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 00BA 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 330).
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.
When traveling in Canada in a vehicle not
registered in Canada, you must switch off the
radar sensor system ( Y page 236). Canadian
law does not permit the use of the radar
sensor system for vehicles from outside of
Canada.
When you switch off the radar system, the
following functions are deactivated:
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
R BAS PLUS ( Y page 64)
R DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 330)
R Blind Spot Assist ( Y page 359)XActivating and deactivating: Activate or
deactivate the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake using the
instrument cluster control system
( Y page 232).
After the function has been activated, the
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake indicator 00C7 appears
in the instrument cluster. When the HOLD
function is switched on, the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake indicator 00C7 will not appear.
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.
Anti-theft systems71Safety and security221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 71Z
XPress button \000d again if you would like
to change the current status.
Depending on the previous status, the
Display Unit Speed-/Odometer will be
switched to miles or km.
The additional speedometer (Y page 235)
will be shown in the other unit.
Activating/deactivating the seat belt
adjustment function35
Use this function to set the seat belts to be
adjusted automatically with the driver’s or
front passenger seat belt fastened and the
starter switch in position 2.
For more information on the seat belt
adjustment function, see (Y page 52).
XPress button \000@ or \000> to select the
Settings menu.
XPress \000d.XPress button \000= or \000< to select the
Belt Adjustment function.
XPress button \000d again if you would like
to change the current status.
Depending on the previous status, the
Belt Adjustment function will be
Enabled or Disabled.
Switching the radar sensors on or off
If your vehicle is equipped with DISTRONIC
PLUS or BAS PLUS it is equipped with a radar
sensor system which you can switch on and
off.
When traveling in Canada in a vehicle not
registered in Canada, you must switch off the
radar sensor system. 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:
RBAS PLUS (Y page 64)
RPRE-SAFE® Brake (Y page 69)
RDISTRONIC PLUS (Y page 330)
RBlind Spot Assist (Y page 359)
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.
iCanada 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
35Depending on vehicle production date236Instrument cluster control systemControl systems
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 236
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.
XPress button \000@ or \000> to select the
Settings menu.
XPress button \000= or \000< to select the
Radar Sensors function.
XPress button \000d.XPress button \000d again if you would like
to change the current status.
Depending on the previous status, the
Radar Sensors will be switched on
(Enabled) or off (Disabled).
iThe selected status of the radar sensors
remains stored in memory even if the
engine is turned off and restarted.
The following message appears in the
multifunction display if the radar sensors are
switched off and you attempt to activate
DISTRONIC PLUS or PRE-SAFE® Brake:
Radar Sensors
(See Oper. Manual)
Disabled
Voice Control System introduction
Safety notes
GWarning!
Only use the Voice Control System when road
and traffic conditions permit you to do so.
Otherwise you could be involved in an
accident in which you or others could be
injured.
GWarning!
Please devote your attention first and
foremost to the traffic situation you are in.
While the system permits hands-free phone
operation, attention to traffic may be diverted
not only by physical operation of a phone, but
also by the distraction of a phone
conversation while driving. As such, for safety
reasons, we encourage the driver to stop the
vehicle in a safe place before answering or
placing a phone call.
For safety reasons, you should only select a
destination when the vehicle is stationary.
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.
Traffic regulations always have priority over
any route recommendations given.
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.
GWarning!
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.
Voice Control System introduction237Control systems221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 237Z
Intermittent wiping
Only switch on intermittent wiping under wet
weather conditions or in the presence of
precipitation.
When you select intermittent wiping, the rain
sensor is activated. The rain sensor sets a
suitable wiping interval depending on the
wetness of the sensor surface automatically.
! Do not leave windshield wipers on an
intermittent setting when the vehicle is
taken to an automatic car wash or during
windshield cleaning. Windshield wipers will
operate in the presence of water sprayed
on the windshield, and windshield wipers
may be damaged as a result.
! If you have set intermittent wiping, dirt on
the surface of the rain sensor or optical
effects may cause the windshield wipers to
wipe in an undesired fashion. This could
then damage the windshield wiper blades
or scratch the windshield. You should
therefore switch off the windshield wipers
when weather conditions are dry.
XTurn the combination switch to position
004E or 004F .
After the initial wipe, pauses between
wipes are controlled by the rain sensor
automatically.
Intermittent wiping is interrupted when the
vehicle is at a standstill and a front door is
opened. This protects persons getting into or
out of the vehicle from being sprayed.
Intermittent wiping will be continued when all
doors are closed and
R the automatic transmission is in drive
position D or reverse gear R
or
R the wiper setting is changed using the
combination switch
Single wipeXPress the combination switch briefly in
direction of arrow 0087 to the resistance
point.
The windshield wipers wipe one time
without washer fluid.
Wiping with washer fluid
XPress the combination switch in direction
of arrow 0087 past the resistance point.
The windshield wipers operate with washer
fluid.
i To prevent smears on the windshield or
noisy/chattering wiper blades, wipe with
washer fluid every now and then even when
it is raining.
For information on filling up the washer
reservoir, see “Washer system and headlamp
cleaning system” ( Y page 409).
For information on cleaning the headlamps
with washer fluid, see “Headlamp cleaning
system” ( Y page 303).
Problems with wipers
! If anything blocks the windshield wipers
(leaves, snow, etc.), switch them off
immediately.
For safety reasons, do the following before
attempting to remove any blockage:
R Stop the vehicle in a safe location.
R Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
or
R Turn off the engine by pressing the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and
open the driver’s door (with the driver’s
door open, starter switch is in position
0 , same as with SmartKey removed from
starter switch).
R Engage the electronic parking brake.
306WipersControls in detail
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 306
GWarning!
When the DISTRONIC PLUS is braking, the
brake pedal is retracted (i.e. depressed
automatically). The pedals’ range of motion
must not be impeded by any obstacles:
R Do not place any objects in the footwell.
R Make sure that the floormats and carpets
are securely in place.
R Do not rest your foot underneath the brake
pedal, as it could otherwise be trapped.
You could otherwise cause an accident and
injure yourself and/or others.
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.
The DISTRONIC PLUS does not function in
adverse sight and distance conditions. Do not
use the DISTRONIC PLUS during conditions of
fog, heavy rain, snow or sleet.
GWarning!
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take weather
conditions into account. Switch off the
DISTRONIC PLUS or do not switch it on if:
R roads are slippery or covered with snow or
ice. The wheels could lose traction while
braking or accelerating, and the vehicle
could skid.
R the DISTRONIC PLUS system sensor covers
are dirty or visibility is diminished due to
snow, rain or fog, for example. The distance
control system functionality could be
impaired.
Always pay attention to surrounding traffic
conditions even while the DISTRONIC PLUS is
Driving systems331Controls in detail221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 331Z
switched on. Otherwise, you may not be able
to recognize dangerous situations until it is
too late. This could cause an accident in which
you and/or others could be injured.GWarning!
The “Resume” function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed.
GWarning!
Close attention to road and traffic conditions
is imperative at all times, regardless of
whether or not the DISTRONIC PLUS is
activated.
Use of the DISTRONIC PLUS can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy traffic
because conditions do not allow safe driving
at a constant speed.
The DISTRONIC PLUS will not react to
stationary objects in the roadway (e.g. a
stopped vehicle in a traffic jam or a disabled
vehicle). The DISTRONIC PLUS will also not
respond to oncoming vehicles.
Switch off the DISTRONIC PLUS:
R when changing from the left to the right
lane if vehicles are moving more slowly in
the left lane
R when entering a turn lane or highway off
ramp
R in complex driving situations, such as in
highway construction zones
In these situations, the DISTRONIC PLUS will
continue to maintain the set speed unless
deactivated.
The DISTRONIC PLUS is designed and
intended only to maintain a set speed and
keep a set distance from moving objects in
front of it.
The DISTRONIC PLUS functions in a speed
range of 0 to 120 mph
(Canada: 0 to 200 km/h) if a preceding
vehicle is detected. If no preceding vehicle is
detected the DISTRONIC PLUS functions in a
speed range of 20 to 120 mph
(Canada: 30 to 200 km/h).
Always obey applicable speed limits.
Do not use the DISTRONIC PLUS if you are
driving on a road with steep uphill or downhill
slopes.
When traveling in Canada in a vehicle not
registered in Canada, you must switch off the
radar sensor system ( Y page 236). 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 DISTRONIC PLUS
R BAS PLUS ( Y page 64)
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ( Y page 69)
R Blind Spot Assist ( Y page 359)
i Due to its radar-emitting nature
DISTRONIC PLUS may have an appearance
similar to a radar detector to law
enforcement officials. You may want to
refer to this section of your Operator’s
Manual when asked.
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.332Driving systemsControls in detail
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 332
The DISTRONIC PLUS regulates only the
distance between your vehicle and those
directly ahead of it. It may not register
stationary objects in the road, e.g.:
Ra stopped vehicle in a traffic jam
Ra disabled vehicle
Ran oncoming vehicle
The driver must always be alert, observe all
traffic and intercede as required by means of
steering or braking the vehicle.
GWarning!
The DISTRONIC PLUS should not be used in
snowy or icy road conditions.
The most likely cause for a malfunctioning
system is a dirty sensor (located in the hood
grille and in the bumper), especially at times
of snow and ice or heavy rain.
In such a case, the DISTRONIC PLUS will
switch off, and the message DISTRONIC
PLUS Currently Unavailable See
Oper. Manual appears in the multifunction
display.
For cleaning and care of the sensors, see
(Y page 443).
iIf the message DISTRONIC PLUS
Currently Unavailable See Oper.
Manual disappears during driving and the
last speed stored flashes for approximately
5 seconds, the dirt (e.g. slush) has
dissolved; the DISTRONIC PLUS is available
again.
Another cause might be that the radar
sensors have been manually switched off in
the instrument cluster control system. Please
verify that the radar sensors are switched on
(Y page 236).
Turns and bends
In turns or bends, the DISTRONIC PLUS may
not detect a preceding vehicle, or it may
detect one too soon. This may cause your
vehicle to brake late or unexpectedly.
Offset driving
A vehicle traveling in your lane but offset from
your direct line of travel may not be detected
by the DISTRONIC PLUS. There will be
insufficient distance to the preceding vehicle.
Lane changing
340Driving systemsControls in detail
221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 340
Comfort suspension tuning
Vehicle handling in comfort driving mode is
softer. Select this mode when you prefer a
more comfortable driving style.XWhen indicator lamp 0047 is on: Press
button 0046.
Indicator lamp 0047 goes out. The
comfortable chassis and suspension setup
is selected.
The message ABC Active Body Control
COMFORT appears in the multifunction
display.
All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
In vehicles with all-wheel drive (4MATIC),
both axles are powered at all times when the
vehicle is being operated. The 4MATIC
improves traction in conjunction with the ESC
( Y page 66) and the Electronic Traction
System (ETS/4-ETS) ( Y page 67).
GWarning!
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
R While 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 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! Do not tow with one axle raised. Doing so
could damage the transfer case, which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty. All wheels must be on or off the
ground. Observe instructions for towing the
vehicle with all wheels on the ground.
! Only conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system and/or the transfer case which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
i In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the 4MATIC is only
achieved with winter tires ( Y page 432) or
snow chains as required.
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
indicates the relative distance between the
vehicle and an obstacle visually and audibly.
The Parktronic system is activated
automatically when
R you switch on the ignition
and
R you release the electronic parking brake
or
R you start the engine
and
R shift the automatic transmission into drive
position D, reverse gear R, or neutral
position N
The Parktronic system deactivates at speeds
above approximately 11 mph (18 km/h). At
lower speeds, the Parktronic system
activates again.
The Parktronic system also deactivates when
you shift the automatic transmission into
park position P or engage the electronic
parking brake and turn off the engine.
The Parktronic system monitors the
surroundings of your vehicle with six sensors
Driving systems347Controls in detail221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 347Z