lights MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class 2014 W166 Owner's Guide

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Y page 28).Exterior lighting
General notes
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you drive with the lights
switched on even during the daytime. In some
countries, operation of the headlamps varies
due to legal requirements and self-imposed
obligations. Driving abroad
Conversion to symmetrical low beam Switch the headlamps to symmetrical low
beam in countries in which traffic drives on
the opposite side of the road from the country
where the vehicle is registered. This prevents
glare to oncoming traffic. When using
symmetrical lights, the edge of the road is not
lit as widely and as far ahead as normal.
Have the headlamps converted at a qualified
specialist workshop as close to the border as
possible before driving in these countries.
Conversion to asymmetrical low beam
after returning Have the headlamps converted back to
asymmetrical low-beam headlamps at a
qualified specialist workshop as soon as
possible after crossing the border again. Setting the exterior lighting
Setting options Exterior lighting can be set using:
R
the light switch
R the combination switch (Y page 123)
R the on-board computer (Y page 274)
Light switch Operation
00050011
Left-hand standing lamps
00060013 Right-hand standing lamps
00070016 Parking lamps, license plate and
instrumen tcluste rlighting
000C0006 Automatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the light sensor
000D000D Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
00210010 Rear fog lamp
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
X Turn the light switch to 0006.
The exterior lighting (except the parking/
standing lamps) switches off automatically if
you:
R remove the SmartKey fro mthe ignition lock
R open the driver's door with the SmartKey
in position 0.
Automatic headlamp mode G
WARNING
When the light switch is set to 0006, the low-
beam headlamps may not be switched on 120
Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

automatically if there is fog, snow or other
causes of poor visibility due to the weather
conditions such as spray. There is a risk of an
accident.
In such situations, tur nthe light switch to
000D.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The driver is responsible for the vehicle's
lighting at all times. 00050011
Left-hand standing lamps
00060013 Right-hand standing lamps
00070016 Parking lamps, license plate and
instrumentc luster lighting
000C0006 Automatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the light sensor
000D000D Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
00210010 Rear fog lamp
0006 is the favored light switch setting. The
light setting is automatically selected
according to the brightnes softhe ambient
light (exception: poor visibility due to weather
conditions such as fog, snow or spray):
R SmartKey in position 1in the ignition lock:
the parking lamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light.
R With the engine running: if you have
activated the daytime running lamps
function via the on-board computer, the
daytime running lamps or the low-beam
headlamps and parking lamps are switched
on or off automatically depending on the
brightness of the ambient light. X
To switch on automatic headlamp
mode: turn the light switch to 0006.
Only for Canada:
The daytime running lamps improve the
visibility of your vehicle during the day. The
daytime running lamps function is required by
law in Canada. It cannot therefore be
deactivated.
When the engine is running and the vehicle is
stationary: if you move the selector lever from
a drive position to P, the daytime running
lamps/low-beam headlamps go out after
three minutes.
When the engine is running, the vehicle is
stationary and in high ambient light: if you
turn the light switch to 0016, you turn on the
daytime running lamps and parking lamps.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to 000D, the manual settings take
precedence over the daytime running lamps.
USA only:
The daytime running lamps improve the
visibility of your vehicle during the day. To do
this, the daytime running lamps function must
be switched on using the on-board computer
(Y page 274).
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to 0016or000D, the manual settings
take precedence over the daytime running
lamps.
i In the USA, the daytime running lamps are
deactivated upon delivery from the factory.
Low-beam headlamps G
WARNING
When the light switch is set to 0006, the low-
beam headlamps may not be switched on
automatically if there is fog, snow or other
causes of poor visibility due to the weather
conditions such as spray. There is a risk of an
accident.
In such situations, turn the light switch to
000D. Exterior lighting
121Lights and windshield wipers Z

00050011
Left-hand standing lamps
00060013 Right-hand standing lamps
00070016 Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
000C0006 Automatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the lights ensor
000D000D Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
00210010 Rear fog lamp
Even if the light sensor does not detec tthat
it is dark, the parking lamps and low-beam
headlamps switch on when the ignition is
switched on and the light switch is set to the
000D position. This is a particularly useful
function in the event of rain and fog.
X To switch on the low-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2or start the engine.
X Turn the light switch to 000D.
The green 000Dindicator lamp in the
instrumentc luster lights up.
Rear fog lamp 00050011
Left-hand standing lamps
00060013 Right-hand standing lamps 00070016
Parking lamps, license plate and
instrumen tcluste rlighting
000C0006 Automatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the light sensor
000D000D Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
00210010 Rear fog lamp
The rear fog lamp improves visibility of your
vehicle for the traffic behind in the event of
thick fog. Please take note of the country-
specific regulations for the use of rear fog
lamps.
X To switch on the rea rfog lamps: turn the
SmartKey in the ignition lock to position 2
or start the engine.
X Turn the light switch to 000Dor0006.
X Press the 0010button.
The yellow 0010indicator lamp in the
instrumen tcluster lights up.
X To switch off th erear fog lamp: press the
0010 button.
The yellow 0010indicator lamp in the
instrumen tcluster goes out.
Parking lamps
! If the battery has been excessively
discharged, the parking lamps or standing
lamps are automatically switched off to
enable the nex tengine start. Always park
your vehicle safely and sufficiently lit
according to legal standards .Avoid the
continuous use of the 0016parking lamps
for several hours .Ifpossible, switch on the
0013 right or the 0011left standing lamp. 122
Exterior lightingLights and windshiel
dwipers

00050011
Left-hand standing lamps
00060013 Right-hand standing lamps
00070016 Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
000C0006 Automatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the lights ensor
000D000D Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
00210010 Rear fog lamp
X To switch on: turn light switch to 0016.
The green 0016indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
Standing lamps 00050011
Left-hand standing lamps
00060013 Right-hand standing lamps
00070016 Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
000C0006 Automatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the light sensor
000D000D Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
00210010 Rear fog lamp Switching on the standing lamps ensures the
corresponding side of the vehicle is
illuminated.
X
To switch on the standing lamps: the
SmartKey is not in the ignition lock or it is
in position 0.
X Turn the light switch to 0011(left-hand side
of the vehicle) or 0013(right-hand side of
the vehicle). Combination switch
Turn signal 0002
High-beam headlamps
0003 Turn signal, right
0023 High-beam flasher
0022 Turn signal, left
X To indicate briefly: press the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow 0003or0022.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.
X To indicate: press the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction
of arrow 0003or0022. Exterior lighting
123Lights and windshield wipers Z

High-beam headlamps
0002
High-beam headlamps
0003 Turn signal, right
0023 High-beam flasher
0022 Turn signal, left
X To switch on the high-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2or start the engine.
X Turn the light switch to 000Dor0006.
X Press the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of
arrow 0002.
In the 0006position, the high-beam
headlamps are only switched on when it is
dark and the engine is running.
The blue 000Cindicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up when the high-
beamh eadlamps are switched on.
X To switch off the high-beam
headlamps: move the combination switch
back to its normal position.
The blue 000Cindicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
i Vehicles with Adaptive Highbeam Assist:
when Adaptive Highbeam Assist is active,
it controls activation of the high-beam
headlamps (Y page 125). High-beam flasher 0002
High-beam headlamps
0003 Turn signal, right
0023 High-beam flasher
0022 Turn signal, left
X To switch on: turn the SmartKey in the
ignition lock to position 1or 2or start the
engine.
X Pull the combination switch in the direction
of arrow 0023. Hazard warning lamps
X
To switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button 0002.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn signal using the combination switch,
only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.
X To switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button 0002.124
Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on if:
R
an air bag is deployed.
R the vehicle decelerates rapidly from a
speed of more than 45mph (70 km/h) and
comes to a standstill.
The hazard warning lamps switch off
automatically if the vehicle reaches a speed
of over 6mph (10km/h) again after a full
brake application.
i The hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off. Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated five times (Y page 132) while the
lights are on and the engine is running. When
you switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning system is reset and
counting is resumed from 0. Active light function
The active light function is a system that
moves the headlamps according to the
steering movements of the front wheels. In
this way, relevant areas remain illuminated
while driving. This allows you to recognize
pedestrians, cyclists and animals.
Active: whenthe lights are switched on. Cornering light function
The cornering light function improves the
illumination of the road over a wide angle in
the direction you are turning, enabling better
visibility in tight bends, for example. It can
only be activated when the low-beam
headlamps are switched on.
Active:
R
if you are driving at speeds below
25mph (40 km/h) and switch on the turn
signal or turn the steering wheel
R if you are driving at speeds between
25mph (40 km/h) and45mph (70 km/h)
and turn the steering wheel
Not active: if your speed exceeds
25mph (40 km/h) or if you switch off the turn
signal or turn the steering wheel to the
straight-ahead position.
The cornering light function may remain lit for
a short time, but is automatically switched off
after no more than three minutes. Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Adaptive Highbeam Assist does not recognize
road users:
R who have no lights, e.g. pedestrians
R who have poor lighting, e.g. cyclists
R whose lighting is blocked, e.g. by a barrier Exterior lighting
125Lights and windshield wipers
Z

In very rare cases, Adaptive Highbea
mAssist
may fail to recognize other road users that
have lights, or may recognize them too late.
In this or similar situations, the automatic
high-beam headlamps will not be deactivated
or activated regardless. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always carefully observe the traffic conditions
and switch off the high-beam headlamps in
good time.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist cannot take into
account road, weather or traffic conditions.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist is only an aid. You
are responsible for adjusting the vehicle's
lighting to the prevailing light, visibility and
traffic conditions.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be restricted if there is:
R poor visibility, e.g. due to fog, heavy rain or
snow
R dirt on the sensors or the sensors are
obscured
General notes You can use this function to set the
headlamps to change between low beam and
high beam automatically. The system
recognizes vehicles with their lights on, either
approaching from the opposite direction or traveling in front of your vehicle, and
consequently switches the headlamps from
high beam to low beam.
The system automatically adapts the low-
beam headlamp range depending on the
distance to the other vehicle. Once the
system no longer detects any other vehicles,
it reactivates the high-beam headlamps.
The system's optical sensor is located behind
the windshield near the overhead control
panel.
Switching Adaptive Highbeam Assist
on/off
0002
High-beam headlamps
0003 Turn signal, right
0023 High-beam flasher
0022 Turn signal, left
X To activate: activate the Adaptive
Highbeam Assist function using the on-
board computer (Y page 275).
X Turn the light switch to 0006.
X Press the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of arrow 0002
(Y page 123).
The 0005 indicator lamp in the
multifunction display lights up if it is dark
and the light sensor activates the low-beam
headlamps.
If you are driving at speeds above
approximately 28 mph (45 km/h):
The headlamp range is set automatically
depending on the distance between the
vehicle and other road users. 126
Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

If you are driving at speeds above
approximately 35 mph (55 km/h) and no
other road users have been detected:
The high-beam headlamps are switched on
automatically. The 000Cindicator lamp in
the instrument cluster also lights up.
If you are driving at speeds below
approximately 30 mph (45 km/h) or other
road users have been detected or the roads
are adequately lit:
The high-beam headlamps are switched off
automatically. The 000Cindicator lamp in
the instrument cluster goes out. The 0005
indicator lamp in the multifunction display
remains lit.
X To deactivate: move the combination
switch back to its normal position.
The 0005 indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out. Headlamps fogged up on the inside
The headlamps may fog up on the inside if
there is high atmospheric humidity.
X Switch on the lights and drive off.
The level of moisture diminishes,
depending on the length of the journey and
the weather conditions (humidity and
temperature).
If the level of moisture does not diminish:
X Have the headlamps checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. Interio
rlighting Overview of interior lighting
Overhead control panel
0002
0015 To switch the left-hand fron treading
lamp on/off
0003 0006 To switch the front interior lighting
on
0023 0003 To switch the rear interior lighting
on/off
0022 001D To switch the fron tinterior lighting/
automatic interio rlighting control off
0020 0015 To switch the right-han dfront
reading lamp on/off
0021 To switch the automatic interior lighting
control on Interior lighting control
General notes In order to prevent the vehicle's battery from
discharging, the interior lighting functions are
automatically deactivated after some time
except for when the SmartKey is in position
2
in the ignition lock.
The color and brightness of the ambient
lighting can be adjusted using the on-board
computer (Y page 275). Interior lighting
127Lights and windshield wipers Z

Automatic interior lighting control
Overhead control panel
0002 0015 To switch the left-hand fron treading
lamp on/off
0003 0006 To switch the front interior lighting
on
0023 0003 To switch the rear interior lighting
on/off
0022 001D To switch the fron tinterior lighting/
automatic interio rlighting control off
0020 0015 To switch the right-han dfront
reading lamp on/off
0021 To switch the automatic interior lighting
control on
X To switch on: set the switch to center
position 0021.
X To switch off: set the switch to the 001D
position.
The interior lighting automatically switches
on if you:
R unlock the vehicle
R open a door
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.
The interior light is activated for a short while
when the SmartKey is removed from the
ignitio nlock. You can activate this delayed
switch-off using the on-board computer
(Y page 276). Manual interior lighting control
Overhead control panel
0002
0015 To switch the left-hand front reading
lamp on/off
0003 0006 To switch the front interior lighting
on
0023 0003 To switch the rear interior lighting
on/off
0022 001D To switch the front interior lighting/
automatic interior lighting control off
0020 0015 To switch the right-hand front
reading lamp on/off
0021 To switch the automatic interior lighting
control on
X To switch the front interior lighting on:
set the switch to the 0006position.
X To switch the interior lighting off: set the
switch to the 001Dposition or (if the door
is closed) to the center position.
X To switch the rear interior lighting on/
off: press the 0002button.
X To switch the reading lamps on/off:
press the 0015button. 128
Interior lightingLights and windshiel
dwipers

Crash-responsive emergency lighting
The interio rlighting is activated automatically
if the vehicle is involved in an accident.
X To switch off the crash-responsive
emergency lighting: press the hazard
warning lamp button.
or
X Loc kand then unlock the vehicle using the
SmartKey. Replacing bulbs
Important safety notes
G
DANGER
Xeno nbulbs carry a high voltage. You can get
an electric shock if you remove the cover of
the Xenon bulb and touch the electrical
contacts. There is a risk of fatal injury.
Never touch the parts or the electrical
contacts of the Xenon bulb. Always have work
on the Xenon bulbs carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
If your vehicle is equipped with Xenon bulbs,
you can recognize this by the following: the
cone of light from the Xenon bulbs moves
from the top to the bottom and back again
when you start the engine. For this to be
observed, the lights must be switched on
before starting the engine. G
WARNING
Bulbs, lamps and connectors can get very hot
when operating. If you change a bulb, you
could burn yourself on these components.
There is a ris kofinjury.
Allow these components to cool down before
changing a bulb.
Do not use a bulb tha thas been dropped or if
its glass tube has been scratched.
The bulb may explode if:
R you touch it
R it is hot R
you drop it
R you scratch it
Only operate bulbs in enclosed lamps
designed for that purpose. Only install spare
bulbs of the same type and the specified
voltage.
Marks on the glass tube reduce the service
life of the bulbs. Do no ttouch the glass tube
with your bare hands. If necessary, clean the
glass tube when cold with alcohol or spirit and
rub it off with a lint-free cloth.
Protec tbulbs from moisture during
operation .Do not allow bulbs to come into
contact with liquids.
There are bulbs other than the Xenon bulbs
that you cannot replace. Replace only the
bulbs listed (Y page 129). Have the bulbs that
you cannot replace yourself changed at a
qualified specialist workshop.
If you require assistance changing bulbs,
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the new bulb still does not light up, consult
a qualified specialist workshop.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly. Overview: changing bulbs/bulb types
You can change the following bulbs. The bulb
type can be found in the legend. Replacing bulbs
129Lights and windshiel dwipers Z