Lights MERCEDES-BENZ R-Class 2012 W251 Owner's Guide

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 24).
Exterior lighting
Important safety notes
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you drive with the lights
switched on even during the daytime. In some
countries, operation of the headlamps varies
due to legal requirements and self-imposed
obligations.
Information about driving abroad
Converting to symmetrical low beam
when driving abroad: switch the headlamps
to symmetrical low beam in countries in
which traffic drives on the opposite side of the
road to the country where the vehicle is
registered. This prevents glare to oncoming
traffic. Symmetrical lights do not illuminate
as large an area of the edge of the road.
Have the headlamps converted at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, as close to the border
as possible before driving in these countries.
Converting to asymmetrical low beam
after returning: have the headlamps
converted back to asymmetrical low beam at
a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, as soon as
possible after crossing the border again.
Light switch
Operation1 WLeft-hand standing lamps2XRight-hand standing lamps3$Lights off/daytime running lamps4ÃAutomatic headlamp mode/daytime
running lamps5 TParking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting6 LLow-beam/high-beam headlamps7RVehicles without front fog lamps:
rear fog lamp7 NVehicles with front fog lamps: front
fog lamp8 RVehicles with front fog lamps: rear
fog lamp
The turn signals, high-beam headlamps and
the high-beam flasher are operated using the
combination switch ( Y page 117).
! Switch off the parking lamps and standing
lamps when you leave the vehicle. This
prevents the battery from discharging.
The exterior lighting (except the parking/
standing lamps) switches off automatically if
you:
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
R open the driver's door with the SmartKey
in position 0
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
114Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

XTurn the light switch to $ or à .
or
XIf the rear fog lamp is switched on: press
the light switch in to the stop.
Low-beam headlamps
XTo switch on the low-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L.
The L indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.XTo switch off the low-beam
headlamps: turn the light switch to $.
Daytime running lamps
Daytime running lamps in Canada
The "daytime running lamps" function is
required by law in Canada. It cannot therefore
be deactivated.
XTurn the light switch to $ or à .
With the engine running: depending on the
ambient light, the daytime running lamps or
the low-beam headlamps are switched on.
When the low-beam headlamps are
activated, the T indicator lamp on the
light switch and the L indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster light up.
If the light switch is set to $ or à , you
cannot activate the high-beam headlamps.
Turn the light switch to L when driving at
night. You can switch on the high-beam
headlamps in this position.
When the engine is running and the vehicle is
stationary: if you move the selector lever from
a driving position to N or P, the low-beam
headlamps go out after three minutes.
When the engine is running and the vehicle is
stationary: if you turn the light switch
to T , the parking lamps and the low-beam
headlamps are switched on.
Daytime running lamps in the USA
In the USA, the daytime running lamps are
deactivated upon delivery from the factory.XTo activate the daytime running
lamps: activate the daytime running lamps
function in the on-board computer
( Y page 206).XTurn the light switch to $ or à .
With the engine running: the low-beam
headlamps are switched on. The T
indicator lamp on the light switch and the
L indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster light up.
It is only possible to activate the high-beam
headlamps if the brightness of the ambient
light is at a low level.
However, the high-beam flasher can always
be used.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to T or L , the manual settings
take precedence over the daytime running
lamps.
Automatic headlamp mode
XTo switch on automatic headlamp
mode: turn the light switch to Ã.
SmartKey in position 1 in the ignition lock:
the parking lamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light.
With the engine running: depending on the
brightness of the ambient light, the daytime
running lamps 10
or the low-beam
headlamps are switched on or off
automatically.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.GWARNING
If the light switch is set to Ã, the low-beam
headlamps will not come on automatically if
it is foggy. This could endanger you and
10 Only if daytime running lamps have been activated via the on-board computer.Exterior lighting115Lights and windshield wipersZ

others. Therefore, turn the light switch to
L in fog.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The driver is responsible for the vehicle's
lighting at all times.GWARNING
In low ambient lighting or foggy conditions,
only switch from position à to L with
the vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching from à to L will briefly
switch off the headlamps. Doing so while
driving in low ambient lighting conditions may
result in an accident.
Front fog lamps and rear fog lamp
Front fog lamps
Only vehicles with front fog lamps have the
"fog lamps" function.
GWARNING
If you suspect that driving conditions will be
foggy, turn the light switch to L before you
start your journey. Otherwise, your vehicle
may not be visible and you could endanger
yourself and others.
GWARNING
In low ambient lighting or foggy conditions,
only switch from position à to L with
the vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching from à to L will briefly
switch off the headlamps. Doing so while
driving in low ambient lighting conditions may
result in an accident.
XTo switch on the front fog lamps: turn
the SmartKey in the ignition lock to position
2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L or T . If the
light switch is set to Ã, you cannot
switch on the fog lamps.XPull the light switch out to the first detent.
The green N indicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.XTo switch off the front fog lamps: press
the light switch in as far as it will go.
The green N indicator lamp on the light
switch goes out.
Rear fog lamp
XTo switch on (vehicles with front fog
lamps): turn the SmartKey in the ignition
lock to position 2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L or T . When
the light switch is set to Ã, you cannot
switch on the rear fog lamp.XTurn the light switch to L. When the
light switch is set to T, you cannot
switch on the rear fog lamp.XPull the light switch out to the second stop.
The yellow R indicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.XTo switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
light switch in as far as it will go.
The yellow R indicator lamp on the light
switch goes out.XTo switch on (vehicles without front fog
lamps): turn the SmartKey in the ignition
lock to position 2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L. When the
light switch is set to Ã, you cannot
switch on the rear fog lamp.XTurn the light switch to L. When the
light switch is set to c, you cannot
switch on the rear fog lamp.XPull the light switch out to the stop.
The yellow R indicator lamp on the light
switch lights up.XPull the light switch out to the stop.
The yellow R indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.116Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

XTo switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
light switch in as far as it will go.
The yellow R indicator lamp on the light
switch goes out.XTo switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
light switch in as far as it will go.
The yellow R indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated ten times while the lights are on and
the engine is running (Y page 124). When you
switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning system is reset and
counting is resumed from 0.
Combination switch
Turn signals
:High-beam headlamps;Right turn signal=High-beam flasher?Left turn signalXTo indicate briefly: press the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow ; or ?.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.XTo indicate: press the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction
of arrow ; or ?.High-beam headlampsXTo switch on the high-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L.XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of
arrow :.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.XTo switch off the high-beam
headlamps: move the combination switch
back to its normal position.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
High-beam flasher
XTo switch on: turn the SmartKey in the
ignition lock to position 1 or 2 or start the
engine.XPull the combination switch in the direction
of arrow =.
Hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on if:
R an air bag is deployed.
R the vehicle is slowed down severely from a
speed of over 45 mph (70 km/h) and comes
to a halt.
Exterior lighting117Lights and windshield wipersZ

XTo switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button :.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn signal using the combination switch,
only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.XTo switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button :.
The hazard warning lamps are deactivated
automatically if the vehicle returns to a speed
of over 6 mph(10 km/h) after a full
application of the brakes.
i The hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off.
Headlamps fogged up on the inside
The headlamps may fog up on the inside if
there is high atmospheric humidity.
XDrive with the headlamps switched on.
The level of moisture diminishes,
depending on the length of the journey and
the weather conditions (humidity and
temperature).
If the level of moisture does not diminish:
XHave the headlamps checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.Interior lighting
Overview of interior lighting
Front overhead control panel
:p Switches the left-hand front reading
lamp on/off;v Switches the rear interior lighting
on/off=| Switches the automatic interior
lighting control on/off?c Switches the front interior lighting
on/offAp Switches the right-hand front
reading lamp on/offBFront interior lightingCFront reading lampsDFront interior lighting118Interior lightingLights and windshield wipers

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