windshield wipers MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class 2011 W251 User Guide

when you start the engine. For this to be
observed, the lights must be switched on
before starting the engine.GWarning!
Xenon bulbs carry a high voltage. You could
get an electric shock and be seriously or even
fatally injured if you touch the electric
contacts on Xenon bulbs. Therefore, never
remove the cover from Xenon bulbs.
Do not change Xenon bulbs yourself, but have
them replaced at a qualified specialist
workshop which has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this
purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be carried
out at 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.
Other bulbs
GWarning!
Bulbs and lamps can be very hot. You should
therefore allow them to cool down before you
change them. Otherwise, you could be burned
if you touch them.
Keep bulbs out of the reach of children.
Otherwise, they could damage the bulbs, for
example, and injure themselves.
Never use a bulb which has been dropped.
Such a bulb may break or even explode and
injure you.
Halogen bulbs are pressurized and can
explode when you change them, particularly
if they are very hot. You should therefore wear
eye protection and gloves when you are
changing them.
There are bulbs other than the Xenon bulbs
that you cannot replace. Replace only the
bulbs listed (Y page 122). Have the bulbs that
you cannot replace yourself changed at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this
purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
If you require assistance changing bulbs,
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Do not touch the glass tube of new bulbs with
your bare hands. Even minor contamination
can burn into the glass surface and reduce
the service life of the bulbs. Always use a lint-
free cloth or only touch the base of the bulb
when installing.
Only use bulbs of the correct type.
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.
Halogen headlamps
:High-beam headlamp: H7 55 W;Parking lamp/standing lamp: W 5 W=Turn signal lamp: WY 5 W?Low-beam headlamp: H7 55 W122Changing bulbsLights and windshield wipers
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Bi-xenon headlamps
:Turn signal lamp: WY 5 W;Parking lamp/standing lamp: W 5 W
Tail lamp
:Backup lamp: W 16 W
License plate lamp
:License plate lamp: C 5 WChanging the front bulbs
Removing/installing the cover in the
front wheel arch
You must remove the cover from the front
wheel housing before you can change the
front bulbs.
XTo remove: switch off the lights.XTurn the front wheels inwards.XTurn rotary catch : 90° counter-
clockwise.XPull away the cover and lift it off.XTo install: re-insert the cover.XTurn rotary catch : 90° clockwise.
Low-beam headlamps (halogen
headlamps)
XRemove the cover in the front wheel arch
( Y page 123).XTurn housing cover : counter-clockwise
and pull it out.XTurn bulb holder ; counter-clockwise and
pull it out.Changing bulbs123Lights and windshield wipersBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 123Z

XTake the bulb out of bulb holder ;.XInsert the new bulb into bulb holder ;.XInsert bulb holder ; into the lamp and turn
it clockwise.XAlign housing cover : and turn it
clockwise until it engages.XReplace the cover in the front wheel arch
( Y page 123).
High-beam headlamps (halogen
headlamps)
XRemove the cover in the front wheel arch
( Y page 123).XTurn housing cover : counter-clockwise
and pull it out.XTurn bulb holder ; counter-clockwise and
pull it out.XTake the bulb out of bulb holder ;.XInsert the new bulb into bulb holder ;.XInsert bulb holder ; into the lamp and turn
it clockwise.XAlign housing cover : and turn it
clockwise until it engages.XReplace the cover in the front wheel arch
( Y page 123).Standing lamps/parking lampsXRemove the cover in the front wheel arch
( Y page 123).XTurn housing cover : counter-clockwise
and pull it out.XPull out bulb holder ;.XTake the bulb out of bulb holder ;.XInsert the new bulb into bulb holder ;.XInsert bulb holder ;.XAlign housing cover : and turn it
clockwise until it engages.XReplace the cover in the front wheel arch
( Y page 123).
Turn signals
XRemove the cover in the front wheel arch
( Y page 123).XTurn bulb holder : counter-clockwise and
pull it out.XTurn the bulb counter-clockwise, applying
slight pressure, and remove it from bulb
holder :.124Changing bulbsLights and windshield wipers
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XInsert the new bulb into bulb holder : and
turn it clockwise while applying slight
pressure.XInsert bulb holder : into the lamp and turn
it clockwise.XReplace the cover in the front wheel arch
( Y page 123).
Changing the rear bulbs
Opening/closing the side trim
You must open the side trim panel in the
cargo compartment before you can change
the bulbs in the tail lamps.
Left-hand side trim panel
Right-hand side trim panel
XTo open: insert a suitable object, e.g. a
coin, into the slot of release knob : on
side trim panel ;.XTurn release knob : 90° in the direction
of the arrow and remove side trim
panel ;.XTo close: insert side trim panel ; and turn
release knob : 90° in the opposite
direction to the arrow.
Backup light
XSwitch off the lights.XOpen the cargo compartment.XOpen the side trim panel ( Y page 125).:Backup lamp XTurn the bulb holder counter-clockwise and
remove it.XRemove the bulb from the bulb holder.XInsert the new bulb into the bulb holder.XInsert the bulb holder and turn it clockwise.XClose the side trim panel ( Y page 125).Changing bulbs125Lights and windshield wipersBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 125Z

License plate lampXSwitch off the lights.XOpen the tailgate.XRemove screws :.XRemove the license plate lamp.XReplace the bulb.XInsert the license plate lamp.XReplace and tighten screws :.
Windshield wipers
Important safety guidelines
GWarning!
Wiper blades are components that are subject
to wear and tear. Replace the wiper blades
twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall.
Otherwise the windows will not be wiped
properly. As a result, you may not be able to
observe surrounding traffic conditions and
could cause an accident.
! Do not operate the windshield wipers
when the windshield is dry, as this could
damage the wiper blades. Moreover, dust
that has collected on the windshield/rear
window can scratch the glass if wiping
takes place when the windshield/rear
window is dry.
If it is necessary to switch on the windshield
wipers in dry weather conditions, always
use washer fluid when operating the
windshield wipers.
Switching the windshield wipers on/
off
Combination switch
1$ Windshield wipers off2Ä Intermittent wipe, low 123Å
Intermittent wipe, high 134°
Continuous wipe, slow5¯ Continuous wipe, fastBí Single wipe/ î To wipe the
windshield using washer fluidXSwitch on the ignition.XTurn the combination switch to the
corresponding position.
! Intermittent wiping with rain sensor: due
to optical influences and the windshield
becoming dirty in dry weather conditions,
the windshield wipers may be activated
inadvertently. This could then damage the
windshield wiper blades or scratch the
windshield.
For this reason, you should always switch
off the windshield wipers in dry weather.
In the Ä or Å position, the appropriate
wiping frequency is set automatically
according to the intensity of the rain. In
the Å position, the rain sensor is more
12
Rain sensor set to low sensitivity.
13 Rain sensor set to high sensitivity.126Windshield wipersLights and windshield wipers
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sensitive than in the Ä position, causing
the windshield wiper to wipe more frequently.
Intermittent wiping is interrupted when you
stop the vehicle and open a front door. This
prevents a person from being splashed
inadvertently when getting into or out of the
vehicle.
Intermittent wiping continues when all doors
are closed and
R you shift the automatic transmission to
drive position D or reverse gear R
or
R you change the wipe setting on the
combination switch.
i To prevent smearing on the windshield or
noise when wiping, wipe the windshield
occasionally with washer fluid.
Switching the rear window wiper on/
off
The rear window wiper is switched on
automatically as soon as the automatic
transmission is in reverse gear R and the
windshield wipers are switched on.
Combination switch
:è Switch2ô To wipe with washer fluid3I To switch on intermittent wiping40 To switch off intermittent wiping5ô To wipe with washer fluidXTurn the key to position 1 or 2 in the ignition
lock.XTurn switch : on the combination switch
to the corresponding position.
When the rear window wiper is switched on,
rear window wiper indicator lamp B appears
in the instrument cluster in the lower section
of the multifunction display.
Replacing the wiper blades
Important safety guidelines
GWarning
For safety reasons, switch off the windshield
wipers and remove the key from the ignition
lock before changing the wiper blades
(vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: make sure that
the on-board electronics are in state 0).
Otherwise, the wiper motor could be switched
on suddenly and cause injury.
! To avoid damaging the wiper blades,
make sure that you touch only the wiper
arm of the wiper.
! Never open the hood if a windshield wiper
arm has been folded away from the
windshield.
Never fold a windshield wiper arm without
a wiper blade back onto the windshield.
Hold the windshield wiper arm firmly when
you change the wiper blade. If you release
the windshield wiper arm without a wiper
blade and it falls onto the windshield, the
windshield can be damaged by the force of
the impact.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have
the wiper blades replaced by a qualified
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specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Replacing the windshield wiper blades
Removing the wiper blades
XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.XFold the wiper arm away from the
windshield.XPress both release clips ;.XFold wiper blade : in the direction of
arrow = away from wiper arm ?.XRemove wiper blade : in the direction of
arrow A.
Installing the wiper blades
XPosition the new wiper blade : with
recess B on lug A.XFold wiper blade : in the direction of
arrow = onto the wiper arm, until retaining
clips ; engage in bracket ?.XMake sure that wiper blade : is seated
correctly.XFold the wiper arm back onto the
windshield.
Replacing the rear window wiper blade
Important safety guidelines
! To avoid damaging the wiper blades,
make sure that you touch only the wiper
arm of the wiper.
! Never fold a wiper arm back onto the rear
window without the wiper blade installed.
Hold the wiper arm firmly when you change
the wiper blade. If you release the wiper
arm without a wiper blade and it falls onto
the window, the window can be damaged
by the force of the impact.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have
the wiper blades replaced by a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Removing the wiper blades
XRemove the key from the ignition lock or
engage ignition position 0 (KEYLESS-GO).XFold wiper arm : away from the rear
window until it engages.XPosition wiper blade ; at a right angle to
wiper arm :.XHold wiper arm : and carefully press
wiper blade ; in the direction of the arrow
until the wiper blade is released.XRemove wiper blade ;.128Windshield wipersLights and windshield wipers
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Installing the wiper bladesXPlace the new wiper blade ; onto wiper
arm :.XHold wiper arm : and press wiper
blade ; in the direction of the arrow until
it engages.XMake sure that wiper blade ; is seated
correctly.XPosition wiper blade ; parallel to wiper
arm :.XCarefully fold wiper arm : back onto the
rear window.
! Make sure that the wiper blade is installed
properly. A wiper blade that has not been
properly installed can damage the rear
window.
Problems with the windshield wipers
The windshield wipers are obstructed
Leaves or snow, for example, may be
obstructing the windshield wiper movement.
The wiper motor has been deactivated.
XFor safety reasons, you should remove the
key from the ignition lock.
or
XSwitch off the engine using the Start/Stop
button and open the driver's door.XRemove the cause of the obstruction.XSwitch the windshield wipers back on.The windshield wipers are not working
The windshield wiper drive is malfunctioning.
XSelect another wiper speed on the
combination switch.XHave the windshield wipers checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.Windshield wipers129Lights and windshield wipersBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 129Z

dehumidification function remains on. Air-
recirculation mode remains deactivated.
or
XPress the ^ button.
or
XPress the à button.
or
XTurn the temperature control clockwise or
counter-clockwise.
or
XPress the K or I button.
Defrosting the windows
Windows fogged up on the inside
XActivate the "cooling with air
dehumidification" function Á.XActivate automatic mode Ã.XIf the windows continue to fog up, activate
the defrosting function ( Y page 142).
i
You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Windows fogged up on the outside
XSwitch on the windshield wipers.XPress the P/\ 21
or O /c 21
air distribution button.
i You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Rear window heating
Activating/deactivating
GWarning
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from the rear window before driving.
Visibility could otherwise be impaired,
endangering you and others.
The rear window heating has a high current
draw. You should therefore switch it off as
soon as the window is clear as it only switches
off automatically after several minutes.
If the battery voltage is too low, the rear
window heating may switch off.XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress the ª button.
The indicator lamp in the ª button lights
up or goes out.
Problems with the rear window heating
If the indicator lamp in the ª rear window
heating button flashes, the on-board voltage
is too low or the roof is open. The rear window
heating has deactivated itself prematurely or
cannot be activated.
XSwitch off any consumers that are not
required, e.g. reading lamps or interior
lighting.
When the battery is sufficiently charged,
the rear window heating is activated again
automatically.
Activating/deactivating air-
recirculation mode
You can deactivate the flow of fresh air if
unpleasant odors are entering the vehicle
from outside. The air already inside the
vehicle will then be recirculated.
The operation of the air-recirculation mode is
the same for all control panels.
GWarning
Fogged windows impair visibility,
endangering you and others. If the windows
begin to fog on the inside, switching off the
air recirculation mode immediately should
clear interior window fogging. If interior
window fogging persists, make sure the air
conditioning is activated, or press the ¬
button.
21 Canada only.Operating climate control systems143Climate controlBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 143Z

SmartKey positions
SmartKeygTo remove the SmartKey1Power supply for some consumers, such
as the windshield wipers2Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position3To start the engine
As soon as the ignition is switched on, all the
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster light
up. The indicator lamps of the low-beam
headlamps, high-beam headlamps or the turn
signal lamps only light up if the low-beam
headlamps, high-beam headlamps or turn
signal lamps are switched on. If an indicator
lamp does not light up when the ignition is
switched on, check it and replace it if
necessary. If an indicator lamp does not go
out after the engine is started or if it lights up
while the vehicle is in motion, see
( Y page 236).
XRemove the SmartKey when the engine is
switched off.
The battery may otherwise discharge.
If you cannot turn the SmartKey in the ignition
lock, the vehicle battery may not be charged
sufficiently.
XCheck the vehicle battery and charge if
necessary ( Y page 310).
or
XJump-start the vehicle ( Y page 311).
i
The SmartKey can be turned in the
ignition lock even if it is not the correct
SmartKey for the vehicle. The ignition is not
switched on. The engine cannot be started.
KEYLESS-GO
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO are equipped with
a SmartKey with an integrated KEYLESS-GO
function and a detachable Start/Stop button.
The Start/Stop button must be inserted in the
ignition lock and the SmartKey must be in the
vehicle.
Pressing the Start/Stop button several times
in succession corresponds to the different
key positions in the ignition lock. This is only
the case if you are not depressing the brake
pedal.
If you depress the brake pedal and press the
Start/Stop button, the engine starts
immediately.
The Start/Stop button can be removed from
the ignition lock. Then you can insert the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
i You do not have to remove the Start/Stop
button from the ignition lock when you
leave the vehicle. However, you should
always take the SmartKey with you when
leaving the vehicle. The vehicle can be
started with the Start/Stop button and the
electrical equipment can be operated while
the SmartKey is in the vehicle.
:Start/Stop button;Ignition lockXInsert Start/Stop button : into ignition
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