2010 MERCEDES-BENZ CL550 ignition

Gearshift pattern ...........................
291
Shifting procedure ......................... 293
Transmission position indicator ..... 294
Transmission positions .................. 294
Generator
see Alternator

Global locking/unlocking
see Key, SmartKey
Glove box ........................................... 348
Gracenote ®
Media Database ............ 171
Gross Axle Weight Rating see GAWR
Gross Vehicle Weight
see GVW
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
see GVWR
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) ............394
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) ................................................ 394H
Hard plastic trim items, cleaning ....409
Hazard warning flasher ....................278
HD Radio™ ......................................... 154
Headlamp cleaning system .............. 278
Headlamps
Active Bi-Xenon headlamps ........... 274
Automatic headlamp mode

............275
Bi-Xenon ........................................ 274
Cleaning lenses ............................. 406
Cleaning system ............................ 278
Daytime running lamp mode ..........276
High-beam flasher .........................278
High-beam headlamps ...................278
Low-beam headlamps .................... 275
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 446
Replacing bulbs ............................. 463
Switch ............................................ 275
Headliner and shelf below rear
window, cleaning and care of ..........409
Head restraints ................................. 264
Adjustment ............................ 264, 267
Folding back .................................. 268
Rear seat head restraints ............... 268
Heated steering wheel ...................... 270Height adjustment

Seats ............................................. 264
Vehicle level control ...................... 318
High-beam flasher ............................. 278
High-beam headlamps ......................278
Indicator lamp .................................. 29
High-performance brake system

.....400
Hill-start assist system ..................... 315
HOLD function ................................... 316
Hood ................................................... 368
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 439
Horn ...................................................... 27
Hydroplaning ..................................... 400 I
Identification labels ..........................480
Identification number, vehicle
(VIN) ................................................... 481
Ignition ....................................... 262, 285
Immobilizer .......................................... 65
Indicator lamps see Lamps, indicator and warning


Infant and child restraint systems
see Children in the vehicle
Inflation pressure
see Tires, Inflation pressure
Infrared reflecting windshield .........364
Inside door handle ......................34, 256
Instrument cluster ......................29, 300
Illumination .................................... 300
Lamps ............................................ 450
Multifunction display .....................203
Instrument lighting
see Instrument cluster, Illumination
Instrument panel
see Instrument cluster
Instruments and controls
see Cockpit
Interior lighting
Emergency lighting ........................ 280
Front .............................................. 279
Front reading lamps ....................... 279
Rear ............................................... 279
Interior rear view mirror ................... 271
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors .... 27210
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Instrument cluster
Function Page
:
Coolant temperature gauge 300
;
Fuel gauge with:
Fuel tank reserve warning
lamp
457
K High-beam headlamp
indicator lamp
277
! Antilock Brake
System (ABS) indicator
lamp
451
6 Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)
indicator lamp
455
=
Parktronic/Park Assist
warning indicator for left
front area
323,
326 ?
Multifunction display with:
Speedometer
F Electronic parking
brake warning or indicator
lamps, USA only
453 Function Page
! Electronic parking
brake warning or indicator
lamps, Canada only
453
$ Brake warning lamp,
USA only
453,
451 J Brake warning lamp,
Canada only
453,
451 7 Seat belt telltale
454
h Combination low tire
pressure/TPMS
malfunction telltale, USA
only
377,
458 h Low tire pressure
telltale, Canada only
377,
458 # Left turn signal
indicator lamp
! Right turn signal
indicator lamp
÷ ESC warning lamp
435
· Distance warning
lamp
1 457
1
Vehicles without DISTRONIC PLUS: Warning lamp without function. It illuminates when the ignition is on. It
should go out when the engine is running. Instrument cluster
29At a glance
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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. Occupant safety
Introduction
In this section you will learn the most
important facts about the restraint system
components of the vehicle.
The restraint systems are:
R Seat belts
R Child restraints
R Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren
(LATCH) also known as ISOFIX
Additional protection
potential is provided by:
R Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with
- Air bags
- Air bag control unit (with crash sensors)
- Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD) for
seat belts
- Seat belt force limiter
R Preventive occupant safety (PRE-SAFE
®
)
R Air bag system components with
-Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp
- Front passenger seat with Occupant
Classification System (OCS)
Although the systems are independent, their
protective functions

work in conjunction with
each other. G
Warning!
Modifications to or work improperly
conducted on restraint system components or their wiring, as well as tampering with
interconnected electronic systems, can lead
to
the

restraint systems no longer functioning
as intended.
Air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices
(ETDs), for example, could deploy
inadvertently or fail to deploy in accidents
although the deceleration threshold for air
bag deployment is exceeded. Therefore,
never modify the restraint systems. Do not
tamper with electronic components or their
software.
i See “Children in the vehicle”
(Y page 51) for information on
R infants and children traveling with you in
the vehicle
R restraint systems for infants and children SRS indicator lamp
The SRS system conducts a self-test when
the ignition is switched on and in regular
intervals while the engine is running. This
facilitates detection of system malfunctions.
The SRS indicator lamp 6 in the
instrument cluster comes on when the
ignition is switched on. It goes out no later
than a

few seconds after the engine has been
started.
The SRS components are in operational
readiness when the SRS indicator lamp
6 is not lit while the engine is running. G
Warning!
The SRS self-check has detected a
malfunction when the SRS indicator lamp
6
R does not come on at all
R fails to go out after approximately
4 seconds after the engine was started
R comes on after the engine was started or
while driving 36
Occupant safety
Safety and security
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ABS
G
Observe Safety notes, see page 56. G
Warning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake
pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp ! in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
Braking At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal. The pulsation indicates that the
ABS is in the regulating mode.
X
Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal while you feel the pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking

power and the ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver X
Keep continuous full pressure on the brake
pedal. G
Warning!
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety
systems such

as the BAS or the ESC are also
switched off. Observe indicator and warning
lamps that may come on as well as messages
in the multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering
capability and extending the braking distance. BAS
G
Observe Safety notes, see page 56.
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations.

If you apply the brakes
very quickly, the BAS provides full brake
boost automatically, thereby potentially
reducing the braking distance.
X Apply continuous full braking pressure until
the emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes
function again as normal. The BAS is then
deactivated. G
Warning!
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the

braking distance may increase. BAS PLUS
The Brake Assist System PLUS (BAS PLUS)
operates in

emergency braking situations and
uses radar sensors to assess the traffic
situation. BAS PLUS assists you in braking at
speeds above approximately 20 mph
(30 km/h).
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 Driving safety systems
57
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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
Driving safety systems
Safety and security
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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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X
Switching to the next higher menu:
Press back button % briefly.
COMAND switches to the next higher menu
level within the currently active operating
mode.
X Switching to the main menu: Press and
hold back button %.
COMAND switches to the main menu of the
currently active operating mode. Basic functions
i The components and operating principles
of COMAND can be found on ( Y page 68).
Sound X
Muting: Press button 8 on the
multifunction steering wheel
(Y page 202).
The sound of the current audio source is
switched on or is muted.
i When the sound is muted, symbol 8
appears in the status line. When you
change the audio source, the sound is
switched on automatically. Navigation
announcements will be audible even when
the sound is muted.
Switching navigation announcements off
X Press button 8 on the multifunction
steering wheel during an announcement.
i The announcements remain switched off
even when you start a new route guidance
or switch COMAND off/on with the u
button. When you switch COMAND off by
removing the SmartKey from the starter
switch and then switch the ignition back on
after more than 3 minutes, the
announcements are switched back on
automatically.
X Switching navigation announcements
back on manually: Select Navi Q RPT
(Y page 122). Adjusting volume
X
Adjusting: Turn thumbwheel H.
or
X Press button W or X on the
multifunction steering wheel.
Volume of navigation announcements
You can adjust the volume of navigation
announcements independently of the
respective audio source volume.
During a navigation announcement:
X Turn thumbwheel H.
or
X Press button W or X on the
multifunction steering wheel.
You can recall a navigation announcement
manually.
X Select Navi Q RPT.
Adjusting volume for telephone calls
In hands-free mode, you can adjust the
volume of a telephone call while the call is
active.
During a telephone call:
X Turn thumbwheel H.
or
X Press button W or X on the
multifunction steering wheel. 76
COMAND introductionControl systems
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The
Off Road
message and an arrow showing
the compass heading to the destination
appear on the display.
As soon as the system can allocate the
vehicle position to the map again, route
guidance continues in the usual way. Navigation announcements
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.
i If Chinese is set as the system language,
the navigation announcements are in
English. For information on how to set the
system language see ( Y page 81).
Navigation announcements are muted
during telephone calls. You can, however,
call up a current announcement at any
time. You can also call up a current
announcement at any time if you have
missed an announcement.
Route guidance is active already.
X Calling up a current announcement:
Select Navi Q RPT.
or
X Press favorite button h if
the button has
been programmed with this function
(Y page 81). X
Switching off navigation messages:
Press button 8 during an
announcement.
You will see the message The driving
instructions have been muted. for a
short while.
i The announcements remain switched off
even if

you start a new route guidance or if
COMAND is switched off/on with button
u.
If you switch COMAND off by removing the
SmartKey from the starter switch and then
switch the ignition back on after more than
3 minutes, the announcements are
automatically switched back on.
X Switching navigation announcements
back on manually: Select Navi Q RPT.
X Adjusting volume of the messages:
Adjust the volume during an automatic
announcement (

Y page 76).
or
X Call up an announcement manually using
Navi Q RPT and adjust the volume
(Y page 76).
i You can use the function Audio
Fadeout (Y

page 93) to reduce the volume
of audio sources during navigation
announcements. COMAND navigation system (during
route guidance)
Cancel route guidance
X Select Destination Q Cancel Route
Guidance in map view with the menu
system displayed (Y

page 89). Continuing canceled route guidance
X Select Destination Q Continue
Route Guidance in map view with the
menu system displayed (Y

page 89).
COMAND calculates the route. 122
COMAND navigation system (during route guidance)
Control systems
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