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

Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 21At a glance ........................................... 27Safety ................................................... 37Opening/closing ................................. 71Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....95Lights and windshield wipers ..........113Climate control ................................. 129Driving and parking ..........................143On-board computer and displays ....197Stowing and features .......................247Maintenance and care ......................281Breakdown assistance .....................295Wheels and tires ............................... 321Technical data ................................... 351
Contents3

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

Setting for driving abroad
(symmetrical) ................................. 114
Switching on/off ........................... 115
Luggage net ....................................... 251
Lumbar support Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support .......................................... 105
Luxury head restraints ....................... 99
M
M+S tires ................................... 169, 324
Maintenance see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
Malfunction message
see Display messages
Malfunctions relevant to safety
Reporting ......................................... 24
Matte finish (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 290
mbrace Call priority .................................... 273
Display message ............................ 218
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 273
Emergency call .............................. 270
Important safety notes ..................269
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............275
MB info call button ........................272
Roadside Assistance button ..........272
Search & Send ............................... 274
Self-test ......................................... 270
System .......................................... 270
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............274
Mechanical key
Function/notes ................................ 75
Unlocking the driver's door ..............81
Memory card (audio) ......................... 203
Memory function ............................... 112
Messages see Display messages
Mirrors
see Exterior mirrors
see Rear-view mirror
see Vanity mirror
Mobile phone
Menu (on-board computer) ............211
Modifying the programming
(SmartKey) ........................................... 75
MOExtended run-flat system ........... 309
MP3 Operating ....................................... 203
see separate operating instructions
Multicontour seat .............................. 105
Multifunction display ........................ 200
Multifunction steering wheel Operating the on-board computer . 199
Overview .......................................... 31
N
Navigation Menu (on-board computer) ............204
On-board computer .......................204
see separate operating instructions
NECK-PRO head restraints
Operation ......................................... 49
Resetting after being triggered ........50
NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
Operation ......................................... 49
Resetting after being triggered ........50
Notes on breaking-in a new
vehicle ................................................ 144
O
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) Faults ............................................... 48
Operation ......................................... 44
System self-test ............................... 47
Occupant safety
Children in the vehicle .....................56
System overview .............................. 38
Octane number (fuel) ........................ 356
Odometer ........................................... 202
see Trip odometer
Off-road system
4MATIC .......................................... 183
Oil
see Engine oil
On-board computer
Additional functions menu .............210
AIRMATIC/compass menu ............204
Audio menu ................................... 203
12Index

Door central locking/unlocking .......72
Important safety notes ....................72
Loss ................................................. 78
Mechanical key ................................ 75
Positions (ignition lock) .................145
Problem (malfunction) .....................78
Starting the engine ........................146
Snow chains .............................. 169, 325
Sockets 2nd row of seats ............................ 268
Center console .............................. 268
Front-passenger footwell ...............268
Luggage compartment ...................268
Points to observe before use .........267
Spare wheel
Notes/data .................................... 349
Storage location ............................ 297
Stowing .......................................... 298
see Emergency spare wheel
Specialist workshop ............................ 24
Speed, controlling see Cruise control
Speedometer
Additional speedometer (on-
board computer) ............................ 202
In the Instrument cluster .................29
Segments ...................................... 199
Selecting the unit of
measurement ................................ 205
see Instrument cluster
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) Display message ............................ 218
Introduction ..................................... 38
Warning lamp ................................. 243
Warning lamp (function) ................... 38
Standing lamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 122
Display message ............................ 224
Switching on/off ........................... 114
Starting (engine) ................................ 146
Station see Radio
Steering (display message) .............. 235
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) ...................108
Adjusting (manually) ......................107
Button overview ............................... 31Buttons (on-board
computer) ...................................... 199
Important safety notes ..................107
Paddle shifters ............................... 153
Steering wheel heating ..................108
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 112
Steering wheel (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 293
Steering wheel heating Indicator lamp (malfunction) ..........108
Switching on/off ........................... 108
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 153
Stowage compartments 3rd row of seats ............................. 250
Armrest (under) ............................. 250
Center air vents (2nd row of
seats) ............................................. 250
Center console (2nd row of seats) . 250
Glove box ....................................... 249
Parcel net ...................................... 251
Stowage space
Center console .............................. 249
Cup holders ................................... 262
Important safety information .........248
Summer opening
see Convenience opening feature
Summer tires ..................................... 324
Sun visor ............................................ 264
Supplement Restraint System see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 207
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 140
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 69
T
Tachometer ........................................ 198
Tailgate Display message ............................ 235
Important safety notes ....................81
Limiting the opening angle ...............85
Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 84
16Index

Opening/closing (automatically
from outside) ................................... 83
Opening/closing (from outside) .......82
Tail lamps
Display message ............................ 224
see Lights
Tank
see Fuel tank
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 29
Technical data
R 350 ............................................. 361
R 350 BlueTEC ............................... 360
Tires/wheels ................................. 347
TELEAID
Call priority .................................... 273
Display message ............................ 218
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 273
Emergency call .............................. 270
Important safety notes ..................269
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............275
MB info call button ........................272
Roadside Assistance button ..........272
Search & Send ............................... 274
Self-test ......................................... 270
System .......................................... 270
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............274
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 211
Display message ............................ 235
Menu (on-board computer) ............211
Number from the phone book ........ 212
Redialing ........................................ 212
Rejecting/ending a call .................212
Temperature
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 202
Displaying the outside
temperature ................................... 202
Outside temperature ...................... 198
Setting (climate control) ................137
Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer ...................................... 68
Tilt/sliding sunroof
see Sliding sunroof
Time (on-board computer) ................ 206
TIREFIT kit .......................................... 299Tire pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) .....331
Checking manually ........................329
Display message ............................ 231
Maximum ....................................... 328
Notes ............................................. 327
Not reached (TIREFIT) ....................302
Pressure loss warning ....................329
Reached (TIREFIT) ..........................302
Recommended ............................... 325
Tire pressure monitoring system
Function/notes ............................. 331
Restarting ...................................... 333
Warning lamp ................................. 245
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................345
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................343
Bar (definition) ............................... 343
Characteristics .............................. 343
Checking ........................................ 323
Definition of terms .........................343
Direction of rotation ......................346
Display message ............................ 231
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................346
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 342
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............343
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 344
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 344
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 344
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................344
Important safety notes ..................322
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......343
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........344
Labeling (overview) ........................339
Load bearing index (definition) ......345
Load index ..................................... 342
Load index (definition) ...................344
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 344Index17

Replacing the wiper blades ............125
Switching on/off ........................... 124
Winter driving
Important safety notes ..................324
Slippery road surfaces ...................170
Snow chains .......................... 169, 325
Winter operation
Radiator cover ............................... 283
Winter tires
M+S tires ............................... 169, 324
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 291
Important safety notes ..................125
Replacing (rear window) ................126
Replacing (windshield) ...................126
Wooden trim (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 29320Index

Change of address or ownership
In the event of a change of address, please
send us the "Change of Address Notice"
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or simply call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
(in the USA) at the hotline number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or
Customer Service Center (in Canada) at
1-800-387-0100. This will assist us in
contacting you in a timely manner should the
need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave the
entire literature in the vehicle so that it is
available to the next owner.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the "Notice of Purchase of Used
Truck" found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the
USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or
Customer Service (in Canada) at
1-800-387-0100.
Vehicle operation outside the USA
and Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that:
R service facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
R unleaded fuel for vehicles with a catalytic
converter may not be available. Leaded fuel
may cause damage to the catalytic
converter.
R the fuel may have a considerably lower
octane rating. Unsuitable fuel can cause
engine damage.
Operating safety
Safety notes
GWARNING
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle's electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function when the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.
GWARNING
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole.
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that damage
to your vehicle has occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers.
R slow down carefully.
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
Introduction23Z

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

Driving tips
General driving tips
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Always remember that you must concentrate
primarily on driving the vehicle. The driver's
concentration must always be directed
primarily at road traffic. For your own safety
and that of others, we recommend that you
stop the vehicle at a safe place and in
accordance with the traffic conditions before
making or accepting a phone call.
Comply with all legal requirements if you use
the telephone while driving. Use the hands-
free system and only use the telephone when
road, weather and traffic conditions permit. In
some jurisdictions, it is forbidden for drivers
to use mobile phones while driving.
Only operate COMAND (Cockpit Management
and Data System) in compliance with all legal
requirements and when the road, weather and
traffic conditions permit. You may otherwise
not be able to observe the traffic conditions,
endangering yourself and others.
Remember that your vehicle covers a distance
of 44 feet (approximately 14 m) a second
when it is traveling at only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h).
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Observe the following tips to save fuel:
XThe tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure.XRemove unnecessary loads.XRemove roof carriers when they are not
needed.XWarm up the engine at low engine speeds.XAvoid frequent acceleration or braking.XHave all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the
Service Booklet or by the service interval
display.Fuel consumption also increases when
driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic
and in mountainous terrain.
Drinking and drivingGWARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Pedals
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 that 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.
Rolling with the engine switched off
GWARNING
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the brake when the engine is not running.
Steering and braking requires significantly
more effort and you could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident as a result.
Do not turn off the engine while the vehicle is
in motion.
Driving tips165Driving and parkingZ