brake fluid 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

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

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

Wet roadsGWARNING
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through water
deep enough to wet brake components, the
first braking action may be somewhat
reduced. You have to depress the brake pedal
more firmly. Maintain a safe distance from
vehicles in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the
vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying
attention to the traffic conditions. This will
warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them
more quickly and protecting them against
corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt
treated roads
GWARNING
The layer of salt on the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings may cause a delay in the
braking effect, resulting in a significantly
longer braking distance, which could lead to
an accident.
To avoid this danger, you should:
R occasionally brake carefully, without
putting other road users at risk, when you
are driving on salted roads. This helps to
remove any salt that may have started to
build up on the brake discs and the brake
pads/linings.
R maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care.
R carefully apply the brakes at the end of a
trip and immediately after commencing a
new trip, so that salt residues are removed
from the brake discs.
Servicing the brakes
! If the brake warning lamp lights up in the
instrument cluster and you hear a warning
tone even though the parking brake has
been released, the brake fluid level may be
too low. Observe additional warning
messages in the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked
immediately. Have this work carried out at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. This work
should be carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Have the brake pads and brake fluid installed
or replaced at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.GWARNING
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that safe
braking is substantially impaired. This could
result in an accident.
! A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a 2-axle
dynamometer. If you are planning to have
the vehicle tested on such a dynamometer,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center to obtain further information first.
Otherwise, you could damage the drive
train or the brake system.
! As the ESP ®
system operates
automatically, the engine and the ignition
must be switched off (SmartKey in position
0 or 1 in the ignition lock or Start/Stop
button in position 0 or 1) while the parking
brake is being tested on a brake
dynamometer (maximum 10 seconds).
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake
system.
If your brake system is subject only to
moderate loads, you should test the
functionality of your brakes at regular
intervals by pressing firmly on the brake pedal
Driving tips167Driving and parkingZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA
only) ! (Canada
only)
Release Parking
BrakeYou are driving with the parking brake applied. A warning tone also
sounds.XRelease the parking brake$ (USA
only) J (Canada
only)
Check Brake Fluid
LevelGRisk of accident
There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
Additionally, the red $ (USA only)/ J (Canada only)
warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster and a warning
tone sounds.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.XEngage the parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.XDo not add brake fluid. This will not correct the malfunction.GWARNING
Driving with the message Check Brake Fluid Level displayed can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
Display messages217On-board computer and displaysZ

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions7
The red seat belt
warning lamp flashes
and an intermittent
audible warning
sounds.GRisk of injury
The driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt. In
addition, you are driving faster than 15 mph (25 km/h) or you have
briefly driven faster than 15 mph (25 km/h).
XFasten your seat belt ( Y page 51).
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning tone
ceases.GRisk of injury
There are objects on the front-passenger seat. In addition, you are
driving faster than 15 mph (25 km/h) or you have briefly driven
faster than 15 mph (25 km/h).
XRemove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow
them in a secure place.
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning tone
ceases.
Safety systems
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake system
warning lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. A warning tone
also sounds.GRisk of accident
There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.XEngage the parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop immediately.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
Do not add brake fluid. This will not correct the malfunction.
GWARNING
Driving with the brake warning lamp illuminated can result in an accident. Have your brake system
checked immediately if the brake warning lamp stays on. Do not add brake fluid before checking
the brake system.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire. You can be seriously burned.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster239On-board computer and displaysZ

therefore, only use products that have been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Information on tested and approved
products can be obtained at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or on the Internet at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).GWARNING
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on hot engine parts, because it may
ignite and burn. You could be seriously
burned.
! At temperatures below freezing: always
fill the washer fluid reservoir with a mix of
water and windshield washer concentrate
(e.g. MB WinterFit). There is otherwise a
risk of damaging the windshield washer
system/headlamp cleaning system.
! Only use washer fluid concentrate which
is suitable for plastic lenses. Unsuitable
washer fluid concentrate could damage the
plastic lenses of the headlamps.
! Do not add distilled or de-ionized water to
the washer fluid container. Otherwise, the
level sensor may be damaged.
i Add windshield washer concentrate, e.g.
MB SummerFit, to the washer fluid all year
round.
Example: washer fluid reservoir
XMix the windshield washer fluid in a
container beforehand.XAt temperatures above freezing: fill the
washer fluid reservoir with a mix of waterand windshield washer concentrate (e.g.
MB SummerFit).XAt temperatures below freezing: fill the
washer fluid reservoir with a mix of water
and windshield washer concentrate (e.g.
MB WinterFit). Adapt the mixing ratio to the
outside temperature. For information on
the mixing ratio ( Y page 360).XTo open: pull cap : upwards by the tab.XAdd the premixed washer fluid.XTo close: press cap : onto the filler neck
until it engages.
Brake fluid level
! If you notice that the brake fluid level in
the brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
MIN mark or less, check the brake system
immediately for leaks. Also check the
thickness of the brake linings. Contact a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately.
Do not add brake fluid. This does not
correct the error.
Only check the brake fluid level when the
vehicle is stationary and on a level surface.
The brake fluid level is correct if it is between
MIN marking ; and MAX marking : on the
brake fluid reservoir.
286Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

Use care products and cleaning agents
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.GWARNING
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the
particular container. Always open your
vehicle's doors or windows when cleaning the
inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not
designed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock away cleaning products and keep
them out of reach of children.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film.
HEnvironmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible
manner.
! Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after
cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and
the brake pads/linings, thus drying them.
The vehicle can then be parked.
Exterior care
Automatic car washGWARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. This could cause an accident. For
this reason, you must drive particularly
carefully after washing the vehicle until the
brakes have dried.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
! Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
! In car washes with a towing mechanism,
make sure that the automatic transmission
is in transmission position N, otherwise the
vehicle could be damaged.
R Vehicles with a SmartKey:
Do not remove the SmartKey from the
ignition lock. Do not open the driver's
door or front-passenger door when the
engine is switched off. Otherwise, the
automatic transmission selects park
position P automatically and locks the
wheels. You can prevent this by shifting
the automatic transmission to N
beforehand.
R Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
Do not open the driver's door or front-
passenger door when the engine is
switched off. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission selects park position P
automatically and locks the wheels.
Observe the following to make sure that the
automatic transmission stays in position N:
288CareMaintenance and care

cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and
the brake pads/linings, thus drying them.
The vehicle can then be parked.
Cleaning the paintwork
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected
by corrosion and damage caused by
inadequate care cannot always be completely
repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
XRemove impurities immediately, where
possible, whilst avoiding rubbing too hard.XSoak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.XSoak bird droppings with water and rinse
off the treated areas afterwards.XRemove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin,
oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gently
with a cloth soaked in petroleum ether or
lighter fluid.XUse tar remover to remove tar stains.XUse silicone remover to remove wax.
! Do not affix:
R stickers
R films
R magnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
If water no longer forms "beads" on the paint
surface, use the paint care products
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz. This is the case approximately every
three to five months, depending on the
climate conditions and the care product used.
If dirt has penetrated the paint surface or the
paint has become dull, the paint cleaner
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz should be used.
Do not use these care products in the sun or
on the hood while the hood is hot.
XUse a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MB
Touch-Up Stick, to correct smaller areas of
paint damage quickly and provisionally.
Matte finish care
If your vehicle has a clear matte finish,
observe the following instructions in order to
avoid damage to the paintwork due to
incorrect care.
These notes also apply to light alloy wheels
with a clear matte finish.
! Never polish the vehicle or the light alloy
wheels. Polishing causes the finish to
shine.
! The following may cause the paint to
become shiny and thus reduce the matte
effect:
R Vigorous rubbing with unsuitable
materials.
R Frequent use of car washes.
R Washing the vehicle in direct sunlight.
! Never use paint cleaner, buffing or
polishing products, or gloss preserver, e.g.
wax. These products are only suitable for
high-gloss surfaces. Their use on vehicles
with matte finish leads to considerable
surface damage (shiny, spotted areas).
Always have paintwork repairs performed
at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
! Do not use wash programs with a hot wax
treatment under any circumstances.
i The vehicle should preferably be washed
by hand using a soft sponge, car shampoo
and plenty of water.
i Use only insect remover and car shampoo
from the range of recommended and
approved Mercedes-Benz care products.
290CareMaintenance and care