Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious
burns
which can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine
if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from
other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
During severe operating conditions, e.g. stop-
and-go traffic, the coolant temperature may
rise close to 248‡ (120†), i.e close to the
red zone of the temperature gauge.
! Excessive coolant temperature triggers a
warning in the multifunction display.
The engine should not be operated with a
coolant temperature above 248‡ (120†),
i.e. in the red zone of the coolant
temperature gauge. Doing so may cause
serious engine damage which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty. Tachometer
The red marking on the tachometer
(Y page
29) denotes excessive engine speed.
! Avoid driving at excessive engine speeds,
as it may result in serious engine damage
that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
To help protect the engine, the fuel supply is
interrupted if the engine is operated within
the red marking. Outside temperature indicator
The outside temperature indicator is on the
bottom left-hand side of the instrument
cluster (Y page 29). G
Warning!
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. 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. Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge is on the left-hand side of the
instrument cluster
(Y page 29). Once the fuel
level has fallen below the reserve mark, the
yellow segment indicator for the fuel reserve
comes on. Driving systems
Introduction
This section describes the following driving
systems of your vehicle:
R Cruise control
R DISTRONIC PLUS
R Hill-start assist system
R HOLD function
R AIRMATIC
R Active Body Control (ABC)
R All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
R Parktronic system
R Park Assist
R Advanced Parking Guidance
R Rear view camera
R Night View Assist
R Blind Spot Assist
The driving safety systems ABS, Adaptive
Brake, Adaptive Brake Lights, BAS, BAS
PLUS, EBP, ESC and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are
described in
the “Safety and security” section
(Y page 56). Driving systems
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G
Warning!
When the DISTRONIC PLUS is braking, the
brake pedal is retracted (i.e. depressed
automatically). The pedals’ range of motion
must not be impeded by any obstacles:
R Do not place any objects in the footwell.
R Make sure that the floormats and carpets
are securely in place.
R Do not
rest your foot underneath the brake
pedal, as it could otherwise be trapped.
You could otherwise cause an accident and
injure yourself and/or others. G
Warning!
The DISTRONIC PLUS is a convenience
system. Its speed adjustment reduction
capability is intended to make cruise control
more effective
and usable when traffic speeds
vary. It is not however, intended to, nor does
it, replace the need for extreme care.
The responsibility for the vehicle’s speed,
distance to the preceding vehicle and, most
importantly, brake operation to ensure a safe
stopping distance, always remains with the
driver.
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take street and
traffic conditions into account.
Complex driving situations are not always
fully recognized by the DISTRONIC PLUS. This
could result in wrong or missing distance
warnings. G
Warning!
The DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control
is not a substitute for active driving
involvement. It does not react to pedestrians
or on
stationary objects, nor does it recognize
or predict the curvature and lane layout or the
movement of preceding vehicles. The
DISTRONIC PLUS can only apply a maximum
of 40% of the vehicle’s braking power.
The DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles possibly driving in front of you, such as motorcycles and vehicles driving in an
offset formation.
It is the driver’s responsibility at all times to
be attentive to the road, weather and traffic
conditions. Additionally, the driver must
provide
the
steering, braking and other driving
inputs necessary to remain in control of the
vehicle.
High-frequency sources such as toll stations,
speed measuring systems etc. can cause the
DISTRONIC PLUS system to temporarily
cease functioning. G
Warning!
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take road and
traffic conditions into account. Only use the
DISTRONIC PLUS if the road, weather and
traffic conditions make it advisable to travel
at a constant speed. G
Warning!
Use of the DISTRONIC PLUS can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid changes
in tire traction can result in wheel spin and
loss of control.
The DISTRONIC PLUS does not function in
adverse sight
and distance conditions. Do not
use the DISTRONIC PLUS during conditions of
fog, heavy rain, snow or sleet. G
Warning!
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take weather
conditions into account. Switch off the
DISTRONIC PLUS or do not switch it on if:
R roads are
slippery or covered with snow or
ice. The wheels could lose traction while
braking or accelerating, and the vehicle
could skid.
R the DISTRONIC PLUS system sensor covers
are dirty or visibility is diminished due to
snow, rain or fog, for example. The distance
control system functionality could be
impaired.
Always pay attention to surrounding traffic
conditions even while the DISTRONIC PLUS is Driving systems
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G
Warning!
The braking effect of the HOLD function is
canceled and the vehicle can start to roll if
R the HOLD function is deactivated by
depressing the accelerator pedal or the
brake pedal
R the HOLD function or the power supply is
malfunctioning, e.g. due to battery failure
R the electrical components in the engine
compartment or the fuses have been
manipulated
R the battery is disconnected G
Warning!
Never get out of the vehicle while the HOLD
function is activated!
The HOLD function must never be operated
or deactivated by passengers or from outside
the vehicle.
The HOLD function does not replace the
electronic parking brake. It must not be used
to secure the vehicle when parking.
Deactivate the HOLD function when leaving
or parking the vehicle. Use the electronic
parking brake to secure the vehicle.
When the HOLD function is activated, the
automatic transmission shifts into park
position P automatically when
R opening the driver’s door and releasing the
seat belt
R turning off the engine
R opening the hood
R a system malfunction occurs
R the on-board voltage is insufficient
The HOLD function is deactivated. AIRMATIC
Introduction The AIRMATIC lets you select the chassis and
suspension setup. The chassis and suspension setup adjusts the damping
behavior and the ride height for your vehicle.
The AIRMATIC consists of two components.
The Adaptive Damping System (ADS)
(Y page 317) and the vehicle level control
(Y page 318).
Adaptive Damping System (ADS)
The Adaptive Damping System (ADS) is
controlled electronically and operates
continuously. It adjusts the damping
characteristics to the current operating and
driving conditions. The damping is adjusted
individually for each wheel. Driving safety and
tire comfort are increased.
The fine tuning of the damping is dependent
on
R your driving style
R road surface conditions
R your personal settings
The selected setting remains stored in
memory even if the SmartKey is removed
from the starter switch. X
Start the engine.
Sporty damping adjustment
The firmer suspension tuning in sport driving
mode provides enhanced road contact.
Select this mode for example, on winding
highways. Driving systems
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X
If indicator lamp ; is not lit: Press ADS
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on. The sport
driving mode with a firmer suspension
tuning is selected. The message
AIRMATIC SPORT appears in the
multifunction display.
Comfort damping adjustment
Vehicle handling in comfort driving mode is
softer. Select this mode when you prefer a
more comfortable driving style on straight
freeways.
X If indicator lamp ; is lit: Press ADS
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The comfort
driving mode is selected. The message
AIRMATIC COMFORT appears in the
multifunction display.
Vehicle level control Your vehicle automatically adjusts its ride
height.
The all-around vehicle level control provides
best possible suspension and constant
ground clearance. The vehicle lowers at high
speed automatically in order to increase
driving safety and to reduce fuel
consumption.
The following vehicle levels are available:
R
normal
R raised; the vehicle is raised by
approximately 1.0 in (25 mm) compared to
normal level
R lowered; the vehicle is lowered by
approximately 0.4 in (10 mm) compared to
normal level
You can choose between normal or raised
level when the vehicle is stationary and the
engine is running.
The vehicle chassis ride height is raised or
lowered according to the selected level
setting and to the vehicle speed. With
increasing speed, ride height is reduced by up to approximately 0.8 in (20 mm). With
decreasing speed, the ride height is again
raised to the selected vehicle level.
i
These height adjustments are so small
that you may not notice any change.
Adjusting vehicle level manually G
Warning!
To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and
feet away from wheel housing area, and stay
away from under the vehicle when lowering
the vehicle chassis.
Select the normal level for driving on normal
roads. Select the raised level for driving on
rough roads or with snow chains. Select the
raised level only when required by current
driving conditions. Otherwise, the handling
may be impaired and the fuel consumption
may increase.
The selected vehicle level setting remains
stored in memory even if the SmartKey is
removed from the starter switch. Selecting raised level
X
Start the engine.
When indicator lamp ; is off:
X Briefly press vehicle level control
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on. The vehicle
adjusts from normal level to raised level.
The message: Vehicle Rising appears in
the multifunction display when adjusting
from normal level to raised level. The 318
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The following vehicle level settings can be
selected when the vehicle is stationary and
the engine is running:
Level Use for Indicator
lamp
Normal
For driving on
normal roads. The
indicator
lamp is off.
Raised
For driving on
rough roads or
with snow chains
(Y page 396). The
indicator
lamp is on.
Select the “Raised” level setting only when
required by current driving conditions.
Otherwise the fuel consumption may
increase and/or the handling may be
impaired.
i
The selected setting remains stored in
memory, even when the engine is turned
off and restarted. X
Start the engine.
Selecting a higher level
If indicator lamp ; is off:
X Press vehicle level control switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on. The vehicle is
raised to a higher level. Selecting a normal level
If indicator lamp ; is on:
X
Press vehicle level control switch :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The vehicle is
adjusted to a normal level.
Suspension tuning The suspension tuning of the ABC system is
adjusted for each wheel individually and
depends on:
R
your driving style
R the road condition, such as bumps etc.
R your individual selection, sporty or
comfortable
R the vehicle loading
i The selected setting remains stored in
memory, even when the engine is turned
off and restarted. X
Start the engine.
Sporty suspension tuning
The firmer chassis and suspension setup in
sport driving mode provides enhanced road
contact. Select this mode when you prefer a
firmer chassis and suspension setup.
X When indicator lamp ; is off: Press
button :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on. The sporty
chassis and suspension setup is selected.
The message ABC Active Body Control
SPORT appears in the multifunction display. 320
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X
Switching off: Press Parktronic
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on.
X Switching on: Press Parktronic switch :
again.
Parktronic system malfunction There is a malfunction in the Parktronic
system, if only the red distance segments
illuminate and an acoustic warning sounds.
The Parktronic system will switch off
automatically after 20 seconds and indicator
lamp
; in Parktronic switch : comes on.
X Have the Parktronic system checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.
If only the red distance segments illuminate
and no acoustic warning sounds, the
Parktronic system sensors are dirty (e.g. dirt,
ice, snow and slush). Another cause could be
interference from other radio or ultrasonic
signals (e.g. truck air brakes, car wash, or
jackhammers). The Parktronic system will
switch off automatically after 20 seconds and
indicator lamp ; in Parktronic switch :
comes on.
X Switch off the ignition.
X Clean the Parktronic system sensors
(Y page 406).
X Switch on the ignition.
or
X Check the Parktronic system operation at
another location to rule out interference
from outside radio or ultrasonic signals. Park Assist
G
Warning!
The Park Assist is a supplemental system. It
is not intended to, nor does it replace, the
need for extreme care. The responsibility
during parking and other critical maneuvers
always remains with the driver. G
Warning!
Make sure no persons or animals are in the
area in which you are maneuvering. You could
otherwise injure them.
! Special attention must be paid to objects
with smooth surfaces or low silhouettes
(e.g. trailer couplings, painted posts,
elevated crossbars or road curbs). Such
objects may not be detected by the system
and can damage the vehicle.
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 device 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.
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 received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the
device will void any warranties, and is not 324
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initially measured when driving past.
Subsequent
changes
to the parking space are
not taken into account, e.g. if the position of
the vehicle parked in front of or behind the
space changes or objects in the parking space
are moved. Moving objects are not shown,
e.g. pedestrians or vehicles driving past. The
Advanced Parking Guidance does not relieve
you of the responsibility to pay attention. If
you only rely on the Advanced Parking
Guidance, you may cause an accident and
injure yourself and others.
You are always responsible for safety and
must continue to pay attention to your
immediate surroundings when parking and
maneuvering. G
Warning!
Make sure no persons or animals are in the
area in
which you are maneuvering. You could
otherwise injure them.
! Special attention must be paid to objects
with smooth surfaces or low silhouettes
(e.g. trailer couplings, painted posts,
elevated crossbars or road curbs). Such
objects may not be detected by the system
and can damage the vehicle.
! The operation and functionality of the
Advanced Parking Guidance can be
affected or impaired by dirty sensors,
especially at times of snow and ice.
Make sure that the area on the bumpers
around the sensors is free of dirt, ice and/
or slush, otherwise Advanced Parking
Guidance may not function properly.
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 device 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.
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 received, 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.
When traveling in Canada in a vehicle not
registered in Canada, you must switch off the
radar sensor system ( Y page 216). Canadian
law does not permit the use of the radar
sensor system for vehicles from outside of
Canada. When you switch off the radar sensor
system, the following functions are
deactivated:
R Advanced Parking Guidance
R BAS PLUS (Y page 57)
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (Y page 62)
R DISTRONIC PLUS (Y page 304)
R Park Assist ( Y page 324)
R Blind Spot Assist (Y page 335)
Use the Advanced Parking Guidance for
parking spaces that are
R parallel to the direction of travel
R located on straight streets, i.e. not in
curves
R on the same level as the street, i.e. not on
sidewalks, for example. 328
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look through the windshield. You are always
responsible for safety and must drive in
accordance with traffic conditions.
Otherwise, you could endanger yourself and
others.
The system may be impaired or unavailable
when
R
visibility is poor, e.g. due to snow, rain, fog,
or heavy spray
R the camera area of the windshield is dirty,
fogged up or covered by a sticker for
example
R driving through curves or on inclines or
declines G
Warning!
The Night View Assist cannot record objects
immediately in front of or next to the vehicle.
When maneuvering, continue to look through
the windshield. Make sure no persons or
animals are in the area in which you are
maneuvering. You could otherwise injure
them.
The Night View Assist image in the
multifunction display is not impaired by the
headlamps of approaching vehicles.
As a result, you can better follow the course
of the road and detect obstacles earlier on.
i Infrared light is invisible to the human eye
and thus does not blind. The Night View
Assist can remain switched on
permanently even with oncoming traffic
present. The Night View Assist monitors the area in
front of your vehicle via camera
:.
Switching on or off You can only switch on the Night View Assist
if
R
the SmartKey in the starter switch is set to
position 2
R it is dark
R the exterior lamp switch is set to c or
L, or if the daytime running lamp mode
is activated ( Y page 276)
R the automatic transmission is not in
reverse gear R X
Press button : up or down.
The Night View Assist image appears in the
multifunction display.
i The infrared headlamps only come on
above a speed of approximately 6 mph
(10 km/h). Therefore, when you are at a
standstill, you do not have a complete view
and cannot check the function of the Night
View Assist.
Image on multifunction display When you switch on the Night View Assist, the
dial for the speedometer changes on the
multifunction display. The speedometer dial
is shown as a bar on the lower edge of the
multifunction display. The line for main
menus is no longer available. If you would like
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