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

PARKTRONIC ................................. 184
Rear view camera .......................... 187
Driving tip
Braking .......................................... 163
Driving tips ........................................ 147
DISTRONIC .................................... 179
Downhill gradients .........................161
Driving on flooded roads ................164
Driving on sand .............................. 168
Driving over obstacles ...................169
Off-road driving .............................. 167
Off-road fording ............................. 164
Tire ruts ......................................... 169
Towing a trailer .............................. 198
Wet road surface ........................... 162
Winter ............................................ 166
DSR (Downhill Speed
Regulation) ......................................... 192
Display message ............................ 239
Setting (on-board computer) .......... 219
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 212
E
EASY-ENTRY feature ......................... 100
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 218
EASY-EXIT feature ............................. 100
Crash-responsive ........................... 101
EASY-PACK cargo compartment
management system ........................ 263
EASY-PACK load-securing kit ........... 263
EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) Display message ............................ 229
Function/notes ................................ 68
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic Brake-force
Distribution) see EBD
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®

Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS
Emergency call
see mbrace
Emergency release
Fuel filler flap ................................. 153
Vehicle ............................................. 80
Emergency running mode
Automatic transmission .................151
Emergency spare wheel
Storage location ............................ 299
Stowing .......................................... 299
Emergency tensioning device
Function ........................................... 57
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Emergency unlocking
Tailgate ............................................ 84
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....19
Engine
Irregular running ............................ 143
Starting problems ..........................143
Starting the engine with the key ....141
Starting with KEYLESS GO .............141
Switching off .................................. 158
Warning lamp (engine
diagnostics) ................................... 252
Engine electronics
Malfunction .................................... 143
Engine emergency stop .................... 322
Engine number .................................. 356
Engine oil Adding ........................................... 284
Checking the oil level ..................... 283
Display message ............................ 235
Lubricant additives ........................361
Notes about oil grades ................... 361
Temperature (on-board computer) . 209
Viscosity ........................................ 361
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) Activating/deactivating ...................67
Display message ............................ 223
ETS/4ETS ........................................ 67
Important safety information ...........66
Trailer stabilization ........................... 68
Warning lamp ................................. 250
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ................................................ 67
Exhaust check ................................... 1618IndexBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 8

Total load limit (definition) .............347
Traction ......................................... 339
Traction (definition) .......................346
Tread wear ..................................... 339
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) .................347
Uniform tire quality classification
standards (definition) .....................344
Unladen weight (definition) ............345
Wear indicator (definition) .............347
Wheel rim (definition) ....................345
Tires and wheels (important safety
information) ....................................... 324
Top Tether ............................................ 62
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........317
Towing a trailer
Driving tips .................................... 198
Towing away
Installing the towing eye ................318
Removing the towing eye ...............319
Trailer
Coupling up ................................... 198
Decoupling ..................................... 200
Display message ............................ 230
Power supply ................................. 201
Towing ........................................... 199
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 200
Trailer towing .................................... 147
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 191
ESP ®
................................................ 68
PARKTRONIC ................................. 186
Transfer case ..................................... 151
Transmission position display ......... 145
Transmission positions .................... 146
Traveling uphill Brow of hill ..................................... 171
Driving downhill ............................. 171
Maximum gradient-climbing
capability ....................................... 170
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 219
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 208
Resetting (on-board computer) ......220Trunk
Automatic opening ..................... 82, 83
Turn signal (display message) ......... 230
Turn signals ....................................... 109
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................... 347
Type plate see Vehicle identification plate
U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................80
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 79
V
Vanity mirror Sun visor ........................................ 266
Vehicle
Data acquisition ............................... 23
Emergency release ..........................80
Equipment ....................................... 19
Exterior view .................................... 26
Individual settings (on-board
computer) ...................................... 213
Loading .......................................... 334
Lowering ........................................ 310
Maintenance .................................... 20
Parking up ..................................... 159
Raising ........................................... 306
Reporting problems .........................22
Towing away .................................. 317
Tow-starting ................................... 317
Transporting .................................. 319
Vehicle data
see Technical data
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 355
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 298
Video (DVD) ........................................ 212
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 212
VIN ...................................................... 355
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XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.XShift the transmission to position D or R.XWait until the gear change is completed
before pulling away.XRelease the parking brake ( Y page 159).XRelease the brake pedal.XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
!
If a warning tone sounds and the
Release Park. Brake message appears
in the instrument cluster, the parking brake
is still applied. Release the parking brake.
i The vehicle locks centrally once you have
pulled away. The locking knobs in the doors
drop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at
any time.
You can also deactivate the automatic
locking feature ( Y page 217).
i Upshifts take place at higher engine
speeds after a cold start. This helps the
catalytic converter to reach its operating
temperature more quickly.
Hill start assist
Hill start assist helps you when pulling away
forwards or in reverse on an uphill gradient.
It holds the vehicle for a short time after you
have removed your foot from the brake pedal.
This gives you enough time to move your foot
from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal
and depress it before the vehicle begins to
roll.
GWarning
Never leave the vehicle when it is held by hill
start assist. After approximately one second,
hill start assist will no longer brake your
vehicle and it could roll away.
XTake your foot off the brake pedal.
i Once you have taken your foot off the
brake pedal, the vehicle is held for around
one second.
XPull away.
Hill start assist will not function if:
R you are pulling away on a level road or a
downhill gradient.
R the transmission is in position N.
R the parking brake is applied.
R ESP ®
is malfunctioning.
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Driving tips
Kickdown
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
XVehicles for USA except AMG vehicles:
fully depress the accelerator pedal.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.XVehicles for Canada except AMG
vehicles: depress the accelerator pedal
beyond the pressure point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
Rocking the vehicle free
Rocking the vehicle free by repeatedly
shifting back and forth between transmission
positions D and R can help to free a vehicle
that has become stuck in mud or snow. The
engine management system of the vehicle
limits shifting back and forth between
transmission positions D and R to a maximum
speed of 5 mph (9 km/h). To shift back and
forth between transmission positions D and
R , move the selector lever up and down
beyond the pressure point.
Working on the vehicle
GWarning
When working on the vehicle, engage the
parking brake and shift the automatic
transmission into park position P. Otherwise
the vehicle could roll away which could result
in an accident and/or serious personal injury.
Trailer towing
XWhen towing a trailer and driving downhill,
shift to a lower gear if the automatic
transmission constantly shifts between
two gears.XEngaging a lower gear and reducing the
speed reduces the risk of the engine
overheating.Program selector button
The program selector button is only available
for AMG vehicles.
Program selector button with manual drive
program (AMG vehicles only)
C ComfortComfortable, economical
drivingS SportSporty driving styleM ManualManual gearshifting
i
For further information on "Drive
program" ( Y page 148).
Only change from automatic drive program
C or S to manual drive program M when the
vehicle is stationary.
XPress program selector button :
repeatedly until the letter for the desired
gearshift program appears in the
multifunction display.
i The automatic transmission switches to
automatic drive program C each time the
engine is started.
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Steering wheel paddle shifters:Left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter;Right-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
You can restrict or derestrict the shift range
by using the steering wheel paddle shifter.
You can change gear yourself by using the
steering wheel paddle shifters in the manual
drive program.
Automatic drive program
Drive program C is characterized by the
following:
R the vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears, unless the
accelerator pedal is depressed fully
R increased sensitivity; this improves driving
stability on slippery road surfaces, for
example.
R the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner, which results in the vehicle being
driven at lower engine speeds and the
wheels being less likely to spin
In drive program S, the automatic
transmission shifts up later.
Shift ranges
Introduction
When the automatic transmission is in
position D, it is possible to restrict or
derestrict the shift range ( Y page 148).
The shift range selected is shown in the
multifunction display. The automatic
transmission shifts only as far as the selected
gear.Driving situations=You can use the engine's braking
effect.5To use the braking effect of the
engine on downhill gradients and
for driving:
R on steep mountain roads
R in mountainous terrain
R in arduous conditions4To use the braking effect of the
engine on extremely steep downhill
gradients and on long downhill
stretches
Restricting the shift range
XPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The shift range is restricted.
i In order to prevent the engine from
overrevving, the automatic transmission
does not shift down when the engine speed
is too high.
i If the maximum engine speed for the shift
range is reached and you continue to
accelerate, the automatic transmission
shifts up in order to prevent the engine
from overrevving, even if the shift range is
restricted.
Derestricting the shift range
XPull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The shift range is derestricted.148Automatic transmissionDriving and parking
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Do not turn off the engine while the vehicle is
in motion.
Exhaust checkGWarning
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work optimally if they are
maintained exactly in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications. For this
reason, all work on the engine must be carried
out by qualified and authorized Mercedes-
Benz technicians.
The engine settings must not be changed in
any circumstances. Furthermore, all specific
service work must be carried out at regular
intervals and in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details
can be found in the Service Booklet.
Engine oil
! Vehicles with a diesel particle filter:
If the vehicle is mostly driven for short
distances, it is possible that malfunctions
may occur during the automatic cleaning of
the diesel particle filter. This can lead to
engine damage. Therefore, if you frequently
drive short distances, make sure to drive
on highways or country roads for 20
minutes at least every 500 km.
Brakes
Important safety guidelinesGWarning
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
GWarning
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Downhill gradients
! On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the cargo on the brakes by shifting
to a lower gear in good time. This allows
you to take advantage of engine braking
and helps you to avoid overheating the
brakes and wearing them out excessively.
When you take advantage of engine
braking, a drive wheel may not turn for
some time, e.g. on a slippery road surface.
This could cause damage to the drive train.
Such damage is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Heavy and light loads
GWarning
Depressing the brake pedal constantly results
in excessive and premature wear to the brake
pads.
It may also cause the brakes to overheat,
seriously impairing their effectiveness. It may
then not be possible to stop the vehicle in
sufficient time to avoid an accident.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
cargo, do not stop the vehicle immediately,
but drive on for a short while. This allows the
airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.
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respective wheels' hubcaps first. The
hubcaps may otherwise be damaged.
i You may wish to deactivate
ESP ®
(Y page 66) when pulling away with
snow chains installed. This way you can
allow the wheels to spin in a controlled
manner, achieving an increased driving
force (cutting action).
Slippery road surfacesGWarning
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) gases may enter vehicle interior
resulting in unconsciousness and death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
GWarning!
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
GWarning
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
You should drive particularly carefully on
slippery road surfaces. Avoid sudden
acceleration, steering and braking
maneuvers. Do not use cruise control.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to position N.i
For more information on driving with
snow chains, see ( Y page 165).GWarning
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Driving off-road
Important safety guidelines
GWarning!
Grains of sand, particles of dirt and other
abrasive materials can enter the brake
system. This can lead to excessive wear and
unpredictable braking efficiency.
After the brakes have been exposed to dirty
conditions, have them checked and cleaned
at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Otherwise, there is a risk that braking power
may be insufficient in the event of an
emergency, or that the braking effect may be
unpredictable.
GWarning!
Do not load items on the basic carrier bars. It
may cause instability during some maneuvers
which could result in an accident.
Drive slowly in unknown terrain. This will
make it easier to recognize unexpected
obstacles and avoid damage to the vehicle.
To help avoid the vehicle rolling over, never
turn it around on steep inclines. If the vehicle
cannot complete the attempted climb, back it
down in reverse gear.
Do not drive along the side of a slope. The
vehicle might otherwise rollover. If in doing so
the vehicle begins to show a tendency to roll,
immediately steer into a line of gravity
(straight up or downhill).
Never let the vehicle roll backwards in idle.
You may lose control of the vehicle if you use
only the service brake. For information on
driving downhill, see "Driving downhill".
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GWarning!
Vehicles with air suspension program: Please
be aware that by raising the vehicle level, the
center of gravity also rises. Therefore, always
ensure that the vehicle level is as low as
possible. With higher ride height the ESP ®
may activate earlier in certain situations.
GWarning!
Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure
before driving through sand. However, if you
do so, remember to correct the tire inflation
pressure before continuing your trip. Driving
with reduced tire inflation pressure increases
the risk of losing control of the vehicle and
rolling over.
General information
Read this section before driving your vehicle
off-road. Practice by traveling over more
gentle off-road terrain first.
Familiarize yourself with the characteristics
of your vehicle and the gear change process
before driving through difficult terrain.
The following driving systems are specially
adapted to off-road driving:
R off-road drive program ( Y page 193)
R off-road ABS ( Y page 66)
R off-road 4ETS ( Y page 67)
R off-road ESP ®
(Y page 68)
R hill start assist
R AIRMATIC package ( Y page 183)
R DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
( Y page 192)
Observe the following notes:
R stop your vehicle and, if necessary, select
the off-road drive program ( Y page 193)
before driving off-road.
R vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select a vehicle level that is suitable for the
terrain. Make sure there is always sufficient
ground clearance to prevent damage to the
vehicle.
R make sure that items of luggage and cargo
are stowed safely and are well secured
( Y page 260).
R always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a downhill gradient.
Activate DSR ( Y page 192).
R always keep the doors, tailgate, windows
and the tilt/sliding sunroof closed while the
vehicle is in motion.
R adapt the speed to suit the terrain
conditions. The more uneven, worn or
steeper the terrain is, the slower you should
drive.
R drive slowly and at an even speed through
the water. Ensure that a bow wave does not
form as you drive.
R drive with extreme care on unfamiliar off-
road routes where visibility is poor. For
safety reasons, get out of the vehicle first
and survey the off-road route.
R look out for obstacles, such as rocks, holes,
tree stumps and furrows.
R check the depth of water before fording
rivers and streams.
R do not stop in water and do not switch the
engine off.
R drive quickly on sand to overcome the
rolling resistance. Otherwise, the vehicle
could dig itself into the sand.
R do not jump with the vehicle. This
interrupts the vehicle's traction.
R always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on slopes.
R do not shift the automatic transmission to
transmission position N.
Check list before driving off-roadXEngine oil level: check the engine oil and
top it up if necessary.
The oil supply can only be guaranteed on
steep slopes if the engine oil level is
sufficient.
! If the engine oil warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in motion, stop the
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Driving in mountainous terrain
Approach/departure angle:Approach/departure angle, front;Approach/departure angle, rear:: 27;Steel-spring
vehicles27°22°26°:: 28;Vehicles with the
AIRMATIC package Raised level31°25°29°Highway level25°18°24°:;AMG vehiclesRaised level26°28°Highway level21°24°
R Comply with the rules for off-road driving.
R Do not drive at an angle on slopes, inclines
or gradients, but instead follow the direct
line of fall. The maximum gradient-climbing
capability of your vehicle is 100%, which
corresponds to an approach/departure
angle of 45°. Note that the vehicle's
gradient-climbing capability depends on
the off-road conditions.
R Before tackling steep downhill gradients,
select shift range 1.
R Drive slowly.
R Avoid high engine speeds – drive at a
suitable engine speed (maximum 3000
rpm).
R Use the braking power of the engine when
driving down a slope. Observe the engine
speed, do not overrev the engine.
R Check the brakes after driving off-road for
a long time.GWarning!
Never turn the vehicle around on steep
inclines. The vehicle might roll over. If the
vehicle cannot complete the attempted climb,
back it down in reverse gear.
i Hill start assist will aid you when pulling
away on a hill.
For more information, see "Hill start assist"
( Y page 142).
Maximum gradient climbing ability
On good road surfaces, the maximum
gradient climbing capability of your vehicle is
100%, which corresponds to an approach/
departure angle of 45°. Note that the
vehicle's gradient-climbing capability
depends on the off-road conditions.
Accelerate carefully and make sure that the
wheels do not spin when driving on steep
terrain.
i If the load on the front axle is reduced
when pulling away on a steep uphill slope,
the front wheels have a tendency to spin.
4ETS recognizes this and brakes the
wheels accordingly. The rear wheel torque
is increased and it is easier to pull away.
27 Vehicles with the AMG Sports package.
28 Vehicles with the AMG Sports package.170Driving tipsDriving and parking
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Hilltops
When driving up an uphill gradient, slightly
reduce pressure on the accelerator
immediately before reaching the brow of the
hill. Make use of the vehicle's own impetus to
travel over the brow.
This style of driving prevents:
R the vehicle from lifting off the ground on the
brow of a hill
R loss of traction
R the vehicle from traveling too quickly down
the other side
Driving downhill
R Drive slowly.
R Do not drive at an angle down steep
inclines. Steer into the line of fall and drive
with the front wheels aligned straight.
Otherwise, the vehicle could slip sideways,
tip and rollover.
R Before tackling steep downhill gradients,
select shift range 1.
R Activate DSR. If this is not sufficient, brake
gently. When doing so, make sure that the
vehicle is facing in the direction of the line
of fall.
R Check that the brakes are working normally
after a long downhill stretch.
i The special off-road ABS setting enables
the front wheels to be locked accurately,
briefly and repeatedly, causing them to dig
into the loose ground. Note that when the
front wheels are fully braked, they slide
easily over the ground surface and
therefore steering is impaired.
Driving abroad
An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network
is also available in other countries. The
Service Hotline's current telephone numbers
for use when you are abroad are to be found
in the "Service24h" section of the Service
Booklet.
Driving systems
Cruise control
Important safety guidelines
Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden or towing a trailer, you must
select shift range 1, 2 or 3 in good time. By
doing so, you will make use of the braking
effect of the engine, which relieves the load
on the brake system and prevents the brakes
from overheating and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
GWarning
The cruise control is a convenience system
designed to assist the driver during vehicle
operation. The driver is and must always
remain responsible for the vehicle's speed
and for safe brake operation.
Only use the cruise control if the road, traffic,
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy
traffic because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid
changes in tire traction can result in wheel
spin and loss of control.
R Deactivate the cruise control when driving
in fog.
The "Resume" function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed.
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