trailer tow 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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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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Towing a trailer .............................. 193
Wet road surface ........................... 170
Winter ............................................ 172
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 203
E
EASY-ENTRY feature ......................... 110
3rd row of seats ............................. 105
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 209
EASY-EXIT feature ............................. 110
3rd row of seats ............................. 105
Crash-responsive ........................... 111
EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) Display message ............................ 220
Function/notes ................................ 70
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic Brake-force
Distribution) see EBD
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®

Electronic Traction Support
see 4ETS
Emergency call
see mbrace
Emergency release
Fuel filler flap ................................. 162
Vehicle ............................................. 82
Emergency running mode
Automatic transmission .................160
Emergency spare wheel
Storage location ............................ 295
Stowing .......................................... 295
Emergency tensioning device
Function ........................................... 58
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....19
Engine
Irregular running ............................ 154
Starting problems ..........................154
Starting the engine with the key ....150
Starting with KEYLESS GO .............151
Switching off .................................. 152
Warning lamp (engine
diagnostics) ................................... 242
Engine electronics
Malfunction .................................... 154
Engine emergency stop .................... 317
Engine number .................................. 350
Engine oil Adding ........................................... 280
Checking the oil level ..................... 279
Display message ............................ 226
Lubricant additives ........................355
Notes about oil grades ................... 354
Viscosity ........................................ 355
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) Activating/deactivating ...................69
Display message ............................ 214
Important safety information ...........68
Trailer stabilization ........................... 70
Warning lamp ................................. 240
Exhaust check ................................... 169
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 287
Exterior lighting see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 112
Dipping (automatic) .......................113
Folding in/out (automatically) .......112
Folding in/out (electrically) ...........112
Folding in when locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Out of position ............................... 113
Setting ........................................... 112
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 114
Storing the parking position ..........113
Exterior view ........................................ 26
F
Filling capacity see Technical data
First-aid kit ......................................... 293
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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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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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Vehicle equipment ............................148
Notes on breaking-in a new vehicle 148
Driving ............................................... 148
Automatic transmission ...................155
Refueling ............................................ 160
Parking ............................................... 167
Driving tips ........................................ 168
Driving systems ................................ 173
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transmission into park position P. Otherwise
the vehicle could roll away which could result
in an accident and/or serious personal injury.
Trailer towing XWhen towing a trailer and driving downhill,
shift to a lower gear if the automatic
transmission constantly shifts between
two gears.XEngaging a lower gear and reducing the
speed reduces the risk of the engine
overheating.
Program selector button
Program selector button
E EconomyComfortable, economical
drivingS SportSporty driving style
i
For further information on "Drive
program" ( Y page 158).
XPress program selector button :
repeatedly until the letter for the desired
gearshift program appears in the
multifunction display.Steering wheel paddle shifters:Left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter;Right-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
You can restrict or derestrict the shift range
by using the steering wheel paddle shifters.
Automatic drive program
Drive program E is characterized by the
following:
R the vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears, unless the
accelerator pedal is depressed fully
R increased sensitivity; this improves driving
stability on slippery road surfaces, for
example.
R the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner, which results in the vehicle being
driven at lower engine speeds and the
wheels being less likely to spin
In drive program S, the automatic
transmission shifts up later.
Shift ranges
Introduction
When the automatic transmission is in
position D, it is possible to restrict or
derestrict the shift range ( Y page 158).
The shift range selected is shown in the
multifunction display. The automatic
transmission shifts only as far as the selected
gear.
158Automatic transmissionDriving and parking
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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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Setting in 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h)
incrementsXBriefly press the cruise control lever
beyond the pressure point, up : for a
higher speed or down ; for a lower speed.
The last speed stored is increased or
reduced.
Deactivating cruise control
There are several ways to deactivate cruise
control:
XBriefly press the cruise control lever
forwards =.
or
XBrake.
Cruise control is automatically deactivated if:
R you depress the parking brake.
R you are driving below 20 mph (30 km/h).
R ESP ®
intervenes or you deactivate ESP ®
.
R you shift the transmission to position N
while driving.
If cruise control is deactivated, you will hear
a warning tone. You will see the Cruise
control Off message in the multifunction
display for approximately five seconds.
i The last speed stored is cleared when you
switch off the engine.
DISTRONIC
Important safety guidelines
DISTRONIC regulates the speed and
automatically helps you maintain the
distance to the vehicle detected in front. 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.
If a slower-moving vehicle is detected in front,
DISTRONIC causes your vehicle to brake and
maintain the preset distance to the vehicle in
front.GWarning!
The Distronic requires familiarity with its
operational characteristics. We strongly
recommend that you review the following
information carefully before operating the
system.
GWarning
When DISTRONIC 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.
GWarning!
The Distronic is a convenience system. Its
speed adjustment reduction capability is
intended to make cruise control more
effective and usable when traffic speeds vary.
It is not however, intended to, nor does it,
replace the need for extreme care.
The responsibility for the vehicle’s speed,
distance to the preceding vehicle and, most
importantly, brake operation to ensure a safe
stopping distance, always remains with the
driver.
The Distronic cannot take street and traffic
conditions into account. Complex driving
situations are not always fully recognized by
the Distronic. This could result in wrong or
missing distance warnings.
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