Online Owner's Manual [In depth | Driving and parking

Date of printing:

01/23/2022

Online Owner's Manual [In depth | Driving and parking | Driving tips]

Owner's Manual version: 06-13

Note: The online Owner's Manual is the latest version available. Deviations between this manual and items specific to your vehicle may occur since Mercedes-Benz constantly adapts its vehicles to the latest technology and modifies design and equipment. Please note that this online Owner's Manual does not under any circumstances replace the printed Owner's Manual which is supplied with the vehicle.

Driving tips

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Contents

Driving in wet conditions

Driving in winter

Driving off-road

Driving in mountainous areas

General notes

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WARNING

If you switch off the ignition while driving, safety-relevant functions are only available with limitations, or not at all. This could affect, for example, the power steering and the brake boosting effect. You will require considerably more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk of an accident.

Do not switch off the ignition while driving.

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Do not hold the steering wheel at full steering angle for a long time, e.g. when turning or manoeuvring.

The hydraulic pump could be damaged if the hydraulic fluid temperature increases.

If you take your foot off the accelerator pedal in overrun mode, the fuel supply is cut off when the engine speed is outside the idling speed control range.

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Short journey

General notes

If the vehicle is predominantly used for short-distance driving, this could lead to a fault in the automatic cleaning function for the diesel particle filter. As a result, fuel may accumulate in the engine oil and cause engine failure.

Vehicles with a malfunction display

The automatic regeneration of the diesel particle filter is not sufficient or has malfunctioned if:

the indicator lamp lights up in the instrument cluster
the display in the instrument cluster shows the following message: Exhaust filter: Drive at high engine speed. See Owner's Manual.

At the earliest possible opportunity, drive at an engine speed of at least 2000 rpm, until the indicator lamp or the message in the display disappears.

To do this on vehicles with an automatic transmission, use Touchshift to shift to a lower gear more.

The diesel particle filter's burn-off process is assisted by the intentional temperature increase.

If the indicator lamp or the display message does not go out after approximately 20 minutes, consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately.

Vehicles without a malfunction display

If you mainly drive short distances, you should drive on a motorway or an inter-urban road for 20 minutes every 500 km. This facilitates the regeneration of the diesel particle filter.

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Speed limiter

WARNING

Exceeding the stated tyre load-bearing capacity and the approved maximum speed could lead to tyre damage or the tyre bursting. There is a risk of accident.

Therefore, only use tyre types and sizes approved for your vehicle model. Observe the tyre load rating and speed rating required for your vehicle.

As the driver, you must find out about the maximum speed of the vehicle and the resulting permissible maximum speed of the tyres (tyre and tyre pressure). Pay special attention to the country-specific requirements for tyre approval.

You must not exceed the speed limit for the tyres listed in the tyre pressure tables. You can find information on tyre pressures in the "Wheels and tyres" section more.

You can permanently limit the maximum speed of your vehicle, e.g. for driving on winter tyres.

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have the maximum speed programmed at a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.

On vehicles with SPEEDTRONIC, you can temporarily or permanently limit the maximum speed of your vehicle using the on-board computer more.

Before overtaking, take into consideration that the engine speed limiter prevents the speed increasing beyond the programmed maximum speed.

On downhill gradients, the speed limitation may be exceeded. Apply the brakes if necessary. Display messages indicate that you are approaching the speed limitation - vehicles without steering wheel buttons more, vehicles with steering wheel buttons more.

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Driving abroad

Service

An extensive network of Mercedes-Benz Service Centres is also at your disposal when you are travelling abroad. Nevertheless, please bear in mind that service facilities or replacement parts may not always be immediately available. The workshop directories are available from any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.

Fuel

In some countries, only fuels with a lower octane rating or a higher sulphur content are available.

Unsuitable fuel can cause engine damage. You will find information on fuels in the "Service products and capacities" section more.

Dipped-beam headlamps

When driving in countries in which traffic drives on the opposite side of the road to the country where the vehicle is registered, the headlamps should be switched to symmetrical dipped beam. This prevents oncoming traffic from being dazzled. The symmetrical dipped beam illuminates less of the edge of the carriageway in terms of height and distance.

Have the headlamps adjusted at a qualified specialist workshop before you cross the border, but as close to it as possible.

When returning from your journey, have the headlamps reset to asymmetrical dipped beam at a qualified specialist workshop as close to the border as possible.

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Transport by rail

Transporting your vehicle by rail may be subject to certain restrictions or require special measures to be taken in some countries due to varying tunnel heights and loading standards.

You can obtain information about this from any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.

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Braking

Important safety notes

WARNING

If you shift down on a slippery road surface in an attempt to increase the engine's braking effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip. This increases the risk of skidding and having an accident.

Do not shift down for additional engine braking on a slippery road surface.

Downhill gradients

Depressing the brake pedal constantly results in excessive and premature wear to the brake pads.

On long and steep downhill gradients you should:

for automatic transmissions: change down into shift range or in good time
for manual transmissions: change down to a lower gear in good time

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You must also change the shift range in good time when cruise control or SPEEDTRONIC is switched on.

You thereby make use of the braking effect of the engine and do not have to brake as often to maintain the speed. This relieves the load on the service brake and prevents the brakes from overheating and wearing too quickly.

Heavy and light loads

WARNING

The braking system can overheat if you leave your foot on the brake pedal while driving. This increases the braking distance and could even cause the braking system to fail. There is a risk of an accident.

Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Do not simultaneously depress both the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal while driving.

Depressing the brake pedal constantly results in excessive and premature wear to the brake pads.

If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy load, do not stop the vehicle immediately. Drive on for a short while. The brakes are cooled down more quickly in the airflow.

If the brakes have been used only moderately, you should occasionally test their effectiveness. To do this, brake more sharply at a higher speed. The brakes will grip better as a result.

Wet road surfaces

If you have been driving for a long time in heavy rain without braking, there may be a delayed response when you first apply the brakes. This may also occur after driving through a car wash or deep water.

You must depress the brake pedal more firmly. Maintain a longer distance to the vehicle in front.

While paying attention to the traffic conditions, you should brake the vehicle firmly after driving on a wet road surface or through a car wash. This heats the brake discs so that they dry more quickly, which protects them against corrosion.

Limited braking performance on salt-treated roads

When driving on salted roads, salt may start to build up on the brake disks and brake pads. This can increase braking distances considerably.

Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle in front.

To remove any build up of salt that may have formed:

Apply the brakes at the start of the journey, occasionally during journey and at the end of the journey. Make sure that you do not endanger other road users when doing so.

New brake pads/linings

New brake pads and brake disks only reach their optimal braking effect after a few hundred kilometres. Until then, compensate for this by applying greater force to the brake pedal.

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only have brake pads which are approved for Mercedes-Benz installed on your vehicle. Brake pads which are not approved for Mercedes-Benz could affect your vehicle's operating safety.

Parking brake

WARNING

If you must brake the vehicle with the parking brake, the braking distance is considerably longer and the wheels could lock. This increases the risk of skidding and an accident.

Only use the parking brake to brake the vehicle when the service brake is faulty. Do not apply the parking brake too firmly. If the wheels lock, release the parking brake until the wheels begin turning again.

When driving on wet roads or dirt-covered surfaces, road salt and/or dirt may get into the parking brake. This causes corrosion and a reduction of braking force.

In order to prevent this, drive with the parking brake lightly applied from time to time. When doing so, drive for a distance of approximately 100 m at a maximum speed of 20 km/h.

The brake lamps are not illuminated when you brake the vehicle using the parking brake.

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Driving in wet conditions

Aquaplaning

WARNING

There is a danger of aquaplaning occurring, even if you are driving slowly and your tyres have sufficient tread depth, depending on the depth of water on the road. There is a risk of an accident.

For this reason, avoid tyre ruts and brake carefully.

Therefore, in heavy rain or other conditions in which aquaplaning can occur, drive as follows:

reduce your speed
avoid tyre ruts
apply the brakes with care

Driving on flooded roads

Bear in mind that vehicles travelling in front or in the opposite direction create waves. This may cause the maximum permissible water depth to be exceeded.

These notes must be observed under all circumstances. You could otherwise damage the engine, the electronics or the transmission.

If you have to drive on stretches of road on which water has collected, please bear in mind:

the water level of standing water should not be above the lower edge of the front bumper
do not drive faster than walking speed

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Driving in winter

General notes

WARNING

If you shift down on a slippery road surface in an attempt to increase the engine's braking effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip. This increases the risk of skidding and having an accident.

Do not shift down for additional engine braking on a slippery road surface.

DANGER

If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of fatal injury.

If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area around the vehicle are clear of snow. To ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open a window on the side of the vehicle that is not facing into the wind.

Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified specialist workshop in good time at the onset of winter.

Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" section more.

Driving with summer tyres

Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" section more.

Slippery road surfaces

WARNING

If you shift down on a slippery road surface in an attempt to increase the engine's braking effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip. This increases the risk of skidding and having an accident.

Do not shift down for additional engine braking on a slippery road surface.

Vehicles with automatic transmission may roll only briefly in the neutral position N. Prolonged rolling of the wheels, e.g. when being towed, will result in transmission damage.

If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be stopped when moving at low speed:

Shift the automatic transmission to neutral position N.

Shift the manual transmission into neutral or disengage the clutch.

Try to maintain control of the vehicle using corrective steering.

Drive particularly carefully on slippery roads. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering and braking manoeuvres.

You can find further information on winter tyres and snow chains in the "Wheels and tyres" section more.

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Driving off-road

Important safety notes

WARNING

If you drive up a steep incline at an angle or turn on a steep incline, the vehicle could slip sideways, tip and overturn. There is a risk of an accident.

When driving up an incline, drive into the line of fall (upwards or downwards in a straight line) and do not turn.

WARNING

When driving off-road, your body is subject to forces from all directions due to the uneven surface. You could be thrown from your seat, for instance. There is a danger of injury.

Always wear a seat belt, even when driving off-road.

WARNING

If you drive over obstacles or in ruts, the steering wheel may jerk out of your grip, causing injury to your hands.

Always hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands. When driving over obstacles, you must expect steering forces to increase briefly and suddenly.

WARNING

Flammable material such as leaves, grass or twigs may ignite if they come into contact with hot parts of the exhaust system. There is a risk of fire.

When driving off road or on unpaved roads, check the vehicle's underside regularly. In particular, remove parts of plants or other flammable materials which have become trapped. In the case of damage, contact a qualified specialist workshop.

When driving off-road or on unpaved surfaces, check the underside of the vehicle and the wheels and tyres at regular intervals. In particular, remove any trapped foreign objects, e.g. stones and branches.

Such foreign objects may:

damage the chassis, the fuel tank or the brake system
cause imbalances and thus vibrations
be flung out when you continue driving

If there is any damage, inform a qualified specialist workshop.

When driving off-road and on construction sites, sand, mud and water mixed with oil, for example, may get into the brakes. This may lead to a reduction in braking performance or total brake failure, also as a result of increased wear. The braking characteristics will vary depending on the material that has got into the system. Clean the brakes after driving off-road. If you then notice reduced braking performance or hear scraping noises, have the brake system checked at a qualified specialist workshop. Adjust your driving style to the changed braking characteristics.

Driving off-road or on construction sites increases the possibility of vehicle damage which may in turn lead to the failure of certain assemblies and systems. Adapt your driving style to the off-road driving conditions. Drive carefully. Have any vehicle damage rectified at a qualified specialist workshop as soon as possible.

When driving on rough terrain, do not shift the transmission into the neutral position and do not disengage the clutch. You could lose control when attempting to brake the vehicle with the service brake. If your vehicle cannot manage an uphill slope, drive back down the slope in reverse gear.

When loading your vehicle for driving off-road or on a construction site, keep the vehicle's centre of gravity as low as possible.

Rules for driving off-road

Always bear the vehicle's ground clearance in mind and avoid obstacles, e.g. deep ruts.

Obstacles may damage the following parts of the vehicle:

the chassis
the drive train
the fuel and supply tanks

For this reason, you should always drive slowly when driving off-road. If you have to drive over obstacles, have the co-driver direct you.

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you additionally carry a shovel and a recovery rope with a shackle in the vehicle.

Ensure that loads and items of luggage are securely stowed or lashed down more.
Before driving off-road, stop the vehicle and shift to a low gear.
If the surface requires, temporarily deactivate ASR when pulling away more.
Only drive off-road with the engine running and a gear engaged.
Drive slowly and smoothly. Walking pace is necessary in many situations.
Avoid spinning the drive wheels.
Make sure that the wheels always remain in contact with the ground.
Drive with extreme care over unknown terrain where you can only see for a short distance. As a precaution, get out of the vehicle to take a look at the route to be taken in advance.
Check the water depth before fording.
Watch out for obstacles (e.g. rocks, holes, tree stumps and ruts).
Avoid edges where the surface could crumble or break away.

Checklist after driving off-road

If you detect damage to the vehicle after driving off-road, have the vehicle checked immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.

Off-road driving places a higher demand on your vehicle than normal road operation. Check your vehicle after driving on rough terrain. By doing so you will notice any damage in good time and reduce the risk of an accident for yourself and other road users. Clean your vehicle thoroughly before driving on public roads.

Observe the following points after driving off-road, on construction sites and before driving on public roads:

Activate ASR more.

Clean the headlamps and tail lamps and check them for damage.

Clean the front and rear licence plates.

Clean the windscreen, windows and exterior mirrors.

Clean the steps, door sills and grab handles.

This increases safety of footing.

Clean the wheels/tyres, wheel arches and the underbody of the vehicle with a water jet.

This increases road grip, especially on wet road surfaces.

Check the wheels/tyres and wheel arches for trapped foreign objects and remove them.

Trapped foreign objects can damage the wheels/tyres and may be flung out from the vehicle when you continue driving.

Check the underbody for trapped branches or other parts of plants and remove them.

Trapped branches or other parts of plants increase the risk of fire and can cause damage to fuel lines, brake hoses and the rubber bellows of axle joints and drive shafts.

Clean the brake disks, brake pads and axle joints, particularly after operation in sand, mud, grit/gravel, water or similarly dirty conditions.

Check the entire floor assembly, the tyres, wheels, bodywork structure, brakes, steering, chassis and exhaust system for any damage.

Check the service brake for operating safety, e.g. carry out a brake test.

If you notice strong vibrations after driving off-road, check the wheels and drive train for foreign objects again. Remove any foreign objects which can lead to imbalances and thus cause vibrations.

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Driving in mountainous areas

Vehicles with a diesel engine: the operating safety of the diesel engine is guaranteed up to an altitude of 2,500 m above sea level. You may exceed this altitude for short periods, e.g. in mountainous terrain. Do not drive at altitudes above 2,500 m for extended periods. You could otherwise damage the diesel engine.

When driving in mountainous areas, note that the power output of the engine, and with it its gradient climbing capability, decrease with increasing altitude.

Notes on braking on downhill gradients can be found in the "Braking" section more.

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Notes

Date of printing:

01/23/2022

Online Owner's Manual [In depth | Driving and parking | Driving tips]

Owner's Manual version: 06-13