Level MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class 2011 W164 User Guide

Seats
Important safety guidelines
GWarning
In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle
control, all seat, head restraint, steering
wheel and rear view mirror adjustments, as
well as fastening of seat belts, must be done
before setting the vehicle in motion.
GWarning
Do not adjust the driver's seat while driving.
Adjusting the seat while driving could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Never travel 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 seat belt would apply force at the
abdomen or neck. This could cause serious or
fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat belts
provide the best restraint when the wearer is
in a position that is as upright as possible and
seat belts are properly positioned on the
body.
GWarning
Your seat belt must be adjusted so that you
can correctly fasten your seat belt.
Observe the following points:
R adjust the seat backrest until your arms are
slightly angled when holding the steering
wheel.
R adjust the seat to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely. The
position should be as far back as possible
with the driver still able to operate the
controls properly.
R adjust the head restraint so that it is as
close to the head as possible and the center
of the head restraint supports the back of
the head at eye level.
R never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being
adjusted.
Failure to do so could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.GWarning
The electrically adjustable seats can be
operated at any time. Therefore, do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. A child's
unsupervised access to a vehicle could result
in an accident and/or serious personal injury.
GWarning!
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained in the rear
seating positions than in the front seating
position. Thus, we strongly recommend that
children be placed in the rear seats whenever
possible. Regardless of seating position,
children 12 years old and under must be
seated and properly secured in an
appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler
restraint, or booster seat recommended for
the size and weight of the child. For additional
information, see "Children in the vehicle".
A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and/
or the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
GWarning
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint so that it is as close
to the head as possible and the center of 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.
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hand side bolster : into the desired
position.XTo adjust the angle of the head
restraint: push or pull the head restraint in
the direction of arrow ;.
Rear seat head restraints
GWarning!
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint in such a way that it
is as close to the head as possible and the
center of 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.
With a rear seat occupied, make sure to move
the respective head restraint up from the
lowest non-use position and have the
occupant adjust the head restraint properly.
Do not drive the vehicle without the seat head
restraints installed when the rear seats are
occupied. Head restraints are intended to
help reduce injuries during an accident.
Adjusting the rear seat head restraint
height
If the head restraint is fully lowered, it is
necessary to press release catch :.
XTo raise: pull the head restraint up to the
desired position.XTo lower: press release catch : and push
the head restraint down until it is in the
desired position.
Adjusting the rear seat head restraint
angle
Adjust the head restraints so that they are as
close as possible to your head.
You can only adjust the two outer head
restraints.
XUsing both hands, reach backwards and
grasp the sides of the head restraint.XPull the lower edge of the head restraint
forwards or backwards until it is in the
desired position.
Removing and installing the rear head
restraints
GWarning!
Occupants should only travel sitting on seats
which have the head restraints installed. In
the event of an accident, this reduces the risk
of injury for passengers seated in the rear
compartment.
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XTo remove: pull the head restraint up to
the stop.XPress release catch : and pull the head
restraint out of the guides.XTo re-install: insert the head restraint so
that the notches on the bar are on the left
when viewed in the direction of travel.XPush the head restraint down until you hear
it engage in position.
Adjusting the multicontour seat
You can adjust the contour of the front seats
individually so as to provide optimum support
for your back and sides.
XMake sure that the key is in position 2 in
the ignition lock.XUse switch : to move the thigh cushion
into the desired position.XPress the W or X button to adjust the
contour of the backrest to suit your back.XPress button ? to move the point of
greatest backrest curvature downwards to
the lumbar region and press button = to
move it upwards to the upper back region.XUse button ; to adjust the side bolsters
for optimal lateral support.Adjusting the four-way lumbar
support
The lumbar support for the driver's seat can
be individually adjusted to provide optimum
support for your back.:To raise the backrest contour;To soften the backrest contour=To lower the backrest contour?To harden the backrest contour
Switching the seat heating on/off
Switching on/off
GWarning!
Repeatedly setting the seat heating to level
3 may result in excessive seat temperatures.
The health of passengers that have limited
temperature sensitivity or a limited ability to
react to excessively high temperatures may
be affected or they may even suffer burn-like
injuries. Therefore, do not use seat heating
level 3 repeatedly.
The three red indicator lamps in the button
indicate the heating level you have selected.
i If the battery voltage is too low, the seat
heating may switch off.
One or several indicator lamps in the seat
heating button flash.
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Driver's and front-passenger seat
Rear compartment seats
The system automatically switches down
from level 3 to level 2 after approximately five
minutes.
The system automatically switches down
from level 2 to level 1 after approximately ten
minutes.
The system automatically switches off
approximately 20 minutes after it is set to
level 1.
XMake sure that the key is in position 2 in
the ignition lock.XTo switch on: press button : repeatedly
until the desired heating level is set.XTo switch off: press button : repeatedly
until all the indicator lamps go out.Problems with the seat heating
If one or all of the indicator lamps in the seat
heating button are flashing, the seat heating
has switched off automatically. The vehicle's
electrical system voltage is too low because
too many electrical consumers are switched
on.
XSwitch off electrical consumers which you
do not need, such as the rear window
defroster or interior lighting.
Once the battery is sufficiently charged, the
seat heating will switch back on
automatically.
Switching the seat ventilation on/off
Switching on/off
The three blue indicator lamps in the buttons
indicate the ventilation level you have
selected.
i If the battery voltage is too low, the seat
ventilation may switch off.
XMake sure that the key is in position 2 in
the ignition lock.XTo switch on: press button : repeatedly
until the desired ventilation level is set.
i You can open the side windows and the
tilt/sliding sunroof with the key
( Y page 86). The seat ventilation of the
driver's seat automatically switches to the
highest level.
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XSwitch off the lights.XOpen the cargo compartment.XOpen the side trim panel (Y page 114).XTurn the corresponding bulb holder
counter-clockwise and remove it.
XRemove the bulb from the bulb holder.XInsert the new bulb into the bulb holder.XInsert the bulb holder and turn it clockwise.XClose the side trim panel (Y page 114).
License plate lamp
XSwitch off the lights.XOpen the tailgate.XRemove screws :.XRemove the license plate lamp.XReplace the bulb.XInsert the license plate lamp.XReplace and tighten screws :.Setting the headlamps:V vertical axis;H (horizontal) height, measured from the
center
Setting the headlamps correctly is extremely
important. Setting the high-beam headlamps
also sets the low-beam headlamps. (The term
headlamps covers both high and low beam.)
To check and adapt the headlamp setting,
proceed as follows:
XPark the vehicle on level ground at a
distance of 25 feet (7.6 m) from a wall or
similar.
XMake sure that the vehicle load is in the
normal range.
XSwitch on the L low-beam headlamps.
If the light of the headlamps is not distributed
as shown in the illustration above, follow the
instructions below:
XOpen the hood (Y page 282).
The adjustment screws are located under the
cover.
116Changing bulbsLights and windshield wipers
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Control panel for the dual-zone automatic climate controlFunctioniNotes/tips:Sets the temperature, leftSet the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).;Sets climate control to
automaticActivate climate control using the à and Á
buttons. The indicator lamps in the à and Á
buttons light up.=Defrosts the windshieldOnly use the "defrosting" function briefly until the
windshield is clear again.?Increases the airflowADirects the airflow through the
defroster ventsBSwitches cooling with air
dehumidification on/offActivate climate control using the à and Á
buttons. The indicator lamps in the à and Á
buttons light up.Switches the residual heat
function on/offUse the residual heat function if you want to heat or
ventilate the vehicle interior when the ignition is
switched off. The "residual heat" function can only be
activated or deactivated with the ignition switched
off.CSets the temperature, rightSet the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).DSwitches rear-compartment
climate control on/offEDirects the airflow through the
center and side air ventsFDirects the airflow to the
footwells and side air ventsGDisplays the airflow levelHReduces the airflowOverview of climate control systems123Climate controlBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 123Z

FunctioniNotes/tips=Defrosts the windshieldOnly use the "defrosting" function briefly until the
windshield is clear again.?Increases the airflowADirects the airflow through the
defroster ventsBSwitches cooling with air
dehumidification on/offActivate climate control using the à and Á
buttons. The indicator lamps in the à and Á
buttons light up.Switches the residual heat
function on/offUse the residual heat function if you want to heat or
ventilate the vehicle interior when the ignition is
switched off. The "residual heat" function can only be
activated or deactivated with the ignition switched
off.CSets the temperature, rightSet the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).DSwitches rear-compartment
climate control on/offEDirects the airflow through the
center and side air ventsFDirects the airflow to the
footwells and side air ventsGDisplays the airflow levelHReduces the airflowISwitches the rear window
heating on/offJActivates/deactivates air-
recirculation modeOnly use "air-recirculation" mode briefly, e.g. if there
are unpleasant outside odors or when in a tunnel. The
windows could otherwise fog up as, in air-
recirculation mode, no fresh air is drawn into the
vehicle.KInterior temperature sensorLSwitches climate control on/
offActivate climate control using the à and Á
buttons. The indicator lamps in the à and Á
buttons light up.Rear control panelMIncreases the airflowOverview of climate control systems125Climate controlBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 125Z

Activating/deactivating
! If the cooling with air dehumidification
does not switch on, it is possible that the
climate control system has lost coolant.
Have the cooling with air dehumidification
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
XTo switch on: press the Á button.
The indicator lamp in the Á button lights
up.XTo switch off: press the Á button.
The indicator lamp in the Á button goes
out. The cooling with air dehumidification
function has a delayed switch-off feature.
Problems with the "cooling with air
dehumidification" function
If the indicator lamp in the Á button does
not go out when switched off, the cooling with
air dehumidification function is switched off
due to a malfunction. You can no longer
activate the cooling with air dehumidification
function.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
Setting climate control to automatic
GWarning
If you switch 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.
In automatic mode, the set temperature is
maintained automatically at a constant level.
The system automatically regulates the
temperature of the dispensed air, the airflow
and the air distribution.
Automatic mode will achieve optimal
operation if cooling with air dehumidification
is also activated. If desired, cooling with air
dehumidification can be deactivated.
Controlling the front climate control
using the front control panelXTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XSet the desired temperature.XTo activate: press the à button.
The indicator lamp in the à button lights
up. Automatic air distribution and airflow
are activated.XTo deactivate: press the K or I
button.
The indicator lamp in the à button goes
out. Automatic airflow is deactivated and
the airflow is controlled according to the
level set. Automatic air distribution
remains activated.
or
XPress the Z, M , ¯ , \ , P ,
c or O button.
The indicator lamp in the à button goes
out. Automatic air distribution is
deactivated. Air distribution is controlled
according to the position set. Automatic
airflow remains activated.
Controlling the rear-compartment
climate control automatically using the
rear control panel
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XActivate multi-zone automatic climate
control using the front control panel.XSet the desired temperature.XTo activate: press the à button.
The indicator lamp in the à button lights
up. Automatic air distribution and airflow
are activated.XTo deactivate: press the K or I
button.
Automatic airflow is deactivated and the
airflow is controlled according to the level130Operating the control systemsClimate control
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XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.XShift the transmission to position D or R.XWait until the gear change is completed
before pulling away.XRelease the parking brake ( Y page 159).XRelease the brake pedal.XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
!
If a warning tone sounds and the
Release Park. Brake message appears
in the instrument cluster, the parking brake
is still applied. Release the parking brake.
i The vehicle locks centrally once you have
pulled away. The locking knobs in the doors
drop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at
any time.
You can also deactivate the automatic
locking feature ( Y page 217).
i Upshifts take place at higher engine
speeds after a cold start. This helps the
catalytic converter to reach its operating
temperature more quickly.
Hill start assist
Hill start assist helps you when pulling away
forwards or in reverse on an uphill gradient.
It holds the vehicle for a short time after you
have removed your foot from the brake pedal.
This gives you enough time to move your foot
from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal
and depress it before the vehicle begins to
roll.
GWarning
Never leave the vehicle when it is held by hill
start assist. After approximately one second,
hill start assist will no longer brake your
vehicle and it could roll away.
XTake your foot off the brake pedal.
i Once you have taken your foot off the
brake pedal, the vehicle is held for around
one second.
XPull away.
Hill start assist will not function if:
R you are pulling away on a level road or a
downhill gradient.
R the transmission is in position N.
R the parking brake is applied.
R ESP ®
is malfunctioning.
142DrivingDriving and parking
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsVehicles with a
gasoline engine:
The engine is not
running smoothly and
is misfiring.There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or a mechanical
component of the engine management system.XOnly depress the accelerator pedal slightly.XHave the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic
converter and damage it.The coolant
temperature gauge
shows a value above
248 ‡(120 †).The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine
is no longer being cooled sufficiently.XStop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant
to cool down.XCheck the coolant level ( Y page 285). Observe the warning
notes as you do so and add coolant if necessary.Automatic transmission
Important safety guidelines
GWarning
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission out of parking position P or
neutral position N if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
GWarning!
Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N automatically.
Always shift the automatic transmission into
park position P before turning off the engine.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
GWarning!
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all
necessary safety information and warning for
the operation of your vehicle.
DIRECT SELECT lever
Overview of transmission positions
The DIRECT SELECT lever is on the right of the
steering column.
PPark position with parking lockRReverse144Automatic transmissionDriving and parking
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