four wheel drive MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class 2011 W251 Owner's Manual

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

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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Highway level
! Make sure that there is enough ground
clearance when the vehicle is being
lowered. It could otherwise hit the ground,
damaging the underbody.XMake sure that the doors are closed.XStart the engine.
If indicator lamp ; is lit:
XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ; flashes. The vehicle is
lowered to highway level.
While the adjustment is taking place, a
message appears in the multifunction
display, e.g.:
If you press the V, U , * or &
button on the multifunction steering wheel,
the message will disappear.
Once highway level has been reached,
indicator lamp ; goes out. A message
appears in the multifunction display for
approximately five seconds, e.g.:
The vehicle level is automatically raised from
high-speed level to highway level if the speed
drops below 40 mph (64 km/h). The vehicle
level is automatically set to highway level if
you are driving faster than 25 mph
(40 km/h).
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are
permanently driven. Together with ESP ®
and
4ETS , it improves the traction of your vehicle
whenever a drive wheel spins due to
insufficient grip.
GWarning!
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
R While driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
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Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect
handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear
unevenly, increase stopping distance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are
more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsTire Pressure
Check TiresGRisk of accident
The tire pressure loss warning system has detected a significant
loss in pressure.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XCheck the tires and, if necessary, change the wheel
( Y page 336).XCheck the tire pressures and, if necessary, set to the correct
tire pressure.XRestart the tire pressure loss warning system when the tire
pressure is correct ( Y page 325).Check tires,
then restart Run
Flat IndicatorA display message for the tire pressure loss warning system was
shown.XSet the correct tire pressure in all four tires.XRestart the tire pressure loss warning system ( Y page 325).Run Flat Indicator
InoperativeThe tire pressure loss warning system is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Tire pressure
displayed after
driving for a few
minutesThe tire pressure monitor is measuring the tire pressure.XDrive on.
The tire pressures appear in the multifunction display after you
have been driving for a few minutes.Tire Pressure
Monitor
InoperativeThe TPMS is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Tire Pressure
Monitor
Inoperative No
Wheel SensorsThe wheels mounted do not have a suitable tire pressure sensor.
The tire pressure monitor is deactivated.XMount wheels with suitable tire pressure sensors.
The TPMS is activated automatically after driving for a few
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TIREFIT kit version 1
XTo reduce the tire pressure (version 1):
open pressure release screw F on
pressure gauge G.
TIREFIT kit version 2
EPressure release buttonFPressure gaugeXTo reduce the tire pressure (version 2):
press pressure release button E on the
filler hose.
XStow the TIREFIT kit and the electric air
pump.
XDrive to the nearest workshop and have the
tire changed there.
XHave the TIREFIT kit replaced as soon as
possible at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
HEnvironmental note
Have the used TIREFIT kit disposed of
professionally, e.g. at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
XHave the TIREFIT kit replaced every four
years at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Changing a wheel and mounting the
spare tire
Preparing the vehicle
GWarning!
The wheel and tire size of the emergency
spare wheel/spare wheel may differ to that of
the damaged wheel. When using an
emergency spare wheel/spare wheel the
handling characteristics of the vehicle may
change.
Adapt your style of driving accordingly.
Never operate the vehicle with more than one
emergency spare wheel/spare wheel that
differs in size.
Only use an emergency spare wheel/spare
wheel of a differing size briefly and do not
switch off ESP®.
When using an emergency spare wheel, you
must not exceed a maximum speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h).
GWarning!
Have the emergency spare wheel/spare
wheel replaced with a new wheel as soon as
possible 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.
iVehicles without an emergency spare
wheel/spare wheel are not equipped with
wheel-changing tools at the factory. For
more information on which tools are
required to perform a wheel change on your
vehicle, e.g. wheel chock, alignment bolt or
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message will appear in the multifunction
display.GWarning!
When the multifunction display shows the
message Tire Pressure Check Tires , one
or more of your tires are significantly
underinflated. You should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper tire inflation pressure as
indicated on the vehicle’s Tire and Loading
Information placard or on the tire inflation
pressure label.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Each tire, including the spare, should be
checked at least once a month when cold.
Inflate the tires to the recommended tire
inflation pressure as specified on
R the Tire and Loading Information placard on
the driver’s door B-pillar
or
R the tire inflation pressure label located on
the inside of the fuel filler flap
GWarning!
The tire pressure loss warning system does
not provide a warning for wrongly selected tire
inflation pressures. Always adjust tire
inflation pressure according to the Tire and
Loading Information placard on the driver's
door B-pillar or on the tire inflation pressure
label located on the inside of the fuel filler flap.
The tire pressure loss warning system does
not replace regular checks of the tire inflation
pressures since a gradual pressure loss in
more than one tire cannot be detected by the
tire pressure loss warning system.
The tire pressure loss warning system is not
able to issue a warning due to a sudden
dramatic loss of tire inflation pressure (e.g.
tire blowout caused by a foreign object). In
this case bring the vehicle to a halt by carefully
applying the brakes and avoiding abrupt
steering maneuvers.
The function of the tire pressure loss warning
system is limited or delayed if:
R snow chains are mounted on your vehicle's
tires.
R road conditions are wintry.
R you are driving on sand or gravel.
R you adopt a very sporty driving style
(cornering at high speeds or driving with
high rates of acceleration).
R you are towing a very heavy or large trailer.
R you are driving with a heavy load or a load
on the roof.
Restarting the tire pressure loss
warning system
Restart the tire pressure loss warning system
if you have:
R changed the tire pressure
R changed the wheels or tires
R mounted new wheels or tires
XBefore restarting, make sure that the tire
pressures are set properly on all four tires
for the respective operating conditions,
using the Tire and Loading Information
placard on the B-pillar on the driver's side
or the tire pressure table on the fuel filler
flap.XObserve the notes in the section on tire
pressures ( Y page 322).GWarning!
The tire pressure loss warning system can
only give reliable warnings if you have set the
correct tire pressure.
If an incorrect tire pressure is set, these
incorrect values will be monitored.
A tire with insufficient pressure results in
vehicle instability when driving, thus
increasing the risk of an accident.
326Tire pressuresTires and wheels
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XMake sure that the key is in position 2
( Y page 149) in the ignition lock.XPress and hold the V or U button on
the multifunction steering wheel until the
standard display appears in the
multifunction display ( Y page 202).XPress the * or & button until the
Run Flat Indicator Active Menu: R-
Button message appears in the
multifunction display.XPress the reset button ( Y page 28) on the
instrument cluster.
The Restart Run Flat Indicator?
Yes Cancel message appears in the
multifunction display.
If you wish to confirm the restart:
XPress the W button.
The Run Flat Indicator Restarted
message appears in the multifunction
display.
After a teach-in period, the tire pressure
loss warning system will monitor the set
tire pressures of all four tires.
If you wish to cancel the restart:
XPress the X button.
or
XWait until the Restart Run Flat
Indicator? Yes Cancel message
disappears.
The tire pressure values stored at the last
restart will continue to be monitored.
Tire pressure monitoring system
(USA only)
Important safety information
If a tire pressure monitor is installed, the
vehicle's wheels have sensors installed that
monitor the tire pressures in all four tires. The
tire pressure monitor warns you when the
pressure drops in one or more of the tires. The
tire pressure monitor only functions if the
correct wheel electronics units are installed
in all wheels.
The tire pressure monitor has a yellow
warning lamp in the instrument cluster for
indicating a pressure loss or malfunction.
Depending on how the warning lamp flashes
or lights up, a tire pressure that is too low or
a malfunction in the tire pressure monitor is
displayed:
R if the warning lamp is lit continuously, the
tire pressure on one or more tires is
significantly too low. The tire pressure
monitor is not malfunctioning.
R if the warning lamp flashes for 60 seconds
and then remains lit constantly, the tire
pressure monitor is malfunctioning.GWarning!
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked at least once a month
when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the tire and loading
information table on the driver's door B-pillar
or the tire inflation pressure table on the
inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the tire and loading information table or
the tire inflation pressure table, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure
for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitor
(TPMS). An indicator lamp lights up if one or
more of your tires are significantly
underinflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure indicator lamp lights up, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible,
and inflate them to the proper pressure.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life and may affect the vehicle's
handling and stopping ability. Please note that
the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance and it is the driver's
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of the tire pressure display. The tire pressures
are already being monitored.
i If a spare wheel/emergency spare wheel
is mounted, the system may continue to
show the tire pressure of the wheel that has
been removed for a few minutes. If this
occurs, note that the value displayed for
the position where the spare wheel is
mounted is not the same as the spare
wheel/emergency spare wheel's current
tire pressure.
TPMS warning messages
If the tire pressure monitor detects a
significant pressure loss on one or more tires,
a warning message is shown in the
multifunction display. A warning tone also
sounds and the tire pressure warning lamp
lights up in the instrument cluster.
Each tire that is affected by a significant loss
of pressure is highlighted by a red rectangle.
If the Tire Pressure(s) Please Correct
[bar] message appears in the multifunction
display:
XCheck the tire pressure on all four wheels
and correct it if necessary.
i If the wheel positions on the vehicle are
interchanged, the tire pressures may be
displayed for the wrong positions for a
short time. This is rectified after a few
minutes of driving, and the tire pressures
are displayed for the correct positions.
Restarting the tire pressure monitor
GWarning
It is the driver's responsibility to set the tire
inflation pressure to the recommended cold
tire inflation pressure. Underinflated tires
affect the ability to steer or brake the vehicle.
You might lose control over the vehicle.
When you restart the tire pressure monitor,
all existing warning messages are deleted and
the warning lamps go out. The monitor uses
the currently set tire pressures as the
reference values for monitoring.
The TPMS must be restarted when you set the
tire pressure to a new value (as a result of
changed handling or load characteristics, for
example). The TPMS then monitors the new
tire pressure values.
Restart the tire pressure monitor after you
have set the tire pressure to the value
recommended for the desired driving
situation ( Y page 322). Only correct tire
pressures on cold tires. Comply with the
recommended tire pressures on the Tire and
Loading Information placard on the B-pillar on
the driver's side. Additional tire pressure
values for driving at high speeds or with heavy
loads can be found in the Tire Pressure table
on the inside of the fuel filler flap.XMake sure that the tire pressure is correct
on all four wheels.XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.XPress and hold the V or U button on
the multifunction steering wheel until the
standard display appears in the
multifunction display ( Y page 202).XPress and hold the & or * button
until the tire pressure of each tire or the
tire pressure displayed after
driving for several minutes message
appears.XPress the reset button on the instrument
cluster ( Y page 28).
The Restart tire pressure monitor?
message appears in the multifunction
display.
If you wish to confirm the restart:
XPress the W button.
The tire pressure monitor
restarted message appears in the
multifunction display.
After driving for a few minutes, the system
checks whether the current tire pressures
are within the specified range. The new tireTire pressures329Tires and wheelsBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 329Z

Quality grades can be found, where
applicable, on the tire sidewall between the
tread shoulder and maximum tire width.
For example:Tread wearTractionTemperature200AAA
All passenger car tires must conform to U.S.
federal safety requirements in addition to
these grades.
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
U.S. government test track. For example, a
tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
times as well on the government test track as
a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate conditions.
Traction
GWarning
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C. These grades represent
the tire's ability to stop on a wet surface as
measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
GWarning
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction will
be substantially reduced. Under such weather
conditions, drive, steer and brake with
extreme caution.
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy
road is always lower than on dry road
surfaces.
You should pay special attention to road
conditions when temperatures are around
the freezing point.
Mercedes-Benz recommends a minimum tire
tread depth of 1/6 in (4 mm) for all four winter
tires to maintain normal driving
characteristics in winter. Winter tires can
reduce the braking distance on snow covered
surfaces in comparison to summer tires. The
braking distance is still much further than on
surfaces that are not icy or covered with
snow. Take appropriate care when driving.
! Avoid wheelspin. This can lead to damage
to the drive train which is not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz warranty conditions.
Temperature
GWarning
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
The temperature grades are A (the highest),
B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to
the generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of
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Tire type code: tire type code ? can be
used by the manufacturer as a code to
describe specific characteristics of the tire.
Date of manufacture: date of manufacture
A provides information about the age of a
tire. The first and second positions represent
the week of manufacture, starting with "01"
for the first calendar week. Positions three
and four represent the year of manufacture.
For example, a tire that is marked with
"3208", was manufactured in week 32 in
2008.
Characteristics of the tire
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
This information describes the tire cord and
the number of layers in sidewall : and under
tire tread ;.
Definitions for tires and loading
Structure and condition of the tire
Describes the number of layers or the number
of rubber-coated belts in the tire tread and
the tire wall. These are made of steel, nylon,
polyester and other materials.
Bar
Metric unit for tire pressure. 14.5038 pounds
per square inch (psi) and 100 kilopascals
(kPa) are the equivalent of 1 bar.
DOT (Department of Transportation)
DOT marked tires fulfill the requirements of
the United States Department of
Transportation.
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants
The number of occupants for which the
vehicle is designed multiplied by 68 kilograms
(150 lb).
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards
A uniform standard to grade the quality of
tires with regards to tread quality, tire traction
and temperature characteristics. The quality
grading assessment is made by the
manufacturer following specifications from
the U.S. government. The quality grade of a
tire is imprinted on the sidewall of the tire.
Recommended tire pressure
The recommended tire pressure for your
vehicle under normal driving conditions. You
will find the recommendation on the Tire and
Loading Information placard on the B-pillar on
the driver's side of your vehicle. The
recommended tire pressure provides the best
balance between handling characteristics,
ride comfort and wear. Additional information
on particular driving conditions is located on
the tire pressure table on the inside of the fuel
filler flap.
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment
The combined weight of all standard and
optional equipment available for the vehicle,
regardless of whether it is actually installed
on the vehicle or not.
340Definitions for tires and loadingTires and wheels
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