2006 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS55AMG brake pads

92 Safety and SecurityDriving safety systemsNote on driving with the
electro-hydraulic brake system

Following extended periods of only
minor loads to your brake system, you
should occasionally apply the brakes
when traveling at high speeds. This
improves the grip of the brake pads.


After driving on wet or snow-covered
roads, you should apply your brakes
firmly before parking your vehicle. This
produces heat which serves to dry the
brake disks and help prevent corro-
sion.


On long and steep grades, shift to a
lower gear (gear range1, 2, or 3) to
prevent the brakes from overheating
and to reduce brake wear.


After hard braking, it is advisable to
drive on for some time so that the air
stream will cool down the brakes fast-
er.


Only Mercedes-Benz approved compo-
nents (e.g. brake pads) should be
installed on your vehicle. Brake pads
not approved by Mercedes-Benz may
impair the safety of your vehicle.
Warning!
G
Be very careful not to endanger other road
users when you apply the brakes.

280 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
system 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 363) come on while driving. To
brake, the driver must then apply signifi-
cantly greater brake pedal pressure and
depress 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. Stopping distance is increased!
If there is a malfunction in the
electro-hydraulic brake system, we recom-
mend that the vehicle be transported with
all wheels off the ground using flatbed or ap-
propriate wheel lift/dolly equipment. A tow
bar must be used if circumstances do not
permit the use of the recommended towing
methods and the vehicle 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 infor-
mation, refer to “Towing the vehicle”
(page 437). For more information, see
“Electro-hydraulic brake system”
(page 89).
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
vehicle.
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.

281 Operation
Driving instructions
To help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to
parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes.
If your brake system is normally only sub-
jected to moderate loads, you should occa-
sionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads.
Refer to the description of the Brake Assist
System (BAS) (
page 86).If the parking brake is released and the
brake warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter stays on, there is a malfunction in the
electro-hydraulic brake system
(
page 89) or the brake fluid level in the
reservoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the res-
ervoir.
Have the brake system inspected by quali-
fied technicians immediately. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Only install brake pads and brake fluid
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
After hard braking, it is advisable to drive
on for some time, rather than immediately
park, so that the air stream will cool down
the brakes faster.
Warning!
G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking ma-
neuvers.
Warning!
G
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially impaired. This
could result in an accident.
Be certain to read and observe the warning
notices on brake pad replacement
(page 374).!When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes
by shifting into a lower gear to use the
engine’s braking power. This helps pre-
vent overheating of the brakes and
reduces brake pad wear.

349 Operation
Vehicle care
Plastic and rubber parts
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution.
Instrument cluster and cup holders

Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution.

Wipe with a cloth moistened in a luke-
warm solution.Hard plastic trim items

Use Mercedes-Benz approved Interior
Care, a soft, lint-free cloth and apply
with light pressure.
Steering wheel and gear selector lever

Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thor-
oughly or clean with Mercedes-Benz
approved Leather Care.
Carpets

Use Mercedes-Benz approved Carpet
and Fabric Care for cleaning the car-
pets.
!The vehicle should not be parked for an
extended period of time immediately
after it has been cleaned, especially not
after the wheel rims have been cleaned
with wheel rim cleaner. Wheel rim
cleaners can lead to increased corro-
sion of the brake disks and brake pads.
Therefore, the vehicle’s brake system
should always be warmed-up before it
is parked after cleaning.
When applying Mercedes-Benz ap-
proved Tire Care and Mercedes-Benz
approved Wheel Care products, take
care not to spray them on the brake
discs.
!Do not use oil or wax on these parts.!To prevent scratches, do not use scour-
ing agents.
!To prevent scratches, do not use scour-
ing agents.

374 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display symbol
Display messages
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
#
Battery/Alternator
Stop vehicle
The battery is malfunctioning.
The electro-hydraulic brake system re-
quires electrical energy and therefore has
only limited operation. Considerably
greater brake pedal force is required and
the stopping distance is increased.

Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe
to do so. Adjust driving to be consis-
tent with reduced braking responsive-
ness.

Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Low voltage
Start engine
The battery has insufficient voltage.

Start the engine (
page 49).
2
Brake wear
Visit workshop
The brake pads have reached their wear
limit.

Have the brake pads replaced as soon
as possible.
!Brake pad thickness must be visually
inspected by a qualified technician at
the intervals specified in the
Maintenance Booklet.

480 IndexAutomatic transmission 176
Accelerator position 180
Emergency operation
(Limp-Home Mode) 190
Gear ranges 181
Gear selector lever position 178
Gear shifting malfunctions 190
Kickdown 180
Kickdown, manual shift program
(CLS 55 AMG) 190
Manual shift program mode
(CLS 55 AMG) 188
Manual shifting 183
One-touch gearshifting 183
Program mode selector switch 182
Selector lever position 176
Starting the engine 49
Winter program mode 182B
BabySmart
TM
Airbag deactivation system 78
Compatible child seats 471
Self-test 79
BabySmart
TM air bag deactivation
system 471
Backrest
Seat, multicontour* 126
Seat, power 40
Backup lamps
Messages in display 387
Bar 332
BAS 86, 472
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 408
Checking battery condition 102
Batteries, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Checking 109
Battery
Jump starting 435Battery, vehicle 431
Charging 433
Disconnecting 432
Messages in display 369, 373
Reconnecting 434
Removing 433
Bead 332
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 472
Block heater* (Canada only) 337
Brake assist system (BAS) 472
Brake fluid 291
Messages in display 377
Brake lamp
Messages in display 387
Brake pads
Message in display 374
Brakes
Warning lamp 354
Break-in period 278
Bulbs, replacing see Replacing bulbs

488 IndexM
Main Dimensions 459
Maintenance 12
Calling up the service indicator 340
Clearing service indicator 340
FSS PLUS (Canada vehicles) 339
Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) 339
Messages in display 392
Service indicator 339
Service term exceeded 340
Maintenance service
Resetting maintenance service
indicator 341
Maintenance service indicator
message 339
Maintenance System (U.S.
vehicles) 339, 475
Manual headlamp mode 135
Manual operations
Unlocking the driver’s door 402
Unlocking the trunk lid 403
Manual shift program (CLS 55 AMG)
Deactivating 190
Massage function 128
Maximum load rating 333Maximum loaded vehicle weight 333
Maximum tire inflation pressure 333
Mechanical key 402
Memory function 131, 475
Storing exterior rear view mirror
parking positions 133
Storing SmartKey dependent
settings 132
Memory function*
Recalling positions from
memory 132
Menus
AUDIO 153
Distronic* 155, 230
In control system 150, 151
Standard display 153
Submenus 149
TEL* 172
Trip computer 171
Vehicle status message memory 156
Messages
Displaying 156
Microphone, Hands-free 29
Mirrors
Adjusting 44
Auto-dimming 191Exterior rear view mirror 44
Exterior rear view mirror parking
positions 169, 192
Interior rear view mirror 44
Storing exterior mirror parking
position 133
MOExtended system* 321, 429
MOExtended tires*456
MON 291
MON (Motor Octane Number) 475
Multicontour seat* 126
Multifunction display 147, 475
Selecting language 160
Multifunction display messages
ABS 365
Airmatic DC 396, 397
Batteries 369
Battery 373
Brake fluid 377
Brake pads 374
Check engine 355
Coolant 378, 379, 380
Cruise control 365
Distronic* 366
Door 382