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

XMake sure that the key is in position 2 in
the ignition lock.XTo switch on: press button : repeatedly
until the desired ventilation level is set.
i You can open the side windows and the
tilt/sliding sunroof with the key
( Y page 89). The seat ventilation of the
driver's seat automatically switches to the
highest level.
XTo switch off: press button : repeatedly
until all the indicator lamps go out.
Problems with the seat ventilation
If one or all of the indicator lamps in the seat
ventilation button are flashing, the seat
ventilation has switched off automatically.
The vehicle's electrical system voltage is too
low because too many electrical consumers
are switched on.
XSwitch off electrical consumers which you
do not need, such as the rear window
defroster or interior lighting.
Once the battery is sufficiently charged, the
seat ventilation will switch back on
automatically.
Steering wheel
Important safety guidelines
GWarning
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
Adjusting the steering wheel while driving, or
driving without the steering wheel adjustment
feature locked could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.
The electrical steering wheel adjustment
feature can be operated at any time.
Therefore, do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. A child's unsupervised access to a
vehicle could result in an accident and/or
serious personal injury.
Adjusting the steering wheel
manually
:Release handle;To adjust the steering wheel height=To adjust the steering wheel position
(fore-and-aft adjustment)XPull release handle : out completely.
The steering column is unlocked.XAdjust the steering wheel to the desired
position.XPush release handle : in completely until
it engages fully.
The steering column is locked.XCheck if the steering column is locked.
When doing so, try to push the steering
wheel up or down or try to move it in the
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Adjusting the steering wheel
electrically:To adjust the steering wheel position
(fore-and-aft adjustment);To adjust the steering wheel height
i Related topics:
R EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature
( Y page 110)
R storing settings ( Y page 114)
Steering wheel heating
Switching on/off
The steering-wheel heating heats the leather
areas of the steering wheel.
XMake sure that the key is in position 2 in
the ignition lock.XTo switch on/off: turn the lever in the
direction of arrow : or ;.
Indicator lamp = comes on or goes out.i The steering wheel heating may switch off
temporarily if:
R the temperature inside the vehicle
exceeds 86 °F (30 °C).
R the temperature of the steering wheel
exceeds 95 °F (35 °C)
Indicator lamp = remains on.
Vehicles without KEYLESS GO: If you switch
off the ignition, the steering wheel heating is
automatically switched off.
Vehicles with KEYLESS GO: If you remove the
key from the ignition lock and open the
driver's door, the steering wheel heating is
automatically switched off.
Problems with the steering wheel
heating
If the steering wheel heating indicator lamp
on the lower left lever of the steering column
is flashing, the steering wheel heating has
switched off automatically. The vehicle's
electrical system voltage is too low because
too many electrical consumers are switched
on.
XSwitch off electrical consumers which you
do not need, such as the rear window
defroster or interior lighting.
Once the battery is sufficiently charged, the
steering wheel heating will switch back on
automatically.
Steering wheel EASY-ENTRY/EXIT
feature
GWarning
You must make sure no one can become
trapped or injured by the moving steering
wheel when the easy-entry/exit feature is
activated.
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To stop steering wheel movement do one of
the following:
R Move steering wheel adjustment stalk.
R Press one of the memory position buttons.
R Press memory button M.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Children could open the driver's door and
unintentionally activate the easy-entry/exit
feature, which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
The EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature makes getting
in and out of your vehicle easier.
The steering wheel swings upwards when
you:
R remove the key from the ignition lock.
R open the driver's door and KEYLESS-GO is
in position 1
R open the driver's door and the key is in
position 0 or 1 in the ignition lock.
i The steering wheel only moves upwards if
it has not already reached the upper end
stop.
The steering wheel is moved to the last
selected position when:
R the driver's door is closed, and
R you insert the key into the ignition lock.
or
R in vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, you press the
Start/Stop button once.
When you close the driver's door with the
ignition switched on, the steering wheel is
also automatically moved to the previously
set position.
The last position of the steering wheel is
stored when you switch off the ignition or
when you store the setting with the memory
function ( Y page 114).
You can activate and deactivate the EASY-
ENTRY/EXIT feature in the on-board
computer ( Y page 209).GWarning
Let the system complete the adjustment
procedure before setting the vehicle in
motion. All steering wheel adjustment must
be completed before setting the vehicle in
motion. Driving off with the steering wheel
still adjusting could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.
i If the crash-responsive EASY-EXIT feature
is triggered in an accident, the steering
column will move upwards when the
driver's door is opened. This occurs
irrespective of the position of the key in the
ignition lock. This makes it easier to exit the
vehicle and rescue the occupants.
The crash-responsive EASY-EXIT feature is
only operational after an accident if the
EASY-EXIT/ENTRY feature is activated in
the on-board computer.
Mirrors
Rear-view mirror
Rear-view mirror (manual anti-glare)
XAnti-glare mode: flick anti-glare
switch : forwards or back.Mirrors111Seats, steering wheel and mirrorsBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 111Z

Exterior mirrors
Adjusting the exterior mirrorsGWarning
Exercise care when using the passenger-side
exterior rear view mirror. The mirror surface
is convex (outwardly curved surface for a
wider field of view). Objects in mirror are
closer than they appear. Check your interior
rear view mirror and glance over your
shoulder before changing lanes.
The exterior mirrors are automatically heated
if the rear window defroster is switched on
and the outside temperature is low.
XMake sure that the key is in position 1 or
2 in the ignition lock.XPress button ; for the right-hand exterior
mirror or button = for the left-hand
exterior mirror.
The indicator lamp in the corresponding
button lights up in red.
The indicator lamp goes out again after
some time. You can adjust the selected
mirror using adjustment button : as long
as the indicator lamp is lit.XPress adjustment button : up, down, to
the right or to the left until the exterior
mirror is set to a position that provides you
with a good overview of traffic conditions.Folding the exterior mirrors in or out
electrically
! Fold in the exterior mirrors when driving
the vehicle into an automatic car wash. The
mirrors could otherwise be damaged.
XMake sure that the key is in position 1 or
2 in the ignition lock.XBriefly press button :.
Both exterior mirrors fold in or out.
i Make sure that the exterior mirrors are
always folded out fully while the vehicle is
in motion as they may otherwise vibrate.
i If you are driving faster than
30 mph(47 km/h), you can no longer fold
in the exterior mirrors.
Resetting the exterior mirrors
If the battery has been disconnected or
completely discharged, the exterior mirrors
must be reset. The exterior mirrors will
otherwise not fold in when you select the
"Fold in mirrors when locking" function in the
on-board computer ( Y page 209).
XMake sure that the key is in position 1 in
the ignition lock.XBriefly press button :.
Folding the exterior mirrors in or out
automatically
If the "Fold in mirrors when locking" function
is activated in the on-board computer
( Y page 209):
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Rthe exterior mirrors fold in automatically as
soon as you lock the vehicle from the
outside.
R the exterior mirrors fold out again
automatically as soon as you unlock the
vehicle and then open the driver's or front-
passenger door.
i The mirrors do not fold out if they have
been folded in manually.
Exterior mirror out of position
If an exterior mirror has been pushed out of
position, proceed as follows:
X Vehicles without electrically folding
exterior mirrors: move the exterior mirror
into the correct position manually.XVehicles with electrically folding
exterior mirrors: press the mirror-folding
button ( Y page 112) repeatedly until you
hear the mirror engage in position.
The mirror housing is engaged again and
you can adjust the exterior mirrors as usual
( Y page 112).
Automatic anti-glare mirrors
GWarning!
The auto-dimming function does not react if
incoming light is not aimed directly at sensors
in the interior rear view mirror.
The interior rear view mirror and the exterior
rear view mirror on the driver’s side do not
react, for example, when transporting cargo
which covers the rear window.
Light hitting the mirror(s) at certain angles
(incident light) could blind you. As a result,
you may not be able to observe traffic
conditions and could cause an accident.
The rear-view mirror and the exterior mirror
on the driver's side automatically go into anti-
glare mode if the ignition is switched on and
incident light from headlamps strikes the
sensor in the rear-view mirror.
The mirrors do not go into anti-glare mode if
reverse gear is engaged or the interior lighting
is switched on.
Parking position for the exterior
mirror on the front-passenger side
Setting and storing the parking position
You can position the front-passenger side
exterior mirror in such a way that you can see
the rear wheel on that side as soon as you
engage reverse gear. You can store this
position.
XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary and
that the key is in position 2 in the ignition
lock.XPress button ; for the exterior mirror on
the front-passenger side.XEngage reverse gear.
The exterior mirror on the front-passenger
side moves to the preset parking position.XUse adjustment button : to adjust the
exterior mirror to a position which allows
you to see the rear wheel and the curb.
The parking position is stored.
i If you shift the transmission to another
position, the exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side returns to the driving
position.
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Calling up a stored parking position
settingXWith the key in position 2 in the ignition
lock and the exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side activated, engage reverse
gear.
The exterior mirror on the front-passenger
side moves to the stored parking position.
The exterior mirror on the front-passenger
side moves back to its original position:
R as soon as you exceed a speed of 6 mph
(10 km/h)
R about ten seconds after you have
disengaged reverse gear
R if you press button = for the exterior
mirror on the driver's side
Memory functions
Storing settings
With the memory function, you can store up
to three different settings, e.g. for three
different people.
The following settings are stored as a single
memory preset:
R position of the seat, backrest and head
restraint
R driver's side: steering wheel position
R driver's side: position of the exterior
mirrors on the driver's and front-passenger
sides
GWarning!
The memory function can still be used when
the key has been removed. For this reason,
children should never be left unsupervised in
the vehicle. They could otherwise become
trapped when adjusting the seat or the
steering wheel.
GWarning!
Only use the memory function on the driver's
side when the vehicle is stationary. You could
otherwise be distracted from the traffic
conditions by the steering wheel and seat
moving of their own accord, and as a result
cause an accident.XAdjust the seat ( Y page 100).XOn the driver's side, adjust the steering
wheel (Y page 110) and the exterior mirrors
( Y page 112).XPress memory button M and one of the
storage position buttons 1, 2 or 3 within
three seconds.
The settings are stored in the selected
preset position. A tone sounds when the
settings have been completed.
Calling up a stored setting
XPress and hold the relevant storage
position button 1, 2 or 3, until the seat,
steering wheel and exterior mirrors are in
the stored position.
i The setting procedure is interrupted as
soon as you release the storage position
button.
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Vehicle equipment ............................116
Exterior lighting ................................ 116
Interior lighting ................................. 120
Changing bulbs ................................. 121
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Vehicle equipment
i This manual describes all the standard
and optional equipment of your vehicle
which was available at the time of
purchase. Country-specific differences are
possible. Bear in mind that your vehicle
may not feature all functions described
here. This also refers to safety-related
systems and functions.
Exterior lighting
Important safety guidelines
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. In these countries, the daytime
running lamps are automatically switched on
when the engine is started.
Notes on driving abroad
Converting to symmetrical low beam
when driving abroad: switch the headlamps
to symmetrical low beam in countries in
which traffic drives on the opposite side of the
road to the country where the vehicle is
registered. This prevents oncoming traffic
from being dazzled. Symmetrical lights do not
illuminate as large an area of the edge of the
carriageway.
Have the headlamps converted at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, as close to the border
as possible before driving in these countries.
Converting to asymmetrical low beam
after returning: have the headlamps
converted back to asymmetrical low beam at
a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, as soon as
possible after crossing the border when
returning.
Light switch
Operation1 WLeft-hand standing lamps2XRight-hand standing lamps3$Lights off/daytime running lamps4ÃAutomatic headlamp mode/daytime
running lamps5 TParking lamps, license plate and
instrument lighting6 LLow-beam/high-beam headlamps7RVehicles without front fog lamps:
rear fog lamp7 NVehicles with fog lamps: front fog
lamp8 RVehicles with fog lamps: rear fog
lamp
The turn signals, high-beam headlamps and
the high beam flasher are operated using the
combination switch ( Y page 119).
! Switch off the parking lamps and standing
lamps when you leave the vehicle. This
prevents the battery from discharging.
The exterior lighting (except the parking
lamps/standing lamps) switches off
automatically if you:
R remove the key from the ignition lock
R open the driver's door with the key in
position 0
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
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XTurn the light switch to $ or à .
or
XIf the rear fog lamp is switched on: press
the light switch in to the stop.
Low-beam headlamps
XTo switch on the low-beam headlamps:
turn the key in the ignition lock to position
2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L.
The L indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.XTo switch off the low-beam
headlamps: turn the light switch to $.
Daytime running lamps
Daytime running lamps in Canada
In Canada, the "daytime running lamps"
function is required by law. It can therefore
not be deactivated.
XTurn the light switch to $ or à .
With the engine running: depending on the
ambient light, either the daytime running
lamps or the low-beam headlamps are
switched on.
If the low-beam headlamps are switched
on, the T indicator lamp on the light
switch and the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster light up.
If the light switch is set to $ or à , you
cannot switch on the high-beam headlamps.
Turn the light switch to L when driving at
night. You can switch on the high-beam
headlamps in this position.
With the engine running while the vehicle is
stationary (vehicles with automatic
transmission): the low-beam headlamps
switch off after 3 minutes if you shift the
selector lever to N or P from a driving
position.
With the engine running while the vehicle is
stationary: if you set the light switch to
T , the parking lamps and the low-beam
headlamps switch on.
Daytime running lamps in the USA
The daytime running lamps are deactivated
ex works on vehicles for the USA.XTo switch on the daytime running
lamps: switch on the "daytime running
lamps" function via the on-board computer
( Y page 206).XTurn the light switch to $ or à .
When the engine is running: the low-beam
headlamps are switched on. The T
indicator lamp on the light switch and the
L indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster light up.
You can only switch on the high-beam
headlamps if there is little ambient light.
However, the headlamp flashers can always
be applied.
If you set the light switch to T or L
while the engine is running, the manual
setting overrides the daytime running lamps.
Automatic headlamps
GWarning!
If the light switch is set to Ã, the low-beam
headlamps will not come on automatically if
it is foggy. This could endanger you and
others. Therefore, turn the light switch to
L in fog.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The driver is responsible for the vehicle's
lighting at all times.
GWarning
In low ambient lighting or foggy conditions,
only switch from position à to L with
the vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching from à to L will briefly
switch off the headlamps. Doing so while
driving in low ambient lighting conditions may
result in an accident.
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XTo switch on automatic headlamp
mode: turn the light switch to Ã.
SmartKey in position 1 in the ignition lock:
the parking lamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light.
With the engine running: depending on the
brightness of the ambient light, the daytime
running lamps 11
or the low-beam
headlamps are switched on or off
automatically.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
Fog lamps and rear fog lamps
Front fog lamps
Only vehicles with front fog lamps have the
"fog lamps" function.
GWarning!
If you suspect that driving conditions will be
foggy, turn the light switch to L before you
start your journey. Otherwise, your vehicle
may not be visible and you could endanger
yourself and others.
GWarning
In low ambient lighting or foggy conditions,
only switch from position à to L with
the vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching from à to L will briefly
switch off the headlamps. Doing so while
driving in low ambient lighting conditions may
result in an accident.
XTo switch on the front fog lamps: turn
the key in the ignition lock to position 2 or
start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L or T . If the
light switch is set to Ã, you cannot
switch on the fog lamps.XPull the light switch out to the first detent.
The green N indicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.XTo switch off the front fog lamps: press
the light switch in as far as it will go.
The green N indicator lamp on the light
switch goes out.
Rear fog lamp
XTo switch on (vehicles with front fog
lamps): turn the key in the ignition lock to
position 2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L or T . When
the light switch is set to Ã, you cannot
switch on the rear fog lamp.XTurn the light switch to L. When the
light switch is set to T, you cannot
switch on the rear fog lamp.XPull the light switch out to the second stop.
The yellow R indicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.XTo switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
light switch in as far as it will go.
The yellow R indicator lamp on the light
switch goes out.XTo switch on (vehicles without front fog
lamps): turn the key in the ignition lock to
position 2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L. When the
light switch is set to Ã, you cannot
switch on the rear fog lamp.XPull the light switch out to the stop.
The yellow R indicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.XTo switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
light switch in as far as it will go.
The yellow R indicator lamp on the light
switch goes out.11 Only if daytime running lamps have been activated via the on-board computer.118Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers
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