power steering MERCEDES-BENZ R320 2008 W251 Owner's Manual

Contents
Control system .................................. 157
Multifunction display .................... 157
Multifunction steering wheel ........ 158
Menus .......................................... 160
Standard display menu ................ 164
AUDIO menu ................................ 165
NAV menu* .................................. 167
AIRMATIC*/Compass menu ........ 168
Distronic* menu........................... 168
Vehicle status message memory
menu ............................................ 169
Settings menu .............................. 170
Distance warning function* ......... 185
Trip computer menu..................... 185
TEL menu* ................................... 187
Automatic transmission ..................... 190
Gear selector lever ....................... 190
Shifting procedure ....................... 193
Transmission positions................. 194
Driving tips ................................... 197
Gear ranges ................................. 199
Automatic shift program .............. 200
Steering wheel gearshift control .. 201
Emergency operation
(Limp-Home Mode) ...................... 202Good visibility ..................................... 203
Headlamp cleaning system* ......... 203
Rear view mirrors .......................... 203
Power folding exterior rear view
mirrors* ........................................ 204
Sun visors ..................................... 205
Rear door window sunshade* ....... 207
Rear window defroster .................. 207
Climate control ................................... 208
Deactivating the climate control
system .......................................... 212
Operating the climate control
system in automatic mode............ 212
Setting the temperature................ 213
Adjusting air distribution............... 213
Adjusting air volume ..................... 214
Front defroster.............................. 214
Air recirculation mode .................. 216
Air conditioning............................. 219
Residual heat and ventilation ........ 219
Rear climate control*.................... 2203-zone automatic climate control* ..... 222
Deactivating the automatic
climate control system ................. 226
Operating the automatic climate
control system in automatic
mode ............................................ 227
Setting the temperature ............... 227
Adjusting air distribution .............. 228
Adjusting air volume ..................... 229
Front defroster ............................. 229
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL ........ 231
Air recirculation mode .................. 231
Air conditioning ............................ 233
Using driver-side settings for all
temperature zones........................ 234
Residual heat and ventilation........ 235
Rear automatic climate control
(second row) ................................. 236
Rear automatic climate control
(second and third row)* ................ 240
Power windows .................................. 241
Door windows ............................... 242
Hinged quarter windows* ............. 243
Synchronizing the door windows .. 244
Summer opening feature .............. 244
Convenience closing feature......... 245

Contents
Power tilt/sliding sunroof* ................ 248
Opening and closing ..................... 248
Synchronizing ............................... 250
Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel* .............................. 252
Roller sunblinds for the
panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel........................... 252
Opening and closing the
panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel........................... 253
Synchronizing the panorama
roof with power tilt/sliding panel . 255
Driving systems ................................. 257
Cruise control............................... 257
Distronic* (Canada only) .............. 262
Distance warning function*
(Canada only) ............................... 275
AIRMATIC* ................................... 276
Permanent four-wheel drive
(4MATIC)* .................................... 281
Parktronic* (Parking assist) ......... 281
Rear view camera* ....................... 285Loading .............................................. 288
Roof rack*.................................... 288
Loading instructions..................... 289
Cargo tie-down rings .................... 290
Hooks........................................... 291
Expanding cargo compartment .... 292
Cargo compartment cover blind... 299
Cargo net* ................................... 301
Useful features .................................. 304
Storage compartments ................ 304
Parcel nets ................................... 307
Cup holders.................................. 308
Ashtrays ....................................... 311
Cigarette lighter ........................... 313
Power outlets ............................... 314
Rear center console* ................... 315
Heated steering wheel* ............... 318
Telephone* .................................. 319
Tele Aid* ...................................... 322
Garage door opener ..................... 329
Compass ...................................... 334
Floormats ..................................... 335
Infrared reflecting windshield* ..... 336
Operation......................................... 337
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) ........ 338
Driving instructions ........................... 339
Drive sensibly – save fuel............. 339
Drinking and driving ..................... 339
Pedals .......................................... 339
Power assistance ......................... 340
Brakes.......................................... 340
Driving off .................................... 342
Parking......................................... 343
Tires ............................................. 343
Hydroplaning................................ 344
Tire traction ................................. 344
Tire speed rating .......................... 345
Winter driving instructions ........... 346
Standing water............................. 347
Passenger compartment .............. 347
Driving abroad ............................. 348
Control and operation of radio
transmitters ................................. 348
Catalytic converter
(gasoline engine).......................... 349

25 At a glance
Cockpit
ItemPage
1Cruise control lever258
2Instrument cluster26
3Multifunction steering
wheel30
4Horn
5Steering wheel gearshift
buttons201
6Gear selector lever for
automatic transmission53
7Front Parktronic* warning
indicators283
8Overhead control panel33
9Glove box release
Glove box lock304
305
ItemPage
aGlove box
CD changer*
AUX-socket304
304
304
bCenter console31
cPower outlet314
dStarter switch39
eSteering wheel adjustment,
manual46
fSteering wheel adjustment,
electrical*47
Heated steering wheel*318
gHood lock release356
hParking brake release56
ItemPage
jParking brake pedal65
kDoor control panel36
lExterior lamp switch143
mCombination switch

High beam58

Turn signals59

Windshield wipers59

Rear window wiper61

43 Getting started
Adjusting
Adjusting
Seats
Warning!G
All seat, head restraint, steering wheel, and
rear view mirror adjustments, as well as
fastening of seat belts, must be done before
the vehicle is put into motion.
Warning!G
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 ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
back 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 belt would apply force at the
abdomen or neck. That 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 belts are properly positioned
on the body.
Your seat must be adjusted so that you can
correctly fasten your seat belt (
page 50).
Observe the following points:

Adjust the seat backrest until your arms
are slightly angled when holding the
steering wheel.

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 to the rear
as possible, consistent with ability to
properly operate controls.

Adjust 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.

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.
Warning!G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
from the starter switch, take it with you, and
lock the vehicle.
Even with the SmartKey or the SmartKey
with KEYLESS-GO* removed from the
starter switch or the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* removed from the vehicle,
the power seats can be operated.
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.

49 Getting started
Adjusting
The buttons are located on the driver’s
door control panel.
1Driver’s side exterior rear view mirror
button
2Adjustment button
3Passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror button
Switch on the ignition (page 39).
Press button1 for the driver’s side
exterior rear view mirror or
button3for the passenger-side
exterior rear view mirror.
The indicator lamp on the respective
button comes on for approximately
15 seconds.
Push adjustment button2up, down,
left, or right according to the desired
setting.
For more information, see “Rear view
mirrors” (
page 203).
iIf you do not make adjustments to the
selected exterior rear view mirror within
15 seconds, the indicator lamp goes out. You will
then have to select the desired exterior rear view
mirror again before any adjustments can be
made. Adjustments can only be made with the
indicator lamp for the respective exterior rear
view mirror button illuminated.
!If an exterior rear view mirror was forcibly
pushed forward (hit from the rear) or forcibly
pushed rearward (hit from the front), reposition
it by applying firm pressure until it snaps into
place. The mirror housing is then properly
positioned and you can adjust the mirror in the
usual manner.
!Vehicles with power folding exterior rear
view mirrors*:
If an exterior rear view mirror housing is forcibly
pushed forward (hit from the rear) or forcibly
pushed rearward (hit from the front) press fold
button1 (
page 205) to fold mirrors in, then
press fold button1 (
page 205) again to fold
mirrors out. Do not force mirrors by hand as this
may damage the adjustment mechanism.
The mirror housing is then properly positioned
and you can adjust the mirror in the usual man-
ner.
Please make sure both rear view mirrors are
folded out before driving off.
iThe memory function* (page 141) lets
you store the settings for the exterior rear view
mirrors together with the setting for the steering
wheel and the seat positions.
At low ambient temperatures, the exterior rear
view mirrors will be heated automatically.

64 Getting started
Parking and locking
You have now completed your first drive.
You have properly stopped and parked
your vehicle. End your drive as follows.
Warning!G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and the
steering system. In this case, it is important
to keep in mind that a considerably higher
degree of effort is necessary to brake and
steer the vehicle.
Warning!G
Do not park this vehicle in areas where com-
bustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system, as these materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
To reduce the risk of personal injury as a
result of vehicle movement, before turning
off the engine and leaving the vehicle
always:

Keep right foot on brake pedal.

Firmly depress parking brake pedal.

Shift the automatic transmission to
positionP.

Slowly release brake pedal.

When parked on an incline, turn front
wheel towards the road curb.

Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position0 and remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch, or press the
start/stop button (vehicles with
KEYLESS-GO*).

Take the SmartKey or the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* and lock vehicle when
leaving.

66 Getting started
Parking and locking
Turning off the engine
Shift the automatic transmission to
positionP (
page 192).
Apply the parking brake (page 65).Turning off with the SmartKey
Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position0 (
page 40).
Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
The immobilizer is activated.Turning off with KEYLESS-GO*
Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button (
page 41) to turn off the
engine.
With the driver’s door closed, the
starter switch is now in position1. With
the driver’s door opened, the starter
switch is set to position0, same as
SmartKey removed from starter switch
(
page 39).
iIf the engine cannot be turned off as
described, see “Emergency engine shut-down”
(
page 520).
Warning!G
Do not turn off the engine before the vehicle
has come to a complete stop. With the
engine not running, there is no power assis-
tance for the brake and steering systems. In
this case, it is important to keep in mind that
a considerably higher degree of effort is
necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.
iAlways set the parking brake in addition to
shifting to positionP (
page 192).
When parked on an incline, also turn front wheel
towards the road curb.
!Observe instructions when taking the
vehicle through an automatic conveyor type
car wash (
page 406).
!If you turn off the engine using the
SmartKey and

remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch
or

open a front door
the automatic transmission will shift to park
positionP automatically.
Keep in mind that turning off the engine with the
SmartKey alone only will automatically shift the
automatic transmission to neutral positionN.
iIn an emergency you can turn off the engine
while driving by pressing and holding the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button for
approximately 3 seconds.
!If you turn off the engine using the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and open a front
door, the automatic transmission will shift to
park positionP automatically.
Keep in mind that turning off the engine using
the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button alone only
will automatically shift the automatic transmis-
sion to neutral positionN.

100 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in
the regulating mode.
Keep firm and steady pressure on the
brake pedal while experiencing the pul-
sation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions
and functions as a reminder to take extra
care while driving.Emergency brake maneuver
Keep continuous full pressure on the
brake pedal.
For more information, see the “Practical
Hints” section (
page 414).
Warning!G
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the BAS,
the ESP®, and the Electronic Traction
System are also switched off. The basic
driving and braking functions are still avail-
able.
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the wheels
may lock during hard braking, reducing
steering capability and extending the brak-
ing distance.
Warning!G
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded. The ABS cannot prevent acci-
dents, including those resulting from exces-
sive speed in turns, following another
vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can pre-
vent accidents. The capabilities of an ABS
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in
a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.

142 Controls in detail
Memory function*
Storing positions into memory
Adjust the seat (page 44).
On the driver’s side, additionally adjust
the steering wheel (
page 46) and
exterior rear view mirrors (
page 48)
to the desired positions.
Press memory buttonM.
Release memory button M and press
stored position button1, 2 or 3 within
3 seconds.
When the settings are stored to the
selected position, an acknowledge-
ment signal sounds.
Recalling positions from memory
Press and hold stored position
button1,2 or3 until the seat, steering
wheel and exterior rear view mirrors
have fully moved to the stored posi-
tions.
!Do not operate the power seats using mem-
ory button M if the seat backrest is in an exces-
sively reclined position. Doing so could cause
damage to front or rear seats.
Move seat backrest to an upright position first.
iReleasing the stored position button stops
movement to the stored positions immediately.

199 Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
Gear ranges
With the automatic transmission in drive
positionD, you can select a gear range for
the automatic transmission to operate
within.
You can limit the gear range by pressing
the left gearshift button on the steering
wheel gearshift control, and reverse the
gear range limit by pressing the right gear-
shift button on the steering wheel gearshift
control (
page 201).
The selected gear range appears in the
multifunction display.
1Current gear range
Effect
ïThe transmission shifts through
sixth gear only.
îThe transmission shifts through
fifth gear only.
éThe transmission shifts through
fourth gear only.
èThe transmission shifts through
third gear only.
With this selection you can use
the braking effect of the engine.
Effect
çThe transmission shifts through
second gear only.
Allows the use of engine’s
braking power when driving:

on steep downgrades

in mountainous regions

under extreme operating
conditions
æThe transmission operates in
first gear only.
For maximum use of engine’s
braking effect on very steep or
lengthy downgrades.