ABS MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class 2011 W164 Owner's Manual

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 269
12 V socket ........................................ 268
4ETS see ETS/4ETS
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 191
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 228
Function/notes ................................ 65
Warning lamp ................................. 249
Accident (notes) ................................ 297
Active light function (display
message) ............................................ 233
Active service system see Service interval display
Adaptive Damping System (ADS) ..... 184
AdBlue ®
Adding ........................................... 156
Display message ............................ 236
Additional functions (on-board
computer) .......................................... 219
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) ..... 184
Air bags Display message ............................ 225
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 39
Important safety information ...........38
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only Canada) ...........48
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only USA) ................42
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Side impact air bag ..........................40
Window curtain air bag ....................41
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air dehumidification
Activating/deactivating with
cooling ........................................... 129
Air distribution
Setting ........................................... 132
Air filter (display message) .............. 236
Airflow
Setting ........................................... 132
AIRMATIC package ............................ 183
Air nozzles see Air vents .................................. 135
Air pressure
see Tire pressure
Air-recirculation mode
Activating/deactivating .................133
Air vents ............................................. 135
Important safety information .........134
Rear ............................................... 135
Setting the center air vents ...........135
Setting the side air vents ...............135
Alarm system
see ATA
Ambient lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 216
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 209
Anti-lock Braking System see ABS
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA
Anti-theft system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........69
Approach/departure angle .............. 170
Ashtray ............................................... 267
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) Activating/deactivating ...................69
Function ........................................... 69
Switching off the alarm ....................69
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 211
AUTO lights see Light sensor
Automatic car wash .......................... 288
Automatic transmission DIRECT SELECT lever .....................144
Display message ............................ 243
Driving tips .................................... 147
Emergency running mode ..............151
Kickdown ....................................... 147
Malfunction .................................... 151
Program selector button ................147
Pulling away ................................... 141
Starting .......................................... 141
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B
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 66
Battery Charging ........................................ 314
Checking (SmartKey) .......................76
Display message ............................ 235
Important safety guidelines
(SmartKey) ....................................... 75
Jump-starting ................................. 315
Replacing (SmartKey) ......................76
Safety notes .................................. 312
Voltage (on-board computer) .........209
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 219
Display message ............................ 239
Function/notes ............................. 189
Trailer towing ................................. 191
BlueTEC
AdBlue ®
......................................... 360
Adding AdBlue ®
............................. 156
Brake fluid
Notes ............................................. 362
Brake fluid level ................................ 286
Brake lamp (display message) ......... 231
Brakes ABS .................................................. 65
BAS .................................................. 66
Brake fluid (notes) .........................362
Display message ............................ 229
High-performance brake system ....163
Maintenance .................................. 162
Parking brake ........................ 159, 163
Warning lamp ................................. 247
Braking
Important safety instructions ......... 161
Breakdown
see Accident (notes)
see Flat tire
Bulbs
Backup lamp .................................. 115
Brake lamp .................................... 115
High-beam headlamps ...................113
License plate lamp .........................116
Low-beam headlamps ....................113Overview ........................................ 112
Parking lamps ................................ 114
Rear fog lamp ................................ 115
Replacing ....................................... 114
Standing lamps (front) ...................114
Standing lamps (rear) ....................115
Tail lamps ...................................... 115
Turn signal lamp ............................ 115
Turn signals (front) ......................... 114
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) .........22
California
Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................20
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Care
Carpets .......................................... 293
Car wash ........................................ 288
Display ........................................... 292
Gear or selector lever ....................292
Headlamps ..................................... 291
Notes ............................................. 288
Paint .............................................. 290
Plastic trim .................................... 292
Power washer ................................ 289
Rear view camera .......................... 291
Roof lining ...................................... 293
Seat belt ........................................ 293
Seat covers .................................... 292
Sensors ......................................... 291
Steering wheel ............................... 292
Tail pipes ....................................... 291
Trim strips ..................................... 292
Washing by hand ........................... 289
Wheels ........................................... 289
Windows ........................................ 290
Wiper blades .................................. 290
Wooden trim .................................. 292
Cargo compartment cover ............... 261
Cargo compartment enlargement ... 258
Cargo compartment floor ................. 298
Cargo net Attaching ....................................... 262
Important safety information .........261
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Customer Assistance Center(CAC) ............................................... 22
Customer Relations Department ....... 22
D
Dashboard see Cockpit
Date (on-board computer) ................ 215
Daytime driving lights Display message ............................ 233
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 215
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 216
Interior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 217
Diesel particle filter .......................... 161
Differential locks ............................... 196
Differential locks (display
message) ............................................ 238
Digital speedometer Displaying ...................................... 208
Setting the unit (on-board
computer) ...................................... 214
DIRECT SELECT lever
see Automatic transmission
Display (cleaning instructions) ........ 292
Display messages Brakes ........................................... 228
Calling up (on-board computer) .....222
Clearing (on-board computer) ........222
Engine ............................................ 233
Lamps ............................................ 233
Safety systems .............................. 223
Service interval display ..................287
Tires ............................................... 241
Vehicle ........................................... 243
Distance recorder ............................. 208
Distance warning function
(vehicles with DISTRONIC) ................. 69
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 219
Distance warning lamp ..................... 253
DISTRONIC ......................................... 173
Display message ............................ 240
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 179
Driving tips .................................... 179
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 177
Warning lamp ................................. 253
Door
Automatic locking ............................ 79
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 217
Display message ............................ 244
Emergency locking ........................... 80
Emergency unlocking .......................80
Opening (from inside) ......................79
Door control panel
Overview .......................................... 33
Doors
Important safety notes ....................78
Drinking and driving ......................... 160
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 148
Manual ........................................... 149
Driving abroad ................................... 171
Driving in mountainous terrain Approach/departure angle ............170
Driving on flooded roads .................. 164
Driving safety system EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) ..................................... 68
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 66
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 67
Important safety information ...........65
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......65
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............66
Distance warning system
(vehicles with DISTRONIC) ...............69
Overview .......................................... 65
Driving systems
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 189
Cruise control ................................ 171
DISTRONIC .................................... 173
Level control .................................. 181Index7BA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 7

Adjusting (rear) ................................ 96
Installing/removing (rear) ................96
Luxury .............................................. 95
see NECK-PRO head restraints
Heating
see Climate control
High beam flasher ............................. 109
Hill start assist .................................. 142
Hood Closing ........................................... 283
Opening ......................................... 282
Hydroplaning ..................................... 163
I
Immobilizer .......................................... 69
Indicator and warning lamps ABS ................................................ 249
Brakes ........................................... 247
DISTRONIC .................................... 253
Engine diagnostics .........................252
ESP ®
.............................................. 250
Fuel tank ........................................ 252
Reserve fuel ................................... 252
Seat belt ........................................ 248
SRS ................................................ 251
Tire pressure monitor ....................253
Insect protection on the radiator .... 283
Instrument cluster Overview .......................................... 28
Selecting the language (on-board
computer) ...................................... 214
Submenu (on-board computer) ......214
Warning and indicator lamps ...........29
Instrument cluster lighting ................ 28
Instrument lighting see Instrument cluster lighting
Interior lighting
Automatic control ..........................111
Delayed switch-off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 217
Emergency lighting ........................111
Manual control ............................... 111
Reading lamp ................................. 110
Setting ambient lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 216
ISOFIX (LATCH-type child seat
securing system) ................................. 61
J
Jack Storage location ............................ 298
Using ............................................. 306
Jump-starting ..................................... 315
K
Key Convenience closing feature ............86
Convenience opening feature ..........86
Display message ............................ 245
Starting the engine ........................141
KEYLESS-GO
Button ............................................ 139
Convenience closing feature ............86
Locking ............................................ 73
Starting the engine ........................141
Unlocking ......................................... 73
Key positions
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 139
SmartKey ....................................... 139
Kickdown ................................... 147, 149
L
Lane-change assistant see Blind Spot Assist
Language (on-board computer) ........ 214
Level control ...................................... 181
Level control (display message) ...... 237
Level setting Basic settings ................................ 182
License plate lamp (display
message) ............................................ 232
Light Setting ambient lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 216
Lights
Activating/deactivating the
interior lighting delayed switch-off
(on-board computer) ......................217
Automatic headlamp mode ............107
Cornering light function .................110
Daytime running lamps ..................107
Driving abroad ............................... 106
Fog lamps ...................................... 108
Hazard warning lamps ...................109
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O
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) Faults ............................................... 47
Operation ......................................... 42
System self-test ............................... 45
Occupant safety
Children in the vehicle .....................58
System overview .............................. 36
OCS
Faults ............................................... 47
Operation ......................................... 42
System self-test ............................... 45
Octane number (fuel) ........................ 358
Odometer ........................................... 208
Off-road 4MATIC .......................................... 191
Differential locks ............................ 196
DSR ............................................... 192
LOW RANGE off-road gear .............194
Off-road 4ETS .................................. 67
Off-road ABS .................................... 66
Off-road drive program ..................193
Off-road drive program ..................... 193
On-board computer .......................211
Off-road driving ................................. 167
Important safety instructions ......... 166
Off-road fording ................................. 164
Off-road terrain Off-road ESP .................................... 68
Oil
see Engine oil
On-board computer
Additional functions menu .............219
AMG menu ..................................... 209
Audio menu ................................... 211
Convenience submenu ..................218
Displaying a service message ........287
Displaying the coolant
temperature ................................... 208
Displaying the outside
temperature ................................... 208
Display messages ..........................222
DISTRONIC menu .......................... 179
Factory settings ............................. 213
Important safety notes ..................204
Instrument cluster submenu ..........214Lighting submenu .......................... 215
Message memory menu ................. 222
Navigation menu ............................ 212
Off-road menu ............................... 213
Off-road mode ............................... 211
Operating video DVD .....................212
Operation ....................................... 205
Overview of menus ........................207
Selecting the language ..................214
Settings menu ............................... 213
Standard display menu ..................208
Telephone menu ............................ 220
Time/Date submenu .....................215
Trip computer menu ......................219
Vehicle submenu ........................... 217
Opening and closing the side trim
panels ................................................. 114
Operating system see On-board computer
Outside temperature
Calling up (on-board computer) .....208
Display ........................................... 204
Overhead control panel
Overview .......................................... 32
Override feature
Rear side windows ...........................64
P
Paint code number ............................ 355
Paintwork (cleaning instructions) ... 290
Panic alarm .......................................... 64
Parking ............................................... 158
Parking aid PARKTRONIC ................................. 184
Rear view camera .......................... 187
Parking brake .................................... 159
Parking lamp (display message) ...... 232
Parking position Exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side ............................... 103
PARKTRONIC ...................................... 184
Activating/deactivating .................186
Malfunction .................................... 187
Problem ......................................... 187
Range of the sensors .....................185
Trailer towing ................................. 186
Warning display ............................. 185
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Warning and indicator lampsFunctionPage:Brakes (USA only)247;ESP®250=Distance warning lamp 4253?Turn signal109ATurn signal109BDiesel engine: preglow141CSRS251DLow-beam headlamps107EEngine diagnostics (Canada
only)
252
FEngine diagnostics (USA
only)
252
FunctionPageGHigh-beam headlamps109HReserve fuel252ISeat belt248JBrakes (Canada only)247KTire pressure monitor (USA
only)
253
LABS249MThe lamp lights up briefly,
but has no function.4 On vehicles without DISTRONIC, the lamp lights up briefly but has no function.Instrument cluster29At a glanceBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 29

complete accordance with the child seat
manufacturer's instructions.
Occupants, in particular children, must sit as
upright as possible, fasten the seat belt
correctly and use a suitable infant restraint
system, child restraint system or booster seat
suitable for the size and weight of the child.
Children can be killed or seriously injured by
an inflating air bag. Observe the following
important information if it is absolutely
necessary to carry a child on the front-
passenger seat:
R your vehicle is equipped with air bag
technology designed to deactivate the
passenger front air bag in your vehicle
when the system senses the weight of a
typical 12-month-old child or less along
with the weight of a standard appropriate
child restraint on the passenger seat.
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 way to completely rule out this risk
is by making sure you never place a child in
a rearward-facing child restraint system on
the front-passenger seat. For this reason,
we strongly advise that you always carry
children in a rearward-facing child restraint
system on a rear seat.
R if it is absolutely necessary to install a
rearward-facing child restraint system on
the front-passenger seat, make sure the
42 indicator lamp is
illuminated, indicating that the front-
passenger front air bag is disabled. If the
42 indicator lamp does not
light up or goes out when the child restraint
system is installed, check the anchorages
of the restraint system. Check the
42 indicator lamp regularly
while driving to ensure that the
42 indicator lamp is
illuminated. If the 42 indicatorlamp lights up or remains out, you may only
carry a child on the front-passenger seat
once 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 when securing a child in a child restraint
system on the front-passenger seat, you
must:
- move the front-passenger seat as far
back as possible
- use a child restraint system that is
suitable for the age, size and weight of
the child
- observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions in order to install and secure
the child restraint system correctly.
R for children larger than the typical 12-
month-old child, the passenger front air bag
is activated.
Deployment of the driver front air bag does
not mean that the front-passenger front air
bag also should have deployed. The OCS may
have determined:
R that the seat was empty or occupied by a
person with a weight up to or less than that
of a typical 12 month-old child seated in a
standard child restraint
R that the seat was occupied by a small
person (e.g. a young teenager or a small
adult) or a child that weighs more than a
typical 12 month old child in a child
restraint system
These are examples of when OCS disables the
front-passenger front air bag. This occurs
even though the impact fulfills the criteria for
deployment of the driver's front air bag.44Occupant safetySafety
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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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GWarning
Batteries contain toxic and caustic
substances. For this reason, keep batteries
out of the reach of children.
If a battery has been swallowed, seek medical
help immediately.
GWarning
The SmartKey batteries contain perchlorate
material, which may require special handling
and regard for the environment. Observe
government disposal guidelines. California
residents, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/
HazardousWaste/Perchlorate/
index.cfm .
Checking the battery
XPress the & or % button.
The SmartKey battery is working properly if
battery charge indicator lamp : lights up
briefly.
If battery charge indicator lamp : does not
light up briefly during the test, the SmartKey
battery is discharged.
XReplace the SmartKey battery
( Y page 76).
i
You can obtain a SmartKey battery at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
i If the SmartKey battery is checked within
signal range of the vehicle, pressing the
& or % button results in the vehicle
being locked or unlocked respectively.
Changing the battery
You require a CR 2025 3 V cell battery.
XTake the mechanical key out of the
SmartKey ( Y page 75).XPress mechanical key ; into the opening
in the SmartKey in the direction of the
arrow until battery tray cover : opens. Do
not hold the cover closed while doing so.XRemove the cover of the battery tray.XRepeatedly tap the SmartKey against your
palm until battery = falls out.XInsert the new battery with the positive
pole facing upwards. Use a lint-free cloth to
do so.XInsert the front tabs of the battery tray's
cover first and then press to close it.XCheck the function of all SmartKey buttons
on the vehicle.76SmartKeyOpening and closing
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