towing 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
Index5BA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 5

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
12IndexBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 12

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

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
Index17BA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 17

Exterior viewFunctionPage:Tailgate80Vehicle tool kit298;Rear window heating133=Lights111?Fuel filler flap151AExterior mirrors101BRoof carrier265Sliding sunroof88CDefrosting the windshield132Cleaning the windows290FunctionPageDWindshield wipers117EOpening the hood282Engine oil283Coolant285FTowing away317GTires and wheels324Flat tire30026Exterior viewAt a glance
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Vehicle equipment ............................138
Notes on breaking in a new vehicle 138
Driving ............................................... 138
Automatic transmission ...................144
Refueling ............................................ 151
Parking ............................................... 158
Driving tips ........................................ 160
Driving systems ................................ 171
Off-road driving systems ..................191
Towing a trailer ................................. 198137Driving and parkingBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 137

NNeutralDDrive
iThe DIRECT SELECT lever always returns
to its original position. The current
transmission position P, R , N or D appears
in the transmission position display
( Y page 145) in the multifunction display.
Engaging park position P
XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever in the
direction of the arrow P.
i
Vehicles with a production date as of 18
January 2010: if you open the driver's door
when the vehicle is stationary or if the
speed is very low, the automatic
transmission shifts to park position P
automatically.
! If the engine speed is too high or the
vehicle is moving, do not shift the
automatic transmission directly from D to
R , from R to D or directly to P. The
automatic transmission could otherwise be
damaged.
Engaging reverse gear R
! Only shift the automatic transmission to
R when the vehicle is stationary.
XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the
first point of resistance.
Shifting to neutral N
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down
to the first point of resistance.
When the engine is switched off, the
automatic transmission shifts to N
automatically.
Remaining in neutral N
If you wish to keep the automatic
transmission in neutral N, e.g. to wash the
vehicle in a car wash with a towing device,
observe the following:
Using the SmartKey:
R make sure the ignition is switched on.
R when the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
R shift to neutral N.
R release the brake pedal.
R if applied, release the parking brake.
R switch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Using KEYLESS-GO:
R make sure the ignition is switched on.
R when the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
R shift to park position P.
R release the brake pedal.
R remove the Start/Stop button from the
ignition lock.
R insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
R switch on the ignition.
R depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
R shift to neutral N.
R release the brake pedal.
R if applied, release the parking brake.
R switch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Shifting to transmission position DXPush the DIRECT SELECT lever down past
the first point of resistance.
Transmission position display
The current transmission position is shown in
the multifunction display.
Automatic transmission145Driving and parkingBA 164.1 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2mskotVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T17:25:06+02:00 - Seite 145Z