Transmission MERCEDES-BENZ R500 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

ContentsLoading .............................................. 279
Roof rack* .................................... 279
Loading instructions ..................... 280
Cargo tie-down rings .................... 281
Hooks ........................................... 282
Expanding cargo compartment .... 283
Cargo compartment cover blind* . 288
Partition net* ............................... 290
Useful features .................................. 294
Storage compartments................. 294
Parcel nets ................................... 298
Cup holders .................................. 299
Ashtrays* ..................................... 302
Cigarette lighter* ......................... 305
Power outlets ............................... 306
Rear center console* ................... 308
Telephone*................................... 310
Tele Aid* ...................................... 311
Garage door opener* ................... 320
Compass ...................................... 327
Floormats* ................................... 328
Infrared reflecting windshield* ..... 328
Operation......................................... 329
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 330
Driving instructions............................ 331
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 331
Drinking and driving ..................... 331
Pedals .......................................... 331
Power assistance ......................... 331
Brakes .......................................... 332
Driving off .................................... 333
Parking ......................................... 334
Tires ............................................. 334
Hydroplaning ................................ 335
Tire traction.................................. 335
Tire speed rating .......................... 336
Winter driving instructions ........... 337
Standing water ............................. 338
Passenger compartment .............. 338
Driving abroad.............................. 339
Control and operation of radio
transmitters ................................. 339
Catalytic converter ....................... 340
Emission control .......................... 340
Coolant temperature .................... 341At the gas station .............................. 342
Refueling ...................................... 342
Check regularly and before a
long trip ....................................... 343
Engine compartment ......................... 345
Hood ............................................ 345
Engine oil ..................................... 346
Transmission fluid level................ 350
Coolant level ................................ 351
Windshield / rear window washer
system and headlamp cleaning
system* ....................................... 352
Tires and wheels................................ 353
Important guidelines .................... 353
Tire care and maintenance........... 354
Direction of rotation..................... 356
Loading the vehicle ...................... 356
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ....................................... 363
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 365
Tire labeling ................................. 375
Load identification ....................... 380
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................. 380
Maximum tire load ....................... 382
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 382

23 At a glance
Cockpit
Item
Page
1
Cruise control lever
265
2
Instrument cluster
24
3
Multifunction steering
wheel
28
4
Horn
5
Steering wheel gearshift
buttons
206
6
Gear selector lever for
automatic transmission
53
7
Front Parktronic* warning
indicators
276
8
Overhead control panel
31
9
Glove box release
Glove box lock
294
295
Item
Page
a
Glove box
294
b
Electrical outlet
307
c
Center console
29
d
Starter switch
38
e
Steering wheel adjustment,
manual
45
f
Steering wheel adjustment,
electrical*
46
g
Hood lock release
345
h
Parking brake pedal
65
j
Remote tailgate switch
123
Item
Page
k
Parking brake release
56
l
Headlamp washer switch*
208
m
Exterior lamp switch
147
n
Door control panel
34
o
Combination switch

Turn signals
58


Windshield wipers
59


High beam
58


Rear window wiper
61

38 Getting startedUnlockingStarter switch positions SmartKey
Starter switch0For removing SmartKey
1Power supply for some electrical con-
sumers, such as seat adjustment
2Ignition (power supply for all electrical
consumers) and driving position
All lamps (except high beam headlamp
indicator lamp and turn signal indicator
lamps unless activated) in the instru-
ment cluster come on. If a lamp in the
instrument cluster fails to come on
when the ignition is switched on, have
it checked and replaced if necessary. If
a lamp in the instrument cluster re-mains on after starting the engine or
comes on while driving, refer to “Lamps
in instrument cluster” (
page 404).
3Starting position
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. Do not leave children unat-
tended in the vehicle, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehi-
cle equipment may cause an accident
and / or serious personal injury.
iWhen you switch on the ignition, the in-
dicator and warning lamps (except high
beam headlamp indicator lamp and
turn signal indicator lamps unless acti-
vated) in the instrument cluster come
on. The indicator and warning lamps
(except high beam headlamp indicator
lamp and turn signal indicator lamps if
activated) will go out when the engine
is running. This indicates that the re-
spective systems are operational.iWhen the SmartKey is removed from
the starter switch and the automatic
transmission is in a position other
thanP, the automatic transmission
automatically shifts toP.

40 Getting startedUnlocking1KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
2Starter switchKEYLESS-GO start / stop button3USA only
4Canada onlyThe SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO must be
located in the vehicle.

Insert KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button1 into starter switch 2 (if not
inserted already).

Make sure the automatic transmission
is set toP.

Do not depress the brake pedal.
Position 0
Before you press the KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button, the vehicle’s on-board
electronics have status0 (as with
SmartKey removed).
Position 1

Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop but-
ton once.
This supplies power for some electrical
consumers, such as seat adjustment.Ignition (or Position 2)

Press the KEYLESS-GO start / stop but-
ton twice.
This supplies power for all electrical
consumers.
All lamps (except high beam headlamp
indicator lamp and turn signal indicator
lamps unless activated) in the instru-
ment cluster come on. If a lamp in the
instrument cluster fails to come on
when the ignition is switched on, have
it checked and replaced if necessary. If
a lamp in the instrument cluster re-
mains on after starting the engine or
comes on while driving, refer to “Lamps
in instrument cluster” (
page 404).
iIf you now press the KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button

once more, the ignition (position2)
is switched on


twice more, the power supply is
again switched off

53 Getting started
Driving
Starting the engine Automatic transmission
Gearshift pattern for automatic
transmissionPPark position
RReverse gear
NNeutral
DDrive position
For more information on how to operate
the gear selector lever, see “Automatic
transmission” (
page 197).
Warning!
G
Do not pass belts over sharp edges. They
could tear.
Do not allow the belt to get caught in the
door or in the seat adjustment mechanism.
This could damage the belt.
Never attempt to make modifications to
seat belts. This could impair the effective-
ness of the belts.
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash, they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly
stressed in an accident must be replaced.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light
Truck Center.
Warning!
G
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide, and inhaling it can cause uncon-
sciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as a garage) which are not properly
ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas
fumes are entering the vehicle while driving,
have the cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one win-
dow fully open.

54 Getting startedDrivingStarting with the SmartKey
Make sure the automatic transmission
is set toP.
The gear position indicator in the multi-
function display should be on
P.

Do not depress the accelerator.

Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position3 (
page 38) and hold until
the engine starts.
For information on turning off the engine
with the SmartKey, see “Turning off the en-
gine” (
page 66).Starting with KEYLESS-GO*
You can start your vehicle without the
SmartKey in the starter switch using the
KEYLESS-GO start / stop button in the
starter switch.
The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO must be
located in the vehicle.
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button1USA only
2Canada only
Make sure KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button 1 is inserted in the starter
switch (
page 40).

Make sure the automatic transmission
is set toP.
The gear position indicator in the multi-
function display should be on
P.

Depress the brake pedal during the
starting procedure.

Do not depress the accelerator.
iYou can also use the “touch-start”
function. Turn the SmartKey to
position3 and release it again immedi-
ately. The engine then starts automati-
cally.
Warning!
G
As long as the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
is in your vehicle, the vehicle can be started.
Therefore, never leave children unattended
in the vehicle, as they could otherwise acci-
dentally start the engine.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO with you and
lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unat-
tended in the vehicle, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle.

56 Getting startedDrivingParking brake
1Parking brake pedal
2Release handle

Release the parking brake by pulling on
release handle2.
The warning lamp; (USA only) or
3(Canada only) in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Driving
Depress the brake pedal.
The gear selector lever can now be
used.

Shift automatic transmission toD orR
(page 198).

Release the brake pedal.
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. Do not leave children unat-
tended in the vehicle, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. Children could release the
parking brake, which could result in an acci-
dent and/or serious injury.
iWait for the gear selection process to
complete before setting the vehicle in
motion.iShifting from gear positionP to posi-
tion R, N, orD is only possible with the
brake pedal depressed. Without the
brake pedal depressed, the gear selec-
tor lever can be moved, but the parking
pawl remains engaged, not allowing
shifting to occur.

57 Getting started
Driving

Carefully depress the accelerator
pedal.
Once the vehicle is in motion, the auto-
matic central locking system engages
and the locking knobs drop down.After a cold start, the automatic transmis-
sion shifts at a higher engine revolution.
This allows the catalytic converter to reach
its operating temperature earlier.
For more information, see “Driving instruc-
tions” (
page 331).
iThe automatic door lock feature can be
deactivated (
page 188).
iYou can open a locked door from the
inside. Open door only when conditions
are safe to do so.!If you hear a warning signal and the
message
Release parking brake

appears in the multifunction display
when driving off, you have forgotten to
release the parking brake.
Release the parking brake.
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of loss of control.Warning!
G
It is dangerous to shift the gear selector
lever out ofP orN if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not
firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
!Shift the automatic transmission to
positionP orR only when the vehicle is
stopped in order to avoid damaging the
transmission.!Do not run cold engine at high engine
speeds. Running a cold engine at high
engine speeds may shorten the service
life of the engine.!Simultaneously depressing the acceler-
ator pedal and applying the brake re-
duces engine performance and causes
premature brake and drivetrain wear.

60 Getting startedDrivingIntermittent wiping
Intermittent wiping interval is dependent
on wetness of windshield.
Set the wiper switch to positionI.
After the initial wipe, pauses between
wipes are automatically controlled by the
rain sensor.
Single wipe

Press the combination switch briefly in
direction of arrow1 to the resistance
point.
The windshield wipers wipe one time
without washer fluid.Wiping with windshield washer fluid

Press the combination switch in direc-
tion of arrow1 past the resistance
point.
The windshield wipers operate with
washer fluid.
For information on filling up the washer
reservoir, see “Windshield / rear window
washer system and headlamp cleaning
system*” (
page 352).
!Do not leave windshield wipers in inter-
mittent setting when the vehicle is tak-
en to an automatic car wash or during
windshield cleaning. Wipers will oper-
ate in the presence of water sprayed on
the windshield, and windshield wipers
may be damaged as a result.
iIntermittent wiping is interrupted when
the vehicle is at a standstill and a front
door is opened.
Intermittent wiping will be continued
when

all doors are closed
and


the automatic transmission is set to
position D or R
or


the wiper setting is changed using
the combination switch
iTo prevent smears on the windshield,
wipe with windshield washer fluid every
now and then even when it is raining.