tow 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
Contents3BA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 3

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

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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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

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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Belt force limiters ............................ 57
Cleaning ......................................... 293
Correct usage .................................. 54
Emergency Tensioning Devices ........ 57
Fastening ......................................... 55
Important safety guidelines .............53
Releasing ......................................... 56
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Switching belt adjustment on/off
(on-board computer) ......................218
Warning lamp ................................. 248
Warning lamp (function) ................... 57
Seat heating
Indicator lamp (Malfunction) ............98
Seats
Adjusting (electrically) .....................94
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support ............................................ 97
Adjusting the head restraint ............95
Cleaning the cover .........................292
Correct driver's seat position ........... 92
Important safety instructions ...........93
Multicontour seat ............................ 97
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 103
Switching seat heating on/off .........97
Switching the seat ventilation on/
off .................................................... 98
Seat ventilation
Indicator lamp (Malfunction) ............99
Securing hooks .................................. 260
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 291
Service indicator see Service interval display
Service interval display .................... 287
Displaying a service message (on-
board computer) ............................ 287
Service products
AdBlue ®
special additives ..............360
Brake fluid ..................................... 362
Coolant (engine) ............................ 362
Engine oil ....................................... 361
Filling capacity ............................... 357
Fuel ................................................ 358
Important safety notes ..................356
Notes ............................................. 356Refrigerant (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 362
Washer fluid ................................... 363
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) .........213
On-board computer .......................213
Shift ranges ....................................... 148
Side impact air bag ............................. 40
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 232
Side windows Convenience closing feature ............86
Convenience opening feature ..........86
Important safety information ...........84
Opening/closing .............................. 85
Resetting ......................................... 87
Troubleshooting ............................... 87
Sliding sunroof
Important safety information ...........88
Troubleshooting ............................... 89
see Tilt/sliding sunroof
SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................76
Changing the programming .............75
Checking the battery .......................76
Important safety notes ....................72
Malfunction ...................................... 77
Snow chains ...................................... 165
Socket ................................................ 268
Dashboard ..................................... 268
Front-passenger footwell ...............268
Luggage compartment ...................269
Rear compartment .........................269
SOS
see mbrace
Spare wheel
Notes/data .................................... 352
Storage location ............................ 299
Stowing .......................................... 299
see Emergency spare wheel
Speedometer
Additional speedometer (on-
board computer) ............................ 208
Segments ...................................... 205
Setting the unit (on-board
computer) ...................................... 21414IndexBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 14

SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) Display message ............................ 224
Introduction ..................................... 36
Warning lamp ................................. 251
Warning lamp (function) ................... 36
Standard display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 208
Starting the engine Important safety instructions ......... 140
Station
see Radio
Status line (on-board computer)
Multifunction display .....................206
Selecting the display ...................... 214
Steering (display message) .............. 244
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) ...................100
Adjusting (manually) ........................99
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 205
Cleaning ......................................... 292
Important safety instructions ...........99
Memory function (storing
settings) ......................................... 100
Steering wheel heating ..................100
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 103
Steering wheel heating
Indicator lamp (Malfunction) ..........100
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 148
Stowage compartments Armrest (under) ............................. 257
Glove box ....................................... 257
Stowage space
Center console .............................. 257
Center console (rear) .....................258
Cup holders ................................... 265
Important safety information .........256
Submenu (on-board computer)
Convenience .................................. 218
Instrument cluster .........................214
Lighting .......................................... 215
Time/Date ..................................... 215
Vehicle ........................................... 217
Summer opening
see Convenience opening feature
Sun visor ............................................ 266Supplemental Restraint System
see SRS
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 215
SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) .......................21
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 69
T
Tachometer ........................................ 204
Tailgate Display message ............................ 244
Emergency unlocking .......................84
Important safety guidelines .............80
Limiting the opening angle ...............83
Taillight
see Tail lamps
Tank contents
Gauge .............................................. 28
Technical data ................................... 354
ML 350 .......................................... 364
ML 350 4MATIC ............................. 364
ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC ...............363
ML 550 4MATIC ............................. 364
ML 63 AMG ................................... 365
Tires/wheels ................................. 347
TELEAID
Call priority .................................... 274
Display message ............................ 224
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 274
Emergency call .............................. 271
Important safety notes ..................270
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............275
MB info call button ........................273
Roadside Assistance button ..........272
Self-test ......................................... 271
System .......................................... 271
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............275
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 220
Display message ............................ 245
Menu (on-board computer) ............220
Number from the phone book ........ 221
Redialing ........................................ 221
Rejecting/ending a call .................221
Telephone compartment .................. 257
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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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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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