Checklist - Mercedes-Benz 2010 M-Class Operator's Manual

! Observe the following during off-road
driving:
Keep doors, tailgate, windows, and tilt/
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sliding sunroof closed whenever driving
off-road.
Adjust vehicle speed to condition of
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terrain. The more uneven, rutty and
steeper the terrain, the lower the speed
should be. Drive through water slowly at
an even speed, avoiding a bow wave.
Be especially careful when driving in
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unknown territory. It may be necessary
to get out of the vehicle and scout the
path you intend to take.
Watch out for obstacles, such as rocks,
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holes, tree stumps and ruts.
Before driving through water, determine
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its depth.
Do not stop vehicle while immersed in
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water, and do not shut off the engine.
In sandy soil, drive at a steady speed as
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allowed by conditions. This helps
overcome the vehicle rolling resistance
and reduces the likelihood of the vehicle
sinking into the ground.
Do not initiate jumps with the vehicle. It
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interrupts the forward momentum of the
vehicle.
Always drive onto slopes with the engine
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running and the vehicle in gear.
Do not shift automatic transmission into
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neutral position N.
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Warning!
Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure
before driving through sand. However, if you
do so, remember to correct the tire inflation
pressure before continuing your trip. Driving
with reduced tire inflation pressure increases
the risk of losing control of the vehicle and
rolling over.
Driving instructions
Checklist before off-road driving
Engine oil level
Check the engine oil level (
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Only with a proper oil level can the vehicle
obtain a trouble-free oil supply, even on
steep gradients.
! If the engine oil level warning lamp comes
on while driving, stop the vehicle in a safe
location or as soon at is safe to do so.
Check the engine oil level.
The engine oil level warnings should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the symbol
displayed could result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Tires
Check the tread depth and maintain
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specified tire inflation pressure. A placard
with the recommended tire inflation
pressures is located on the driver's door B-
pillar ( Y page 228).
Check tires for possible damage and
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remove foreign objects.
Replace missing valve caps.
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Rims
Dented or bent rims can cause tire inflation
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pressure loss and damage the tire beads.
For this reason, check and, if necessary,
change rims before driving off-road.
Vehicle tool kit
Check if the jack ( Y
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functional.
Always take the vehicle tool kit, a strong
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tow rope, a shovel and a small plank (to put
under the jack on sandy soil) with you.
Y page 214).
page 270) is
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249