
At a glance
 13Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Indicator and warning lamps
The concept
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in var-
ious combinations and colors in both the indica-
tor area 1 and the display 2.
Some lamps are checked for proper functioning 
and thus come on briefly when the engine is 
started or the ignition is switched on.
Explanatory text messages
Text messages at the lower edge of the Control 
Display explain the meaning of the displayed 
indicator and warning lamps.
You can call up more information, e.g. on the 
cause of a malfunction and on how to respond, 
via Check Control, refer to page79.In urgent cases, this information will be shown 
immediately as soon as the corresponding lamp 
comes on.
Indicator lamps without text messages
The following indicator lamps in the indicator 
area1 signal that the associated functions are 
activated:
High beams/headlamp flasher95
Fog lamps
*95
Lamp flashes:
DSC or DTC is regulating the propul-
sive forces in order to maintain driving 
stability85
Handbrake engaged54 

Opening and closing
36
Unlocking
Grasp the handle on the driver's or front pas-
senger's door completely, arrow 1. This corre-
sponds to pressing the  button.
If a remote control is detected inside the car 
after the vehicle is unlocked, the electric steer-
ing wheel lock is released, refer to page52.
Locking
Touch the surface, arrow 2, with your finger for 
approx. 1 second. This corresponds to pressing 
the button.
For convenient closure, keep your finger on the 
surface, arrow 2.
If the vehicle detects that a remote con-
trol has been accidentally left inside the 
locked vehicle's luggage compartment after the 
luggage compartment lid is closed, the luggage 
compartment lid will reopen slightly. The hazard 
warning flashers flash and an acoustic signal
* 
sounds.<
Unlocking just the luggage 
compartment lid
Press the button on the outside of the luggage 
compartment lid. This corresponds to pressing 
the button.
Switching on radio readiness
Radio readiness is switched on by pressing the 
start/stop button, refer to page52.
Do not depress the brake or the clutch, 
otherwise the engine will start immedi-
ately.<
Starting the engine
You can start the engine or switch on the igni-
tion when a remote control is inside the vehicle. 
It is not necessary to insert a remote control into 
the ignition switch, refer to page52.
Switching off the engine in vehicles 
with automatic transmission
The engine can only be switched off when the 
selector lever is in position P, refer to page54.
To switch the engine off when the selector lever 
is in position N, the remote control must be in 
the ignition switch.
Before driving a vehicle with automatic 
transmission into a car wash
1.Insert remote control into ignition switch.
2.Depress the brake.
3.Move the selector lever to position N.
4.Switch off the engine.
The vehicle can roll.
Malfunction
Convenient access may malfunction due to 
local radio waves. If this happens, open or close 
the vehicle via the buttons on the remote con-
trol or using the integrated key. To start the 
engine afterward, insert the remote control into 
the ignition switch.
Warning lamps
The warning lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up when you attempt to 
start the engine: the engine cannot 
be started. The remote control is not inside the 
vehicle or is malfunctioning. Take the remote 
control with you inside the vehicle or have it 
checked. If necessary, insert another remote 
control into the ignition switch.
The warning lamp in the instrument 
cluster lights up while the engine is 
running: the remote control is no 
longer inside the vehicle. After the engine is 
switched off, the engine can only be restarted 
within approx. 10 seconds. 

Driving
52
Driving
Ignition lock
Insert the remote control all the way into the 
ignition lock.
>Radio readiness switches on.
Individual electrical consumers can operate.
>The electric steering wheel lock disen-
gages audibly.
Insert the remote control into the ignition 
lock before you move the vehicle, other-
wise the electric steering wheel lock will not dis-
engage and you will not be able to steer the 
car.<
Removing the remote control from the 
ignition lock
Press the remote control in briefly; it is ejected 
part of the way.
At the same time:
>The ignition switches off if it was on before-
hand.
>The electric steering wheel lock engages 
audibly.
Automatic transmission
You cannot take out the remote control unless 
the selector lever is in the P position: interlock.
Start/stop button
Each time the start/stop button is pressed, 
radio readiness or the ignition is switched on or 
off.
Briefly pressing the start/stop button 
while the brake or clutch is depressed 
starts the engine.<
Radio readiness
Individual electrical consumers can operate. 
The time and the outside temperature are dis-
played in the instrument cluster.
Radio readiness is switched off automatically:
>Immediately when the remote control is 
removed from the ignition lock
>In cars with convenient access
*, by touch-
ing the surface above the door lock, refer to 
Locking on page36
Ignition on
Most of the indicator and warning lamps in the 
indicator area1 of the instrument cluster, refer 
to page13, light up and remain on for different 
lengths of time.
Radio readiness and ignition off
All indicator and warning lamps in the instru-
ment cluster go out. 

Driving
62 >When you switch gears very slowly or shift 
to idle in cars with manual transmission
>When you select the automatic transmis-
sion's/SMG's neutral position N
>When you activate DTC or deactivate DSC
>When DSC or ABS is intervening
Cruise control is not deactivated by depressing 
the accelerator pedal. Once the accelerator 
pedal is released, the stored speed is achieved 
again and maintained.
Warning lamp
The warning lamp comes on when 
cruise control has been automatically 
deactivated by engaging the hand-
brake or as a result of DSC intervening. A mes-
sage appears on the Control Display.
Resuming a speed stored beforehand
Briefly press the button, arrow 4. the stored 
speed is resumed and maintained.
In the following instances, the stored speed is 
deleted and can no longer be resumed:
>When driving stability control systems are 
intervening
>In cars  with ma nual trans mis sio n: when you 
shift gears very slowly or shift to idle posi-
tion
>With automatic transmission/SMG: when 
you engage selector lever position N
>When the ignition is switched off
Displays in the instrument cluster
1Stored speed
2Selected speed is displayed brieflyIf --- mph or --- km/h temporarily appears 
in the instrument cluster display, it is pos-
sible that the system prerequisites for operation 
are currently not met. 
Calling up Check Control messages, refer to 
page80.<
Malfunction
The warning lamp comes on when 
the system has failed. A message 
appears on the Control Display. You 
can find more information starting on page79. 
Active cruise control*
The concept
With active cruise control, you can select a 
desired speed which is not only automatically 
maintained when driving on open roadways, but 
also varied to maintain a selected distance set-
ting as slower traffic is encountered.
Active cruise control is a technological advance 
over the familiar cruise control and is a welcome 
relief from the constant adjustment of speed 
that can accompany driving in traffic on high-
ways or other high-speed thoroughfares. Espe-
cially on longer trips, the system can reduce 
fatigue and tension, while increasing your 
enjoyment of driving. Please use it safely and 
responsibly.
Within the limits of its capability, the system 
automatically adapts the car's speed to that of a 
slower vehicle in front of you. You can specify 
the distance to be maintained from the vehicle 
in front in four stages. For safety reasons, the 
distance is speed-dependent. Based on your 
selected distance setting, the system automat-
ically decreases the throttle setting and lightly 
applies the brakes if necessary. The vehicle 
brake lamps will automatically illuminate to sig-
nal a following driver to take action. In addition, 
it may be necessary for the vehicle or the driver 
to downshift, depending on the kind of trans-
mission your vehicle is equipped with, to main-
tain the distance setting selected. If the vehicle 
ahead speeds up or when the lane ahead  

Driving
66 Flashes in red: system cannot maintain dis-
tance; driver must brake the vehicle
Flashes in yellow: driving stability control 
systems are intervening; cruise control is 
deactivated
3Selected distance to vehicle ahead
The indicator lights up as soon as the sys-
tem is activated.
4Selected desired speed is temporarily dis-
played
If --- mph or --- km/h temporarily appears 
in the instrument cluster display, it is pos-
sible that the system prerequisites for operation 
are currently not met. Calling up Check Control 
messages, refer to page80.<
Warning lamps
The indicator2 flashes in red; a 
signal sounds. 
The system indicates that you 
must brake and/or maneuver the 
vehicle yourself. Active cruise con-
trol cannot automatically restore the distance to 
the vehicle ahead. 
This indicator does not release you from your 
responsibility to adapt your desired speed and 
driving style to prevailing driving conditions.
The indicator 2 flashes in yellow. 
The prerequisites for operating 
active cruise control are not met, 
e.g. as a result of ABS or DSC interventions. Active cruise control is deacti-
vated. You can reactivate the system, if desired, 
by tapping or pulling the lever when road and 
traffic conditions permit. It is not possible to 
resume a stored speed.
Radar sensor
The sensor's ability to detect vehicles ahead 
may be restricted as a result of heavy rain, dirt, 
snow or ice. If necessary, clean the radar sensor 
located in the front bumper, see arrow. Be sure 
to use particular care when removing any layers 
of snow or ice from the sensor.
When the radar sensor is not properly posi-
tioned, active cruise control cannot be activated 
at all.
Malfunction
The warning lamp comes on when 
the system has failed. A message 
appears on the Control Display. You 
can find more information starting on page79. 
System limitations
Always remember that the range and abil-
ity of the system does have physical limi-
tations. It will not apply the brakes or decelerate your vehicle when there is a slow-moving vehi-
cle, stopped vehicle or stationary object ahead 
of you, as for example, at a traffic light or a  

Controls
 69Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Everything under control
Odometer, outside 
temperature display, clock
1Resetting trip odometer
2Outside temperature display and clock
3Odometer and trip odometer
Units of measure
T o  s e l e c t  t h e  r e s p e c t i v e  u n i t s  o f  m e a s u r e ,  m i l e s  
or km for the odometer as well as 7 or 6 for 
the outside temperature, refer to page73.
Outside temperature display, clock
Setting the time, refer to page77.
Outside temperature warning
When the displayed temperature sinks to 
approx. +377/+36, a signal sounds and a 
warning lamp lights up. There is an increased 
risk of black ice.
Black ice can also form at temperatures 
above +377/+36. You should there-
fore drive carefully on bridges and shaded 
roads, for example, otherwise there is an 
increased risk of an accident.<
Odometer and trip odometer
Resetting trip odometer: 
With the ignition switched on, press button1 in 
the instrument cluster.
When the vehicle is parked
If you still want to view the time, outside tem-
perature and odometer reading briefly after the 
remote control has been removed from the igni-
tion lock:
Press button 1 in the instrument cluster.
Tachometer
Never force the engine speed up into the red 
warning field, see arrow. In this range, the fuel 
supply is interrupted to protect the engine.
Coolant temperature
A warning lamp will come on if the coolant, and 
therefore the engine, becomes too hot. In addi-
tion, a message will appear on the Control Dis-
play.
Check coolant level, refer to page201. 

Controls
 79Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
4.Select "Date" and press the controller.
5.Select "Set date" and press the controller. 
The first date display setting is selected.
6.Turn the controller to make the adjustment.
7.Press the controller to apply the setting. 
The next setting is highlighted.
8.Make the remaining adjustments. After the 
last adjustment, the date is stored.
Setting the date format
1.Open the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the   menu.
3.Select "Display settings" and press the 
controller.
4.Select "Date" and press the controller.
5.Select "Date format" and press the control-
ler.
6.Select the desired format and press the 
controller.
Check Control
The concept
The Check Control monitors vehicle functions 
and alerts you to any malfunctions in the sys-
tems monitored. Such a Check Control mes-
sage includes indicator and warning lamps in 
the instrument cluster and, in some circum-
stances, an acoustic signal as well as text mes-
sages at the bottom of the Control Display.
Indicator and warning lamps
Indicator and warning lamps can light up in both 
the indicator area 1 and the display 2 in various 
combinations and colors.
Explanatory text messages
Text mess ages at the lo wer edge of the Control 
Display explain the meaning of the displayed 
indicator and warning lamps.
For most Check Control messages, you can 
view more information later, e.g. regarding the 
cause of a malfunction and how to respond, 
refer to page80.
In urgent cases, this information will be shown 
immediately as soon as the corresponding lamp 
comes on.
To exit the displayed information: 
Select the   arrow and press the controller. 

Controls
 83Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Technology for driving comfort and safety
PDC Park Distance Control*
The concept
The PDC assists you with maneuvering in tight 
parking spaces.  Acoustic signals and a visual 
indicator
 warn you of the presence of an object 
in front of
* or behind your car. To measure the 
distance, there are four ultrasonic sensors in 
each bumper.
These sensors have a range of approx. 6.5 ft/
2 m. However, an acoustic warning does not 
sound until an object is approx. 2 ft/60 cm from 
the front sensors
* or both rear corner sensors, 
or approx. 5 ft/1.50 m from the rear center sen-
sors.
PDC is a parking aid that can indicate 
objects when they are approached 
slowly, as is usually the case when parking. 
Avoid approaching an object at high speed, oth-
erwise physical circumstances may lead to the 
system warning being issued too late.<
Automatic mode
With the engine running or the ignition switched 
on, the system is activated automatically after 
approx. 1 second when you engage reverse 
gear or move the automatic transmission selec-
tor lever to position R. Wait this short period 
before driving.
Switching on manually
Press the button, the LED lights up.
Switching off manually
Press the button again; the LED goes out.
The system is automatically deactivated once 
the vehicle travels approx. 165 ft/50 m or 
exceeds a speed of approx. 20 mph or 30 km/h; 
the LED goes out. You can reactivate the sys-
tem as needed.
Signal tones
When nearing an object, its position is indicated 
correspondingly by an interval tone. For exam-
ple, the tone sounds at the rear if the system 
detects an object behind the car. As the dis-
tance between vehicle and object decreases, 
the intervals between the tones become 
shorter. If the distance to the nearest object 
falls to below roughly 1 ft/30 cm, then a contin-
uous tone sounds.
The warning signal is canceled after approx. 
3 seconds, if you are moving parallel to a wall.
Malfunction
The indicator lamp in the instrument 
cluster comes on. PDC is malfunc-
tioning. A message appears on the 
Control Display. Have the system checked.
To avoid this problem, keep the sensors clean 
and free of ice or snow in order to ensure that 
they will continue to operate effectively. When 
using a high-pressure cleaner, do not spray the 
sensors for extended periods of time and only 
from a distance of at least 4 in/10 cm.
Manual mode
The LED above the button flashes in addition.
PDC with optical warning
You can also have the system show distances 
to objects on the Control Display. The contours 
of distant objects are shown on the Control Dis-
play even before the acoustic signal sounds.
iDrive concept, refer to page16.