2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS63AMG suspension

59 Getting started
Parking and locking
Parking and locking
You have now completed your first drive.
You have properly stopped and parked
your vehicle. End your drive as follows.
Parking brake
Warning!G
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 ve-
hicle.
Warning!G
If you have selected the Comfort suspension
tuning (
page 230), the vehicle lowers
slightly when it is locked. You should there-
fore make sure that no one is standing near
the wheel arches or lying underneath the ve-
hicle when it is being locked. Otherwise,
personal injury could result.
Warning!G
Do not park this vehicle in areas where com-
bustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system, as these materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
To reduce the risk of personal injury, or
damage to the vehicle drivetrain, as a result
of vehicle movement, before turning off the
engine and leaving the vehicle always:

Keep right foot on brake pedal.

Firmly depress parking brake pedal.

Move the gear selector lever to
positionP.

Slowly release brake pedal.

When parked on an incline, turn front
wheel towards the road curb.

Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position0 and remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch, or press
KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button.

Take the SmartKey or the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* with you and lock vehicle
when leaving.
!If you have selected the Comfort suspen-
sion tuning (
page 230), the vehicle lowers
slightly when you lock it within approximately
60 seconds after switching off the engine. When
parking, make sure that your vehicle cannot
come into contact with other objects, such as a
curb, while lowering. Your vehicle could
otherwise be damaged.
Warning!G
Engaging the parking brake while the vehicle
is in motion can cause the rear wheels to
lock up. You could lose control of the vehicle
and cause an accident. In addition, the vehi-
cle’s brake lights do not light up when the
parking brake is engaged.

230 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Airmatic DC (Dual Control)
Airmatic automatically selects the opti-
mum suspension tuning and ride height for
your vehicle. The Airmatic consists of two
components:

Adaptive Damping System (ADS)

Vehicle level control
The ADS automatically selects the opti-
mum damping for the respective driving
conditions. At the same time the suspen-
sion is set to either Sport 1, Sport 2 or
Comfort.
Suspension tuning
The suspension tuning is set according to:

Your driving style

Road surface conditions

Your choice of suspension style,
Sport 1, Sport 2 or Comfort, which you
select using the damping buttonThe following suspension styles are avail-
able:

Comfort
Both indicator lamps2 are off.

Sport 1
One indicator lamp2 is on.

Sport 2
Both indicator lamps2 are on.
1Damping button
2Indicator lamps
Start the engine (page 51).
Press damping button1 until the de-
sired suspension style is set.
!If you have selected the Comfort suspen-
sion tuning (
page 230), the vehicle lowers
slightly when you lock it within approximately
60 seconds after switching off the engine. When
parking, make sure that your vehicle cannot
come into contact with other objects, such as a
curb, while lowering. Your vehicle could
otherwise be damaged.
iThe selected suspension style is stored in
memory, even after the SmartKey is removed
from the starter switch.

232 Controls in detail
Driving systems
The following vehicle level settings can be
selected when the vehicle is stationary and
the engine is running:
Vehicle level
when stationaryIndicator lamp
(
page 233)
Suspension
tuningUse forRide height increase
over normalAutomatic lowering
NormalLamp offComfortFor driving on normal
roadsNoneMax. approx. 0.4 in (10 mm)
NormalLamp offSport 1 or 2For driving on normal
roadsNoneMax. approx. 0.6 in (15 mm)
RaisedLamp onComfortFor driving on rough
roads or with snow
chainsApprox. 0.8 in (20 mm)Max. approx. 1.2 in (30 mm)
RaisedLamp onSport 1 or 2For driving on rough
roads or with snow
chainsApprox. 0.8 in (20 mm)Max. approx. 1.4 in (35 mm)

293 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tires and wheels
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for information on tested and rec-
ommended rims and tires for summer and
winter operation. They can also offer ad-
vice concerning tire service and purchase.
Important guidelines

Only use sets of tires and rims of the
same type and make.

Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.

Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate
speeds.

Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can
cause tire inflation pressure loss and
damage to the tire beads.

If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
inflation pressure and correct as re-
quired.

Do not allow your tires to wear down
too far. Adhesion properties on wet
roads are sharply reduced at tread
depths of less than
1/8in (3 mm).

The wheels on the front and rear axles
are different. For this reason, pay at-
tention to the markings on the inside of
the wheel rims. Wheels marked “REAR
AXLE ONLY” on the inside of the rim
may only be fitted on the rear axle.

When replacing individual tires, you
should mount new tires on the front
wheels first (on vehicles with
same-sized wheels all around).
Warning!G
Replace rims or tires with the same designa-
tion, manufacturer and type as shown on the
original part. See an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for further informa-
tion. If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted:

The wheel brakes or suspension compo-
nents can be damaged.

The correct operating clearance of the
wheels and the tires are no longer guar-
anteed.
Warning!G
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can re-
sult in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or recom-
mended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous
damage cannot always be recognized on re-
treads. The operating safety of the vehicle
cannot be assured when such tires are used.

425 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Towing the vehicle
Mercedes-Benz recommends that the
vehicle be transported with all wheels off
the ground using flatbed or appropriate
wheel lift/dolly equipment. This method is
preferable to other types of towing.
When circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the
vehicle may be towed with all wheels on
the ground or front wheels raised only so
far as necessary to have the vehicle moved
to a safe location where the recommended
towing methods can be employed.
!Do not tow-start the vehicle.
!Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equipment
with SmartKey in starter switch turned to
position0.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Towing
with sling-type equipment over bumpy roads will
damage radiator and supports.
To prevent damage during transport, do not tie
down vehicle by its chassis or suspension parts.
Switch off the automatic central (
page 163)
locking.
Warning!G
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow
with a tow bar if:

the engine will not run

there is a malfunction in the brake sys-
tem

there is a malfunction in the power sup-
ply or in the vehicle’s electrical system
This is necessary to adequately control the
towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make certain that the SmartKey
is in starter switch position2.
If the SmartKey is left in the starter switch
position0 for an extended period of time, it
can no longer be turned in the switch. In this
case, the steering is locked. To unlock,
remove SmartKey from starter switch and
reinsert.
Warning!G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the steering system. In
this case, it is important to keep in mind that
a considerably higher degree of effort is nec-
essary to steer the vehicle. Adapt your driv-
ing accordingly.
!If the vehicle is towed with the front axle
raised, the gear selector lever must be in
positionN and the engine must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position0 or1).
Active braking action through the ESP
® may
otherwise seriously damage the brake system.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground, the selector lever must be in positionN
and the SmartKey must be in starter switch
position2.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground or the front axle raised, the vehicle may
be towed only for distances up to 30 miles
(50 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph
(50 km/h).

426 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Installing towing eye bolt
Front of vehicle
1Cover on right side of front bumper
To remove cover:
Press mark on cover1 in direction of
arrow.
Lift cover off to reveal the threaded
hole for towing eye bolt.
!Towing of the vehicle should only be done
using the properly installed towing eye bolt. Nev-
er attach tow cable, tow rope or tow rod to the
vehicle chassis, frame or suspension parts.
iWhen towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, please note the following:
With the automatic central locking activated and
the SmartKey in starter switch position2, or
KEYLESS-GO
* start/stop button in position2,
the vehicle doors lock if the left front wheel as
well as the right rear wheel are turning at vehicle
speeds of approximately 9 mph (15 km/h) or
more.
To prevent the vehicle door locks from locking,
deactivate the automatic central locking
(
page 116).
iTo signal turns while being towed with the
hazard warning flasher in use, turn SmartKey in
starter switch to position2 and activate the
combination switch for the left or right turn
signal in the usual manner – only the selected
turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard warn-
ing flasher will operate again.
iThe selector lever will remain locked in park
positionP and the SmartKey will not turn in the
starter switch if the battery is disconnected or
discharged. For more information see “Battery”
(
page 420) or “Jump starting” (page 423).
For information on manual unlocking of the gear
selector lever, see (
page 400).

457 Index
A
ABS 89
Indicator lamp 344
Messages in display 360, 374
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 173
Accessory weight 323
Accident 58
Active Bi-Xenon headlamps see Head-
lamps
Active head restraints 81
resetting 401
Adaptive Damping System 230
Adjusting 41
ADS 230
Air bags 66
Children 67
Front, Driver 69
Front, Passenger 69
Knee bag 70
Safety guidelines 68
Side impact 70
Window curtain 70
Air conditioning refrigerant 450
Air conditioning system see Climate con-
trol system 201Air conditioning, Cooling 192, 201
Air distribution 195
Air pressure 323
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air pump, electric 417
Air recirculation mode 198
Air vents 189
Air volume 196
Airmatic DC (Dual Control) 230
Message in display 391–392
Suspension tuning 230
Vehicle level control 230
Alarm
Audible alarm and flashing exterior
lamps (Panic alarm) 88
Canceling 98
Visual 97
Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 395, 415
AMG menu 145
Lap analysis 148
Overall analysis 148
RACETIMER 146
Vehicle supply voltage 146
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 454
Antilock Brake System see ABSAnti-theft systems 97
Anti-theft alarm system 97
Immobilizer 97
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning
Ashtrays 248
Aspect ratio 323
AUDIO menu 148
Audio search function 163
Audio system
CD mode 149
Selecting radio station 149
Selecting satellite radio station* 149
Auto-dimming, Rear view mirrors 183
Automatic central locking, Control
system 163
Automatic climate control (4-zone) 188
Air recirculation mode 198
Deactivating 193
Rear window defroster 186
Setting the temperature 195
Automatic headlamp mode 127
Automatic lighting control, Interior
lighting 133
Automatic locking when driving 163
Automatic shift program 175

471 Index
Service and warranty information 10
Service intervals see Maintenance, Service
indicator
Service life
Tires 294
Service see Maintenance
Service system see Maintenance
system 330
Service, Parts 432
Settings 106, 152
Control system menus and
submenus 141
Date 158
Individual, Vehicle 152
Memory function 124
Resetting all, Control system 153
Selective, SmartKey 102
Selective, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 107
Suspension tuning 230
Temperature (interior) 195
Time 157
Settings menu
Functions in 152
Submenus 153
Shelf below rear window, cleaning 340Shift program mode, Automatic
transmission 175
Shifting, Automatic transmission 169
Side impact air bags 70
Side marker lamps
Cleaning lenses 337
Side windows
Synchronizing power windows 207
Side windows see Power windows
Sidewall 325
Ski bag* (Canada only) 239
SmartKey see Key, SmartKey
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* see Key,
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Snow chains 329
Snow tires 328
Spare wheel 393, 445
Mounting 412
Speed settings
Cruise control 213
Distronic* 223
Speedometer 27
Selecting display mode 155
SRS 64
Indicator lamp 27, 353
Messages in display 388Standing lamps 126
Standing water, Driving through 279
Starter switch 38
Starter switch positions 38
Starting difficulties 52
Starting the engine
SmartKey 51
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 52
Steering wheel 28
Adjustment 44
Buttons 28
Cleaning 340
Steering wheel gearshift control one-touch
gearshifting*
Automatic transmission 177
Stolen Vehicle Recovery services 262
Storage compartments 32, 243
Center armrest 243
Cup holder 246
Glove box 243
Parcel net in front passenger
footwell 245
Rear armrest 244
Rear center console 244
Ruffled storage bags 245
Under seat 244