traction control MERCEDES-BENZ R320 2010 W251 Owner's Manual

1, 2, 3 ...
115V AC Socket .................................
206
3-zone automatic climate control see Climate control system
4-ETS (Electronic Traction System) ...65
4MATIC see All-wheel drive (4MATIC) A
ABS (Antilock Brake System) .............63
Indicator lamp ................................

300
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 275, 286
Accessory weight .............................. 248
Accidents ........................................... 113
Air bags ........................................... 37
Distance warning function .............152
Emergency calls (Tele Aid) ............. 209
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints ........................................ 53
Active Bi-Xenon headlamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 295
see Headlamps
Adaptive Damping System
see ADS
AdBlue ®
...................................... 331, 354
Capacity, AdBlue ®
tank ................. 351
Refilling ......................................... 332
Additives
Engine oil ....................................... 352
Gasoline ......................................... 354
Address change ................................... 22
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) ..... 153
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ................................................. 232
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 283, 298
Air bags ................................................ 37
Emergency call upon deployment ..209
Front, driver and passenger ............. 40
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (Canada
only) ........................................ 45, 307Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (USA only)
........42, 307
Messages in the multifunction
display

........................................... 277
OCS (Occupant Classification
System ............................................. 42
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Side impact ...................................... 40
Window curtain ................................ 41
Air conditioning refrigerant and
lubricant ............................................. 352
Air distribution .......................... 168, 177
Air filter .............................................. 294
AIRMATIC
ADS (Adaptive Damping System) ...153
Introduction ................................... 153
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 287
Vehicle level control ...................... 154
AIRMATIC/Compass menu ...............129
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air pressure (tires) ............................ 249
Air pump (electric) ............................ 328
Air recirculation mode ..............169, 179
Air volume ................................. 168, 178
Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool
kit) .............................................. 270, 327
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) ..................156
Alternator Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 282, 292
Alternator (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Anticorrosion/antifreeze ..................356
Antilock Brake System see ABS
Anti-theft systems ............................... 67
Anti-theft alarm system ................... 67
Immobilizer ...................................... 67
Aquaplaning
see Hydroplaning
Armrest, front
Storage compartment ....................198
Telephone tray ............................... 1984
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Driving off
.................................. 112, 255
Driving safety systems ....................... 63
4-ETS
............................................... 65
ABS .................................................. 63
BAS .................................................. 64
EBP .................................................. 64
ESP ®
................................................ 65
Driving systems
AIRMATIC ...................................... 153
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) ................ 156
Cruise control ................................ 142
Distronic ........................................ 145
Hill-start assist system .................. 153
Parktronic system ..........................156
Rear view camera .......................... 159
Driving tips, automatic
transmission ...................................... 119E
Easy-entry/exit feature .............. 92, 137
EBP (Electronic Brake
Proportioning) ......................................

64
Electrical system
Improper work on or
modifications ................................... 22
Power outlets ................................. 206
Electrical system (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®

Electronic Traction System
see 4-ETS
Emergency, in case of
First aid kit ..................................... 270
Flat tire .......................................... 319
Hazard warning flasher ..................101
Roadside Assistance ................ 21, 210
Towing the vehicle .........................338
Emergency calls
Tele Aid .......................................... 209
Emergency engine shutdown ...........342
Emergency operations
Limp-home mode ........................... 121
Remote door unlock ...................... 212
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD Emission control
............................... 260
Information label ............................
345
System warranties ........................... 20
Engine
Break-in recommendations ............220
Cleaning ......................................... 264
Compartment ................................ 222
Malfunction indicator
lamp ........................................ 29, 305
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 290
Number .......................................... 345
Starting .......................................... 110
Turning off ..................................... 114
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Engine compartment
Radiator ......................................... 224
Engine coolant
see Coolant
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 225
Additives ........................................ 352
Checking level ............................... 224
Consumption ................................. 224
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 293
Oil dipstick ..................................... 224
Recommended engine oils and oil
filter ............................................... 352
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .............................................. 65
4-ETS ............................................... 65
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 275, 286
Trailer stabilization ........................... 66
Warning lamp ................................. 303
ETD (Emergency Tensioning
Device) ................................................. 52
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Express operation
Panorama roof ............................... 184
Power windows .............................. 106
Tilt/sliding sunroof ........................181
Exterior lamp switch ........................... 97
Exterior rear view mirrors ..................94
Fold-in function .............................. 1388
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ESP
® G
Observe Safety notes, see page 63.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP ®
) is
operational as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESP ®
recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual
wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESP ®
works to 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 lamp d in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster flashes when the ESP ®
is
engaged. G
Warning!
Never switch off the ESP ®
when you see the
ESP ®
warning lamp d flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Only

conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system or the transfer case which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
! Because the ESP ®
operates
automatically,

the engine and ignition must
be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button in position 0 or 1) when the parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer. Such testing should be no
longer than 10 seconds.
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! The ESP ®
will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
as specified in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
i The Distronic system and cruise control
switch off automatically when the ESP ®
engages.
Electronic Traction System (4-ETS) G
Observe Safety notes, see page 63.
The 4-ETS (four-wheel Electronic Traction
System) is a component of the ESP ®
. The
4-ETS

improves the vehicle’s ability to utilize
available traction, especially under slippery
road conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel. In addition, more power is
transferred to the wheel(s) with traction.
When you switch off the ESP ®
, the 4-ETS is
still enabled.
Switching off the ESP ® G
Warning!
The ESP ®
should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the Driving safety systems
65
Safety and security
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circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP
®
when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESP ®
. This allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for
example
R when driving with snow chains
R in deep snow
R in sand or gravel G
Warning!
Switch on the ESP ®
immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESP ®
will not
stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to skid
or a wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESP ®
,
R the ESP ®
does not stabilize the vehicle
R the engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
R the 4-ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
R the ESP ®
continues to operate when you
are braking
R the cruise control or the Distronic system
cannot be activated
R the cruise control or the Distronic system
switch off if activated
i When the ESP ®
is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP ®
warning lamp d in the instrument
cluster flashes. However, the ESP ®
will
then not stabilize the vehicle. X
With the engine running, press ESP ®
switch : until the ESP ®
warning lamp
d in the instrument cluster comes on.
The ESP ®
is switched off. G
Warning!
When the ESP ®
warning lamp d is
illuminated continuously, the ESP ®
is
switched off or is not operational due to a
malfunction. Vehicle stability in standard
driving maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP ®
.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period with the ESP ®
switched
off. This may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Switching on the ESP ® X
Press ESP ®
switch : until the ESP ®
warning lamp d in the instrument
cluster goes out.
You are now again in normal driving mode
with the ESP ®
switched on.
ESP ®
trailer stabilization If the trailer you are towing should begin to
sway, the rig can only be stabilized by
immediately applying the brakes hard.
Steering during this maneuver will not help to
stabilize the rig.66
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The current gear range appears in the
multifunction display.
:
Gear range indicator Effect
=
With this selection you can use the
braking effect of the engine.
5
Allows the use of the engine’s
braking effect when driving
R
on steep downgrades
R in mountainous regions
R under extreme operating
conditions 4
For maximum use of the engine’s
braking effect on very steep or
lengthy downgrades.
Automatic shift program
Program mode selector switch
C Comfort For comfort driving
S Sport For standard driving The current program mode appears in the
multifunction display.
:
Program mode indicator
You should only change the program mode
when the automatic transmission is in park
position P.
The last selected program mode ( C or S) is
active when the engine is restarted.
X Press the program mode selector switch
repeatedly until the letter of the desired
program mode appears in the multifunction
display.
Selecting program mode C means:
R The vehicle starts out more gentle, both
forward and reverse, except when driving
off with full throttle.
R Traction and driving stability are improved
on icy roads.
R Upshifts occur earlier even when you give
more gas. The engine then operates at
lower revolutions and the wheels are less
likely to spin.
Selecting program mode S means that
upshifts occur later. One-touch gearshifting
With the automatic transmission in drive
position D, you can limit or extend the gear
range using the steering wheel gearshift
control. 120
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Redialing
The control system stores the most recently
dialed phone numbers. This eliminates the
need to search through your entire phone
book.
X
Press button U or V repeatedly until
the message TEL appears in the
multifunction display.
X Press button 6.
The first number in the redial memory
appears in the multifunction display.
X Press button &
or * repeatedly until
the desired number or name appears in the
multifunction display.
X Press button 6.
The control system dials the selected
phone number. Driving systems
Introduction
This section describes the following driving
systems of your vehicle:
R Cruise control
R Distronic
R Distance warning function (only available
with Distronic)
R Hill-start assist system
R Rear-axle level control
R AIRMATIC
R All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
R Parktronic system
R Rear view camera
The

driving safety systems ABS, BAS, EBP and
ESP ®
are described in the “Safety and
security” section (Y page 63). Cruise control
The cruise control maintains the speed you
set for your vehicle automatically.
The

use of the cruise control is recommended
for driving at a constant speed for extended
periods of time.
The currently set speed or last set speed
(“Resume” function) appears in the status
indicator of the multifunction display:
R USA only: e.g. Cruise 55 Miles
R Canada only: e.g. ¯ 90 Km/h G
Warning!
The cruise control is a convenience system
designed to assist the driver during vehicle
operation. The driver is and must always
remain responsible for the vehicle’s speed
and for safe brake operation.
Only

use the cruise control if the road, traffic,
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy
traffic because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid
changes in tire traction can result in wheel
spin and loss of control.
R Deactivate the cruise control when driving
in fog.
The “Resume” function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed. 142
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G
Warning!
Use of the Distronic can be dangerous on
slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire traction
can result in wheel spin and loss of control.
The Distronic does not function in adverse
sight and distance conditions. Do not use the
Distronic during conditions of fog, heavy rain,
snow or sleet. G
Warning!
The Distronic cannot take weather conditions
into account. Switch off the Distronic or do
not switch it on if:
R roads are slippery or covered with snow or
ice. The wheels could lose traction while
braking or accelerating, and the vehicle
could skid.
R the Distronic system sensor cover is dirty
or visibility is diminished due to snow, rain
or fog, for example. The distance control
system functionality could be impaired.
Always pay attention to surrounding traffic
conditions even while the Distronic is
switched on. Otherwise, you may not be able
to recognize dangerous situations until it is
too late. This could cause an accident in which
you and/or others could be injured. G
Warning!
The “Resume” function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed. G
Warning!
Close attention to road and traffic conditions
is imperative at all times, regardless of
whether or not the Distronic is activated.
Use of the Distronic can be dangerous on
winding roads or in heavy traffic because
conditions do not allow safe driving at a
constant speed.
The Distronic will not react to stationary
objects in the roadway (e.g. a stopped vehicle
in a traffic jam or a disabled vehicle). The Distronic will also not respond to oncoming
vehicles.
Switch off the Distronic:
R
when changing from the left to the right
lane if vehicles are moving more slowly in
the left lane
R when entering a turn lane or highway off
ramp
R in complex driving situations, such as in
highway construction zones
In these situations, the Distronic will continue
to maintain the set speed unless deactivated.
The Distronic is designed and intended only
to maintain a set speed and keep a set
distance from moving objects in front of it.
i This device has been approved by the FCC
as a “Vehicular Radar System”. The radar
sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removal, tampering, or
altering of the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Distronic displays in the speedometer When the Distronic is activated, one or two
cruise control speed segments come on
around set speed
:.146
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X
Close all doors and the tailgate.
X Start the engine.
When indicator lamp ; is on:
X Press switch :.
Indicator lamp ; flashes. The vehicle
adjusts to the highway level.
The following message appears in the
multifunction display while the level is
being set: i
The message can be cleared by pressing
the V, U, & or * button on
the multifunction steering wheel.
When the highway level is reached, indicator
lamp ; goes out and the following message
appears in the multifunction display for
approximately 5 seconds: The vehicle level raised from highspeed level
to highway level automatically when the
vehicle speed falls below 40 mph (64 km/h).
In the raised level, the vehicle level is lowered
to the highway level automatically when the
vehicle speed is exceeding 25 mph
(40 km/h).
All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
In vehicles with all-wheel drive (4MATIC),
both axles are powered at all times when the
vehicle is being operated. The 4MATIC improves traction in conjunction with the
ESP
®
(Y page 65) and the Electronic Traction
System (4-ETS) (Y page 65). G
Warning!
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
R While driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! Do not tow with one axle raised. Doing so
could damage the transfer case, which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty. All wheels must be on or off the
ground. Observe instructions for towing the
vehicle with all wheels on the ground.
! Only conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system and/or the transfer case which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
i In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the 4MATIC is only
achieved with winter tires ( Y page 251) or
snow chains as required. Parktronic system
The Parktronic system is an electronic
parking aid with ultrasonic sensors designed
to assist the driver during parking maneuvers.
The Parktronic system indicates the relative 156
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X
When the seat is unlocked, push seat
backrest back until the seat engages
audibly. Outboard second-row seat locked
When the seat is locked, lock status
indicator : is in hinged position and red
marking ; is barely visible.
Second-row middle seat
Folded position
X
Pull seat release strap : of seat ; in
direction of arrow.
The seat is released and flips up and
backwards.
X Push down on seat ; until it engages in
armrest position.
X Pull seat backrest release strap :
(Y page 90) of seat backrest in direction of
arrow.
X Fold seat backrest to the rear until it
engages audibly. Cargo compartment cover blind
The cargo compartment cover blind can be
installed behind the third-row seats or the
second-row seats.
! With the cargo compartment cover blind
installed, do not pile luggage higher than
the lower edges of the rear side windows.
The cargo compartment cover blind must be
extended for installation behind the second-
row seats ( Y page 195).
The cargo compartment cover blind has two
blind extensions which are connected to the
cargo compartment cover blind by cords. Blind installed behind third-row seats
X
Rolling out: Pull cargo compartment cover
blind on handle : across the cargo
compartment.
X Guide cargo compartment cover blind into
mounts ; and release.
X Rolling up: Disengage cargo compartment
cover blind and guide retraction by its
handle :. 194
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Vanity mirror
The vanity mirror lamp only functions when
the sun visor is engaged in mounting C.
X
Flip sun visor : down.
X Lift up vanity mirror cover ?.
Vanity mirror lamp = comes on.Rear door window sunshade
This feature is only available in the USA. X
Extending: Pull on tab ; and engage it in
holder :.
X Retracting: Disengage tab ; from
holder : and guide retraction.
! Always guide the sunshade. Do not let it
snap back abruptly, as the retractor could
be damaged.
! Always either close the door window or
lower the sunshade when driving at high
speed, e.g. on highways. The sunshade
could disengage and snap back when the
sunshade is raised and the respective door
window is open. The retractor could be
damaged. Ashtrays
Center console ashtray i
A storage compartment is located under
the ashtray insert. !
The storage compartment is not heat-
proof. Therefore, do not stub cigarettes in
the storage compartment. X
Opening: Open cover : (Y page 198).
X Removing ashtray insert: Grab ashtray
insert ; at the rear and pull it out.
X Reinstalling ashtray insert: Insert
ashtray insert ; and push it down until it
engages.
X Closing: Push down cover :.
Rear seat ashtray (second row) i
Vehicles with rear center console
(Y page 200) are not equipped with an
ashtray in front of the second-row seats.
! Close the ashtray when not in use and
before folding the second-row seats.
Otherwise you could damage the ashtray. X
Opening: Open cover : (Y page 202). 204
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