MERCEDES-BENZ R500 2006 W251 Owner's Manual

530 Technical termsCollapsible 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.
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 ad-
just settings.
Cruise control
Driving convenience system for
automatically maintaining the vehicle
speed set by the driver.
Curb weight
(
page 386)
DOT
(Department o
f Transportation)
(
page 386)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 (vis-
cosity) of the oil at different tempera-
tures. The higher the temperature an
oil can tolerate without becoming thin,
or the lower the temperature it can tol-
erate without becoming viscous, the
better the viscosity.
ESP
®(Electronic S
tability Pr
ogram)
Improves vehicle handling and direc-
tional stability.
ETD
(E
mergency T
ensioning D
evice)
Device which deploys in certain frontal
and rear collisions exceeding the sys-
tem's threshold to tighten the seat
belts.
->SRSFSS PLUS (Canada vehicles)
(F
lexible S
ervice S
ystem PLUS)
Maintenance service indicator in the
speedometer display that informs the
driver when the next vehicle mainte-
nance service is due. FSS evaluates en-
gine temperature, oil level, vehicle
speed, engine speed, distance driven
and the time elapsed since your last
service, and calls for the next mainte-
nance service accordingly.
GAWR
(G
ross A
xle W
eight R
ating)
(
page 386)
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 gear selector
lever.

531 Technical terms
GPS
(G
lobal P
ositioning S
ystem)
Satellite-based system for relaying
geographic location information to and
from vehicles equipped with special re-
ceivers. Employs CD or DVD digital
maps for navigation.
GVW
(G
ross V
ehicle W
eight)
(
page 386)
GVWR
(Gross V
ehicle W
eight R
ating)
(
page 386)
Instrument cluster
The displays and indicator/warning
lamps in the driver’s field of vision, in-
cluding the tachometer, speedometer,
engine temperature and fuel gauge.Kickdown
Depressing the accelerator past the
point of resistance shifts the transmis-
sion down to the lowest possible gear.
This very quickly accelerates the vehi-
cle and should not be used for normal
acceleration needs.
Kilopascal (kPa)
(
page 386)
Line of fall
The direct line that an object moves
downhill when influenced by the force
of gravity alone.
Locking knob
Knob on the door which indicates
whether the door is locked or un-
locked. Pushing the locking knob down
on an individual door from inside will
lock that door.Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles)
Maintenance service indicator in the
multifunction display that informs the
driver when the next vehicle mainte-
nance service is due. The Maintenance
system tracks distance driven and the
time elapsed since the last mainte-
nance service, calculates other mainte-
nance service work required, and calls
for the next service accordingly.
Maximum load rating
(
page 387)
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(page 387)
Maximum tire inflation pressure
(page 387)
Modular COMAND System
Information and operating center for
vehicle sound and communications
systems, including the radio and the ra-
dio and navigation system, as well as
for other optional equipment (CD
changer, telephone, etc.).

532 Technical termsMemory function*
Used to store three individual seat,
steering wheel and mirror positions.
MON
(M
otor O
ctane N
umber)
The Motor Octane Number for gasoline
as determined by a standardized meth-
od. 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.
Multifunction display
The display field in the instrument clus-
ter used to present information provid-
ed by the control system.
Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel with buttons for operat-
ing the control system.Normal occupant weight
(
page 387)
Overspeed range
Engine speeds within the red marking
on the tachometer dial. Avoid this en-
gine speed range, as it may result in se-
rious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Occupant distribution
(page 387)
Parktronic (Parking assist)*
System which uses visual and acoustic
signals to assist the driver during park-
ing maneuvers.
Poly-V-belt drive
Drives engine-components (alternator,
AC compressor, etc.) from the engine.Power train
Collective term designating all compo-
nents used to generate and transmit
motive power to the drive axles, includ-
ing


engine


clutch / torque converter


transmission


transfer case


drive shaft


differential


axle shafts / axles
PRE-SAFE
®*
(Pre
ventive Occupant Safe
ty System)
Vehicles equipped with PRE-SAFE
®*
take preventive measures when the
system senses certain driving dynam-
ics suggesting a possible accident.
Production options weight
(
page 387)

533 Technical terms
Program mode selector switch
Used to switch the automatic transmis-
sion between standard operation (S)
and comfort operation (C).
PSI
(P
ounds p
er s
quare i
nch)
(
page 387)
Recommended tire inflation pressure
(page 387)
REST
(Residual E
ngine H
eat U
tilization)
Feature that uses the engine heat
stored in the coolant to heat the vehi-
cle interior for a short time after the en-
gine has been turned off.
Restraint system
Seat belts, belt tensioner, air bags and
child seat restraint systems. As inde-
pendent systems, their protective func-
tions complement one another.
Rim
(
page 387)RON
(R
esearch O
ctane N
umber)
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line's ability to resist undesired detona-
tion (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.
Sidewall
(
page 387)
SRS
(Supplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning de-
vice and air bags. Though independent
systems, they are closely interfaced to
provide effective occupant protection.Tele Aid System*
(T
elematic A
larm I
dentification on
D
emand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, roadside assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
vided that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.
Telematics*
A combination of the terms “telecom-
munications” and “informatics”.
Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a wheel
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.

534 Technical termsTIN
(T
ire I
dentification N
umber)
(
page 387)
Tire load rating
(page 387)
Tire ply composition and material used
(page 388)
Tire speed rating
(page 388)
Traction
(page 388)
Transfer case
Speed of rotation / torque converter
that works together with the ->auto-
matic transmission.
Tread
(page 388)Treadwear indicators
(
page 388)
TWR
(Tongue W
eight R
ating)
(
page 388)
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards
(page 388)
Vehicle capacity weight
(page 388)
Vehicle level control
The ground clearance of the vehicle is
automatically controlled according to a
selected setting and speed.The driver
can set the ground clearance manually
for example on very rough roads.
VIN
(Vehicle I
dentification N
umber)
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the body to uniquely
identify each vehicle produced.

535 Index
A
ABS 97, 529
ABS control 97
Malfunction indicator lamp 404
Messages in display 418
Warning lamp 404
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 203
Accessory weight 385, 529
Accident
In case of 63
Activating
Air circulation mode 242
Air conditioning (cooling) 226
Air recirculation mode 225, 239
Anti-theft alarm system 105
Central locking (control system) 188
Defrosting 223
Easy-entry/exit feature* 189
Electric air pump 483
ESP
®
102
Exterior headlamps 58
Hazard warning flasher 154
Headlamps 58
High beams 151
Ignition 38Immobilizer 66, 104
Rear window defroster 215
Rear window wiper 62
Residual heat 243
Residual heat* 228
Seat heating* 142
Tow-away alarm 107
Warning indicators (Parktronic*) 276
Windshield wipers 59
Adding
Coolant 351
Engine oil 349
Additional turn signal lamps
Replacing bulbs 466
Adjusting 42
Air distribution 222, 236
Air volume 222, 237
Backrest tilt 44
Exterior rear view mirror 48
Head restraint height 44
Head restraint tilt 45
Instrument cluster illumination 158
Interior rear view mirror 48
Mirrors 47
Multicontour seat* 136
Seat cushion depth 136Seat cushion tilt 44
Seat fore and aft adjustment 43
Seat height 44
Seats 42
Steering column height 47
Steering wheel 45
Adjusting steering column in or out 47
Adjusting steering column up or down 47
Air bags 71
Children 72
Front 75
Passenger 75
Safety guidelines 74
Side impact 76
Window curtain 76
Air conditioning
Turning off 226
Turning on 226
Air conditioning refrigerant 523
Air distribution
Adjusting 222, 236
Air pressure 385, 529
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air pump, electric
Turning on 483

536 IndexAir recirculation mode 224, 239
Activating 225, 239
Deactivating 226, 240
Air volume
Adjusting 222, 237
AIRMATIC* 269
Alarm
Audible 95, 106
Canceling 106
Visual 104
Alarm system
Anti-theft 104
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 481, 529
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 527
Antiglare
Automatic 209
Antilock brake system (ABS) 529
Anti-theft alarm system
Arming 105
Canceling alarm 106
Disarming 106
Anti-theft systems
Anti-theft alarm system 104
Immobilizer 104
Tow-away alarm 106Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning
Armrest
Storage compartment in front of 296
Storage compartments 296
Ashtray
Front center console 303
Aspect ratio 385, 529
ATF (automatic transmission fluid) 350
AUDIO menu 170
Selecting radio station 170
Selecting satellite radio* station 171
Audio system
CD mode 171
Automatic antiglare for rear view
mirror 209
Automatic central locking
Activating/deactivating (control
system) 188
Automatic climate control*
Front defroster 238
Residual ventilation 243Automatic climate control* (3-zone) 230
Adjusting air distribution 236
Adjusting air volume 237
Air recirculation mode 239
Rear passenger compartment 244
Residual heat utilization 243
Setting the temperature 236
Automatic headlamp mode 148
Automatic lighting control
Activating 155
Deactivating 155
Automatic locking when driving 130
Automatic shift program
Automatic transmission* 204
Automatic transmission
Accelerator position 203
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 207
Gear ranges 202
Gear selector lever position 199, 200
Gear shifting malfunctions 207
Kickdown 203
Transmission fluid 350
Automatic transmission*
Automatic shift program 204

537 Index
B
Backup lamps
Replacing bulbs 466
Bar 386, 529
BAS 99, 529
Batteries, SmartKey
Check lamp 113, 119
Batteries, vehicle
Messages in display 430
Battery discharged
Jump starting 496
Battery, SmartKey 463
Battery, vehicle 487
Charging 495
Dis-/reconnecting 489
Removing/installing 489
Bead 386, 529
Bi-Xenon* headlamps 529
Replacing bulbs 466
Block heater (Canada only) 391
Blocking
Rear door window operation 93
Bottle opener 300
Brake assist system (BAS) 529
Brake fluid 523
Message in display 432Brake lamps
Replacing bulbs 466
Brake pads
Message in display 430
Brakes 332
Warning lamp 405
Break-in period 330
Bulbs, replacing 465
Additional turn signal lamps 466
Backup lamps 466
Bi-Xenon* headlamps 466
Brake lamps 466
Front fog lamp 471
Front fog lamps* 466
Front lamps 466
Headlamps 466
License plate lamps 466, 474
Parking lamps 466
Rear fog lamps 472
Rear side marker lamp bulbs 472
Sidemarker lamps 466
Standing lamps 466
Tail lamp assemblies 472
Tail lamps 466
Turn signal lamps 466C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) 529
California
Important notice 11
Call priority
Tele Aid* 318
Calling up
Range (distance to empty) 193
Service indicator 393
CAN system 529
Capacities
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. 521
Card holder 300
Cargo compartment
Extending 283
Fuse box 504
Lamp 157
Tie-down rings 281
Cargo compartment cover blind* 288
Closing 288
Installing 289
Opening 288
Removing 288
Cargo tie-down rings 281
Carpets, cleaning 402

538 IndexCatalytic converter 340
CD player
Operating 171
CD-changer* 294
Center console 29
Lower part 30
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp 414
Upper part 29
Central locking
Automatic 130
Switch 131
Switching on/off (control
system) 188
Unlocking from inside 131
Central locking switch 131
Certification label 510
Changing
SmartKey setting 189
Charging
Vehicle battery 495
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator
lamp 407, 408Checking
Coolant level 351
Oil level 346
Tire inflate pressure 344
Vehicle lighting 344
Checking tire pressure electronically with
the Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring
System* (Advanced TPMS*) 371
Checking tire pressure electronically with
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) 368
Child safety 82
Air bags 72
Infant and child restraint systems 78,
82
LATCH child seat mounts 92
Child safety switch see Blocking of rear
door window operation
Cigarette lighter
Front center console 303
Cigarette lighter* 305Cleaning
Headlamps 208
Headliner 402
Light alloy wheels 401
Plastic and rubber parts 402
Steering wheel 402
Windows 400
Windshield 60
Cleaning tires 355
Climate control 216
Adjusting 222
Adjusting air volume 222
deactivating 220
Front defroster 223
Rear passenger compartment 228
Setting the temperature 222
Clock 180
Closing
Glove box 294
Hood 346
Panorama sliding/pop-up roof 260
Power tilt/sliding sunroof* 462
Side windows 249
Tailgate 124, 128, 129
Tilt/sliding sunroof* 255
Windows 248

539 Index
Closing the tailgate from the inside
electrically* 124
Closing the tailgate from the outside (vehi-
cles without KEYLESS-GO*) 126
Closing tilt/sliding sunroof*
In an emergency 462
Cockpit 22, 529
Cold tire inflation pressure 386, 529
Collapsible tire 457, 530
Collapsible wheel chock 457
Combination switch
High beam flasher 58
Turn signals 58
Windshield wipers 59
Compass 186, 327
Adjustment 186
Calibration 187
Setting the compass zone 186
Control and operation of radio
transmitters 339Control system 530
AUDIO menu 170
Convenience submenu 189
Display digital speedometer 169
Functions 165
Instrument cluster submenu 178,
180
Lighting submenu 182
Malfunction memory menu 173
Menus 164, 165
Selecting radio system 170
Selecting satellite radio* system 171
Settings menu 174
Standard display menu 168
Submenus 163, 165
TEL* menu 194
Trip computer menu 192
Vehicle submenu 186
Convenience submenu 189
Activating easy-entry/exit
feature* 189Coolant 351, 525
Adding 351
Anticorrosion/antifreeze
quantity 526
Checking level 351
Messages in display 433, 436
Temperature 341
Coolant level
Checking 351
Corner-illuminating front fog lamps* 152
Cruise control 264, 530
Canceling 266
Driving downhill 265
Driving uphill 265
Setting current speed 265
Setting speeds 269
Cruise control lever 264
Cup holder
Front center console 299
In rear center console 301
Cup holders 299
Cleaning 401
Curb weight 386, 530
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) 529