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

B
Back support see Lumbar support
Backup lamp
Changing bulbs .............................. 123
Display message ............................ 224
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 65
Basic settings see Settings
Battery (key)
Checking .......................................... 76
Battery (SmartKey)
Important safety notes ....................76
Replacing ......................................... 76
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 312
Display message ............................ 227
Important safety notes ..................310
Jump starting ................................. 313
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating .................210
Display message ............................ 230
Notes/function .............................. 189
Trailer towing ................................. 191
BlueTEC
Adding DEF .................................... 161
BlueTEC (DEF) .................................... 357
Brake Assist System see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 217
Notes ............................................. 359
Brake fluid level ................................ 286
Brake lamps Display message ............................ 223
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 65
BAS .................................................. 65
Brake fluid (notes) .........................359
Display message ............................ 214
Driving tips .................................... 166
Important safety notes ..................166
Maintenance .................................. 167
Parking brake ........................ 164, 168
Warning lamp ................................. 239Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs
C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................22
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Capacities
see Technical data
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Carpets .......................................... 294
Car wash ........................................ 288
Display ........................................... 292
Exterior lights ................................ 291
Gear or selector lever ....................293
Matte finish ................................... 290
Notes ............................................. 287
Paint .............................................. 290
Plastic trim .................................... 292
Power washer ................................ 289
Rear view camera .......................... 292
Roof lining ...................................... 294
Seat belt ........................................ 293
Seat cover ..................................... 293
Sensors ......................................... 291
Steering wheel ............................... 293
Tail pipes ....................................... 292
Trim pieces .................................... 293
Washing by hand ........................... 289
Wheels ........................................... 289
Windows ........................................ 291
Wiper blades .................................. 291
Wooden trim .................................. 293
Cargo compartment cover
Extending ....................................... 260
Notes/how to use .........................258
Cargo compartment enlargement
Full ................................................. 253
Important safety notes ..................253
Partial ............................................ 253
Index5

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

Fuel filler flapEmergency release ........................158
Opening/closing ............................ 158
Fuel filter (display message) ............ 228
Fuel level Calling up the range (on-board
computer) ...................................... 211
Fuel tank
Capacity ........................................ 355
Problem (malfunction) ...................160
Fuse allocation chart (vehicle tool
kit) ...................................................... 296
Fuses Allocation chart ............................. 317
Before changing ............................. 317
Dashboard fuse box .......................318
Engine emergency stop .................319
Fuse box in the cargo
compartment ................................. 318
Fuse box in the engine
compartment ................................. 318
Important safety notes ..................317
G
Garage door opener Clearing the memory .....................278
Notes ............................................. 275
Opening/closing the garage door ..278
Programming (button in the rear-
view mirror) ................................... 276
Gasoline ............................................. 157
Gear or selector lever (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 293
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts ......... 352
Glove box ........................................... 249
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
(definition) ......................................... 344
H
Handbrake see Parking brake
Hazard warning lamps ...................... 117
Headlamp cleaning system Notes ............................................. 360
Headlamp delayed switch-off
see Exterior lighting delayed switch-off
Headlamps
Adding fluid to cleaning system .....285
Cleaning system (function) ............117
Misting up ...................................... 118
see Automatic headlamp mode
Head restraints
Adjusting ......................................... 99
Adjusting (electrically) .....................99
Adjusting (manually) ........................99
Adjusting (rear) .............................. 100
Installing/removing (rear) ..............100
Luxury .............................................. 99
see NECK-PRO head restraints/
NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
Heating
see Climate control
High-beam headlamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 122
Display message ............................ 223
Switching on/off ........................... 117
Hill start assist .................................. 147
Hood Closing ........................................... 283
Display message ............................ 235
Opening ......................................... 282
Hydroplaning ..................................... 168
I
Ignition lock see SmartKey positions
Immobilizer .......................................... 68
Indicator and warning lamps DISTRONIC .................................... 245
Indicator lamps
see Warning and indicator lamps
Insect protection on the radiator .... 283
Instrument cluster Overview .......................................... 29
Selecting the language (on-board
computer) ...................................... 206
Settings ......................................... 205
Warning and indicator lamps ...........30
Instrument cluster lighting ................ 29
Instrument lighting see Instrument cluster lighting
Interior lighting
Automatic control ..........................119
10Index

Convenience submenu ..................209
Displaying a service message ........287
Displaying the coolant
temperature ................................... 202
Displaying the outside
temperature ................................... 202
Display messages ..........................213
DISTRONIC menu .......................... 178
Factory settings ............................. 205
Important safety notes ..................198
Instrument cluster submenu ..........205
Lighting submenu .......................... 206
Menu overview .............................. 201
Message memory menu ................. 213
Navigation menu ............................ 204
Operating video DVD .....................204
Operation ....................................... 199
Selecting the language ..................206
Settings menu ............................... 205
Standard display ............................ 202
Status bar ...................................... 206
Telephone menu ............................ 211
Time/Date submenu .....................206
Trip computer menu ......................210
Vehicle submenu ........................... 208
Opening and closing the side trim
panels ................................................. 123
Operating system see On-board computer
Outside temperature
Calling up (on-board computer) .....202
Display ........................................... 198
Overhead control panel ...................... 34
Override feature Rear side windows ...........................63
P
Paint code number ............................ 353
Paintwork (cleaning instructions) ... 290
Panic alarm .......................................... 64
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel Opening/closing .............................. 91
Opening/closing the roller
sunblind ........................................... 91
Problem (malfunction) .....................92
Resetting ......................................... 92
Panorama sliding sunroof
Important safety notes ....................89
Parking
Important safety notes ..................163
Parking brake ................................ 164
Position of exterior mirror, front-
passenger side ............................... 111
Rear view camera .......................... 187
see Parking
see PARKTRONIC
Parking aid
see Exterior mirrors
see PARKTRONIC
Parking brake
Display message ............................ 217
Notes/function .............................. 164
see Parking brake
Parking lamps (changing bulbs) ...... 122
PARKTRONIC Deactivating/activating .................186
Driving system ............................... 184
Function/notes ............................. 184
Problem (malfunction) ...................187
Range of the sensors .....................184
Trailer towing ................................. 186
Warning display ............................. 185
Pedals ................................................. 165
Permanent four-wheel drive see 4MATIC (permanent four-
wheel drive)
Plastic trim (cleaning instructions) . 292
Power washers .................................. 289
Power windows see Side windows
PRE-SAFE ®
(Preventive occupant
safety system) Display message ............................ 218
Operation ......................................... 49
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (vehicles with
DISTRONIC PLUS) Warning lamp ................................. 245
Preventive occupant safety
system
see PRE-SAFE ®
(Preventive
occupant safety system)
Product information ............................ 21
Program selector button .................. 153Index13

SeatFolding down the 2nd row of
seats .............................................. 254
Important safety notes ....................97
Resetting the 2nd row of seats ......256
Resetting the 3rd row of seats ....... 256
Seat belts
Adjusting the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt .........................54
Adjusting the height ......................... 54
Belt force limiters ............................ 55
Cleaning ......................................... 293
Correct usage .................................. 52
Emergency Tensioning Devices ........ 55
Fastening ......................................... 53
Important safety guidelines .............51
Releasing ......................................... 54
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Special seat belt retractor ...............58
Switching belt adjustment on/off
(on-board computer) ......................209
Warning lamp ................................. 238
Warning lamp (function) ................... 54
Seats
Adjusting (electrically) .....................98
Adjusting (second and third rows) . 101
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support .......................................... 105
Adjusting the head restraint ............99
Cleaning the cover .........................293
Correct driver's seat position ........... 96
Folding down the 3rd row of seats . 255
Folding the rear bench seat
forwards/back ............................... 253
Multicontour seat .......................... 105
Seat heating problem ....................106
Seat ventilation problem ................107
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 112
Switching seat heating on/off .......106
Switching the seat ventilation on/
off .................................................. 106
Securing hooks .................................. 258
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 291
Service see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display Service interval display
Displaying service messages .........287
Hiding service messages ...............287
Notes ............................................. 287
Service messages ..........................287
Service products
Brake fluid ..................................... 359
Capacities ...................................... 355
Coolant (engine) ............................ 359
DEF special additives .....................357
Engine oil ....................................... 358
Fuel ................................................ 356
Important safety notes ..................354
Refrigerant (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 359
Washer fluid ................................... 360
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) .........205
On-board computer .......................205
Setting the air distribution ............... 138
Setting the airflow ............................ 138
Side impact air bag ............................. 42
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 224
Side marker lamps (changing
bulbs) ................................................. 123
Side windows Convenience closing feature ............88
Convenience opening feature ..........87
Hinged side windows .......................87
Important safety information ...........86
Opening/closing .............................. 86
Problem (malfunction) .....................89
Resetting ......................................... 89
Sliding sunroof
Important safety notes ....................89
Opening/closing .............................. 90
Problem (malfunction) .....................92
Resetting ......................................... 90
see Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel
SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................76
Changing the programming .............75
Checking the battery .......................76
Convenience closing feature ............88
Convenience opening feature ..........87
Display message ............................ 236Index15

U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................81
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 80
V
Vanity mirror (in sun visor) .............. 265
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 24
Data acquisition ............................... 25
Display message ............................ 234
Equipment ....................................... 21
Individual settings ..........................205
Limited Warranty ............................. 25
Loading .......................................... 333
Locking (in an emergency) ...............81
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 73
Lowering ........................................ 309
Maintenance .................................... 22
Parking for a long period ................ 164
Pulling away ................................... 147
Raising ........................................... 305
Reporting problems .........................24
Towing away .................................. 315
Transporting .................................. 316
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........81
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................73
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle dimensions
see Technical data
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 81
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 353
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 229
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 296
Vehicle weights see Technical data
Video (DVD) ........................................ 204
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 204
VIN ...................................................... 353
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 240
Brakes ........................................... 239
Check Engine ................................. 244
Cruise control ................................ 171
Distance warning ........................... 245
ESP ®
.............................................. 241
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 242
Fuel tank ........................................ 244
LIM (DISTRONIC) ........................... 175
Overview .......................................... 30
Reserve fuel ................................... 244
Seat belt ........................................ 238
SRS ................................................ 243
Tire pressure monitor ....................245
Warranty ............................................ 352
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 236
see Windshield washer system
Weight
see Technical data
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 309
Wheel chock ...................................... 304
Wheels Changing/replacing .......................346
Changing a wheel .......................... 303
Checking ........................................ 323
Cleaning ......................................... 289
Important safety notes ..................322
Mounting a wheel .......................... 307
Removing a wheel ..........................306
Storing ........................................... 347
Tightening torque ........................... 309
Wheel size/tire size .......................347
Window curtain air bag ....................... 43
Windows Cleaning ......................................... 291
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 138
Infrared reflective .......................... 279
Windshield washer system .............. 285
Notes ............................................. 360
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ...................126
Rear window wiper ........................125Index19

CockpitFunctionPage:Steering wheel paddle
shifters
153
;Cruise control lever171=Instrument cluster29?HornADIRECT SELECT lever150BPARKTRONIC warning
display
184
COverhead control panel34DClimate control systems130EIgnition lock145Start/Stop button145FunctionPageFAdjusts the steering wheel
manually
107
GAdjusts the steering wheel
electrically
107
Steering wheel heating108HParking brake164IOn-board diagnostics
socketJOpens the hood282KReleases the parking brake164LLight switch114MCombination switch11728CockpitAt a glance

Warning and indicator lampsFunctionPage:ABS240;The lamp lights up briefly,
but has no function.=Brakes (USA only)239?ESP ®241ADistance warning signal245On vehicles without
DISTRONIC, the lamp lights
up briefly but has no
function.BBrakes (Canada only)239CTire pressure monitor (USA
only)
245
FunctionPageDTurn signal117EESP ®
OFF241FSeat belt238GDiesel engine: preglow146HSRS243ILow-beam headlamps115JCheck Engine (Canada
only)
244
KCheck Engine (USA only)244LHigh-beam headlamps117MReserve fuel24430Instrument clusterAt a glance

Panic alarmX To activate: press ! button : for at
least one second.
An alarm sounds and the exterior lighting
flashes.XTo deactivate: press ! button :
again.
or
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
or
XPress the KEYLESS-GO Start/Stop button.
The KEYLESS-GO key must be in the
vehicle.
i USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
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.
i Canada only:
This device complies with RSS-Gen of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
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.
Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems overview
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock Braking System)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R ESP ®
(E lectronic Stability Program)
R EBD ( Electronic Brake force Distribution)
R Distance warning function (vehicles with
DISTRONIC)
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
64Driving safety systemsSafety

section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
i Please note that the driving safety
systems described only work as effectively
as possible when there is adequate contact
between the tires and the road surface. Pay
particular attention to the information
regarding tires, recommended minimum
tire tread depths etc. in the "Wheels and
tires" section ( Y page 322).
In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 64).
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about
5 mph(8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-
surface conditions. ABS works on slippery
surfaces, even when you only brake gently.
GWARNING
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.XTo make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions, and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
GWARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 64).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
Driving safety systems65SafetyZ