Operating safety and vehicle approval

Risk of accident

If work on electronic equipment and its software is carried out incorrectly, this equipment could stop working. The electronic systems are networked via interfaces. Tampering with these electronic systems could cause malfunctions in systems which have not been modified. Malfunctions such as these can seriously jeopardise the vehicle's operating safety and therefore your own safety.

Other work or modifications incorrectly carried out on the vehicle could also jeopardise operating safety.

Some safety systems only function when the engine is running. You should therefore never switch off the engine when driving.

Digital speedometer and total distance recorder

Do not have the electronically stored total distance reading for the vehicle modified by tampering with the electronics.

If the total distance reading has been altered, and you subsequently sell the vehicle but do not inform the buyer, this may constitute a punishable offence under local legislation.

Modifying the engine power output

Any tampering with the electronic engine management system in order to increase the engine power output will lead to the invalidation of the vehicle’s general operating permit and its insurance cover as well as to the loss of claims arising from liability for material defects.

Changes in power output require the vehicle to be recertified and must be reported to the vehicle insurers. Tyres, suspension, brake and cooling systems must be adapted to the increased engine power output.

Tampering with the electronic engine management system will change emission levels and the operating safety of the engine cannot always be guaranteed. Increased power could cause malfunctions and consequential damage to other assemblies.

If the power output of the vehicle’s engine has been modified, and you subsequently sell the vehicle but do not inform the buyer, this may constitute a punishable offence under local legislation.

BlueTec® exhaust gas aftertreatment

The BlueTec® exhaust gas aftertreatment system must be operated in conjunction with a reducing agent (AdBlue) if it is to function correctly. AdBlue is not topped up as part of the maintenance work; it must be regularly topped up by the driver as part of routine vehicle operation.

Topping up and operating the vehicle with AdBlue is necessary to comply with emissions requirements and is therefore a condition of the operating permit for the vehicle. The operating permit is invalidated if the vehicle is operated without AdBlue. The legal consequence of this would be that operation of the vehicle on public roads would no longer be permitted.

This may be a criminal offence or breach of road traffic regulations in certain countries. Special concessions granted either at the time of purchase or to reduce operating costs, e.g. reduced taxes or road charges, may also be rendered invalid retroactively. This may be the case in the country of registration or another country in which the vehicle is operated.

If the AdBlue tank is empty or there is a malfunction, the driver is informed of this by the (engine diagnostics) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster more. In addition, a display message appears. The engine output can be significantly reduced when the vehicle is stationary for the first time. Adapt your driving style and drive with particular care. Fill up the AdBlue tank as soon as possible or, in case of a malfunction in the BlueTec® exhaust gas aftertreatment system, have it checked and repaired at a specialist workshop.

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this purpose.