tire pressure MERCEDES-BENZ R320 2008 W251 Owner's Manual

Contents
Oxidation catalyst
(diesel engine).............................. 349
Emission control .......................... 350
Coolant temperature .................... 350
At the gas station .............................. 352
Refueling ...................................... 352
Check regularly and before a
long trip........................................ 354
Engine compartment ......................... 356
Hood ............................................ 356
Engine oil ..................................... 358
Transmission fluid level ................ 360
Coolant level ................................ 360
Windshield/rear window washer
system and headlamp cleaning
system* ....................................... 362
Tires and wheels ................................ 363
Important guidelines .................... 363
Tire care and maintenance........... 364
Direction of rotation ..................... 365
Loading the vehicle ...................... 366
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ....................................... 371
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 373
Tire labeling.................................. 384
Load identification ....................... 388DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) .............................................. 388
Maximum tire load ........................ 390
Maximum tire inflation pressure ... 390
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) .............. 391
Tire ply material ............................ 393
Tire and loading terminology......... 393
Rotating tires ................................ 396
Winter driving ..................................... 398
Winter tires ................................... 398
Snow chains.................................. 399
Maintenance....................................... 400
Maintenance service indicator
message ....................................... 400
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator display ............... 402
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator ........................... 402
Vehicle care........................................ 403
Cleaning and care of the vehicle ... 403
Practical hints.................................. 413
What to do if … ................................... 414
Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 414
Lamp in center console ................ 425
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display .................... 427
Where will I find ...? ............................ 467
First aid kit.................................... 467
Vehicle tool kit.............................. 467
Spare wheel .................................. 471
Unlocking / locking in an emergency .. 474
Unlocking the vehicle ................... 474
Locking the vehicle ....................... 475
Fuel filler flap ................................ 475
Resetting activated head restraints.... 477
Vehicles without Rear Seat
Entertainment Package................. 477
Vehicles with Rear Seat
Entertainment Package*............... 478
Replacing SmartKey batteries ............ 479
Replacing bulbs .................................. 480
Bulbs............................................. 480
Replacing bulbs for front lamps .... 483
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 487

23 At a glance
Exterior view
ItemPage
1Tailgate119
Power tailgate*119
Cargo compartment

Loading instructions

Cargo tie-down rings

Hooks

Expanding

Cover blind

Cargo net*
289
290
291
292
299
301
Vehicle tool kit467
Spare wheel471
2Rear window defroster207
3Rear lamps481
4Fuel filler flap352
Refueling352
Fuel353,
540
ItemPage
5Exterior rear view mirrors
Adjusting48
Auto-dimming rear view
mirrors*203
Power folding*204
6Towing eye bolt467
Installing towing eye bolt515
7Tires and wheels363,
529
Checking tire inflation
pressure373
General information363
Flat tire492
Spare wheel471
8Hood
Opening356
Engine oil358
Coolant360
ItemPage
9Windshield wipers59
Wiper blades, replacing489
Wiper blades, cleaning409
aWindshield
Cleaning with wiper fluid61
Cleaning409
bPower tilt/sliding sunroof*248
Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel*252
cDoors
Locking and unlocking110
Opening and closing118
Locking/unlocking in an
emergency474
dFront lamps480
eHeadlamp cleaning system*203

27 At a glance
Instrument cluster
ItemPage
1LLeft turn signal
indicator lamp
2To dim instrument cluster
illumination154
3Reset button for:

Resetting trip odometer

Resetting all settings
155
171
4To brighten instrument
cluster illumination154
5KRight turn signal
indicator lamp
6Clock176
ItemPage
7Speedometer with:
-Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
indicator lamp414
’Variable speed limiter
indicator lamp1
lDistance warning
lamp2262,
414
1Lamp without function. It illuminates when the
ignition is on. It should go out when the engine is
running.
2Vehicles without Distronic*: Warning lamp without
function. It illuminates when the ignition is on.
It should go out when the engine is running.
ItemPage
;Brake warning lamp,
USA only415
3Brake warning lamp,
Canada only415
vElectronic Stability
Program (ESP®)
warning lamp
419
HCombination low tire
pressure/TPMS
malfunction telltale,
USA only422
Low tire pressure
telltale*, Canada only422

99 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems
In this section you will find information on
the following driving safety systems:

ABS (Antilock Brake System)

BAS (Brake Assist System)

ESP® (Electronic Stability Program)

EBP (Electronic Brake Proportioning)
ABS
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do
not lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) indepen-
dent of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The -indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster (
page 26) comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Warning!G
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:

Excessive speed, especially in turns

Wet and slippery road surfaces

Following another vehicle too closely
The driving systems described in this sec-
tion cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle.
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.
iIn winter operation, the maximum effective-
ness driving systems described in this section is
only achieved with winter tires (
page 398) or
snow chains as required.
Warning!G
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump-
ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of
the ABS and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.

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.

101 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
BAS
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the
brakes very quickly, the BAS automatically
provides full brake boost, thereby poten-
tially reducing braking distance.
Apply continuous full braking pressure
until the emergency braking situation is
over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the
brakes function again as normal. The BAS
is then deactivated.
ESP®
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) is
operational as soon as the engine is run-
ning and monitors the vehicle’s traction
(force of adhesive friction between the
tires and the road surface) and handling.
The ESP
® recognizes when a wheel is
spinning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By
applying brakes to the appropriate wheel
and by limiting engine output, the ESP
®
helps stabilize the vehicle. The ESP® is
especially useful while driving off and on
wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP
®
also stabilizes the vehicle during braking
and steering maneuvers.
The ESP
® warning lampv in the instru-
ment cluster (
page 26) flashes when the
ESP® is engaged.
The ESP
® warning lampv in the instru-
ment cluster comes on when you switch on
the ignition. It goes out when the engine is
running.
Warning!G
If the BAS is malfunctioning, the brake sys-
tem is still functioning, but without the addi-
tional brake boost available that BAS would
normally provide in an emergency braking
maneuver. Therefore, the braking distance
may increase.
Warning!G
The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking efficiency beyond that
afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
The BAS cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, following another vehicle too closely,
or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of a BAS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or danger-
ous manner which could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.

161 Controls in detail
Control system
Menus, submenus and functions
Menu1Menu2Menu3Menu4Menu5
Standard displayAUDIONAV*AIRMATIC*/CompassDISTRONIC*
(page 164)(page 165)(page 167)(page 168)(page 262)
Commands/submenus
Trip- and main odometerSelecting radio stationRoute guidance
instructions, current
direction traveledAIRMATIC*Status and settings
Checking tire inflation
pressureSelecting satellite radio
station*Compass
Checking coolant
temperatureOperating CD player
Calling up digital
speedometer or outside
temperature
Calling up maintenance
service indicator
iThe headings used in the menus table are
designed to facilitate navigation within thesystem and are not necessarily identical to those
shown in the control system displays. The first function displayed in each menu will automati-
cally show you which part of the system you are
in.

164 Controls in detail
Control system
Standard display menu
In the standard display, the main odometer
and the trip odometer appear in the multi-
function display.
1Trip odometer
2Main odometer
If you see another display, press
buttonè orÿ repeatedly until
the standard display appears.
Press buttonkorj to select
the functions in the standard display
menu.The following functions are available:Checking coolant temperature
Press buttonk orj repeatedly
until the coolant temperature appears
in the multifunction display.
FunctionPage
Checking tire inflation pressure373
Checking coolant temperature164
Calling up digital speedometer or
outside temperature165
Calling up maintenance service
indicator402
Warning!G

Driving when your engine is overheated
can cause some fluids which may have
leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire. You could be seriously
burned.

Steam from an overheated engine can
cause serious burns which can occur
just by opening the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam
coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from
other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of
the vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle
until the engine has cooled down.

248 Controls in detail
Power tilt/sliding sunroof*
Opening and closing
Warning!G
When closing the tilt/sliding sunroof, make
sure that there is no danger of anyone being
harmed by the closing procedure.
If the tilt/sliding sunroof encounters an
obstruction that blocks its path in a circum-
stance where you are closing the tilt/sliding
sunroof by moving the tilt/sliding sunroof
switch past the resistance point, or by
pressing and holding button‹on the
SmartKey, by pressing and holding the lock
button (vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*) on the
door handle, the automatic reversal function
will not operate.
The opening/closing procedure of the
tilt/sliding sunroof can be immediately
halted by releasing the switch or, if the
switch was moved past the resistance point
and released, by moving the switch in any
direction.
The tilt/sliding sunroof is made out of glass.
In the event of an accident, the glass may
shatter. This may result in an opening in the
roof.
In a vehicle rollover, occupants not wearing
their seat belts or not wearing them properly
may be thrown out of the opening. Such an
opening also presents a potential for injury
for occupants wearing their seat belts prop-
erly as entire body parts or portions of them
may protrude from the passenger compart-
ment.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
from the starter switch, take it with you, and
lock your vehicle. 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.!To avoid damaging the seals, do not trans-
port any objects with sharp edges which can
stick out of the tilt/sliding sunroof.
Do not open the tilt/sliding sunroof if there is
snow or ice on the roof, as this could result in
malfunctions.
!Please keep in mind that weather conditions
can sometimes change rapidly. Make sure to
close the tilt/sliding sunroof when leaving the
vehicle. If water enters the vehicle interior,
vehicle electronics could be damaged which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
iWhen the tilt/sliding sunroof is open,
resonance noises may result in addition to the
usual wind noises. They are caused by minimal
pressure changes in the passenger compart-
ment. To reduce or eliminate theses noises,
change the position of the tilt/sliding sunroof or
open a door window slightly.

253 Controls in detail
Panorama roof with power tilt/sliding panel*
Opening and closing the panorama roof
with power tilt/sliding panel
Switch on the ignition (page 39).
Warning!G
When opening or closing the tilt/sliding
panel, make sure that there is no danger of
anyone being harmed by the opening or
closing procedure.
The opening procedure of the tilt/sliding
panel can be immediately halted by releas-
ing the switch or, if the switch was moved
past the resistance point and released, by
moving the switch in any direction.
The closing procedure of the tilt/sliding
panel can be immediately halted by releas-
ing the switch.
The panorama roof with power tilt/sliding
panel is made out of glass. In the event of
an accident, the glass may shatter. This may
result in an opening in the roof.
In a vehicle rollover, occupants not wearing
their seat belts or not wearing them properly
may be thrown out of the opening. Such an
opening also presents a potential for injury
for occupants wearing their seat belts
properly as entire body parts or portions of
them may protrude from the passenger
compartment.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey or the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* from the starter switch, take
it with you, and lock the vehicle. 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.
!To avoid damaging the seals, do not trans-
port any objects with sharp edges which can
stick out of the tilt/sliding panel.
Do not open the tilt/sliding panel if there is
snow or ice on the roof, as this could result in
malfunctions.
!Please keep in mind that weather conditions
can sometimes change rapidly. Make sure to
close the tilt/sliding panel when leaving the
vehicle. If water enters the vehicle interior,
vehicle electronics could be damaged which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
iWhen the tilt/sliding panel is open,
resonance noises may result in addition to the
usual wind noises. They are caused by minimal
pressure changes in the passenger compart-
ment. To reduce or eliminate theses noises,
change the position of the tilt/sliding panel or
open a door window slightly.
iYou can also open or close the tilt/sliding
panel using the SmartKey or the KEYLESS-GO*
function, see “Summer opening feature”
(
page 244) and “Convenience closing
feature” (
page 245).
iThe tilt/sliding panel may also open when
using the air recirculation button: on the
control panel of the climate control
(
page 210) or automatic climate control*
(
page 224).