tow MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class 2011 W251 Owner's Manual

Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 19At a glance ........................................... 25Safety ................................................... 35Opening and closing ...........................73Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....97Lights and windshield wipers ..........115Climate control ................................. 131Driving and parking ..........................147On-board computer and displays ....197Loading, stowing and features ........245Maintenance and care ......................277Roadside Assistance ........................291Tires and wheels ............................... 319Technical data ................................... 347
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1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 266
12 V socket ........................................ 265
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) Function/notes ................................ 69
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 185
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 219
Function/notes ................................ 67
Warning lamp ................................. 239
Accident (notes) ................................ 293
Active service system see Service interval display
Adaptive Damping System (ADS) ..... 183
AdBlue ®
Adding ........................................... 165
Display message ............................ 227
Additional functions (on-board
computer) .......................................... 210
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) ..... 183
Air bags Display message ............................ 216
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 ........................................... 139
Air distribution
Setting ........................................... 142
Air filter (display message) .............. 227
Airflow Setting ........................................... 142
AIRMATIC (display message) ............ 228
AIRMATIC package ............................ 183
Air nozzles see Air vents .................................. 145
Air pressure
see Tire pressure
Air-recirculation mode
Activating/deactivating .................143
Air vents ............................................. 145
Important safety information .........144
Rear ............................................... 145
Setting the center air vents ...........145
Setting the side air vents ...............145
Alarm system
see ATA
Anti-lock Braking System
see ABS
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA
Anti-theft system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........71
Armrest
Adjusting (second row of seats) ..... 104
Ashtray ............................................... 263
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) Activating/deactivating ...................71
Function ........................................... 71
Switching off the alarm ....................71
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 203
AUTO lights see Light sensor
Automatic car wash .......................... 284
Automatic transmission DIRECT SELECT lever .....................155
Display message ............................ 233
Driving tips .................................... 157
Emergency running mode ..............160
Kickdown ....................................... 157
Malfunction .................................... 160
Program selector button ................158
Pulling away ................................... 151
Starting .......................................... 150
Trailer towing ................................. 1584IndexBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 4

B
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 68
Battery Charging ........................................ 310
Checking (SmartKey) .......................78
Display message ............................ 226
Important safety guidelines
(SmartKey) ....................................... 77
Jump-starting ................................. 311
Safety notes .................................. 308
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 210
Display message ............................ 229
Function/notes ............................. 191
Trailer towing ................................. 193
BlueTEC
AdBlue ®
......................................... 353
Adding AdBlue ®
............................. 165
Brake fluid
Notes ............................................. 355
Brake fluid level ................................ 282
Brake lamp (display message) ......... 222
Brakes ABS .................................................. 67
BAS .................................................. 68
Brake fluid (notes) .........................355
Display message ............................ 220
Maintenance .................................. 170
Parking brake ........................ 167, 171
Warning lamp ................................. 236
Braking
Important safety instructions ......... 170
Breakdown
see Accident (notes)
see Flat tire
Bulbs
Backup lamp .................................. 125
High-beam headlamps ...................124
License plate lamp .........................126
Low-beam headlamps ....................123
Overview ........................................ 122
Parking lamps ................................ 124
Replacing ....................................... 125Standing lamps (front) ...................124
Turn signals (front) ......................... 124
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) .........22
California
Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................20
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Care
Carpets .......................................... 289
Car wash ........................................ 284
Display ........................................... 287
Gear or selector lever ....................288
Headlamps ..................................... 286
Notes ............................................. 283
Paint .............................................. 285
Plastic trim .................................... 287
Power washer ................................ 285
Rear view camera .......................... 287
Roof lining ...................................... 289
Seat belt ........................................ 289
Seat covers .................................... 288
Sensors ......................................... 287
Steering wheel ............................... 288
Tail pipes ....................................... 287
Trim strips ..................................... 288
Washing by hand ........................... 285
Wheels ........................................... 285
Windows ........................................ 286
Wiper blades .................................. 286
Wooden trim .................................. 288
Cargo compartment cover ............... 256
Extending ....................................... 257
Cargo compartment enlargement ... 250
Full ................................................. 251
Partial ............................................ 251
Cargo compartment floor ................. 294
Cargo net Attaching ....................................... 259
Important safety information .........258
Cargo tie down rings ......................... 255
CD player/CD changer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 203
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Towing a trailer .............................. 193
Wet road surface ........................... 170
Winter ............................................ 172
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 203
E
EASY-ENTRY feature ......................... 110
3rd row of seats ............................. 105
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 209
EASY-EXIT feature ............................. 110
3rd row of seats ............................. 105
Crash-responsive ........................... 111
EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) Display message ............................ 220
Function/notes ................................ 70
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic Brake-force
Distribution) see EBD
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®

Electronic Traction Support
see 4ETS
Emergency call
see mbrace
Emergency release
Fuel filler flap ................................. 162
Vehicle ............................................. 82
Emergency running mode
Automatic transmission .................160
Emergency spare wheel
Storage location ............................ 295
Stowing .......................................... 295
Emergency tensioning device
Function ........................................... 58
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....19
Engine
Irregular running ............................ 154
Starting problems ..........................154
Starting the engine with the key ....150
Starting with KEYLESS GO .............151
Switching off .................................. 152
Warning lamp (engine
diagnostics) ................................... 242
Engine electronics
Malfunction .................................... 154
Engine emergency stop .................... 317
Engine number .................................. 350
Engine oil Adding ........................................... 280
Checking the oil level ..................... 279
Display message ............................ 226
Lubricant additives ........................355
Notes about oil grades ................... 354
Viscosity ........................................ 355
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) Activating/deactivating ...................69
Display message ............................ 214
Important safety information ...........68
Trailer stabilization ........................... 70
Warning lamp ................................. 240
Exhaust check ................................... 169
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 287
Exterior lighting see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 112
Dipping (automatic) .......................113
Folding in/out (automatically) .......112
Folding in/out (electrically) ...........112
Folding in when locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Out of position ............................... 113
Setting ........................................... 112
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 114
Storing the parking position ..........113
Exterior view ........................................ 26
F
Filling capacity see Technical data
First-aid kit ......................................... 293
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Instrument cluster submenu ..........205
Lighting submenu .......................... 206
Message memory menu ................. 213
Navigation menu ............................ 204
Operating video DVD .....................204
Operation ....................................... 199
Overview of menus ........................201
Selecting the language ..................206
Settings menu ............................... 205
Standard display menu ..................202
Telephone menu ............................ 211
Time/Date submenu .....................206
Trip computer menu ......................210
Vehicle submenu ........................... 208
Opening and closing the side trim
panels ................................................. 125
Operating system see On-board computer
Outside temperature
Calling up (on-board computer) .....202
Display ........................................... 198
Overhead control panel
Overview .......................................... 32
Override feature
Rear side windows ...........................66
P
Paint code number ............................ 349
Paintwork (cleaning instructions) ... 285
Panic alarm .......................................... 66
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel Opening/closing .............................. 93
Resetting ......................................... 94
Parking ............................................... 167
Parking aid PARKTRONIC ................................. 186
Rear view camera .......................... 189
Parking brake .................................... 167
Parking lamp (display message) ...... 223
Parking position Exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side ............................... 113
PARKTRONIC ...................................... 186
Activating/deactivating .................188
Malfunction .................................... 189
Problem ......................................... 189
Range of the sensors .....................186
Trailer towing ................................. 188
Warning display ............................. 187
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator
lamp (only Canada) ............................. 48
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator
lamp (only USA) ................................... 42
Pedals ................................................. 169
Permanent four-wheel drive see 4MATIC
Plastic trim (cleaning instructions) . 287
Power supply (trailer) ....................... 196
Power washers .................................. 285
Power windows see Side windows
Pre-emptive occupant safety
system
see PRE-SAFE ®
system
PRE-SAFE ®
system
Display message ............................ 215
Operation ......................................... 51
Product information ............................ 19
Program selector button .................. 158
Pulling away Automatic transmission .................151
R
Radar sensor system (on-board
computer) .......................................... 208
Radiator cover ................................... 279
Radio Changing a station (on-board
computer) ...................................... 203
see separate operating instructions
Radio-controlled equipment
Assembly ....................................... 276
Range (on-board computer) ............. 211
Rear axle level control ...................... 182
Rear compartment Activating/deactivating climate
control ........................................... 139
Setting the air vents ..............145, 146
Setting the temperature ................141
Rear-compartment seat
see Rear seat
Rear fog lamp (display message) ..... 223
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Switching seat heating on/off .......108
Switching the seat ventilation on/
off .................................................. 108
Seat ventilation
Indicator lamp (Malfunction) ..........109
Securing hooks .................................. 256
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 287
Service indicator see Service interval display
Service interval display .................... 282
Displaying a service message (on-
board computer) ............................ 283
Service products
AdBlue ®
special additives ..............353
Brake fluid ..................................... 355
Coolant (engine) ............................ 355
Engine oil ....................................... 354
Filling capacity ............................... 351
Fuel ................................................ 352
Important safety notes ..................350
Notes ............................................. 350
Refrigerant (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 355
Washer fluid ................................... 357
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) .........205
On-board computer .......................205
Shift ranges ....................................... 158
Side impact air bag ............................. 40
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 223
Side windows Convenience closing feature ............89
Convenience opening feature ..........89
Hinged side windows .......................88
Important safety information ...........86
Opening/closing .............................. 87
Resetting ......................................... 88
Troubleshooting ............................... 90
Sliding sunroof
Important safety information ...........91
Troubleshooting ............................... 94
see Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel
see Tilt/sliding sunroof SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................78
Changing the programming .............77
Checking the battery .................74, 78
Important safety notes ....................74
Malfunction ...................................... 79
Socket ................................................ 265
2nd row of seats ............................ 265
Dashboard ..................................... 265
Front-passenger footwell ...............265
Luggage compartment ...................266
SOS
see mbrace
Spare wheel
Notes/data .................................... 346
Storage location ............................ 295
Stowing .......................................... 295
see Emergency spare wheel
Speedometer
Additional speedometer (on-
board computer) ............................ 202
Segments ...................................... 199
Setting the unit (on-board
computer) ...................................... 205
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) Display message ............................ 215
Introduction ..................................... 36
Warning lamp ................................. 241
Warning lamp (function) ................... 36
Standard display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 202
Starting the engine Important safety instructions ......... 150
Station
see Radio
Status line (on-board computer)
Multifunction display .....................200
Selecting the display ...................... 206
Steering (display message) .............. 234
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) ...................110
Adjusting (manually) ......................109
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 199
Cleaning ......................................... 288
Important safety instructions ......... 109
Memory function (storing
settings) ......................................... 11014IndexBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 14

Steering wheel heating ..................110
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 114
Steering wheel heating
Indicator lamp (Malfunction) ..........110
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 158
Stowage compartments 3rd row of seats ............................. 248
Armrest (under) ............................. 248
Center air vents (2nd row of
seats) ............................................. 248
Center console (2nd row of seats) . 248
Glove box ....................................... 247
Stowage space
Center console .............................. 247
Cup holders ................................... 260
Important safety information .........246
Submenu (on-board computer)
Convenience .................................. 209
Instrument cluster .........................205
Lighting .......................................... 206
Time/Date ..................................... 206
Vehicle ........................................... 208
Summer opening
see Convenience opening feature
Sun visor ............................................ 262
Supplemental Restraint System see SRS
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 207
SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) .......................21
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 71
T
Tachometer ........................................ 198
Tailgate Display message ............................ 234
Important safety guidelines .............82
Limiting the opening angle ...............86
Taillight
see Tail lamps
Tank contents
Gauge .............................................. 28
Technical data ................................... 348
R 350 ............................................. 358
R 350 BlueTEC ............................... 357
Tires/wheels ................................. 343
TELEAID
Call priority .................................... 271
Display message ............................ 215
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 271
Emergency call .............................. 268
Important safety notes ..................267
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............272
MB info call button ........................270
Roadside Assistance button ..........269
Self-test ......................................... 268
System .......................................... 268
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............272
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 211
Display message ............................ 234
Menu (on-board computer) ............211
Number from the phone book ........ 212
Redialing ........................................ 212
Rejecting/ending a call .................212
Temperature
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 202
Displaying the outside
temperature ................................... 202
Outside temperature ...................... 198
Setting ........................................... 141
Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer ...................................... 71
Tilt/sliding sunroof
Opening/closing .............................. 92
Resetting ......................................... 93
Time (on-board computer) ................ 206
TIREFIT kit .......................................... 297
Tire pressure Calling up (on-board computer) .....327
Checking manually ........................325
Display message ............................ 230
Maximum ....................................... 330
Notes ............................................. 323
Not reached (TIREFIT) ....................300
Pressure loss warning ....................325
Reached (TIREFIT) ..........................300
Recommended ............................... 322
Tire pressure monitor
Warning lamp ................................. 243Index15BA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 15

Tire pressure monitoring systemFunction/notes ............................. 327
Restarting ...................................... 329
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................342
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................340
Bar (definition) ............................... 340
Characteristics .............................. 340
Checking ........................................ 321
Cleaning ......................................... 322
Definition of terms .........................340
Direction of rotation ......................334
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................343
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 339
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............340
Flat tire .......................................... 296
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 341
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 341
Guidelines to be observed .............321
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 341
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................341
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......340
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........341
Labeling (overview) ........................336
Load bearing index (definition) ......342
Load index ..................................... 339
Load index (definition) ...................341
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 341
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 342
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 341
Maximum tire load .........................334
Maximum tire loading (definition) ..341
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 342
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 342Replacing ....................................... 336
Service life ..................................... 321
Sidewall (definition) .......................342
Speed index (definition) .................341
Storing ........................................... 322
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 340
Temperature .................................. 335
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 342
Tire bead (definition) ......................342
Tire pressure (definition) ................342
Tire pressures (recommended) ......340
Tire quality classes ........................334
Tire size (data) ............................... 343
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed index ....................337
Tire tread ....................................... 321
Tire tread (definition) .....................342
Total load limit (definition) .............343
Traction ......................................... 335
Traction (definition) .......................342
Tread wear ..................................... 335
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) .................342
Uniform tire quality classification
standards (definition) .....................340
Unladen weight (definition) ............341
Wear indicator (definition) .............342
Wheel rim (definition) ....................341
Tires and wheels (important safety
information) ....................................... 320
Top Tether ............................................ 63
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........313
Towing a trailer
Driving tips .................................... 193
Towing away
Installing the towing eye ................313
Removing the towing eye ...............314
Trailer
Coupling up ................................... 193
Decoupling ..................................... 195
Display message ............................ 221
Power supply ................................. 196
Towing ........................................... 194
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 19616IndexBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 16

Trailer towing .................................... 158
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 193
ESP ®
................................................ 70
PARKTRONIC ................................. 188
Transfer case ..................................... 160
Transmission position display ......... 156
Transmission positions .................... 157
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 210
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 202
Resetting (on-board computer) ......211
Trunk
Automatic opening ..................... 84, 85
Turn signal (display message) ......... 221
Turn signals ....................................... 119
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................... 342
Type plate see Vehicle identification plate
U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................82
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 81
V
Vanity mirror Sun visor ........................................ 262
Vehicle
Data acquisition ............................... 23
Emergency release ..........................82
Equipment ....................................... 19
Exterior view .................................... 26
Individual settings (on-board
computer) ...................................... 205
Loading .......................................... 330
Lowering ........................................ 306
Maintenance .................................... 20
Parking up ..................................... 168
Raising ........................................... 303
Reporting problems .........................22
Towing away .................................. 313
Transporting .................................. 315
Vehicle data
see Technical data
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 349
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 228
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 294
Video (DVD) ........................................ 204
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 204
VIN ...................................................... 349
W
Warning and indicator lamps Overview .......................................... 29
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only Canada) ...........48
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only USA) ................42
Warranty ............................................ 348
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 306
Wheel chock ...................................... 302
Wheels Changing/replacing .......................336
Changing a wheel .......................... 301
Checking ........................................ 321
Cleaning ......................................... 285
Guidelines to be observed .............321
Mounting a wheel .......................... 304
Removing a wheel ..........................304
Tightening torque ........................... 306
Wheel size/tire size .......................343
Window curtain air bag ....................... 41
Windows see Side windows
Windows (cleaning instructions) ..... 286
Windshield Defrosting ...................................... 142
Infrared reflective .......................... 276
Windshield washer fluid (display
message) ............................................ 234
Windshield washer system Adding washer fluid .......................281
Notes ............................................. 357
Windshield wipers
Important safety notes ..................126
Replacing the wiper blades ....127, 128
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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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