224 Controls in detailDriving systemsParktronic* (Parking assist)
The Parktronic system is an electronic aid 
designed to assist the driver during park-
ing maneuvers. It visually and audibly indi-
cates the relative distance between the 
vehicle and an obstacle.
The Parktronic system is automatically ac-
tivated when you switch on the ignition 
and release the parking brake. The Park-
tronic system deactivates at speeds over 
11 mph (18 km/h). At lower speeds the 
Parktronic system turns on again.The Parktronic system monitors the sur-
roundings of your vehicle with six sensors 
in the front bumper and four sensors in the 
rear bumper.
1Sensors in the front bumperWarning!
G
The Parktronic is a supplemental system. It 
is not intended to, nor does it replace, the 
need for extreme care. The responsibility 
during parking and other critical maneuvers 
always rests with the driver.
Special attention must be paid to objects 
with smooth surfaces or low silhouettes 
(e.g. trailer couplings, painted posts, or road 
curbs). Such objects may not be detected by 
the system and can damage the vehicle.
The operational function of the Parktronic 
system can be affected by dirty sensors, es-
pecially at times of snow and ice, see 
“Cleaning the Parktronic* system sensors” 
(page 299).
Interference caused by other ultrasonic sig-
nals (e.g. working jackhammers or the air 
brakes of trucks) can cause the system to 
send erratic indications, and should be tak-
en into consideration.
Warning!
G
Make sure that no persons or animals are in 
the area in which you are maneuvering. You 
could otherwise injure them. 
225 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Range of the sensors
To function properly, the sensors must be 
free of dirt, ice, snow and slush. Clean the 
sensors regularly, being careful not to 
scratch or damage the sensors.Front sensors
Rear sensorsMinimum distance
If the system detects an obstacle in this 
range, all the warning lamps come on and 
you hear a warning signal. If the obstacle is 
closer than the minimum distance, the ac-
tual distance might no longer be indicated 
by the system.
Center
approx. 40 in (100 cm)
Corners
approx. 24 in (60 cm)
Center
approx. 48 in (120 cm)
Corners
approx. 32 in (80 cm)
!During parking maneuvers, pay special 
attention to objects located above or 
below the height of the sensors (e.g. 
planters or trailer hitches). The Park-
tronic system will not detect such ob-
jects at close range and damage to 
your vehicle or the object may result.
Ultrasonic signals from outside sourc-
es (e.g. truck air brakes or jackham-
mers) may impair the operation of the 
Parktronic system.
Center
approx. 8 in (20 cm)
Corners
approx. 6 in (15 cm)