2010 MERCEDES-BENZ E350 Driving safety systems

iUSA 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 53) is activated
when the distance to the vehicle ahead atyour current speed is so close that the PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake will not be capable of slowing
the vehicle sufficiently.
When the danger of a collision still persists
and you do not brake or accelerate
significantly, the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may
initiate full application of the brakes
automatically.GWarning!
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.
GWarning!
Depending on the vehicle speed, the
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake brakes your vehicle with a
maximum of 13 ft/s 2
(4 m/s 2
) before a
possible hard stop. This corresponds to about
40% of the maximum deceleration ability of
your vehicle. The driver must apply the brakes
additionally in order to prevent a collision. The
self-acting hard stop will be initiated when the
imminent danger of a collision exists, e.g.
when an evasive driving maneuver cannot
avoid an accident.
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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.XBrake 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).
GWarning!
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 149).
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.XActivating and deactivating: Activate or
deactivate the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake using the
instrument cluster control system
( Y page 137).
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.
In vehicles with Parking Guidance, the
automatic transmission must be in park
position P for the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
indicator Ä to be displayed.
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is deactivated when
the radar system is switched off. When you
switch off the radar system, the following
functions are deactivated:
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
R BAS PLUS ( Y page 63)
R DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 149)
R Blind Spot Assist ( Y page 175)
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.
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sensor surface : on an outside door
handle once more.
The roller sunblinds extend.
XRelease sensor surface : on the outside
door handle to interrupt the extending
procedure.
Driving and parking
Safety notes
GWarning!
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure the pedals
still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught between or
under the pedals. You could then no longer
brake or accelerate. This could lead to
accidents and injury.
GWarning!
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. Adapt your driving accordingly.
Starting the engine
GWarning!
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
Automatic transmission
Gearshift pattern for automatic transmission
:Button for selecting park position PjPark positionkReverse geariNeutral positionhDrive position
Gearshift pattern for automatic transmission(E 63 AMG)
:Button for selecting park position PjPark positionkReverse geariNeutral positionhDrive position
For more information, see “Automatic
transmission” (Y page 114).
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RVehicle status message memory
(Y page 139)
RRestarting the tire pressure loss warning
system (Canada only) (Y page 233)
RChecking tire inflation pressure
electronically with the Advanced TPMS
(Y page 233)
RCalling up the maintenance service
indicator display (Y page 259)
Vehicle status message memory
Use the vehicle status message memory
function to scan malfunction and warning
messages that may be stored in the system.
Such messages appear in the multifunction
display and are based on conditions or
system status the vehicle’s system has
recorded.
GWarning!
Malfunction and warning messages are only
indicated for certain systems and are
intentionally not very detailed. The
malfunction and warning messages are
simply a reminder with respect to the
operation of certain systems. They do not
replace the owner’s and/or driver’s
responsibility to maintain the vehicle’s
operating safety. Have all required
maintenance and safety checks performed on
the vehicle. Bring the vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to address the
malfunction and warning messages.
XPress button = or ; to select the
Serv. menu.
If conditions have occurred causing status
messages to be recorded, the number of
messages appears in the multifunction
display:
XPress button : or 9 to select the
messages function.
XPress button a to confirm.
The stored messages will now be displayed
in the order in which they have occurred.
For malfunction and warning messages,
see “Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display” (Y page 272).
XUse button : or 9 to scroll through
the messages.
If you turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 0 and then back to position 2, all
messages will be deleted from the message
memory.
Settings menu
Introduction
In the Sett. menu there are two functions:
The function Factory Setting
(Y page 139), with which you can reset the
settings to the original factory settings and a
collection of submenus (Y page 140) with
which you can make individual settings for
your vehicle.
Resetting to factory settings
You can reset most of the settings of the
submenus to the factory settings.
For safety reasons, the function Daytime
Running Lamps in the Lights submenu
cannot be reset while driving.
XPress button = or ; to select the
Sett. menu.
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XPress button = or ; to select the
Sett. menu.
XPress button : or 9 to select the
Convenience submenu.
XPress a.XPress button : or 9 to select the
Belt Adjustment: function.
The current setting Enabled or Disabled
is shown.
XPress button a to change the current
status.
Depending on the previous status, the
Belt Adjustment: function will be
Enabled or Disabled.
Driving systems
Introduction
RCruise control
RDISTRONIC PLUS
RHill-start assist system
RHOLD function
RAIRMATIC (E 550 and E 550 4MATIC)
RAll-wheel drive (4MATIC)
RParktronic system with Parking Guidance
RRear view camera
RNight View Assist Plus
RATTENTION ASSIST
RBlind Spot Assist
RLane Keeping Assist
RRACE START (E 63 AMG)
RAMG adaptive sport suspension system
(E 63 AMG)
The driving safety systems ABS, Adaptive
Brake, BAS, BAS PLUS, EBP, ESC and PRE-
SAFE® Brake are described in the “Safety and
security” section (Y page 61).
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 corresponding cruise control
speed segments from the selected speed to
the vehicle maximum speed in the
multifunction display are illuminated.
GWarning!
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.
RThe 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.
RThe 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.
RDeactivate the cruise control when driving
in fog.
The “Resume” function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
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XBriefly pull the cruise control lever in
direction of arrow ?.
If no speed is stored, the current speed is
set and stored.XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
The last stored speed is deleted from memory
when the engine is turned off.
DISTRONIC PLUS
Safety notes
When activated, the DISTRONIC PLUS
adaptive cruise control system increases the
driving convenience afforded by the cruise
control while traveling on expressways and
other major roadways.
R If the DISTRONIC PLUS distance sensor
detects a slower moving vehicle directly
ahead, your vehicle speed will be reduced
so that you follow that vehicle at your
preset following distance.
R If there is no vehicle directly ahead of you,
the DISTRONIC PLUS will function in the
same way as standard cruise control
( Y page 146).
GWarning!
The DISTRONIC PLUS requires familiarity with
its operational characteristics. We strongly
recommend that you review the following
information carefully before operating the
system.
GWarning!
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.GWarning!
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.
GWarning!
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.
GWarning!
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.
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suspension setup adjusts the damping
behavior and the ride height for your vehicle.
The AIRMATIC consists of two components.
The electronically controlled damping system
(Y page 163) and the vehicle level control
(Y page 163).
Damping system
The damping system is controlled
electronically and operates continuously. It
adjusts the damping characteristics to the
current operating and driving conditions. The
damping is adjusted individually for each
wheel. Driving safety and tire comfort are
increased.
The fine tuning of the damping is dependent
on
Ryour driving style
Rroad surface conditions
Ryour personal settings
The selected setting remains stored in
memory even if the SmartKey is removed
from the starter switch.
XStart the engine.
Sporty damping adjustment
The firmer suspension tuning in Sport driving
mode provides enhanced road contact.
Select this mode for example, on winding
highways.
XPress damping system switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on. The Sport
driving mode with a firmer suspension
tuning is selected. The message
AIRMATIC SPORT appears in the
multifunction display.
Comfort damping adjustment
Vehicle handling in Comfort driving mode is
softer. Select this mode when you prefer a
more comfortable driving style on straight
freeways.
XPress damping system switch :.
Indicator lamp = comes on. The Comfort
driving mode is selected. The message
AIRMATIC COMFORT appears in the
multifunction display.
Vehicle level control
Your vehicle automatically adjusts its ride
height.
The all-around vehicle level control provides
best possible suspension and constant
ground clearance. The vehicle lowers at high
speed automatically in order to increase
driving safety and to reduce fuel
consumption.
The following vehicle levels are available:
Rnormal
Rraised; the vehicle is raised by
approximately 1.0 in (25 mm) compared to
normal level
Rlowered; the vehicle is lowered by
approximately 0.4 in (10 mm) compared to
normal level
You can choose between normal or raised
level.
The vehicle chassis ride height is reduced
automatically
Rat a speed exceeding approximately
93 mph (150 km/h)
Rwith the Sport driving mode (Y page 163)
set
With decreasing speed, the ride height is
again raised to the normal level.
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iThese height adjustments are so small
that you may not notice any change.
Adjusting vehicle level manually
GWarning!
To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and
feet away from wheel housing area, and stay
away from under the vehicle when lowering
the vehicle chassis.
Select the normal level for driving on normal
roads. Select the raised level for driving on
rough roads or with snow chains. Select the
raised level only when required by current
driving conditions. Otherwise, the handling
may be impaired and the fuel consumption
may increase.
The selected vehicle level setting remains
stored in memory even if the SmartKey is
removed from the starter switch.
Selecting raised level
XStart the engine.
When indicator lamp ; is off:
XBriefly press vehicle level control
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on. The vehicle
adjusts from normal level to raised level.
The message: Vehicle Rising appears in
the multifunction display when adjusting
from normal level to raised level. The
message disappears when the vehicle is
raised. Indicator lamp ; is then lit.
When the vehicle is in raised level, pressing
vehicle level control switch : will return
the vehicle to normal level.
The vehicle is lowered to the normal level
automatically when
Rthe vehicle speed is above 75 mph
(120 km/h)
Rthe vehicle speed stays between 50 mph
(80 km/h) and 75 mph (120 km/h) for
approximately 3 minutes.
Indicator lamp ; in
vehicle level control switch : goes out.
If you do not drive in this speed range, the
selected vehicle level setting remains stored
in memory even if the SmartKey is removed
from the starter switch.
Selecting normal level
XStart the engine.
When indicator lamp ; is on:
XBriefly press vehicle level control
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The vehicle
adjusts from raised level to normal level.
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system (E 63 AMG)
Rear-axle level control
The rear-axle level control adjusts the vehicle
level for the rear axle. The rear-axle level
control is beneficial because it keeps the
vehicle level at the rear axle constant,
independent of the load. Your vehicle adjusts
its ride height automatically to increase
vehicle safety and to reduce fuel
consumption.
Damping system
The damping system is controlled
electronically and operates continuously. It
adjusts the damping characteristics to the
current operating and driving conditions. The
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