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

Symbols
Registered trademarks:
R BabySmart™ is a registered trademark of
the Siemens Automotive Corp.
R Bluetooth ®
is a registered trademark of the
Bluetooth SIG Inc.
R DTS is a registered trademark of DTS, Inc.
R Dolby and MLP are registered trademarks
of Dolby Laboratories.
R ESP ®
and PRE-SAFE ®
are registered
trademarks of Daimler AG.
R HomeLink ®
is a registered trademark of
Prince, a Johnson Controls Company.
R iPod ®
and iTunes ®
are registered
trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the
USA and in other countries.
R Logic 7 ®
is a registered trademark of
Harman International Industries,
Incorporated.
R Microsoft ®
is a registered trademark of the
Microsoft Corporation in the USA and in
other countries.
R SIRIUS and associated brands are
registered trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio
Inc.
R HD Radio and associated brands are
registered trademarks of the iBiquity
Digital Corporation.
R Windows Media ®
is a registered trademark
of the Microsoft Corporation in the USA and
in other countries.
R Gracenote ®
is a registered trademark of
Gracenote, Inc.
R ZagatSurvey ®
and associated brands are
registered trademarks of Zagat.
In this Operator's Manual, you will find the
following symbols:GWARNING
Warning notes draw your attention to hazards
that endanger your health or life, or the health
or life of others.
! These warning notes draw your attention
to hazards that could cause damage to your
vehicle.
i This symbol indicates useful instructions
or further information that could be helpful
to you.XThis symbol designates an
instruction you must follow.XSeveral consecutive symbols
indicate an instruction with several
steps.Y PageThis symbol tells you where you
can find further information on a
topic.YYThis symbol indicates a warning or
an instruction that is continued on
the next page.DisplayThis font indicates a display
message in the multifunction
display/COMAND display.
Parts of the software in the vehicle are
subject to copyright according to ©
2005
The FreeType Project
http://www.freetype.org. All rights
reserved.

Welcome to the world of Mercedes-Benz
Before you drive off, please familiarize
yourself with your vehicle and read this
manual, especially the safety and warning
notes. This will help you to obtain the
maximum pleasure from your vehicle and
avoid endangering yourself and others.
The equipment or model designation of your
vehicle may differ according to:
R model
R order
R country variant
R availability
Mercedes-Benz is constantly updating its
vehicles to the state of the art.
Mercedes-Benz therefore reserves the right
to introduce changes in the following areas:
R design
R equipment
R technical features
Therefore, you cannot base any claims on the
illustrations or text content in this Operator's
Manual.
The following are integral components of the
vehicle:
R Operator's Manual
R Brief Instructions 1
R Service Booklet
R Equipment-dependent supplements
Keep these documents in the vehicle at all
times. When you sell the vehicle, always pass
the documents on to the new owner.
The technical documentation team at
Daimler AG wishes you safe and pleasant
motoring.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
A Daimler Company1 Canada only.2515845582
É2515845582.ËÍ

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

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

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

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

Emergency spare wheelStorage location ............................ 297
Stowing .......................................... 298
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function ........................................... 55
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....21
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 244
Display message ............................ 225
Emergency starting ........................317
Engine number ............................... 354
Irregular running ............................ 149
Starting problems ..........................149
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 146
Starting with KEYLESS-GO .............147
Switching off .................................. 163
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................149
Engine emergency stop .................... 319
Engine oil Adding ........................................... 284
Additives ........................................ 358
Checking the oil level ..................... 283
Display message ............................ 227
Filling capacity ............................... 355
Notes about oil grades ................... 358
Notes on oil level/consumption ....283
Viscosity ........................................ 359
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) 4ETS ................................................ 66
Deactivating/activating ...................66
Display message ............................ 214
Function/notes ................................ 66
Important safety information ...........66
Trailer stabilization ........................... 67
Warning lamp ................................. 241
Exhaust check ................................... 166
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 292
Exterior lighting see Lights Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 110
Dipping (automatic) .......................111
Folding in/out (automatically) .......110
Folding in/out (electrically) ...........110
Folding in when locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Out of position (troubleshooting) ...111
Setting ........................................... 110
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 112
Storing the parking position ..........111
F
Filler cap see Fuel filler flap
First-aid kit ......................................... 296
Flat tire Changing a wheel/mounting the
spare wheel ................................... 303
MOExtended run-flat system .........309
Preparing the vehicle .....................299
Raising the vehicle .........................305
TIREFIT kit ...................................... 299
see Emergency spare wheel
Floormat ............................................. 279
Front fog lamp Switching on/off ........................... 116
Front fog lamps ................................. 116
Display message ............................ 224
Front windshield
see Windshield
Fuel
Additives ........................................ 357
Calling up the range .......................211
Consumption statistics ..................210
Displaying the current
consumption .................................. 211
Driving tips .................................... 165
Fuel gauge ....................................... 29
Important safety notes ..................356
Premium-grade unleaded gasoline . 356
Problem (malfunction) ...................160
Refueling ........................................ 156
Specifications ................................ 356
Tank content/reserve fuel .............355
Index9

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

Delayed switch-off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 208
Emergency lighting ........................119
Manual control ............................... 119
Overview ........................................ 118
Reading lamp ................................. 118
see Interior lighting
J
Jack Storage location ............................ 296
Using ............................................. 305
Jump starting (engine) ...................... 313
K
Key see SmartKey
KEYLESS-GO
Convenience closing feature ............88
Display message ............................ 236
Locking ............................................ 73
Start/Stop button .......................... 145
Starting the engine ........................147
Unlocking ......................................... 73
Key positions
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 145
SmartKey ....................................... 145
Kickdown ........................................... 153
L
Lamps see Warning and indicator lamps
Lane-change assistant
see Blind Spot Assist
Language (on-board computer) ........ 206
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ................................................ 58
Level control (display message) ...... 229
License plate lamp Changing bulbs .............................. 124
Display message ............................ 223
Lighting
see Lights
Lights
Activating/deactivating the
exterior lighting delayed switch-
off .................................................. 207
Activating/deactivating the
interior lighting delayed switch-off . 208
Automatic headlamp mode ............115
Display message ............................ 222
Driving abroad ............................... 114
Fog lamps ...................................... 116
Hazard warning lamps ...................117
High beam flasher .......................... 117
High-beam headlamps ...................117
Light switch ................................... 114
Low-beam headlamps ....................115
Parking lamps ................................ 114
Rear fog lamp ................................ 116
Switching the daytime running
lamps on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 206
Switching the daytime running
lamps on/off (switch) ....................115
Switching the surround lighting
on/off (on-board computer) ..........207
Turn signals ................................... 117
see Changing bulbs
see Interior lighting
Light sensor (display message) ....... 225
LIM indicator lamp Cruise control ................................ 171
DISTRONIC .................................... 175
Loading guidelines ............................ 248
Locking see Central locking
Locking (doors)
Automatic ........................................ 80
Emergency locking ........................... 81
From inside (central locking
button) ............................................. 80
Locking centrally
see Central locking
Locking verification signal (on-
board computer) ............................... 208
Low-beam headlamps Changing bulbs .............................. 121
Display message ............................ 222Index11

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