Page 144 of 273
141 Steering lock
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
A warning sounds when the driver’s door is opened 
while the key is in steering lock position 1 or 0.
With the engine at idle speed, the charging rate of the 
alternator (output) is limited.
It is therefore recommended that you turn off 
unnecessary electrical consumers while driving in stop-
a nd-go tra ff ic. This preca ution h elps to avoid d ra ining of 
the battery.
Unnecessary strain on the battery and charging system 
may be minimized by turning off the following power 
consumers, for example: Heated seats, rear window 
defroster.Caution!
To prevent accelerated battery discharge and a possible 
dead battery, always remove the key from the steering 
lock. Do not leave the key in steering lock position 0. 
     
        
        Page 170 of 273

167 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is combined 
with the BAS malfunction indicator lamp.
The BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster comes on with the key in steering 
lock position 2 and should go out with the engine 
running.
If the BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp comes on 
permanently while the engine is running, a malfunction 
has been detected in either system. As a result, it is 
possible that now only partial engine output will be 
available, and pressing the accelerator pedal will 
require more effort. If the BAS malfunctions, the brake 
system functions in the usual manner, but without BAS.If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the 
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the BAS is 
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again, 
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the 
BA S  is  op erational .
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also 
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on 
with the engine running.
If the malfunction indicator lamp stays illuminated, 
have the BAS and ESP checked at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible. 
     
        
        Page 172 of 273

169 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index ABS control
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp- in the 
instrument cluster comes on with the key in steering 
lock position 2 and should go out with the engine 
running.
When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster comes on while the engine is 
running, it indicates that the ABS has detected a 
m a l f u n c t i on  a n d  h a s  sw i tch e d  o f f . I n  t h is  c a s e ,  t h e  b ra ke  
system functions in the usual manner, but without 
antilock assistance.
For ABS malfunction indicator lamp, see page 182.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also 
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on 
with the engine running.
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the 
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is 
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again, 
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the 
ABS is operational.I f  t h e  m a lf u n c t i on  i n d i c a to r  la mp  st ays il lu m in a t e d ,  h ave  
the system checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz 
Center as soon as possible. 
Note:
To alert following vehicles to slippery road conditions 
you discover, operate your hazard warning flashers as 
appropriate.
Wa r n i n g !
ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics 
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase 
braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded 
by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or 
the traction afforded. The ABS cannot prevent 
accidents, including those resulting from excessive 
speed in turns, following another vehicle too 
closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and 
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The 
capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never 
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner 
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the 
safety of others. 
     
        
        Page 185 of 273

182 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
ABS malfunction indicator lamp
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster comes on with the key in 
steering lock position 2 and should go out 
with the engine running.
When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp symbol and 
warning in the instrument cluster come on while the 
engine is running, it indicates that the ABS has detected 
a malfunction and has switched off. In this case, the 
brake system functions in the usual manner, but 
without antilock assistance.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also 
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on 
with the engine running.
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the 
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is 
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again, 
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the 
ABS is operational.
Have the system checked at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
See page 168 for notes on antilock brake system (ABS).Telescoping steering column warning lamp
With the key in steering lock position 2, the 
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster 
comes on. It should go out when the engine 
is running.
If the indicator lamp does not go out after starting the 
engine, the adjustable steering column is not locked 
properly.
Important!
Do not drive the vehicle until you have properly locked 
the steering column.
ABS