Page 292 of 570

291 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Parktronic* (Parking assist)
The Parktronic system is an electronic aid 
designed to assist the driver during 
parking maneuvers. It visually and audibly 
indicates the relative distance between the 
vehicle and an obstacle.
The Parktronic system is automatically 
activated when you
switch on the ignition or start the 
engine
and
release the parking brake
and
set the automatic transmission to 
positionD,R, orNThe Parktronic system deactivates at 
vehicle speeds exceeding approximately 
11 mph (18 km/h). At lower vehicle 
speeds, the Parktronic system turns on 
again.
The Parktronic system also deactivates 
when you set the automatic transmission 
to positionP or depress the parking brake 
pedal.
The Parktronic system monitors the 
surroundings of your vehicle with six sen-
sors in the front bumper and four sensors 
in the rear bumper.
1Sensors in the front bumper
Warning!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, 
especially at times of snow and ice. See 
“Cleaning the Parktronic system sensors” 
(
page 414).
Interference caused by other ultrasonic 
signals (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. 
     
        
        Page 293 of 570

292 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 damaging the sensors, see 
“Cleaning the Parktronic* system sensors” 
(
page 414).Front sensors
Rear sensors
Minimum distance
If the system detects an obstacle in this 
range, all the distance warning segments 
illuminate and you hear a warning signal. If 
the obstacle is closer than the minimum 
distance, the actual distance may no 
longer be indicated by the system.
!During parking maneuvers, pay special 
attention to objects located above or below the 
height of the sensors (e.g. planters or trailer 
hitches).
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 sources (e.g. 
working jackhammers, car wash or the air brakes 
of trucks) may impair the operation of the 
Parktronic system.
Centerapprox. 40 in (100 cm)
Cornersapprox. 24 in (60 cm)
Centerapprox. 48 in (120 cm)
Cornersapprox. 32 in (80 cm)
Centerapprox. 8 in (20 cm)
Cornersapprox. 6 in (15 cm) 
     
        
        Page 294 of 570

293 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Warning indicators
Visual signals indicate to the driver the 
relative distance between the sensors and 
an obstacle. The warning indicator for the 
front area is located above the center air 
vents in the dashboard. The warning indi-
cator for the rear area is located in the rear 
overhead control panel.
Front area warning indicator
1Left side of the vehicle
2Right side of the vehicle
3Readiness indicatorsEach warning indicator is divided into five 
yellow and two red distance segments for 
either side of the vehicle. The Parktronic 
system is ready when the yellow readiness 
indicators3 are illuminated.
The current transmission position deter-
mines which warning indicator will be 
activated.As your vehicle approaches an object, one 
or more distance segments will illuminate, 
depending on the distance. When the 
seventh distance segment illuminates, you 
have reached the minimum distance.
Front area: An intermittent acoustic 
warning lasting a maximum of 
2 seconds will sound as the first red 
distance segment illuminates and a 
constant acoustic warning lasting a 
maximum of 2 seconds will sound for 
the second red distance segment. The 
signal is canceled when the automatic 
transmission is set to positionP or the 
parking brake is set.
Rear area: An intermittent acoustic 
warning lasting a maximum of 
2 seconds will sound as the first red 
distance segment illuminates and a 
constant acoustic warning lasting a 
maximum of 2 seconds will sound for 
the second red distance segment. The 
signal is canceled when the automatic 
transmission is set to positionD, P, or 
the parking brake is set.
Transmission 
positionWarning indicator
DFront area activated
R or NFront and rear area 
activated
PNeither activated 
     
        
        Page 561 of 570

560 Index
O
Occupant Classification System see OCS
Occupant distribution 402
Occupant safety 72
Active head restraint 83
Air bags 74
Children and air bags 75, 86
Children in the vehicle 84
Fastening the seat belts 51
Front passenger front air bag of
indicator lamp 88, 92, 93
Infant and child restraint systems 85
LATCH-type child seat anchors 93
OCS 88
OCS, Messages in the multifunction 
display 445–448
Seat belts 51, 76
OCS 88
Messages in the multifunction 
display 445
Self-test 93
Odometer 157, 159
Oil level see Engine oil, Checking level
Oil see Engine oil
One-touch gearshifting 207
Operating safety 16Operator’s Manual 10
Ornamental moldings, Cleaning 413
Outside temperature see Displays
Overdue maintenance service term 408
Overhead control panel 33
Oxidation catalyst (diesel engine) 358
P
Paintwork code 526
Paintwork, Cleaning 411
Panic alarm 99
Panorama roof with power tilt/sliding 
panel* 261
Cleaning 416
Convenience closing feature 256
Opening/closing 262
Roller sunblinds 261
Stopping 262
Summer opening feature 254
Synchronizing 264
Parcel nets 315
Parking 65, 351
Parking brake 57, 66
Lamps, Indicator and warning 421
Messages in the multifunction 
display 453
Releasing 57Parking lamps 485
Messages in the multifunction 
display 466
Replacing bulbs 484
Parktronic* (Parking assist) 291
Cleaning system sensors 414
Minimum distance 292
Range 292
Sensor cover 414
Switching on/off 294
System malfunction 294
System sensors 291
Warning indicators 293
Partition net* 308
Parts service 524
PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp see 
Front passenger front air bag of
indicator lamp
Passenger compartment 356
Fuse box 522
Interior lighting 153
Passenger safety see Occupant safety
Pedals 347
Phone see Telephone*
Plastic and rubber parts, Cleaning 416