engine MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class 2011 W251 Owner's Manual
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Jump-startingGWarning
Failure to follow these directions will cause damage to the electronic components, and can lead
to a battery explosion and severe injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting or jump starting. You might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or
clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected area with water, and seek medical help if
necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive. Keep flames or
sparks away from battery, avoid improper connection of jumper cables, smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery can result in it exploding, causing personal injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
!  Avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts. Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may
damage the catalytic converter 41
 and create a risk of fire.
Do not use a rapid-charging device to start the engine.
Make sure the jumper cables are not damaged.
Make sure the jumper cables are not touching any other metal objects when they are
connected to the battery.
If your vehicle's battery is discharged, the engine can be jump-started from another vehicle
or from a second battery using jumper cables.
Observe the following points:
XThe battery is not accessible in all vehicles. If the other vehicle's battery is not accessible,
jump-start the vehicle using a second battery or a jump-starting device.XOnly jump-start the vehicle when the engine is cold and the catalytic converter system has
cooled down 42
 .XDo not start the engine if the battery is frozen. Let the battery thaw first.XJump-starting may only be performed from batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 V.
If you jump-start using a battery with higher voltage, it may damage the electrical systems
of the vehicle.XOnly use jumper cables which have a sufficient cross-section and insulated terminal clamps.XMake sure that the jumper cables cannot come into contact with parts, such as the pulley
or the fan. These parts move when the engine is started and while it is running.XIf the battery is fully discharged, leave the battery that is being used to jump-start connected
for a few minutes before attempting to start. This charges the battery a little.
i Jumper cables and further information about jump-starting can be obtained from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
XMake sure that the two vehicles do not touch.XApply the parking brake firmly.41 Only vehicles with a gasoline engine.
42 Only vehicles with a gasoline engine.Jump-starting311Roadside AssistanceBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 311Z 
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XShift the transmission to position P.XSwitch off all electrical consumers (e.g. radio, blower etc.).XOpen the hood ( Y page 278).
Position number  C identifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump-
starting device.
!  Never swap the terminal connections.
XLift up cover  : of positive terminal  ; in the direction of the arrow.XConnect positive terminal  ; on your vehicle to positive terminal  = of donor battery  C
using the jumper cable, beginning with your own battery.XStart the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed.XRemove cover  A from earth point  B.XConnect negative terminal  ? of donor battery  C to earth point  B of your vehicle using
the jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to donor battery  C first.XStart the engine.XFirst remove the jumper cable from earth point  B and negative terminal  ?, then from
positive terminal  ; and positive terminal  =, each time disconnecting from the battery on
your own vehicle first.XHave the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.312Jump-startingRoadside Assistance
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Towing away
Important safety guidelines
GWarning
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
If possible, have the vehicle transported by a
suitable vehicle with both axles raised,
instead of having it towed.
If it is not possible to load the vehicle due to
external conditions, tow the vehicle with both
axles on the ground the shortest distance
possible to a place where it is possible to load
the vehicle.
!  When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high,
the vehicles could be damaged.
!  Do not use the towing eye for recovery,
as this could damage the vehicle. If in
doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
!  You must not start the vehicle by tow-
starting. This could otherwise damage the
automatic transmission.
!  Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage the vehicle.
!  Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes, or the trailer tow hitch, if
available. You could otherwise damage the
vehicle.
!  When towing vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
use the key instead of the Start/Stop
button. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission may shift to position  P when
the driver's or front-passenger door are
opened, which could lead to damage to the
transmission.
!  The vehicle must not be towed with raised
front or rear axles. This could otherwise
damage the transmission.
The battery must be connected and charged
when towing. Otherwise, you cannot switch
on the ignition and select  N with the
automatic transmission.
i Switch the automatic door lock off before
towing ( Y page  208). Otherwise, you could
lock yourself out of the vehicle when
pushing or towing the vehicle.
Installing the towing eye
Vehicles with a trailer tow hitch: if possible,
fasten the towing mechanism to the trailer
tow hitch ( Y page 193).
XRemove the towing eye and the lug wrench
(if supplied) from the vehicle tool kit
( Y  page 294).GWarning
In order to avoid possible serious burns or
injury, use extreme caution when removing
the rear cover, because the rear exhaust pipe
is extremely hot.
The mountings for the removable towing eyes
are located in the bumpers. They are at the
front and at the rear, behind the covers.
XPress the mark on cover  : inwards, in the
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XTake cover : off the opening.XScrew in the towing eye clockwise to the
stop.XInsert the lug wrench handle into the
towing eye and tighten it.
or
XIf your vehicle is not equipped with a lug
wrench, use a suitable object to tighten the
towing eye.
Removing the towing eye
XRemove the lug wrench (if supplied) from
the vehicle tool kit ( Y page 294).XInsert the lug wrench handle into the
towing eye and turn the towing eye
counter-clockwise.
or
XIf your vehicle is not equipped with a lug
wrench, use a suitable object to loosen the
towing eye.XUnscrew the towing eye.XAttach cover  : to the bumper and press
until it engages.XReturn the towing eye and the lug wrench
to the vehicle tool kit.
Towing the vehicle
GWarning!
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow with
a tow bar if:
R the engine will not run
R there is a malfunction in the brake system
R there is a malfunction in the power supply
or in the vehicle's electrical system
This is necessary to adequately control the
towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make sure the SmartKey is in
starter switch position  2.
GWarning
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the
vehicle. Adapt your driving accordingly.
The automatic transmission switches
automatically to position  P if the driver's door
or front-passenger door are opened or the key
is removed from the ignition lock. In order to
ensure that the automatic transmission stays
in position  N when towing, do the following:
XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary and
the ignition is switched off.XTurn the key to position  2 in the ignition
lock.
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, make sure
you use the key and not the Start/Stop
button ( Y page 149).XDepress and hold down the brake pedal.XShift the automatic transmission to
position  N.XRelease the brake pedal.XRelease the parking brake.XActivate the hazard warning signal
( Y  page 119).XLeave the ignition switched on.
! 
You may only tow the vehicle a maximum
distance of 30 miles (50 km). A towing
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) must not be
exceeded.
For towing distances over 30 miles
(50 km), the vehicle must loaded onto a
transporter.
i When towing with the hazard warning
lamp switched on, use the combination
switch as normal to show changes to the
direction of the vehicle. In this case, only
the indicator lamps for the direction of
travel flash. After resetting the
combination switch, the hazard warning
lamp starts flashing again.
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The fuses are located in various fuse boxes:
R fuse box on the front-passenger side of the
dashboard
R fuse box in the engine compartment on the
right-hand side of the vehicle, when viewed
in the direction of travel
R fuse box in the stowage well under the
trunk floor
The fuse allocation chart is located in the
vehicle tool kit ( Y page 294) in the stowage
compartment under the trunk floor.
Fuse box in the cockpit
!  Do not use a pointed object such as a
screwdriver to open the cover in the
dashboard. You could damage the
dashboard or the cover.
XTo open:  pull cover  : upwards in the
direction of the arrow and remove it.XTo close:  clip in cover  : on top of the
dashboard.XFold cover  : inwards until it engages.
Fuse box in the engine compartment
XOpen the hood ( Y page 278).XRemove any existing moisture from the
fuse box using a dry cloth.XTo open:  open clamp  :.XFold up cover  ; and remove it.XTo close:  check whether the rubber seal is
lying correctly in cover  ;.XInsert cover  ; at the front of the fuse box
into the retainer.XFold down cover  ; and close clamp  :.
! 
The cover must be seated properly,
otherwise moisture or dirt could impair the
function of the fuses.
XClose the hood ( Y page 279).
Fuse box in the cargo compartment
XOpen the tailgate.XTo open:  open the trunk floor and secure
it ( Y page 294).XFold cover  : to the left in the direction of
the arrow.316FusesRoadside Assistance
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Engine emergency off
If the engine cannot be switched off as
described, observe the following procedure:XTake the fuse allocation chart out of the
vehicle tool kit ( Y page 294).XOpen the fuse box in the engine
compartment ( Y page 316).XRemove fuse 120. The installation location
of the fuse is described in the fuse
allocation chart.Fuses317Roadside AssistanceBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 317Z 
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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.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts
All Mercedes-Benz Centers maintain a supply
of genuine Mercedes-Benz parts for
necessary service and repair work. In
addition, strategically located parts delivery
centers provide for quick and reliable parts
service.
More than 300,000 different parts are
available for Mercedes-Benz models.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts are subjected
to stringent quality inspections. Every part
has been specifically developed,
manufactured or selected for and adapted to
Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Only genuine Mercedes-Benz parts should
therefore be used.
!  The use of non-approved parts could
impair the vehicle's safety. For this reason,
Mercedes-Benz recommends genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts and approved
conversion parts and accessories for your
vehicle model.
HEnvironmental note
Daimler AG also supplies reconditioned major
assemblies and parts which are of the same
quality as new parts. They are covered by the
same Limited Warranty entitlements as new
parts.
Always specify the vehicle identification
number and engine number when ordering
genuine Mercedes-Benz parts. You will find
these numbers on your vehicle's
identification plates, for example
( Y  page 349).
Warranty
Your vehicle is covered under the terms of the
warranties printed in the Service and
Warranty Information booklet.
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
exchange or repair any defective parts
originally installed in the vehicle in
accordance with the terms of the following
warranties:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission System Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island and Vermont Emission
Control Systems Warranty 50
R State Warranty Enforcement Laws ("Lemon
Laws")
Replacement parts and accessories are
subject to the Mercedes-Benz Replacement
Part and Accessory Warranties. You can
obtain these at any Mercedes-Benz Center.
i Should you lose your Service and
Warranty Information booklet, have an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center arrange
for a replacement. It will be mailed to you.
50 Only vehicles with a gasoline engine.348WarrantyTechnical data
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Engine number:Emissions control information label,
including the certification of both federal
and Californian emissions reference
values;Engine number (stamped into the
crankcase)=VIN (on the lower edge of the windshield)
Service products and capacities
Important safety guidelines
Service products include the following:
R fuels (e.g. gasoline, diesel)
R additives for exhaust gas aftertreatment
(AdBlue ®
)
R lubricants (e.g. engine oil, transmission oil)
R coolant
R brake fluid
R windshield washer fluid
Vehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. You should therefore
only use products that have been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Information on tested and approved products
can be obtained at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or on the Internet at  http://
www.mbusa.com  (USA only).
GWarning
Comply with all valid regulations with respect
to handling, storing and disposing of service
fluids. Otherwise, you could endanger
persons or the environment.
Keep service fluids out of the reach of
children.
For health reasons, you should prevent
service fluids from coming into direct contact
with your skin or clothing.
If a service fluid is swallowed, contact a
physician immediately.350Service products and capacitiesTechnical data
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CapacitiesVehicle modelCapacityFuel, coolant,
lubricants etc.Engine oil and 
filterR 350 BlueTEC9.0 US qt (8.5 l)Approved engine
oilsR 3508.5 US qt (8.0 l)Power steeringAll modelsApprox. 1.3 US qt (1.2 l)MB Power Steering
Fluid or approved
Dexron III ATFCooling systemAll modelsApprox. 10.0 US qt (9.5 l)MB 325.0
Anticorrosion/
AntifreezeTank capacityAll models21.1 US gal (80.0 l)Gasoline engines:
premium-grade
unleaded gasoline
(at least 91 octane,
average value
between 96 RON/
86 MON)
Diesel engines:
ULTRA-LOW
SULFUR DIESEL
FUEL (ULSD,
maximum sulfur
content 15 ppm)ReserveAll modelsApprox. 3.4 US gal (13.0 l)AdBlue ®
 tankR 350 BlueTEC7.5 US gal (28.2 l)AdBlue ®
 as per
ISO 22241Air-
conditioning 
systemAll models—Refrigerant R134a
and special PAG
lubricant (never
R 12)Windshield/
headlamp 
cleaning 
systemAll models7.4 US qt (7.0 l)MB washer fluid
concentrate 51
( Y  page 357)
Mixing ratio for
screen wash
( Y  page 357)51
Mixed with water or premixed washer fluid with antifreeze protection.Service products and capacities351Technical dataBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 351Z 
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Fuel
Important safety notesGWarning!
Fuel is highly flammable. Fire, naked flames
and smoking are therefore prohibited when
handling fuels.
Switch off the engine and the auxiliary heating
before refueling.
GWarning!
Gasoline and diesel fuels are highly flammable
and poisonous. They burn violently and can
cause serious injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline or diesel fuel!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline or diesel
fuel, avoid inhaling fumes and any skin or
clothing contact. Extinguish all smoking
materials.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging your
health.
Premium-grade unleaded gasoline
!  To ensure the longevity and full
performance of the engine, only premium-
grade unleaded gasoline must be used.
If premium-grade unleaded gasoline is
unavailable and regular gasoline is used,
observe the following precautions:
R only fill the fuel tank to half full with
regular unleaded gasoline and add the
rest as soon as possible with premium-
grade unleaded gasoline.
R do not drive at the maximum speed.
R avoid sudden acceleration.
R when the vehicle is carrying a light cargo,
e.g. two passengers without luggage, do
not allow the engine to rev above
3000 rpm.
R when the vehicle is fully loaded or being
operated in mountainous terrain, do not
depress the accelerator pedal further
than  2
/ 3 of the pedal travel.
Fuel requirements
Gasoline engines
Use only premium-grade unleaded gasoline.
The octane number should be at least 91.
Details can be found on the gas pump. The
octane number is the average value of the
Research Octane Number (RON) and Motor
Octane Number (MON): (RON + MON) / 2,
also known as knock resistance.
Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) and/or
unleaded gasoline with additives can be used
if the concentration of the additives in the fuel
does not exceed 10%, e.g.:
R Ethanol
R TAME
R ETBE
R IPA
R TBA
For MTBE, the concentration should not
exceed 15%.
The concentration of methanol in gasoline
including other additives must not exceed 3%.
Using mixtures of methanol and ethanol is not
permitted. Gasohol, a mixture of 10% ethanol
and 90% unleaded gasoline can be used.
All of these mix fuels must fulfill the fuel
requirements, e.g.:
R knock resistance
R boiling point
R vapor pressure
Diesel engines – important safety
information
!  Only use commercially available ULTRA-
LOW SULFUR DIESEL FUEL (ULSD, 15 ppm
MAXIMUM SULFUR) that meets the
ASTM D975 standard. Failure to use
ULTRA-LOW SULFUR DIESEL FUEL (ULSD)
can severely damage the vehicle's exhaust
gas aftertreatment system.
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