four wheel drive 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
Trailer towing ................................. 1474IndexBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 4

PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator
lamp (only Canada) ............................. 48
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator
lamp (only USA) ................................... 42
Pedals ................................................. 160
Permanent four-wheel drive see 4MATIC
Plastic trim (cleaning instructions) . 292
Power supply (trailer) ....................... 201
Power washers .................................. 289
Power windows see Side windows
Pre-emptive occupant safety
system
see PRE-SAFE ®
system
PRE-SAFE ®
system
Display message ............................ 224
Operation ......................................... 51
Product information ............................ 19
Program selector button .................. 147
Pulling away Automatic transmission .................141
R
RACETIMER (on-board computer) .... 209
Radar sensor system (on-board
computer) .......................................... 217
Radiator cover ................................... 283
Radio Changing a station (on-board
computer) ...................................... 211
see separate operating instructions
Radio-controlled equipment
Assembly ....................................... 279
Range (on-board computer) ............. 220
Rear bench seat Folding forwards/back ..................259
Rear compartment
Activating/deactivating climate
control ........................................... 129
Setting the air vents ......................135
Setting the temperature ................131
Rear fog lamp (display message) ..... 232
Rear view camera Function/notes ............................. 187
Rear view camera (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 291
Rear-view mirror
Anti-glare (manual) ........................101
Dipping (automatic) .......................102
Rear window heating
Malfunction .................................... 133
Switching on/off ........................... 133
Rear window wiper ........................... 118
Replacing the wiper blade .............. 119
Refueling ............................................ 151
Remote control Programming (garage door
opener) .......................................... 276
Reporting
Malfunctions relevant to safety ........ 23
Reserve fuel
Display message ............................ 236
Warning lamp ................................. 252
Reset button ........................................ 28
Residual heat Switching on/off ........................... 134
Restraint systems
see SRS
Reversing lamp (display message) .. 232
Roadside Assistance (breakdown) .... 20
Roof carrier ........................................ 265
Roof lining and carpets (Cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 293
Route see Route guidance (on-board
computer)
Route guidance (on-board
computer) .......................................... 212
S
Safety Children in the vehicle .....................58
Child restraint systems ....................59
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 42
Overview of occupant safety
systems ........................................... 36
Safety systems
see Driving safety systems
Seat belts
Adjusting the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt .........................56
Adjusting the height ......................... 56
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XTo remove: pull the head restraint up to
the stop.XPress release catch : and pull the head
restraint out of the guides.XTo re-install: insert the head restraint so
that the notches on the bar are on the left
when viewed in the direction of travel.XPush the head restraint down until you hear
it engage in position.
Adjusting the multicontour seat
You can adjust the contour of the front seats
individually so as to provide optimum support
for your back and sides.
XMake sure that the key is in position 2 in
the ignition lock.XUse switch : to move the thigh cushion
into the desired position.XPress the W or X button to adjust the
contour of the backrest to suit your back.XPress button ? to move the point of
greatest backrest curvature downwards to
the lumbar region and press button = to
move it upwards to the upper back region.XUse button ; to adjust the side bolsters
for optimal lateral support.Adjusting the four-way lumbar
support
The lumbar support for the driver's seat can
be individually adjusted to provide optimum
support for your back.:To raise the backrest contour;To soften the backrest contour=To lower the backrest contour?To harden the backrest contour
Switching the seat heating on/off
Switching on/off
GWarning!
Repeatedly setting the seat heating to level
3 may result in excessive seat temperatures.
The health of passengers that have limited
temperature sensitivity or a limited ability to
react to excessively high temperatures may
be affected or they may even suffer burn-like
injuries. Therefore, do not use seat heating
level 3 repeatedly.
The three red indicator lamps in the button
indicate the heating level you have selected.
i If the battery voltage is too low, the seat
heating may switch off.
One or several indicator lamps in the seat
heating button flash.
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Using KEYLESS-GOXPress the Start/Stop button (Y page 139).
When the driver's door is closed, the Start/
Stop button is in position 1. When the
driver's door is opened, the Start/Stop
button moves to position 0. This
corresponds to removing the SmartKey.XApply the parking brake firmly.
i If you turn off the engine with the Start/
Stop button and open a front door, the
automatic transmission switches to P
automatically.
i The engine can be turned off while the
vehicle is in motion by pressing and holding
the Start/Stop button for three seconds.
If you have started the engine with the Start/
Stop button and it cannot be switched off as
described:
Xremove the Start/Stop button from the
ignition lock.Xinsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
The engine stops. The ignition lock is in
position 0.
Parking brake
GWarning
Engaging the parking brake while the vehicle
is in motion can cause the rear wheels to lock
up. You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident. In addition, the vehicle's
brake lights do not light up when the parking
brake is engaged.
GWarning!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with
you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could
release the parking brake and/or shift the
automatic transmission out of park position
P , either of which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
XTo apply: depress parking brake ; firmly.
When the engine is running, the $ (USA
only) or J (Canada only) indicator lamp
lights up in the instrument cluster.XTo release: depress the brake pedal and
keep it depressed.XPull release handle :.
When the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running, the $ (USA only) or
J (Canada only) indicator lamp goes out
in the instrument cluster.
Parking up the vehicle
If you leave the vehicle parked up for longer
than four weeks, the battery may be damaged
by exhaustive discharge.
XDisconnect the battery or connect it to a
trickle charger.
i You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
If you leave the vehicle parked up for longer
than six weeks, the vehicle may suffer
damage as a result of lack of use.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice.Parking159Driving and parkingBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 159Z

ADS (Adaptive Damping System)
General notes
ADS is continuously electronically controlled.
It adapts the damping characteristics to the
current operating and driving situation.
Damping is controlled separately for each
wheel. This increases driving safety and tire
comfort.
This depends on:
R your driving style
R the road surface conditions
R the ADS setting
R the vehicle level setting
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the key from the ignition lock.
You can choose between the following ADS
settings:
R AUTO for normal driving situations;
indicator lamps ; and = are off.
R SPORT for sporty driving; indicator
lamp ; is on. In comparison to AUTO or
COMF , the vehicle is 0.6 in (15 mm) lower.
In comparison to AUTO, AMG vehicles are
0.3 in (8 mm) lower.
R COMF for a more comfortable ride;
indicator lamp = is on.
In comparison to AUTO, AMG vehicles are
0.28 in (7 mm) higher.
XStart the engine.XPress button : repeatedly until the
desired setting is selected.PARKTRONIC
Important safety guidelinesGWarning!
The PARKTRONIC is a supplemental system.
It is not intended to, nor does it replace, the
need for extreme care. The responsibility
during parking and other critical maneuvers
always remains with the driver.
GWarning!
Make sure no persons or animals are in or
near the area in which you are parking/
maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be
injured.
PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with
ultrasonic sensors. It indicates visually and
audibly the distance between your vehicle
and an object.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when
you:
R switch on the ignition.
R shift the transmission to position D, R or
N .
R release the parking brake.
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
11 mph (18 km/h). It is reactivated at lower
speeds.
PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your
vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper
and four sensors in the rear bumper.
:Sensors in the front bumper, left-hand
side (example)184Driving systemsDriving and parking
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recognize dangers in time, cause an accident
and injure yourself and others.
Collision warning
If a vehicle is detected in the monitoring range
of Blind Spot Assist and you switch on the turn
signal, a double warning tone sounds. Red
warning lamp : flashes. If the turn signal
remains on, detected vehicles are indicated
by the flashing of red warning lamp :. There
are no further warning tones.
Switching on Blind Spot Assist
XMake sure that the radar sensor system
( Y page 217) and Blind Spot Assist
( Y page 219) are activated in the on-board
computer.XTurn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.
Warning lamps : light up red in the
exterior mirrors for approximately 1.5
seconds and then turn yellow.
Towing a trailer
When you attach a trailer, make sure you have
correctly established the electrical
connection. This can be accomplished by
checking the trailer lighting. In this event,
Blind Spot Assist is deactivated. The indicator
lamp lights up yellow in the exterior mirrors
and the message: Blind Spot Assist
Currently Unavailable See
Operator's Manual appears in the
multifunction display.
i The indicator lamps in the exterior mirrors
can be switched off.
To do this, you must deactivate Blind Spot
Assist when:
R the key is in position 2 in the ignition
lock.
R the engine is not running.
R the electrical connection to the trailer
has been established.
Off-road driving systems
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are
permanently driven. Together with ESP ®
and
4ETS , it improves the traction of your vehicle
whenever a drive wheel spins due to
insufficient grip.
GWarning!
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
R While 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.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tires ( M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.
! When testing the parking brake, operate
the vehicle only briefly (for a maximum of
ten seconds) on a brake test dynamometer.
When doing this, turn the key to position
0 or 1 in the ignition. Failure to do this can
cause damage to the drive train or the
brake system.
! Function or performance tests may only
be performed on a 2-axle dynamometer. If
you wish to operate the vehicle on such a
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Currently Unavailable See Operator’s Manual message will be displayed in the
multifunction display and DISTRONIC will be turned off.
Tires
GWarning
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may
lose control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up
and possibly a fire.
GWarning
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect
handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear
unevenly, increase stopping distance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are
more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsTire Pressure
Check TiresGRisk of accident
The tire pressure loss warning system has detected a significant
loss in pressure.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XCheck the tires and, if necessary, change the wheel
( Y page 340).XCheck the tire pressures and, if necessary, set to the correct
tire pressure.XRestart the tire pressure loss warning system when the tire
pressure is correct ( Y page 329).Check tires,
then restart Run
Flat IndicatorA display message for the tire pressure loss warning system was
shown.XSet the correct tire pressure in all four tires.XRestart the tire pressure loss warning system ( Y page 329).Run Flat Indicator
InoperativeThe tire pressure loss warning system is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Tire pressure
displayed after
driving for a few
minutesThe tire pressure monitor is measuring the tire pressure.XDrive on.
The tire pressures appear in the multifunction display after you
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TIREFIT kit version 2
EPressure release buttonFPressure gaugeXTo reduce the tire pressure (version 2):
press pressure release button E on the
filler hose.XStow the TIREFIT kit and the electric air
pump.XDrive to the nearest workshop and have the
tire changed there.XHave the TIREFIT kit replaced as soon as
possible at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.HEnvironmental note
Have the used TIREFIT kit disposed of
professionally, e.g. at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
XHave the TIREFIT kit replaced every four
years at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Changing a wheel and mounting the
spare wheel
Preparing the vehicle
GWarning!
The wheel and tire size of the emergency
spare wheel/spare wheel may differ to that of
the damaged wheel. When using an
emergency spare wheel/spare wheel the
handling characteristics of the vehicle may
change.
Adapt your style of driving accordingly.
Never operate the vehicle with more than one
emergency spare wheel/spare wheel that
differs in size.
Only use an emergency spare wheel/spare
wheel of a differing size briefly and do not
switch off ESP ®
.
When using an emergency spare wheel, you
must not exceed a maximum speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h).GWarning!
Have the emergency spare wheel/spare
wheel replaced with a new wheel as soon as
possible at a qualified specialist workshop
which has the necessary specialist knowledge
and tools to carry out the work required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this
purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
i Vehicles without an emergency spare
wheel/spare wheel are not equipped with
wheel-changing tools at the factory. For
more information on which tools are
required to perform a wheel change on your
vehicle, e.g. wheel chock, alignment bolt or
lug wrench, consult an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
XPrepare the vehicle as described
( Y page 300).XIf a trailer is coupled to the vehicle,
uncouple it.XRemove the following items from the
stowage well under the trunk floor:
R the emergency spare wheel 49
R the lug wrench
R the folding wheel chock
R the jack49Vehicles with an emergency spare wheel.Flat tire305Roadside assistanceBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 305Z

message will appear in the multifunction
display.GWarning!
When the multifunction display shows the
message Tire Pressure Check Tires , one
or more of your tires are significantly
underinflated. You should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper tire inflation pressure as
indicated on the vehicle’s Tire and Loading
Information placard or on the tire inflation
pressure label.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Each tire, including the spare, should be
checked at least once a month when cold.
Inflate the tires to the recommended tire
inflation pressure as specified on
R the Tire and Loading Information placard on
the driver’s door B-pillar
or
R the tire inflation pressure label located on
the inside of the fuel filler flap
GWarning!
The tire pressure loss warning system does
not provide a warning for wrongly selected tire
inflation pressures. Always adjust tire
inflation pressure according to the Tire and
Loading Information placard on the driver's
door B-pillar or on the tire inflation pressure
label located on the inside of the fuel filler flap.
The tire pressure loss warning system does
not replace regular checks of the tire inflation
pressures since a gradual pressure loss in
more than one tire cannot be detected by the
tire pressure loss warning system.
The tire pressure loss warning system is not
able to issue a warning due to a sudden
dramatic loss of tire inflation pressure (e.g.
tire blowout caused by a foreign object). In
this case bring the vehicle to a halt by carefully
applying the brakes and avoiding abrupt
steering maneuvers.
The function of the tire pressure loss warning
system is limited or delayed if:
R snow chains are mounted on your vehicle's
tires.
R road conditions are wintry.
R you are driving on sand or gravel.
R you adopt a very sporty driving style
(cornering at high speeds or driving with
high rates of acceleration).
R you are towing a very heavy or large trailer.
R you are driving with a heavy load or a load
on the roof.
Restarting the tire pressure loss
warning system
Restart the tire pressure loss warning system
if you have:
R changed the tire pressure
R changed the wheels or tires
R mounted new wheels or tires
XBefore restarting, make sure that the tire
pressures are set properly on all four tires
for the respective operating conditions,
using the Tire and Loading Information
placard on the B-pillar on the driver's side
or the tire pressure table on the fuel filler
flap.XObserve the notes in the section on tire
pressures ( Y page 326).GWarning!
The tire pressure loss warning system can
only give reliable warnings if you have set the
correct tire pressure.
If an incorrect tire pressure is set, these
incorrect values will be monitored.
A tire with insufficient pressure results in
vehicle instability when driving, thus
increasing the risk of an accident.
330Tire pressuresTires and wheels
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XMake sure that the key is in position 2
( Y page 139) in the ignition lock.XPress and hold the V or U button on
the multifunction steering wheel until the
standard display appears in the
multifunction display ( Y page 208).XPress the * or & button until the
Run Flat Indicator Active Menu: R-
Button message appears in the
multifunction display.XPress the reset button ( Y page 28) on the
instrument cluster.
The Restart Run Flat Indicator?
Yes Cancel message appears in the
multifunction display.
If you wish to confirm the restart:
XPress the W button.
The Run Flat Indicator Restarted
message appears in the multifunction
display.
After a teach-in period, the tire pressure
loss warning system will monitor the set
tire pressures of all four tires.
If you wish to cancel the restart:
XPress the X button.
or
XWait until the Restart Run Flat
Indicator? Yes Cancel message
disappears.
The tire pressure values stored at the last
restart will continue to be monitored.
Tire pressure monitoring system
(USA only)
Important safety information
The tire pressure monitoring system consists
of sensors installed in the vehicle wheels that
monitor the air pressure in all four tires. The
tire pressure monitoring system warns you
when the pressure in one or more tires
decreases. It only works when the
corresponding sensors are installed on all the
wheels.
The tire pressure monitor informs you via a
yellow warning lamp in the instrument cluster
about pressure loss or if the system is
malfunctioning. Whether the warning lamp
flashes or lights up indicates whether a tire
pressure is too low or the tire pressure
monitor is malfunctioning:
R If the warning lamp is lit up constantly, one
or more of your tires are significantly
underinflated. The tire pressure monitor is
not malfunctioning.
R If the warning lamp flashes for 60 seconds
and is then lit constantly, the tire pressure
monitor is malfunctioning.GWarning!
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked at least once a month
when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the tire and loading
information table on the driver's door B-pillar
or the tire inflation pressure table on the
inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the tire and loading information table or
the tire inflation pressure table, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure
for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitor
(TPMS). An indicator lamp lights up if one or
more of your tires are significantly
underinflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure indicator lamp lights up, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible,
and inflate them to the proper pressure.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life and may affect the vehicle's
handling and stopping ability. Please note that
the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance and it is the driver's
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