traction control 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
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Customer Relations Department ....... 22
D
Dashboard see Cockpit
Date (on-board computer) ................ 206
Daytime driving lights Display message ............................ 223
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 206
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 207
Interior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 208
Diesel particle filter .......................... 169
Digital speedometer Displaying ...................................... 202
Setting the unit (on-board
computer) ...................................... 205
DIRECT SELECT lever
see Automatic transmission
Display (cleaning instructions) ........ 287
Display messages Brakes ........................................... 219
Calling up (on-board computer) .....213
Clearing (on-board computer) ........213
Driving systems ............................. 228
Engine ............................................ 224
Lamps ............................................ 224
Safety systems .............................. 214
Service interval display ..................282
Tires ............................................... 230
Vehicle ........................................... 233
Distance recorder ............................. 202
Distance warning function
(vehicles with DISTRONIC) ................. 70
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 210
Distance warning lamp ..................... 243
DISTRONIC ......................................... 175
Display message ............................ 229
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 180
Driving tips .................................... 181
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 179
Warning lamp ................................. 243
Door
Automatic locking ............................ 81
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 208
Display message ............................ 234
Emergency locking ........................... 82
Emergency unlocking .......................82
Opening (from inside) ......................81
Door control panel
Overview .......................................... 33
Doors
Important safety notes ....................80
Drinking and driving ......................... 169
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 158
Driving abroad ................................... 173
Driving on flooded roads .................. 172
Driving safety system EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) ..................................... 70
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 68
Important safety information ...........67
Driving safety systems
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) ...69
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......67
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............68
Distance warning system
(vehicles with DISTRONIC) ...............70
Overview .......................................... 67
Driving systems
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 191
Cruise control ................................ 173
DISTRONIC .................................... 175
Level control .................................. 183
PARKTRONIC ................................. 186
Rear axle level control ...................182
Rear view camera .......................... 189
Driving tips ........................................ 157
DISTRONIC .................................... 181
Downhill gradients .........................170
Driving on flooded roads ................172Index7BA 251 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-16T14:31:55+02:00 - Seite 7

GWarning
Never switch off the ESP®
when you see the
d warning lamp flashing in the instrument
cluster. In this case proceed as follows:
R When 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 ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Only operate the vehicle for a maximum
of ten seconds on a brake test
dynamometer. Switch off the ignition.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Function or performance tests may only
be performed on a 2-axle dynamometer. If
you wish to operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
beforehand. You could otherwise damage
the drive train or the brake system.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
GWarning
Observe "Important safety instructions"
( Y page 67).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side. In addition, more drive torque is
transferred to the wheel or wheels with
traction.
Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®GWarning
The ESP
®
should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP ®
when a spare
wheel is mounted.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is running.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
GWarning!
Activate ESP ®
as soon as the situations
described above no longer apply. ESP ®
will
otherwise not be able to stabilize the vehicle
if the vehicle starts to skid or a wheel starts
to spin.
When you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R the engine's torque is no longer limited and
the drive wheels can spin. The spinning of
the wheels results in a cutting action, which
provides better grip.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the d warning lamp in the
instrument cluster flashes. In such situations,
ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
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GWarning
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Driving abroad
An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network
is also available in other countries. The
Service Hotline's current telephone numbers
for use when you are abroad are to be found
in the "Service24h" section of the Service
Booklet.
Driving systems
Cruise control
Important safety guidelines
Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden or towing a trailer, you must
select shift range 1, 2 or 3 in good time. By
doing so, you will make use of the braking
effect of the engine, which relieves the load
on the brake system and prevents the brakes
from overheating and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
GWarning
The cruise control is a convenience system
designed to assist the driver during vehicle
operation. The driver is and must always
remain responsible for the vehicle's speed
and for safe brake operation.
Only use the cruise control if the road, traffic,
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy
traffic because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid
changes in tire traction can result in wheel
spin and loss of control.
R Deactivate the cruise control when driving
in fog.
The "Resume" function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed.GWarning
When cruise control brakes, the brake pedal
is pulled back (i.e. operated automatically).
The area around the pedal must not be
blocked by obstacles:
R Do not place any objects in the footwell.
R Ensure that floormats and carpets are fixed
securely. In particular, do not place several
floormats on top of one another.
R Do not place your foot under the brake
pedal, as it could become trapped.
Non-compliance could lead you to cause an
accident in which you and/or others could be
seriously injured.
Cruise control lever
:To store the current speed or a higher
speed;To store the current speed or a lower
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If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC
operates in the same way as cruise control in
the speed range between 20 mph
( 30 km/h) and 120 mph (200 km/h). If there
is a vehicle in front, DISTRONIC operates in
the speed range between 0 mph (0 km/h) and
120 mph (200 km/h).
Do not use DISTRONIC while driving on roads
with steep gradients.GWarning
DISTRONIC distance control is not a
substitute for the driver's active involvement.
It does not react to pedestrians or stationary
objects and cannot detect or predict the
road's course and the movements of the
vehicles in front.
DISTRONIC can only brake using 40% of the
vehicle's maximum possible braking force.
The driver must always pay attention to road,
weather and traffic conditions. He must steer,
brake and drive the vehicle so that he
maintains control over it.
High-frequency sources such as toll stations,
velocity measurement systems, etc. may
cause DISTRONIC to malfunction.
GWarning!
The Distronic cannot take road and traffic
conditions into account. Only use the
Distronic if the road, weather and traffic
conditions make it advisable to travel at a
constant speed.
GWarning!
Use of the Distronic can be dangerous on
slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire traction
can result in wheel spin and loss of control.
The Distronic does not function in adverse
sight and distance conditions. Do not use the
Distronic during conditions of fog, heavy rain,
snow or sleet.
GWarning!
The Distronic cannot take weather conditions
into account. Switch off the Distronic or do
not switch it on if:
R roads are slippery or covered with snow or
ice. The wheels could lose traction while
braking or accelerating, and the vehicle
could skid.
R the Distronic system sensor cover is dirty
or visibility is diminished due to snow, rain
or fog, for example. The distance control
system functionality could be impaired.
Always pay attention to surrounding traffic
conditions even while the Distronic is
switched on. Otherwise, you may not be able
to recognize dangerous situations until it is
too late. This could cause an accident in which
you and/or others could be injured.
GWarning!
The "Resume" function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed.
GWarning!
Close attention to road and traffic conditions
is imperative at all times, regardless of
whether or not the Distronic is activated.
Use of the Distronic can be dangerous on
winding roads or in heavy traffic because
conditions do not allow safe driving at a
constant speed.
The Distronic will not react to stationary
objects in the roadway (e.g. a stopped vehicle
in a traffic jam or a disabled vehicle). The
Distronic will also not respond to oncoming
vehicles.
176Driving systemsDriving and parking
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
! d
The red brake warning
lamp, the yellow ESP ®
and ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps and the yellow
ABS warning lamp are
lit while the engine is
running. A warning tone
also sounds.GRisk of accident
EBD is faulty. Therefore, ABS, BAS, PRE-SAFE ®
, hill start assist and
ESP ®
trailer stabilization are also not available due to a
malfunction.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.d
The yellow ESP ®
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion.GRisk of accident
ESP ®
or traction control has intervened because there is a risk of
skidding or at least one wheel has started to spin.
Cruise control or DISTRONIC is deactivated.
XOnly depress the accelerator pedal as far down as necessary
when pulling away.XRelease the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is in motion.XAdapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.XDo not deactivate ESP ®
.
Exceptions: ( Y page 68).d
The yellow ESP ®
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion.At least one wheel is spinning and ETS (Electronic Traction
System) is deactivated to prevent the brakes on the drive wheels
from overheating.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
ETS switches back on again as soon as the brakes have cooled
down.
The display message disappears and the d warning lamp goes
out.
240Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays
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Directives to be observed
R Only mount tires and wheels of the same
type and make.
R Only mount tires of the correct size onto
the wheels.
R After mounting new tires, run them in at
moderate speeds for the first 60 miles
(100 km) as they only reach their full
performance after this distance.
R Do not use tires until they are excessively
worn as the tire traction on wet road
surfaces decreases significantly when the
tread depth is less than 1
/ 8 in (3 mm).
R If the vehicle is heavily laden, check the tire
pressure and adjust it if necessary.
R When parking your vehicle, make sure that
the tires do not get deformed by the curb
or other obstacles. If it is necessary to drive
over curbs, speed humps or similar
elevations, try to do so slowly and at an
obtuse angle. Otherwise, the tires,
particularly the sidewalls, can get
damaged.
Maintenance and care of wheels and
tires
Checking wheels and tires
GWarning
Regularly check the tires for damage.
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
R Regularly check the wheels and tires of
your vehicle for damage (e.g. cuts,
punctures, tears, bulges on tires and
deformation or severe corrosion on
wheels), at least once a month, as well as
after driving off-road or on rough roads.
Damaged wheels can cause a loss of tire
pressure.
R Regularly check the tire tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the whole
width of the tire (Y page 321). If necessary,
turn the front wheels to full lock in order to
inspect the inner side of the tire surface.
R All wheels must have a valve cap to protect
the valve against dirt and moisture. Do not
install anything on the valve (such as tire
pressure monitoring systems) other than
the standard valve cap or other valve caps
approved by Mercedes-Benz for your
vehicle.
R Regularly check the pressure of all the tires
including the emergency spare wheel or the
spare wheel, particularly prior to long trips,
and correct the pressure as necessary
( Y page 322).
Service life of tires
The service life of tires depends on the
following factors amongst other things:
R driving style
R tire pressure
R mileage
Replace the tires after six years at the latest,
regardless of wear. This also applies to the
emergency spare wheel/spare wheel.
Tire tread
GWarning
Although the applicable federal motor vehicle
safety laws consider a tire to be worn when
the tread wear indicators (TWI) become
visible at approximately 1
/ 16 in (1.6 mm), we
recommend that you do not allow your tires
to wear down to that level. As tread depth
approaches 1
/ 8 in (3 mm), the adhesion
properties on a wet road are sharply reduced.
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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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For further information on the load bearing
index, see load index ( Y page 339).
Speed index: speed index B specifies the
approved maximum speed of the tire.GWarning
Even when permitted by law, never operate a
vehicle at speeds greater than the maximum
speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which tires
are rated can lead to sudden tire failure,
causing loss of vehicle control and possibly
resulting in an accident and/or serious
personal injury and possible death, for you
and for others.
Regardless of the speed index always observe
the speed limits. Drive carefully and adapt
your driving style to the traffic conditions.
Summer tiresIndexSpeed ratingQup to 100 mph (160 km/h)Rup to 106 mph (170 km/h)Sup to 112 mph (180 km/h)Tup to 118 mph (190 km/h)Hup to 130 mph (210 km/h)Vup to 149 mph (240 km/h)Wup to 168 mph (270 km/h)Yup to 186 mph (300 km/h)ZR...Yup to 186 mph (300 km/h)ZR...(..Y)above 186 mph (300 km/h)ZRabove 149 mph (240 km/h)
R Optionally, tires with a maximum speed of
over 149 mph (240 km/h) may have "ZR"
in the size description depending on the
manufacturer (e.g. 245/40 ZR 18).
The service specifications consists of load
bearing index A and speed index B.
R If the size description of your tire includes
"ZR" and there are no service
specifications, ask the tire manufacturer in
order to find out the maximum speed.
If a service specification is available, the
maximum speed is limited according to the
speed index in the service specification.
Example: 245/40 ZR18 97 Y. In this
example, "97Y" is the service specification.
The letter "Y" represents the speed index
and the maximum speed of the tire is
limited to 186 mph (300 km/h).
R Every tire that has a maximum speed above
186 mph (300 km/h) must have "ZR" in the
size description and the service
specification must be given in brackets.
Example: 275/40 ZR 18 (99 Y). The speed
index "(Y)" shows that the maximum speed
of the tire is above 186 mph (300 km/h).
Ask the tire manufacturer to find out the
maximum speed.All-weather tires and winter tiresIndexSpeed ratingQ M+S 43up to 100 mph (160 km/h)T M+S43up to 118 mph (190 km/h)H M+S 43up to 130 mph (210 km/h)V M+S43up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
i
Not all tires that have the M+S
identification offer the driving
characteristics of winter tires. Winter tires
have, in addition to the M+S identification,
the i snow flake symbol on the tire
sidewall. Tires with this identification fulfill
the requirements of the Rubber
Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the
Rubber Association of Canada (RAC)
regarding the tire traction on snow and
43 or M+S i for winter tires.338Tire labelingTires and wheels
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Maximum load on one tire
Maximum load on one tire. This is calculated
by dividing the maximum axle load of one axle
by two.
PSI (pounds per square inch)
Standard unit of measurement for tire
pressure.
Aspect ratio
Relationship between tire height and tire
width in percent.
Tire pressure
Pressure inside the tire applying an outward
force to every square inch of the tire's
surface. The tire pressure is specified in
pounds per square inch (psi), in kilopascal
(kPa) or in bar. The tire pressure should only
be corrected when the tires are cold. For this,
the vehicle must have been stationary for at
least three hours or not have traveled more
than 1.6 km (1 mile) in this time.
Tire tread
The part of the tire that comes into contact
with the road.
Tire bead
The tire bead contains steel wire which is
bound by steel cords that hold the tire on the
wheel rim.
Sidewall
The part of the tire between the tread and the
tire bead.
Weight of optional extras
The combined weight of those optional extras
that weigh more than the replaced standard
part and more than 2.3 kilograms (5 lbs).
These optional extras, such as high-
performance brakes, level control, a roof rack
or a high-performance battery, are not
included in the unladen weight and the weight
of the accessories.
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
A unique identification number which can be
used by a tire manufacturer to identify tires,
for example for a product recall, and thus
identify the purchasers. The TIN is made up
of the manufacturer's identity code, tire size,
tire type code and the manufacturing date.
Load bearing index
The load bearing index (also load index) is a
code that contains the maximum load bearing
capacity of a tire.
Traction
Traction is the result of friction between the
tires and the road surface.
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight)
The TWR is the maximum permissible weight
that the ball coupling of the trailer tow hitch
can support.
Wear indicator
Narrow bars (tread wear bars) that are
distributed over the tire tread. If the tire tread
is level with the bars, the wear limit of 1
/ 16 in
(1.6 mm) has been reached.
342Definitions for tires and loadingTires and wheels
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