maintenance 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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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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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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Product information
We recommend using genuine Mercedes-
Benz parts as well as conversion parts and
accessories explicitly approved by us for your
vehicle model.
We have tested these parts to determine their
reliability, safety and special suitability for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Despite ongoing
market research, Mercedes-Benz is unable to
assess other parts. We cannot therefore be
held responsible for them, even if in individual
cases an official approval or authorization by
governmental or other agencies should exist.
The use of non-approved parts could affect
your vehicle's operating safety. Mercedes-
Benz therefore recommends that you use
genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion
parts and accessories that have been
approved for the type of vehicle. Genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts, approved conversion
parts and accessories are available from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. In
addition, you will receive advice about
permissible technical modifications, and the
parts will be professionally installed.
Operator's Manual
Notes on the Operator's Manual
This Operator's Manual contains a great deal
of helpful information. We urge you to read it
carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of
the vehicle, we urge you to follow the
instructions and warnings contained in this
Operator's Manual. Ignoring them could
result in damage to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others. Vehicle damage
caused by failure to follow instructions is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Vehicle equipment
This manual describes all the standard and
optional equipment of your vehicle available
at the time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all functions described. This
also refers to safety-related systems and
functions. The equipment in your vehicle may
therefore differ from that shown in the
descriptions and illustrations. All the systems
found in your vehicle are listed in the original
purchase agreement of your vehicle. Should
you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The Operating Instructions and the
Maintenance Booklet are important
documents and should be kept in the vehicle.
Service and vehicle operation
Service and literature
The Service and Warranty Information
booklet contains detailed information about
the warranties covering your vehicle. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
replace and repair any factory-fitted parts
based on the terms and conditions 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 System Warranty 2
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island and Vermont
R State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon
Laws)
2 Valid only for vehicles with a gasoline engine.Introduction19BA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 19

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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Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function when the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.GWarning
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole. If you feel a sudden significant
vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect
that damage to your vehicle has occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers.
R slow down carefully.
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
Proper use of the vehicle
To ensure proper use of the vehicle, you must
familiarize yourself with the following
information and rules:
R safety notes in this Operator's Manual
R technical data in this Operator's Manual
R traffic rules and regulations
R laws and safety standards pertaining to
motor vehicles
GWarning!
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended to
make you and others aware of various risks.
Do not remove any of these warning labels
unless explicitly instructed to do so by
information on the label itself.
Removing warning labels may cause you and
others to be unaware of certain risks which
may result in an accident and/or personal
injury.GWarning!
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all
necessary safety information and warning for
the operation of your vehicle.
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the problem diagnosed
and rectified. If the problem is not resolved to
your satisfaction, please discuss the problem
with the Mercedes-Benz Center again or, if
necessary, contact us at one of the following
addresses.
In the USA
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Customer Relations Department
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
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AdBlue®
Important notes on use
BlueTEC exhaust gas aftertreatment 24
must
be operated with AdBlue ®
reducing agent in
order to function properly. Adding AdBlue ®
is
one of the tasks performed during
maintenance. Under normal operating
conditions, a tank of AdBlue ®
lasts until the
next service due date.
When the AdBlue ®
supply has almost run out,
the Check Additive – See Operator's
Manual message is shown in the
multifunction display.
When the AdBlue ®
supply sinks to a minimum
level, the Remaining Starts: 20 message
is shown in the multifunction display.
i When the Remaining Starts: 20
message is shown in the multifunction
display, you can start the engine 20 more
times. If AdBlue ®
is not topped up, it is then
not possible to start the engine again. Top
up the AdBlue ®
tank with approximately
1 gallon (3.8 l) of AdBlue ®
or have the
AdBlue ®
tank refilled at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Use the special AdBlue ®
refill bottle when
adding between maintenance intervals. For
more information, please contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
Roadside Assistance if applicable
( Y page 20).
Further information about BlueTEC exhaust
gas aftertreatment and AdBlue ®
is available
at any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Adding AdBlue ®GWarning!
Make sure
R AdBlue ®
does not come into contact with
skin, eyes, or clothing
R to keep AdBlue ®
out of the reach of children
If you and/or others have come into contact
with AdBlue ®
:
R If AdBlue ®
has gotten into contact with
eyes, flush with plenty of water immediately
and seek medical help.
R Clean affected skin immediately with plenty
of water.
R If AdBlue ®
was swallowed, rinse mouth
immediately with plenty of water and drink
plenty of water. Consult a physician.
GWarning!
When opening the filler cap of the AdBlue ®
tank ammonia gas vapors may escape. Refill
AdBlue ®
in a well ventilated area only.
Ammonia gas vapors have a pungent odor and
are particularly irritating for your skin,
mucous membranes, and eyes. Inhaling
ammonia gas vapors will cause burning eyes,
nose, and throat, as well as coughing and
watering eyes.
! Only use AdBlue ®
that complies with
ISO 22241. Do not add any special
additives to AdBlue ®
and do not thin
AdBlue ®
with water. This could destroy the
BlueTEC exhaust gas aftertreatment.
! Rinse surfaces that have come into
contact with AdBlue ®
immediately with
water or remove AdBlue ®
using a damp
cloth and cold water. If the AdBlue ®
has
already crystallized, use a sponge and cold
water to clean it. AdBlue ®
residues
crystallize after time and contaminate the
affected surfaces.
24 Only on BlueTEC vehicles.Refueling165Driving and parkingBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 165Z

! AdBlue ®
is not a additive and must not be
added to the diesel tank. If AdBlue ®
is
added to the diesel tank this could damage
the engine.
i If you are adding between maintenance
intervals, add approximately 1 gallon (3.8 l)
of AdBlue ®
to the AdBlue ®
tank. 1 gallon
(3.8 l) of AdBlue ®
is approximately
2 AdBlue ®
refill bottles.
Further information about
AdBlue ®
(Y page 353).
The AdBlue ®
filler neck is under the luggage
compartment floor.XSwitch off the ignition.XOpen the tailgate.XLift the luggage compartment floor
( Y page 294).XRemove wheel bolt wrench ; and ratchet
ring spanner = if applicable.XTurn AdBlue ®
cap : anti-clockwise and
remove it.XTurn AdBlue ®
filler cap ; anti-clockwise
and open it.
Filler cap ; is secured with a plastic strap.XTurn AdBlue ®
filler cap ? anti-clockwise
and open it.
Filler cap ? is secured with a plastic strap.XUnscrew the covering cap from AdBlue ®
refill bottle A.XPlace AdBlue ®
refill bottle A on the filler
neck as shown and screw on clockwise
hand-tight.
! Only screw on the AdBlue ®
refill bottle
hand-tight. It could otherwise be damaged.
XPress AdBlue ®
refill bottle A down.
The AdBlue ®
tank is filled. This may take up
to one minute.
i If the AdBlue ®
refill bottle is no longer
pressed down, the filling process stops and
the partially emptied bottle can be
removed.
XRelease AdBlue ®
refill bottle A.XTurn AdBlue ®
refill bottle A anti-clockwise
and remove it.XPlace AdBlue ®
filler cap ? on the filler
neck and turn it clockwise.166RefuelingDriving and parking
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XTo apply: depress parking brake ; firmly.
When the engine is running, the $ (USA
only) or J (Canada only) indicator lamp
lights up in the instrument cluster.XTo release: depress the brake pedal and
keep it depressed.XPull release handle :.
When the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running, the $ (USA only) or
J (Canada only) indicator lamp goes out
in the instrument cluster.
Parking up the vehicle
If you leave the vehicle parked up for longer
than four weeks, the battery may be damaged
by exhaustive discharge.
XDisconnect the battery or connect it to a
trickle charger.
i You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
If you leave the vehicle parked up for longer
than six weeks, the vehicle may suffer
damage as a result of lack of use.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice.Driving tips
General driving tips
Important safety instructions
GWarning!
Please do not forget that your primary
responsibility is to drive the vehicle. A driver’s
attention to the road must always be his/her
primary focus when driving. For your safety
and the safety of others, we recommend that
you pull over to a safe location and stop
before placing or taking a telephone call.
If you choose to use the telephone 25
while
driving, please use the hands-free device and
only use the telephone when road, weather
and traffic conditions permit. Some
jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a
mobile telephone while driving a vehicle.
Only operate the COMAND 25
(Cockpit
Management and Data System) if road,
weather and traffic conditions permit.
Otherwise, you may not be able to observe
traffic conditions and could endanger yourself
and others.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.
Drive sensibly – save fuel
To save fuel, observe the following notes:
XKeep tires at the recommended inflation
pressures.XRemove unnecessary cargo.XRemove the roof carrier when not in use.XMaintain a low engine speed until the
engine is warm.XAvoid frequent acceleration and
deceleration.XHave all maintenance work performed at
the service intervals specified in the25 Observe all legal requirements.168Driving tipsDriving and parking
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Brakes
Important safety guidelinesGWarning
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
GWarning
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Downhill gradients
! On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the cargo on the brakes by shifting
to a lower gear in good time. This allows
you to take advantage of engine braking
and helps you to avoid overheating the
brakes and wearing them out excessively.
When you take advantage of engine
braking, a drive wheel may not turn for
some time, e.g. on a slippery road surface.
This could cause damage to the drive train.
Such damage is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Heavy and light loads
GWarning
Depressing the brake pedal constantly results
in excessive and premature wear to the brake
pads.
It may also cause the brakes to overheat,
seriously impairing their effectiveness. It may
then not be possible to stop the vehicle in
sufficient time to avoid an accident.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
cargo, do not stop the vehicle immediately,
but drive on for a short while. This allows the
airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roadsGWarning
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through water
deep enough to wet brake components, the
first braking action may be somewhat
reduced. You have to depress the brake pedal
more firmly. Maintain a safe distance from
vehicles in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the
vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying
attention to the traffic conditions. This will
warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them
more quickly and protecting them against
corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt
treated roads
GWarning
The layer of salt on the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings may cause a delay in the
braking effect, resulting in a significantly
longer braking distance, which could lead to
an accident.
To avoid this danger, you should:
R occasionally brake carefully, without
putting other road users at risk, when you
are driving on salted roads. This helps to
remove any salt that may have started to
build up on the brake discs and the brake
pads/linings.
R maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care.
R carefully apply the brakes at the end of a
trip and immediately after commencing a
new trip, so that salt residues are removed
from the brake discs.
Maintenance of the brakes
! If the brake warning lamp lights up in the
instrument cluster and you hear a warning
tone, even though the parking brake has
been released, the brake fluid level may be
170Driving tipsDriving and parking
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