brake pads MERCEDES-BENZ R350 2008 W251 Owner's Manual

340 Operation
Driving instructions
Power assistanceBrakes
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.
Warning!G
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through wa-
ter deep enough to wet brake components,
the first braking action may be somewhat
reduced and increased pedal pressure may
be necessary to obtain expected braking
effect. Maintain a safe distance from
vehicles in front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their effec-
tiveness. It may not be possible to stop the
vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an
accident.
!Because the ESP® operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position0 or1 or
KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button in
position0or1) when the vehicle is being towed
with one axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESP
® may
otherwise seriously damage the brake system
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty
!Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with one axle raised.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC:
Operational or performance test must only be
conducted on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake system or
the transfer case which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

341 Operation
Driving instructions
To help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to
parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes.
If your brake system is normally only
subjected to moderate loads, you should
occasionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads.Refer to the description of the Brake Assist
System (BAS) (
page 101).
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid level in
the reservoir.
The brake fluid level in the reservoir may
be too low if the brake warning lamp
in the instrument cluster comes on and an
acoustic warning sounds although the
parking brake is released (
page 415).
Observe additional messages in the multi-
function display that may appear
(
page 447).
Have the brake system inspected
immediately. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Only install brake pads and brake fluid
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC:
Because the ESP® operates automatically, the
engine and ignition must be shut off (SmartKey
in starter switch position0 or1 or KEYLESS-GO*
start/stop button in position0or1) when test-
ing the parking brake on a brake test dynamom-
eter and 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.
Warning!G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Warning!G
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially impaired. This
could result in an accident.

410 Operation
Vehicle care
Cleaning the panorama roof with
tilt/sliding panel*
The rear part of the panorama roof has a
protective layer on the inside.
Use a soft, clean cloth and a mild
window cleaning solution.
An automotive glass cleaner is recom-
mended.Light alloy wheels
If possible, clean wheels once a week.
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel
Care, a soft bristle brush and a strong
spray of water for cleaning the light al-
loy wheels.Plastic and rubber parts
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution.
Wipe with a cloth moistened in a luke-
warm solution.
The surface may temporarily change
color. If this is the case, wait for it to
dry.
!Do not use a dry cloth, abrasives, solvents
or cleaners containing solvents. Do not touch
the protective layer with hard objects such as an
ice scraper or ring. Never apply strong force and
only use a soft, non-scratching cloth when clean-
ing the rear part of the tilt/sliding panel*.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the
protective layer.
!Only use acid-free cleaning materials. Acid
may cause corrosion or damage the clear coat.
!The vehicle should not be parked for an
extended period of time immediately after it has
been cleaned, especially not after the wheel rims
have been cleaned with wheel rim cleaner.
Wheel rim cleaners can lead to increased
corrosion of the brake disks and brake pads.
Non-approved wheel cleaners may also damage
the wheel paint if the car is not driven after
cleaning. Therefore, the vehicle’s brake system
should always be warmed-up before it is parked
after cleaning. To do so, please drive your vehicle
for several minutes to allow the brakes to dry.
When applying Mercedes-Benz approved Tire
Care and Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care
products, take care not to spray them on the
brake disks.
Warning!G
Do not use cleaners containing solvents or
cockpit care sprays to clean the cockpit or
the steering wheel. Cleaners containing sol-
vents will make the surface porous and vehi-
cle occupants could suffer serious injuries
from plastic parts coming loose in the event
of air bag deployment.

445 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbolDisplay messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
#Battery/Alternator
Stop VehicleThe battery is defective.Stop the vehicle in a safe location or as
soon as it is safe to do so.
Apply the parking brake (page 65).
Do not continue to drive.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Light Truck Center.
2Brake WearThe brake pads have reached
their wear limit.Have the brake pads replaced as soon as
possible.
!Brake pad thickness must be visually in-
spected by a qualified technician at the intervals
specified in the Maintenance Booklet.

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

557 Index
Multifunction display
messages 427–466
ABS 429, 436
AIRMATIC* 465
Brake fluid 447
Brake pads 445
Coolant 448–450
Cruise control 430
Doors 452
EBP 446
Engine coolant 448–450
ESP
®435, 436
Fog lamps, Front 456
Fog lamps, Rear 458
Front passenger front air
bag 438–441
Fuel cap 452
Gear selector lever 437
Headlamps 455–460
Hood 452
Key, SmartKey 454
Key, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 453, 454Lamps 457
Lamps, exterior 455
Low tire pressure 442, 462, 463
Parking brake 446
Parking lamps 458
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 453
SRS 437
Tele Aid* 461
Telephone* 461
Windshield washer fluid 461
Multifunction steering wheel 30, 158
Button operation 158
N
Navigation system* 167
See separate COMAND system
operating instructions
Net, Cargo* 301
Net, Parcel 307
Neutral gear position, Automatic
transmission 190, 194
New vehicle, Break-in period 338
Night security illumination 146, 179
Normal occupant weight 395
Number, Vehicle Identification
(VIN) 524, 525O
Occupant Classification System see OCS
Occupant distribution 395
Occupant safety 70
Active head restraint 86
Air bags 72
Children and air bags 73, 89
Children in the vehicle 87
Fastening the seat belts 50
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp 77, 81, 82
Infant and child restraint systems 88
LATCH-type child seat anchors 91
OCS 77
OCS, Messages in the multifunction
display 438–441
Seat belts 50, 74
OCS 77
Messages in the multifunction
display 438
Self-test 82