ignition MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class 2011 W164 User Guide

Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Vehicles without 4MATIC: switch the
ignition off when:
R the parking brake is being tested using a
dynamometer
R the vehicle is being towed with the front/
rear axle raised
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: only operate the
vehicle for a maximum of ten seconds on a
brake test dynamometer. Switch off the
ignition.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or
performance tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. If you wish to
operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center in
advance. You could otherwise damage the
drive train or the brake system.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System)GWarning
Observe "Important safety instructions"
( Y page 65).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side. On vehicles with 4MATIC, more
drive torque is also transferred to the wheel
or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.XSwitch on the off-road drive program if
appropriate for the driving conditions
( Y page 193).
Off-road 4ETS (vehicles with 4MATIC)
A 4ETS mode specifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically once the off-
road drive program (Y page 193) is activated.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
GWarning
The ESP
®
should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP ®
when a spare
wheel is mounted.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is running.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
GWarning!
Activate ESP ®
as soon as the situations
described above no longer apply. ESP ®
will
otherwise not be able to stabilize the vehicle
if the vehicle starts to skid or a wheel starts
to spin.
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R the engine's torque is no longer limited and
the drive wheels can spin. The spinning of
the wheels results in a cutting action, which
provides better grip.
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emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
Distance warning function (vehicles
with DISTRONIC)
This function warns you from a speed of
approximately 20 mph (30 km/h), if:
R for a period of several seconds, the
distance to the vehicle in front is too short
for the speed at which you are traveling.
The · distance warning lamp in the
instrument cluster will light up.
R you are approaching the vehicle in front
rapidly. An intermittent warning tone will
then sound and the · distance warning
lamp in the instrument cluster will light up.
You must apply the brakes yourself in order
to maintain the appropriate distance to the
vehicle in front and prevent a collision.
GWarning!
If the distance warning lamp · in the
instrument cluster comes on while driving
and/or an intermittent warning sounds,
immediate attention on the part of the driver
is required. As required by the traffic
situation, apply the brakes and navigate
around a possible obstacle. However, do not
drive by relying on the distance warning
function, as this will result in an emergency
braking application. This will not always
enable you to avoid a collision, especially
when traveling on varying road surface
conditions and with varying driver reaction.
Complex driving situations are not always
fully recognized by the distance warning
function. This could result in wrong or missing
distance warnings.
XTo activate/deactivate: activate or
deactivate the distance warning function in
the on-board computer ( Y page 219).
After activation, the Ä symbol is
displayed in the lower multifunction
display.
Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct SmartKey.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
XTo activate with the SmartKey: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.XTo activate with KEYLESS-GO: switch the
ignition off and open the driver's door.XTo deactivate: switch on the ignition.
i
The immobilizer is always deactivated
when you start the engine.
In the event that the engine cannot be
started when the starter battery is fully
charged, the immobilizer may be faulty.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in
USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is armed and you open:
R a door
R the vehicle with the mechanical key
R the tailgate
R the hood
The alarm is not switched off, even if you
close the open door that has triggered it, for
example.
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iIf the alarm stays on for more than 30
seconds, the emergency call system
mbrace (USA only) or Tele Aid (Canada
only) initiates a call to the Customer
Assistance Center automatically. The
emergency call system initiates the call
provided that:
R you have subscribed to the mbrace/Tele
Aid service
R the mbrace/Tele Aid service has been
activated properly
R the mobile phone, power supply and GPS
necessary are availableXTo arm: lock the vehicle with the SmartKey
or KEYLESS-GO.
The turn signal lamps flash three times to
indicate that the vehicle is locked. Indicator
lamp : flashes to indicate that the alarm
system is armed.
i If the turn signal lamps do not flash three
times, a door or the tailgate may not be
properly closed.
It may be necessary to close the affected
door or the tailgate.
XTo deactivate: unlock the vehicle using the
key or KEYLESS-GO.
The turn signal lamps flash once to indicate
that the anti-theft alarm system is switched
off.i Unless you open a door or the trunk lid
within 40 seconds after unlocking the
vehicle:
R the vehicle will be locked again.
R the anti-theft alarm system will be re-
armed.XTo stop the alarm using the SmartKey:
insert the key into the ignition lock.
The alarm is switched off.
or
XPress the % or & button on the key.
The alarm is switched off.XTo stop the alarm using KEYLESS-GO:
grasp the outside door handle. The key
must be outside the vehicle.
The alarm is switched off.
or
XPress the Start/Stop button on the
dashboard. The key must be inside the
vehicle.
The alarm is switched off.70Anti-theft systemsSafety
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Important information about using
KEYLESS-GO
R You can use the KEYLESS-GO key as a
conventional SmartKey.
R You can combine KEYLESS-GO functions
with those of a conventional SmartKey, e.g.
you can open the vehicle with KEYLESS-GO
and close it with the & button.
R Always carry your KEYLESS-GO key on your
person.
R Never store the KEYLESS-GO key together
with:
- electronic devices, such as a mobile
phone or other SmartKey
- metal objects, such as coins or metal foil
Doing so may impair the function of
KEYLESS-GO.
R To open or close the vehicle, the KEYLESS-
GO key should not be more than 3 ft (1 m)
from the door or tailgate.
R If the vehicle is parked for more than
72 hours, the KEYLESS-GO function is
deactivated. Pull an outer door handle and
switch on the ignition to reactivate the
KEYLESS-GO function.
R If the KEYLESS-GO key is removed from the
vehicle, the system may not be able to
recognize the SmartKey anymore. The
vehicle can then no longer be locked or
started with KEYLESS-GO.
R If the KEYLESS-GO key has been removed
from the vehicle, e.g. when another vehicle
occupant with a KEYLESS-GO key leaves
the vehicle:
- when the Start/Stop button is pressed,
or when trying to lock the vehicle using
the locking button on the outside door
handle, the Key Not Detected message
appears in the multifunction display.
- when the engine is running, the red Key
Not Detected message appears in the
multifunction display as you pull away.
Look for the KEYLESS-GO key and place
it somewhere else in the vehicle. Place
the KEYLESS-GO key on the front-
passenger seat, for example, or in your
shirt pocket.
R If you have switched on the engine with the
Start/Stop button, you can switch it off
again by:
- pressing the Start/Stop button
- inserting the KEYLESS-GO key into the
ignition lock while the vehicle is at a
standstill and the automatic
transmission is in park position P.
R You may inadvertently unlock the vehicle if
the KEYLESS-GO key is less than 3 ft (1 m)
from the vehicle and:
- an exterior door handle is hit by a jet of
water, or
- you clean an exterior door handle
R Please note that any vehicle occupant can
start the engine when there is a KEYLESS-
GO key in the vehicle.
Scenario 1: There is a KEYLESS-GO key in
the vehicle and a second one outside the
vehicle. If you leave the KEYLESS-GO key
in the vehicle when you leave and lock the
vehicle, no message appears in the
multifunction display.
Scenario 2: There is a KEYLESS-GO key in
the vehicle, but none outside the vehicle. If
you get out of the vehicle and attempt to
lock it, the Key Detected In Vehicle
message appears in the multifunction
display. The vehicle is not then locked.
When starting the engine and whilst driving,
KEYLESS-GO also checks whether a valid
SmartKey is in the vehicle by periodically
establishing radio contact.74SmartKeyOpening and closing
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X To unlock the vehicle: touch the inner
surface of the door handle.XTo lock the vehicle: press locking
button :.
If you pull on the handle of the tailgate, only
the cargo compartment of the vehicle is
unlocked.
Changing the settings of the locking
system
You can change the setting of the locking
system in such a way that only the driver's
door and the fuel filler flap are unlocked. This
is useful if you frequently travel on your own.
XTo change the setting: press and hold
down the % and & buttons
simultaneously for approximately six
seconds until the battery check lamp
( Y page 76) flashes twice.
The SmartKey now functions as follows:
XTo unlock the driver's door: press the
% button once.XTo unlock centrally: press the %
button twice.XTo lock centrally: press the & button.
The KEYLESS-GO function is changed as
follows:
XTo unlock the driver's door: touch the
inner surface of the door handle on the
driver's door.XTo unlock centrally: touch the inner
surface of the door handle on the front-
passenger door or the rear door.XTo lock centrally: press locking
button : on one of the door handles.
Restoring the factory settings
XPress the % and & buttons
simultaneously for approximately six
seconds until the battery check lamp
flashes twice.Mechanical key
General notes
If the vehicle can no longer be unlocked with
the SmartKey, use the mechanical key.
If you use the mechanical key to unlock and
open the driver's door, the anti-theft alarm
system will be triggered ( Y page 69).
There are several ways to turn off the alarm:
XPress the % or & button on the
SmartKey.
or
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
or
XPress the Start/Stop button in the ignition
lock. The SmartKey must be in the vehicle.
or
XLock or unlock the vehicle using KEYLESS-
GO. The SmartKey must be outside the
vehicle.
Removing the mechanical key
XPush release catch : in the direction of
the arrow and at the same time, remove
mechanical key ; from the SmartKey.
SmartKey battery
Important safety guidelines
It is advisable to have batteries replaced at a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
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Problems with the SmartKeyProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsYou cannot lock or
unlock the vehicle
using the SmartKey.The SmartKey battery is discharged or nearly discharged.XPoint the tip of the SmartKey at the driver's door handle from a
distance of approximately 1.5 ft (50 cm) and try to unlock or
lock the vehicle again.
If this does not work:
XCheck the SmartKey battery and replace it if necessary
( Y page 76).XLock ( Y page 80) or unlock ( Y page 80) the vehicle using
the mechanical key.The SmartKey is faulty.XLock ( Y page 80) or unlock ( Y page 80) the vehicle using
the mechanical key.XHave the SmartKey checked at a qualified specialist workshop.You can no longer lock
or unlock the vehicle
using KEYLESS-GO.KEYLESS-GO is in standby mode because the vehicle has not been
unlocked for an extended period.XPull the door handle twice and then insert the SmartKey into the
ignition lock.There is a malfunction with KEYLESS-GO.XLock/unlock the vehicle using the remote control function of
the SmartKey. Point the tip of the SmartKey at the driver's door
handle from close range and press the %/& button.XHave the SmartKey checked at a qualified specialist workshop.There is interference from a powerful source of radio waves.XLock/unlock the vehicle using the remote control function of
the SmartKey. Point the tip of the SmartKey at the driver's door
handle from close range and press the %/& button.You have lost the
SmartKey.XHave the SmartKey canceled at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.XReport the loss immediately to the vehicle insurers.XIf necessary, have the locks changed as well.You have lost the
mechanical key.XReport the loss immediately to the vehicle insurers.XIf necessary, have the locks changed as well.SmartKey77Opening and closingBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 77Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe engine cannot be
started using the
SmartKey.The on-board voltage is too low.XSwitch off non-essential consumers, e.g. seat heating or interior
lighting, and try to start the engine again.
If this does not work:
XCheck the starter battery and charge it if necessary
( Y page 312).
or
XJump-start the vehicle ( Y page 315).
or
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.The engine cannot be
started using KEYLESS-
GO. The SmartKey is in
the vehicle.A door is open. Therefore, the SmartKey cannot be detected as
easily.XClose the door and try to start the vehicle again.There is interference from a powerful source of radio waves.XStart your vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock.Doors
Important safety guidelines
GWarning!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch. Always
take the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in
the vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, 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. The children
could
R injure themselves on parts of the vehicle
R be seriously or fatally injured through
excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold
R injure themselves or cause an accident with
vehicle equipment that can be operated
even if the SmartKey is removed from the
starter switch or removed from the vehicle,
such as seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment, or the memory function
If children open a door, they could injure other
persons or get out of the vehicle and injure
themselves or be injured by following traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system's
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and the child could be burned by these
parts.GWarning!
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment or cargo
compartment unless they are firmly secured
in place.
Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child’s risk of injury in the event
of
R strong braking maneuvers
R sudden changes of direction
R an accident
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Unlocking and opening doors from
the inside
You can open a door from inside the vehicle
even if it has been locked, unless the child-
proof locks have been activated (Y page 63).
Open the door only when the traffic
conditions permit.
If the vehicle has been opened with the
SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO key, opening from
inside triggers the anti-theft alarm system.
Switch off the alarm ( Y page 69).XPull door handle ;.
If the door is locked, locking knob : pops
up. The door is unlocked and can be
opened.
Centrally locking and unlocking the
vehicle from the inside
You can centrally lock or unlock the vehicle
from the inside. This feature may be useful if,
for example, you wish to unlock the front-
passenger door from the inside or lock the
vehicle before you pull away.
The central locking/unlocking button does
not lock or unlock the fuel filler flap.
The buttons are located on both front doors.
i You cannot unlock the vehicle centrally
from the inside if the vehicle has been
locked with the SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO.
i It is only possible to lock the vehicle
centrally if the front-passenger door is
closed.
XTo lock: press button ;.
The vehicle locks itself when all doors and
the tailgate are closed.XTo unlock: press button :.
You can open a front door from inside the
vehicle even if it has been locked. Open the
door only when the traffic conditions permit.
If the vehicle has been locked with the locking
button for the central locking function:
R and the SmartKey has been reset to the
factory settings, the complete vehicle is
unlocked when a front door is opened from
the inside
R and the SmartKey has been set to an
individual setting, only the front door that
is opened from the inside is unlocked
If the vehicle has been locked centrally with
the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO, it is not
unlocked if you use the unlocking button for
the central locking system.
Automatic locking
The vehicle locks automatically when the
ignition is switched on and the wheels of the
vehicle are moving at a speed above 9 mph
(15 km/h) . Therefore, there is a risk of being
locked out when the vehicle is being pushed,
towed or tested on a dynamometer.
You can switch the automatic locking
function on and off using the on-board
computer ( Y page 217).
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Unlocking the driver's door
(mechanical key)
If the vehicle can no longer be unlocked
centrally with the SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO:XTake the mechanical key out of the
SmartKey ( Y page 75).XInsert the mechanical key into the lock of
the driver's door as far as it will go.XFirmly turn the mechanical key counter-
clockwise as far as it will go to position
1 and hold it in this position.XPull the door handle quickly.
The locking knob pops up.
The door is unlocked.XTurn the mechanical key back and remove
it.XPull the door handle again.
Locking the vehicle
If the vehicle can no longer be locked
centrally with the SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO:
XClose the front-passenger door, the rear
door on the front-passenger side and the
tailgate.XOpen the driver’s door and the rear door on
the driver’s side.XPress the locking button on the driver’s
door ( Y page 79).
The locking knobs in the front-passenger
door and in the rear doors drop down.XPress down the locking knobs in the front-
passenger and rear doors manually, if
necessary.XClose the driver's door from the outside.XPress down the locking knob of the driver's
door by reaching in through the open rear
door.
i Make sure that you have the SmartKey on
your person and that it has not been left in
the vehicle.
XClose the rear door on the driver’s side.XMake sure that the doors and the tailgate
are locked.
i If you lock the vehicle as described above,
the fuel filler flap is not locked. The anti-
theft alarm system is not primed.
Cargo compartment
Important safety guidelines
Do not leave the SmartKey in the cargo
compartment. You could otherwise lock
yourself out.
GWarning
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take
the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, and do not give them access
to an unlocked vehicle. A child’s unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. They could:
R injure themselves on vehicle parts
R be seriously or fatally injured by extreme
heat or cold
R injure themselves or have an accident with
vehicle equipment that may still be in
operation even after the SmartKey has
been removed from the ignition, such as the
seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment or memory function.
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Automatic opening and closing from
the outside
Important safety guidelinesGWarning!
Make sure the tailgate is closed when the
engine is running and while driving. Among
other dangers, deadly carbon monoxide (CO)
gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
! The tailgate swings upwards and to the
rear when opened. Therefore, make sure
that there is sufficient clearance above and
behind the tailgate.
For the tailgate to be opened fully, there must
be a minimum clearance from floor to ceiling
of 7.20 ft (2.20 m).
Opening
You can open the tailgate automatically with
the SmartKey or the handle in the tailgate.
XPress and hold the F button on the
SmartKey until the tailgate opens.
or
XWhen the tailgate is unlocked, pull the
handle and let it go again immediately.
Closing
GWarning!
Monitor the closing procedure carefully to
make sure no one is in danger of being
injured. To prevent possible personal injury,
always keep hands and fingers away from the
cargo compartment opening when closing the
tailgate. Be especially careful when small
children are around. To stop the closing
procedure, do one of the following:
R Press or pull the remote tailgate opening/
closing switch on the driver’s door.
R Press the tailgate closing switch.
RPress the KEYLESS-GO locking/closing
switch.
R Pull outside handle on the tailgate.
R When no SmartKey is inserted in the starter
switch (vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Make
sure the vehicle’s on-board electronics
have status 0): Press button F on the
SmartKey.
You can close the tailgate automatically using
the SmartKey, the closing button 6
or the
locking button 7
.
Closing button and locking button (example:
vehicle with the EASY-PACK tailgate and KEYLESS-
GO)
XTo close: press closing button : on the
tailgate.
or
XPress and hold the F button on the
SmartKey until the tailgate closes.XTo close and lock simultaneously:
Press locking button ; on the tailgate.
i
The tailgate can only be opened and
closed with the SmartKey if there is no
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
If the tailgate touches an object while
closing, the closing procedure is
interrupted and the tailgate reopens.
i Only with KEYLESS-GO: if you leave a
KEYLESS-GO key in the cargo
compartment, the tailgate will not lock.
6 For vehicles with the EASY-PACK tailgate only.
7 For vehicles with the EASY-PACK tailgate and KEYLESS-GO only.82Cargo compartmentOpening and closing
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