Driving
Abroad ........................................... 401
Hydroplaning ................................. 400
Instructions ........................... 285, 397
In winter ........................................ 396
Problems ....................................... 288
Safety systems
................................ 56
Systems ......................................... 301
Through standing water .................400
With DISTRONIC PLUS ................... 313
Driving and parking
Safety notes .................................. 285
Driving off .................................. 287, 400
Driving safety systems ....................... 56
ABS .................................................. 57
Adaptive Brake ................................ 59
Adaptive Brake Lights ...................... 59
BAS .................................................. 57
BAS PLUS ........................................ 57
EBP .................................................. 59
ESC .................................................. 59
ETS/4-ETS ....................................... 60
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 62
Driving systems
Active Body Control (ABC) ............. 319
Advanced Parking Guidance ..........327
AIRMATIC ...................................... 317
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) ................ 321
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 335
Cruise control ................................ 302
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 304
Hill-start assist system .................. 315
HOLD function ............................... 316
Night View Assist ........................... 333
Park Assist ..................................... 324
Parktronic system ..........................321
Rear view camera .......................... 332
Driving tips, automatic
transmission ...................................... 295
DVD, audio ......................................... 162
DVD, video ......................................... 174 E
EBP (Electronic Brake
Proportioning) ...................................... 59
Electrical system
Improper work on or
modifications
................................... 22
Power outlets ................................. 353
Electrical system (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Electronic parking brake ..................288
Electronic Stability Control see ESC
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4-ETS
Emergency, in case of
First aid kit ..................................... 412
Flat tire .......................................... 465
Hazard warning flasher ..................278
Roadside Assistance ................ 21, 356
Towing the vehicle .........................473
Emergency calls
Tele Aid .......................................... 354
Telephone ...................................... 137
Emergency engine shutdown ...........478
Emergency operations
Remote door lock (Tele Aid) ........... 359
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) ....... 359
Trunk lid, emergency release .........260
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD
Emission control ............................... 401
Information label ............................ 481
System warranties ........................... 20
Engine
Break-in recommendations ............366
Cleaning ......................................... 405
Compartment ................................ 368
Malfunction indicator lamp ............ 457
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 442
Number .......................................... 481
Starting .......................................... 285
Turning off ..................................... 290
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Engine coolant
see Coolant 8
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Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 371
Additives ........................................ 493
Checking level ............................... 369
Consumption ................................. 369
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 444
Oil dipstick .....................................
369
Recommended engine oils and oil
filter ............................................... 492
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) ......59
ETS/4-ETS ....................................... 60
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................... 429, 430, 435
Warning lamp ................................. 456
ETD (Emergency Tensioning
Device) ................................................. 48
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
ETS/4-ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ................................................ 60
Express operation Power windows .............................. 282
Tilt/sliding sunroof ........................345
Exterior lamp switch ......................... 275
Exterior rear view mirrors ................271
Fold-in function .............................. 273
Parking position ............................. 272
Power folding ................................. 273
Exterior view of vehicle ......................26 F
Fastening the seat belts .....................47
First aid kit .........................................
412
Flat tire
............................................... 465
Lowering the vehicle ......................469
Mounting the spare wheel ............. 466
Preparing the vehicle .....................465
Spare wheel ........................... 465, 490
Floormats ........................................... 363
Fluids
ABC fluid ................................ 371, 491
Automatic transmission fluid ......... 491
Brake fluid ..................................... 491
Capacities ...................................... 490
Engine coolant ............................... 491
Engine oil ....................................... 490Power steering fluid .......................
491
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ........................................... 492
Fog lamps ........................................... 277
Messages in the multifunction
display
................................... 446, 448
Fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors ...................................... 273
Four-wheel drive see All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
Front air bags
see Air bags
Front passenger front air bag ............ 40
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 417
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp ............................. 41, 459
Fuel ..................................................... 366
Additives ........................................ 494
Capacity, fuel tank ......................... 491
Drive sensibly–safe fuel .................397
Fuel consumption statistics ...........204
Fuel filler flap and cap ................... 367
Fuel tank reserve warning lamp .....457
Premium unleaded gasoline ...........493
Refueling ........................................ 366
Requirements ................................ 494
Fuel filler flap ..................................... 367
Fuel gauge ......................................... 301
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. ........490
Fuel tank Capacity ........................................ 491
Fuel filler flap and cap ................... 367
Refueling ........................................ 366
Fuses .................................................. 476 G
Garage door opener .......................... 360
Gasoline see Fuel
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) ...394
Gear range ......................................... 295
Indicator ........................................ 295
Limiting .......................................... 297
Shifting into optimal ......................298
Gear selector lever ............................291
Cleaning ......................................... 409 Index
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Treadwear indicators .............
386, 395
Vehicle maximum load on .............. 395
Wear pattern
.................................. 388
Winter tires ............................ 395, 486
Tire speed rating .......................390, 395
Top tether see Children in the vehicle
Total load limit ................................... 395
Towing
Towing eye bolt .............................. 474
Vehicle ........................................... 473
Towing eye bolt ................................. 474
Traction ...................................... 387, 395
Traffic messages ............................... 125
Transfer case ..................................... 299
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission fluid level .................... 371
Transmission gear selector lever see Gear selector lever
Transmission positions ....................294
Traveling abroad ............................... 401
Tread (tires) ....................................... 395
Tread depth (tires) ....................386, 395
Treadwear .......................................... 387
Treadwear indicators (tires) .... 386, 395
Trip menu ........................................... 204
Trunk
Closing ........................................... 258
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 439
Opening ......................................... 258
Opening/closing system ............... 259
Opening-height restriction ............. 193
Trunk lid emergency release .......... 260
Unlocking manually .......................461
Valet locking .................................. 261
Turning off the engine ......................290
Turn signals ....................................... 277
Cleaning lenses ............................. 406
Indicator lamps ................................ 29
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 449 U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards .................................. 387, 395
Units Selecting speedometer display
mode ............................................. 215
Unleaded gasoline, premium ........... 493
Unlocking the vehicle
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 253
Manually
........................................ 460
SmartKey ....................................... 252
Upholstery, cleaning .........................409
USB devices (media interface) .........183
USB socket ........................................... 72
Useful features .................................. 350 V
Valet locking ...................................... 261
Vehicle
Battery ........................................... 469
Care ............................................... 403
Control system .............................. 201
Identification Number (VIN) ........... 480
Individual settings ..........................214
Locking/unlocking ........................ 252
Lowering (wheel change)
............... 469
Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety .............................. 22
Towing ........................................... 473
Unlocking/locking manually .......... 460
Vehicle dimensions
see Vehicle specification
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ................................................... 480
Vehicle jack see Jack
Vehicle level control
see AIRMATIC
Vehicle lighting .................................. 274
Vehicle loading
Instructions .................................... 347
Load limit ....................................... 382
Terminology ................................... 393
Vehicle maximum load on the tire ... 395 18
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i
USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2.
this device must accept anyinterference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
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.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment. Driving safety systems
Introduction
This section contains information about the
following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Antilock Brake System)
R Adaptive Brake
R Adaptive Brake Lights
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R BAS PLUS ( Brake Assist System PLUS)
R EBP ( Electronic Brake Proportioning)R
ESC ( Electronic Stability Control)
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ( Preventive Occupant
Safety System Brake)
i In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of most of the driving
systems described in this section is only
achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
Safety notes G
Warning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural
laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear. 56
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BAS PLUS uses radar signals that are not
reflected well by narrow objects and
absorptive materials. For this reason BAS
PLUS will not react to persons, animals, and
approaching traffic or cross-traffic.
BAS PLUS may not detect narrow vehicles
driving in front of you, such as motorcycles
and vehicles driving offset from your vehicle
center.
After a hard collision or damage to the front
of the vehicle from an accident, have the
adjustment and operation of the radar
sensors checked
by an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
If BAS PLUS is not available due to a radar
sensor malfunction, the braking system will
continue to function normally with full brake
boost and full standard BAS function. Adaptive Brake
Adaptive Brake provides a high level of
braking safety as well as increased braking
comfort. Adaptive Brake takes driver and
vehicle characteristics into consideration,
thus achieving an optimal braking effect.
In addiditon, Adaptive Brake provides the
HOLD function
(Y page 316) and the hill-start
assist system ( Y page 315).
For more information on the brake system,
see ( Y page 398). Adaptive Brake Lights
i This function is only available for the
CL 600 (USA only).
The brake lamps flash in quick intervals
R while you are braking hard at a speed of
more than 30 mph (50 km/h)
R when you are braking with the aid of BAS
R when you are braking with the aid of BAS
PLUS.
This helps to alert drivers behind you. If you bring the car to a complete stop by hard
braking at a speed of more than 40 mph
(70
km/h),
the hazard warning flasher comes
on automatically as soon as the vehicle is at
a standstill. While the vehicle is stationary,
the brake lamps are continuously lit up. Once
you drive faster than 6 mph (10 km/h)
afterward, the hazard warning flasher goes
out. EBP
G
Observe Safety notes, see page 56.
The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP)
enhances braking effectiveness by allowing
the rear
brakes to supply a greater proportion
of the braking effort in straight-line braking
without a loss of vehicle stability. G
Warning!
If the EBP malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics. ESC
G
Observe Safety notes, see page 56.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is
operational as
soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESC recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual
wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESC works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESC is
especially useful while driving off and on wet
or slippery road surfaces. The ESC also
stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers. Driving safety systems
59
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The ESC warning lamp
÷ in the instrument
cluster comes on when you switch on the
ignition. It goes out when the engine is
running. G
Warning!
Never switch off the ESC when you see the
ESC warning lamp ÷ flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When 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 ESC cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC:
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.
Active braking action through the ESC may
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Vehicles without 4MATIC:
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.
! The ESC will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
as specified
in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
i The DISTRONIC PLUS and cruise control
switch off automatically when the ESC
engages.
Electronic Traction System
(ETS/4-ETS) G
Observe Safety notes, see page 56.
The ETS (Electronic Traction System) and
4-ETS (four-wheel Electronic Traction
System, vehicles with 4MATIC only) are
components of the ESC. The
ETS/4-ETS
improves the vehicle’s ability to utilize
available traction, especially under slippery
road conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel. Vehicles with 4MATIC also
transfer more power to the wheel(s) with
traction.
When you switch off the ESC, the
ETS/4-ETS is still enabled.
Switching off the ESC Switching off the ESC (except CL 63 AMG)
G
Warning!
The ESC should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not
switch off the ESC when a spare wheel
is mounted. 60
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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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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
COMAND introduction
Control systems
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