsible tire)
3 Retaining screw
왘

Open the trunk (컄 page 98).

왘

Lift up trunk floor.

왘

Loosen retaining screw 3 by turning it
counter-clockwise.

왘

Remove spare wheel 1.

왘

Remove vehicle tool kit 2.

1 Collapsible wheel chock
2 Vehicle jack
3 Protective wrap
4 Alignment bolt
5 Towing eye bolt
6 Wheel wrench
7 Spare fuses, fuse extractor and valve
extractor
8 Electric air pump

Practical hints
Where will I find...?
Vehicles with TIREFIT*

Vehicle jack
Warning!

1 TIREFIT kit
2 Vehicle jack
3 Collapsible wheel chock
4 Towing eye bolt
5 Alignment bolt
6 Wheel wrench
7 Spare fuses, fuse extractor and valve
extractor
8 Electric air pump
왘

Open the trunk (컄 page 98).

왘

Lift up trunk floor.

The vehicle jack is located in the storage
compartment underneath the trunk floor.

G

The jack is designed exclusively for jacking
up the vehicle at the jack take-up brackets
built into both sides of the vehicle. To help
avoid personal injury, use the jack only to lift
the vehicle during a wheel change. Never
get beneath the vehicle while it is supported
by the jack. Keep hands and feet away from
the area under the lifted vehicle. Always
firmly set parking brake and block wheels
before raising vehicle with jack.
Do not disengage parking brake while the
vehicle is raised. Be certain that the jack is
always vertical (plumb line) when in use,
especially on hills. Always try to use the jack
on level surface. Make sure the jack arm is
fully seated in the jack take-up bracket. Always lower the vehicle onto sufficient
capacity jackstands before working under
the vehicle.

Storage position
왘

Remove vehicle jack from its
compartment.

왘

Turn crank handle in the direction of
arrow as far as it will go.

389

Practical hints
Where will I find...?
Setting up the collapsible wheel chock

왘

Tilt both plates upward 1.

The collapsible wheel chock serves to additionally secure the vehicle, e.g. while
changing the wheel.

왘

Fold the lower plate outward 2.

왘

Guide the tabs of the lower plate all the
way into the openings of the base
plate 3.

Operational position
왘

Turn crank handle clockwise.

Before storing the vehicle jack in its
compartment:
앫

It should be fully collapsed.

앫

The handle must be folded in (storage
position).
1 Tilt the plate upward
2 Fold the lower plate outward
3 Insert the plate

390

Practical hints
Where will I find...?
Spare wheel with collapsible tire
The spare wheel is stored in the storage
compartment underneath the trunk floor.

Storing the spare wheel with
collapsible tire

왘

Screw the valve insert back into the
valve.

If you wish to store the spare wheel after
use, carry out the following steps. Otherwise the spare wheel will not fit the storage
compartment.

왘

Screw the valve cap back on the valve.

왘

Pull the protective wrap provided with
the vehicle tool kit over the spare
wheel.

왘

Store the spare wheel and the valve extractor in the storage compartment underneath the trunk floor.

왘

Pierce the protective wrap with retaining screw 3.

왘

Secure the spare wheel by turning retaining screw 3 clockwise.

!
Make sure the collapsible tire is dry
when storing it.

1 Spare wheel, spare wheel bolts
(located under plastic cover on the
outside of spare wheel rim)
2 Vehicle tool kit (under collapsible tire)
3 Retaining screw
왘

Loosen retaining screw 3 by turning it
counterclockwise.

왘

Remove spare wheel 1.

왘

Take off the wheel bolts for spare
wheel 1.

왘

Unscrew the valve cap from the valve
of the collapsible tire.

왘

Take the valve extractor from the vehicle tool kit (컄 page 388).

왘

Unscrew the valve insert from the valve
and allow the air to escape.

i
It may take a few minutes for the collapsible tire to deflate completely.

391

Practical hints
Where will I find...?

Warning!

G

The dimensions of the spare wheel with collapsible tire are different from those of the
road wheels. As a result, the vehicle handling characteristics change when driving
with a spare wheel with collapsible tire
mounted.
The spare wheel with collapsible tire should
only be used temporarily, and should be replaced with a regular road wheel as quickly
as possible.

392

In case of a flat tire, you may temporarily
use the spare wheel with collapsible tire
when observing the following restrictions:
앫

Do not exceed a vehicle speed of
50 mph (80 km/h).

앫

Drive to the nearest tire repair facility
to have the flat tire repaired or
replaced as appropriate.

앫

Do not operate vehicle with more than
one spare wheel with collapsible tire
mounted.

For more information, see “Rims and tires”
(컄 page 439).

Spare wheel bolts

1 Wheel bolt for light alloy rims
2 Wheel bolt for spare wheel with
collapsible tire (located under plastic
cover on the outside of spare wheel
rim)

Practical hints
Where will I find...?
!
Wheel bolts 2 must be used when
mounting the spare wheel with
collapsible tire. The use of any wheel
bolts other than wheel bolts 2 for the
spare wheel with collapsible tire will
physically damage the vehicle’s
brakes.

Warning!

G

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

393

Practical hints
Unlocking/locking in an emergency
Removing the mechanical key

Unlocking the driver’s door

To cancel the alarm, do one of the
following:

1 Mechanical key locking tab
2 Mechanical key

1 Unlocking

앫

Press button Œ or ‹on the
SmartKey.

왘

Move locking tab 1 direction of arrow.

왘

앫

Insert the SmartKey in the starter
switch.

Slide mechanical key 2 out of the
housing.

Unlocking the vehicle
If you cannot unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey, open the driver’s door and the
trunk using the mechanical key.

i
Unlocking and opening the driver’s
door and/or the trunk with the mechanical key will trigger the anti-theft
alarm system.

394

왘

Insert the mechanical key into the
driver’s door lock until it stops.

왘

Turn the mechanical key counterclockwise to position 1.
The driver’s door is unlocked.

Practical hints
Unlocking/locking in an emergency
Unlocking and opening the trunk

왘

A minimum height clearance of
5.78 ft (1.76 m) is required to open the
trunk lid.

Fully insert the mechanical key into the
trunk lid lock.

왘

Turn the mechanical key counterclockwise to position 1 until it stops,

The trunk lid lock is located next to the
handle above the rear license plate recess.

If you cannot lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey, do the following:
왘

Close the passenger door and the trunk
lid.

왘

Always make sure there is sufficient
overhead clearance.

Press the central locking switch in the
upper part of the center console
(컄 page 102).

왘

Turn the mechanical key back and remove it from the trunk lid lock.

Check to see whether the locking knob
on the passenger door has moved
down.

왘

If necessary, push it down manually.

and simultaneously
왘

Locking the vehicle

pull the trunk lid handle and lift lid.

!

왘

The passenger door is locked.
Trunk lid lock

왘

Exit the vehicle and close the driver’s
door.

1 Unlocking in an emergency

395

컄컄

Practical hints
Unlocking/locking in an emergency
컄컄

Manually unlocking the gear selector
lever (automatic transmission*)
In case of power failure, the gear selector
lever can be manually unlocked, e.g. to tow
the vehicle.

1 Locking
왘

Insert the mechanical key into the
driver’s door lock until it stops.

왘

Turn the mechanical key clockwise to
position 1.
The driver’s door is locked.

396

왘

Insert flat, blunt object (e.g. screwdriver) into the left edge of cover 1 at the
position indicated by the arrows.

왘

Loosen cover 1 using this object.

왘

Using your hands, pull cover 1 out
and remove.

왘

Push down and hold release 2 in direction of arrow.

왘

Simultaneously move gear selector lever out of position P.
The gear selector lever is unlocked
now.

i
1 Gear selector lever cover
2 Release

The gear selector lever is locked again
as soon as you place it in position P
again.

Practical hints
Opening/closing in an emergency
왔 Opening/closing in an emergency
Raising retractable hardtop manually
Warning!
Warning!

G

If the retractable hardtop does not completely open or close, the roof hydraulics will
lose pressure and the retractable hardtop is
lowered
앫

after approximately 7 minutes when the
ignition is switched on

앫

after approximately 15 seconds when
the ignition is switched off

G

Manually closing the retractable hardtop is a
complicated and technically demanding procedure and should only be performed by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or qualified technician. Attempting to manually
close the retractable hardtop may cause
damage to the retractable hardtop and/or
personal injury.

Warning!

G

To prevent possible accidents, drive the vehicle only with the retractable hardtop either
completely closed and locked, or fully lowered into its storage compartment.

Shortly before the hardtop is lowered, a
warning will sound. In the multifunction display you will see K and the message
Retractable roof being opened.
앫

Properly lock retractable hardtop before
continuing to drive (컄 page 252).

397

Practical hints
Replacing SmartKey batteries
If the batteries in the SmartKey are discharged, the vehicle can no longer be
locked or unlocked. It is recommended to
have the batteries replaced at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!

G

Keep the batteries out of reach of children.
If a battery is swallowed, seek medical help
immediately.

398

Batteries contain materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred
method of disposal. Many states require
sellers of batteries to accept old batteries
for recycling.

i
When inserting the batteries, make
sure they are clean and free of lint.
When replacing batteries, always replace both batteries.
The required replacement batteries are
available at any Mercedes-Benz
Center.

Practical hints
Replacing SmartKey batteries
SmartKey

왘

Insert mechanical key 1 in direction
of arrow in side opening.

Replacement batteries: Lithium, type
CR 2025 or equivalent.

왘

Using mechanical key 1, push gray
slide 2 to unlatch battery
compartment 3.

왘

Remove mechanical key 1
(컄 page 394).

왘

Using a lint-free cloth, insert new
batteries 4 under contact spring 5
with the positive terminal (+) facing up.

왘

Return battery compartment 2 into
the housing until it locks into place.

왘

Pull battery compartment 3 out of the
housing in direction of arrow.

왘

Slide mechanical key 1 back into the
SmartKey.

왘

Remove the discharged batteries in direction of arrow.

왘

Check the operation of the SmartKey.

1 Mechanical key
2 Slide
3 Battery compartment
4 Battery
5 Contact spring

399

Practical hints
Replacing bulbs
Safe vehicle operation depends on proper
exterior lighting and signaling. It is therefore essential that all bulbs and lamp assemblies are in good working order at all
times.
Correct headlamp adjustment is extremely
important. Have headlamps checked and
readjusted at regular intervals and when a
bulb has been replaced. See an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for headlamp adjustment.

400

i

i

If the headlamps are fogged up on the
inside as a result of high humidity,
driving the vehicle a short distance with
the lights on should clear up the
fogging.

Backup bulbs will be brought into use
when lamps malfunction. Observe the
messages in the multifunction display
(컄 page 382).

Practical hints
Replacing bulbs
Bulbs

Front lamps
Lamp

Rear lamps
Type

Type

1 Additional turn signal
lamp

LED

8 Rear fog lamp (driver’s P 21 W
side only)

2 Turn signal lamp

PY 21 W

3 Halogen headlamp:
Low beam

9 High mounted brake
lamp

H7 (55 W)
D2S-35W

a Tail, parking, standing, LED
side marker lamp and
brake lamp

4 Front fog lamp

HB4 (51 W)

b License plate lamps

C5W

5 Parking and standing
lamp

W5W

c Backup lamp

P 21 W

d Turn signal lamp

PY 21 W

Bi-Xenon* headlamp:
Low and high beam1

6 Halogen headlamp:
High beam/high beam
flasher
H7 (55 W)
Bi-Xenon* headlamp:
High beam flasher
7 Side marker lamp
1

Lamp

H7 (55 W)

LED

i
Vehicles equipped with
corner-illuminating front fog lamps*:
Front fog lamps use H7 (55 W) lamps.

W5W

Vehicles with Bi-Xenon* headlamps: Low beam
and high beam use the same D2S-35W lamp. Do
not replace the Bi-Xenon* bulbs yourself. See an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

401

Practical hints
Replacing bulbs

Warning!

G

Notes on bulb replacement
앫

Bulbs and bulb sockets can be very hot. Allow the lamp to cool down before changing
a bulb.

Only use 12-volt bulbs of the same type
and with the specified watt rating.

앫

Switch lights off before changing a bulb
to prevent short circuits.

Keep bulbs out of reach of children.

앫

Always use a clean lint-free cloth when
handling bulbs.

Halogen lamps contain pressurized gas.
A bulb can explode if you:
앫

touch or move it when hot

앫

drop the bulb

앫

scratch the bulb

Wear eye and hand protection.
Because of high voltage in Xenon lamps, it is
dangerous to replace the bulb or repair the
lamp and its components. We recommend
that you have such work done by a qualified
technician.

402

앫

Your hands should be dry and free of oil
and grease.

앫

If the newly installed bulb does not
come on, visit an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

Have the LEDs and bulbs for the following
lamps replaced by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center:
앫

Additional turn signal lamps in the
exterior rear view mirrors

앫

Bi-Xenon* lamps

앫

Front fog lamps

앫

High mounted brake lamp

앫

Brake lamps

앫

Front and rear side marker lamps

앫

Parking/standing lamps in the tail
lamp assemblies

i
Have the headlamp adjustment
checked regularly.

Practical hints
Replacing bulbs
Replacing bulbs for front lamps
Warning!
Before you start to replace a bulb for a
front lamp, do the following first:
왘

Turn the exterior lamp switch to
position M (컄 page 110).

왘

Open the hood (컄 page 307).

G

Do not remove the cover 1 for the
Bi-Xenon* headlamp. Because of high voltage in Bi-Xenon lamps, it is dangerous to replace the bulb or repair the lamp and its
components. We recommend that you have
such work done by a qualified technician.

1 Housing cover for low beam (halogen
headlamps only)
Housing cover for Bi-Xenon* headlamps. Do not remove.
2 Bulb socket for turn signal lamp
3 Bulb socket for high beam/high beam
flasher lamp
4 Bulb socket for parking and standing
light lamp
5 Bulb socket for low beam bulb
(Halogen headlamps only)

403

Practical hints
Replacing bulbs
Low beam bulb (Halogen headlamps
only)
왘

High beam/high beam flasher bulb
(Halogen headlamps) / High beam
flasher bulb (Bi-Xenon* headlamps)

왘

Turn bulb socket 2 with the bulb
counterclockwise and remove.

왘

Press gently onto the bulb and turn it
counterclockwise out of bulb
socket 2.

Press the new bulb into bulb socket 3.

왘

Place bulb socket 3 back into the
lamp and turn it clockwise.

Press the new bulb gently into bulb
socket 2 and turn it clockwise.

왘

Place bulb socket 2 back into the
lamp and turn it clockwise.

Turn housing cover 1 counterclockwise and remove.

왘

Turn bulb socket 5 with the bulb
counterclockwise and remove.

Turn bulb socket 3 with the bulb
counterclockwise and remove.

왘

Pull the bulb out of bulb socket 3.

왘

Pull the bulb out of bulb socket 5.

왘

왘

Press the new bulb into bulb socket 5.

왘

왘

Place bulb socket 5 back into the
lamp and turn it clockwise.

왘

Reinstall housing cover 1.

왘

404

Front turn signal bulb

Parking and standing lamp bulb
왘

Turn bulb socket 4 with the bulb
counterclockwise and remove.

왘

Pull the bulb out of bulb socket 4.

왘

Press the new bulb into bulb socket 4.

왘

Place bulb socket 4 back into the
lamp and turn it clockwise.

Practical hints
Replacing bulbs
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps
Before you start to replace a bulb for a rear
lamp, do the following first:
왘

Turn the exterior lamp switch to
position M (컄 page 110).

왘

Open the trunk lid (컄 page 98).

왘

Fold corresponding trim to side.

왘

Turn the respective bulb socket counterclockwise and remove.

왘

Press gently onto the bulb and turn
counterclockwise out of its bulb socket.

왘

Press the new bulb gently into its bulb
socket and turn clockwise.

왘

Reinstall the bulb socket and turn
clockwise until it engages.

왘

Reinstall trim.

Tail lamp unit

License plate lamp

1 Screw
왘

Loosen both screws 1.

왘

Remove the license plate lamp.

왘

Replace the bulb.

왘

Reinstall the license plate lamp.

왘

Retighten screws 1.

1 Bulb socket for rear fog lamp
(driver’s side only)
2 Bulb socket for turn signal lamp
3 Bulb socket for backup lamp

405

Practical hints
Replacing wiper blades
Removing wiper blades

Warning!

G

For safety reasons, switch off wipers and
remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch before replacing a wiper blade. Otherwise, the motor could suddenly turn on
and cause injury.

!
To avoid damage to the hood, the wiper
arms should only be folded forward
when in the vertical position.

왘

Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 1.

왘

Turn combination switch to wiper
setting II (컄 page 56).

왘

With wiper arms in vertical position,
turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 0.

왘

Fold the wiper arms forward until they
engage.

1 Wiper blade
2 Tabs
3 Attachment
4 Cover
왘

Press tabs 2 together and tilt wiper
blade 1 in direction of arrow.
Tabs 2 on both recesses of
attachment 3 are detached.

왘

406

Maintaining its tilted position, remove
wiper blade 1 out of attachment 3.

Practical hints
Replacing wiper blades
Installing wiper blades

1 Cover
2 Guide tab
3 Attachment
4 Tabs

왘

Maintaining a tilted position of the
wiper blade, place cover 1 onto
attachment 3 so that guide tab 2 is
under cover 1.

왘

Tilt the wiper blade in direction of the
arrow towards the wiper arm.

왘

Simultaneously press tabs 4 together
and let the wiper blade engage into
both recesses of attachment 3.

왘

Check if the wiper blade is securely
fastened.

왘

Fold the wiper arm backward to rest on
the windshield.
Make sure you hold on to the wiper arm
when folding it back.

!
Never open the hood when the wiper
arms are folded forward.
Hold on to the wiper when folding the
wiper arm back. If released, the force
of the impact from the tensioning
spring could crack the windshield.
Do not allow the wiper arms to contact
the windshield glass without a wiper
blade inserted.
Make sure the wiper blades are properly installed. Improperly installed wiper
blades may cause windshield damage.
For your convenience, you should have
this work carried out by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

407

Practical hints
Flat tire
The SLK 55 AMG with Performance
Package* is equipped with a TIREFIT kit.

왘

Turn off the engine (컄 page 61).

왘

Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.

i

i

SLK 55 AMG with Performance
Package* only.

Preparing the vehicle
왘

Park the vehicle as far as possible from
moving traffic on a hard surface.

왘

Turn on the hazard warning flashers.

왘

Turn the steering wheel so that the
front wheels are in a straight ahead position.

왘

Set the parking brake (컄 page 52).

왘

Move the gear selector lever* to P
(manual transmission to first or reverse
gear).

408

Sealing tires with TIREFIT

Open door only when conditions are
safe to do so.
Warning!
왘

Have any passenger exit the vehicle at
a safe distance from the roadway.

G

Keep TIREFIT away from sparks, open flame
or heat source.
Do not smoke.

Small tire punctures, particularly those in
the tread, can be sealed with TIREFIT.
TIREFIT can be used in ambient temperatures down to -4°F (-20°C).

Practical hints
Flat tire

Warning!

G

TIREFIT is a limited repair device. TIREFIT
cannot be used for cuts or punctures larger
than approx. 0.16 in (4 mm) and tire damage caused by driving with extremely low
tire inflation pressure, or on a flat tire, or a
damaged wheel.
Do not drive the vehicle under such circumstances.
Contact your nearest Mercedes-Benz
Center for assistance or call Roadside
Assistance.
왘

Foreign objects (e.g. screws or nails)
should not be removed from the tire.

왘

Take TIREFIT, the sticker, and the electric air pump out of the trunk.

왘

Attach the sticker where it will be easily
seen by the driver on the instrument
cluster.

Warning!

i

G

If sealant has leaked out, let it dry. You
can then peel it off.

Take care not to allow the contents of
TIREFIT to come in contact with hair, eyes or
clothing. TIREFIT is harmful if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin - causes
skin, eye and respiratory irritation.
Any contact with eyes or skin should be
flushed immediately with plenty of water.
If clothing comes in contact with TIREFIT,
change clothing as soon as possible.
In case of allergic reaction or rash, consult a
physician immediately.

Warning!

G

1 TIREFIT container
2 Flap
3 Notch
4 Electrical plug
5 Air hose
6 Flange

Keep TIREFIT out of reach of children.
If swallowed, rinse mouth immediately with
plenty of water and drink plenty of water.

왘

Open flap 2 on the electric air pump.

Do not induce vomiting!

왘

Pull plug 4 and air hose 5 out of the
pump housing.
컄컄

Consult a physician immediately.
Keep away from open flame or heat source.

409

Practical hints
Flat tire
컄컄왘
왘

Screw the air pump’s air hose 5 onto
flange 6 of the TIREFIT container.

왘

Unscrew the valve cap from tire
valve 7.

Stick TIREFIT container 1 upside
down into notch 3 of the electric air
pump.

왘

Screw filler hose a onto tire valve 7.

왘

Close vent screw 9 on air hose 4.

왘

Insert electrical plug 4 into the power
outlet in the passenger footwell
(컄 page 271).

!
The cigarette lighter (컄 page 270) is
not designed for use with the electric
air pump. Use the power outlet in the
passenger footwell (컄 page 271) for
electric air pump operation.
7 Tire valve
8 Electric air pump switch
9 Pressure gauge and vent screw
a Filler hose
Warning!

G

Observe safety instructions on air pump label.

410

왘

Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 1 (컄 page 36).

왘

Press I on electric air pump switch 8.
The electric air pump should now
switch on and inflate the tire.

!
Do not operate the electric air pump
longer than 6 minutes without interruption. Otherwise it may overheat.
You may operate the air pump again after it has cooled off.
After 5 minutes, the pressure gauge must
display at least 26 psi (1.8 bar). The air
hose can become hot during inflation.
Please exercise appropriate caution.
왘

If this tire inflation pressure is not attained, turn off the electric air pump,
detach the filler hose from the tire
valve, and drive vehicle back and forth
very slowly approximately 30 ft (10 m).
This serves to better distribute the
TIREFIT sealant material inside the tire.

왘

Unscrew the air pump’s air hose 5
from flange 6 of the TIREFIT container.

왘

Screw air hose 5 onto tire valve 7.

왘

Inflate the tire again.

Practical hints
Flat tire

Warning!

G

If a tire inflation pressure of 26 psi (1.8 bar)
is not attained, tire is too severely damaged
for TIREFIT to provide a reliable tire repair.

왘

Store the electrical plug and the air
hose behind the flap and place the
electrical air pump back in the trunk.

왘

Close the trunk lid.

왘

Drive off immediately.

In this case, TIREFIT cannot properly seal
the tire.

The TIREFIT sealant will distribute itself
evenly inside the tire.

왘

After attaining a tire inflation pressure
of 26 psi (1.8 bar), press 0 on electric
air pump switch 8.
The electric air pump should now be
switched off.

왘

Turn the SmartKey in the ignition to
position 0 (컄 page 36).

왘

Detach the electric air pump.
The air hose may still be hot. Please exercise appropriate caution.

Warning!

G

Do not exceed vehicle speed of
50 mph (80 km/h). A TIREFIT repair is not
designed to operate at higher speeds.
The sticker must be attached on the instrument cluster where it will be easily seen by
the driver.
Vehicle handling characteristics may
change. Adapt your driving accordingly.
왘

G

If tire inflation pressure has fallen below
20 psi (1.3 bar) do not continue to drive the
vehicle.

Do not drive the vehicle.
Contact the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center
or call Roadside Assistance.

Warning!

Park your vehicle safely away from the roadway and contact the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or Roadside
Assistance.
If tire inflation pressure is at least
20 psi (1.3 bar), inflate tire to correct pressure (see placard on the driver’s door
B-pillar), and drive vehicle to nearest tire repair facility to have tire repaired or replaced.
Recommended duration of use:
300 miles (500 km) at 50 mph (80 km/h)
with the recommended tire inflation pressure.

After driving the vehicle for an initial
10 minutes, check the tire inflation
pressure using pressure gauge 9 on
the air pump.

411

컄컄

Practical hints
Flat tire
컄컄

Warning!

G

Follow recommend inflation pressures.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflating tires
can result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes,
etc.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear unevenly, adversely affect handling
and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail
from being overheated.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified vehicle capacity weight (as indicated by the label on the pillar in the driver’s
door opening). Overloading the tires can
overheat them, possibly causing a blowout.

왘

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible to obtain a
new TIREFIT kit.

왘

Bring used TIREFIT materials to an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
proper disposal.

Warning!

Do not exceed vehicle speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h). A TIREFIT repair is not designed
to operate at higher speeds.
The sticker must be attached on the instrument cluster where it will be easily seen by
the driver.
Vehicle handling characteristics may
change. Adapt your driving accordingly.
왘

412

G

Replace your TIREFIT container every
4 years. Replacement containers are
available at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

Mounting the spare wheel

Warning!

G

The dimensions of the spare wheel with collapsible tire are different from those of the
road wheels. As a result, the vehicle handling characteristics change when driving
with a spare wheel with collapsible tire
mounted. Adapt your driving style accordingly.
The spare wheel with collapsible tire is for
temporary use only. When driving with spare
wheel with collapsible tire mounted, ensure
proper tire inflation pressure and do not exceed vehicle speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).

Practical hints
Flat tire

Drive to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible to have the spare wheel
with collapsible tire replaced with a regular
road wheel.
Never operate the vehicle with more than
one spare wheel with collapsible tire
mounted.
Do not switch off the ESP® when a spare
wheel with collapsible tire is mounted.

Preparing the vehicle

Lifting the vehicle

Prepare the vehicle as described
(컄 page 408).

왘

왘

Take the collapsible tire, wheel wrench,
wheel bolts, jack, and electric air pump
out of the trunk (컄 page 388).

Prevent the vehicle from rolling away
by blocking wheels with wheel chocks
(not included) or other sizeable objects.
One wheel chock is included with the
vehicle tool kit (컄 page 388).

When changing wheel on a level surface:
왘

Place the wheel chock in front of and
another sizeable object behind the
wheel that is diagonally opposite to the
wheel being changed.

Always try lifting the vehicle using the jack
on a level surface. However, should circumstances require you to do so on a hill,
place the wheel chock and the other sizeable object as follows:
왘

Place the wheel chock and another
sizeable object on the downhill side
blocking both wheels of the axle not
being worked on.

413

Practical hints
Flat tire

Warning!

G

The jack is designed exclusively for jacking
up the vehicle at the jack take-up brackets
built into either side of the vehicle. To help
avoid personal injury, use the jack only to lift
the vehicle during a wheel change. Never
get beneath the vehicle while it is supported
by the jack. Keep hands and feet away from
the area under the lifted vehicle. Always
firmly set parking brake and block wheels
before raising vehicle with jack.
Do not disengage parking brake while the
vehicle is raised. Be certain that the jack is
always vertical (plumb line) when in use, especially on hills. Always try to use the jack
on level surface. Be sure the jack arm is fully
seated in the jack take-up bracket. Always
lower the vehicle onto sufficient capacity
jackstands before working under the
vehicle.

1 Wheel wrench
왘

On wheel to be changed, loosen but do
not yet remove the wheel bolts in direction of arrow (approximately one full
turn with wheel wrench 1).

The jack take-up brackets are located directly behind the front wheel housings and
in front of the rear wheel housings.

2 Jack
3 Take-up bracket
왘

Place jack 2 on firm ground.

왘

Position jack 2 under take-up
bracket 3 so that it is always vertical
(plumb-line) as seen from the side,
even if the vehicle is parked on an
incline.

Warning!

G

Position the jack only on the jack take-up
brackets designed for this purpose.
If the jack is not properly positioned, the vehicle may fall off of the jack.

414

Practical hints
Flat tire

왘

Jack up the vehicle until the wheel is a
maximum of 1.2 in (3 cm) from the
ground. Never start engine while
vehicle is raised.

Warning!

G

The jack is intended only for lifting the
vehicle briefly for wheel changes. It is not
suited for performing maintenance work
under the vehicle.
앫

Never start the engine when the vehicle
is raised.

앫

Never lie down under the raised vehicle.

Removing the wheel

Mounting the spare wheel

4 Alignment bolt

1 Wheel bolt for light alloy rims
2 Wheel bolt for spare wheel with
collapsible tire (located under plastic
cover on the outside of spare wheel
rim)

왘

Unscrew the upper-most wheel bolt
and remove.

왘

Replace this wheel bolt with alignment
bolt 4 supplied in the vehicle tool kit.

왘

Remove the remaining bolts.

!
Do not place wheel bolts in sand or dirt.
This could result in damage to the bolt
and wheel hub threads.
왘

Remove the wheel.

415

Practical hints
Flat tire
!
Wheel bolts 2 must be used when
mounting the spare wheel with
collapsible tire. The use of any wheel
bolts other than wheel bolts 2 for the
spare wheel with collapsible tire will
physically damage the vehicle’s
brakes.
왘

Clean contact surfaces of wheel and
wheel hub.

!
To avoid paint damage, place wheel flat
against hub and hold it there while installing first wheel bolt.

416

Warning!

G

Always replace wheel bolts that are damaged or rusted.
Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.
Damaged wheel hub threads should be repaired immediately. Do not continue to drive
under these circumstances! Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.
Incorrect wheel bolts or improperly tightened wheel bolts can cause the wheel to
come off. This could cause an accident. Be
sure to use the correct wheel bolts.

왘

Guide the spare wheel onto the alignment bolt and push it on.

왘

Insert the wheel bolts and tighten them
slightly.

Practical hints
Flat tire

Warning!

G

Use only genuine equipment
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts. Other wheel
bolts may come loose.
Do not tighten the wheel bolts when the
vehicle is raised. Otherwise the vehicle
could fall off the jack.
왘

Unscrew the alignment bolt, install last
wheel bolt and tighten slightly.

왘

Inflate the collapsible tire
(컄 page 417).

Inflating the collapsible tire
Warning!

G

Inflate collapsible tire only after the wheel is
properly mounted.
Inflate the collapsible tire using the electric
pump (컄 page 388) before lowering the vehicle.

Warning!

G

Observe instructions on air pump label.

1 Flap
2 Air pump switch
3 Electrical plug
4 Air hose with pressure gauge and vent
screw
5 Union nut

!
Do not lower the vehicle before inflating the collapsible tire. Otherwise the
rim may be damaged.

417

Practical hints
Flat tire
왘

Take the electric air pump out of the
trunk (컄 page 388).

왘

Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 1.

왘

Open flap 1 on air pump.

왘

Press I on electric air pump switch 2.

왘

Pull out electrical plug 3 and air hose
with pressure gauge 4.

왘

Close vent screw on air hose 4.

왘

Remove the valve cap from the tire
valve.

왘

Screw air hose 4 with union nut 5
onto the collapsible tire valve.

왘

Make sure electric air pump switch 2
is set to 0.

왘

Insert electrical plug 3 into the power
outlet in the passenger footwell
(컄 page 271).

The electric air pump switches on and
inflates the collapsible tire.
왘

This takes about 5 minutes for the collapsible tire. Air hose 4 and union
nut 5 can become hot during inflation. Exercise proper caution to avoid
burning yourself when using the equipment.

!
Do not operate the electric air pump
longer than 6 minutes without interruption. Otherwise it may overheat.

!
The cigarette lighter (컄 page 270) is
not designed for use with the electric
air pump. Use the power outlet in the
passenger footwell (컄 page 271) for
electric air pump operation.

418

Inflate the collapsible tire to approximately 51 psi (3.5 bar).

You may operate the electric air pump
again after it has cooled off.
왘

Press 0 on electric air pump switch 2.

왘

Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 0.
The electric air pump should now be
switched off.

왘

If the tire inflation pressure is above
51 psi (3.5 bar), release excess tire inflation pressure using the vent screw
on air hose 4.

Practical hints
Flat tire

Warning!

G

Follow recommended tire inflation
pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear excessively and/or unevenly,
adversely affect handling and fuel economy,
and are more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires
can adversely affect handling and ride
comfort, wear unevenly, increase stopping
distance, and result in sudden deflation
(blowout) because they are more likely to
become punctured or damaged by road
debris, potholes etc.
왘

Detach the electric air pump.

왘

Reinstall collapsible tire valve cap.

왘

Store electrical plug 3 and air
hose 4 behind flap 1 and place the
electric air pump back in the trunk.

왘

Lowering the vehicle
Warning!

G

Inflate the collapsible tire using the electric
pump (컄 page 417) before lowering the vehicle.
왘

왘

Lower vehicle by turning the crank
counterclockwise until vehicle is resting fully on its own weight.
Remove the jack.

왘

Tighten the five wheel bolts evenly in
the direction of the arrow, following the
diagonal sequence illustrated
(1 to 5), until all bolts are tight.
Observe a tightening torque of
80 lb-ft (110 Nm).
컄컄

1 - 5 Wheel bolts

Lower the vehicle (컄 page 419).

419

Practical hints
Flat tire
컄컄

Warning!

G

Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. The wheels could come
loose if they are not tightened to a torque of
80 lb-ft (110 Nm).

왘

Fully collapse the jack.

왘

Place the vehicle tool kit, electric air
pump, and the jack back in the storage
compartment underneath the trunk
floor.

왘

Wrap the damaged wheel in the protective sheet provided with the spare
wheel and put the wheel in the trunk.

i
The flat tire may be transported in the
trunk when the retractable hardtop is
closed.

420

Practical hints
Battery
왔 Battery
The battery is located in the engine compartment on the right-hand side below the
windshield washer fluid reservoir.

Warning!

G

G

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

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

Observe all safety instructions and precautions when handling automotive batteries,
see “Battery” (컄 page 314).

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

Never lean over batteries while connecting
them, as you could otherwise be injured.

1 Battery
2 Positive terminal
3 Negative terminal

Warning!

Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come into contact with
eyes, skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected area with water and
seek medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.

!
Never loosen or detach battery terminal clamps while the engine is running
or the SmartKey is in the starter switch.
Otherwise the alternator and other
electronic components could be severely damaged.
Have the battery checked regularly by
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Refer to Maintenance Booklet for maintenance intervals or contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further
information.

421

Practical hints
Battery
왘

Disconnecting the battery

Pull up parking brake lever firmly and
move gear selector lever* to position P
(manual transmission to Neutral).

Removing the battery
왘

Remove the screw on the swivel bar.

왘

Switch off all electrical consumers.

왘

Remove the swivel bar.

With a disconnected battery

왘

Remove SmartKey from starter switch.

왘

앫

you will no longer be able to turn the
SmartKey in the starter switch

왘

Open the hood (컄 page 307).

앫

automatic transmission*: the gear selector lever will remain locked in
position P

왘

Turn locks 2 one quarter turn.

왘

Remove water tray 1.

Pull out the battery ventilation tube
from the battery (depending on battery
arrangement in your vehicle model, the
ventilation tube is located either on the
left or right side of the battery).

왘

Read and observe safety instructions
and precautions (컄 page 421).

왘

Take out the battery.

왘

Use a 10 mm open-end wrench to disconnect the negative lead from battery
negative terminal 3 (컄 page 421).

왘

Remove the cover from the positive
terminal.

왘

Use a 10 mm open-end wrench to disconnect the positive lead from battery
positive terminal 2 (컄 page 421).

Warning!

1 Water tray
2 Lock

422

G

Practical hints
Battery
왘

Charging and reinstalling battery

Warning!

G

왘

Never charge a battery while still installed in
the vehicle unless the accessory battery
charge unit approved by Mercedes-Benz is
being used. Gases may escape during charging and cause explosions that may result in
paint damage, corrosion or personal injury.
An accessory battery charge unit specially
adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz is
available, permitting the charging of the battery in its installed position. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for information and availability. Charge battery in
accordance with the separate instructions
for the accessory battery charger.

Charge battery in accordance with the
instructions of the battery charger
manufacturer.
Reinstall the charged battery. Follow
the previously described steps in reverse order.

!
The battery, its filler caps and the vent
tube must always be securely installed
when the vehicle is in operation.
Reconnecting the battery
왘

Turn off all electrical consumers.

왘

Connect the positive lead and fasten its
cover.

왘

Connect the negative lead.

i
The following procedures must be carried out following any interruption of
battery power (e.g. due to reconnection):
앫

Set the clock (컄 page 139).

앫

Synchronize the power windows
(컄 page 251).

Batteries contain materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly.
Large 12-volt storage batteries contain
lead. Recycling of batteries is the preferred
method of disposal. Many states require
sellers of batteries to accept old batteries
for recycling.

!
Never invert the terminal connections!
왘

Reinstall the water tray.

423

Practical hints
Jump starting

Warning!

G

Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and
can lead to a battery explosion and severe
injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting
or jump starting, as you could otherwise be
injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and very explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery
can result in it exploding, causing personal
injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.

424

If the battery is discharged, the engine can
be started with jumper cables and the battery of another vehicle. Observe the following:
앫

Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic converter are cold.

앫

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

앫

Only jump start from batteries with the
same voltage rating (12V). Jump starting with a more powerful battery could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system,
which will not be covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

앫

Only use jumper cables with sufficient
cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.

앫

Always make sure the jumper cables
are not on or near pulleys, fans, or other parts that move when an engine is
started or running.

!
Avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine using a battery quick charge unit.
If the engine does not run after several
unsuccessful starting attempts, have it
checked at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by
repeated failed starting attempts may
damage the catalytic converter and
may present a fire risk.
Make sure the jumper cables do not
have loose or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not
touch any other metal part while the
other end is still attached to a battery.

Practical hints
Jump starting

Warning!

G

Keep flames or sparks away from battery.
Do not smoke.

왘

Start the engine of the vehicle with the
charged battery and run at idle speed.

왘

Connect negative terminal 4 of the
charged battery with negative under
hood terminal 3 in front of the water
tray with the second jumper cable.
Clamp the cable to negative
terminal 4 of the charged battery
first.

왘

Start the engine of the disabled vehicle.

Observe all safety instructions and precautions when handling automotive batteries
(컄 page 314).
왘

Make sure the two vehicles do not
touch.

왘

Turn off all electrical consumers.

왘

Apply parking brake.

왘

Shift gear selector lever* to position P
(manual transmission to Neutral).

왘

Open the hood (컄 page 307).

왘

Flip up cover from positive under hood
terminal 2 in front of water tray 1
(컄 page 422).

1 Positive terminal of charged battery
2 Positive under hood terminal in front of
water tray
3 Negative under hood terminal in front
of water tray
4 Negative terminal of charged battery
왘

Connect positive terminal 1 of the
charged battery with positive under
hood terminal 2 in front of the water
tray with one jumper cable. Clamp the
cable to positive terminal 1 of the
charged battery first.

You can now turn on the electrical consumers. Do not turn on the lights under
any circumstances.
왘

Remove the jumper cables first from
negative terminals 3 and 4 and then
from positive terminals 2 and 1.

You can now turn on the lights.
왘

Have the battery checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

!

i

Never invert the terminal connections.

Vehicles with automatic transmission*:
Do not tow-start vehicle.

425

Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Mercedes-Benz recommends that the vehicle be transported with all wheels off the
ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel
lift/dolly equipment.

!
Vehicles with automatic transmission*:
Do not tow-start vehicle.

!
Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equipment with the SmartKey in the starter
switch in position 0.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment over
bumpy roads will damage radiator and
supports.
To prevent damage during transport,
do not tie down vehicle by its chassis or
suspension parts.
Switch off the tow-away alarm
(컄 page 88) and the automatic central
locking (컄 page 101).

426

When circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the vehicle may be towed with all wheels on the
ground or front wheels raised only so far as
necessary to have the vehicle moved to a
safe location where the recommended
towing methods can be employed.

!
To be certain to avoid a possibility of
damage to the transmission, however,
we recommend the drive shaft be disconnected at the rear axle drive flange
for any towing beyond a short tow to a
nearby garage.

!
If the vehicle is towed with the front
axle raised, the engine must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1). Otherwise, the ESP®
will immediately be engaged and will
apply the rear wheel brakes.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, the gear selector lever*
must be in position N (manual transmission: gear shift lever in neutral position) and the SmartKey must be in
starter switch position 1.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground or the front axle raised,
the vehicle may be towed only for distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph
(50 km/h).

Practical hints
Towing the vehicle

Warning!

G

If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow
with a tow bar if:
앫

the engine will not run

앫

there is a malfunction in the power supply or in the vehicle’s electrical system

as that will be necessary to adequately control the towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make sure the SmartKey is in
starter switch position 2.
If the SmartKey is left in starter switch
position 0 for an extended period of time, it
can no longer be turned in the switch. In this
case, the steering is locked. To unlock, remove SmartKey from starter switch and reinsert.

Warning!

G

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. Adapt your driving accordingly.

i
To signal turns while being towed with
the hazard warning flasher in use,
switch on ignition and activate the
combination switch for the left or right
turn signal in the usual manner – only
the selected turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard warning flasher will operate again.

!
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, please note the following:
With the automatic central locking activated and the SmartKey in starter
switch position 2, the vehicle doors
lock if the left front wheel as well as the
right rear wheel are turning at vehicle
speeds of approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or
more.
To prevent the vehicle door locks from
locking, deactivate the automatic central locking (컄 page 101).
Switch off the tow-away alarm
(컄 page 88).
The vehicle should only be towed using
a properly installed towing eye bolt.
Never attach a tow cable, tow rope or
tow rod to the vehicle chassis, frame or
suspension parts.

427

Practical hints
Towing the vehicle

i

Front cover

The gear selector lever* will remain
locked in position P (vehicles with automatic transmission*) and the
SmartKey will not turn in the starter
switch if the battery is disconnected or
discharged. See notes on the battery
(컄 page 421) or on jump starting
(컄 page 424).
Vehicles with automatic transmission*:
For information on manual unlocking of
gear selector lever, see (컄 page 396).

1 Cover in front bumper
Removing

Installing towing eye bolt
The towing eye bolt is supplied with the vehicle tool kit, located in the compartment
underneath the trunk floor (컄 page 388).

Unscrew the towing eye bolt using the
lug wrench.

왘

To reinstall cover 1, tilt the marked
lower left corner towards the opening.

왘

Maintaining its tilted position, insert
cover 1 by applying the latches at the
top left and lower right corner into the
opening.

왘

To close cover 1, press on the diagonal opposite side of the marked corner
until it fully engages.

Press mark on cover 1.

i

왘

Cover 1 springs open at the top right
corner.

Make sure the cover’s check strap
does not get caught when closing.

왘

Pull at the protruding part of cover 1
and fold cover down to reveal the
threaded hole for the towing eye bolt.

Take vehicle tool kit out of trunk
(컄 page 388).

Do not disconnect cover 1 from its
check strap.
왘

428

왘

왘

The towing eyes are located on the passenger side in the front and rear bumper.
왘

Installing

Screw towing eye bolt in to its end stop
and tighten with lug wrench.

Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Rear cover

Removing

Installing

왘

Press mark on cover 1.

왘

왘

Cover 1 springs open at the top.

Unscrew the towing eye bolt using the
lug wrench.

왘

Pull at the protruding part of cover 1
and fold cover down to reveal the
threaded hole for the towing eye bolt.

왘

To reinstall cover 1, tilt the marked
lower edge towards the opening.

왘

Maintaining its tilted position, insert
cover 1 by applying the latches at the
marked lower edge into the opening.

왘

To close cover 1, press on the unmarked top until it fully engages.

Do not disconnect cover 1 from its
check strap.
왘

1 Cover in rear bumper

Screw towing eye bolt in to its end stop
and tighten with lug wrench.

i
Make sure the cover’s check strap
does not get caught when closing.

429

Practical hints
Fuses
Fuses are designed to protect the electrical circuits in your vehicle from a short circuit. If a fuse is blown, the component(s)
and systems secured by that fuse will stop
working.
The following aids are available to help you
replace fuses:
앫

Fuse chart

앫

Spare fuses

앫

Fuse extractor
Warning!

Aids for replacing fuses

Never attempt to repair or bridge a
blown fuse. Have the cause determined
and remedied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

Fuse chart

!
Keep the fuse boxes free by contamination and wetness. Otherwise, electrical
parts or systems could be damaged.

G

Only use fuses approved by Mercedes-Benz
with the specified amperage for the system
in question. Using other fuses may cause an
overload and leading to a fire, and/or cause
damage to electrical components and/or
systems.

430

!

The electrical fuses are located in different
fuse boxes:
앫

Main fuse box in passenger compartment (컄 page 431).

앫

Fuse box in engine compartment
(컄 page 432).

The fuse chart is located in the main fuse
box in the passenger compartment
(컄 page 431). The amperages of the fuses
are also given there.
Spare fuses
Spare fuses are located in the vehicle tool
kit in the spare wheel well (컄 page 388).
Fuse extractor
The fuse extractor is located in the vehicle
tool kit in the spare wheel well
(컄 page 388).

Practical hints
Fuses
Main fuse box in passenger
compartment

Opening

Closing

왘

Open the driver’s door.

왘

Attach cover 1 in the front.

왘

Insert flat, blunt object as a lever into
recess on the edge of cover 1 at the
position indicated by the arrow.

왘

Fold cover 1 in until it engages.

왘

Loosen cover 1 from dashboard using
the lever.

왘

Using your hands, pull cover 1 out
and remove.

1 Main fuse box cover

!
Do not use sharp objects such as a
screw driver to open the fuse box
cover 1 in the dashboard, as this
could damage it.

431

Practical hints
Fuses
Fuse box in engine compartment
The fuse box is located in the engine compartment on the driver’s side.

1 Fuse box
2 Clamp
3 Fuse box cover

432

Opening

Closing

왘

Open the hood (컄 page 307).

왘

왘

With a dry cloth, remove any moisture
from the fuse box.

Make sure the sealing rubber is properly positioned.

왘

Press fuse box cover 3 down and secure with clamps 2.

왘

Release clamps 2.

왘

Remove fuse box cover 3.

Technical data
Parts service
Warranty coverage
Identification labels
Layout of poly-V-belt drive
Engine
Rims and tires
Electrical system
Main Dimensions
Weights
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.

433

Technical data
Parts service
The “Technical data” section provides the
necessary technical data for your vehicle.

All authorized Mercedes-Benz Centers
maintain a stock of genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts required for maintenance and repair work. In addition, strategically located parts distribution centers
provide quick and reliable parts service.
More than 300 000 different parts for
Mercedes-Benz models are available.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts are subjected to stringent quality inspections. Each
part has been specifically developed, manufactured or selected for and adapted to
Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Therefore, genuine Mercedes-Benz parts
should be installed.

434

!
The use of non-genuine Mercedes-Benz
parts and accessories not authorized
by Mercedes-Benz could damage the
vehicle, which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty, or
could compromise the vehicle’s durability or safety.

Technical data
Warranty coverage
왔 Warranty coverage
Your vehicle is covered under the terms of
the warranties printed in the Service and
Warranty Information booklet. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will exchange or repair any defective parts originally installed in the vehicle in accordance
with the terms of the following warranties:
앫

New Vehicle Limited Warranty

앫

Emission System Warranty

앫

Emission Performance Warranty

앫

California, Maine, Massachusetts, and
Vermont Emission Control Systems
Warranty

Replacement parts and accessories are
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Parts and
Accessories warranties, copies of which
are available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet
Should you lose your Service and Warranty
Information booklet, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center arrange for a replacement. It will be mailed to you.

435

Technical data
Identification labels

1 Certification label (includes paintwork
code)

2 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN),
located behind the passenger seat
under the floor cover

3 Engine number (engraved on engine)
4 VIN, visible (lower edge of windshield)
5 Vacuum line routing diagram label
6 Emission control information label,
includes both federal and California
certification exhaust emission
standards

i
When ordering parts, please specify
vehicle identification and engine numbers.

436

Technical data
Layout of poly-V-belt drive
왔 Layout of poly-V-belt drive
SLK 280, SLK 350

SLK 55 AMG

1 Idler pulley
2 Idler pulley
3 Automatic belt tensioner
4 Power steering pump
5 Air conditioning compressor
6 Crankshaft
7 Coolant pump
8 Generator (alternator)

1 Automatic belt tensioner
2 Power steering pump
3 Air conditioning compressor
4 Crankshaft
5 Coolant pump
6 Generator (alternator)
7 Idler pulley

437

Technical data
Engine

Model

SLK 280 (171.454)1

SLK 350 (171.456)1

SLK 55 AMG (171.473)1

Engine

272

272

113

Mode of operation

4-stroke engine, gasoline
injection

4-stroke engine, gasoline
injection

4-stroke engine, gasoline
injection

No. of cylinders

6

6

8

Bore

3.47 in (88.00 mm)

3.66 in (92.90 mm)

3.82 in (97.00 mm)

Stroke

3.24 in (82.20 mm)

3.39 in (86.00 mm)
3

3.60 in (92.00 mm)

Total piston displacement

182.8 cu in (2996 cm )

213.5 cu in (3498 cm )

331.8 cu in (5439 cm3)

Compression ratio

11.3:1

10.7:1

11:1

Output according to
SAE J 1349

228 hp/6000 rpm
(170 kW/6000 rpm)

268 hp/6000 rpm
(200 kW/6000 rpm)

355 hp/5750 rpm2
(265 kW/5750 rpm)

Maximum torque according
to SAE J 1349

221 lb-ft/2700 - 5000 rpm
(300 Nm/2700 - 5000 rpm)

258 lb-ft/2400 - 5000 rpm
(350 Nm/2400 - 5000 rpm)

376 lb-ft/4000 rpm
(510 Nm/4000 rpm)

Maximum engine speed

6500 rpm

6500 rpm

6700 rpm

Firing order

1-4-3-6-2-5

1-4-3-6-2-5

1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8

Poly-V-belt

2404 mm

2404 mm

2380 mm

1
2

2

3

2

The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle. See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the corresponding data of all special bodies and special equipment.
Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.

438

Technical data
Rims and tires
왔 Rims and tires
!

i

i

Only use tires which have been tested
and approved for your vehicle by
Mercedes-Benz. Tires approved by
Mercedes-Benz are developed to provide best possible performance in conjunction with the driving safety
systems on your vehicle such as ABS or
ESP®. Tires specially developed for
your vehicle and tested and approved
by Mercedes-Benz can be identified by
finding the following on the tire’s sidewall:

For information on driving with
MOExtended tires, see
“MOExtended system*” (컄 page 333).

Further information on tires and rims is
available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. A placard with
the recommended tire inflation pressures is located on the driver’s door
B-pillar. Some vehicles may have supplemental tire inflation pressure information for driving at high speeds
(컄 page 328) or for vehicle loads less
than the maximum loaded vehicle condition (컄 page 328). If such information
is provided, it can be found on the placard located on the inside of the fuel filler flap. The tire inflation pressure
should be checked regularly and
should only be adjusted on cold tires.
Follow tire manufacturer’s maintenance recommendation included with
vehicle.

앫

MO = Mercedes-Benz Original
equipment tires

앫

MOE = Mercedes-Benz Original
Extended (tires with limited run-flat
characteristics) original equipment
tires

Using tires other than those approved
by Mercedes-Benz may result in damage that is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

!
Using tires other than those approved
by Mercedes-Benz can have detrimental effects, such as
앫

poor handling characteristics

앫

increased noise

앫

increased fuel consumption

Moreover, tires and rims not approved
by Mercedes-Benz may, under load,
exhibit dimensional variations and different tire deformation characteristics
that could cause them to come into
contact with the vehicle body or axle
parts. Damage to the tires or the vehicle may be the result.

439

Technical data
Rims and tires

i
The following pages also list the approved wheel rim and tire sizes for
equipping your vehicles with winter
tires. Winter tires are not available as
standard or optional factory equipment, but can be purchased from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Depending on vehicle model and the
standard or optional factory-equipped
wheel rim/tire configuration on your
vehicle (Sport Package etc.), equipping
your vehicle with winter tires approved
for your vehicle model may also require
the purchase of two or four wheel rims
of the recommended size for use with
these winter tires. See an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for more information.

440

Technical data
Rims and tires
Same size tires
Model

SLK 280

SLK 280
SLK 350

Summer tires1

-

-

Rims (light alloy)

-

-

Wheel offset

-

-

Winter tires1,2

205/55 R16 91H M+S.

225/45 R17 91H M+S.

Rims (light alloy)

7 J x 16 H2

7.5 J x 17 H2

Wheel offset

1.34 in (34 mm)

1.42 in (36 mm)

Winter tires*1,2,3

225/45 R17 91H M+S.MOExtended

Rims (light alloy)

7.5 J x 17 H2

Wheel offset

1.42 in (36 mm)

1

Radial-ply tires
Not available as factory equipment.
3
Must be used in conjunction with Run Flat Indicator* only.
2

441

Technical data
Rims and tires

Model

SLK 280 (Sport Package*)
SLK 350 (Sport Package*)
SLK 55 AMG

SLK 55 AMG
SLK 55 AMG (Performance Package*)

Summer tires1

-

-

Rims (light alloy)

-

-

Wheel offset

-

-

Winter tires1,2,3

205/50 R17 89H M+S.
or
225/45 R17 91H M+S.

225/40 R18 92H XL (Extra Load) M+S.

Rims (light alloy)

7.5 J x 17 H2

7.5 J x 18 H2

Wheel offset

1.46 in (37 mm)

1.46 in (37 mm)

1

Radial-ply tires
Not available as factory equipment.
3
For use with snow chains contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
2

442

Technical data
Rims and tires
Mixed size tires
SLK 280

SLK 280*
SLK 350

Rims (light alloy)

7 J x 16 H2

7.5 J x 17 H2

Wheel offset

1.34 in (34 mm)

1.42 in (36 mm)

205/55 R16 91W

225/45 R17 91W
or
225/45 R17 91W MOExtended 2

Rims (light alloy)

8 J x16 H2

8.5 J x17 H2

Wheel offset

1.18 in (30 mm)

1.18 in (30 mm)

225/50 R16 92W

245/40 R17 91W
or
245/40 R17 91W MOExtended 2

Front axle:

Summer tires

1

Rear axle:

Summer tires

1,3

1

Radial-ply tires
Must be used in conjunction with Run Flat Indicator* only.
3
Must not be used with snow chains.
2

443

Technical data
Rims and tires

SLK 280 (Sport Package*)
SLK 350 (Sport Package*)

SLK 55 AMG
SLK 55 AMG (Performance Package*)

Rims (light alloy)

7.5 J x 17 H2

7.5 J x 18 H2

Wheel offset

1.46 in (37 mm)

1.46 in (37 mm)

225/45 R17 91W
or
225/45 R17 91W MOExtended 2

225/40 ZR18 92Y XL (Extra Load)

Rims (light alloy)

8.5 J x17 H2

8.5 J x18 H2

Wheel offset

1.18 in (30 mm)

1.18 in (30 mm)

245/40 R17 91W
or
245/40 R17 91W MOExtended 2

245/35 ZR18 92Y XL (Extra Load)

Front axle:

Summer

tires1,3

Rear axle:

Summer tires

1

1,3

Radial-ply tires
Must be used in conjunction with Run Flat Indicator* only.
3 Must not be used with snow chains.
2

444

Technical data
Rims and tires
Spare wheel with collapsible tire
All models
Rim (light alloy)

4.5 B x 17 H2

Wheel offset

0.47 in (12 mm)

Collapsible tire

145/70-17 92P1

1

Must not be used with snow chains.

!

i

Please compare the recommended tire
inflation pressure for your vehicle with
the tire inflation pressure on the yellow
label located on the spare wheel rim.

Please note that the tire inflation
pressure of the collapsible tire differs
from the tire inflation pressure of the
road tires.

If the tire inflation pressure on the yellow label on the spare wheel rim differs
from the values given in this Operator’s
Manual, inflate the collapsible tire to
the recommended tire inflation pressure given on the yellow label on the
spare wheel rim.

Inflate the collapsible tire to approximately 51 psi (3.5 bar).

i
The SLK 55 AMG with Performance
Package* does not have a spare wheel.
The SLK 55 AMG with Performance
Package* is equipped with TIREFIT
(컄 page 408).

445

Technical data
Electrical system

Model

SLK 280

SLK 350

SLK 55 AMG

Generator (alternator)

14 V/150 A

14 V/150 A

14 V/150 A

Starter motor

12 V/1.4 kW

12 V/1.7 kW

12 V/1.7 kW

Battery

12 V/62 Ah

12 V/74 Ah

12 V/74 Ah

Spark plugs

NGK PLKR 6A

Bosch Platin Y 7 MPP33
NGK PLKR 6A

NGK IFR6D10

Electrode gap

0.031 in (0.8 mm)

0.031 in (0.8 mm)

0.039 in (1.0 mm)

Tightening torque

15 – 22 lb-ft (20 – 30 Nm)

15 – 22 lb-ft (20 – 30 Nm)

18 – 22 lb-ft (25 – 30 Nm)

446

Technical data
Main Dimensions
왔 Main Dimensions
Model

SLK 280

SLK 350

SLK 55 AMG

Overall vehicle length

160.7 in (4082 mm)

160.7 in (4082 mm)

160.9 in (4087 mm)

Overall vehicle width

70.4 in (1788 mm)

70.4 in (1788 mm)

70.6 in (1794 mm)

Overall vehicle height

51.0 in (1296 mm)

51.1 in (1298 mm)

50.0 in (1271 mm)

Wheelbase

95.7 in (2430 mm)

95.7 in (2430 mm)

95.7 in (2430 mm)

Track, front

60.2 in (1530 mm)

60.1 in (1526 mm)

60.0 in (1524 mm)

Track, rear

61.0 in (1549 mm)

61.0 in (1549 mm)

61.0 in (1549 mm)

447

Technical data
Weights

Model

SLK 280
SLK 350

SLK 55 AMG

Maximum roof load

110 lb (50 kg)

110 lb (50 kg)

Maximum trunk load

220 lb (100 kg)

220 lb (100 kg)

!

!

This vehicle is not designed to carry
items on its roof. Roof rails and any
roof-mounted devices, unless expressly approved by Mercedes-Benz for use
on this vehicle model, must not be used
as they will damage the vehicle and
retractable hardtop.

This vehicle is not designed to carry
any items on its trunk lid or accommodate any type of trunk lid rack or device. Using such devices may damage
the vehicle and retractable hardtop
mechanism.

At time of printing, Mercedes-Benz
does not offer any roof racks or any
other roof-mounted devices for use on
this vehicle.

448

Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
왔 Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Capacities

Vehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. Therefore, only use
products tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
Model

Engine with oil filter

Capacity

SLK 280, SLK 350 8.5 US qt (8.0 l)
SLK 55 AMG

Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Approved engine oils

8.5 US qt (8.0 l)

Automatic transmission* SLK 280, SLK 350 10.4 US qt (9.8 l)
SLK 55 AMG

Please refer to the Factory Approved
Service Products pamphlet, or inquire at
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

MB Automatic Transmission Fluid

10.4 US qt (9.8 l)

Manual transmission

SLK 280, SLK 350 1.6 US qt (1.5 l)

MB Manual Transmission Oil

Rear axle

SLK 280

1.1 US qt (1.0 l)

Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90

SLK 350

1.2 US qt (1.1 l)

SLK 55 AMG

1.3 US qt (1.2 l)

Power steering

SLK 280, SLK 350 1.1 US qt (1.0 l)
SLK 55 AMG

MB Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S)

1.1 US qt (1.0 l)

Front wheel hubs

approx. 2.1 oz (60 g) each

High temperature roller bearing grease

Brake system

0.5 US qt (0.5 l)

MB Brake Fluid (DOT 4+)

449

Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.

Cooling system

Fuel tank
including a reserve of

Model

Capacity

Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.

SLK 280

approx. 10.4 US qt (9.8 l)

MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze Agent

SLK 350

approx. 11.2 US qt (10.2 l)

SLK 55 AMG

approx. 11.7 US qt (11.1 l)

SLK 280, SLK 350 approx. 18.5 US gal (70.0 l)
approx. 2.4 US gal (9.0 l)
SLK 55 AMG

approx. 18.5 US gal (70.0 l)
approx. 2.6 US gal (10.0 l)

Air conditioning system

Premium unleaded gasoline:
Minimum posted Octane 91 (average of
96 RON/86 MON)
R-134a refrigerant and special PAG lubricant oil
(never R-12)

Hydraulic system for
retractable hardtop

0.19 US qt (0.18 l)

MB Hydraulic Fluid

Windshield washer
system and headlamp
cleaning system*

7.4 US qt (7.0 l)

MB Windshield washer concentrate1

1

Use MB Windshield Washer Concentrate“S” and water for temperatures above freezing point or MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S” and commercially available
premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze for temperatures below freezing point. Follow suggested mixing ratios (컄 page 456).

450

Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their
suitability in our engines and durability for
our service intervals. Therefore, only use
approved engine oils and oil filters required for vehicles with Maintenance
System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS PLUS (Canada vehicles). For a listing of approved engine oils and oil filters, refer to the Factory
Approved Service Products pamphlet, or
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.

!
Using engine oils and oil filters of specification other than those expressly required for the Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS PLUS (Canada
vehicles), or changing of oil and oil filter
at change intervals longer than those
called for by the Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS PLUS (Canada
vehicles) will result in engine damage
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.

Please follow Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS PLUS (Canada
vehicles) recommendations for scheduled oil changes. Failure to do so will
result in engine damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Brake fluid
During vehicle operation, the boiling point
of the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from
the atmosphere.

G

Engine oil additives

Warning!

Do not blend oil additives with engine oil.
They may damage the engine. Damage or
malfunctions resulting from blending oil
additives are not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Under extremely strenuous operating conditions, this moisture content can lead to the
formation of bubbles in the system, thus reducing the system’s efficiency.

Air conditioning refrigerant
R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special
PAG lubricating oil are used in the air conditioning system. Never use R-12 (CFC) or
mineral-based lubricating oil, otherwise
damage to the system will occur.

Therefore, the brake fluid must be replaced
regularly. Refer to your vehicle’s
Maintenance Booklet for replacement
interval.

Only brake fluid approved by
Mercedes-Benz is recommended. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will provide you with additional information.

451

Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Premium unleaded gasoline

Warning!

Fuel requirements

!

G

Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious injury. Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and skin contact, extinguish
all smoking materials. Never allow sparks,
flame or smoking materials near gasoline!

To maintain the engine’s durability and
performance, premium unleaded gasoline must be used. If premium unleaded
is not available and low octane fuel is
used, follow these precautions:
앫

Have the fuel tank only partially
filled with unleaded regular and fill
up with premium unleaded as soon
as possible.

앫

Avoid full throttle driving and abrupt
acceleration.

앫

Do not exceed an engine speed of
3000 rpm if the vehicle is loaded
with a light load such as two persons and no luggage.

앫

Do not exceed 2/3 of maximum accelerator pedal position if the vehicle is fully loaded or operating in
mountainous terrain.

Only use premium unleaded fuel:
앫

The octane number (posted at the
pump) must be 91 min. It is an average
of both the Research (R) octane number and the Motor (M) octane number:
(R+M)/2). This is also known as the
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.

Unleaded gasoline containing oxygenates
such as ethanol, IPA, IBA, and TBA can be
used provided the ratio of any one of these
oxygenates to gasoline does not exceed
10%; MTBE not to exceed 15%.
The ratio of methanol to gasoline must not
exceed 3% plus additional cosolvents.
Using mixtures of ethanol and methanol is
not allowed. Gasohol, which contains
10% ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline,
can be used.
These blends must also meet all other fuel
requirements, such as resistance to spark
knock, boiling range, vapor pressure, etc.

452

Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Gasoline additives
A major concern among engine manufacturers is carbon build-up caused by gasoline. Mercedes-Benz only recommends the
use of quality gasoline containing additives
that prevent the build-up of carbon deposits.
After an extended period of using fuels
without such additives, carbon deposits
can build up especially on the intake valves
and in the combustion area, leading to
engine performance problems such as:
앫

Warm-up hesitation

앫

Unstable idle

앫

Knocking/pinging

앫

Misfire

앫

Power loss

In areas where carbon deposits may be
encountered due to lack of availability of
gasolines which contain these additives,
Mercedes-Benz recommends the use of
additives approved by us for use on
Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Refer to the
Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet for a listing of approved product(s).
Follow directions on product label.
Do not blend other fuel additives with fuel.
This only results in unnecessary costs and
may be harmful to engine operation.
Damage or malfunction resulting from
poor fuel quality or from blending additional fuel additives other than those tested
and approved by us for use on
Mercedes-Benz vehicles listed in the
Factory Approved Service Products
pamphlet are not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze, which provides:
앫

Corrosion protection

앫

Freeze protection

앫

Boiling protection (by increasing the
boiling point)

The cooling system was filled at the factory
with a coolant providing freeze protection
to approximately -22°F (-30°C) and corrosion protection.
If the antifreeze mixture is effective to
-22°F (-30°C), the boiling point of the coolant in the pressurized cooling system is
reached at approximately 266°F (130°C).
The coolant solution must be used year
round to provide the necessary corrosion
protection and increase boil-over protection. Refer to Maintenance Booklet for information on replacement intervals.

453

Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Coolant system design and coolant used
determine the replacement interval. The
replacement interval published in the
Maintenance Booklet is only applicable if
MB 325.0 anticorrosion/antifreeze solution or other Mercedes-Benz approved
products of equal specification (see
Factory Approved Service Products
pamphlet) are used to renew the coolant
concentration or bring it back up to the
proper level.
To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 45% anticorrosion/antifreeze (equivalent to freeze
protection to approx. -22°F [-30°C]). If you
use a solution that is more than 55% anticorrosion/antifreeze (freeze protection to
approx. -49°F [-45°C]), the engine temperature will increase due to the lower heat
transfer capability of the solution. Therefore, do not use more than this amount of
anticorrosion/antifreeze.

454

If the coolant level is low, water and
MB Anticorrosion/Antifreeze should be
used to bring it up to the proper level (have
cooling system checked for signs of leakage). Please make sure the mixture is in
accordance with label instructions.
The water in the cooling system must meet
minimum requirements, which are usually
satisfied by normal drinking water. If you
are not sure about the water quality, consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Anticorrosion/antifreeze
Your vehicle contains a number of aluminum parts. The use of aluminum components in motor vehicle engines
necessitates that anticorrosion/antifreeze
coolant used in such engines be specifically formulated to protect the aluminum
parts. (Failure to use such anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant will result in a
significantly shortened service life.)
Therefore, the following product is strongly
recommended for use in your vehicle:
Mercedes-Benz 325.0
anticorrosion/antifreeze agent.
Before the start of the winter season (or
once a year in hot southern regions), you
should have the anticorrosion/antifreeze
concentration checked. The coolant is also
regularly checked each time you bring your
vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for service.

Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantity
Model

Approx. freeze protection
–35°F (–37°C)

–49°F (–45°C)

SLK 280, SLK 350

5.4 US qt (5.1 l)

6.0 US qt (5.6 l)

SLK 55 AMG

5.9 US qt (5.5 l)

6.4 US qt (6.1 l)

455

Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Windshield washer system and headlamp cleaning system*

Warning!

Both the windshield washer system and
the headlamp cleaning system* are supplied from the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/antifreeze
on hot engine parts because it may ignite
and burn. You could be seriously burned.

G

Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning* fluid mixing ratio
For temperatures above freezing point, use
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S”
and water:
앫

[40 ml (1.34 fl oz) “S” to 1 gallon (4 l)
water]

The washer fluid reservoir has a capacity of
approximately 7.4 US qt (7.0 l).
왘

Refill the reservoir with MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate “S” and water (or
concentrate and commercially available premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze, depending on ambient
temperatures).

1 part “S” to100 parts water

For temperatures below freezing point, use
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S”
and commercially available premixed
windshield washer solvent/antifreeze:
앫

1 part “S” to 100 parts solvent
[40 ml (1.34 fl oz) “S” to 1 gallon (4 l)
solvent].

456

Technical terms

ABS
(Antilock Brake System)
Prevents the wheels from locking up
during braking so that the vehicle can
continue to be steered.
Accessory weight
(컄 page 344)
Air pressure
(컄 page 344)
AIRSCARF neck-level heating*
AIRSCARF neck-level heating provides
the surrounding area of the occupants’
necks with a heated air stream flowing
from openings in the head restraints.

BabySmartTM air bag deactivation
system
This system detects if a special
system-compatible child restraint seat
is installed on the passenger seat.
The system will automatically
deactivate the passenger front air bag
when such a seat is properly installed
(the 75 indicator lamp
located in the center console comes on
and remains illuminated).

Alignment bolt
Metal pin with thread. The centering
pin is an aid used when changing a tire
to align the wheel with the wheel hub.

BabySmartTM compatible child seats
Special restraint system for children.
The sensor system for the passenger
seat prevents deployment of the passenger front air bag if a BabySmartTM
compatible child seat is installed. See
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for availability.

Aspect ratio
(컄 page 344)

Bar
(컄 page 344)

BAS
(Brake Assist System)
System for potentially reducing braking
distances in emergency braking situations. The system is activated when it
senses an emergency based on how
fast the brake is applied.
Bead
(컄 page 344)
Bi-Xenon headlamps*
Headlamps which use an electric arc as
the light source and produce a more intense light than filament headlamps.
Bi-Xenon headlamps produce low
beam and high beam.
CAC
(Customer Assistance Center)
Mercedes-Benz customer service center, which can help you with any questions about your vehicle and provide
assistance in the event of a breakdown.

457

Technical terms

CAN system
(Controller Area Network)
Data bus network serving to control vehicle functions such as door locking or
windshield wiping.
Cockpit
All instruments, switches, buttons and
indicator/warning lamps in the passenger compartment needed for vehicle
operation and monitoring.
Cold tire inflation pressure
(컄 page 344)
Collapsible tire
An especially compact spare tire that
must be inflated with a provided air
pump before using. It should only be
used to bring the vehicle to the nearest
service station.

458

COMAND*
(Cockpit Management and
Data System)
Information and operating center for
vehicle sound and communications
systems, including the radio,
CD changer and navigation system, as
well as other optional equipment (e.g.
telephone).
Control system
The control system is used to call up
vehicle information and to change
component settings. Information and
messages appear in the multifunction
display. The driver uses the buttons on
the multifunction steering wheel to
navigate through the system and to adjust settings.
Cruise control
Driving convenience system for automatically maintaining the vehicle speed
set by the driver.

Curb weight
(컄 page 344)
DOT
(Department of Transportation)
(컄 page 344)
Engine number
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the cylinder block to
uniquely identify each engine produced.
Engine oil viscosity
Measurement for the inner friction (viscosity) of the oil at different temperatures. The higher the temperature an
oil can tolerate without becoming thin,
or the lower the temperature it can tolerate without becoming viscous, the
better the viscosity.
ESP®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Improves vehicle handling and directional stability.

Technical terms

ETD
(Emergency Tensioning Device)
Device which deploys in certain frontal
and rear collisions exceeding the system’s threshold to tighten the seat
belts. ->SRS

Gear range*
Number of gears which are available to
the automatic transmission for shifting.
The automatic gear shifting process
can be adapted to specific operating
conditions using the selector lever.

FSS PLUS (Canada vehicles)
(Flexible Service System PLUS)
Maintenance service indicator in the
multifunction display that informs the
driver when the next vehicle maintenance service is due. FSS PLUS evaluates engine temperature, oil level,
vehicle speed, engine speed, distance
driven and the time elapsed since your
last maintenance service, and calls for
the next maintenance service accordingly.

GPS
(Global Positioning System)
Satellite-based system for relaying
geographic location information to and
from vehicles equipped with special receivers.

GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(컄 page 344)

GVW
(Gross Vehicle Weight)
(컄 page 344)
GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
(컄 page 345)

Head-thorax air bag
Installed in the doors, these air bags
protect occupants during side impact
collisions exceeding a preset threshold. Unlike normal side air bags,
head-thorax air bags are also designed
to provide protection for the head area.
Instrument cluster
The displays and indicator/warning
lamps in the driver’s field of vision, including the tachometer, speedometer,
coolant temperature and fuel gauge.
Kickdown*
Depressing the accelerator past the
point of resistance shifts the automatic
transmission down to the lowest possible gear. This very quickly accelerates
the vehicle and should not be used for
normal acceleration needs.
Kilopascal (kPa)
(컄 page 345)

459

Technical terms

Line of fall
The direct line an object moves downhill when influenced by the force of
gravity alone.
Locking knob
Button on the door which indicates
whether the door is locked or unlocked. Pushing the locking knob down
on an individual door from inside locks
that door.
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles)
Maintenance service indicator in the
multifunction display that informs the
driver when the next vehicle maintenance service is due. The Maintenance
System in your vehicle tracks distance
driven and the time elapsed since your
last maintenance service, and calls for
the next maintenance service accordingly.

460

Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(컄 page 345)
Maximum load rating
(컄 page 345)

Multifunction display
Two display fields in the instrument
cluster used to present information
provided by the control system.

Maximum tire inflation pressure
(컄 page 345)

Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel with buttons for operating the control system.

Memory function*
Used to store three individual seat,
steering wheel and mirror positions.

Normal occupant weight
(컄 page 345)

MON
(Motor Octane Number)
The Motor Octane Number for gasoline
as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gasoline’s ability to resist undesired detonation (knocking). The average of both
the MON (Motor Octane Number) and
->RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.

Overspeed range
Engine speeds within the red marking
of the tachometer dial. Avoid this
engine speed range, as it may result in
serious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Poly-V-belt drive
Drives engine components (alternator,
AC compressor, etc.) from the engine.

Technical terms

Power train
Collective term designating all components used to generate and transmit
motive power to the drive axles, including
앫

Engine

앫

Clutch/torque converter

앫

Transmission

앫

Transfer case

앫

Drive shaft

앫

Differential

앫

Axle shafts/axles

Production options weight
(컄 page 345)

Program mode selector switch*
Used to switch the automatic transmission between standard operation (S)
and comfort operation (C).
Vehicles with steering wheel gearshift
control and manual shift program: in
addition to S and C (for regular S
or comfort C operation, see above),
you can use M for manual shift program.
PSI
(Pounds per square inch)
(컄 page 345)
Recommended tire inflation pressure
(컄 page 345)

REST
(Residual engine heat utilization)
Feature that uses the engine heat
stored in the coolant to heat the vehicle interior for a short time after the engine has been turned off.
Restraint systems
Seat belts, belt tensioners, air bags
and child restraint systems. As independent systems, their protective functions complement one another.
Rim
(컄 page 345)
Retractable hardtop
Hardtop that can be opened and closed
at the push of a button and stored in
the trunk.

461

Technical terms

Roll bar
Occupant protection system which
consists of tubular steel sheathed in
plastic.
RON
(Research Octane Number)
The Research Octane Number for gasoline as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gasoline’s ability to resist undesired detonation (knocking). The average of both
the ->MON (Motor Octane Number)
and RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Shift lock*
When the vehicle with automatic transmission is parked, this lock prevents
the gear selector lever from being inadvertently moved out of position P without the SmartKey turned and the brake
pedal depressed.

462

Sidewall
(컄 page 345)
SRS
(Supplemental Restraint System)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning
device and air bags. Though independent systems, they are closely interfaced to provide effective occupant
protection.
Tele Aid system
(Telematic Alarm Identification on
Demand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and manual emergency, Roadside Assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially activated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquaintance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational provided that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not damaged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.

Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.
TIN
(Tire Identification Number)
(컄 page 346)
Tire load rating
(컄 page 346)
Tire ply composition and material used
(컄 page 346)
Tire speed rating
(컄 page 346)
Traction
(컄 page 346)
Tread
(컄 page 346)
Treadwear indicators
(컄 page 346)
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards
(컄 page 346)

Technical terms

Vehicle capacity weight
(컄 page 346)
Vehicle maximum load on the tire
(컄 page 346)
VIN
(Vehicle Identification Number)
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the body to uniquely
identify each vehicle produced.
Wind screen
Screen for deflecting wind from the vehicle interior when the hardtop is lowered.

463

464

Index

A
ABS 82, 457
Display message 370
Indicator lamp 362
Accessory weight 344
Accident 58
Adjusting (Getting started) 38
Air bags 65
BabySmartTM 77, 457
Children 66
Front 70
Head-thorax 71, 459
Kneebag 70
Passenger front air bag off indicator
lamp 78
Safety guidelines 68
Air conditioning
Automatic climate control* 200
Climate control 187
Air conditioning refrigerant 451
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
AIRSCARF neck level heating*
(Seats) 105, 457
Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
Alignment bolt (Vehicle tool kit) 388,
415, 457

Anticorrosion/antifreeze 454
Antilock brake system see ABS
Anti-theft systems 87
Alarm system 87
Immobilizer 87
Tow-away alarm 88
Ashtray 269
Aspect ratio 344
AUDIO menu (Control system) 129
Audio system 203
Audio and telephone*, operation 203
CD changer* 223
CD operation 219
Introduction to satellite radio*
(USA only) 214
MP3 220
Operating and display elements 204
Auto-dimming* for rear view mirrors 174
Automatic climate control*
Air conditioning 200
Automatic mode, basic setting 194
Control panel 192
Deactivating 194
Overview 190

Automatic locking
Control system 147
When driving 101
Automatic shift program* 163
Automatic transmission* 157
Automatic transmission fluid
(ATF) 313
Driving 53
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) 172
Fluid level 313
Gear ranges 160
Gear selector lever 157
Gear selector lever (Unlocking
manually) 396
Gear shifting malfunctions 172
Gearshift pattern 51
Kickdown 162
Manual shifting 164
One-touch gearshifting 164
Program mode selector switch 163

465

Index

B
BabySmartTM
Air bag deactivation system 457
Compatible child seats 76, 457
Passenger front air bag off indicator
lamp 77
Back-up lamp 401
Bar 344
BAS 83, 457
Battery (SmartKey)
Replacing 398
Battery (Vehicle) 314, 421
Jump starting 424
Bead 344
Bi-Xenon* 457
Headlamps 401
Brake Assist System see BAS
Brakes 294
Brake fluid 306, 451
Display message 375
SLK 55 AMG 295
Warning lamp 363
Break-in period 292
Bulbs
Front/rear lamps 401
Replacing 400, 401

466

C
CAC 457
California, important notice 11
CAN system 458
Capacities (Fuels, coolants, lubricants,
etc.) 449
Cargo compartment cover 253
Carpets, cleaning 359
Catalytic converter 302
CD
Changer* 219, 266
Player/Changer*, operation 131,
219
CD changer* (Audio system) 223
Center console 28
Lamp 367
Central locking
Automatic 101, 147
From outside (SmartKey) 62
Locking/unlocking from inside 102
Certification label 436
CHECK ENGINE indicator lamp 364
Child safety
Air bags 66
Children in the vehicle 75

Cigarette lighter 270
Cleaning tires 319
Climate control 178
Air conditioning 187
Air recirculation mode 185
Control panel, overview 179
Switching on/off 181
Clock 122
Cockpit 458
Overview 22
Cold tire inflation pressure 344
Collapsible tire 458
Collapsible wheel chock 390
COMAND* 122, 458
Navigation 132
Radio transmitter 301
Combination switch 114
High beam flasher 114
High beam headlamps 55, 114
Low beam headlamps 55
Turn signals 55
Windshield wipers 56
Comfort driving
Transmission program mode* 163
Compatible child seat see BabySmartTM

Index

Control system 123, 458
AUDIO menu 129
Convenience* submenu 147
Coolant temperature 128
Instrument cluster submenu 137
Lighting submenu 143
Maintenance service indicator 350
Menus 124
Messages in display 368
Multifunction display 123
Multifunction steering wheel 124
NAV* menu 132
Overview (Menus) 126
Overview (Settings submenus) 136
Resetting 134
Settings menu 134
Standard display 128
TEL* menu 151
Time/date submenu 139
Trip computer menu 149
Vehicle status message memory
menu 132
Vehicle submenu 147
Controller Area Network see CAN system

Convenience closing*
Power windows 249
Retractable hardtop 257
Coolant 313
Adding water 306
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 454
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. 453
Technical data 449
Temperature 303
Temperature, checking (Control
system) 128
Corner-illuminating front fog lamps*
(Lighting) 115
Cruise control 260, 458
Display message 370
Cup holder 268
Curb weight 344
Customer Assistance Center see CAC

D
Date (Control system) 141, 142
Daytime running lamp mode 112
Control system 143
Deep water see Standing water
Defrosting
Rear window 177
Windshield (Automatic climate
control*) 197
Windshield (Climate control) 184
Department of Transportation see DOT
Difficulties with starting 52
Direction of rotation (Tires) 320
Display text see Messages in display
Doors
Control panel, overview 31
Entry lamps 119
Locking/unlocking from outside 95
Opening from inside 97
Unlocking with Tele Aid 280
DOT 344
Drink holder see Cup holder
Drinking and driving 293
Driver’s air bag see Air bags

467

Index

Driver’s door
Locking in an emergency 395
Unlocking in an emergency 394
Driving 53
Automatic transmission* 53
Driving off 296
Fuel saving 293
Hydroplaning 297
In winter 299
Instructions 47, 293
Manual transmission 53
Standing water 300
Tires 297
Traveling abroad 301
Driving safety systems 82
ABS 82
BAS 83
ESP® 84

468

E
Easy-entry/exit feature* 43, 148
Electric air pump 391
Electric air pump (Vehicle tool kit) 388
Electrical system (Technical data) 446
Electronic Stability Program see ESP®
Emergency call (911) 243
Emergency call system 273
Tele Aid 275
Emergency operations
Automatic transmission* 172
Releasing trunk lid from inside 100
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) 280
Retractable hardtop 397
Selector lever*, unlocking
manually 396
Unlocking/locking the vehicle 394
Emergency tensioning device see ETD
Emission control 302, 436
Engine
Cleaning see Vehicle care
Compartment 307
Driving after replacement 292
Number 436, 458
Technical data 438
Turning off 61

Engine oil 308, 451
Adding 312
Additives 451
Checking level (Control system) 309
Checking level (Dipstick) 311
Consumption 308
Display message 310
Viscosity 458
ESP® 84, 458
Display message 371
Warning lamp 365
ETD 73, 74, 459
Safety guidelines 68
Seat belt force limiter 74
Exterior lamp switch 110
Exterior lighting
Lamps 401
Replacing bulbs 401
Exterior rear view mirrors see Mirrors

Index

F
First aid kit 388
Flat tire 408
Inflating collapsible spare tire 417
Lifting vehicle 413
Lowering vehicle 419
Mounting spare wheel 412, 415
TIREFIT kit* 408
Floormat (Driver’s side only) 271
Fog lamps 113, 401
Corner-illuminating front fog
lamps* 115
Footwell lighting* 118
FSS PLUS (Canada vehicles) 459
Control system 350
Fuel
Additives 453
Consumption statistics (Control
system) 149
Filler flap 304
Fuel tank capacity 450
MON 304
Premium unleaded gasoline 304,
452

Refueling 304
Reserve warning lamp 365, 366
RON 304
Technical data 449
Fuel filler flap
Localization 25
Fuel gauge (Instrument cluster) 25
Fuse extractor (Vehicle tool kit) 388
Fuses 430
Auxiliary fuse box 432
Main fuse box 431
Spare fuses (Vehicle tool kit) 388

G
Garage door opener* 281
Gasoline see Fuel
GAWR 344
Gear range (Automatic
transmission*) 160, 459
Limiting 160
Shifting into optimal 164
Gear selector lever (Automatic
transmission*) 157
Position 157, 159
Global locking/unlocking see SmartKey
Global Positioning System see GPS
Glove box 266
Good visibility 173
GPS 87, 88, 459
Tele Aid system 273
Gross Axle Weight Rating see GAWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating see GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight see GVW
GSM network phones (Telephone*) 229
GVW 344
GVWR 345

469

Index

H
Hard plastic trim items, cleaning 359
Hazard warning flasher 117
Head restraint height (Seats) 41
Headlamps
Bi-Xenon* 401, 457
Cleaning system* 173, 315, 456
Night security illumination (Control
system) 145
Switching off 60
Switching on 55
Headliner, cleaning 360
Head-thorax air bag 71, 459
Heating
Seats* 104
Steering wheel* 288
High beam
Flasher 115
Headlamps 55, 115
Headlamps, bulbs 401
High mounted brake lamp 401
High-performance brake system
(SLK 55 AMG) 295
Hood 307
Horn 23
Hydroplaning 297

470

I
Identification labels see Labels
Ignition (Position in starter switch) 36
Immobilizer see Anti-theft systems
Infant and child restraint systems 75
Instrument cluster 25, 120, 459
Clock 122
Lamps, indicator and warning 362
Overview 24
Instruments and controls see Cockpit
Interior rear view mirror see Mirrors
Intermittent/interval wiping see Windshield wipers
J
Jack (Vehicle tool kit) 388
Lifting vehicle 413
Lowering vehicle 419
Jump starting 424

K
Key 209
Kickdown (Automatic
transmission*) 162, 459
Kilopascal 345
Kneebag see Air bags

Index

L
Labels 436
Lamp in center console 367
Lamps in instrument cluster 362
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS 362
Battery (SmartKey) 95
Brakes 363
CHECK ENGINE 364
ESP® 84, 86, 365
Fuel reserve 365, 366
Passenger front air bag off 367
Seat belts 366
SRS 64, 65, 366
Language in multifunction display (Control
system) 137
Layout of poly-V-belt drive 437
License plate lamps 401
Light alloy wheels
Cleaning 358
Technical data 441, 442
Lighter see Cigarette lighter

Lighting 110
Combination switch 114
Corner-illuminating front fog
lamps* 115
Daytime running lamp mode 112
Door entry lamps 119
Exterior lamp switch 110
Exterior lamps, cleaning 357
Fog lamps 113
Footwell lighting* 118
Hazard warning flasher 117
Headlamp mode,
automatic/manual 111
High beam 115
High beam flasher 115
Individual settings (Control
system) 143
Instrument cluster illumination 120
Interior lighting 117
Low beam headlamps 110
Night security illumination (Control
system) 145
Reading lamps 119
Standing lamps 110
Trunk 118

Limp Home Mode (Automatic
transmission*) 172
Line of fall 460
Loading 265, 320, 344
Loading the vehicle 320
Locator lighting (Control system) 144
Locking
And parking 59
Centrally (Control system) 147
Centrally from inside 102
Locking knob (Doors) 97, 460
Locking the vehicle 62
Long trip, checking before 305
Loss of
Service and Warranty Booklet 435
SmartKey or mechanical key 97
Low beam headlamps 110, 401
Lubricants, technical data 449

471

Index

M
Main dimensions 447
Maintenance service indicator (Control
system) 350
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) 460
Service indicator, calling up 351
Manual seat see Seats
Manual shift program SLK 55 AMG 169
Manual transmission 155
Driving 53
Gearshift pattern 51
Starting with SmartKey 51
Maximum inflation pressure 345
Maximum load rating 345
Maximum loaded vehicle weight 345
Mechanical key see SmartKey
Memory function* 107, 460
Menus
AUDIO 129
Convenience* submenu 147
Instrument cluster submenu 137
Lighting submenu 143
NAV* 132
Overview (Control system) 126, 127,
136

472

Settings 134
Settings submenus 135
Standard display 128
TEL* 151
Time/Date submenu 139
Trip computer 149
Vehicle status message memory 132
Vehicle submenu 147
Messages in display 368
Cruise control 370
ESP® 371
Maintenance service indicator 350
SRS 372
Symbols 374
Transmission 372
Vehicle status message memory 132
Mirror lamp* see Sun visors
Mirrors 173
Additional turn signals 401
Adjusting 45
Antiglare position 173
Auto-dimming* 174
Exterior rear view mirrors 45
Interior rear view mirror 45
Parking position* 108, 148, 175

MOExtended system* 333
MON 304, 460
Motor Octane Number see MON
MP3 220
Multifunction display 123, 460
Engine oil messages 309
Messages 132
Messages with symbols 374
Messages with text 368
Operation see Control system
Multifunction steering wheel 26, 124,
460
Heating* 288

Index

N
NAV* menu 132
Navigation system see NAV*
Neck-level heating see AIRSCARF* (Seats)
Night security illumination (Control
system) 145
Normal occupant weight 345
O
Occupant distribution 345
Occupant safety 64
Children 66, 75
Infant and child restraint systems 72,
75
Seat belts 47, 68, 71
Oil see Engine oil
One-touch gearshifting* 164
Operating safety 16, 203
Operating vehicle outside the USA and
Canada 13
Operator’s Manual 10
Ornamental moldings see Vehicle care
Outside temperature indicator 121, 129
Outside temperature/speed 138
Overhead control panel 30
Overspeed range 121, 460

P
Paintwork see Vehicle care
Panic alarm 80
Parcel net (Storage compartment) 267
Parking 296
And locking 59
Parking aid see Parking position*
Parking brake 52, 59
Parking lamps 110, 401
Parking position* 108
Activation (Control system) 148
Exterior rear view mirrors 175
Parts service 434
Passenger air bag see Air bags
Passenger compartment 301
Passenger front air bag off indicator
lamp 367
Passenger safety see Occupant safety
Phone book see Telephone*
Plastic parts, cleaning 359
Poly-V-belt drive 437, 460
Potential problems associated with underinflated and overinflated tires 332
Power outlet 271
Power seat* see Seats
Power train 461

Power washer see Vehicle care
Power windows 246
Operating rear side windows 248
Operating with retractable hardtop
switch 248
Summer opening/convenience
closing* 249
Synchronizing 251
Practical hints
Fuses 430
Lamps in instrument cluster 362
Spare wheel bolts 392
Towing vehicle 426
Vehicle jack 389
What to do if... 362
Premium unleaded gasoline 452
Problems
While driving 58
With vehicle 17
Product information 9
Production options weight 345
Program mode selector switch* 461
Automatic transmission* 163
PSI 345

473

Index

R
Radio
Operation (Audio system) 209
Operation (Control system) 129
Satellite* (USA only) 130
Radio transmitters, control and
operation 301
Reading lamps 119
Rear view mirrors see Mirrors
Rear window defroster 177
Recommended inflation pressure 345
Recovery services for stolen vehicle
(Tele Aid) 280
Refrigerant (Air conditioning) 451
Refueling 304
Regular checks 305
Remote control see SmartKey
Remote door unlock with Tele Aid 280
Reporting, safety defects 18
Research Octane Number see RON
Reset button (Instrument cluster) 25
Residual engine heat utilization see REST

474

REST 461
Automatic climate control* 202
Climate control 188
Restraint systems 461
Retractable hardtop 252, 461
Locking after raising/lowering 255
Opening and closing 252
Operating manually 397
Problems when operating 255
Summer opening/convenience
closing* 257
Wind screen 259
Rims 345, 439
Roadside Assistance 12, 277
Roll bar 462
RON 304, 462
Roof rack 265
Rubber parts, cleaning 359
Run Flat Indicator* 329

S
Safety belts see Seat belts
Safety defects, reporting 18
Safety, occupant 64
Satellite radio* (USA only) 130, 214
Seat belts 71
Cleaning 360
Fastening 47
Force limiter 74
Proper use of 49, 73
Release button 49
Safety guidelines 68
Warning lamp 366
Seating capacity 322
Seats 104
Adjusting 38
Easy-entry/exit feature* 43
Head restraint height 41
Heating* 104
Power seats* 40
Selective setting see SmartKey
Selector lever* lock 51, 462

Index

Service
Information 12
Maintenance Booklet 12
Service and warranty
Booklet 435
Information 10
Service life (Tires) 318
Service system
Maintenance service indicator 350
Parts service 434
Settings menu (Control system) 134
Shelf behind roll bar 268
Shelf below rear window, cleaning 360
Shift lock* 462
Side marker lamps 401
Side windows see Power windows
Sidewall 345
SmartKey 92
Checking batteries 97
Factory setting 94
Global locking 95
Global unlocking 94
Locking and unlocking 92

Loss of SmartKey or mechanical
key 97
Mechanical key 394
Panic button 80
Positions in starter switch 36
Power windows,
opening/closing* 249
Remote control 92
Replacing batteries 398
Restoring to factory setting 96
Retractable hardtop,
opening/closing* 257
Selective setting 95
Starting engine 50
Turning off engine 61
Unlocking the trunk lid 96
Snow chains 349
Spare fuses (Vehicle tool kit) 388
Spare parts see Parts service
Spare wheel 391
SRS 73, 462
Display message 372
Indicator lamp 366

Standard display menu (Control
system) 128
Standing lamps 110, 401
Standing water, driving instructions 300
Starter switch positions 36
Starting 36, 50
Difficulties with 52
Position in starter switch 36
Steering column see Steering wheel
Steering wheel
Adjusting 42
Heating* 288
Steering wheel gearshift control
SLK 280* 165
SLK 350* 165
SLK 55 AMG 167
Stolen vehicle, Recovery services
(Tele Aid) 280
Storage compartments 266
Storing tires 319
Summer opening*
Power windows 249
Retractable hardtop 257
Sun visors 176
Supplemental Restraint System see SRS
Symbols in display 374

475

Index

T
Tachometer 121
Tail lamps 401
Tar stains see Vehicle care
TDMA or CDMA network phones
(Telephone*) 236
Technical data
Air conditioning refrigerant 451
Brake fluid 451
Coolants 453
Electrical system 446
Engine 438
Engine oil 451
Fuel additives 453
Fuel requirements 452
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. 449
Headlamp cleaning system* 456
Main dimensions 447
Parts service 434
Premium unleaded gasoline 452
Rims and tires 439
Weights 448
Windshield washer system 456

476

Tele Aid system 273, 462
Call priority 279
Initiating an emergency call 276
Remote door unlock 280
Requirements 273
Roadside Assistance 277
Stolen Vehicle Recovery
services 280
System self-check 274
Telephone* 272
Compartment 266
GSM network phones 229
Operation 151, 203
Tightening torque 462
Wheel bolts 419
Time and date synchronization with head
unit* (Control system) 139
TIN 346
Tire and Loading Information 321
Tire and loading terminology 344
Tire care and maintenance 318
Tire Identification Number see TIN

Tire inflation pressure 410
Air pressure 344
Checking 327, 329
Tire inflation pressure see the placard on
the fuel filler flap
Tire inspection 318
Tire load rating 346
Tire ply composition and material
used 346
Tire speed rating 336, 346
Tire terminology 344
TIREFIT kit* (Vehicle tool kit) 388, 389
TIREFIT*
Instructions for use 408
Tires 317, 439
Cleaning 319
Collapsible (Spare wheel) 458
Direction of rotation 320
Driving instructions 297
Flat tire 408
Important guidelines 317
Inflating with air pump 417
MOExtended system* 333
Mounting wheel 415

Index

Removing wheel 415
Retreads 317
Rims and tires 439
Rotating 347
Run Flat Indicator* 329
Service life 318
Sizes 439
Snow chains 349
Spare wheel 391
Speed rating 298
Storing 319
Supplemental tire inflation pressure
information 304
Temperature 343
Traction 298
Tread depth 319, 348
Treadwear indicators (TWI) 297
Wear pattern 347
Wheel chock (Vehicle tool kit) 388
Winter 348
Tools see Vehicle tool kit
Tow-away alarm see Anti-theft systems
Towing (Vehicle) 426
Traction 163, 346

Transmission, display message 372
Transporting the vehicle 89
Traveling abroad 301
Tread 346
Tread depth 319, 348
Treadwear indicators 297, 346
Trip computer menu (Control
system) 149
Trunk 98
Cargo compartment cover 253
Lighting 118
Trunk lid emergency release 100
Trunk lid lock 395
Unlocking with SmartKey 96
Turn signals 55, 401
Additional in mirrors 401
TWI see Treadwear indicators

U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards 346
Unlocking 34
Centrally from inside 102
In an emergency 280
With SmartKey 34
Upholstery
Cleaning 360
Useful features
Ashtray 269
Cigarette lighter 270
Cup holder 268
Floormat (Driver’s side only) 271
Garage door opener* 281
Heated steering wheel* 288
Parcel net 267
Power outlet 271
Storage compartments, interior 266
Tele Aid 273
Telephone* 272

477

Index

V
Valve extractor (Vehicle tool kit) 388
Vehicle
Battery 314, 421
Bulbs 401
Fuses 430
Individual settings (Control
system) 134
Jump starting 424
Lifting with jack 413
Locking 62
Proper use of 16
Towing 426
Unlocking/locking in an
emergency 394
Vehicle capacity weight 346
Vehicle care 353
Vehicle Identification Number see VIN
Vehicle jack 389
Vehicle loading terminology 344
Vehicle status message memory menu
(Control system) 132
Vehicle tool kit 388
Collapsible wheel chock 390
Vehicle washing see Vehicle care
VIN 436, 463

478

W
Warning sounds
Anti-theft alarm system 87
Driver’s seat belt 71
Exterior lighting 61, 111
Maintenance service indicator 351
Panic alarm 80
Parking brake 53, 363
Tow-away alarm 88
Warranty coverage 435
Washing the vehicle see Vehicle care
Wear pattern (Tires) 347
Weights 448
Wheel bolts 392
Wheel chock (Vehicle tool kit) 388
Wheel wrench (Vehicle tool kit) 388
Wheels see Tires
Wheels, tightening torque 419
Where will I find...? 388
Wind screen 259, 463
Windows see Power windows

Windshield
Washer fluid reservoir 315
Washer system 456
Windshield wipers 56
Replacing wiper blades 406
Wiper blades, cleaning 357
Winter driving 348
Instructions 299
Snow chains 349
Tires 348
Winter tires see Tires
Wood trims, cleaning 360

Service and Literature
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center has trained technicians and original Mercedes-Benz parts to service your vehicle properly. For
expert advice and quality service, see an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If you are interested in obtaining service literature for your vehicle, please contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. We consider
this the best way for you to obtain accurate information for your vehicle.
For further information you can find us on the Mercedes-Benz web-site www.mbusa.com or www.mercedes-benz.ca.

G

Warning!

To help avoid personal injury, be extremely careful when performing any service work or repairs. Improper or incomplete service or the use of
incorrect or inappropriate parts or materials may damage the vehicle or its equipment, which may in turn result in personal injury.
If you have questions about carrying out any type of service, turn to the advice of an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

We reserve the right to modify the technical details of the vehicle as given in the data and illustrations of this Operator’s Manual.
Reprinting, translation and copying, even of excerpts, is not permitted without our prior authorization in writing.
Title illustration no. P00.01-2930-31
Press time April 8, 2005
GSP/TIP
Printed in Germany



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