MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class 2011 W164 Repair Manual

GWarning!
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment or trunk 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
If an infant or child is traveling in the vehicle:
XSecure the child using an infant or child
restraint system appropriate to the age and
weight of the child.XMake sure that the infant or child is
properly secured at all times while the
vehicle is in motion.
Child restraint systems
Important safety guidelines
GWarning
Observe "Important safety instructions"
( Y page 58).
We recommend all infants and children be
properly restrained using the child restraint
systems at all times while the vehicle is in
motion.
The use of infant or child restraints is required
by law in all 50 states, the District of
Columbia, the U.S. territories and all
Canadian provinces.
Infants and small children should always be
seated in an infant or child seat restraint
system appropriate for the size and weight of
the child. They must be properly secured in
accordance with the manufacturer's
installation instructions for the infant or child
seat restraint system. All infant and child seat
restraint systems must comply with the US
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213
and 225 and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards 213 and 210.2.
A statement by the child restraint
manufacturer of compliance with these
standards can be found on the instruction
label on the child restraint system. You will
also find the statement in the instruction
manual provided with the child restraint
system.
When using an infant restraint system, child
restraint system or booster seat, make sure
to carefully read and follow all manufacturer's
instructions for installation and use.
Please read the warning labels affixed to the
interior of the vehicle or to the infant restraint
system or child restraint system.GWarning
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained on the rear
seats than on the front-passenger seat. 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
child restraint system or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
The infant or child restraint system must be
properly secured with the vehicle's seat belt,
the seat belt and Top Tether strap, or lower
anchors and Top Tether strap, fully in
accordance with the child seat
manufacturer's instructions.
Occupants, especially children, should always
sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt
properly and use an appropriately sized child
restraint system or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
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Children can be killed or seriously injured by
an inflating air bag. Note the following
important information when circumstances
require you to place a child in the front-
passenger seat:
R USA only: Your vehicle is equipped with air
bag technology that is designed to
deactivate the front-passenger front air
bag, when the system on the front-
passenger seat detects the weight of a
typical 12-month old child in a standard
child restraint.
R USA only: Children that weigh more than a
typical 12-month old child, the front-
passenger front air bag may be activated/
deactivated. Always make sure that the
42 indicator lamp is
illuminated indicating that the front-
passenger front air bag is deactivated.
R Canada only: Children 12 years old and
under may ride on the front seat if a
BabySmart™ compatible child restraint
system is installed on the front-passenger
seat. Use only Mercedes-Benz approved
BabySmart™ compatible child restraint
systems. A BabySmart™ compatible child
restraint system will deactivate the front-
passenger front air bag when installed
correctly. The front-passenger front air bag
will not be deactivated if the child restraint
systems that are installed are not
BabySmart™ compatible or if BabySmart™
compatible child restraint systems are not
installed correctly. If the front-passenger
front air bag is deployed, the child could be
killed when it inflates in a crash. This could
lead to serious or fatal injury.
R A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the
passenger seat will be seriously injured or
even killed if the passenger front air bag
inflates in a collision which could occur
under some circumstances, even with the
air bag technology installed in your vehicle.
The only means to eliminate this risk
completely is never to place a child in a
rear-facing child restraint in the front seat.We therefore strongly recommend that you
always place a child in a rear-facing child
restraint on the rear seat.
R If you must install a rear-facing child
restraint on the front-passenger seat
because circumstances require you to do
so, make sure the 42
indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating
that the front-passenger front air bag is
deactivated. Should the 42
indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while
the restraint is installed, please check
installation. Periodically check the
42 indicator lamp while
driving to make sure that the
42 indicator lamp is
illuminated. If the 42 indicator
lamp goes out or remains out, do not
transport a child on the passenger seat
until the system has been repaired.
A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the
passenger seat will be seriously injured or
even killed if the passenger front air bag
inflates.
R If you place a child in a forward-facing child
restraint on the passenger seat:
- move the seat as far back as possible
- use the proper child restraint
recommended for the age, size and
weight of the child
- secure child restraint with the vehicle's
seat belt according to the child seat
manufacturer's instructions
R For children larger than the typical 12-
month-old child, the passenger front air bag
may or may not be activated.GWarning
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.
A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and/
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or the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
Children too big for a toddler restraint must
ride in seats using regular seat belts. Position
the shoulder belt across the chest and
shoulder, not face or neck. A booster seat
may be necessary to achieve proper seat belt
positioning for children over 41 lb (18 kg) until
they reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt
fits properly without a booster.
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.
Special seat belt retractorGWarning
Observe "Important safety instructions"
( Y page 58).
All seat belts in the vehicle, except the
driver's seat belt, are equipped with a special
seat belt retractor. The activated special seat
belt retractor ensures that the seat belt
cannot slacken after being fastened.
Installing a child restraint system:
XAlways comply with the manufacturer's
installation instructions.XPull the seat belt smoothly from the inertia
reel.XEngage the seat belt tongue in the belt
buckle.
Activating the special seat belt retractor:
XPull the seat belt out fully and let the inertia
reel retract it again.
While the seat belt is retracting, you should
hear a ratcheting sound. The special seat
belt retractor is activated.XPush down on the child restraint system to
take up any slack.Removing a child restraint system/
deactivating the special seat belt retractor:XAlways comply with the manufacturer's
installation instructions.XPress the seat belt release button and
guide the belt tongue to the belt outlet.
The special seat belt retractor is
deactivated.GWarning
Never release the seat belt buckle while the
vehicle is in motion, since the special seat belt
retractor will be deactivated.
LATCH-type child restraint (ISOFIX) in
the rear
GWarning
Observe "Important safety instructions"
( Y page 58).
GWarning
Children too big for a toddler restraint must
ride in seats using regular seat belts. Position
the shoulder belt across the chest and
shoulder, not face or neck.
In order to attain the correct seating position
for children weighing over 41 lb (18 kg), it may
be necessary to use a booster seat until they
reach a height where a normal lap/shoulder
seat belt lies properly across their bodies
without the need for a booster seat.
Install the child restraint system according to
the manufacturer's instructions.
The child restraint system must be installed
firmly on both brackets.
An incorrectly installed child restraint system
can come loose in the event of an accident,
causing the child to be severely or fatally
injured.
Child restraint systems/child restraint
retaining brackets that are damaged or have
suffered damage due to an impact must be
replaced.
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ISOFIX is a standardized securing system for
specially-designed child restraint systems on
the rear seats. Securing rings for two ISOFIX
child restraint systems are installed on the
left and right of the rear seats.
Install child restraint systems without the
ISOFIX securing system using the vehicle's
seat belts. Follow the manufacturer's
instructions for installation of child restraint
systems.
! When installing the child restraint system,
make sure that the seat belt for the center
seat does not get trapped. Otherwise, the
seat belt could be damaged.XRemove covers :.;Securing ringsXInstall the ISOFIX child restraint system.
Comply with the manufacturer's
instructions when installing the ISOFIX
child restraint system.Top TetherGWarning
Observe "Important safety instructions"
( Y page 58).
GWarning
Always lock the rear seat backrests in their
upright position when the rear seats are
occupied by passengers. Lock the rear seat
backrests in their upright position before
installing the Top Tether straps or when the
cargo compartment is not in use. Make sure
that rear seat backrests are secured properly
by pushing and pulling on the seat backrests.
If the seat backrest is not locked properly, the
seat backrest could fold forward. The child
restraint system is no longer supported
properly or held in position and can no longer
fulfill its function. That could cause serious or
even fatal injuries.
Top Tether provides an additional connection
between the child restraint system secured
with ISOFIX and the rear seat. It helps reduce
the risk of injury even further.
The Top Tether anchorages are located on the
rear of the rear seat backrests.
XRemove respective covering cap : of the
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XMove the head restraint upwards.XInstall the ISOFIX child restraint system
with Top Tether. Comply with the
manufacturer's installation instructions
when doing so.XRoute Top Tether belt ? under the head
restraint between the two head restraint
bars.XRoute Top Tether belt ? downwards
between the cargo compartment cover and
rear seat backrest.XHook Top Tether hook = of Top Tether
belt ? into Top Tether anchorage ;.
Ensure that:
R Top Tether hook = is hooked into Top
Tether anchorage ; as shown
R Top Tether belt ? is not twisted
R Top Tether belt ? is routed between the
rear seat backrest and the cargocompartment cover if the cargo
compartment cover is installed
R Top Tether belt ? is routed between the
rear seat backrest and the cargo net if
the cargo net is installed.XTension Top Tether belt ?. Comply with
the manufacturer's installation
instructions when doing so.XMove the head restraint back down again
slightly if necessary ( Y page 96). Make
sure that you do not interfere with the
correct routing of Top Tether belt ?.
Child-proof locks
Child-proof locks for the rear doors
GWarning
Observe "Important safety instructions"
( Y page 58).
GWarning
Children could open a rear door from inside
the vehicle. This could result in serious
injuries or an accident. Therefore, when
children ride in the rear always secure the rear
doors with the child-proof locks.
You secure each door individually with the
child-proof locks on the rear doors. A door
secured with a child-proof lock cannot be
opened from inside the vehicle. When the
vehicle is unlocked, the door can be opened
from the outside.
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XTo activate: press the child-proof lock
lever down in the direction of arrow ;.XMake sure that the child-proof locks are
working properly.XTo deactivate: press the child-proof lock
lever up in the direction of arrow :.
Override feature for the rear side
windows
GWarning
Observe "Important safety instructions"
( Y page 58).
GWarning
When children ride on the vehicle's rear seats,
activate the override switch. Otherwise, the
children could be injured, e.g. by trapping
themselves in the rear side window.
XTo activate/deactivate: press switch :.
Switch : engages or extends. If the switch
is pushed in, it is only possible to operate
the side windows in the rear using the
switches on the driver's door.Panic alarmX To activate: press and hold !
button : for about one second.
An alarm sounds and the exterior lighting
flashes.XTo deactivate: press ! button :
again.
or
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
or
XPress the KEYLESS-GO Start-Stop button.
The KEYLESS-GO key must be in the
vehicle.
i USA only:
This device complies with the part 15 of the
FCC regulations. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. This device must withstand any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only:
This device complies with the RSS-210
regulations of Industry Canada. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
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2. This device must withstand any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
Driving safety systems
Overview of driving safety systems
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock Braking System)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R ESP ®
(E lectronic Stability Program)
R EBD ( Electronic Brake-power Distribution)
Important safety guidelines
GWarning
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.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.
i In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety information
GWarning
Observe "Important safety instructions"
( Y page 65).
GWarning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal reduces the braking effect.
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about
5 mph (8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-
surface conditions. ABS works on slippery
surfaces, even when you only brake gently.
The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
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Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.XTo make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.GWarning
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Off-road ABS (vehicles with 4MATIC)
An ABS system specifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically if the off-
road drive program (Y page 193) is activated
or the LOW RANGE off-road gear
( Y page 194) is selected.
At a speed below 18 mph (30 km/h) the front
wheels lock periodically when braking. The
digging-in effect achieved in the process
reduces the stopping distance on off-road
terrain. This limits steering capability.
BAS (Brake Assist)
GWarning
Observe "Important safety instructions"
( Y page 65).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
GWarning
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety guidelines
GWarning
Observe "Important safety instructions"
( Y page 65).
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also
modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or
slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the d warning lamp
flashes in the instrument cluster.
GWarning
Never switch off the ESP ®
when you see the
d warning lamp flashing in the instrument
cluster. In this case proceed as follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
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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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Rtraction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the d warning lamp in the
instrument cluster flashes. In such situations,
ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.XTo deactivate: press button :.
The d warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.GWarning
When the d ESP®
warning lamp is
illuminated continuously, the ESP ®
is
switched off or is not operational due to a
malfunction. Vehicle stability in standard
driving maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions and to the non-
operating status of the ESP ®
.
! Avoid spinning a drive wheel for an
extended period with ESP switched off. This
could cause serious damage to the drive
train.
XTo activate: press button :.
The d warning lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Off-road ESP ®
An ESP
®
system specifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically once the off-
road drive program (Y page 193) is activated.
It intervenes with a delay if there is
oversteering or understeering, thus
improving traction.
ESP ®
trailer stabilization
If your trailer begins to lurch, you can only
stabilize the vehicle/trailer combination by
depressing the brake firmly.
In this situation, ESP ®
assists you and can
detect if the trailer begins to lurch. ESP ®
slows the vehicle down by braking and
limiting the engine output until the vehicle/
trailer combination has stabilized.
Trailer stabilization is active from a speed
above 40 mph (65 km/h).
GWarning!
The system will not be able to assist when the
trailer jackknifes
R if the ESP ®
has switched off due to a
malfunction
R on wet or icy roads
R on roads with slippery surface
R in sand or gravel
Trailers with a high center of gravity may tip
over before the system recognizes swaying of
the trailer.
Trailer stabilization does not work if ESP ®
is
deactivated or disabled because of a
malfunction.
EBD
GWarning
Observe "Important safety instructions"
( Y page 65).
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking.
GWarning!
If the EBD malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
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