Page 287 of 491

286 OperationDriving instructionsPower assistance
Brakes
Warning!
G
The brake system requires electrical energy 
for operation.
A malfunction in the vehicle’s power supply 
or electrical system may impair brake sys-
tem operation and switch it into its emer-
gency operation mode. In such a case, the 
red brake warning lamp (
page 354) and 
warning messages in the instrument cluster 
(
page 362) come on while driving. To 
brake, the driver must then apply signifi-
cantly greater brake pedal pressure and de-
press the pedal much further to obtain the 
expected braking effect. If necessary, apply 
full pressure to the brake pedal. Brakes may 
only be applied to the front wheels. Stop-
ping distance is increased!
If there is a malfunction in the SBC brake 
system, we recommend that the vehicle be 
transported with all wheels off the ground 
using flatbed or appropriate wheel lift/dolly 
equipment. A tow bar must be used if cir-
cumstances do not permit the use of the 
recommended towing methods and the ve-
hicle requires towing with all four wheels on 
the ground. Towing the vehicle with all four 
wheels on the ground is only permissible for 
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a 
speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). For 
more information, refer to “Towing the vehi-
cle” (
page 430). For more information, 
see “SBC brake system” (
page 92).
With the engine not running, there is no 
power assistance for the brake and steering 
systems. In this case, it is important to keep 
in mind that a considerably higher degree of 
effort is necessary to brake and steer the ve-
hicle.
Warning!
G
After driving in heavy rain for some time 
without applying the brakes or through wa-
ter deep enough to wet brake components, 
the first braking action may be somewhat 
reduced and increased pedal pressure may 
be necessary to obtain expected braking ef-
fect. Maintain a safe distance from vehicles 
in front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will 
cause excessive and premature wear of the 
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating, 
thereby significantly reducing their effec-
tiveness. It may not be possible to stop the 
vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an acci-
dent. 
     
        
        Page 482 of 491

481 Index
Seat belts 69
Cleaning 349
Fastening 44
Proper use of 46, 71
Safety guidelines 66
Warning lamp 357
Seat heater*
Switching off 132
Switching on 132
Seat ventilation*
Switching off 133
Switching on 133
Seating capacity 312
Seats 124
Adjusting 38
Drive-dynamic seat* with multicontour 
features 130
Easy entry/exit feature* 124
Heater* 132
Split rear bench seat* 247
Ventilation 133
Selecting display 166, 167
Selector lever
Lock 47, 183
Message in the display 368Position (automatic 
transmission) 183
Self-test
Occupant Classification System 81
Tele Aid* 270
Service
Batteries 424
Calling up the maintenance service 
indicator 341
Service and warranty information 10
Service life (tires) 308
Service memory
Messages in display 397
Setting
Convenience functions 164, 175
Cruise control 229
Daytime running lamp mode 170
Distronic* time interval 239
Exterior rear view mirror parking 
position 140
Higher speed in cruise control 231
Higher speed in Distronic* 237
Hours (clock) 168
Individual vehicle settings 162
Interior lighting delayed 
switch-off 173Lamps and lighting (control 
system) 170
Language, multifunction display 166
Locator lighting 171
Lower speed in cruise control 231
Lower speed in Distronic* 238
Miles/kilometers in 
speedometer 165
Minutes (clock) 168, 169
Parking position for exterior rear view 
mirrors 176
Slower speed in cruise control 231
Slower speed in Distronic* 238
SmartKey dependent memory 176
Speed in cruise control 231
Speed in Distronic* 237
Speedometer display mode 165
Suspension tuning 244
Temperature (interior) 201, 214
Temperature indicator 165
Tire inflation pressure 167
Units
Speedometer 165
Temperature 165
Tire inflation pressure 167
Vehicle level control 245 
     
        
        Page 486 of 491

485 Index
Tires and wheels
Tire inflation pressure 318
Tools 403
Tow-away alarm 99
Arming 99
Disarming 99
Disarming for transport 99
Towing eye bolt (vehicle tool kit)
Installing 433
Towing the vehicle 430
Traction 189, 335
Transmission fluid level 303
Tread 335
Tread depth 309
Tread depth (tires 337
Treadwear indicators 335
Trip computer 178
Trip odometer
Resetting 151
Trunk
Lock button, KEYLESS-GO* 113
Turn signals 51
Additional in mirrors 411
Front bulbs 411
Turning off
Engine 57Twin roller blind 256
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading 
Standards 335
Units
Setting speedometer units 165
Setting temperature units 165
Setting tire inflation pressure 
units 167
Unlocking 32, 102, 404
Driver’s door in an emergency 404
Fuel filler flap 296
Global 104
Global with KEYLESS-GO* 110
Selective setting 104, 111
Vehicle in an emergency 276
With KEYLESS-GO* 33
With the SmartKey 32
Upgrade scenario
Tele Aid* 275
Uphill driving
Cruise control 229
Upshifting 185
Useful features 259
Ashtrays 265
Cigarette lighter 266Garage door opener 277
Heated steering wheel* 267
Tele Aid* 269
Telephone* 268
V
Vehicle
Individual settings 162, 164
Locking in an emergency 405
Lowering 422
Towing 430
Unlocking in an emergency 404
Vehicle capacity weight 335
Vehicle care
Cup holder 349
Distronic* system sensor cover 347
Engine cleaning 346
Gear selector lever 349
Hard plastic trim items 349
Leather upholstery 350
Light alloy wheels 348
Ornamental moldings 347
Paintwork 346
Plastic and rubber parts 350
Power washer 345
Seat belts 349
Steering wheel 349