2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CL-Class brake light

Contents
Introduction....................................... 13
Product information ............................. 13
Operator’s Manual ............................... 14
Service and warranty information .. 14
Important notice for California retail
buyers and lessees of
Mercedes-Benz automobiles .......... 15
Maintenance .................................. 16
Roadside Assistance ...................... 16
Change of address or ownership.... 16
Operating your vehicle outside the
USA or Canada............................... 17
Where to find it .................................... 18
Symbols ............................................... 19
Operating safety .................................. 20
Proper use of the vehicle ............... 20
Problems with your vehicle .................. 21
Reporting safety defects...................... 22
Reporting safety defects ................ 22
Vehicle data recording......................... 23
Information regarding electronic
recording devices........................... 23
At a glance.......................................... 25
Exterior view ......................................... 26
Cockpit ................................................. 28
Instrument cluster ................................ 30
Control systems ................................... 32
Storage compartments ......................... 34
Center console ..................................... 36
Overhead control panel ........................ 37
Driver’s door control panel ................... 38Safety and Security............................ 39
Occupant safety ................................... 40
Air bags........................................... 42
Occupant Classification System ..... 48
Seat belts........................................ 53
Preventive occupant safety
(PRE-SAFE
®).................................... 56
Children in the vehicle .................... 57
Blocking of rear side
window operation ........................... 63Panic alarm .......................................... 64
Activating........................................ 64
Deactivating.................................... 64
Driving safety systems ......................... 65
ABS ................................................. 65
Adaptive Brake ............................... 66
Adaptive Brake Lights (CL 600 and
CL 65 AMG, USA only) .................... 67
BAS ................................................. 67
BAS Plus* ....................................... 68
EBP ................................................. 70
ESP
®............................................... 70
PRE-SAFE
® Brake* (vehicles with
DISTRONIC Plus* only) ................... 75
Anti-theft systems ................................ 79
Immobilizer ..................................... 79
Anti-theft alarm system .................. 79
Canceling the alarm ........................ 80

Contents
Rear View Camera*...................... 477
Night View Assist* ....................... 481
Blind Spot Assist* ........................ 485
Air vents ............................................ 488
Opening and closing air vents ...... 490
Ventilated storage compartment . 490
Automatic climate control ................. 491
Deactivating climate
control system ............................. 493
Operating climate control system
in automatic mode ....................... 493
Setting temperature ..................... 494
Adjusting air volume .................... 494
Front defroster ............................. 494
Rear window defroster ................. 496
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL
(USA only) .................................... 496
Air recirculation mode.................. 496
Residual engine heat and
ventilation .................................... 498
Trunk ................................................. 500
Opening trunk .............................. 500
Closing trunk................................ 501
Trunk emergency release ............. 504
Valet locking ................................ 505Power tilt/sliding sunroof................... 506
Opening and closing power
tilt/sliding sunroof ........................ 506
Synchronizing ............................... 508
Loading and storing ............................ 509
Loading instructions ..................... 509
Storage compartments ................. 509
Cup holders .................................. 513
Trunk ............................................ 514
Useful features ................................... 516
Sun visors ..................................... 516
Ashtray ......................................... 516
Cigarette lighter ............................ 517
Floormats*.................................... 518
Telephone* ................................... 519
Tele Aid ......................................... 522
Garage door opener ...................... 530
Infrared reflecting windshield ....... 536
Operation.......................................... 537
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) .......... 538
Driving instructions ............................ 539
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 539
Drinking and driving...................... 539
Pedals ........................................... 539
Power assistance .......................... 539
Brakes .......................................... 540
Driving off ..................................... 542
Parking ......................................... 542
Tires.............................................. 543
Hydroplaning ................................ 543
Tire traction .................................. 544
Tire speed rating ........................... 544
Winter driving instructions ............ 545
Standing water ............................. 546
Passenger compartment............... 547
Driving abroad .............................. 547
Control and operation of
radio transmitters ......................... 547
Catalytic converter ....................... 548
Emission control ........................... 548
Coolant temperature .................... 549

57 Safety and Security
Occupant safety
PRE-SAFE
® takes action in the following in-
stances:


Emergency braking maneuver and the
Brake Assist System (BAS) (
page 67)
is activated
or when
BAS Plus* (
page 68) is strongly inter-
vening.


Critical dynamic driving situations, e.g.
when the vehicle is understeering or
oversteering because it has exceeded
its physical limitations.


Evasive steering maneuvers at speeds
above 20 mph (30 km/h).
When you are driving faster than 20 mph
(30 km/h), PRE-SAFE
® takes the following
measures in such situations:


If the OCS senses that the front pas-
senger seat is occupied and the seat is
in an unfavorable position, it will be
adjusted to a better position.


The system increases the air pressure
in the air pockets (on the sides of the
seat cushion and backrest) of the
drive-dynamic multicontour front
seats*.


If the vehicle is understeering or over-
steering, the tilt/sliding sunroof and
the front side windows also close until
only a small gap remains.
Once the hazardous situation is over with-
out an accident occurring, PRE-SAFE
® de-
creases the air pressure in the air pockets
of the drive-dynamic multicontour front
seats*. You can readjust all of the settings
made by PRE-SAFE
®.
If the seat belts do not release:

Adjust the backrest or seat slightly to
the rear until the seat belt tension is di-
minished.
The locking mechanism releases.
Children in the vehicle
If an infant or child is traveling with you in
the vehicle:
Secure the child using an infant or child
restraint appropriate to the age and
size of the child.

Make sure the infant or child is
properly secured at all times while the
vehicle is in motion.
i
If the closing procedure of the tilt/sliding
sunroof or side windows is blocked, the tilt/slid-
ing sunroof or side windows will stop and open
slightly.
!
When moving the seat, make sure there are
no items in the footwell or behind the seats. Oth-
erwise you could damage the seats.
Warning!
G
Do not leave children unattended in the ve-
hicle, even if they are secured in a child re-
straint system. The children could

injure themselves on parts of the vehicle


be seriously or fatally injured through
excessive exposure to extreme heat or
cold


65 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems
This section contains information about
Adaptive Brake Lights as well as the follow-
ing driving safety systems:

ABS (A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)


Adaptive Brake


BAS (B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)


BAS Plus* (B
rake A
ssist S
ystem Plus)


EBP (E
lectronic B
rake P
roportioning)


ESP
® (E
lectronic S
tability P
rogram)


PRE-SAFE
® Brake* (Pre
ventive Occu-
pant Safe
ty Brake)
ABS
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do
not lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of ap-
proximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will re-
spond even to light brake pressure.
The - indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster (
page 30) comes on when you
switch on the ignition (
page 365). It goes
out when the engine is running.
Warning!
G
The following factors increase the risk of ac-
cidents:

Excessive speed, especially in turns


Wet and slippery road surfaces


Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or pre-
vent the natural laws of physics from acting
on the vehicle.
Always adapt your driving style to the pre-
vailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
i
In winter operation, the maximum effective-
ness of the ABS, Adaptive Brake, BAS,
BAS Plus*, EBP and ESP
® only achieved with
winter tires (
page 590), or snow chains as re-
quired.
Warning!
G
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump-
ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of
the ABS and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.

66 Safety and SecurityDriving safety systemsBraking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in
the regulating mode. 
Keep firm and steady pressure on the
brake pedal while experiencing the pul-
sation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to
steer the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an indica-
tion of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver

Keep continuous full pressure on the
brake pedal.For more information, see “Practical hints”
(
page 608).
Adaptive Brake
Adaptive Brake provides a high level of
braking safety as well as increased braking
comfort. It is coupled with ABS, ESP
® and
BAS. Adaptive Brake takes driver and vehi-
cle characteristics into consideration, thus
achieving an optimal braking effect.
Warning!
G
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the BAS,
BAS Plus* and ESP
® are also switched off.
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the wheels
may lock during hard braking, reducing
steering capability and extending the brak-
ing distance.
Warning!
G
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency
beyond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded. The ABS cannot prevent acci-
dents, including those resulting from exces-
sive speed in turns, following another
vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or dan-
gerous manner which could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.

67 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Adaptive Brake Lights (CL 600 and CL 65 AMG, USA only)
The brake lamps flash in quick intervals
while you are braking in order to signal to
cars behind you that

you are braking strongly at a speed of
more than 30 mph (50 km/h)


you are braking with the aid of BAS or
BAS Plus*
If you bring the car to a complete stop by
hard braking at a speed of more than
40 mph (70 km/h), the hazard warning
flasher automatically comes on as soon as
the vehicle is at a standstill. While the vehi-
cle is stationary, the brake lamps are con-
tinuously lit up.
Once you drive faster than 6 mph
(10 km/h) afterward, the hazard warning
flasher goes out.
BAS
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the
brakes very quickly, the BAS automatically
provides full brake boost, thereby poten-
tially reducing the braking distance.
Apply continuous full braking pressure
until the emergency braking situation is
over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the
brakes function again as normal. The BAS
is then deactivated.
For more information, see “Practical hints”
section (
page 608).
Warning!
G
When the BAS is malfunctioning, the brake
system is still functioning normally, but with-
out the additional brake boost available that
BAS would normally provide in an emergen-
cy braking maneuver. Therefore, the braking
distance may increase.
Warning!
G
The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking efficiency beyond that af-
forded by the condition of the vehicle brakes
and tires or the traction afforded. The BAS
cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, fol-
lowing another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a BAS equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or dan-
gerous manner which could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.

75 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
PRE-SAFE
® Brake* (vehicles with
DISTRONIC Plus* only)
PRE-SAFE
® Brake* can assist you in mini-
mizing the risk of a rear-end collision with
a vehicle in front of you and in reducing the
severity of an accident. At speeds over ap-
proximately 20 mph (30 km/h), it will


warn you of a possible collision


automatically begin to brake the vehi-
cle lightly in a speed range of up to
112 mph (180 km/h)


activate preventative occupant safety
measures (PRE-SAFE
®) (page 56)PRE-SAFE
® Brake will only assist you by
automatically initiating braking if the driver
and front passenger have their seat belts
fastened.
Using the radar sensors, PRE-SAFE
® Brake
detects obstacles that are in your driving
path for a sufficient period of time for the
system to recognize it. If you approach a
vehicle and PRE-SAFE
® Brake has estab-
lished that the distance to the vehicle
ahead at your current speed is so close
that PRE-SAFE
® Brake will not be capable
of slowing the vehicle sufficiently, the sys-
tem will initially warn you visually and
acoustically.When travelling in Canada in a vehicle not
registered in Canada, you must switch off
the radar sensor system* (
page 302).
Canadian law does not permit the use of
the radar sensor system* (
page 302) for
vehicles from outside of Canada. When you
switch off the radar sensor system*, the
following functions are deactivated:


BAS Plus* (
page 68)


DISTRONIC Plus* (
page 443)


Park Assist* (
page 467)


PRE-SAFE
® Brake
Warning!
G
PRE-SAFE
® Brake is a convenience system
designed to assist the driver during vehicle
operation. The responsibility for the vehicle
speed and the distance to the vehicle ahead,
including most importantly brake operation
to assure safe stopping distance, always re-
mains with the driver.
Always pay attention to traffic conditions
even while PRE-SAFE
® Brake is switched on.
Otherwise, you may not be able to recognize
dangerous situations until it is too late and
could cause an accident resulting in person-
al or fatal injury to you or others.
i
USA only:
This device has been approved by the FCC as a
“Vehicular Radar System”. The radar sensor is
intended for use in an automotive radar system
only. Removal, tampering, or altering of the de-
vice will void any warranties, and is not permitted
by the FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this device
could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.

76 Safety and SecurityDriving safety systems
When the distance to the forward vehicle is
too small, the distance warning lampl
comes on in the instrument cluster. If you
approach the forward vehicle very quickly,
you will hear a warning tone.
If you do not apply the brakes yourself or
maneuver around a sensed obstacle, the
vehicle will automatically initiate light
braking. PRE-SAFE
® (page 56) is activat-
ed when the distance to the vehicle ahead
at your current speed is so close that
PRE-SAFE
® Brake will not be capable of
slowing the vehicle sufficiently.
i
Canada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference re-
ceived, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the device will
void any warranties, and is not permitted. Do not
tamper with, alter, or use in any non-approved
way.
Any unauthorized modification to this device
could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
Warning!
G
PRE-SAFE
® Brake will only respond with
brake assistance if it has clearly detected an
object. Detection can be impeded by


dirty or covered sensors


snowfall or heavy rain


disturbance from other radar sources


strong radar reflection such as in park-
ing garages
PRE-SAFE
® Brake uses radar signals that
are not reflected well by narrow objects and
absorptive materials. For this reason BAS
Plus will not react to


persons and animals


approaching traffic or cross-traffic
PRE-SAFE
® Brake may not detect narrow ve-
hicles driving in front of you, such as motor-
cycles and vehicles driving offset from your
vehicle center.