Centre consoleFunctionPage
:Hazard warning lamps76
;ATA indicator lamp*54
=4
PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF warning lamp
43
?ESP ®52
AOperates COMAND APS*
or the audio system*
BAdjusts the seat heating*65
COff-road drive program*107
DDSR (Downhill Speed Reg-
ulation)*
105
FunctionPage
EParktronic*113
FAshtray*138
Cigarette lighter*138
12 V socket139
GSelector lever85
HCup holder
IStowage compartment/
telephone compartment
130
JCOMAND/Audio control-
ler*
KProgram selector button87
30Centre console
At a glance
* optional
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Never tamper with electronic components
and their software.
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
The SRS reduces the risk of occupants com-
ing into contact with the vehicle's interior in
the event of an accident. It can also reduce
the forces to which occupants are subjected
during an accident.
The SRS consists of:
R the 6 SRS warning lamp
R belt tensioners
R belt force limiters
R airbags
The 6 6SRS warning lamp The SRS functions are checked regularly
when you turn on the ignition and when the
engine is running. Therefore, malfunctions
can be detected in good time.
The
6 warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out no later than a few seconds
after the engine is started. G
Risk of injury
If SRS is malfunctioning, individual systems
may be activated unintentionally or not be
deployed in the event of an accident with
heavy braking.
A malfunction has occurred if the 6warn-
ing lamp:
R does not light up when you switch on the
ignition
R does not go out after the engine has been
running for a few seconds
R lights up again once the engine is running
In this case, have SRS checked immediately
at a qualified specialist workshop. Triggering of belt tensioners, belt force
limiters and airbags In the event of a collision, the sensor in the
airbag control unit evaluates important phys-
ical data such as duration, direction and force
of the vehicle deceleration or acceleration.
Based on the evaluation of this data and
depending on the vehicle's rate of longitudi-
nal deceleration in a collision, in the first
stage the airbag control unit pre-emptively
triggers the belt tensioners.
i
The front belt tensioners can only be trig-
gered if the belt tongue is correctly
engaged in the seat belt buckle.
The front airbags are only deployed if there is
an even higher rate of vehicle deceleration in
a longitudinal direction.
Your vehicle has adaptive, dual stage front
airbags. When the first activation threshold is
reached, the front airbag is filled with enough
propellant gas to reduce the risk of injuries.
The front airbag is only fully inflated if a sec-
ond threshold is reached within a few milli-
seconds, due to the control unit having detec-
ted further deceleration.
Criteria for triggering belt tensioners and
airbags
In the first stage of a collision, the airbag con-
trol unit evaluates the duration and direction
of vehicle acceleration or deceleration in
order to determine whether it is necessary to
trigger the belt tensioner and/or airbag.
The belt tensioner and airbag triggering
thresholds are variable and are adapted to the
rate of deceleration of the vehicle. This proc-
ess is pre-emptive in nature as the airbag
must be deployed during – and not at the end
of – the collision.
i Airbags are not deployed in all types of
accidents. They are controlled by complex
sensor technology and evaluation logic.
This process is pre-emptive in nature as
airbag deployment must take place during
the impact and must be adapted to provide Occupant safety
35Safety
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calculated, additional protection for the
vehicle occupants. Not all airbags are
deployed in an accident.
The different airbag systems work inde-
pendently of each other. However, the
deployment of each individual system will
depend on the type of accident determined
by the control system in the first stages of
the collision (head-on collision, side impact
and overturn) and the extent of the acci-
dent (in particular, the vehicle's rate of
deceleration or acceleration).
The rate of vehicle deceleration or accelera-
tion and the direction of the force are basi-
cally determined by:
R the distribution of forces during the colli-
sion
R the collision angle
R the deformation characteristics of the vehi-
cle
R the characteristics of the object with which
the vehicle has collided, e.g. the other vehi-
cle
Factors which can only be seen and measured
after a collision has occurred do not play a
decisive role in the deployment of an airbag,
nor do they provide an indication of it.
The vehicle may be deformed significantly,
e. g. on the bonnet or the wing, without an
airbag being deployed. This is the case if only
parts which are relatively easily deformed are
affected and the necessary deceleration does
not occur. Conversely, airbags may be
deployed even though the vehicle suffers only
minor deformations. For example, this is the
case if very rigid vehicle parts such as longi-
tudinal body members are affected and suf-
ficient deceleration occurs as a result.
Belt tensioners, belt force limiters The front seat belts and the outer seat belts
in the rear are equipped with belt tensioners.
!
Do not engage the seat belt tongue on the
front-passenger's seat if the seat is not occupied. The belt tensioners could other-
wise be triggered in an accident.
If the seat belt is also equipped with a belt
force limiter, the force exerted by the seat
belt on the seat occupant is reduced.
Belt tensioners tighten the seat belts in an
accident, pulling them close against the body.
i Belt tensioners do not correct incorrect
seat positions or incorrectly fastened seat
belts.
Belt tensioners do not pull occupants back
towards the backrest.
The front belt force limiters are synchronised
with the front airbags, which distribute a pro-
portion of the deceleration forces exerted on
the occupant over a greater area.
The belt tensioners cannot be triggered when
the ignition is switched on unless:
R the restraint systems are operational, see
6 warning lamp
R the belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on
each lap-shoulder belt in the front of the
vehicle
Depending on the type and severity of an
accident, the belt tensioners may be trig-
gered:
R in the event of a head-on or rear-end colli-
sion if the vehicle decelerates or acceler-
ates rapidly in a longitudinal direction dur-
ing the initial stages of impact
R in the event of a side impact if the vehicle
is subjected to high lateral acceleration/
deceleration
If the airbags are deployed, you will hear a
bang and a small amount of powder may also
be released. Only in rare cases will the bang
affect your hearing. The powder that escapes
does not generally constitute a health hazard.
The 6 warning lamp lights up. G
Risk of injury
If the seat belt tensioners have been trig-
gered, they provide no additional protection
in the event of another accident. Therefore, 36 Occupant safetySafety
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have belt tensioners which have been trig-
gered replaced at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Comply with safety regulations when dispos-
ing of belt tensioners. Any Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre can provide details of these
regulations.
Airbags Airbag deployment slows down and restricts
the movement of the vehicle occupant.
If the airbags are deployed, you will hear a
bang and a small amount of powder may also
be released. Only in rare cases will the bang
affect your hearing. The powder that escapes
does not generally constitute a health hazard.
The 6 warning lamp lights up.
The AIRBAG identification indicates the loca-
tion of the airbags. G
Risk of injury
Airbags provide additional protection; they
are not, however, a substitute for seat belts.
Observe the following notes to reduce the risk
of serious or even fatal injury if an airbag is
deployed:
R all vehicle occupants ― in particular preg-
nant women ― must wear their seat belt
correctly at all times and lean back against
the backrest, which should be positioned
as close to the vertical as possible. The
head restraint must support the back of the
head at about eye level.
R always secure children less than 1.50 m tall
or under 12 years of age in suitable child
restraint systems.
R all vehicle occupants must select a seat
position that is as far away from the airbag
as possible. The driver's seat position must
allow the vehicle to be driven safely. The
driver's chest should be as far away from
the middle of the driver's front airbag cover
as possible. R
move the front-passenger's seat as far
back as possible, especially if a child is
secured in a child restraint system on the
seat.
R vehicle occupants – in particular, children
– must not lean their head into the area of
the window in which the sidebag/window-
bag is deployed.
R rearward-facing child restraint systems
must not be fitted to the front-passenger's
seat unless the front-passenger front air-
bag has been disabled. The front-passenger
front airbag of a vehicle fitted with auto-
matic child seat recognition* is only disa-
bled when a child restraint system with
automatic child seat recognition is fitted to
the front-passenger's seat. The
4 PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF warning
lamp must be continuously lit.
If the front-passenger's seat of your vehicle
does not have automatic child seat recog-
nition*, or your rearward-facing child
restraint system does not have automatic
child seat recognition, children must be
secured in a child restraint system on a
suitable seat in the rear. If you secure a
forward-facing child restraint system to the
front-passenger's seat, you must move the
front-passenger's seat as far back as pos-
sible.
R make sure there are no heavy or sharp-
edged objects in pockets of clothing.
R do not lean forwards, e.g. over the cover of
the driver's/front-passenger front airbag,
particularly when the vehicle is in motion.
R do not put your feet on the dashboard.
R only hold the steering wheel by the rim. This
allows the airbag to inflate fully. You could
be injured if the airbag is deployed and you
are holding the inside of the steering wheel.
R do not lean on the doors from inside the
vehicle. Occupant safety
37Safety
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R
make sure that there are no people, ani-
mals or objects between the vehicle occu-
pants and the area of deployment of the
airbag.
R do not place any objects between the seat
backrest and the door.
R do not hang any hard objects, for example,
coat hangers, on the grab handles or coat
hooks.
R do not attach accessories, e.g. cup holders,
to the doors.
It is not possible to rule out a risk of injuries
caused by an airbag due to the high speed at
which the airbag is required to deploy. G
Risk of injury
The airbag's functionality can only be guaran-
teed if the following parts are not covered and
no badges or stickers are attached to them:
R padded steering wheel boss
R knee airbag cover below the steering col-
umn
R front-passenger front airbag cover
R outer side of front seats
R side panel next to the rear seat backrest G
Risk of injury
When an airbag deploys, a small amount of
powder is released. The powder may cause
short-term breathing difficulties to persons
suffering from asthma or other pulmonary
conditions.
In order to prevent potential breathing diffi-
culties, you should leave the vehicle as soon
as it is safe to do so. You can also open the
window to allow fresh air to enter the interior.
The powder generally does not constitute a
health hazard and does not indicate that there
is a fire in the vehicle. G
Risk of injury
The airbag parts are hot after the airbag has
been deployed. Do not touch them; other-
wise, you may burn yourself.
Have the airbags checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. Otherwise, occupants are
not protected by the airbags in the event of
another accident.
Front airbags
The front airbags are designed to increase
protection for the driver's and front passeng-
er's head and chest. Driver's front airbag
:deploys in front of the
steering wheel; front-passenger front air-
bag ;deploys in front of and above the glove
compartment. They are deployed:
R at the start of an accident with a high rate
of vehicle acceleration or deceleration in a
longitudinal direction
R if the system determines that airbag
deployment can offer additional protection
to that provided by the seat belt
R if the seat belt is fastened
R independently of other airbags in the vehi-
cle
R if the vehicle overturns, but only if the sys-
tem detects high vehicle deceleration in a
longitudinal direction
On vehicles with automatic child seat recog-
nition in the front-passenger seat*, front-
passenger front airbag ;is only deployed if
the 4 PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF warning
lamp in the centre console is not lit 38 Occupant safetySafety
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child. The child could be thrown against
parts of the vehicle interior and be seriously
or even fatally injured. G
Risk of injury
The child restraint system cannot perform its
protective function if is not correctly fitted to
a suitable vehicle seat. The child cannot be
restrained in the event of a sudden change of
direction, heavy braking or an accident. This
may lead to serious or even fatal injuries. For
this reason, when fitting a child restraint sys-
tem, observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions and the correct use of the child
restraint system.
Child restraint systems should be fitted to the
rear seats. Children are generally better pro-
tected there.
The entire base of the child restraint system
must always rest on the seat cushion. Never
place objects, e.g. a cushion, under the child
restraint system.
Only use child restraint systems with their
original covers. Only replace damaged covers
with genuine Mercedes-Benz covers.
For safety reasons, you should only use child
restraint systems which have been approved
for use in Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Child seat on the front-passenger seat Warning on the front-passenger sun visor Warning symbol for a rearward-facing child
restraint system
G
Risk of injury
If the front-passenger front airbag is not dis-
abled:
R a child secured in a child restraint system
on the front-passenger seat could be seri-
ously and even fatally injured by the front-
passenger front airbag deploying. This is
especially a risk if the child is in the imme-
diate vicinity of the front-passenger front
airbag when it deploys.
R a child must never be secured on the front-
passenger seat in a rearward-facing child
restraint system. Only secure a rearward-
facing child restraint system on a suitable
rear seat.
R always move the front-passenger seat to
the rearmost position if you secure a child
in a forward-facing child restraint system
on the front-passenger seat.
The front-passenger front airbag is not disa-
bled:
R on vehicles without automatic child seat
recognition on the front-passenger seat*.
R on vehicles with automatic child seat rec-
ognition on the front-passenger seat*, if
there is no child restraint system with auto-
matic child seat recognition fitted to the
front-passenger seat.
R on vehicles with automatic child seat rec-
ognition on the front-passenger seat* if the 42 Occupant safetySafety
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4
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF warning
lamp is not lit.
To draw attention to this danger, a corre-
sponding warning sticker on the dashboard
and on both sides of the sun visor on the front-
passenger side.
Information about recommended child
restraint systems is available at any
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Automatic child seat recognition on the
front-passenger seat*
If your vehicle does not have automatic child
seat recognition on the front-passenger seat,
this is indicated by a special sticker. The
sticker is affixed to the side of the dashboard
on the front-passenger side. It is visible when
you open the front-passenger door. The front-passenger seat sensor system for
child restraint systems detects whether a
special Mercedes-Benz child seat with auto-
matic child seat recognition has been fitted.
In such cases, 4PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF indicator lamp :lights up. The front-
passenger airbag is disabled. G
Risk of injury
If the 4 PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF warning
lamp does not light up when the child restraint
system is fitted, the front-passenger front air-
bag has not been disabled. If the front-
passenger front airbag is deployed, the child
could be seriously or even fatally injured. Proceed as follows:
R
do not use a rearward-facing child restraint
system on the front-passenger seat.
R fit a rearward-facing child restraint system
on a suitable rear seat.
or
R only use a forward-facing child restraint
system on the front-passenger seat and
move the front-passenger seat to its rear-
most position.
R have the automatic child seat recognition
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
To ensure that the automatic child seat rec-
ognition on the front-passenger seat func-
tions correctly, never place objects (such as
a cushion) under the child restraint system.
The entire base of the child restraint system
must always rest on the seat cushion. An
incorrectly fitted child restraint system can-
not perform its intended protective function
in the event of an accident, and could lead to
injuries.
i The windowbag, the sidebag and the belt
tensioner on the front-passenger side are
still active even when the front-passenger
front airbag is disabled. G
Risk of injury
Do not place items of electronic equipment
on the front-passenger seat, e.g.:
R laptops, when switched on
R mobile phones
R cards with transponders, e.g. ski passes or
access cards
Signals from electronic equipment can cause
interference in the automatic child seat rec-
ognition sensor system. This could lead to a
system malfunction. This may cause the
4 PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF warning lamp
to light up without there being a child seat
with automatic child seat recognition fitted.
This means that the front-passenger airbag
does not deploy during an accident. It is also Occupant safety
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possible that the
4PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF warning lamp will not light up briefly if you
turn the key in the ignition lock to position 2.
Suitable positioning of the child restraint system Weight categories
Seat positions ↓ Group 0: up to
10 kg; Group 0+: up to
13 kg; Group I: 9 to 18 kg;
Front-passenger
seat (front-
passenger airbag is
not disabled)
X
3 X
3 UF
4, 5, 6 Front-passenger
seat (front-
passenger airbag is
disabled*
7
) U
5, 6, 8 U
5, 6, 8 U
5, 6, 8 Rear bench seat,
left and right
U
6, 8 U
6, 8 U
6, 8 Rear centre seat,
vehicles with and
without through-
loading facility*
IL
9 IL
9 U
6, 8 3
X: seat unsuitable for children of this weight category.
4 UF: suitable for forward-facing child seat securing systems that belong to the Universal category and are
approved for use in this weight category.
5 Adjust the front-passenger seat to the rearmost position and adjust the belt outlet height to the lowest
position.
6 As recommended, see the following table "Recommended child restraint systems".
7 Vehicles with automatic child seat recognition* on the front-passenger seat: the child restraint system fitted
must belong to the category with automatic child seat recognition. The 4PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
warning lamp must be continuously lit.
8 U: suitable for forward-facing child seat securing systems that belong to the Universal category and are
approved for use in this weight category.
9 IL: as recommended, see the following table of "Recommended child seat securing systems". 44 Occupant safetySafety
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