High beam
X
Turn the exterior lamp switch to position
L (Y page 275).
X Switching on: Push the combination
switch in direction of arrow :.
The high-beam headlamp indicator lamp
K in the instrument cluster comes on.
X Switching off: Pull the combination switch
in direction of arrow = to its original
position.
i Also note the information on high-beam
headlamps with activated automatic
headlamp mode ( Y page 275) or the
daytime running lamp mode ( Y page 276).
High-beam flasher X
Switching on: Pull the combination switch
briefly in direction of arrow =.Hazard warning flasher
The hazard warning flasher can be switched
on at all times, even with the SmartKey
removed from the starter switch.
The hazard warning flasher comes on
automatically when an air bag deploys.
CL 600 and CL 65 AMG (USA only):
The hazard warning flasher comes on
automatically when you brake the vehicle
strongly at a speed of more than 50 mph
(70 km/h) and bring it to a complete stop. X
Switching on: Press hazard warning
flasher switch :.
All turn signal lamps are flashing.
i With the hazard warning flasher activated
and the combination switch set for either
left or right turn, only the respective left or
right turn signals will operate when the
ignition is switched on.
X Switching off: Press hazard warning
flasher switch : again.
i If the hazard warning flasher was
activated automatically, press hazard
warning flasher switch : to switch it off.
CL 600 and CL 65 AMG (USA only):
When the hazard warning flasher was
activated by a hard stop automatically, it
will be switched off automatically at a
vehicle speed of above 6 mph (10 km/h). Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps will be cleaned with a high-
pressure water jet automatically when the
engine is running and you have
R switched on the headlamps
and
R the windshield wipers have wiped the
windshield with washer fluid five times
The counter resets when you switch off the
ignition.
For information on filling up the washer
reservoir, see “Washer system and headlamp
cleaning system” ( Y page 372). Corner-illuminating lamps
The corner-illuminating lamps improve
illumination of the area in the direction into
which you are turning.
The corner-illuminating lamps will only
operate in low ambient lighting conditions. 278
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Driving off
G
Warning!
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.
! Do not run a cold engine at high engine
speeds. Running a cold engine at high
engine speeds may shorten the service life
of the engine. This is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
CL 63 AMG: At engine temperatures below
68‡ (20†), the engine’s maximum speed
is restricted in order to protect it from
damage. Avoid driving your vehicle at full
speed when the engine is cold to prevent
premature engine wear and/or diminished
comfort.
! You have forgotten to release the
electronic parking brake when driving off if
R an acoustic warning sounds
R the message Please Release
Parking Brake appears in the
multifunction display
R the red indicator lamp for the electronic
parking brake F (USA only) or !
(Canada only) in the instrument cluster
flashes
Release the electronic parking brake.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel. This may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
! Simultaneously depressing the
accelerator pedal and applying the brakes
reduces engine performance and causes
premature brake and drivetrain wear which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty. i
Once the vehicle is in motion, the doors
and the trunk look automatically. The
locking knobs in the doors move down.
The automatic door lock feature can be
deactivated ( Y page 193).
Automatic transmission G
Warning!
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission out
of park position P or neutral
position N if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the
brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate
quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your right
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
! Only shift the automatic transmission into
reverse gear R or park position P when the
vehicle is stopped. Otherwise the
automatic transmission could be damaged.
X Depress the brake pedal.
The gear selector lever can now be used.
X Shift the automatic transmission into drive
position D or reverse gear R.
i Shifting the
automatic transmission out of
park position P is only possible with the
brake pedal depressed.
Without the brake pedal depressed, the
gear selector lever can be moved up or
down. However, the parking pawl remains
engaged, not allowing shifting to occur.
X Wait for the gear selection process to
complete before setting the vehicle in
motion.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Carefully depress the accelerator pedal.
The electronic parking brake releases
automatically. Driving and parking
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The red indicator lamp
F (USA only)
or ! (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster goes out.
After a cold start, the automatic transmission
shifts at a higher engine speed. This allows
the catalytic converter to reach its operating
temperature earlier.
For more
information on driving, see “Driving
instructions” ( Y page 397). Problems while driving
The engine
runs erratically and misfires R
An ignition cable may be damaged.
R The engine electronics may not be
operating properly.
R Unburned gasoline may have entered the
catalytic converter and damaged it.
X Give very little gas.
X Have the problem checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible.
The coolant temperature is above
248‡ (120†) The coolant is too hot and is no longer cooling
the engine.
X
Stop the vehicle in a safe location as soon
as possible.
X Turn off the engine immediately.
X Allow the engine and coolant to cool off.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant if
necessary ( Y page 372).
In case of accident If the vehicle is leaking fuel:
X
Do not start the engine under any
circumstances.
X Exit the vehicle at a safe distance from the
roadway.
X Notify local fire and/or police authorities. If the extent of the damage cannot be
determined:
X
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
If no damage on major assemblies, fuel
system, and engine mount can be
determined:
X Start the engine in the usual manner. Parking
G
Warning!
Do not park in areas where the hot exhaust
system could come into contact with
combustible materials. Combustible
materials such as grass, hay or leaves could
be ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
Unintended vehicle movement could cause
serious personal injury or damage to the
vehicle or the vehicle drivetrain. To reduce
such risks, always do the following before
turning off
the engine and leaving the vehicle:
R Keep right foot on the brake pedal.
R Engage the electronic parking brake.
R Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
R Slowly release the brake pedal.
R When parked on an incline, always turn the
front wheels towards the road curb.
R Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 0 and remove the SmartKey from
the starter switch, or press the KEYLESS-
GO start/stop button.
R Take the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle when leaving.
Electronic parking brake G
Warning!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from
the starter switch, take it with
you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave 288
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children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could
release the electronic parking brake and/or
shift the automatic transmission out of park
position P, either of which could result in an
accident and/or serious personal injury.
Releasing electronic parking brake
manually
X
Switch on the ignition.
X Pull handle :.
The red indicator lamp F (USA only)
or ! (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Releasing electronic parking brake
automatically
The electronic parking brake releases
automatically when all of the following
conditions are fulfilled:
R The engine is running.
R The automatic transmission is in drive
position D or reverse gear R. With the
automatic transmission in reverse gear R
the trunk lid must be closed.
R The hood is closed.
R You have fastened your seat belt.
R You depress on the accelerator pedal. i
If you have not fastened your seat belt,
the following conditions must be met in
order for the electronic parking brake to
release automatically:
R The driver’s door is closed and you shift
the automatic transmission out of park
position P.
or
R The driver’s door is closed and you drive
faster than 2 mph (3 km/h).
Engaging electronic parking brake
manually
X Press handle :.
The red indicator lamp F (USA only)
or ! (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster comes on.
i You can engage the electronic parking
brake even when the SmartKey is removed
from the starter switch.
Engaging electronic parking brake
automatically
The electronic parking brake engages
automatically when the HOLD function
(Y page 316) or DISTRONIC PLUS
(Y page 304) brings your vehicle to a
standstill. In addition, at least one of the
following conditions must be met:
R The engine is turned off.
R The driver’s door is opened and the seat
belt is not inserted in the seat belt buckle.
R The hood lock is released.
R The trunk lid is opened while the automatic
transmission is in reverse gear R.
R The vehicle is stationary for an extended
period of time.
The red indicator lamp F (USA only)
or ! (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster comes on.
i In addition to engaging the electronic
parking brake, the automatic transmission
may shift into park position P
automatically. Driving and parking
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Emergency braking with electronic
parking brake
In
an
emergency situation, you can also brake
your vehicle by using the electronic parking
brake.
X While driving, press handle :.
All four
wheels of the vehicle will be braked
for as long as you press and hold the handle
for the electronic parking brake. The longer
you keep the handle pressed, the stronger
your vehicle will be braked.
During the braking procedure
R an acoustic warning sounds
R the message Please Release Parking
Brake appears
in the multifunction display
R the red indicator lamp for the electronic
parking brake F (USA only) or !
(Canada only) in the instrument cluster
flashes
Once the vehicle comes to a complete stop,
the electronic parking brake will engage
automatically. Turning off the engine
G
Warning!
Do not turn off the engine before the vehicle
has come
to a complete stop. With the engine
not running, there is no power assistance for
the brake and steering systems. In this case,
it is important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is
necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.
i If the engine cannot be turned off as
described, see “Emergency engine
shutdown” ( Y page 478).
X Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
i Observe instructions if you want the
automatic transmission to remain in neutral position N, see “Remaining in
neutral position N” (
Y page 292).
With SmartKey X
Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 0.
X Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
When you turn off the engine using the
SmartKey, and remove the SmartKey from
the starter switch or open a front door, the
automatic transmission will shift into park
position P automatically. G
Warning!
Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will
shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N automatically.
Always shift the automatic transmission into
park position P before turning off the engine.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
With KEYLESS-GO X
Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
With the driver’s door closed, the starter
switch is
now in position 1. With the driver’s
door opened, the starter switch is set to
position 0, same as the SmartKey removed
from the starter switch (Y page 262).
When you turn off the engine using the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and open a
front door, the automatic transmission will
shift into park position P automatically. G
Warning!
Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will
shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N automatically.
Always shift the automatic transmission into
park position P before turning off the engine.290
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otherwise seriously damage the brake
system or the transfer case which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
! Because the ESC operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or
1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in
position 0 or 1) when the electronic parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer or when the vehicle is being
towed with one axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESC may
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Instrument cluster
Introduction
For a full view illustration of the instrument
cluster, see “Instrument cluster”
(Y page 29). G
Warning!
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
R speed
R outside temperature
R warning/indicator lamps
R malfunction/warning messages
R failure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.
The language setting for the multifunction
display can be changed via COMAND
(Y page 81). Activating the instrument cluster
The instrument cluster is activated when you
R open a door
R switch on the ignition
R switch on the exterior lamps Adjusting the instrument cluster
illumination
X
To brighten illumination: Turn knob :
clockwise.
X To dim illumination: Turn knob :
counterclockwise.
i The instrument cluster illumination is
dimmed or brightened automatically to suit
ambient light conditions.
The instrument cluster illumination will also
be adjusted automatically when you switch
on the vehicle’s exterior lamps. Coolant temperature gauge
The coolant temperature gauge is located on
the left side in the instrument cluster
(Y page 29). G
Warning!
Driving when your engine is overheated can
cause some fluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire. You
could be seriously burned. 300
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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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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.
DISTRONIC PLUS displays in
multifunction display :
Speed of the vehicle ahead
; Marker
= Distance warning lamp
If the DISTRONIC PLUS is activated,
marker ; indicates the set speed.
The vehicle speed displayed on the
speedometer can briefly vary from the speed
setting on the DISTRONIC PLUS system.
If the DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle
directly ahead, the ring on the speedometer
dial comes on between the speed of the
vehicle ahead : and the set speed. If the DISTRONIC PLUS calculates that there
is a danger of collision, the distance warning
lamp
· in the instrument cluster comes
on and an intermittent warning sounds.
X Immediately apply the brake to avoid a
collision.
Under no circumstances should the driver
await the intermittent warning sound
before braking. See 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. G
Warning!
An intermittent warning sounds and the
distance warning lamp · in the instrument
cluster is illuminated if the DISTRONIC PLUS
system calculates that the distance to the
vehicle ahead and your vehicle’s current
speed indicate that the DISTRONIC PLUS will
not be capable of slowing the vehicle
sufficiently to maintain the preset following
distance, which creates a danger of a
collision.
Immediately brake the vehicle to increase
your distance to the preceding vehicle. The
warning sound is intended as a final caution
in which you should intercede 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. This 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 DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle
with a maximum deceleration of 13 ft/s 2
(4 m/s 2
). This corresponds to approximately
40% of the maximum deceleration of your
vehicle. Driving systems
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