MERCEDES-BENZ R350 2008 W251 Owner's Manual

540 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Fuel requirements
Gasoline engine
Only use premium unleaded fuel.

The octane number (posted at the
pump) must be 91 min. It is an
average of both the Research Octane
Number (RON) and the Motor Octane
Number (MON): (RON+MON) /2.
This is also known as the ANTI-KNOCK
INDEX.
Unleaded gasoline containing oxygenates
such as ethanol, IPA, IBA and TBA can be
used provided the ratio of any one of these
oxygenates to gasoline does not
exceed 10%; MTBE must not exceed 15%.
The ratio of methanol to gasoline must not
exceed 3% plus additional cosolvents.
Using mixtures of ethanol and methanol is
not allowed. Gasohol, which contains
10% ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline,
can be used.These blends must also meet all other fuel
requirements, such as resistance to spark
knock, boiling range, vapor pressure, etc.
Diesel engine
Only use commercially available vehicular
ULTRA-LOW SULFUR HIGHWAY DIESEL
FUEL (15 ppm SULFUR MAXIMUM).
To prevent malfunctions, diesel fuel with
improved cold flow characteristics is
offered in the winter months. Check with
your fuel retailer.
Gasoline additives (gasoline engine)
A major concern among engine
manufacturers is carbon build-up caused
by gasoline. Mercedes-Benz recommends
only the use of quality gasoline containing
additives that prevent the build-up of
carbon deposits.
After an extended period of using fuels
without such additives carbon deposits
can build up, especially on the intake
valves and in the combustion area, leading
to engine performance problems such as:

Warm-up hesitation

Unstable idle

Knocking/pinging

Misfire

Power loss
!Do not fill the tank with gasoline. Do not
blend diesel fuel with gasoline or kerosine.
The fuel system and engine will otherwise be
damaged, which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

541 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
In areas where carbon deposits may be
encountered due to lack of availability of
gasolines which contain these additives,
Mercedes-Benz recommends the use of
additives approved by us for use on
Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Refer to Factory
Approved Service Products pamphlet (USA
only) or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center for a
listing of approved product(s). Follow
directions on product label.
Do not blend other specific fuel additives
with fuel. This only results in unnecessary
costs and may be harmful to the engine
operation.Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze, which
provides:

Corrosion protection

Freeze protection

Boiling protection (by increasing the
boiling point)
The cooling system was filled at the factory
with a coolant providing freeze protection
to approximately -35°F (-37°C) and
corrosion protection.If the antifreeze mixture is effective to
-35°F (-37°C), the boiling point of the cool-
ant in the pressurized cooling system is
reached at approximately 266°F (130°C).
The coolant solution must be used year
round to provide the necessary corrosion
protection and increase boil-over protec-
tion. Refer to Maintenance Booklet for
replacement interval.
!Damage or malfunction resulting from poor
fuel quality or from blending additional fuel
additives other than those tested and approved
by us for use on Mercedes-Benz vehicles are not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
! Add premixed coolant solution only. Adding
water and MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
separately from each other, could cause engine
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.

542 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Coolant system design and coolant used
determine the replacement interval. The
replacement interval published in the
Maintenance Booklet is only applicable if
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze solu-
tion or other Mercedes-Benz approved
products of equal specification are used to
renew the coolant concentration or bring it
back up to the proper level.
For information on other Mercedes-Benz
approved products of equal specification,
refer to the Factory Approved Service
Products pamphlet (USA only) or contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least
50% anticorrosion/antifreeze (equivalent
to freeze protection to approximately
-35°F [-37°C]). If you use a solution that is
more than 55% anticorrosion/antifreeze
(freeze protection to approximately
-49°F [-45°C]), the engine temperature
will increase due to the lower heat transfer
capability of the solution.
Therefore, do not use more than this
amount of anticorrosion/antifreeze.
If the coolant level is low, water and
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
should be used to bring it up to the proper
level (have cooling system checked for
signs of leakage). Please make sure the
mixture is in accordance with label
instructions.The water in the cooling system must meet
minimum requirements, which are usually
satisfied by normal drinking water. If you
are not sure about the water quality,
consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.

543 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze
Your vehicle contains a number of
aluminum parts. The use of aluminum
components in motor vehicle engines
necessitates that anticorrosion/antifreeze
coolant used in such engines be
specifically formulated to protect the aluminum parts. Failure to use such anti-
corrosion/antifreeze coolant will result in
a significantly shortened service life.
Therefore, the following product is strongly
recommended for use in your vehicle:
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze agent.Before the start of the winter season (or
once a year in hot southern regions), you
should have the anticorrosion/antifreeze
concentration checked. The coolant is also
regularly checked each time you bring your
vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center for service.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantity
Approximate freeze protection
Model-35°F (-37°C)-49°F (-45°C)
R 320 CDI 4MATIC5.0 US qt (4.75 l)5.5 US qt (5.2 l)
R 3501
1USA only.
5.0 US qt (4.75 l)5.5 US qt (5.2 l)
R 350 4MATIC5.0 US qt (4.75 l)5.5 US qt (5.2 l)
R 550 4MATIC2
2Canada only.
5.6 US qt (5.25 l)6.1 US qt (5.8 l)

544 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*
Both the windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system* are supplied
from the windshield washer reservoir.
The windshield washer reservoir has a ca-
pacity of approximately 8.0 US qt (7.6 l).
Refill the reservoir with MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate “MB SummerFit”
and water (or concentrate and com-
mercially available premixed wind-
shield washer solvent/antifreeze,
depending on ambient temperatures).Windshield and headlamp washer fluid
mixing ratio
For temperatures above freezing point, use
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate
“MB SummerFit” and water:

1 part “MB SummerFit” to 100 parts
water
(1.34 fl oz [40 ml] “MB SummerFit” to
1gal [4.0l] water)
For temperatures below freezing point,
use MB Windshield Washer Concentrate
“MB SummerFit” and commercially
available premixed windshield washer
solvent/antifreeze:

1 part “MB SummerFit” to 100 parts
solvent
(1.34 fl oz [40 ml] “MB SummerFit” to
1 gal [4.0 l] solvent)Warning!G
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly flamma-
ble. Do not spill washer solvent/antifreeze
on hot engine parts, because it may ignite
and burn. You could be seriously burned.

545 Index
A
ABS 99
Indicator lamp 414, 415
Messages in the multifunction
display 429
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 197
Accessory weight 393
Accident 63
Active head restraint 86, 133, 477
Air bags 72
Children 73, 89
Front, Driver 75
Front, Passenger 75
Messages in the multifunction
display 438–441
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) 77
Safety guidelines 74
Side impact 76
Window curtain 76
Air conditioning, Cooling 219, 233
Air conditioning refrigerant 538Air conditioning system see
Climate control or Automatic climate
control (3-zone)*
Air distribution 213, 228
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air pressure, Tires 393
Air pump, Electric 499
Air recirculation mode 216, 231
Air vents, Front 208, 214, 222, 228
Air vents, Rear 220, 236, 239, 240
Air volume 214, 229
AIRMATIC* 276
Messages in the multifunction
display 464, 465
Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 467, 497
All-wheel drive see Permanent four-wheel
drive 281
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 541, 544
Antiglare, Interior rear view mirror 203
Antiglare, Auto-dimming rear view
mirrors* 203Anti-theft systems 106
Anti-theft alarm system 106
Immobilizer 106
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning
Arm rests, Second-row 137
Armrest storage compartments
Front 306
Rear* 306
Telephone* tray 306
Ashtrays 311
Aspect ratio 393
ATF 360
AUDIO menu 165
CD operation 167
Radio operation 166
Satellite radio* operation 166
Audio search function 182
Auto-dimming*, Rear view mirrors 203
Automatic antiglare for rear view
mirrors* 203
Automatic central locking, Control
system 183

546 Index
Automatic climate control (3-zone)* 222
Air conditioning, Cooling 233
Air conditioning refrigerant 538
Air distribution 228
Air recirculation mode 231
Air vents, Front 222, 228
Air vents, Rear 236, 239, 240
Air volume 229
Control panel, Front 224
Control panel, Rear 236
Deactivating system 226
Defogging 230
Defrosting 229
Maximum cooling, MAXCOOL 231
Rear passenger compartment 236
Residual heat utilization (REST) 235
Automatic headlamp mode 144
Automatic lighting control, Interior
lighting 151
Automatic locking when driving 126
Automatic shift program 200Automatic transmission 190
Accelerator position 197
Automatic shift program 200
Emergency operation (limp-home
mode) 202
Gear ranges 199
Gear selector lever 53, 190
Gear shifting malfunctions 202
Hill start assist system 198
Kickdown 197
Program mode selector switch 200
Shifting procedure 193
Starting the engine 53
Steering wheel gearshift control 201
Transmission fluid level 360
Transmission positions 194
Automatic transmission fluid see ATF
AUX-socket 304B
Backrest
Seat 44
Seat, Lumbar support 132
Seat, Multicontour* 132
Backup lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display 455–460
Replacing bulbs 480
Bar 394
BAS 101
Lamps in instrument cluster 414
Messages in the multifunction
display 429
Batteries, SmartKey
Check lamp 110, 113
Checking battery condition 118
Batteries, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Checking battery condition 118
Battery, Vehicle 503
Charging 510
Disconnecting and connecting 505
Jump starting 511
Removing and installing 505
Bead 394
Beverage holder see Cup holder

547 Index
Bleeding the fuel system (diesel
engine) 502
Bolts, Spare wheel 498
Bottle opener 309
Brake Assist System see BAS
Brake fluid 539
Checking 355
Messages in the multifunction
display 447
Brake lamp
Cleaning lenses 407
Messages in the multifunction
display 455–460
Replacing bulbs 480
Brake pads 340
Messages in the multifunction
display 445
Brakes 340
Warning lamp 415
Break-in the vehicle 338
Bulbs, replacing see Replacing bulbsC
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) 17
California retail buyers and lessees,
Important notice for 11
Call priority, Tele Aid* 328
Can holder see Cup holder
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants 536
Card holder 32, 309
Cargo compartment
Tie-down rings 290
Cargo compartment cover blind 299
Cargo net* 301
Cargo tie-down rings 290
Carpets, Cleaning 411
Catalytic converter (gasoline
engine) 349
CD changer* 167, 304
CD player 167
Center console 31
Central locking 183
Automatic 126
Locking/unlocking from the
inside 126Central locking switch 126
Certification label 524, 525
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator
lamp 417, 418
Checking tire pressure electronically
Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (Advanced TPMS)*, (Canada
only) 379
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS), (USA only) 376
Child safety
Infant and child restraint systems 88
Children in the vehicle 87
Air bags 73, 89
Blocking rear door window
operation 97
Indicator lamp, Front passenger front
air bag 81
Infant and child restraint
systems 91, 92
LATCH-type child seat anchors 91
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) 77
Cigarette lighter 313

548 Index
Climate control 208
Air conditioning, Cooling 219
Air conditioning refrigerant 538
Air distribution 213
Air recirculation mode 216
Air vents, Front 208, 214
Air vents, Rear 220
Air volume 214
Control panel, Front 210
Control panel, Rear 220
Deactivating system 212
Defogging 216
Defrosting 214
Rear passenger compartment 220
Residual heat utilization (REST) 219
Clock 26, 176
Cockpit 24
Cold tire inflation pressure 394
Collapsible tire 471, 532
Collapsible wheel chock 471
Combination switch 58, 59, 61, 147
Compass 334
Control system 180Control and operation of radio
transmitters 348
Control system 157
Multifunction display 157
Multifunction steering wheel 158
Resetting to factory default 171
Control system menus 160
AIRMATIC*/Compass 168
AUDIO 165
Distance warning function* 185
Distronic* (Canada only) 168
NAV* 167
Settings 170
Standard display 164
TEL* 187
Trip computer 185
Vehicle status message memory 169
Control system submenus 161, 163
Comfort* 183
Instrument cluster 174
Lighting 177
Time/Date 176
Vehicle 180Coolant 360, 537, 541
Anticorrosion/antifreeze mixing ratio
and quantity 541
Capacities 537
Checking coolant level 360
Messages in the multifunction
display 448–450
Temperature 350
Corner-illuminating front fog lamps* 148
Messages in the multifunction
display 456
Replacing bulbs 480, 481
Cruise control 257
Activating 258
Messages in the multifunction
display 430
Cup holders 308
Front center console 308
Rear center console* 310
Curb weight 394
Customer Assistance Center see CAC

549 Index
D
Date display, Setting 176
Daytime running lamp mode 145
Setting 177
Deep water see Standing water
Defogging windshield 216, 230
Defrosting, Front 214, 229
Defrosting, Rear 207
Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps 179
Interior lighting 180
Department of Transportation see DOT
Diesel engine
Bleeding fuel system 502
Preglow indicator lamp 29
Diesel fuel see Fuel
Difficulties
While driving 62
With starting 55
Digital speedometer 157, 165
Dimensions, Vehicle 534
Direction of rotation (tires) 365Displays
Digital speedometer 157, 165
Distronic* (Canada only) 168, 265
Maintenance service indicator
message 400
Messages in the multifunction
display 427–466
Multifunction display 157
Outside temperature 155, 157, 165
Selecting 175
Showing malfunctions 169
Symbol messages 444
Text messages 429
Vehicle status message memory 169
Vehicle system settings, Control
system 161, 163, 170
Distance to empty (range), Trip
computer 185
Distance warning function* (Canada
only) 185Distronic* (Canada only) 262
Activating 268
Cleaning system sensor 407
Control system 267
Deactivating 271
Distance warning function* 275
Driving hints 273
Messages in the multifunction
display 431
Warning and indicator lamps 265
Door
Entry lamps 153
Locking, In an emergency 475
Locking/unlocking,
KEYLESS-GO* 113
Locking/unlocking, SmartKey 110
Messages in the multifunction
display 452
Opening from the inside 118
Opening from the outside 112
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid*) 328
Unlocking, Mechanical key 474
Door control panel 36
Door handle 36
Door windows see Power windows
DOT 388, 394