MERCEDES-BENZ ML55AMG 2002 W163 Manual PDF

68 Restraint systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Infant and child restraint systems
We recommend that all infants and children be properly
restrained at all times while the vehicle is in motion. All
lap-shoulder belts except the driver’s seat belt have
special seat belt retractors for secure fastening of child
restraints.
To fasten a child restraint follow child restraint
instructions for routing. Then pull shoulder belt out
completely and let it retract. During the seat belt
retraction a ratcheting sound can be heard to indicate
that the special seat belt retractor is activated. The belt
is now locked. Push down on child restraint to take up
any slack.
To deactivate, release seat belt buckle and let seat belt
retract completely. The seat belt can again be used in
the usual manner.
Note:
For child seats with mounting fittings for tether
anchorages refer to page 70 (installation of infant and
child restraint systems).Important!
The use of infant or child restraints is required by law in
all 50 states 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, and that complies with
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 and
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
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.
Wa r n i n g !
Never release the seat belt buckle while vehicle is
in motion, since the special seat belt retractor will
be deactivated.

69 Restraint systems
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Wa r n i n g !
Children 12 years old and under must never ride in
the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz
authorized BabySmart
TM compatible child seat,
which operates with the BabySmart
TM System
installed in the vehicle to deactivate the passenger
front airbag when it is properly installed.
Otherwise they will be struck by the airbag when it
inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal
injury can result.
According to accident statistics, children are safer
when properly restrained in the rear seating
positions than in the front seating positions.
Infants and small children must ride in back seats
and be seated in an 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.Children too big for child restraint systems must
ride in back seats using regular seat belts. Position
shoulder belt across chest and shoulder, not face or
neck. A booster seat may be necessary to achieve
proper belt positioning for children from 41 lbs. to
the point where a lap / shoulder belt fits properly
without one.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.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.

70 Restraint systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Installation of infant and child restraint systems
To secure a tether strap to the anchorage, securely
fasten the hook (1), which is part of the tether strap, to
the anchorage ring (2). For safety, please make sure that
the hook has attached to the ring beyond the safety
catch, as illustrated.Vehicle without third row seats
3Tether anchorages for second row seats
4Tether anchorages for third row seats (optional)
This vehicle is provided with three tether
anchorages (3) for a top tether strap behind the
second row seats.
Note:
Do not use the tether anchorages (4) for a top tether
strap on a second row seat.

71 Restraint systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Vehicle with third row seats
3Tether anchorages for second row seats
4Tether anchorages for third row seats
This vehicle is provided with tether anchorages for a top
tether strap behind the second row seats (3) and the
third row seats (4).We recommend to install infant and child restraints on
the third row seats.
When using the third row seats observe the following:
•Installation of infant and child restraint systems
with a top tether strap is allowed only on both third
row seats plus the center second row seat.
•When using the center second row seat for a top
tether strap, the left third row seat should only be
used for a child restraint system, since exiting the
vehicle may not be possible in an emergency due to
the routing of the top tether strap.
To store the left third row seat, see page 144.

72 Restraint systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
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Important!
An infant and child restraint system must not be
installed on the right second row seat while a passenger
rides in a third row seat. Use of the easy-entry / exit
feature is not possible. See page 142 for easy-entry / exit
feature.
Note:
When installing an infant or child restraint system with
a top tether strap on the left second row seat, the left
third row seat should not be occupied. For storage of the
left third row seat, see page 144.Child seat mounts – “LATCH” type
1Mounts
This vehicle is provided with two “LATCH” (LOWER
Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) type mounts (at
each of the outer rear seats and in the optional third row
seat) for installation of a “LATCH” seat having the
matching mounting fittings.
1
1
P91.22-2072-26

73 Restraint systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Install a “LATCH” type child seat according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
The child seat must be firmly attached in the right and
left side mounting fittings (1).
Non-“LATCH” type child seats may also be used and are
capable of being installed using the vehicle’s seat belt
system. Install child seat according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Note:
With a child seat installed in the left rear seat, the seat
belt for the center seat occupied by a passenger must
operate freely. Guide seat belt between its seat cushion
mount and backrest mount along outside of right side
child seat mount.
Wa r n i n g !
The “LATCH” mounting fittings are intended for
children up to 22 kg (50 lbs) in weight.Children too big for child restraint systems must
ride in back seats using regular seat belts. Position
shoulder belt across chest and shoulder, not face or
neck. A booster seat may be necessary to achieve
proper belt positioning for children from 41 lbs. to
the point where a lap / shoulder belt fits properly
without one.Install child seat according to manufacturer’s
instructions.The child seat must be firmly attached in the right
and left side mounting fittings (1).An incorrectly mounted child seat may come loose
during an accident.Damaged or impact damaged child seats or child
seat mounting fittings must be replaced.Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle,
even if the children are secured in a child restraint
system.

74 Adjustable steering wheel
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Adjustable steering wheelUnlocking:
Move lever (1) down. The indicator lamp, located in the
instrument cluster, comes on.
Adjusting:
Move steering wheel up or down to desired position.
Locking:
Move lever (1) up. The indicator lamp, located in the
instrument cluster, goes out.
Important!
With the key in steering lock position 2, the indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster comes on. It should go
out when the engine is running.
If the indicator lamp does not go out after starting the
engine, the adjustable steering column is not locked
properly.
Do not drive the vehicle until you have properly locked
the steering column.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving. The
steering wheel must be locked while driving.
Adjusting the steering wheel while driving, or
driving without the steering wheel locked could
cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

75 Rear view mirrors
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Inside rear view mirrorUse your inside rear view mirror to determine the size
and distance of objects seen in the passenger side rear
view convex mirror.
Antiglare night position
Manual (only ML 320):
Tilt the inside rear view mirror to the antiglare night
position using the lever (1) at its lower edge.

76 Rear view mirrors
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Automatic (optional on ML 320):
With the key in steering lock position 2 and the
automatic antiglare function activated, the mirror
reflection brightness responds to changes in light
sensitivity.
To a c ti va te :
Press button (1). The green indicator lamp in the inside
rear view mirror lights up.To d e a c t i va t e :
Press button (1) again. The indicator lamp in the inside
rear view mirror goes out. The mirror brightness does
not respond to changes in light sensitivity.
Notes:
With gear selector lever in position “R”, or with the
interior lamps (except cargo compartment lamp)
switched on, the mirror brightness does not respond to
changes in light sensitivity.
The automatic antiglare function does not react, if
incoming light is not aimed directly at sensors in the
inside rear view mirror.
The antiglare function will not react for example, if the
cargo area is fully loaded.
Wa r n i n g !
In the case of an accident liquid electrolyte may
escape the mirror housing when the mirror glass
breaks.Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not allow the
liquid come into contact with eyes, skin, clothing,
or respiratory system. In cases it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek medical
help if necessary.

77 Rear view mirrors
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Exterior rear view mirrors
The switch is located on the center console.
1Driver’s side
2Passenger side
3Adjustment buttonExterior rear view mirror adjustment
Turn key in steering lock to position 1 or 2.
Push button to select mirror to be adjusted:
Driver’s side – Push button (1).
Passenger side – Push button (2).
Push the adjustment button (3) up, down, left or right
according to the setting desired.
Note:
The exterior mirrors have electrically heated glass. The
heater switches on automatically, depending on outside
temperature.
With the front doors closed and the key in steering lock
position 0 or 1, or removed from steering lock, the
exterior rear view mirrors can be operated for
approx. 30 minutes.
P82.00-2122-26
1
2
3
Wa r n i n g !
Exercise care when using the passenger-side
mirror. The passenger-side exterior mirror is
convex (outwardly curved surface for a wider field
of view). Objects in mirror are closer than they
appear. Check your inside rear view mirror or
glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.