2010 MERCEDES-BENZ CL CLASS warning

To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESC. This allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for
example
R
when driving with snow chains
R in deep snow
R in sand or gravel G
Warning!
Switch on the ESC immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise
the ESC will not stabilize
the vehicle when it is starting to skid or a
wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESC,
R the ESC does not stabilize the vehicle
R the engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
R the ETS/4-ETS will still apply the brakes to
a spinning wheel
R the ESC continues to operate when you are
braking
R the cruise control or the DISTRONIC PLUS
cannot be activated
R the cruise control or the DISTRONIC PLUS
switch off if activated
i When the ESC is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ESC
warning lamp ÷ in the instrument
cluster flashes. However, the ESC will then
not stabilize the vehicle.
X With the engine running, switch off the ESC
via the control system (Y page 212). G
Warning!
When the ESC OFF warning lamp å is on,
the ESC is switched off.
When the ESC warning lamp ÷ and the
ESC OFF warning lamp å are on continuously, the ESC is not operational due
to a malfunction.
When the ESC is switched off or not
operational, 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 ESC.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period with the ESC switched off.
This may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Switching off the ESC (CL 63 AMG only) G
Warning!
The ESC should not be switched off during
normal driving.
Disabling of the system will result in the
following:
R no restriction to engine torque
R loss of system-supported traction control
“ESC OFF” is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle’s natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and requires

a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch off the ESC.
Do not switch off the ESC when a spare wheel
is mounted.
When you switch off the ESC,
R the ESC does not stabilize the vehicle
R the engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin
R the ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
R the ESC operates while you are braking Driving safety systems
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R
the cruise control or the DISTRONIC PLUS
cannot be activated
R the cruise control or the DISTRONIC PLUS
switch off if activated
i When the ESC is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ESC
warning lamp ÷ in the instrument
cluster flashes.
However, the ESC will then
not stabilize the vehicle.
X With the engine running, switch off the ESC
via the control system (Y page 212). G
Warning!
When the ESC OFF warning lamp å is on,
the ESC is switched off.
When the ESC warning lamp ÷ and the
ESC OFF warning lamp å are on
continuously, the ESC is not operational due
to a malfunction.
When the ESC is switched off or not
operational, 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 ESC.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period with the ESC switched off.
This may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Switching on the ESC X
Switch on the ESC via the control system
(Y page 212). PRE-SAFE
®
Brake
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is available in vehicles
equipped with DISTRONIC PLUS. The PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake

can assist you in minimizing the
risk of a rear-end collision with a vehicle in
front of you. The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may also
reduce the severity of an accident. At speeds above approximately 20 mph (30 km/h) it will
issue a warning when your vehicle is
approaching the preceding vehicle very
quickly. An intermittent acoustic warning
sounds and the distance warning lamp
·
in the instrument cluster comes on.
When the driver and front passenger have
fastened their seat belts, the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can also
R brake the vehicle within a speed range of
up to 112 mph (180 km/h ) automatically
R activate preventative occupant safety
measures (PRE-SAFE ®
) ( Y

page 49) G
Warning!
An intermittent warning sounds and the
distance warning

lamp · in the instrument
cluster is illuminated if the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
calculates that the distance to the vehicle
ahead and your vehicle’s current speed
indicate that the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake will not be
capable of slowing the vehicle sufficiently to
maintain the preset following distance, which
creates a danger of a collision.
Immediately brake your vehicle to increase
the distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle driving in front of you. The warning
sound is intended as a final caution that you
have not interceded with your own braking
inputs to avoid a potentially dangerous
situation. Do not wait for the operation of the
warning signal to intercede with your own
braking, as that will result in potentially
dangerous emergency braking which will not
always result in an impact being avoided.
Tailgating increases the risk of an accident. G
Warning!
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is a convenience
system designed to assist the driver during
vehicle operation. The responsibility for the
vehicle speed

and the distance to the vehicle
ahead, including most importantly brake
operation to assure safe stopping distance,
always remains with the driver. 62
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Always pay attention to traffic conditions
even while the PRE-SAFE
®
Brake is switched
on. Otherwise, you may not be able to
recognize dangerous situations until it is too
late and could cause an accident resulting in
personal or fatal injury to you or others.
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.
Using the radar sensors, the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake detects obstacles that are in your
driving path for a sufficient period of time for
the system to recognize it. If you approach a
vehicle and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake has
established that the distance to the vehicle
ahead at your current speed is so close that
the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake will not be capable of slowing the vehicle sufficiently, the system
will
initially
warn you visually and acoustically.
If you do not apply the brakes yourself or
maneuver around a sensed obstacle, the
vehicle will brake lightly automatically. The
PRE-SAFE ®
system (Y page 49) is activated
when the distance to the vehicle ahead at
your current speed is so close that the PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake will not be capable of slowing
the vehicle sufficiently. G
Warning!
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake will only respond with
brake assistance if it has clearly detected an
object. Detection can be impeded by
R dirty or covered sensors
R snowfall or heavy rain
R disturbance from other radar sources
R strong radar reflection such as in parking
garages
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake

uses radar signals that
are not reflected well by narrow objects and
absorptive materials. For this reason the PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake will not react to persons,
animals, and approaching traffic or cross-
traffic.
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may not detect narrow
vehicles driving in front of you, such as
motorcycles and vehicles driving offset from
your vehicle center. G
Warning!
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake brakes your vehicle
with a maximum of 13 ft/s 2
(4 m/s 2
). This
corresponds to about 40% of the maximum
deceleration ability of your vehicle. This
automatic braking is intended only to initiate
the braking

if the driver has not already done
so. The driver must apply the brakes in order
to prevent a collision.
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake applies the brake pedal
automatically which results in the brake pedal
moving. Therefore keep driver’s foot area
clear at all times, including the area under the Driving safety systems
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brake pedal. Objects stored in this area may
impair
pedal
movement which could interfere
with the braking ability of the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake.
Do not place your foot under the brake pedal
– your foot could become caught.
To maintain the proper distance to the vehicle
in front of you and thus prevent a rear-end
collision, you must apply the brakes yourself.
X Brake the vehicle immediately to avoid a
collision.
Under no circumstances should the driver
await the intermittent warning sound
before braking. Observe the following
warning note.
The intermittent

warning sound ceases and
the distance warning lamp · goes out
when the necessary distance to the vehicle
ahead is again established.
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
can react to stationary
obstacles such as standing or parked vehicles
at road speeds of up to approximately 40 mph
(70 km/h). G
Warning!
If you do not receive visual or acoustic
warning signals, the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may
R not have recognized the collision risk
R have been deactivated
R be malfunctioning
Apply the

brakes yourself to avoid a collision.
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake does not always clearly
interpret complex traffic situations. If a visual
and/or acoustic warning is issued in an
uncritical driving situation, or if the vehicle
brakes lightly, you can interrupt the PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake maneuver by pressing down all
the way on the accelerator pedal, using
kickdown, or releasing the brake pedal. The PRE-SAFE
®
Brake maneuver is
terminated immediately when
R you avoid the obstacle by evasive steering
R you drive less than 9 mph (15 km/h

)
R an obstacle can no longer be identified
ahead of you
R the system no longer senses the risk of a
collision
i The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake will remain passive
while DISTRONIC PLUS is switched on
(Y page 304).
After a hard collision or damage to the front
of the vehicle from an accident, have the
settings and operation of the radar sensors
checked by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
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 system, the
following functions are deactivated:
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
R BAS PLUS (Y page 57)
R DISTRONIC PLUS (Y page 304)
R Park Assist ( Y page 324)
R Blind Spot Assist (Y page 335)
R Advanced Parking Guidance ( Y page 327)
X Activating and deactivating: Activate or
deactivate the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake using the
instrument cluster control system
(Y page 213).
After the function has been activated, the
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake indicator Ä appears
in the instrument cluster. When the HOLD
function is switched on, the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake indicator Ä will not appear. 64
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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 X
With SmartKey: Remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch.
X With KEYLESS-GO: Turn off the engine and
open the driver’s door.
Deactivating X
Switch on the ignition.
i Starting the engine will also deactivate
the immobilizer.
In the event that the engine cannot be
started (yet the vehicle’s battery is
charged), the system is not operational.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the
USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada). Anti-theft alarm system
Once the alarm system has been armed, a
visual and audible alarm is triggered when
someone opens
R a door
R the trunk
R the hood
The alarm will stay on even if the activating
element, a door, for example, is closed
immediately.
The alarm system will also be triggered when
R the vehicle is opened with the mechanical
key
R a door is opened from the inside To cancel the alarm after it has been
triggered, see “Canceling the alarm”
(Y page 66).
i
If the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, the Tele Aid system initiates a
call to the Customer Assistance Center
automatically. The Tele Aid system will
initiate the call provided that
R you have subscribed to the Tele Aid
service
R the Tele Aid service has been activated
properly
R the necessary mobile phone, power
supply and GPS coverage are available X
Arming: Lock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO.
The turn signal lamps flash three times and
an acoustic warning sounds three times to
indicate that the vehicle is locked. Indicator
lamp : flashes to indicate that the alarm
system is armed.
i If the turn signal lamps do not flash three
times and the acoustic warning does not
sound three times, a door or the trunk may
not be properly closed.
Close the respective element.
X Disarming: Unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO.
The turn signal lamps flash once and an
acoustic warning sounds once to indicate
that the alarm system is disarmed. Anti-theft systems
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Vehicle equipment
i This Operator’s Manual describes all
features, standard or optional, potentially
available for your vehicle at the time of
purchase. Please be aware that your
vehicle might not be equipped with all
features described in this manual. COMAND introduction
COMAND operating safety
COMAND ( Cockpit Management and Data
System) is an information and operating
center for
vehicle sound and communications
systems. It includes the radio and navigation
system, as well as other optional equipment
(satellite radio, telephone, etc.). G
Warning!
Any alteration of electronic components or
software can cause malfunctions.
Radio, satellite radio, amplifier, CD/DVD
changer, navigation module, telephone and
Voice Control Systems are interconnected.
Therefore, if one of the components is not
operational, or has not been removed/
replaced properly, the function of other
components could be impaired.
Such conditions might seriously impair the
operating safety of your vehicle.
We recommend to have any service work on
electronic components carried out by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. G
Warning!
In order to avoid distraction which could lead
to an

accident, the driver should enter system
settings while the vehicle is at a standstill, and
operate the system only when permitted by
road, weather and traffic conditions.
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. COMAND supplies you with information to
help you select your route more easily and
guide you conveniently and safely to your
destination. For safety reasons, we
encourage the driver to stop the vehicle in a
safe
place

before answering or placing a call,
or consulting the COMAND screen to read
navigational maps, instructions, or
downloaded information. G
Warning!
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. Availability of functions while the
vehicle is in motion
For safety reasons, certain COMAND
functions are not available while the vehicle
is in motion or they are only available to a
limited extent. You will notice this, for
example, by

the fact that certain menu items
cannot be selected or that the COMAND
display shows a corresponding message. Switching COMAND on or off
X Press shortcut button u in the center
console (Y page 69).
COMAND calls up the last selected menu.
i When you switch off COMAND, you also
switch off the currently playing audio
source. During

a telephone call, you cannot
switch off COMAND. 68
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COMAND navigation (introduction)
Safety notes
G
Warning!
For safety reasons, only enter a destination
when the vehicle is stationary. When the
vehicle is
in motion, a passenger should enter
the destination. Study manual and select
route before driving.
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.
COMAND calculates the route to the
destination without taking account of the
following, for example:
R Traffic lights
R Stop and right-of-way signs
R Parking or stopping in prohibited areas
R Lane merging
R Other road and traffic rules and regulations
R Narrow bridges
COMAND may give incorrect navigation
commands if the data in the digital map does
not correspond with the actual road or traffic
situation. Maps do not cover all areas nor all
routes within an area. For example, if the
traffic routing has been changed or the
direction of a one-way road has been
reversed.
For this reason, you must always observe
applicable road and traffic rules and
regulations during your journey. Road and
traffic rules and regulations always have
priority over the navigation commands
generated by the system. 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. Map software
The digital maps generated by the map
software become outdated in the same way
as conventional road maps. Optimum route
guidance can only be provided by the
navigation system in conjunction with the
latest map software. Information about new
map software versions can be obtained from
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Displaying installed map version X
Navi Q Map Version
The installed map version is displayed.
For information on installing new map
software see ( Y page 83). Installing the map software
Your vehicle is factory-equipped with map
software for the USA (including Alaska and
Hawaii), Canada, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and
Puerto Rico.
You can

install new map software from one or
more DVDs, depending on the size of the map
software.
Copy protection of map software COMAND map software is subject to charges.
The map software requires an activation
code. The map software can be used for one
individual vehicle only and is
non-transferrable. The six-digit activation
code
is

available at any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center in case you have lost
your activation code or when the COMAND
system does not accept the activation code
you have received. COMAND navigation (introduction)
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When reinstalling a map software that has
been installed in that vehicle already, an
activation code is not required.
Installation process
i
The installation process can take
between 10 and 120 minutes, depending
on the
size of the map software. If the radio
is switched on when you start the
installation process, you can still adjust the
volume. During the installation process,
some COMAND functions are suspended.
Still available are the COMAND functions
for automatic air conditioning operation
and canceling the installation process.
If possible, carry out the installation when
the vehicle is stationary. When the vehicle
is stationary, the reading rate of the DVD
drive is higher than in a moving vehicle and
the installation process requires less time. G
Observe Safety notes, see page 68.
i COMAND may switch off during the
installation process automatically in order
to protect the battery. This may happen
when the engine is switched off and the
vehicle battery has insufficient power. If
this occurs,

restart the installation with the
engine running. Similarly, if the SmartKey
position is unintentionally switched to 0,
restart the installation. G
Warning!
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and lead to death. Do not
run the engine in confined areas (such as a
garage) which are not properly ventilated. Installing
Notes about handling DVDs (Y page 165). X
Load the map software DVD into the DVD
changer (Y page 165).
The COMAND

system verifies the DVD and
a respective message appears in the
COMAND display.
Map software incompatible with
navigation system A message indicates that installation of the
map software is not possible.
X
Confirming message: Press W.
The DVD is ejected.
X Remove the DVD from the slot.
X Insert a DVD that is compatible with the
navigation system of the vehicle.
Map software incompatible with the
current system software A message indicates that the system
software and the map software are
incompatible.
X
Confirming message: Press W.
The DVD is ejected.
X Remove the DVD from the slot.
X Have the system software updated at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The system software must be updated before
you can install the map software.
Map software compatible with
navigation software and current
system software The COMAND system verifies whether the
map data on the DVD have been installed
already.
Map data installed already
A message that indicates that the map data
have been installed already appears. Also,
you
are

being asked if you would like to install
the map software anyhow. 84
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