MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class 2012 W251 Owner's Manual

Rear overhead control panel (second row of seats)
:Switches the reading lamp on/off
Rear overhead control panel (third row of seats)
:p Switches the left-hand reading lamp
on/off;p Switches the right-hand reading
lamp on/off
Interior lighting control
Important notes
In order to prevent the vehicle's battery from
discharging, the interior lighting functions are
automatically deactivated after some time
except for when the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.
Automatic interior lighting control
XTo switch on/off: press the | button.
When the automatic interior lighting
control is activated, the button is flush with
the overhead control panel.The interior lighting automatically switches
on if you:
R unlock the vehicle
R open a door
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
The interior light is activated for a short while
when the SmartKey is removed from the
ignition lock. You can activate this delayed
switch-off using the on-board computer
( Y page 208).
Manual interior lighting controlXTo switch the front interior lighting on/
off: press the c button.XTo switch the rear interior lighting on/
off: press the v button.XTo switch the reading lamps on/off:
press the p button.
Crash-responsive emergency lighting
The interior lighting is activated automatically
if the vehicle is involved in an accident.
XTo switch off the crash-responsive
emergency lighting: press the hazard
warning lamp button.
or
XLock and then unlock the vehicle using the
key.
Replacing bulbs
Important safety notes
Xenon bulbs
If your vehicle is equipped with Xenon bulbs,
you can recognize this by the following: the
cone of light from the Xenon bulbs moves
from the top to the bottom and back again
when you start the engine. For this to be
observed, the lights must be switched on
before starting the engine.
Replacing bulbs119Lights and windshield wipersZ

GDANGER
Xenon bulbs carry a high voltage. You could
get an electric shock and be seriously or even
fatally injured if you touch the electric
contacts on Xenon bulbs. Therefore, never
remove the cover from Xenon bulbs.
Do not change Xenon bulbs yourself, but have
them replaced at a qualified specialist
workshop which has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this
purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly.
Other bulbs
There are bulbs other than the Xenon bulbs
that you cannot replace. Replace only the
bulbs listed (Y page 120). Have the bulbs that
you cannot replace yourself changed at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this
purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
If you require assistance changing bulbs,
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Do not touch the glass tube of new bulbs with
your bare hands. Even minor contamination
can burn into the glass surface and reduce
the service life of the bulbs. Always use a lint-
free cloth or only touch the base of the bulb
when installing.
Only use bulbs of the correct type.
If the new bulb still does not light up, consult
a qualified specialist workshop.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly.GWARNING
Bulbs and lamps can be very hot. You should
therefore allow them to cool down before you
change them. Otherwise, you could be burned
if you touch them.
Keep bulbs out of the reach of children.
Otherwise, they could damage the bulbs, for
example, and injure themselves.
Never use a bulb which has been dropped.
Such a bulb may break or even explode and
injure you.
Halogen bulbs are pressurized and can
explode when you change them, particularly
if they are very hot. You should therefore wear
eye protection and gloves when you are
changing them.
Overview: changing bulbs/bulb types
You can change the following bulbs. The bulb
type can be found in the legend.
Halogen headlamps
:High-beam headlamp: H7 55 W;Parking lamp/standing lamp: W 5 W BV=Turn signal lamp: WY 5 W?Low-beam headlamp: H7 55 WASide marker lamp: WY 5 W120Replacing bulbsLights and windshield wipers

Bi-Xenon headlamps
:Side marker lamp: WY 5 W;Turn signal lamp: WY 5 W=Parking lamp/standing lamp: W 5 W BV
Tail lamp
:Backup lamp: W 16 W
License plate lamp
:License plate lamp: C 5 WChanging the front bulbs
Removing and installing the cover in the
front wheel arch
You must remove the cover from the front
wheel housing before you can change the
front bulbs.
XTo remove: switch off the lights.XTurn the front wheels inwards.XTurn rotary catch : 90° counter-
clockwise.XPull away the cover and lift it off.XTo install: re-insert the cover.XTurn rotary catch : 90° clockwise.
Low-beam headlamps (halogen
headlamps)
XRemove the cover in the front wheel arch
( Y page 121).XTurn housing cover : counter-clockwise
and pull it out.Replacing bulbs121Lights and windshield wipersZ

XTurn bulb holder ; counter-clockwise and
pull it out.XTake the bulb out of bulb holder ;.XInsert the new bulb into bulb holder ;.XInsert bulb holder ; into the lamp and turn
it clockwise.XAlign housing cover : and turn it
clockwise until it engages.XReplace the cover in the front wheel arch
( Y page 121).
High-beam headlamps (halogen
headlamps)
XRemove the cover in the front wheel arch
( Y page 121).XTurn housing cover : counter-clockwise
and pull it out.XTurn bulb holder ; counter-clockwise and
pull it out.XTake the bulb out of bulb holder ;.XInsert the new bulb into bulb holder ;.XInsert bulb holder ; into the lamp and turn
it clockwise.XAlign housing cover : and turn it
clockwise until it engages.XReplace the cover in the front wheel arch
( Y page 121).Parking lamp/standing lampXRemove the cover in the front wheel arch
( Y page 121).XTurn housing cover : counter-clockwise
and pull it out.XPull out bulb holder ;.XTake the bulb out of bulb holder ;.XInsert the new bulb into bulb holder ;.XInsert bulb holder ;.XAlign housing cover : and turn it
clockwise until it engages.XReplace the cover in the front wheel arch
( Y page 121).
Turn signals
XRemove the cover in the front wheel arch
( Y page 121).XPull out bulb holder :.XTake the bulb out of bulb holder :.XInsert the new bulb into bulb holder :.122Replacing bulbsLights and windshield wipers

XInsert bulb holder :.XReplace the cover in the front wheel arch
( Y page 121).
Side marker lamp
XRemove the cover in the front wheel arch
( Y page 121).XTurn housing cover : counter-clockwise
and pull it out.XPull out bulb holder ;.XTake the bulb out of bulb holder ;.XInsert the new bulb into bulb holder ;.XInsert bulb holder ;.XAlign housing cover : and turn it
clockwise.XInstall the cover in the front wheel arch
( Y page 121).
Changing the rear bulbs
Opening and closing the side trim
panels
You must open the side trim panel in the
cargo compartment before you can change
the bulbs in the backup lamp.
Left-hand side trim panel
Right-hand side trim panel
XTo open: insert a suitable object, e.g. a
coin, into the slot of release knob : on
side trim panel ;.XTurn release knob : 90° in the direction
of the arrow and remove side trim
panel ;.XTo close: insert side trim panel ; and turn
release knob : 90° in the opposite
direction to the arrow.
Backup lamp
XSwitch off the lights.XOpen the cargo compartment.XOpen the side trim panel ( Y page 123).Replacing bulbs123Lights and windshield wipersZ

:Backup lampXTurn the bulb holder counter-clockwise and
remove it.XRemove the bulb from the bulb holder.XInsert the new bulb into the bulb holder.XInsert the bulb holder and turn it clockwise.XClose the side trim panel ( Y page 123).
License plate lamps
XSwitch off the lights.XOpen the tailgate.XRemove screws :.XRemove the license plate lamp.XReplace the bulb.XInsert the license plate lamp.XReplace and tighten screws :.Windshield wipers
Switching the windshield wipers on/
off
GWARNING
Wiper blades are components that are subject
to wear and tear. Replace the wiper blades
twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall.
Otherwise the windows will not be wiped
properly. As a result, you may not be able to
observe surrounding traffic conditions and
could cause an accident.
! Do not operate the windshield wipers
when the windshield is dry, as this could
damage the wiper blades. Moreover, dust
that has collected on the windshield can
scratch the glass if wiping takes place when
the windshield is dry.
! If the windshield wipers leave smears on
the windshield after the vehicle has been
washed in an automatic car wash, wax or
other residues may be the reason for this.
Clean the windshield using washer fluid
after washing the vehicle in an automatic
car wash.
Combination switch
1$ Windshield wipers off2Ä Intermittent wipe, low 113Å
Intermittent wipe, high 124°
Continuous wipe, slow11
Rain sensor set to low sensitivity.
12 Rain sensor set to high sensitivity.124Windshield wipersLights and windshield wipers

5¯ Continuous wipe, fastBí Single wipe/ î To wipe the
windshield using washer fluidXSwitch on the ignition.XTurn the combination switch to the
corresponding position.
! Intermittent wiping with rain sensor: due
to optical influences and the windshield
becoming dirty in dry weather conditions,
the windshield wipers may be activated
inadvertently. This could then damage the
windshield wiper blades or scratch the
windshield.
For this reason, you should always switch
off the windshield wipers in dry weather.
In the Ä or Å position, the appropriate
wiping frequency is set automatically
according to the intensity of the rain. In
the Å position, the rain sensor is more
sensitive than in the Ä position, causing
the windshield wipers to wipe more
frequently.
Switching the rear window wiper on/
off
Combination switch
:è Switch2ô To wipe with washer fluid3I To switch on intermittent wiping40 To switch off intermittent wiping5ô To wipe with washer fluidXTurn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in the
ignition lock.XTurn switch : on the combination switch
to the corresponding position.
When the rear window wiper is switched on,
the icon appears in the instrument cluster.
Replacing the wiper blades
Important safety notes
GWARNING
For safety reasons, switch off the windshield
wipers and remove the key from the ignition
lock before changing the wiper blades
(vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: make sure that
the on-board electronics are in state 0).
Otherwise, the wiper motor could be switched
on suddenly and cause injury.
! To avoid damaging the wiper blades,
make sure that you touch only the wiper
arm of the wiper.
! Never open the hood if a windshield wiper
arm has been folded away from the
windshield.
Never fold a windshield wiper arm without
a wiper blade back onto the windshield/
rear window.
Hold the windshield wiper arm firmly when
you change the wiper blade. If you release
the windshield wiper arm without a wiper
blade and it falls onto the windshield, the
windshield may be damaged by the force of
the impact.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have
the wiper blades replaced by a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Windshield wipers125Lights and windshield wipersZ

Replacing the windshield wiper blades
Removing the wiper blades
XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.XFold the wiper arm away from the
windshield.XPress both release clips ;.XFold wiper blade : in the direction of
arrow = away from wiper arm ?.XRemove wiper blade : in the direction of
arrow A.
Installing the wiper blades
XPosition the new wiper blade : with
recess B on lug A.XFold wiper blade : in the direction of
arrow = onto the wiper arm, until retaining
clips ; engage in bracket ?.XMake sure that wiper blade : is seated
correctly.XFold the wiper arm back onto the
windshield.Replacing the rear window wiper blade
Removing the wiper blade
XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.XFold wiper arm : away from the rear
window until it engages.XPosition wiper blade ; at a right angle to
wiper arm :.XHold wiper arm : and press wiper
blade ; in the direction of the arrow until
it releases.XRemove wiper blade ;.
Installing the wiper blade
XPlace new wiper blade ; onto wiper
arm :.XHold wiper arm : and press wiper
blade ; in the opposite direction to the
arrow until it engages.XMake sure that wiper blade ; is seated
correctly.XPosition wiper blade ; parallel to wiper
arm :.XFold wiper arm : back onto the rear
window.
Problems with the windshield wipers
The windshield wipers are obstructed
Leaves or snow, for example, may be
obstructing the windshield wiper movement.
The wiper motor has been deactivated.
126Windshield wipersLights and windshield wipers

XFor safety reasons, you should remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock.
or
XSwitch off the engine using the Start/Stop
button and open the driver's door.XRemove the cause of the obstruction.XSwitch the windshield wipers back on.
The windshield wipers are inoperative
The windshield wiper drive is malfunctioning.
XSelect another wiper speed on the
combination switch.XHave the windshield wipers checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
The spray nozzles are misaligned
The windshield washer fluid from the spray
nozzles no longer hits the center of the
windshield. The spray nozzles are misaligned.
XHave the spray nozzles adjusted at a
qualified specialist workshop.Windshield wipers127Lights and windshield wipersZ

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