Page 264 of 474

263 Controls in detail
Useful features
To activate, press the SOS button, the 
Roadside Assistance button• or 
the Information button¡, depend-
ing on the type of response required.System self-check
Initially, after switching on ignition, mal-
functions are detected and indicated (the 
indicator lamps in the SOS button, the 
Roadside Assistance button•, and the 
Information button¡ stay on longer 
than 10 seconds or do not come on). The 
message 
Tele Aid Inoperative appears 
for approximately 10 seconds in the multi-
function display.
iThe SOS button is located in the overhead 
control panel.
The Roadside Assistance button• 
(
page 266) and the Information button¡ 
(
page 267) are located in the center armrest 
storage/telephone* compartment.
!The Tele Aid system utilizes the cellular net-
work for communication and the GPS (Global 
Positioning System) satellites for vehicle loca-
tion. If either of these signals are unavailable, 
the Tele Aid system may not function and if this 
occurs, assistance must be summoned by other 
means.
iWhen a Tele Aid call has been initiated, the 
audio system or COMAND* system audio is mut-
ed and the selected mode (radio, tape or CD) 
pauses. The optional cellular phone* (if installed) 
and inserted in cradle switches off. If you must 
use this phone, we recommend that you use it 
only with the vehicle at a standstill in a safe loca-
tion. Remove the phone from the cradle and 
place the call. The COMAND* navigation system 
(if engaged) will continue to run. The display in 
the instrument cluster is available for use, and 
spoken commands are only available by pressing 
the RPT button on the COMAND* unit. A pop-up 
window will appear in the COMAND* display to 
indicate that a Tele Aid call is in progress. After 
the Tele Aid call has ended, the optional cellular 
phone switches on again. A PIN entry might be 
necessary. 
     
        
        Page 265 of 474

264 Controls in detail
Useful features
Emergency calls
An emergency call is initiated automatical-
ly following an accident in which the emer-
gency tensioning devices (ETDs) or 
air bags deploy.
An emergency call can also be initiated 
manually by opening the cover next to the 
interior rear view mirror labeled SOS, then 
briefly pressing the button located under 
the cover. See (
page 265) for instruc-
tions on initiating an emergency call man-
ually.
Once the emergency call is in progress, the 
indicator lamp in the SOS button will begin 
to flash. The message 
Connecting Call 
appears in the multifunction display and 
the audio system is muted. When the con-
nection is established, the message 
Call Connected appears in the multifunc-
tion display. All information relevant to the 
emergency, such as the location of the ve-
hicle (determined by the GPS satellite loca-
tion system), vehicle model, identification 
number and color are generated.A voice connection between the Response 
Center and the occupants of the vehicle 
will be established automatically soon af-
ter the emergency call has been initiated. 
The Response Center will attempt to deter-
mine more precisely the nature of the 
emergency provided they can speak to an 
occupant of the vehicle.
The Tele Aid system is available if:
it has been activated and is operation-
al. Activation requires a subscription 
for monitoring services, connection 
and cellular air time.
the relevant cellular phone network 
and GPS signals are available and pass 
the information on to the Response 
Center.
Warning!G
If the indicator lamps in the SOS button, in 
the Roadside Assistance button, and/or in 
the Information button do not come on 
during the system self-check or if any of 
these indicators remain illuminated 
constantly in red and/or the message 
Tele Aid Inoperative is displayed in the 
multifunction display after the system 
self-check, a malfunction in the system has 
been detected.
If a malfunction is indicated as outlined 
above, the system may not operate as ex-
pected. Have the system checked at the 
nearest Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as 
possible.
iLocation of the vehicle on a map is only 
possible if the vehicle is able to receive signals 
from the GPS satellite network and pass the 
information on to the Response Center. 
     
        
        Page 363 of 474

362 Practical hints
What to do if …
Text messages
Display messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
ABSABS, ESP Inoperative
See Operators’s ManualThe ABS and ESP® are not available 
due to a malfunction.
The BAS is also deactivated.
The brake system is still functioning 
normally but without the systems 
specified above.Continue driving with added caution. Wheels 
may lock during hard braking, reducing 
steering capability.
Have the system checked at an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases 
the risk of an accident.
Cruise 
ControlInoperativeThe cruise control is malfunction-
ing.Have the cruise control checked by an 
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
ESPInoperative
See Operator’s ManualThe ESP® has switched off due to a 
malfunction.
The ABS and the BAS might not be 
operational.
The brake system is still functioning 
normally but without the systems 
specified above.Continue driving with added caution.
Have the system checked at an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases 
the risk of an accident. 
     
        
        Page 373 of 474
372 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbolDisplay messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
#The battery is no longer charging. 
Possible causes:
Alternator malfunctioning
Broken poly-V-belt
Do not forget that the brake system 
requires electrical energy and may 
be operating with restricted capa-
bility. Considerably greater brake 
pedal force is required and the stop-
ping distance is increased.
Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe loca-
tion and check the poly-V-belt.
If it is broken:
Do not continue to drive. 
Otherwise, the engine will overheat due 
to an inoperative water pump which may 
result in damage to the engine. Contact 
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If it is in order:
Contact an Mercedes-Benz Center 
immediately. Adjust driving to be consis-
tent with reduced braking responsive-
ness.
USA only:
;
Canada only:
!
Release
Parking BrakeYou are driving with the parking 
brake set.Release the parking brake (page 53).