208 Controls in detailDriving systemsDistronic*
When activated, the Distronic adaptive
cruise control system increases driving
convenience afforded by the cruise control
during travel on expressways and other
major roads.
If the Distronic distance sensor detects
a slower moving vehicle directly ahead,
your vehicle speed will be reduced so
that you follow that vehicle at a preset
distance.
If there is no vehicle directly ahead of
you, Distronic will function in the same
way as cruise control (
page 205).
Warning!
G
Distronic adaptive cruise control is no sub-
stitute for active driving involvement. It does
not react to stationary objects, nor does it
recognize or predict the curvature and lane
layout or the movement of vehicles ahead.
Distronic can only apply a maximum of 20%
of the vehicle’s braking power.
It is the driver’s responsibility at all times to
be attentive to traffic and road conditions
and to provide the steering, braking and oth-
er driving inputs necessary to retain control
of the vehicle.Warning!
G
Distronic is a convenience system. Its speed
adjustment reduction capability is intended
to make cruise control more effective and
usable when traffic speeds vary. However, it
is not intended to, nor does it, replace the
need for extreme care. The responsibility for
the vehicle speed and the distance to the ve-
hicle ahead, including most importantly
brake operation to assure safe stopping dis-
tance, always rests with the driver.
Distronic cannot take street and traffic con-
ditions into account.
Warning!
G
Distronic requires familiarity with its opera-
tional characteristics. We strongly recom-
mend that you review the following
information carefully before operating the
system.iUSA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
(2) this device must accept any inter-
ference received, including interfer-
ence that may cause undesired
operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.
218 Controls in detailDriving systems
The most likely cause for a malfunctioning
system is a dirty sensor (located behind
the hood grille), especially at times of snow
and ice or heavy rain. In such a case,
Distronic will switch off, and the message DISTRONIC CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE SEE
OPERATORS MANUAL
appears in the multi-
function display.
For cleaning and care of the Distronic sen-
sor, see “Cleaning the Distronic* system
sensor cover” (
page 322).Turns and bends
In turns or bends, Distronic may not detect
a moving vehicle in front, or it may detect
one too soon. This may cause your vehicle
to brake late or unexpectedly.
Distronic regulates only the distance be-
tween your vehicle and those directly ahead
of it, but does not register stationary objects
in the road, e.g.:
a stopped vehicle in a traffic jam
a disabled vehicle
an oncoming vehicle
The driver must always be on the alert, ob-
serve all traffic and intercede as required by
steering or braking the vehicle.
Warning!
G
Distronic should not be used in snowy or icy
road conditions.
iIf the message
DISTRONIC CURRENTLY
UNAVAILABLE SEE OPERATORS MANUAL
disappears during driving and the last
speed stored flashes for approximately
5 seconds, the dirt (e.g. slush) has dis-
solved; Distronic is again operational.
223 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Parktronic system* (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 placed the gear selector lever in posi-
tion D, R, or N.
The Parktronic system deactivates at
speeds over approximately 11 mph
(18 km/h). At lower speeds the Parktronic
system turns on again.
The Parktronic system also deactivates
when you place the gear selector lever in
position P.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
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 322).
Interference caused by other ultrasonic sig-
nals (e.g. working jackhammers, car wash,
or the air brakes of trucks) can cause the
system to send erratic indications, and
should be taken into consideration.
Warning!
G
Make sure no persons or animals are in the
area in which you are maneuvering. You
could otherwise injure them.
224 Controls in detailDriving systemsRange 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, see
“Cleaning the Parktronic* system sensors”
(page 322).
Front sensors
Rear sensors
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.
street curbs, painted posts, or trailer
hitches etc.). The Parktronic system
will not detect such objects at close
range and damage to your vehicle or
the object may result.
Ultrasonic signals from outside sourc-
es (e.g. truck air brakes, car wash, or
jackhammers) may impair the opera-
tion of the Parktronic system.
362 Practical hintsWhat to do if …?Display
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
TIRE PRES. MONITOR
CURRENTLY
UNAVAILABLE
The tire inflation pressure monitor* is un-
able to monitor the tire inflation pressure
due to:
the presence of several wheel sensors
in the vehicle
excessive wheel sensor temperatures
a nearby radio interference source
unrecognized wheel sensors installed
Remove any extra wheel sensors from the
vehicle.
As soon as the causes of the malfunction have
been removed, the tire inflation pressure moni-
tor automatically becomes active again.
TIRE PRES. MONITOR
NOT OPERATIONAL
DRIVE TO WORKSHOP
The tire inflation pressure monitor or a
wheel sensor is malfunctioning.
Have the tire inflation pressure monitor
checked by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
A wheel without proper sensor was in-
stalled.
Have the wheels checked.
Warning!
G
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle.
You may lose control of the vehicle. Contin-
ued driving with a flat tire will cause exces-
sive heat build-up and possibly a fire.
427 Technical terms
ABC
(A
ctive B
ody C
ontrol)
Active, computer-controlled system
that hydraulically adjusts the suspen-
sion at all four wheels in response to
various driving situations.
ABS
(A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)
Prevents the wheels from locking up
during braking so that the vehicle can
continue to be steered.
Accessory weight
(
page 309)
Air pressure
(page 309)
Alignment bolt
Metal pin with thread. The centering
pin is an aid used when changing a tire
to align the wheel with the wheel hub.
Aspect ratio
(page 309)BabySmart
TM air bag deactivation
system
This system detects if a special system
compatible child restraint seat is in-
stalled on the front passenger seat. The
system will automatically deactivate
the passenger front air bag when such
a seat is properly installed
(the58indicator lamp in the
center console comes on and remains
illuminated).
BabySmartTM compatible child seats
Special restraint system for children.
The sensor system for the front pas-
senger seat prevents deployment of
the passenger front air bag if a
BabySmartTM compatible child seat is
installed. See an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for availability.
Bar
(
page 309)BAS
(B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)
System for potentially reducing braking
distances in emergency braking situa-
tions. The system is activated when it
senses an emergency based on how
fast the brake is applied.
Bead
(
page 309)
Bi-Xenon headlamps
Headlamps which use an electric arc as
the light source and produce a more in-
tense light than filament headlamps.
Bi-Xenon headlamps produce low
beam and high beam.
CAC
(Customer A
ssistance C
enter)
Mercedes-Benz customer service cen-
ter, which can help you with any ques-
tions about your vehicle and provide
assistance in the event of a break-
down.
442 IndexL
Labels 406
Lamp sensor
Message in display 356
Lamps, exterior 125, 379
Messages in display 354
Replacing bulbs 379, 381, 382
Warning sounds 59, 126
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS 25, 328
Anti-theft alarm systems 86
Battery (SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*) 98
Battery (SmartKey) 92
Brakes 25, 329
Distronic* 25, 210, 216
Engine diagnostics 330, 331
Engine malfunction 25, 330, 331
ESP
®
25, 332, 333
Fog lamps 125
Front passenger front air bag off 28,
67, 74, 336
Fuel reserve 25, 331High beam headlamp 25
Instrument cluster 328
Parking lamps 125
Parktronic*, Warning indicators 225
Seat belt telltale 25, 333
SRS 25, 63
Tire inflation pressure 25
Tow-away alarm 88
Turn signals 25
Lamps, interior 131
Language, Setting 158
LATCH-type child seat anchors see Chil-
dren in the vehicle
Lever for voice control system* 23
License plate lamp
Messages in display 355
Replacing bulbs 379, 383
Light alloy wheels, cleaning 324
Lighter see Cigarette lighter
Lighting, Exterior and interior 125
Limp Home Mode, Emergency operation of
automatic transmission 177
Line of fall 429Loading see Vehicle loading
Locator lighting 160
Locking knob 100, 429
Loss of
Mechanical key 94, 100
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet 405
SmartKey 94
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 100
Low beam headlamps
Messages in display 356
Replacing bulbs 379
Switching on 52
Lubricants 418
444 Index
Hood 353
Instrument cluster 350
Lamp sensor 356
Lamps 354
License plate lamp 355
Low beam headlamps 356
Maintenance service indicator 315
Parking brake 345
Parking lamps 357
Power tilt/sliding sunroof 359
Reverse lamps 357
Seat belts 359
Selector lever 344
Side marker lamps 356
SmartKey 353
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 353
Tail lamps 357
Tele Aid 359
Telephone* 360
Tires 361
Trunk 360
Turn signal lamps 358
Washer fluid 360
Multifunction steering wheel 138, 430
Button operation 138N
Navigation system
See separate COMAND operating in-
structions
Net, parcel 234
Neutral gear position, Automatic
transmission 48, 165, 167
New vehicle break-in 258
Night security illumination 160
Normal occupant weight 310
Number, vehicle identification (VIN) 406O
Occupant distribution 310
Occupant safety 62
Air bags 63
Children and air bags 64
Children in the vehicle 72
Fastening the seat belt 45
Front passenger front air bag off indica-
tor lamp 74
Infant and child restraint systems 72
LATCH-type child seat anchors 77
Seat belts 45, 66
Odometer 135
Oil see Engine oil
One-touch gearshifting 172
Operating safety 16
Ornamental moldings, cleaning 321
Outside temperature indicator 25, 136
Overdue maintenance service 316
Overhead control panel 29
Overspeed range, Engine 430