brake light 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

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

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

ESP®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravelGWARNING
Switch on ESP ®
immediately if one of the
previously stated conditions is no longer met.
Otherwise, ESP ®
cannot stabilize the vehicle
if it begins to lurch or when a wheel spins.
When you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R the engine's torque is no longer limited and
the drive wheels can spin. The spinning of
the wheels results in a cutting action, which
provides better grip.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in
the instrument cluster flashes. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
XTo deactivate: press button :.
The å ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.GWARNING
When the å ESP®
OFF warning lamp is lit,
ESP ®
is deactivated.
If the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp and the
å ESP®
OFF warning lamp remain lit,
ESP ®
is not available due to a malfunction.
When ESP ®
is deactivated or not operational,
vehicle stability in standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP ®
.
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ®
deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
XTo activate: press button :.
The å ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
ESP ®
trailer stabilization
If your vehicle with trailer (vehicle/trailer
combination) begins to lurch, you can only
stabilize the vehicle/trailer combination by
depressing the brake firmly.
In this situation, ESP ®
assists you and can
detect if the vehicle/trailer combination
begins to lurch. ESP ®
slows the vehicle down
by braking and limiting the engine output until
the vehicle/trailer combination has
stabilized.
Trailer stabilization is active from a speed of
approximately 40 mph(65 km/h).
GWARNING
The system will not be able to assist when the
trailer jackknifes
R if the ESP ®
has switched off due to a
malfunction
R on wet or icy roads
R on roads with slippery surface
R in sand or gravel
Driving safety systems67SafetyZ

Trailers with a high center of gravity may tip
over before the system recognizes swaying of
the trailer.
Trailer stabilization does not work if ESP ®
is
deactivated or disengaged because of a
malfunction.
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 64).
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking.
GWARNING
If EBD has malfunctioned, the braking system
remains available with full brake boosting
effect. However, the rear wheels can still lock,
e.g. under full braking. This could cause you
to lose control of your vehicle and cause an
accident. You should therefore adapt your
driving style to the different handling
characteristics.
XObserve the notes on warning and indicator
lamps ( Y page 240) as well as display
messages ( Y page 216).
Distance warning function (vehicles
with DISTRONIC)
This function provides a warning from a speed
of approximately 20 mph(30 km/h), if:
R for a period of several seconds, the
distance to the vehicle in front is too short
for the speed at which you are traveling.
The · distance warning lamp in the
instrument cluster will light up.
R you are rapidly approaching the vehicle in
front. An intermittent warning tone will
then sound and the · distance warning
lamp will light up in the instrument cluster.
You must apply the brakes yourself in order
to maintain the appropriate distance to the
vehicle in front and prevent a collision.GWARNING
If the distance warning lamp · in the
instrument cluster comes on while driving
and/or an intermittent warning sounds,
immediate attention on the part of the driver
is required. As required by the traffic
situation, apply the brakes and navigate
around a possible obstacle. However, do not
drive by relying on the distance warning
function, as this will result in an emergency
braking application. This will not always
enable you to avoid a collision, especially
when traveling on varying road surface
conditions and with varying driver reaction.
Complex driving situations are not always
fully recognized by the distance warning
function. This could result in wrong or missing
distance warnings.
XTo activate/deactivate: activate or
deactivate the distance warning function in
the on-board computer ( Y page 210).
After activation, the Ä symbol is
displayed in the lower multifunction
display.
Theft deterrent locking systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct SmartKey.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
XTo activate with the SmartKey: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.XTo activate with KEYLESS-GO: switch the
ignition off and open the driver's door.XTo deactivate: switch on the ignition.68Theft deterrent locking systemsSafety

(Y page 110) in such a way that you have
a good view of road and traffic conditions.XVehicles with a memory function: save
the seat, steering wheel and exterior mirror
settings ( Y page 112).
Seats
Important safety notes
GWARNING
In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle
control, all seat, head restraint, steering
wheel and rear view mirror adjustments, as
well as fastening of seat belts, must be done
before setting the vehicle in motion.
GWARNING
Do not adjust the driver's seat while driving.
Adjusting the seat while driving could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Never travel in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined position as
this can be dangerous. You could slide under
the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under
it, the seat belt would apply force at the
abdomen or neck. This could cause serious or
fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat belts
provide the best restraint when the wearer is
in a position that is as upright as possible and
seat belts are properly positioned on the
body.
GWARNING
Your seat belt must be adjusted so that you
can correctly fasten your seat belt.
Observe the following points:
R adjust the seat backrest until your arms are
slightly angled when holding the steering
wheel.
R adjust the seat to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely. The
position should be as far back as possible
with the driver still able to operate the
controls properly.
R adjust the head restraint so that it is as
close to the head as possible and the center
of the head restraint supports the back of
the head at eye level.
R never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being
adjusted.
Failure to do so could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.GWARNING
The electrically adjustable seats can be
operated at any time. Therefore, do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. A child's
unsupervised access to a vehicle could result
in an accident and/or serious personal injury.
GWARNING
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained in the rear
seating positions than in the front seating
position. Thus, we strongly recommend that
children be placed in the rear seats whenever
possible. Regardless of seating position,
children 12 years old and under must be
seated and properly secured in an
appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler
restraint, or booster seat recommended for
the size and weight of the child. For additional
information, see "Children in the vehicle".
A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and/
or the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
GWARNING
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint so that it is as close
to the head as possible and the center of the
head restraint supports the back of the head
at eye level. This will reduce the potential for
Seats97Seats, steering wheel and mirrorsZ