
Switching on while driving
You can switch on the DISTRONIC PLUS when
the vehicle speed is above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
Below 20 mph (30 km/h), you can only switch
on the DISTRONIC PLUS if the preceding
vehicle has been detected and is shown in the
multifunction display. If you no longer see the
preceding vehicle in the multifunction display
and if it is no longer detected because it has
changed lanes, for example, the DISTRONIC
PLUS switches off and a signal sounds.
XPull the DISTRONIC PLUS lever briefly in
direction of arrow ? to call up the last set
speed, or if no speed is stored, to set and
store the current speed.
The DISTRONIC PLUS is switched on.
or
XTap the DISTRONIC PLUS lever up : or
down ; until desired speed is set.
The DISTRONIC PLUS is switched on.XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Your vehicle adapts its speed to the
preceding vehicle, observing the set speed
as a maximum value.
If you do not completely remove your foot
from the accelerator pedal, the message
DISTRONIC PLUS Override appears in the
multifunction display. The distance to a
slower-driving vehicle will not be set. You will
drive at the speed you dictate by pressing the
accelerator pedal.
Switching on when approaching a
stationary vehicle
It is helpful to switch on the DISTRONIC PLUS
display in the multifunction display to see that
a preceding vehicle is detected
( Y page 152). You can only switch on the
DISTRONIC PLUS below a speed of 20 mph
(30 km/h) when a preceding vehicle is
detected.
If the preceding vehicle is stationary, you can
only switch on the DISTRONIC PLUS if your
vehicle is also at a standstill.XPull the DISTRONIC PLUS lever briefly in
direction of arrow ?.
The DISTRONIC PLUS is switched on.XTap the DISTRONIC PLUS lever up : or
down ; until desired speed is set.
You can adjust the set speed using the
DISTRONIC PLUS lever and the target
distance using the distance setting switch on
the DISTRONIC PLUS lever ( Y page 157).
i If the DISTRONIC PLUS is switched off,
the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (Y page 69) will warn
of an impending collision if this function has
been activated with the instrument cluster
control system ( Y page 137).
Starting off
When the preceding vehicle starts off:
XRemove your foot from the brake pedal.XPull the DISTRONIC PLUS lever briefly in
direction of arrow ?.
or
XBriefly step on the accelerator pedal.
Your vehicle starts off and adapts its speed
to the preceding vehicle.
Driving
If there is no preceding vehicle, the
DISTRONIC PLUS functions like the cruise
control ( Y page 146).
When the DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the
preceding vehicle is driving more slowly, it
brakes the vehicle in order to keep the
distance specified by you.
When the DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the
preceding vehicle is driving faster, it
accelerates the vehicle up to the set speed.
GWarning!
When you step on the brake pedal, you switch
off the DISTRONIC PLUS except when the
vehicle is at a standstill. The DISTRONIC PLUS
154Driving systemsControls in detail
212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 154

Ryou shift the automatic transmission into
park position P, reverse gear R, or neutral
position N while driving
Rthe radar sensors are switched off
Ryou pull the DISTRONIC PLUS lever in
direction of arrow ? (Y page 153) for
driving off and the passenger door is open
The segments indicating the set speed in the
multifunction display go out, an acoustic
signal sounds, and the message DISTRONIC
PLUS Off appears in the multifunction
display for approximately 5 seconds.
GWarning!
The DISTRONIC PLUS switches off and
releases the brakes when the vehicle
decelerates below the minimum speed of
20 mph (30 km/h) by operation of the system
unless the DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle
directly ahead of you. At that time the driver
must apply the brakes in order to reduce
vehicle speed further or bring it to a stop.
Depressing the accelerator pedal does not
deactivate the DISTRONIC PLUS. After a brief
acceleration (e.g. for passing), the
DISTRONIC PLUS will resume the last set
speed.
Setting the following distance in
DISTRONIC PLUS
You can set the specified following distance
for the DISTRONIC PLUS by varying the time
setting between 1.0 and 2.0 seconds. Using
this time setting and the current speed of
your vehicle, the DISTRONIC PLUS calculates
and sets the required following distance to
the preceding vehicle.
The set distance will be shown in the
multifunction display.
GWarning!
It is up to the driver to exercise discretion to
select the appropriate setting given road
conditions, traffic, driver’s preferred driving
style and applicable laws and driving
recommendations for safe following distance.
XIncreasing distance: Turn distance
setting switch : in direction of arrow ;.
Increasing the distance setting tells the
DISTRONIC PLUS to maintain a greater
following distance to the preceding vehicle.
XDecreasing distance: Turn distance
setting switch : in direction of arrow =.
Decreasing the distance setting tells the
DISTRONIC PLUS to maintain a shorter
following distance to the preceding vehicle.
Driving with DISTRONIC PLUS
This section describes a number of driving
situations where special precaution is
required on the part of the driver. Be prepared
to brake in such situations. Braking will
deactivate the DISTRONIC PLUS system.
GWarning!
The DISTRONIC PLUS works to maintain the
speed selected by the driver unless a moving
obstacle proceeding directly ahead of it in the
same travel direction is detected (e.g.
following another vehicle ahead of you at your
set distance).
This means that:
RYour vehicle can pass another vehicle after
you have changed lanes.
RWhile in a sharp turn or if the preceding
vehicle is in a sharp turn, the DISTRONIC
Driving systems157Controls in detail212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 157Z

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 (Comfort, Sport, or
Sport+)
When you start the engine, the Comfort
driving mode is selected automatically.
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 AMG Suspension System
SPORT appears in the multifunction display.
Sport+ damping adjustment
The very firm chassis and suspension setup
in Sport+ driving mode provides best possible
road contact. Only select this setting for
driving on closed circuits.
XPress damping system switch : until
indicator lamps = and ? are on.
The Sport+ driving mode is selected.
The message AMG Suspension System
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 : until
indicator lamps = and ? are off.
The Comfort driving mode is selected.
The message AMG Suspension System
COMFORT appears in the multifunction
display.
Storing and calling up settings
When you have selected the driving mode
(Comfort, Sport, or Sport+) and the program
mode (Y page 121), you can store, call up,
and display the settings using AMG
button ; when the engine is running.
Pressing AMG button ; when the ignition is
switched on, displays the current settings
only.
XStoring: Press and hold AMG button ;
until an acoustic signal sounds.
The current settings are stored and
appears in the multifunction display.
XCalling up and displaying: Press AMG
button ;.
The stored driving mode and program
mode are in effect and the settings appear
in the multifunction display.
XDisplaying: Tap AMG button ;.
The stored and/or currently active settings
appear in the multifunction display.
Parktronic system
The Parktronic system with Parking Guidance
is an electronic parking aid with ultrasonic
sensors designed to assist the driver during
parking maneuvers. The Parktronic system
Driving systems165Controls in detail212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 165Z

RFront area: An intermittent acoustic
warning will sound as the first red distance
segment illuminates and a constant
acoustic warning lasting a maximum of
2 seconds will sound for the second red
distance segment. The signal is canceled
when the automatic transmission is shifted
into park position P or the parking brake is
engaged.
RRear area: An intermittent acoustic
warning will sound as the first red distance
segment illuminates and a constant
acoustic warning lasting a maximum of
2 seconds will sound for the second red
distance segment. The signal is canceled
when the automatic transmission is shifted
into drive position D, or park position P, or
the parking brake is engaged.
Switching the Parktronic system on/
off
The Parktronic system switches on
automatically when the ignition is switched
on.
XSwitching off: Press Parktronic
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on.
XSwitching on: Press Parktronic switch :
again.
iWhen you switch the Parktronic system
on or off the Parking Guidance
(Y page 168) is also switched on or off.
Parktronic system malfunction
There is a malfunction in the Parktronic
system, if only the red distance segments
illuminate and an acoustic warning sounds.
The Parktronic system will switch off
automatically after 20 seconds and indicator
lamp ; in Parktronic switch : comes on.
XHave the Parktronic system checked at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.
If only the red distance segments illuminate
and no acoustic warning sounds, the
Parktronic system sensors are dirty (e.g. dirt,
ice, snow and slush). Another cause could be
interference from other radio or ultrasonic
signals (e.g. truck air brakes, car wash, or
jackhammers). The Parktronic system will
switch off automatically after 20 seconds and
indicator lamp ; in Parktronic switch :
comes on.
XSwitch off the ignition.XClean the Parktronic system sensors
(Y page 263).
XSwitch on the ignition.
or
XCheck the Parktronic system operation at
another location to rule out interference
from outside radio or ultrasonic signals.
Parking Guidance
The Parking Guidance is part of the Parktronic
system. With the Parktronic system switched
on (Y page 168), the Parking Guidance is also
available.
The Parking Guidance is an electronic parking
aid equipped with ultrasonic sensors. The
ultrasonic sensors scan the area on both
sides of vehicle. When a suitable parking
space is found, it is indicated by a parking
space symbol in the multifunction display.
You will receive steering instructions for
parking in that space.
168Driving systemsControls in detail
212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 168

speed of up to 22 mph (35 km/h). It scans
automatically for and measures potential
parking spaces on both sides of the vehicle.
Example illustration
:Detected parking space on the left;Parking space symbol=Detected parking space on the right
At a vehicle speed of below 19 mph
(30 km/h), you see parking space
symbol ; as a system display in the
multifunction display.
When a parking space has been detected, an
additional arrow to the right = or to the
left : appears.
In order to be detected by the Parking
Guidance, a parking space must be
Rparallel to the direction of travel
Rat least 5 ft (1.5 m) wide
Rat least 4.3 ft (1.3 m) longer than your
vehicle is
A parking space is shown in the multifunction
display when driving by until you have
reached a distance of 50 ft (15 m) from the
space. The Parking Guidance only shows
parking spaces on the passenger side of the
vehicle unless you activate the driver’s side
(left) turn signal. If you would like to park on
the driver’s side, the left turn signal must
remain on until the reverse gear is engaged.
Parking
GWarning!
The Parking Guidance is only an aid and may
not detect all obstacles. The Parking
Guidance does not relieve you of the
responsibility to pay attention. You are always
responsible for safety and must continue to
pay attention to your immediate surroundings
when parking and maneuvering. Otherwise,
you could endanger yourself and others.
XBring the vehicle to a standstill as long as
the desired parking space is displayed by
the parking space symbol in the
multifunction display.
XShift the automatic transmission into
reverse gear R.
The message Check Vehicle
Surroundings Press ’OK’ to Confirm
appears in the multifunction display.
XPress a on the multifunction steering
wheel to confirm.
The display in the multifunction display
changes to the Parking Guidance.
The message Please Drive Backward
appears in the multifunction display,
depending on the distance to the parking
space.
Example illustration
XIf applicable, drive straight backward a
little.
An arrow pointing toward you indicates the
backward direction.
XDrive straight backward until an acoustic
signal sounds. Stop the vehicle. You have
reached the stop position. The arrow is
completely white.
The message Please Steer Wheel to
the Right or Please Steer Wheel to
the Left appears in the multifunction
display.
170Driving systemsControls in detail
212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 170

Example illustration
XWith the vehicle still standing, turn the
steering wheel in the indicated direction
until the arrow is completely white and an
acoustic signal sounds.
XPulling into parking space: Keep the
steering wheel in position and drive
backward carefully.
XStop as soon as an acoustic signal sounds.
The vehicle has reached the
countersteering point.
The message Please Steer Wheel to
the Right or Please Steer Wheel to
the Left appears in the multifunction
display.
XCountersteering: With the vehicle still
standing, turn the steering wheel in the
indicated direction until the arrow is
completely white and an acoustic signal
sounds.
XPulling into parking space: Keep the
steering wheel in position and drive
backward carefully.
XStop as soon as an acoustic signal sounds.
Stop the vehicle immediately when the
Parktronic systems issues an audible,
continuous warning signal.
The message Parking Guidance
Finished appears in the multifunction
display and an acoustic signal sounds. You
may be prompted to steer into a different
direction and then shift the automatic
transmission to a another position. The
displays in the multifunction display will
then guide you into the final park position.
XIf necessary, adjust the end position by
maneuvering as needed.
XObserve the warning indicators of the
Parktronic system (Y page 167).
Canceling the Parking Guidance
XPress the Parktronic switch (Y page 168).
The Parking Guidance is canceled
immediately and the Parktronic system is
deactivated.
The Parking Guidance is canceled
automatically if guidance into the parking
space is no longer possible or if an error
occurs.
The parking space symbol disappears and the
message Parking Guidance Canceled
appears in the multifunction display.
Rear view camera
The rear view camera is an optical parking aid.
The area behind the vehicle appears in the
COMAND system display as a mirror image,
like in the rear view mirror.
GWarning!
Make sure no persons or animals are in or
near the area in which you are parking/
maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be
injured.
GWarning!
The rear view camera is only an aid and may
display obstacles
Rfrom a distorted perspective
Rinaccurately
Rmay not display obstacles at all
Driving systems171Controls in detail212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 171Z

XCleaning inside of windshield: Use a soft,
non-scratching cloth ( Y page 263).
Blind Spot Assist
The Blind Spot Assist uses radar sensors to
monitor the area on both sides of your
vehicle. It will assist you when you change
lanes driving at speeds of above 20 mph
(30 km/h). A red warning lamp will come on
in the exterior rear view mirror as soon as
another vehicle is detected. If you then
activate the corresponding turn signals to
change lanes, the red warning lamp flashes
and warning sounds (collision warning). The
Blind Spot Assist operates using sensors in
the rear bumper.
GWarning!
The Blind Spot Assist is only a driving aid and
may not detect all vehicles.
The Blind Spot Assist may not be able to
detect narrow vehicles such as motorcycles
or bicycles, or it may not detect them until it
is too late.
The monitoring function may be impaired if
your sensors are dirty, subject to heavy spray,
or if visibility is poor due to e.g. snow, rain, or
fog. This can result in vehicles not being
detected or being detected too late.
The Blind Spot Assist cannot detect road,
traffic and weather conditions.
It is the driver’s responsibility at all times to
be attentive to road, weather and traffic
conditions and to provide the steering,
braking and other driving inputs necessary to
retain control of the vehicle. Failure to do so
could result in recognizing dangers too late,
possibly resulting in an accident and serious
injury to yourself and others.
In order for the Blind Spot Assist to function,
the radar sensors must be switched on and
operational.
When traveling in Canada in a vehicle not
registered in Canada, you must switch off the
radar sensor system ( Y page 144). Canadian
law does not permit the use of the radar
sensor system for vehicles from outside of
Canada. When you switch off the radar sensor
system, the following functions are
deactivated:
R Blind Spot Assist
R BAS PLUS ( Y page 63)
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ( Y page 69)
R DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 149)
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.
Sensor monitoring range
The Blind Spot Assist is able to monitor a
range up to 10 ft (3 m) to the rear and both
sides of the vehicle.
Driving systems175Controls in detail212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 175Z

When you shift the automatic transmission in
reverse gear R, yellow indicator lamps : in
the exterior rear view mirrors goes out after
approximately 3 seconds. The Blind Spot
Assist is then not active.
The brightness of indicator lamps/warning
lamps : is controlled automatically
depending on the brightness of the ambient
light.
GWarning!
The Blind Spot Assist is not active at speeds
below approximately 20 mph (30 km/h). The
yellow indicator lamps in the exterior rear
view mirrors are illuminated. You will not be
alerted to the presence of vehicles in the
monitored area at these speeds.
It is the driver’s responsibility at all times to
be attentive to road, weather and traffic
conditions and to provide the steering,
braking and other driving inputs necessary to
retain control of the vehicle. Failure to do so
could result in recognizing dangers too late,
possibly resulting in an accident and serious
injury to yourself and others.
Collision warning
If a vehicle is detected in the Blind Spot Assist
range and you activate the turn signal, a two-
tone warning will sound once. Red warning
lamp : on the corresponding side of the
vehicle will flash.
GWarning!
Do not change lanes or make turns, while red
warning lamp : is flashing. Doing so could
result in an accident and serious injury to
yourself and others.
XRemain on the lane that you are currently
on until traffic conditions permit to change.
If the turn signal remains on, red warning
lamp : will flash to indicate that vehicles
have been detected. No further audible
warnings will sound.
Lane Keeping Assist
The Lane Keeping Assist supports you at a
vehicle speed of above 40 mph when you
have set the display unit to miles in the
Display Unit Speed-/Odometer: menu in
the control system (Y page 141). When you
have set the display unit to km, the system
supports you at a vehicle speed of above
60 km/h. When the Lane Keeping Assist
detects lane markings, the system is
designed to alert you in case you leave your
lane unintentionally. A warning is usually
issued when a front wheel is on the lane
marking. An interval vibration in the steering
wheel that lasts for up to 1.5 seconds will
then alert you.
The Lane Keeping Assist monitors the area in
front of your vehicle via camera :.
The system can distinguish various
conditions in order to alert you early enough
and to avoid unnecessary warnings when
crossing lane markings.
The warning is issued sooner when
Rcutting a curve on the outside of the turn
Rdriving on very wide lanes such as highway
lanes
Rthe system recognizes dividing lines
because crossing them is often crucial due
to soft shoulders or guardrails behind for
example
The warning is issued later however when
Rdriving on narrow lanes
Rcutting a curve on the inside of the turn
Driving systems177Controls in detail212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 177Z