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

Tire pressure monitoring systemFunction/notes ............................. 327
Restarting ...................................... 329
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................342
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................340
Bar (definition) ............................... 340
Characteristics .............................. 340
Checking ........................................ 321
Cleaning ......................................... 322
Definition of terms .........................340
Direction of rotation ......................334
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................343
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 339
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............340
Flat tire .......................................... 296
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 341
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 341
Guidelines to be observed .............321
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 341
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................341
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......340
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........341
Labeling (overview) ........................336
Load bearing index (definition) ......342
Load index ..................................... 339
Load index (definition) ...................341
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 341
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 342
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 341
Maximum tire load .........................334
Maximum tire loading (definition) ..341
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 342
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 342Replacing ....................................... 336
Service life ..................................... 321
Sidewall (definition) .......................342
Speed index (definition) .................341
Storing ........................................... 322
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 340
Temperature .................................. 335
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 342
Tire bead (definition) ......................342
Tire pressure (definition) ................342
Tire pressures (recommended) ......340
Tire quality classes ........................334
Tire size (data) ............................... 343
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed index ....................337
Tire tread ....................................... 321
Tire tread (definition) .....................342
Total load limit (definition) .............343
Traction ......................................... 335
Traction (definition) .......................342
Tread wear ..................................... 335
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) .................342
Uniform tire quality classification
standards (definition) .....................340
Unladen weight (definition) ............341
Wear indicator (definition) .............342
Wheel rim (definition) ....................341
Tires and wheels (important safety
information) ....................................... 320
Top Tether ............................................ 63
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........313
Towing a trailer
Driving tips .................................... 193
Towing away
Installing the towing eye ................313
Removing the towing eye ...............314
Trailer
Coupling up ................................... 193
Decoupling ..................................... 195
Display message ............................ 221
Power supply ................................. 196
Towing ........................................... 194
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 19616IndexBA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 16

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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GWarning!
The rear view camera is only an aid and may
display obstacles
R from a distorted perspective
R inaccurately
R may not display obstacles at all
The rear view camera does not relieve you of
the responsibility to be cautious. Take care
and pay careful attention. The rear view
camera may not show objects which are
R very close to the rear bumper
R under the rear bumper
R above the tailgate handle
You are responsible for safety at all times and
must continue to pay attention to the
immediate surroundings when parking and
maneuvering. This includes the area behind,
in front of, and beside the vehicle. Otherwise
you could endanger yourself and/or others.
GWarning!
The rear view camera either will not function
or will not function to its full capability if
R the tailgate is open
R it is raining very hard, snowing or foggy
R it is night or you are parking/maneuvering
your vehicle in an area where it is very dark
R the camera is exposed to a very bright white
light
R the immediate surroundings are
illuminated with fluorescent light (the
display may flicker)
R there is a sudden change in temperature,
e.g. if you drive into a heated garage from
the cold (lens condensation)
R the camera lens is dirty or covered
R the rear of your vehicle is damaged
In this case, have the position and setting
of the camera checked by a qualified
specialist workshop. Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you contact a Mercedes-
Benz Center for this purpose.
Do not use the rear view camera in these
situations. Otherwise you could injure
yourself or others and/or damage property
including your vehicle while parking/
maneuvering.
Activating the rear view cameraXMake sure that the key is in position 2 in
the ignition lock.XMake sure that the "rear view camera"
function is selected in COMAND APS; see
the separate operating instructions for
COMAND APS.XEngage reverse gear.
The area behind the vehicle is shown in the
COMAND APS display with guide lines.
Guide lines in the COMAND APS display
GWarning!
Use of rear view camera can be dangerous if
you are color-blind or have impaired color
vision.
Only use rear view camera if you can see and
distinguish all colored guidelines shown by
rear view camera on the COMAND system
display.
GWarning
Please note that objects that do not touch the
ground may appear to be further away than
they actually are, for example:
R the bumper of a vehicle parked behind you
R the trailer drawbar
R the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch
R the rear end of a truck
R a slanted post
In such cases, you should not use the guide
lines to judge the distance. You may misjudge
the distance, which increases the risk of
impacting the objects.
Even if the object you approach is directly on
the ground, do not approach the object any
closer than the red guide line.
190Driving systemsDriving and parking
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Make sure that you do not operate the ADS
switch or the vehicle level control system
when coupling/decoupling the trailer.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most federal states and all Canadian
provinces require by law:
R safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer. The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must
be fastened to the vehicle's trailer
coupling, not to the bumper or the axle.
Allow for enough play in the chains to
facilitate turning tight corners.
R a separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
R a safety switch for braked trailers. Check
the specific legal requirements applicable
to your federal state.
If the trailer detaches from the towing
vehicle, the safety switch applies the
trailer's brakes.
! Do not connect the trailer's brake system
(if featured) to the hydraulic brake system
of the towing vehicle, as the latter is
equipped with an anti-lock brake system.
Doing so will result in a loss of function of
the brake systems of both the vehicle and
the trailer.
i The vehicle's wiring harness features a
line to the brake indicator lamp.XMake sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.XApply the vehicle's parking brake.XStart the engine.XVehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select highway level and set ADS to
AUTO or COMF .XSwitch off the engine.XClose all doors and the tailgate.XCouple up the trailer.XEstablish all electrical connections.i
Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
with a trailer attached, the vehicle will
always remain at highway level. When
coupling up a trailer, please observe the
following:
R if highway level has not been set
manually, the vehicle will automatically
sink to highway level as soon as it
reaches a speed of 5 mph (8 km/h).
R high-speed level is not available.
These restrictions apply to all accessories
powered through a connection to the trailer
power socket of your vehicle, e.g. a bicycle
carrier.
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements
concerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Make sure that your vehicle/
trailer combination complies with the local
requirements not only in your area of
residence but also at any location to which
you are traveling. The police and local
authorities can provide reliable information.
Please observe the following when towing a
trailer:
R To acquaint yourself with driving with a
trailer and with the resulting changes to
handling, you should practice cornering,
stopping and reversing in a traffic-free
location.
R Before driving, check:
- the trailer coupling
- the safety switch for braked trailers
- the safety chains
- the electrical connections
- the lights
- the wheels
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer features electronically
controlled brakes, pull away the vehicle/
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persons remaining in the vehicle do not press
the switches for vehicle level control or the
ADS.XDetach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.XDetach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.XSwitch off the engine.
Permissible trailer load and drawbar
noseweight
Weight specifications
The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the
combined weight of the trailer together with
the cargo and equipment loaded on the
trailer. Permissible gross weight: 3500 lb
(1588 kg).
The permissible Trailer drawbar Weight
Rating (TWR) is the maximum weight
permitted on the trailer drawbar: 350 lb
(158 kg) limit for Mercedes-Benz-approved
trailer couplings.
Loading a trailer
R When loading a trailer, please note that
neither the permissible gross trailer weight
nor the permissible Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) may be exceeded. The
permissible Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) is specified on the type plate
located on the B-pillar on the driver's side
of your vehicle.
You can find the maximum permissible
values on the type plates of your vehicle
and the trailer. Always observe the lowest
respective value when determining the
maximum weight with which you can load
the vehicle and the trailer.
R The drawbar noseweight acting on the ball
coupling has to be added to the rear axle
weight in order to prevent the permissible
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) from
being exceeded. The permissible Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is specified
on the type plate located on the B-pillar on
the driver's side of your vehicle.
i Mercedes-Benz recommends loading the
trailer so that the drawbar noseweight
remains between 8% and 10% of the
permissible gross trailer weight.
i The weight of additional accessories,
passengers, and cargo reduces the
permissible trailer load and drawbar
noseweight for your vehicle.
Checking the vehicle and trailer weight
R To check that the weights of the towing
vehicle and the trailer comply with the
maximum permissible values, have the
vehicle/trailer combination (including the
driver, passengers, and cargo with a fully
laden trailer) weighed on a calibrated
weighbridge.
R Check the permissible axle weight of the
front and rear axle, the Gross Trailer Weight
(GTW), and the drawbar noseweight.
Check the permissible axle weight of the
front and rear axle, the Gross Trailer Weight
(GTW), and the drawbar noseweight.
Trailer power supply
The trailer power socket of your vehicle is
designed for connecting the 7-pin connector
supplied as part of the Mercedes-Benz-
approved trailer coupling.
i Depending on your trailer, you may need
an adapter to connect your trailer to the
vehicle.
Further information is available from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
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iThe seats in the 2nd row of seats must be
in the rearmost position ( Y page 103).XFold backrest = forwards into a horizontal
position.
Resetting the seats to the driving
position
GWarning!
Make sure
R the seats are properly locked
R the seat backrests are in an upright position
and are properly locked
An outboard second-row seat is properly
locked only when lock status indicator : is
in hinged position and red marking ; is
barely visible, see "Lock status indicators
(outboard second-row seats)".
If a seat and seat backrest are not properly
locked, the seat could move forward and the
seat backrest could fold. You could slide
under the seat belt during braking, vehicle
maneuvers, or in an accident. If you slide
under it, the belt would apply force at the
abdomen or neck. That could cause serious
or even fatal injuries.
! Make absolutely sure that you reset the
seats to the driving position in the specified
order:
R reset the seats in the 3rd row of seats
R reset the outer seats in the 2nd row of
seats
R reset the center seat in the 2nd row of
seats (7-seat vehicles)
Resetting the seats in the 3rd row of seats
! Do not fold down the seat cushions before
moving the backrests into the upright
position. The seat cover could otherwise be
damaged.
XGrip loop = and pull seat backrest ; into
an upright position.XPull release handle ? and move
backrest ; to the desired position.XPlace seat cushion : in a vertical position.XFold seat cushion : towards backrest ;
until it engages audibly.
Resetting the outer seats in the 2nd row
of seats
XPull release lever ; upwards beyond the
pressure point to the stop and fold
backrest : upwards by about 45 ˚.XInsert the head restraint ( Y page 102).XPull release lever ; to the pressure point
and adjust backrest : to the desired
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XCheck that the seat is correctly engaged.XSet the seat head restraint to the desired
position ( Y page 102).
Lock verification indicator for the outer
seats in the 2nd row of seats
Seat unlocked
When the seat is unlocked, lock status
indicator : is folded out and indicator
area ; is clearly visible.
XWhen the seat is unlocked, fold the
backrest back until you hear the seat
engage.
Seat locked
When the seat is locked, lock status
indicator : is folded in and indicator
area ; is barely visible.
Resetting the center seat in the 2nd row
of seats
Armrest position
XPull release loop : of seat ; in the
direction of the arrow and hold it securely.
The seat is released and folds up.XPress seat ; further down until the back
of the seat engages in the armrest position.XPull release loop : of the backrest in the
direction of the arrow and hold it securely.XFold the backrest backwards until you hear
it engage.
Securing cargos
Lashing eyelets
Observe the following notes on securing
loads:
R secure the load using the cargo tie down
rings.
R do not use elastic straps or nets to secure
a load, as these are only intended as an
anti-slip protection for light loads.
R do not route tie downs across sharp edges
or corners.
R pad sharp edges for protection.
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XUndo the two Velcro fasteners of the
safety-net stowage.XUnroll and unfold the cargo net.
The upper and lower guide rods must
engage audibly.
Attaching the safety net
Cargo net attached behind the C-pillar
:Retainer;Guide rodXInsert guide rod ; into retainer : in the
direction of the arrow.XSlide guide rod ; forwards into
retainer : in the direction of the arrow.
Tightening the safety net
Seat belt reel holder behind the front seats
XInsert belt hook : into cargo tie-down
ring ; in the direction of the arrow.XPull tensioning strap = by the loose end in
the direction of the arrow until the cargo
net is tight.XAfter driving a short distance, check the
tension of the cargo net and retighten it if
necessary.
Releasing the safety net
Seat belt reel holder behind the front seats
XPull belt adjuster : upwards in the
direction of the arrow to reduce the tension
on the tensioning strap.XUnhook belt hook ; from cargo tie-down
ring =.
Detaching and storing the safety net
XDetach guide rod ; from bracket :
( Y page 259).XPress the red button on the upper and lower
guide rods.XFold the cargo net and roll it up.XClose the two Velcro fasteners on the cargo
net holder.
Roof carrier
Important safety guidelines
GWarning!
Only use the roof rack when the basic carrier
bars have been completely mounted. The left
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and right roof rails are only stabilized by
means of the basic carrier bars being
mounted.
Follow the manufacturer’s installation
instructions. Otherwise, an improperly
attached roof rack system or its load could
become detached from the vehicle.
Do not exceed the maximum roof load of
220 lb (100 kg).
Take into consideration that when the roof
rack is loaded, the handling characteristics
are different from those when operating the
vehicle without the roof rack loaded.
! Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
only use roof carriers that have been tested
and approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
This helps to prevent damage to the
vehicle.
Position the cargo on the roof rack in such
a way that the vehicle will not sustain
damage even when it is in motion.
Depending on the vehicle equipment,
ensure that when the roof carrier is
installed you can:
R raise the tilt/sliding sunroof fully
R open the panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel fully
R open the tailgate fully
Fastening the roof carrierXFold covers : upwards.XOnly secure the roof carrier to the
anchorage points under covers :.XObserve the manufacturer's installation
instructions.
Features
Cup holder
Points to observe before use
GWarning
In order to help prevent spilling liquids on
vehicle occupants and/or vehicle equipment,
only use containers that fit into the cup
holder. Use lids on open containers and do
not fill containers to a height where the
contents, especially hot liquids, could spill
during braking, vehicle maneuvers, or in an
accident. Liquids spilled on vehicle occupants
may cause serious personal injury. Liquids
spilled on vehicle equipment may cause
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
When not in use, keep the cup holder closed.
An open cup holder may cause injury to you
or others when contacted during braking,
vehicle maneuvers, or in an accident.
Keep in mind that objects placed in the cup
holder may come loose during braking,
vehicle maneuvers, or in an accident and be
thrown around in the vehicle interior. Objects
thrown around in the vehicle interior may
cause an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
Cup holder in the center console
In the upper center console, there is a cup
holder and a removable support with a card
holder
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XVehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the key from the ignition lock.
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the
driver's door.
The on-board electronics have status 0,
which is the same as the key having been
removed.
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
(Y page 149).
XAll occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as
they do so.
XMake sure that no one is near the danger
area whilst a wheel is being changed.
Anyone who is not directly assisting in the
wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier.
XGet out of the vehicle. Pay attention to
traffic conditions when doing so.
XClose the driver's door.
iOnly operate the electric air pump using
the socket in the footwell of the second row
of seats (Y page 265), even if the ignition
is turned off.
An emergency cut-off ensures that the on-
board voltage does not drop too low. If the
on-board voltage is too low, power to the
sockets is automatically cut-off. This
ensures that there is sufficient power to
start the engine.
TIREFIT kit
Using the TIREFIT kit
You can use the TIREFIT kit to seal small
punctures, particularly those in the tire tread.
You can use TIREFIT at outside temperatures
down to -4 ‡ (-20 †).
GWarning
TIREFIT is a limited repair device. TIREFIT
cannot be used for cuts or punctures larger
than approximately 0.16 in (4 mm) and tire
damage caused by driving with extremely low
tire inflation pressure, or on a flat tire, or a
damaged wheel.
Do not drive the vehicle under such
circumstances.
Contact the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for assistance or call roadside
assistance.
XDo not remove any foreign objects which
have penetrated the tire, e.g. screws or
nails.
XRemove the TIREFIT kit, the accompanying
"max. 80 km/h" sticker and the electric air
pump from the stowage well underneath
the trunk floor (Y page 294).
XAffix part : of the sticker within the
driver's field of vision.
XAffix part ; of the sticker near the valve
on the wheel with the defective tire.
GWarning!
Take care not to allow the contents of TIREFIT
to come in contact with hair, eyes or clothing.
RIf TIREFIT comes into contact with your
eyes or skin, immediately rinse thoroughly
with clean water.
RChange out of clothing which has come into
contact with TIREFIT immediately.
RIn case of allergic reaction or rash, consult
a physician immediately.
Keep TIREFIT away from children.
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