towing MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class 2012 W251 Owner's Manual

Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 21At a glance ........................................... 27Safety ................................................... 37Opening/closing ................................. 71Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....95Lights and windshield wipers ..........113Climate control ................................. 129Driving and parking ..........................143On-board computer and displays ....197Stowing and features .......................247Maintenance and care ......................281Breakdown assistance .....................295Wheels and tires ............................... 321Technical data ................................... 351
Contents3

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 268
12 V socket see Sockets
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) .... 66
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 214
Function/notes ................................ 65
Important safety notes ....................65
Warning lamp ................................. 240
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 135
Active service system PLUS see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
Adaptive Damping System (ADS) ..... 181
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 358
Adjusting the armrest (2nd row of
seats) .................................................. 102
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) ..... 181
Air bags Display message ............................ 220
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 42
Important safety notes ....................40
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Side impact air bag ..........................42
Window curtain air bag ....................43
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air filter (display message) .............. 228
AIRMATIC (display message) ............ 229
AIRMATIC package ............................ 180
Air pressure see Tire pressure
Air vents
Important safety notes ..................141
Rear ............................................... 142
Setting ........................................... 141
Setting the center air vents ...........141
Setting the side air vents ...............141
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Anti-lock Braking System
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Anti-theft system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........69
Ashtray ............................................... 265
ASSYST PLUS see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ...................69
Function ........................................... 69
Switching off the alarm ....................69
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 203
Audio system see separate operating instructions
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 225
see Lights
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 115
Automatic transmission Automatic drive program ...............154
Changing gear ............................... 152
DIRECT SELECT lever .....................150
Display message ............................ 234
Driving tips .................................... 153
Emergency running mode ..............156
Kickdown ....................................... 153
Problem (malfunction) ...................156
Program selector button ................153
Pulling away ................................... 147
Shift ranges ................................... 154
Starting the engine ........................146
Steering wheel paddle shifters ......153
Trailer towing ................................. 153
Transmission position display ........151
Transmission positions ..................152
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 1564Index

B
Back support see Lumbar support
Backup lamp
Changing bulbs .............................. 123
Display message ............................ 224
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 65
Basic settings see Settings
Battery (key)
Checking .......................................... 76
Battery (SmartKey)
Important safety notes ....................76
Replacing ......................................... 76
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 312
Display message ............................ 227
Important safety notes ..................310
Jump starting ................................. 313
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating .................210
Display message ............................ 230
Notes/function .............................. 189
Trailer towing ................................. 191
BlueTEC
Adding DEF .................................... 161
BlueTEC (DEF) .................................... 357
Brake Assist System see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 217
Notes ............................................. 359
Brake fluid level ................................ 286
Brake lamps Display message ............................ 223
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 65
BAS .................................................. 65
Brake fluid (notes) .........................359
Display message ............................ 214
Driving tips .................................... 166
Important safety notes ..................166
Maintenance .................................. 167
Parking brake ........................ 164, 168
Warning lamp ................................. 239Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs
C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................22
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Capacities
see Technical data
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Carpets .......................................... 294
Car wash ........................................ 288
Display ........................................... 292
Exterior lights ................................ 291
Gear or selector lever ....................293
Matte finish ................................... 290
Notes ............................................. 287
Paint .............................................. 290
Plastic trim .................................... 292
Power washer ................................ 289
Rear view camera .......................... 292
Roof lining ...................................... 294
Seat belt ........................................ 293
Seat cover ..................................... 293
Sensors ......................................... 291
Steering wheel ............................... 293
Tail pipes ....................................... 292
Trim pieces .................................... 293
Washing by hand ........................... 289
Wheels ........................................... 289
Windows ........................................ 291
Wiper blades .................................. 291
Wooden trim .................................. 293
Cargo compartment cover
Extending ....................................... 260
Notes/how to use .........................258
Cargo compartment enlargement
Full ................................................. 253
Important safety notes ..................253
Partial ............................................ 253
Index5

DoorsAutomatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 208
Automatic locking (switch) ............... 80
Display message ............................ 235
Emergency locking ........................... 81
Emergency unlocking .......................81
Opening (from inside) ......................80
Drinking and driving ......................... 165
Drinks holder see Cup holders
Drive program (automatic) ............... 154
Driver's door see Doors
Driver's seat
see Seats
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................287
Symmetrical low beam ..................114
Driving on flooded roads .................. 168
Driving safety systems 4ETS (Electronic Traction System) ...66
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......65
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............65
Distance warning system
(vehicles with DISTRONIC) ...............68
Electronic brake force distribution ...68
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 66
Important safety information ...........64
Overview .......................................... 64
Driving systems
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 189
Cruise control ................................ 170
Display message ............................ 229
DISTRONIC .................................... 173
Level control .................................. 181
PARKTRONIC ................................. 184
Rear axle level control ...................180
Rear view camera .......................... 187
Driving tips
Automatic transmission .................153
Brakes ........................................... 166
Break-in period .............................. 144
DISTRONIC .................................... 179
Downhill gradient ........................... 166
Drinking and driving .......................165Driving abroad ............................... 114
Driving on flooded roads ................168
Driving on wet roads ......................168
Exhaust check ............................... 166
Fuel ................................................ 165
General .......................................... 165
Hydroplaning ................................. 168
Icy road surfaces ........................... 170
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 167
Pedals ............................................ 165
Snow chains .......................... 169, 325
Symmetrical low beam ..................114
Towing a trailer .............................. 191
Wet road surface ........................... 167
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 203
E
EASY-ENTRY feature 3rd row of seats ............................. 103
Activating/deactivating .................209
Function/notes ............................. 108
EASY-EXIT feature
3rd row of seats ............................. 103
Crash-responsive ........................... 109
Function/notes ............................. 108
Switching on/off ........................... 209
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution) Display message ............................ 216
Function/notes ................................ 68
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic Brake force Distribution
see EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution)
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 81
Fuel filler flap ................................. 158
Vehicle ............................................. 81
8Index

Emergency spare wheelStorage location ............................ 297
Stowing .......................................... 298
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function ........................................... 55
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....21
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 244
Display message ............................ 225
Emergency starting ........................317
Engine number ............................... 354
Irregular running ............................ 149
Starting problems ..........................149
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 146
Starting with KEYLESS-GO .............147
Switching off .................................. 163
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................149
Engine emergency stop .................... 319
Engine oil Adding ........................................... 284
Additives ........................................ 358
Checking the oil level ..................... 283
Display message ............................ 227
Filling capacity ............................... 355
Notes about oil grades ................... 358
Notes on oil level/consumption ....283
Viscosity ........................................ 359
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) 4ETS ................................................ 66
Deactivating/activating ...................66
Display message ............................ 214
Function/notes ................................ 66
Important safety information ...........66
Trailer stabilization ........................... 67
Warning lamp ................................. 241
Exhaust check ................................... 166
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 292
Exterior lighting see Lights Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 110
Dipping (automatic) .......................111
Folding in/out (automatically) .......110
Folding in/out (electrically) ...........110
Folding in when locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Out of position (troubleshooting) ...111
Setting ........................................... 110
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 112
Storing the parking position ..........111
F
Filler cap see Fuel filler flap
First-aid kit ......................................... 296
Flat tire Changing a wheel/mounting the
spare wheel ................................... 303
MOExtended run-flat system .........309
Preparing the vehicle .....................299
Raising the vehicle .........................305
TIREFIT kit ...................................... 299
see Emergency spare wheel
Floormat ............................................. 279
Front fog lamp Switching on/off ........................... 116
Front fog lamps ................................. 116
Display message ............................ 224
Front windshield
see Windshield
Fuel
Additives ........................................ 357
Calling up the range .......................211
Consumption statistics ..................210
Displaying the current
consumption .................................. 211
Driving tips .................................... 165
Fuel gauge ....................................... 29
Important safety notes ..................356
Premium-grade unleaded gasoline . 356
Problem (malfunction) ...................160
Refueling ........................................ 156
Specifications ................................ 356
Tank content/reserve fuel .............355
Index9

Convenience submenu ..................209
Displaying a service message ........287
Displaying the coolant
temperature ................................... 202
Displaying the outside
temperature ................................... 202
Display messages ..........................213
DISTRONIC menu .......................... 178
Factory settings ............................. 205
Important safety notes ..................198
Instrument cluster submenu ..........205
Lighting submenu .......................... 206
Menu overview .............................. 201
Message memory menu ................. 213
Navigation menu ............................ 204
Operating video DVD .....................204
Operation ....................................... 199
Selecting the language ..................206
Settings menu ............................... 205
Standard display ............................ 202
Status bar ...................................... 206
Telephone menu ............................ 211
Time/Date submenu .....................206
Trip computer menu ......................210
Vehicle submenu ........................... 208
Opening and closing the side trim
panels ................................................. 123
Operating system see On-board computer
Outside temperature
Calling up (on-board computer) .....202
Display ........................................... 198
Overhead control panel ...................... 34
Override feature Rear side windows ...........................63
P
Paint code number ............................ 353
Paintwork (cleaning instructions) ... 290
Panic alarm .......................................... 64
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel Opening/closing .............................. 91
Opening/closing the roller
sunblind ........................................... 91
Problem (malfunction) .....................92
Resetting ......................................... 92
Panorama sliding sunroof
Important safety notes ....................89
Parking
Important safety notes ..................163
Parking brake ................................ 164
Position of exterior mirror, front-
passenger side ............................... 111
Rear view camera .......................... 187
see Parking
see PARKTRONIC
Parking aid
see Exterior mirrors
see PARKTRONIC
Parking brake
Display message ............................ 217
Notes/function .............................. 164
see Parking brake
Parking lamps (changing bulbs) ...... 122
PARKTRONIC Deactivating/activating .................186
Driving system ............................... 184
Function/notes ............................. 184
Problem (malfunction) ...................187
Range of the sensors .....................184
Trailer towing ................................. 186
Warning display ............................. 185
Pedals ................................................. 165
Permanent four-wheel drive see 4MATIC (permanent four-
wheel drive)
Plastic trim (cleaning instructions) . 292
Power washers .................................. 289
Power windows see Side windows
PRE-SAFE ®
(Preventive occupant
safety system) Display message ............................ 218
Operation ......................................... 49
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (vehicles with
DISTRONIC PLUS) Warning lamp ................................. 245
Preventive occupant safety
system
see PRE-SAFE ®
(Preventive
occupant safety system)
Product information ............................ 21
Program selector button .................. 153Index13

Door central locking/unlocking .......72
Important safety notes ....................72
Loss ................................................. 78
Mechanical key ................................ 75
Positions (ignition lock) .................145
Problem (malfunction) .....................78
Starting the engine ........................146
Snow chains .............................. 169, 325
Sockets 2nd row of seats ............................ 268
Center console .............................. 268
Front-passenger footwell ...............268
Luggage compartment ...................268
Points to observe before use .........267
Spare wheel
Notes/data .................................... 349
Storage location ............................ 297
Stowing .......................................... 298
see Emergency spare wheel
Specialist workshop ............................ 24
Speed, controlling see Cruise control
Speedometer
Additional speedometer (on-
board computer) ............................ 202
In the Instrument cluster .................29
Segments ...................................... 199
Selecting the unit of
measurement ................................ 205
see Instrument cluster
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) Display message ............................ 218
Introduction ..................................... 38
Warning lamp ................................. 243
Warning lamp (function) ................... 38
Standing lamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 122
Display message ............................ 224
Switching on/off ........................... 114
Starting (engine) ................................ 146
Station see Radio
Steering (display message) .............. 235
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) ...................108
Adjusting (manually) ......................107
Button overview ............................... 31Buttons (on-board
computer) ...................................... 199
Important safety notes ..................107
Paddle shifters ............................... 153
Steering wheel heating ..................108
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 112
Steering wheel (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 293
Steering wheel heating Indicator lamp (malfunction) ..........108
Switching on/off ........................... 108
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 153
Stowage compartments 3rd row of seats ............................. 250
Armrest (under) ............................. 250
Center air vents (2nd row of
seats) ............................................. 250
Center console (2nd row of seats) . 250
Glove box ....................................... 249
Parcel net ...................................... 251
Stowage space
Center console .............................. 249
Cup holders ................................... 262
Important safety information .........248
Summer opening
see Convenience opening feature
Summer tires ..................................... 324
Sun visor ............................................ 264
Supplement Restraint System see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 207
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 140
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 69
T
Tachometer ........................................ 198
Tailgate Display message ............................ 235
Important safety notes ....................81
Limiting the opening angle ...............85
Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 84
16Index

Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 345
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 344
Maximum tire load .........................337
Maximum tire load (definition) .......344
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 345
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 345
Replacing ....................................... 346
Service life ..................................... 323
Sidewall (definition) .......................345
Speed index (definition) .................344
Storing ........................................... 347
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 343
Temperature .................................. 339
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 345
Tire bead (definition) ......................345
Tire pressure (definition) ................345
Tire pressures (recommended) ......343
Tire size (data) ............................... 347
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed index ....................340
Tire tread ....................................... 323
Tire tread (definition) .....................345
Total load limit (definition) .............346
Traction ......................................... 338
Traction (definition) .......................345
Tread wear ..................................... 338
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) .................345
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 338
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................343
Unladen weight (definition) ............344
Wear indicator (definition) .............346
Wheel rim (definition) ....................344
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 60
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........315
Installing the towing eye ................315
Removing the towing eye ...............316Towing a trailer
Coupling up a trailer ......................192
Decoupling a trailer .......................193
Driving tips .................................... 191
Important safety notes ..................191
Lights display message ..................222
Power supply ................................. 194
Shift range ..................................... 153
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......316
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............317
Important safety notes ..................315
Trailer
Towing ........................................... 192
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 194
Trailer towing Blind Spot Assist ............................ 191
ESP ®
................................................ 67
PARKTRONIC ................................. 186
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights .....................194
Towing a trailer .............................. 192
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transporting the vehicle .................. 316
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) . 293
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 210
Trip meter see Trip odometer
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 202
Resetting (on-board computer) ......211
Trunk
see Tailgate
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ...................122
Display message ............................ 222
Switching on/off ........................... 117
see Turn signals
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
(definition) ......................................... 345
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate 18Index

U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................81
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 80
V
Vanity mirror (in sun visor) .............. 265
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 24
Data acquisition ............................... 25
Display message ............................ 234
Equipment ....................................... 21
Individual settings ..........................205
Limited Warranty ............................. 25
Loading .......................................... 333
Locking (in an emergency) ...............81
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 73
Lowering ........................................ 309
Maintenance .................................... 22
Parking for a long period ................ 164
Pulling away ................................... 147
Raising ........................................... 305
Reporting problems .........................24
Towing away .................................. 315
Transporting .................................. 316
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........81
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................73
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle dimensions
see Technical data
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 81
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 353
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 229
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 296
Vehicle weights see Technical data
Video (DVD) ........................................ 204
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 204
VIN ...................................................... 353
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 240
Brakes ........................................... 239
Check Engine ................................. 244
Cruise control ................................ 171
Distance warning ........................... 245
ESP ®
.............................................. 241
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 242
Fuel tank ........................................ 244
LIM (DISTRONIC) ........................... 175
Overview .......................................... 30
Reserve fuel ................................... 244
Seat belt ........................................ 238
SRS ................................................ 243
Tire pressure monitor ....................245
Warranty ............................................ 352
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 236
see Windshield washer system
Weight
see Technical data
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 309
Wheel chock ...................................... 304
Wheels Changing/replacing .......................346
Changing a wheel .......................... 303
Checking ........................................ 323
Cleaning ......................................... 289
Important safety notes ..................322
Mounting a wheel .......................... 307
Removing a wheel ..........................306
Storing ........................................... 347
Tightening torque ........................... 309
Wheel size/tire size .......................347
Window curtain air bag ....................... 43
Windows Cleaning ......................................... 291
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 138
Infrared reflective .......................... 279
Windshield washer system .............. 285
Notes ............................................. 360
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ...................126
Rear window wiper ........................125Index19

Useful information ............................144
Breaking-in notes .............................. 144
Driving ............................................... 144
Automatic transmission ...................150
Refueling ............................................ 156
Parking ............................................... 163
Driving tips ........................................ 165
Driving systems ................................ 170
Trailer towing .................................... 191143Driving and parking