Voice Control System introduction
Safety notes
G
Warning!
Only use the Voice Control System when road
and traffic conditions permit you to do so.
Otherwise you could be involved in an
accident in which you or others could be
injured. G
Warning!
Please devote your attention first and
foremost to the traffic situation you are in.
While the system permits hands-free phone
operation, attention
to traffic may be diverted
not only by physical operation of a phone, but
also by the distraction of a phone
conversation while driving. As such, for safety
reasons, we encourage the driver to stop the
vehicle in a safe place before answering or
placing a phone call.
For safety reasons, you should only select a
destination when the vehicle is stationary.
While the navigation system provides
directional assistance, the driver must remain
focused on safe driving behavior, especially
attention to traffic and street signs, and
should utilize the system’s audio cues while
driving.
The navigation system does not supply any
information on stop signs, yield signs, traffic
regulations or traffic safety rules. Their
observance always remains in the driver’s
personal responsibility. Maps do not cover all
areas nor all routes within an area.
Traffic regulations always have priority over
any route recommendations given.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second. G
Warning!
Navigation announcements are intended to
direct you
while driving without diverting your
attention from the road and driving.
Please always use navigation announcements
instead of consulting the map display for
directions. Consulting the symbols or map
display for directions may cause you to divert
your attention from driving and increase your
risk of an accident. G
Warning!
Please do not use the Voice Control System
in an emergency, as the tone of your voice
may change
in a stressful situation. This could
cause a delay in completing your phone call
in a timely manner. This could distract you in
an emergency situation and cause you to be
involved in an accident. General information
Depending on vehicle equipment, you can
operate the following systems via the Voice
Control System:
R Telephone ( Y page 225)
R Navigation ( Y page 219)
R Address book (Y page 229)
R Audio ( Y page 231) (AM/FM radio,
Satellite radio, CD/DVD changer, MP3
mode (SD
card, USB, Music Register, Media
Interface), AUX)
R Video
You control these systems using spoken
commands. Moreover, controls such as the
buttons on the multifunction steering wheel
(Y page 218) allow you to keep your hands
on the steering wheel.
The Voice Control System recognizes
commands and number sequences,
irrespective of the speaker. To optimize
speech recognition for your voice follow the
individualization process ( Y page 250). Voice Control System introduction
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USA only
You can only switch on the high-beam
headlamps in low ambient lighting conditions.
The high-beam flasher is available at all times.
When the engine is running, and you turn the
exterior lamp switch to position T or
L, the manual headlamp mode has
priority over the daytime running lamp mode.
The corresponding exterior lamps come on
(Y page 275).
Fog lamps
Fog lamps cannot be switched on with the
exterior lamp switch in position c.
G
Warning!
In low ambient lighting or foggy conditions,
only switch from position c to L with
the vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching from c to L will briefly
switch off the headlamps. Doing so while
driving in low ambient lighting conditions may
result in an accident.
Fog lamps will operate with the parking lamps
and/or the low-beam headlamps on. Fog
lamps should only be used in conjunction with
low-beam headlamps. Consult your State or
Province Motor Vehicle Regulations
regarding permissible lamp operation.
X Switch on the ignition.
X Turn the exterior lamp switch to position
T or L (Y page 275).
X Switching on front fog lamps: Pull out the
exterior lamp switch to first stop.
The green indicator lamp N in the
exterior lamp switch comes on.
X Switching on rear fog lamp: Pull out the
exterior lamp switch to second stop.
The rear fog lamp, the front fog lamps, the
green N and the yellow indicator lamp
R in the exterior lamp switch come on.
X Switching off front fog lamps/rear fog
lamp: Push in the exterior lamp switch to
its stop. Locator lighting and night security
illumination The locator lighting and night security
illumination are described in the COMAND
vehicle menu section under (Y page 191).
Combination switch
Turn signals
X
Press the combination switch in direction
of arrow ; or ?.
The corresponding turn signal indicator
lamp ! or # in the instrument
cluster flashes.
The combination switch resets automatically
after major steering wheel movements.
To signal minor directional changes:
X Press the combination switch only to the
point of resistance in direction of
arrow ; or ? and release.
The corresponding turn signal lamps will
flash three times. Lighting
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5
¯ Fast continuous wiping
B í Single wipe/ î Wiping with
washer fluid
X Switch on the ignition.
X Turn the combination switch to the desired
position, depending on the intensity of the
rain.
i When the
windshield wipers are switched
on and you stop the vehicle, the wipers
operate more slowly.
Intermittent wiping Only switch on intermittent wiping under wet
weather conditions or in the presence of
precipitation.
When
you
select intermittent wiping, the rain
sensor is activated. The rain sensor sets a
suitable wiping interval depending on the
wetness of the sensor surface automatically.
! Do not leave windshield wipers on an
intermittent setting when the vehicle is
taken to an automatic car wash or during
windshield cleaning. Windshield wipers will
operate in the presence of water sprayed
on the windshield, and windshield wipers
may be damaged as a result.
! If you have set intermittent wiping, dirt on
the surface of the rain sensor or optical
effects may cause the windshield wipers to
wipe in an undesired fashion. This could
then damage the windshield wiper blades
or scratch the windshield. You should
therefore switch off the windshield wipers
when weather conditions are dry.
X Turn the combination switch to position
Ä or Å.
After the initial wipe, pauses between
wipes are controlled by the rain sensor
automatically.
Intermittent wiping is interrupted when the
vehicle is
at a standstill and a door is opened.
This protects persons getting into or out of
the vehicle from being sprayed. Intermittent wiping will be continued when all
doors are closed and
R
the automatic transmission is in drive
position D or reverse gear R
or
R the wiper setting is changed using the
combination switch
Single wipe X
Press the combination switch briefly in
direction of arrow B to the resistance
point.
The windshield wipers wipe one time
without washer fluid.
Wiping with washer fluid X
Press the combination switch in direction
of arrow B past the resistance point.
The windshield
wipers operate with washer
fluid.
i To prevent smears on the windshield or
noisy/chattering wiper blades, wipe with
washer fluid
every now and then even when
it is raining.
For information on filling up the washer
reservoir, see “Washer system and headlamp
cleaning system” ( Y page 372).
For information on cleaning the headlamps
with washer fluid, see “Headlamp cleaning
system” ( Y page 278). Problems with wipers
! If anything blocks the windshield wipers
(leaves, snow, etc.), switch them off
immediately.
For safety
reasons, do the following before
attempting to remove any blockage:
R Stop the vehicle in a safe location.
R Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
or Wipers
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Shifting into optimal gear range
X
Pull and hold left gearshift control :.
The automatic transmission will select the
gear range suited for optimal acceleration
and deceleration automatically. This will
involve shifting down one or more gears. Manual shift program
The manual shift program is available on AMG
vehicles only.
Manual program mode M differs with regard
to spontaneity, response time, and shifting
smoothness from automatic program mode
S.
In manual program mode M, system-
controlled automatic gearshifting is switched
off. You need to change the gears by manually
upshifting or downshifting using the steering
wheel gearshift control. Program mode selector switch on AMG vehicle
C Comfort For standard driving
S Sport For sporty driving
M Manual For manual gearshifting
The current program mode appears in the
multifunction display (
Y page 296).
For information on automatic program mode
(C or S), see “Automatic shift program”
(Y page 296) and “One-touch gearshifting”
(Y page 297). Activating manual shift program X
Press the program mode selector switch
repeatedly until M appears in the
multifunction display.
The automatic transmission switches to
manual program mode M. Automatic
shifting is switched off. The gear range is
not limited.
You can change the gears manually with drive
position D selected. You can upshift or
downshift through the gears in succession.
i Manual program mode M will not be
stored. When the engine is turned off with
manual program mode M selected, the
automatic transmission will go to
automatic program mode ( C or S) when the
engine is restarted.
Upshifting !
In manual program mode M, the
automatic transmission will not upshift,
even if the engine has reached its
overrevving range. Shift up into the next
gear before the engine has reached its
overrevving range. Make absolutely certain
that the engine speed does not reach the
red marking on the tachometer. Otherwise
the engine could be damaged which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
X Briefly pull right gearshift control ;
(Y page 297).
The automatic transmission shifts into the
next higher gear.
Upshift indicator 298
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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 set speed is shown by a
triangle in the speedometer and the
corresponding speedometer segments from
the selected speed to the vehicle maximum
speed in the multifunction display are
illuminated. G
Warning!
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.
R The 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.
R The 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.
R Deactivate the cruise control when driving
in fog.
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. G
Warning!
When the cruise control 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. :
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
R
when you brake
R when you have engaged the electronic
parking brake
R when the automatic transmission is in park
position P, reverse gear R, or neutral
position N
R the ESC is switched off or has switched off
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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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R
the radar sensors are switched off
R you pull the DISTRONIC PLUS lever in
direction of arrow ? (Y page 309) for
driving off and the front passenger or a rear
passenger door is open
The marker for the set speed on the
speedometer dial go out, an acoustic signal
sounds, and the message DISTRONIC PLUS
Off appears in the multifunction display for
approximately 5 seconds. G
Warning!
The DISTRONIC PLUS switches off and
releases the brakes when the vehicle
decelerates below the minimum speed of
20 mph (30 km/h) by operation of the system
unless the DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle
directly ahead of you. At that time the driver
must apply the brakes in order to reduce
vehicle speed further or bring it to a stop.
Depressing the accelerator pedal does not
deactivate the DISTRONIC PLUS. After a brief
acceleration (e.g. for passing), the
DISTRONIC PLUS will resume the last set
speed.
Setting the following distance in
DISTRONIC PLUS You can set the specified following distance
for the DISTRONIC PLUS by varying the time
setting between 1.0 and 2.0 seconds. Using
this time setting and the current speed of
your vehicle, the DISTRONIC PLUS calculates
and sets the required following distance to
the preceding vehicle.
The set distance will be shown in the
multifunction display.
G
Warning!
It is up to the driver to exercise discretion to
select the appropriate setting given road
conditions, traffic, driver’s preferred driving
style and applicable laws and driving
recommendations for safe following distance. X
Increasing distance: Turn distance
setting switch : in direction of arrow ;.
Increasing the distance setting tells the
DISTRONIC PLUS to maintain a greater
following distance to the preceding vehicle.
X Decreasing distance: Turn distance
setting switch : in direction of arrow =.
Decreasing the distance setting tells the
DISTRONIC PLUS to maintain a shorter
following distance to the preceding vehicle.
Driving with DISTRONIC PLUS This section describes a number of driving
situations where special precaution is
required on the part of the driver. Be prepared
to brake in such situations. Braking will
deactivate the DISTRONIC PLUS system.
G
Warning!
The DISTRONIC PLUS works to maintain the
speed selected by the driver unless a moving
obstacle proceeding directly ahead of it in the
same travel direction is detected (e.g.
following another vehicle ahead of you at your
set distance).
This means that:
R Your vehicle can pass another vehicle after
you have changed lanes.
R While in a sharp turn or if the preceding
vehicle is in a sharp turn, the DISTRONIC
PLUS could lose sight of the preceding
vehicle. Your vehicle could then accelerate
to the previously selected speed. Driving systems
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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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