GWarning!
Switch on the ESP® immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESP® will not
stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to skid
or a wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESP®,
Rthe ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle
Rthe engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
Rthe ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
Rthe ESP® continues to operate when you
are braking hard
Rthe cruise control cannot be activated
Rthe cruise control switches off if activated
iWhen the ESP® is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP®
warning lamp d in the instrument
cluster does not flash. The ESP® will then
not stabilize the vehicle.
XSwitching off: With the engine running,
press ESP® SPORT switch : until the
ESP® warning lamp d and the ESP OFF
warning lamp åin the instrument
cluster come on.
The message ESC-OFF appears in the
multifunction display.
iVehicle status messages in the
multifunction display (Y page 270) will
refer to the ESP® as ESC.
GWarning!
When the ESP® warning lamp d and the
ESP® OFF warning lamp å are illuminated
continuously, the ESP® is switched off.
Vehicle stability in standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP®.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period with the ESP® switched
off. This may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
XSwitching on: With the engine running,
press ESP® SPORT switch : briefly.
The ESP® warning lamp d and the
ESP® OFF warning lamp å in the
instrument cluster go out. The message
ESC-ON appears in the multifunction
display.
Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents unauthorized
persons from starting your vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
Activating
XWith SmartKey: Remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch.
XWith KEYLESS-GO: Turn off the engine and
open the driver’s door.
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XPress button a to change the setting.
Depending on the previous setting the
Display Unit Speed-/Odometer: will be
set to miles or km.
The selected display unit is valid for:
ROdometer and trip odometer
RTrip computer
RDigital speedometer in the trip menu
RCruise control
RNavigation displays
Showing or hiding additional
speedometer (vehicles with manual
transmission)
You can have an additional digital
speedometer shown on the multifunction
display. The speed is shown in the unit of
kilometers/hour (USA) or miles/hour
(Canada).
XPress button = or ; to select the
Settings menu.
XPress button : or 9 to select the
Instr. Cluster submenu.
XPress button a.XPress button : or 9 to select the
Additional Speedometer function.
The current setting is shown.
XPress button a to change the current
status.
Depending on the previous status, the
additional speedometer will be switched
On or Off.
Permanent display (vehicles with
automatic transmission)
You can use the Permanent Display:
function to choose to display either the
outside temperature or the speed in
kilometers (USA) or miles (Canada)
permanently.
XPress button = or ; to select the
Settings menu.
XPress button : or 9 to select the
Instr. Cluster submenu.
XPress button a.XPress button : or 9 to select the
Permanent Display: function.
The current setting is shown.
XPress button a to change the current
status.
Depending on the previous status, the
Permanent Display: will be switched
between Outside temperature or
Speedometer (km/h) (USA)/
Speedometer (miles) (Canada).
Time/Date submenu
Access the Time/Date submenu via the
Settings menu. Use the Time/Date
submenu to change the time and date display
settings.
The following functions are available:
RSetting the time (Y page 132)
RSetting the date (Y page 133)
Setting the time
This function is not available if your vehicle is
equipped with the COMAND system and
navigation module.
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Sending DTMF tones
iThis function is not possible with all
mobile phones.
Answering machines or other devices can be
controlled via DTMF tones, e.g. for remote
query functions.
XTransmitting individual characters:
During a call select the required
characters.
or
XPress the corresponding button on the
audio control unit.
Every selected character is transmitted
immediately.
XTransmitting a phone number of a
phone book entry as a sequence of
characters: Select Name.
XSelect the desired phone book entry.
The entry is transmitted immediately as a
sequence of characters.
XSwitching back to call display: Select
Back.
Driving systems
Introduction
This section describes the following driving
systems of your vehicle:
RCruise control
RHill-start assist system
RAll-wheel drive (4MATIC)
RDynamic handling package with sport
driving mode
RParktronic system, Canada only
RRear view camera
The driving safety systems ABS, Adaptive
Brake, BAS, EBP and ESP® are described in
the “Safety and security” section
(Y page 60).
Cruise control
The cruise control maintains the speed you
set for your vehicle automatically.
The use of the cruise control is recommended
for driving at a constant speed for extended
periods of time.
The currently set speed or last set speed
(“Resume” function) appears in the
multifunction display for approximately
5 seconds. The corresponding cruise control
speed segments : from the selected speed
to the vehicle maximum speed in the
multifunction display are illuminated.
GWarning!
The cruise control is a convenience system
designed to assist the driver during vehicle
operation. The driver is and must always
remain responsible for the vehicle’s speed
and for safe brake operation.
Only use the cruise control if the road, traffic,
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a constant speed.
RThe use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy
traffic because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
RThe use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid
changes in tire traction can result in wheel
spin and loss of control.
RDeactivate the cruise control when driving
in fog.
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The “Resume” function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed.
GWarning!
The cruise control brakes automatically so
that the set speed is not exceeded.
:Setting current or higher speed ;Setting current or lower speed=Canceling the cruise control?Activating the cruise control or resuming
to last set speed
Activating cruise control
You can activate the cruise control at a
vehicle speed above 20 mph (30 km/h).
You cannot activate the cruise control
Rwhen you brake
Rwhen you have engaged the parking brake
Rwhen the automatic transmission is in park
position P, reverse gear R, or neutral
position N
Rthe ESP® is switched off or has switched off
due to a malfunction
The vehicle speed displayed in the
speedometer can briefly vary from the speed
setting for the cruise control system.
Setting current speed XAccelerate or decelerate to the desired
speed.
XBriefly lift the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow : or press in direction
of arrow ;.
XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
iOn uphill grades, the cruise control may
not be able to maintain the set speed. Once
the grade eases, the set speed will be
resumed.
On downhill grades, the cruise control
maintains the set speed by braking with the
vehicle’s brake system.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
In addition, on longer downhill grades the
automatic transmission will downshift
automatically.
iVehicles with manual transmission:
If you depress the clutch pedal when
shifting into another gear, the engine speed
may increase.
RAlways drive with sufficient, but not
excessive, engine speed.
RShift the gear in a timely manner.
RAvoid shifting down more than one gear
if at all possible.
Canceling cruise control
XDepress the brake pedal.
or
XBriefly push the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow =.
The last set speed is stored for later use.
The last stored speed is deleted from memory
when the engine is turned off.
The cruise control switches off automatically
when you depress the brake pedal or you
engage the parking brake. In this case, the
cruise control speed segments in the
multifunction display will go out.
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The cruise control also switches off
automatically when
R the vehicle speed falls below 20 mph
(30 km/h)
R the ESP ®
is in operation
R the ESP ®
is switched off with the ESP ®
switch
R the ESP ®
has switched off due to a
malfunction
R Vehicles with manual transmission: you
engage neutral or depress the clutch pedal
for more than 6 seconds during shifting into
another gear
R Vehicles with manual transmission: you
engage a gear too high for the current
speed and thus the engine speed is too low
R Vehicles with automatic transmission: you
shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N while driving
The cruise control speed segments in the
multifunction display goes out and an
acoustic warning will sound. Observe
additional messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
Depressing the accelerator pedal does not
deactivate the cruise control. After a brief
acceleration (e.g. for passing), the cruise
control will resume the last set speed.
Changing the set speed GWarning!
Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment
until the vehicle has made the necessary
adjustments.
Increase or decrease the set vehicle speed to
a value that the prevailing road conditions and
legal speed limits permit. Otherwise, sudden
and unexpected acceleration or deceleration
of the vehicle could cause an accident and/
or serious injury to you and others.
You can increase or decrease the set speed
in 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h) increments or in
5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h) increments.
When you use the cruise control lever to
decelerate, the brake system will brake the
vehicle automatically if the engine’s braking
power does not brake the vehicle sufficiently.
Adjustment in 1 mph (Canada:
1 km/h) increments
i The set speed value is increased or
decreased in 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h)
increments each time you lift or press the
cruise control lever up or down to the
resistance point.XIncreasing: Briefly lift the cruise control
lever up to the resistance point in direction
of arrow :.XDecreasing: Briefly press the cruise
control lever down to the resistance point
in direction of arrow ;.XRelease the cruise control lever.
The new speed is set and the vehicle will
accelerate or decelerate.
Adjustment in 5 mph (Canada:
10 km/h) increments
i The set speed value is increased or
decreased in 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h)
increments each time you lift or press the
cruise control lever up or down past the
resistance point.
XIncreasing: Briefly lift the cruise control
lever up past the resistance point in
direction of arrow :.XDecreasing: Briefly press the cruise
control lever down past the resistance
point in direction of arrow ;.XRelease the cruise control lever.
The new speed is set and the vehicle will
accelerate or decelerate. Keep in mind that
it may take a brief moment until the vehicle
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Setting stored speed (Resume
function) GWarning!
The set speed stored in memory should only
be set again if prevailing road conditions and
legal speed limits permit. Possible
acceleration or deceleration differences
arising from returning to the preset speed
could cause an accident and/or serious injury
to you and others.
XBriefly pull the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow ?.
If no speed is stored, the current speed is
set and stored.XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
The last stored speed is deleted from memory
when the engine is turned off.
Hill-start assist system
On uphill grades, the hill-start assist system
maintains the pressure in the brake system
for approximately 1 second after you have
released the brake pedal. Therefore, you can
start off smoothly without the vehicle moving
immediately after releasing the brake pedal.
GWarning!
The hill-start assist system is not designed to
function as a parking brake. It does not
prevent the vehicle from moving when parked
on an incline.
Always engage the parking brake in addition
to shifting the automatic transmission into
park position P (manual transmission: shift
into 1st gear or reverse gear R).
XDepress the brake pedal.XManual transmission: Shift into 1st gear
or reverse gear R.XSlowly release the clutch pedal, removing
your foot from the brake pedal at the sametime, and carefully depress the accelerator
pedal.XAutomatic transmission: Shift into drive
position D or reverse position R.XRelease the brake pedal.XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
The hill-start assist system is inactive
R when starting off on a level road or downhill
grades
R with the automatic transmission in neutral
position N
R with the parking brake engaged
R if the ESP ®
has switched off due to a
malfunction
All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
In vehicles with all-wheel drive (4MATIC),
both axles are powered at all times when the
vehicle is being operated. The 4MATIC
improves traction in conjunction with the
ESP ®
( Y page 62) and the Electronic Traction
System (ETS/4-ETS) ( Y page 63).
GWarning!
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
R While driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! Do not tow with one axle raised. Doing so
could damage the transfer case, which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty. All wheels must be on or off the
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Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.GWarning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt
acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, shift
the automatic transmission to neutral
position N or declutch in case of manual
transmission. Try to keep the vehicle under
control by corrective steering action.
i For information on driving with snow
chains, see “Snow chains” ( Y page 253).
Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce the
normal brake effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically when
traveling at length on salt-strewn roads can
bring road-salt-impaired braking efficiency
back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven on
salt-treated roads, the braking efficiency
should be tested as soon as possible after
driving is resumed.
GWarning!
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
To save fuel you should:
R Keep tires at the recommended inflation
pressures.
R Remove unnecessary loads.
R Remove roof rack when not in use.
R Allow engine to warm up under low load
use.
R Avoid frequent acceleration and
deceleration.
R Have all maintenance work performed at
the intervals specified in the Maintenance
Booklet and as required by the
Maintenance system. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Fuel consumption is also increased by driving
in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic, on
short trips and in mountainous areas.
Drinking and driving
GWarning!
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Pedals
GWarning!
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsCheck
Child
Seat
PositionSee
Operator's
ManualVehicles with BabySmart™ (Canada only):
The BabySmart™ child seat is not positioned correctly.
Risk of injury!XInstall the BabySmart™ child seat in correct position.Vehicles with BabySmart™ (Canada only):
The sensor for child seat recognition is malfunctioning.
Risk of injury!XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.GWarning!
If the 45 indicator lamp remains illuminated with an adult occupant on the front passenger
seat even after performing the above corrective steps, do not have any passenger use the front
passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
Driving systems
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsCruise
ControlInoperativ
eThe cruise control is malfunctioning.
In addition an acoustic warning sounds.XHave the cruise control checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.Cruise
Control- - - mphOne of the activation conditions for cruise control has not
been fulfilled. You may have attempted to set a speed below
20 mph (30 km/h).XDrive faster than 20 mph (30 km/h) if the situation allows
and set the speed.XCheck the activation conditions for cruise control
( Y page 181).Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display275Practical hints204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 275Z