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

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 268
12 V socket see Sockets
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) .... 66
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 214
Function/notes ................................ 65
Important safety notes ....................65
Warning lamp ................................. 240
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 135
Active service system PLUS see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
Adaptive Damping System (ADS) ..... 181
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 358
Adjusting the armrest (2nd row of
seats) .................................................. 102
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) ..... 181
Air bags Display message ............................ 220
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 42
Important safety notes ....................40
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Side impact air bag ..........................42
Window curtain air bag ....................43
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air filter (display message) .............. 228
AIRMATIC (display message) ............ 229
AIRMATIC package ............................ 180
Air pressure see Tire pressure
Air vents
Important safety notes ..................141
Rear ............................................... 142
Setting ........................................... 141
Setting the center air vents ...........141
Setting the side air vents ...............141
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Anti-lock Braking System
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Anti-theft system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........69
Ashtray ............................................... 265
ASSYST PLUS see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ...................69
Function ........................................... 69
Switching off the alarm ....................69
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 203
Audio system see separate operating instructions
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 225
see Lights
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 115
Automatic transmission Automatic drive program ...............154
Changing gear ............................... 152
DIRECT SELECT lever .....................150
Display message ............................ 234
Driving tips .................................... 153
Emergency running mode ..............156
Kickdown ....................................... 153
Problem (malfunction) ...................156
Program selector button ................153
Pulling away ................................... 147
Shift ranges ................................... 154
Starting the engine ........................146
Steering wheel paddle shifters ......153
Trailer towing ................................. 153
Transmission position display ........151
Transmission positions ..................152
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 1564Index

Coolant (engine)Checking the level .........................285
Display message ............................ 225
Notes ............................................. 359
Temperature gauge ........................ 202
Cooling
see Climate control
Crash-responsive emergency
lighting ............................................... 119
Cruise control Cruise control lever .......................171
Deactivating ................................... 172
Display message ............................ 230
Driving system ............................... 170
Function/notes ............................. 170
Important safety notes ..................170
LIM indicator lamp .........................171
Setting a speed .............................. 172
Storing and maintaining current
speed ............................................. 171
Cup holder
Center console .............................. 263
Important safety notes ..................262
second row of seats ....................... 263
Second row of seats (armrest) .......264
third row of seats ........................... 264
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 24
Customer Relations Department ....... 24
D
Dashboard see Cockpit
Date (on-board computer) ................ 206
Daytime running lamp mode see Daytime running lamps
Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 224
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 206
Switching on/off (switch) ..............115
DEF
Adding ........................................... 161
Display message ............................ 228
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 207
Interior lighting .............................. 208
Diesel particle filter .......................... 166
Digital speedometer Displaying ...................................... 202
Setting the unit (on-board
computer) ...................................... 205
DIRECT SELECT lever
see Automatic transmission
Display (cleaning instructions) ........ 292
Display messages Calling up (on-board computer) .....213
Driving systems ............................. 229
Engine ............................................ 225
General notes ................................ 213
Hiding (on-board computer) ...........213
Key ................................................ 236
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 236
Lights ............................................. 222
Safety systems .............................. 214
Service interval display ..................287
Tires ............................................... 231
Vehicle ........................................... 234
Distance recorder ............................. 202
see Odometer
see Trip odometer
Distance warning (warning lamp) .... 245
Distance warning function
(vehicles with DISTRONIC) Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 210
Notes ............................................... 68
DISTRONIC
Deactivating ................................... 178
Display message ............................ 230
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 178
Driving tips .................................... 179
Important safety notes ..................173
Notes/function .............................. 173
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 177
Warning lamp ................................. 245
Door
Central locking/unlocking (key) ......72
Control panel ................................... 35
Important safety notes ....................79Index7

DoorsAutomatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 208
Automatic locking (switch) ............... 80
Display message ............................ 235
Emergency locking ........................... 81
Emergency unlocking .......................81
Opening (from inside) ......................80
Drinking and driving ......................... 165
Drinks holder see Cup holders
Drive program (automatic) ............... 154
Driver's door see Doors
Driver's seat
see Seats
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................287
Symmetrical low beam ..................114
Driving on flooded roads .................. 168
Driving safety systems 4ETS (Electronic Traction System) ...66
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......65
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............65
Distance warning system
(vehicles with DISTRONIC) ...............68
Electronic brake force distribution ...68
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 66
Important safety information ...........64
Overview .......................................... 64
Driving systems
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 189
Cruise control ................................ 170
Display message ............................ 229
DISTRONIC .................................... 173
Level control .................................. 181
PARKTRONIC ................................. 184
Rear axle level control ...................180
Rear view camera .......................... 187
Driving tips
Automatic transmission .................153
Brakes ........................................... 166
Break-in period .............................. 144
DISTRONIC .................................... 179
Downhill gradient ........................... 166
Drinking and driving .......................165Driving abroad ............................... 114
Driving on flooded roads ................168
Driving on wet roads ......................168
Exhaust check ............................... 166
Fuel ................................................ 165
General .......................................... 165
Hydroplaning ................................. 168
Icy road surfaces ........................... 170
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 167
Pedals ............................................ 165
Snow chains .......................... 169, 325
Symmetrical low beam ..................114
Towing a trailer .............................. 191
Wet road surface ........................... 167
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 203
E
EASY-ENTRY feature 3rd row of seats ............................. 103
Activating/deactivating .................209
Function/notes ............................. 108
EASY-EXIT feature
3rd row of seats ............................. 103
Crash-responsive ........................... 109
Function/notes ............................. 108
Switching on/off ........................... 209
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution) Display message ............................ 216
Function/notes ................................ 68
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic Brake force Distribution
see EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution)
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 81
Fuel filler flap ................................. 158
Vehicle ............................................. 81
8Index

Pulling away (automatic
transmission) ..................................... 147
Q
Qualified specialist workshop ........... 24
R
Radar sensor system Activating/deactivating .................208
Radiator cover ................................... 283
Radio Selecting a station .........................203
see separate operating instructions
Radio-controlled devices
(installing) .......................................... 279
Reading lamp ..................................... 118
Rear axle level control ...................... 180
Rear bench seat Folding forwards/back ..................253
Rear compartment
Activating/deactivating climate
control ........................................... 134
Setting the air vents ......................142
Setting the temperature ................137
Rear-compartment seat
see Rear seat
Rear fog lamp
Display message ............................ 224
Switching on/off ........................... 116
Rear lamps
see Lights
Rear seat
Adjusting ....................................... 101
Rear view camera
Cleaning instructions .....................292
Function/notes ............................. 187
Rear-view mirror
Anti-glare (manual) ........................109
Dipping (automatic) .......................111
Rear window defroster
Problem (malfunction) ...................139
Rear window heating
Switching on/off ........................... 139
Rear window wiper
Replacing the wiper blade .............. 126
Switching on/off ........................... 125
Refueling
Fuel gauge ....................................... 29
Important safety notes ..................156
Refueling process ..........................158
see Fuel
Remote control
Garage door opener .......................275
Reporting
Malfunctions relevant to safety ........ 24
Reserve (fuel tank)
see Fuel
Reserve fuel
Display message ............................ 228
Warning lamp ................................. 244
see Fuel
Reset button ........................................ 29
Residual heat (climate control) ........ 140
Restraint system see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Roadside Assistance (breakdown) .... 22
Roller blind see Roller sunblind
Roller sunblind
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel ..................................... 91
Rear side windows .........................265
Roof carrier ........................................ 262
Roof lining and carpets (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 294
Roof load (maximum) see Technical data
Route
see Route guidance (navigation)
Route guidance (navigation) ............ 204
S
Safety Children in the vehicle .....................56
Child restraint systems ....................56
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 44
Overview of occupant safety
systems ........................................... 38
Safety systems
see Driving safety systems
14Index

Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 345
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 344
Maximum tire load .........................337
Maximum tire load (definition) .......344
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 345
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 345
Replacing ....................................... 346
Service life ..................................... 323
Sidewall (definition) .......................345
Speed index (definition) .................344
Storing ........................................... 347
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 343
Temperature .................................. 339
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 345
Tire bead (definition) ......................345
Tire pressure (definition) ................345
Tire pressures (recommended) ......343
Tire size (data) ............................... 347
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed index ....................340
Tire tread ....................................... 323
Tire tread (definition) .....................345
Total load limit (definition) .............346
Traction ......................................... 338
Traction (definition) .......................345
Tread wear ..................................... 338
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) .................345
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 338
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................343
Unladen weight (definition) ............344
Wear indicator (definition) .............346
Wheel rim (definition) ....................344
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 60
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........315
Installing the towing eye ................315
Removing the towing eye ...............316Towing a trailer
Coupling up a trailer ......................192
Decoupling a trailer .......................193
Driving tips .................................... 191
Important safety notes ..................191
Lights display message ..................222
Power supply ................................. 194
Shift range ..................................... 153
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......316
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............317
Important safety notes ..................315
Trailer
Towing ........................................... 192
Trailer loads and drawbar
noseweights ...................................... 194
Trailer towing Blind Spot Assist ............................ 191
ESP ®
................................................ 67
PARKTRONIC ................................. 186
Permissible trailer loads and
drawbar noseweights .....................194
Towing a trailer .............................. 192
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transporting the vehicle .................. 316
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) . 293
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 210
Trip meter see Trip odometer
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 202
Resetting (on-board computer) ......211
Trunk
see Tailgate
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ...................122
Display message ............................ 222
Switching on/off ........................... 117
see Turn signals
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
(definition) ......................................... 345
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate 18Index

2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
The product label with FCC ID and IC
certification number can be found in the
battery case of the SmartKey.
Important notes on the use of KEYLESS-
GO
R The KEYLESS-GO key can be used like a
conventional key.
R You can combine KEYLESS-GO functions
with those of a conventional key, e.g.
unlock with KEYLESS-GO and lock with the
& button.
R Always carry your KEYLESS-GO key on your
person.
R Do not keep the KEYLESS-GO key together
with:
- electronic devices, e.g. a mobile phone
or another key
- metallic objects, e.g. coins or metal foil.
This can affect the functionality of
KEYLESS-GO.
R When locking and unlocking using
KEYLESS-GO, the distance between the
SmartKey and the corresponding door
handle must not exceed 3 ft (1 m).
R If the vehicle is parked for more than
72 hours, the KEYLESS-GO function is
deactivated. Pull the outer door handle and
switch on the ignition to reactivate the
KEYLESS-GO function.
R If the KEYLESS-GO key is removed from the
vehicle, it is possible that the system may
not recognize the SmartKey. The vehicle
can then not be locked or started using
KEYLESS-GO.
R If the KEYLESS-GO key has been removed
from the vehicle, e.g. if a passenger leaves
the vehicle with a KEYLESS-GO key:
- if the Start/Stop button is pressed or if
an attempt is made to lock the vehicle
with the locking button on the outer door
handle, the Key Not Detected message
appears in the multifunction display
- while the engine is running, the red Key
Not Detected message will appear in
the multifunction display as you pull
away. Find the KEYLESS-GO key and
change its position in the vehicle. Carry
the KEYLESS-GO key in your shirt pocket,
for example.
R If you have started the engine with the
Start/Stop button, you can switch it off
again by:
- pressing the Start/Stop button again
- inserting the KEYLESS-GO key into the
ignition lock if the vehicle is stationary
and the automatic transmission is in park
position P.
R You could unlock the vehicle by mistake if
the distance between the KEYLESS-GO key
and the vehicle is less than 3 ft (1 m) and:
- an exterior door handle is hit by a water
jet
or
- you clean an exterior door handle.
R Bear in mind that the engine can be started
by any of the vehicle occupants if there is
a KEYLESS-GO key in the vehicle.74SmartKeyOpening/closing

Rthe exterior mirrors fold in automatically as
soon as you lock the vehicle from the
outside.
R the exterior mirrors fold out again
automatically as soon as you unlock the
vehicle and then open the driver's or front-
passenger door.
i The mirrors do not fold out if they have
been folded in manually.
Exterior mirror out of position
If an exterior mirror has been pushed out of
position, proceed as follows:
XVehicles without electrically folding
exterior mirrors: move the exterior mirror
into the correct position manually.XVehicles with electronically folding
mirrors: press the mirror-folding button
( Y page 110) repeatedly until you hear the
mirror engage in position.
The mirror housing is engaged again and
you can adjust the exterior mirrors as usual
( Y page 110).
Automatic anti-glare mirrors
GWARNING
If incident light from headlamps is prevented
from striking the sensor in the rear-view
mirror, for instance, by luggage piled too high
in the vehicle, the mirror's automatic anti-
glare function will not operate.
Incident light could then blind you. This may
distract you from the traffic conditions and,
as a result, you may cause an accident.
The rear-view mirror and the exterior mirror
on the driver's side automatically go into anti-
glare mode if the ignition is switched on and
incident light from headlamps strikes the
sensor in the rear-view mirror.
The mirrors do not go into anti-glare mode if
reverse gear is engaged or the interior lighting
is switched on.
Parking position for the exterior
mirror on the front-passenger side
Setting and storing the parking position
You can position the front-passenger side
exterior mirror in such a way that you can see
the rear wheel on that side as soon as you
engage reverse gear. You can store this
position.
XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary and
that the SmartKey is in position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress button ; for the exterior mirror on
the front-passenger side.XEngage reverse gear.
The exterior mirror on the front-passenger
side moves to the preset parking position.XUse adjustment button : to adjust the
exterior mirror to a position that allows you
to see the rear wheel and the curb.
The parking position is stored.
i If you shift the transmission to another
position, the exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side returns to the driving
position.
Mirrors111Seats, steering wheel and mirrorsZ

Useful information ............................144
Breaking-in notes .............................. 144
Driving ............................................... 144
Automatic transmission ...................150
Refueling ............................................ 156
Parking ............................................... 163
Driving tips ........................................ 165
Driving systems ................................ 170
Trailer towing .................................... 191143Driving and parking

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).
Breaking-in notes
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
The more you look after the engine when it is
new, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance in the future.
R Drive at varying vehicle speeds and engine
speeds for the first 1000 miles (1500 km)
for this reason.
R Avoid overstraining the vehicle during this
period, e.g. driving at full throttle.
R Change gear in good time, at the latest
when the tachometer needle is 2
/ 3 of the
way to the red area in the tachometer
display.
R Do not manually shift to a lower gear to
brake the vehicle.
R If possible, do not depress the accelerator
pedal past the point of resistance
(kickdown).
R Only select shift ranges 3, 2 or 1 when
driving slowly, e.g. in mountainous terrain.
R If possible, drive in drive program E for the
first 1000 miles (1500 km).
After 1000 miles (1500 km), you can increase
the engine speed gradually and bring the
vehicle up to full speed.
i You should also observe these notes on
running in if the engine or parts of the drive
train on your vehicle have been replaced.
i Always observe the respective speed
restrictions.
Driving
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals' range of movement.
Keep the driver's footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure the pedals
still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
GWARNING
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
GWARNING
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission out of parking position P or
neutral position N if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
! Warm up the engine quickly. Do not use
the engine's full performance until it has
reached operating temperature.
Only shift the automatic transmission to
the desired drive position when the vehicle
is stationary.
144DrivingDriving and parking

Start/Stop button
=USA only?Canada onlyXPosition 0: if Start/Stop button : has not
yet been pressed, this corresponds to the
SmartKey being removed from the ignition.XPosition 1: press Start/Stop button :.
You can now activate the windshield
wipers, for example.
i If you then open the driver's door when in
this position, the power supply is
deactivated.
XPosition 2 (ignition): press Start/Stop
button : twice.
i
If you press Start/Stop button : once
when in this position and the driver's door
is open, the power supply is deactivated
again.
As soon as the ignition is switched on, all the
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster light
up. If an indicator lamp does not go out after
the engine is started or if it lights up while the
vehicle is in motion, see ( Y page 239).
Starting the engine
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
! Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
i Vehicles with a gasoline engine: the
catalytic converter is preheated for up to
30 seconds after a cold start. During this
time, the engine sound may be different.
Automatic transmissionXShift the transmission to position P.
The transmission position display in the
multifunction display shows P.
i
You can also start the engine when the
transmission is in position N.
Starting procedure with the SmartKey
i To start the engine using the SmartKey
instead of KEYLESS-GO, pull the Start/
Stop button out of the ignition lock.
XTo start a gasoline engine: turn the
SmartKey to position 3 in the ignition lock
( Y page 145) and release it as soon as the
engine is running.XTo start a diesel engine: turn the
SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock
( Y page 145).
The % preglow indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.XWhen the % preglow indicator lamp
goes out, turn the SmartKey to position 3
( Y page 145) and release it as soon as the
engine is running.
i You can start the engine without preglow
if the engine is warm.
146DrivingDriving and parking