The steering wheel and driver’s seat will
return to their last set memory position or a
factory-set maximum forward position
R when you close the driver’s door with the
ignition switched on
R when you insert the SmartKey into the
starter switch
R when you press the KEYLESS-GO start/
stop button once with the driver’s door
closed
i For safety reasons, the driver’s seat will
not return to its last set position if the
system recognizes the last set position as
an extreme forward position. Instead, the
driver’s seat will remain at or move to a
factory-set maximum forward position. To
again fully return the driver’s seat to your
last set position or to memory position,
adjust the seat to the desired position or
press and hold the respective memory
position button ( Y page 297).
i The last set driver’s seat and steering
wheel positions are stored when the
ignition is switched off and the position is
stored in memory.
i If the current position for the steering
wheel is in the uppermost tilt position, the
steering wheel will not move.
If the current seat position is within a
factory-set position range and the system
recognizes the current seat position to be
rearward enough for easy entry and exit,
the driver’s seat will not move to the rear.
The adjustment procedure is interrupted
briefly when the engine is started.GWarning!
Let the system complete the adjustment
procedure before setting the vehicle in
motion. All driver’s seat and steering wheel
adjustments must be completed before
setting the vehicle in motion. Driving off with
the driver’s seat/steering wheel still
adjusting could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.
Crash-responsive exit aid
When you open the driver’s door after an
accident has occurred, the steering column
moves up. The position of the SmartKey in the
starter switch is insignificant. This function
facilitates exiting as well as rescue of vehicle
occupants.
The crash-responsive exit aid can only be
triggered when the easy-entry/exit feature is
activated via the control system.
Rear seat head restraints
GWarning!
For safety reasons, always drive with the rear
head restraints in the upright position when
the rear seats are occupied.
Keep the area around head restraints clear of
articles (e.g. clothing) to not obstruct the
folding operation of the head restraints.
GWarning!
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint in such a way that it
is as close to the head as possible and the
center of the head restraint supports the back
of the head at eye level. This will reduce the
potential for injury to the head and neck in the
event of an accident or similar situation.
With a rear seat occupied, make sure to move
the respective head restraint up from the
lowest non-use position and have the
occupant adjust the head restraint properly.
Do not drive the vehicle without the seat head
restraints installed when the rear seats are
occupied. Head restraints are intended to
help reduce injuries during an accident.
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Storing positions into memoryXAdjust the seats.XOn the driver’s side, also adjust the
steering wheel and exterior rear view
mirrors to the desired positions.
XPress memory button M once and within
3 seconds press memory position button
1, 2 or 3.
When the settings are stored to the
selected position, an acknowledgement
signal sounds.
Recalling positions from memory
XPress and hold desired memory position
button 1, 2 or 3 until the seat has moved
to the stored position completely. On the
driver’s side, also wait for the steering
wheel and exterior rear view mirrors to
move to the stored position.
iReleasing the memory position button
stops movement to the stored positions
immediately.
Lighting
Notes
iIf you drive in countries with left-hand
driving, you must have the headlamps
modified for symmetrical low beams.
Relevant information can be obtained at
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
iThe active Bi-Xenon headlamps increase
usable illumination over conventional
headlamps because they follow the
curvature of the road ahead. The beams of
the active Bi-Xenon headlamps shift to
either side according to the vehicle’s
steering angle and speed.
Exterior lamp switch\000J \000oStanding lamps, left\000K \000pStanding lamps, right\000L \000'Off
Daytime running lamp mode
\000M \000fAutomatic headlamp mode
Daytime running lamp mode
\000N \000lParking lamps38\000O \000dLow-beam headlamps or high-beam
headlamps
\000P \000jVehicles without front fog lamps:
Rear fog lamp
\000P \000fVehicles with front fog lamps: Front
fog lamps
\000Q \000jVehicles with front fog lamps: Rear
fog lamp
iThe exterior lamps (except standing
lamps or parking lamps) go out
automatically when you remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch or open
the driver’s door with the ignition switched
off.
When the parking lamps or the rear fog
lamp are switched on and you remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch and open
the driver’s door, an acoustic signal
sounds.
In addition, the message Please Switch
Off Lights appears in the multifunction
display.
38When the parking lamps are on, the tail lamps, the license plate lamps, the side marker lamps, and theinstrument cluster illumination are also on.
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Switch off the parking lamps or the rear fog
lamp manually.
! Failure to switch off the parking lamps
when leaving the vehicle may result in a
discharged battery.
i Vehicles without front fog lamps: For
better detection of the vehicle, the LED
daytime running lamps are dimmed to
parking lamp level when the low-beam
headlamps are switched on.
Low-beam headlamps
The low-beam headlamps can be switched on
and off with the exterior lamp switch.
XSwitch on the ignition.XSwitching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position 0064.
The following lamps come on:
R Low-beam headlamps
R Parking lamps 38
R Green indicator lamp 006C in the exterior
lamp switchXSwitching off: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position 0027.
Automatic headlamp mode
GWarning!
If the exterior lamp switch is set to 0066, the
headlamps will not automatically come on
under foggy conditions.
To minimize risk to you and to others, activate
headlamps by turning exterior lamp switch to
0064 when driving or when traffic and/or
ambient lighting conditions require you to do
so.
In low ambient lighting conditions, only switch
from position 0066 to 0064 with the vehicle
at a standstill in a safe location. Switching
from 0066 to 0064 will briefly switch off the
headlamps. Doing so while driving in low
ambient lighting conditions may result in an
accident.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an aid
to the driver. The driver is responsible for the
operation of the vehicle’s lights at all times.XSwitching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position 0066.
When ambient light is low: When the
SmartKey is in starter switch position 1 or
when the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button has
been pressed once, the parking lamps 38
come on automatically.
When the engine is running, the low-beam
headlamps come on additionally.
When ambient light is bright: When the
SmartKey is in starter switch position 1 or
when the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button has
been pressed once, all lamps are off.
When the engine is running, the daytime
running lamps 39
come on automatically.
When the low-beam headlamps are switched
on, the green indicator lamp 006C in the
exterior lamp switch comes on.
Once the low-beam headlamps are on, the
high-beam headlamps are also available.
Daytime running lamp mode
In Canada, the daytime running lamp mode is
mandatory and therefore in a constant mode.
In the USA, the daytime running lamp mode
is deactivated by default.
XActivate the daytime running lamp mode
using the control system, see “Switching38 When the parking lamps are on, the tail lamps, the license plate lamps, the side marker lamps, and the
instrument cluster illumination are also on.
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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.
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children unattended in the vehicle, as they
could otherwise accidentally start the engine.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Do
not leave children unattended in the vehicle,
or with access to an unlocked vehicle. A
child’s unsupervised access to a vehicle could
result in an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
You can start your vehicle without the
SmartKey in the starter switch using the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
The SmartKey must be located in the vehicle.
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
\000FUSA only\000GCanada onlyXMake sure the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button is inserted in the starter switch
(Y page 284).
iTo start the engine with the SmartKey
instead of the KEYLESS-GO function,
remove the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
from the starter switch. Proceed as
described in “With SmartKey”
(Y page 311).
XDepress the brake pedal during the starting
procedure.
XDo not depress the accelerator pedal.XPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
once.
The engine starts automatically.
Starting difficulties
! Remember that extended starting
attempts can drain the battery.
The engine does not start. You can hear
the starter.
There could be a malfunction in the engine
electronics or in the fuel supply system.
Carry out the following steps:
XIf you are starting the engine with the
SmartKey: Turn the SmartKey in the starter
switch to position 0 and repeat the starting
procedure.
XIf you are starting the engine with KEYLESS-
GO: Close any doors that may be open to
allow for better detection of the SmartKey.
or
XRemove the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button from the starter switch.
XStart the engine with the SmartKey as radio
signals from another source may be
interfering with the KEYLESS-GO function.
XRepeat the starting procedure.
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
The engine does not start. You cannot
hear the starter.
The battery may not be charged sufficiently.
XGet a jump start (Y page 514).
If the engine will not start despite a jump
start:
XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
The starter has been exposed to excessive
temperatures.
XLet the starter cool for about 2 minutes.XRepeat the starting procedure.312Driving and parkingControls in detail
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the starter switch, or press the KEYLESS-
GO start/stop button.
RTake the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle when leaving.
Electronic parking brake
GWarning!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with
you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could
release the electronic parking brake and/or
shift the automatic transmission out of park
position P, either of which could result in an
accident and/or serious personal injury.
Releasing electronic parking brake
manually
XSwitch on the ignition.XPull handle \000F.
The red indicator lamp \000I (USA only)
or \000$ (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Releasing electronic parking brake
automatically
The electronic parking brake releases
automatically when all of the following
conditions are fulfilled:
RThe engine is running.
RThe automatic transmission is in drive
position D or reverse gear R. With the
automatic transmission in reverse gear R
the trunk lid must be closed.
RThe hood is closed.
RYou have fastened your seat belt.
RYou depress on the accelerator pedal.
iIf you have not fastened your seat belt,
the following conditions must be met in
order for the electronic parking brake to
release automatically:
RThe driver’s door is closed and you shift
the automatic transmission out of park
position P.
or
RThe driver’s door is closed and you drive
faster than 2 mph (3 km/h).
Engaging electronic parking brake
manually
XPress handle \000F.
The red indicator lamp \000I (USA only)
or \000$ (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster comes on.
iYou can engage the electronic parking
brake even when the SmartKey is removed
from the starter switch.
Engaging electronic parking brake
automatically
When at least one of the following conditions
is met, the electronic parking brake engages
automatically when the HOLD function
(Y page 342) or DISTRONIC PLUS
(Y page 330) has brought your vehicle to a
standstill.RThe engine is turned off.
RThe driver’s door is opened and the seat
belt is not inserted in the seat belt buckle.
RThe hood lock is released.
RThe trunk lid is opened while the automatic
transmission is in reverse gear R.
RThe vehicle is stationary for an extended
period of time.
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The red indicator lamp 0049 (USA only)
or 0024 (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster comes on.
i In addition to engaging the electronic
parking brake, the automatic transmission
may shift into park position P
automatically.
Emergency braking with electronic
parking brake
In an emergency situation, you can also brake
your vehicle by using the electronic parking
brake.XWhile driving, press handle 0046.
All four wheels of the vehicle will be braked
for as long as you press and hold the handle
for the electronic parking brake. The longer
you keep the handle pressed, the stronger
your vehicle will be braked.
During the braking procedure
R an acoustic warning sounds
R the message Please Release Parking
Brake appears in the multifunction display
R the red indicator lamp for the electronic
parking brake 0049 (USA only) or 0024
(Canada only) in the instrument cluster
flashes
Once the vehicle comes to a complete stop,
the electronic parking brake will engage
automatically.
Turning off the engine
GWarning!
Do not turn off the engine before the vehicle
has come to a complete stop. 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.
i If the engine cannot be turned off as
described, see “Emergency engine
shutdown” ( Y page 521).XShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
i
Observe instructions if you want the
automatic transmission to remain in
neutral position N, see “Remaining in
neutral position N” ( Y page 319).
With SmartKey
XTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 0.XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
When you turn off the engine using the
SmartKey, and remove the SmartKey from
the starter switch or open a front door, the
automatic transmission will shift into park
position P automatically.
GWarning!
Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N automatically.
Always shift the automatic transmission into
park position P before turning off the engine.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
With KEYLESS-GO
XPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
With the driver’s door closed, the starter
switch is now in position 1. With the driver’s
door opened, the starter switch is set to
position 0, same as the SmartKey removed
from the starter switch ( Y page 284).
When you turn off the engine using the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and open a
front door, the automatic transmission will
shift into park position P automatically.
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GWarning!
Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N automatically.
Always shift the automatic transmission into
park position P before turning off the engine.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
iIn an emergency you can turn off the
engine while driving by pressing and
holding the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button
for approximately 3 seconds.
If you have started the engine with the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and cannot
turn it off as described above:
XRemove the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button from the starter switch.
XInsert the SmartKey into the starter switch.
The engine turns off. The starter switch is
in position 0 (Y page 284).
Automatic transmission
Introduction
For information on driving with an automatic
transmission, see “Driving and parking”
(Y page 311).
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!
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all
necessary safety information and warning for
the operation of your vehicle.
! Allow the engine to warm up under low
load use. Do not place full load on the
engine until the operating temperature has
been reached.
Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period when driving off on
slippery road surfaces.
This may cause serious damage to the
engine and the drivetrain which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
iDuring the brief warm-up, transmission
upshifting is delayed. This allows the
catalytic converter to heat up more quickly
to operating temperature.
Gear selector lever
Gearshift pattern for automatic transmission
\000FButton for selecting park position P\000`Park position\000aReverse gear\000_Neutral position\000^Drive positionAutomatic transmission317Controls in detail221_AKB; 6; 20, en-USd2ugruen,Version: 2.11.8.12009-09-24T13:28:17+02:00 - Seite 317Z