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

Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 19At a glance ........................................... 25Safety ................................................... 35Opening and closing ...........................71Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....91Lights and windshield wipers ..........105Climate control ................................. 121Driving and parking ..........................137On-board computer and displays ....203Loading, stowing and features ........255Maintenance and care ......................281Roadside assistance .........................295Tires and wheels ............................... 323Technical data ................................... 353
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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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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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Product information
We recommend using genuine Mercedes-
Benz parts as well as conversion parts and
accessories explicitly approved by us for your
vehicle model.
We have tested these parts to determine their
reliability, safety and special suitability for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Despite ongoing
market research, Mercedes-Benz is unable to
assess other parts. We cannot therefore be
held responsible for them, even if in individual
cases an official approval or authorization by
governmental or other agencies should exist.
The use of non-approved parts could affect
your vehicle's operating safety. Mercedes-
Benz therefore recommends that you use
genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion
parts and accessories that have been
approved for the type of vehicle. Genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts, approved conversion
parts and accessories are available from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. In
addition, you will receive advice about
permissible technical modifications, and the
parts will be professionally installed.
Operator's Manual
Notes on the Operator's Manual
This Operator's Manual contains a great deal
of helpful information. We urge you to read it
carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of
the vehicle, we urge you to follow the
instructions and warnings contained in this
Operator's Manual. Ignoring them could
result in damage to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others. Vehicle damage
caused by failure to follow instructions is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Vehicle equipment
This manual describes all the standard and
optional equipment of your vehicle available
at the time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all functions described. This
also refers to safety-related systems and
functions. The equipment in your vehicle may
therefore differ from that shown in the
descriptions and illustrations. All the systems
found in your vehicle are listed in the original
purchase agreement of your vehicle. Should
you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The Operating Instructions and the
Maintenance Booklet are important
documents and should be kept in the vehicle.
Service and vehicle operation
Service and literature
The Service and Warranty Information
booklet contains detailed information about
the warranties covering your vehicle. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
replace and repair any factory-fitted parts
based on the terms and conditions of the
following warranties:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission System Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island and Vermont Emission
Control System Warranty 2
R State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon
Laws)
2 Valid only for vehicles with a gasoline engine.Introduction19BA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 19

Information for customers in
California
Under California law you may be entitled to a
replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the
purchase price or lease price, if after a
reasonable number of repair attempts
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and/or its
authorized repair or service facilities fail to fix
one or more substantial defects or
malfunctions in the vehicle that are covered
by its express warranty. During the period of
18 months from original delivery of the
vehicle or the accumulation of 18 000 miles
(approximately 29 000 km) on the odometer
of the vehicle, whichever occurs first, a
reasonable number of repair attempts is
presumed for a retail buyer or lessee if one or
more of the following occurs:(1)the same substantial defect or
malfunction results in a condition that is
likely to cause death or serious bodily
injury if the vehicle is driven, that defect
or malfunction has been subject to repair
two or more times, and you have directly
notified Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC in
writing of the need for its repair.(2)the same substantial defect or
malfunction of a less serious nature than
category (1) has been subject to repair
four or more times and you have directly
notified Mercedes-Benz in writing of the
need for its repair.(3)the vehicle is out of service by reason of
repair of the same or different substantial
defects or malfunctions for a cumulative
total of more than 30 calendar days.
Please send your written notice to:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Customer Assistance Center
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
Maintenance
The Service and Warranty Information
Booklet describes all necessary maintenance
work that should be performed at regular
intervals.
Always have the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet with you when you bring
the vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. The service advisor will record each
service in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for you.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program provides factory-trained technical
help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to the
toll-free Roadside Assistance number will be
answered by Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day,
365 days a year.
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372)
(USA)
1-800-387-0100 (Canada)
For additional information refer to the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program brochure (in the USA) or the
Roadside Assistance section of the Service
and Warranty Information Booklet (in
Canada) You will find both in your vehicle
literature portfolio.
In accordance with standard program
guidelines, Roadside Assistance is prepared
to provide vehicle service up until a
reasonable distance from the next paved
roadway. We will make every effort to assist
in a breakdown situation. However, the
accessibility of your vehicle will be
determined by our authorized Mercedes-Benz
Service technician or the tow service provider
on a case-by-case basis.
Additional charges may be applicable for a
breakdown location determined not to be a
reasonably accessible roadside location as
determined by our authorized technician and
tow service provider.
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Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function when the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.GWarning
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole. If you feel a sudden significant
vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect
that damage to your vehicle has occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers.
R slow down carefully.
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
Proper use of the vehicle
To ensure proper use of the vehicle, you must
familiarize yourself with the following
information and rules:
R safety notes in this Operator's Manual
R technical data in this Operator's Manual
R traffic rules and regulations
R laws and safety standards pertaining to
motor vehicles
GWarning!
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended to
make you and others aware of various risks.
Do not remove any of these warning labels
unless explicitly instructed to do so by
information on the label itself.
Removing warning labels may cause you and
others to be unaware of certain risks which
may result in an accident and/or personal
injury.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.
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the problem diagnosed
and rectified. If the problem is not resolved to
your satisfaction, please discuss the problem
with the Mercedes-Benz Center again or, if
necessary, contact us at one of the following
addresses.
In the USA
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Customer Relations Department
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
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AdBlue®
Important notes on use
BlueTEC exhaust gas aftertreatment 25
must
be operated with AdBlue ®
reducing agent in
order to function properly. Adding AdBlue ®
is
one of the tasks performed during
maintenance. Under normal operating
conditions, a tank of AdBlue ®
lasts until the
next service due date.
When the AdBlue ®
supply has almost run out,
the Check Additive – See Operator's
Manual message is shown in the
multifunction display.
When the AdBlue ®
supply sinks to a minimum
level, the Remaining Starts: 20 message
is shown in the multifunction display.
i When the Remaining Starts: 20
message is shown in the multifunction
display, you can start the engine 20 more
times. If AdBlue ®
is not topped up, it is then
not possible to start the engine again. Top
up the AdBlue ®
tank with approximately
1 gallon (3.8 l) of AdBlue ®
or have the
AdBlue ®
tank refilled at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Use the special AdBlue ®
refill bottle when
adding between maintenance intervals. For
more information, please contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
Roadside Assistance if applicable
( Y page 20).
Further information about BlueTEC exhaust
gas aftertreatment and AdBlue ®
is available
at any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Adding AdBlue ®GWarning!
Make sure
R AdBlue ®
does not come into contact with
skin, eyes, or clothing
R to keep AdBlue ®
out of the reach of children
If you and/or others have come into contact
with AdBlue ®
:
R If AdBlue ®
has gotten into contact with
eyes, flush with plenty of water immediately
and seek medical help.
R Clean affected skin immediately with plenty
of water.
R If AdBlue ®
was swallowed, rinse mouth
immediately with plenty of water and drink
plenty of water. Consult a physician.
GWarning!
When opening the filler cap of the AdBlue ®
tank ammonia gas vapors may escape. Refill
AdBlue ®
in a well ventilated area only.
Ammonia gas vapors have a pungent odor and
are particularly irritating for your skin,
mucous membranes, and eyes. Inhaling
ammonia gas vapors will cause burning eyes,
nose, and throat, as well as coughing and
watering eyes.
! Only use AdBlue ®
that complies with
ISO 22241. Do not add any special
additives to AdBlue ®
and do not thin
AdBlue ®
with water. This could destroy the
BlueTEC exhaust gas aftertreatment.
! Rinse surfaces that have come into
contact with AdBlue ®
immediately with
water or remove AdBlue ®
using a damp
cloth and cold water. If the AdBlue ®
has
already crystallized, use a sponge and cold
water to clean it. AdBlue ®
residues
crystallize after time and contaminate the
affected surfaces.
25 Only on BlueTEC vehicles.156RefuelingDriving and parking
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! AdBlue ®
is not a additive and must not be
added to the diesel tank. If AdBlue ®
is
added to the diesel tank this could damage
the engine.
i If you are adding between maintenance
intervals, add approximately 1 gallon (3.8 l)
of AdBlue ®
to the AdBlue ®
tank. 1 gallon
(3.8 l) of AdBlue ®
is approximately
2 AdBlue ®
refill bottles.
Further information about
AdBlue ®
(Y page 360).
The AdBlue ®
filler neck is under the luggage
compartment floor.XSwitch off the ignition.XOpen the tailgate.XLift the luggage compartment floor
( Y page 298).XTurn AdBlue ®
cap : anti-clockwise and
remove it.XTurn AdBlue ®
filler cap ; anti-clockwise
and open it.
Filler cap ; is secured with a plastic strap.XUnscrew the covering cap from AdBlue ®
refill bottle =.XPlace AdBlue ®
refill bottle = on the filler
neck as shown and screw on clockwise
hand-tight.
! Only screw on the AdBlue ®
refill bottle
hand-tight. It could otherwise be damaged.
XPress AdBlue ®
refill bottle = down.
The AdBlue ®
tank is filled. This may take up
to one minute.
i If the AdBlue ®
refill bottle is no longer
pressed down, the filling process stops and
the partially emptied bottle can be
removed.
XRelease AdBlue ®
refill bottle =.XTurn AdBlue ®
refill bottle = anti-clockwise
and remove it.XPlace AdBlue ®
filler cap ; on the filler
neck and turn it clockwise.Refueling157Driving and parkingBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 157Z

Driving tips
General driving tips
Important safety instructions
GWarning!
Please do not forget that your primary
responsibility is to drive the vehicle. A driver’s
attention to the road must always be his/her
primary focus when driving. For your safety
and the safety of others, we recommend that
you pull over to a safe location and stop
before placing or taking a telephone call.
If you choose to use the telephone 26
while
driving, please use the hands-free device and
only use the telephone when road, weather
and traffic conditions permit. Some
jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a
mobile telephone while driving a vehicle.
Only operate the COMAND 26
(Cockpit
Management and Data System) if road,
weather and traffic conditions permit.
Otherwise, you may not be able to observe
traffic conditions and could endanger yourself
and others.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.
Drive sensibly – save fuel
To save fuel, observe the following notes:
XKeep tires at the recommended inflation
pressures.XRemove unnecessary cargo.XRemove the roof carrier when not in use.XMaintain a low engine speed until the
engine is warm.XAvoid frequent acceleration and
deceleration.XHave all maintenance work performed at
the service intervals specified in theService Booklet or indicated by the service
interval indicator.
Fuel consumption is also increased by driving
in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic, on
short trips and in mountainous areas.
Drinking and driving
GWarning
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Pedals
GWarning
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals' range of movement.
Keep the driver's footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure that the
pedals still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers,
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
Coasting with the engine switched off
GWarning!
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the brake when the engine is not running.
Steering and braking requires significantly
more effort and you could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident as a result.
26 Observe all legal requirements.160Driving tipsDriving and parking
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Wet roadsGWarning
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through water
deep enough to wet brake components, the
first braking action may be somewhat
reduced. You have to depress the brake pedal
more firmly. Maintain a safe distance from
vehicles in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the
vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying
attention to the traffic conditions. This will
warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them
more quickly and protecting them against
corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt
treated roads
GWarning
The layer of salt on the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings may cause a delay in the
braking effect, resulting in a significantly
longer braking distance, which could lead to
an accident.
To avoid this danger, you should:
R occasionally brake carefully, without
putting other road users at risk, when you
are driving on salted roads. This helps to
remove any salt that may have started to
build up on the brake discs and the brake
pads/linings.
R maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care.
R carefully apply the brakes at the end of a
trip and immediately after commencing a
new trip, so that salt residues are removed
from the brake discs.
Maintenance of the brakes
! If the brake warning lamp lights up in the
instrument cluster and you hear a warning
tone, even though the parking brake has
been released, the brake fluid level may be
too low. Observe additional warning
messages in the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked
immediately. This work should be carried
out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Only install brake pads and use brake fluid
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.GWarning
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that safe
braking is substantially impaired. This could
result in an accident.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: a function or
performance test may only be carried out
on a two-axle dynamometer. If you are
planning to have the vehicle tested on such
a dynamometer, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to obtain further
information first. Otherwise, the drive train
or the brake system may suffer damage.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®
system operates automatically, the engine
and the ignition system must be switched
off (SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in the
ignition lock or Start/Stop button in
position 0 or 1) when:
R testing the parking brake on a brake
dynamometer.
R you intend to have the vehicle towed with
one of the axles raised.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake
system.
162Driving tipsDriving and parking
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