Mercedes-Benz 2005 M-Class Operator's Manual page 210

Operation
Driving instructions
Driving through water
1 20 in (50 cm)
Before driving through water, deter-
mine its depth.
It should not be deeper than approxi-
mately 20 inches (50 cm).
Make sure you check the water bed.
The ground surface may not be firm
which may result in deeper waters than
expected when driving the vehicle
through it.
208
Switch to LOW RANGE mode before
driving through water ( page 127).
Switch off the exterior lamps as well as
the automatic climate control.
Select gear range 1 on the automatic
transmission ( page 122).
Enter the water only at a shallow spot,
driving at walking speed.
!
Never accelerate before driving into
the water. The bow wave could force
water into the engine and auxiliary
equipment, thus damaging them.
Do not stop vehicle while immersed in
water, and do not shut off the engine.
There is a very high level of driving re-
sistance in water. The surface is slip-
pery and may not be firm, making
pulling away in water difficult and dan-
gerous.
Clean mud off the tire tread after driv-
ing through water.
To dry the brakes, apply pressure to the
brake pedal several times after leaving
the water.