power steering MERCEDES-BENZ R350 2006 W251 Owner's Manual

Contents
Automatic transmission ..................... 197
Gear selector lever ....................... 197
Shifting procedure ....................... 199
Transmission positions................. 200
Gear ranges ................................. 202
Driving tips ................................... 203
Automatic shift program .............. 204
Steering wheel gearshift control .. 205
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) ...................... 207
Good visibility .................................... 208
Headlamp cleaning system* ........ 208
Rear view mirrors ......................... 208
Power folding exterior rear view
mirrors* ....................................... 211
Sun visors .................................... 212
Rear door window sunshade* ...... 214
Third-row sunshade* .................... 214
Rear window defroster ................. 215
Climate control .................................. 216
Deactivating the climate control
system ......................................... 220
Operating the climate control
system in automatic mode ........... 221Setting the temperature................ 222
Adjusting air distribution............... 222
Adjusting air volume ..................... 222
Front defroster.............................. 223
Air recirculation mode .................. 224
Air conditioning............................. 226
Residual heat and ventilation ........ 227
Rear climate control ..................... 228
3-zone automatic climate control* ..... 230
Deactivating the climate control
system .......................................... 234
Operating the climate control
system in automatic mode............ 235
Setting the temperature................ 236
Adjusting air distribution............... 236
Adjusting air volume ..................... 237
Front defroster.............................. 238
Maximum cooling MAX COOL ....... 239
Air recirculation mode .................. 239
Air conditioning............................. 241
Using driver-side settings for all
temperature zones........................ 242
Residual heat and ventilation ........ 243
Rear automatic climate control..... 244Power windows .................................. 248
Opening and closing ..................... 248
Synchronizing the door windows .. 251
Summer opening feature .............. 251
Convenience closing feature......... 252
Power tilt/sliding sunroof* ................ 255
Opening and closing ..................... 255
Synchronizing ............................... 258
Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel*............................... 259
Roller sunblinds for the
panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel ........................... 259
Opening and closing the
panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel ........................... 260
Synchronizing the panorama roof
with power tilt/sliding panel......... 262
Driving systems .................................. 264
Cruise control ............................... 264
AIRMATIC* ................................... 269
Parktronic* (Parking assist) .......... 274

42 Getting startedAdjustingSeatsWarning!
G
All seat, head restraint, steering wheel, and
rear view mirror adjustments, as well as fas-
tening 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 un-
der the seat belt in a collision. If you slide
under it, the belt would apply force at the ab-
domen 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 nearly upright position and
belts are properly positioned on the body.
Your seat must be adjusted so that you can
correctly fasten your seat belt (
page 50).
Never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being ad-
justed.
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 when the
respective door is open.
Therefore, do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equip-
ment may cause an accident and / or seri-
ous personal injury.
Warning!
G
According to accident statistics, children
are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front seat-
ing position. Thus, we strongly recommend
that children be placed in the rear seats
whenever possible. Regardless of seating
position, children 12 years old and under
must be seated and properly secured in an
appropriate infant or toddler restraint, or
booster seat recommended for the size and
weight of the child. For additional informa-
tion, see “Children in the vehicle”
(page 82).
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and
the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.

49 Getting started
Adjusting
For more information, see “Rear view mir-
rors” (
page 208) and “Storing exterior
rear view mirror parking position”
(
page 146).
!If an exterior rear view mirror was forc-
ibly 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 posi-
tioned 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 button1 to fold
mirrors in, then press button1 again
to fold mirrors out. Do not force mirrors
by hand as this may damage the adjust-
ment mechanism.
The mirror housing is then properly po-
sitioned and you can adjust the mirror
in the usual manner.
iThe memory function* (
page 144)
lets you store the settings for the exte-
rior rear view mirrors together with the
setting for the steering wheel column
and the seat positions.
At low ambient temperatures, the
exterior rear view mirrors will be heat-
ed automatically.

64 Getting startedParking and lockingYou 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 re-
sult 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.

98 Safety and SecurityDriving safety systemsBraking
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 404).
Warning!
G
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the BAS,
the ESP
®, and the 4-ETS are also switched
off. The basic driving and braking functions
are still available
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.

145 Controls in detail
Memory function*
The memory button and stored position
buttons are located on the entry side of
each front seat base.
MMemory button
1, 2, 3Stored positions
Switch on the ignition (
page 38).
or

Open the respective door.
Storing positions into memory
Adjust the seats, steering wheel and
exterior rear view mirrors to the de-
sired position (
page 42).

Press memory buttonM.

Release memory button M and press
stored position 1, 2 or 3 within
3 seconds.
All settings are stored to the selected
position.
Recalling positions from memory
Press and hold memory 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
memory button M if the seat backrest
is in an excessively reclined position.
Doing so could cause damage to front
or rear seats.
First move seat backrest to an upright
position.iReleasing the memory position button
stops movement to the stored posi-
tions immediately.

331 Operation
Driving instructions
Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Fuel consumption, to a great extent,
depends on driving habits and operating
conditions.
To save fuel you should:

Keep tires at the recommended infla-
tion pressures.


Remove unnecessary loads.


Remove roof rack when not in use.


Allow engine to warm up under low
load use.


Avoid frequent acceleration and decel-
eration.


Have all maintenance work performed
at the intervals specified in the Mainte-
nance Booklet and as required by the
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or
FSS PLUS (Canada vehicles). Contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.Fuel consumption is also increased by
driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go
traffic, on short trips and in hilly area.
Drinking and driving
PedalsPower assistance
Warning!
G
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs
and driving are a very dangerous combina-
tion. 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.
Warning!
G
Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times. Ob-
jects stored in this area may impair pedal
movement.Warning!
G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance 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 ve-
hicle.

385 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tire ply material
1Plies in sidewall
2Plies under tread
This marking tells you about the type of
cord and number of plies in the sidewall
and under the tread.
Tire and loading terminology
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power
seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as
factory-installed equipment (whether
installed or not).
Air pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi), or kilopascal (kPa) or
bars.
Aspect ratio
Dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width
expressed in percentage.
Warning!
G
The temperature grade for this tire is estab-
lished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underin-
flation, or excessive loading, either sepa-
rately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
iFor illustration purposes only. Actual
data on tires are specific to each vehi-
cle and may vary from data shown in
above illustration.

451 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbol
Display messages
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
L
Malfunction
Drive to workshop
One or more main functions of the
Tele Aid* system are malfunctioning.

Have the Tele Aid* system checked
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
Battery
Drive to workshop
The emergency power battery for the
Tele Aid* system is malfunctioning. If the
vehicle battery is also malfunctioning or
drained, Tele Aid* will not be operational.

Have the Tele Aid* system checked
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
t
Function
unavailable
This display appears if buttont or
son the multifunction steering wheel
is pressed and the vehicle is not equipped
with a telephone.
W
Washer fluid
Check level
The fluid level has dropped to
about
1/3of total reservoir capacity.

Add washer fluid (
page 352).

500 Practical hintsTowing the vehicle
!
To be certain to avoid additional dam-
age to the vehicle powertrain, however
you should observe the following:

With damage to the front axle

raise front axle


remove flexible drive shaft be-
tween rear axle and transfer
case


With damage to the rear axle

raise rear axle


tow vehicle with wheel lift or
dolly placed under front wheels


With damage to the transfer case

remove flexible drive shaft to
the drive axles
Always install new self-locking nuts
when reinstalling flexible drive shaft.
Warning!
G
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow
with a tow bar if:

the engine will not run


there is a malfunction in the power
supply or in the vehicle’s electrical sys-
tem
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make sure the SmartKey is in
starter switch position2.
If the SmartKey is left in starter switch
position0 for an extended period of time, it
can no longer be turned in the switch. In this
case, the steering is locked. To unlock,
remove SmartKey from starter switch and
reinsert.
Warning!
G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance 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. Adapt your driving accordingly.iTo signal turns while being towed with
hazard warning flasher in use, turn the
SmartKey in starter switch to
position2 and activate combination
switch for left or right turn signal in
usual manner – only the selected turn
signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the
hazard warning flasher will operate
again.