Vehicles without front fog lampsXSwitching on rear fog lamp: Pull out the
exterior lamp switch to its stop
(Y page 298).
The rear fog lamp and the yellow indicator
lamp R in the exterior lamp switch
come on.
XSwitching off rear fog lamp: Push in the
exterior lamp switch to its stop.
Locator lighting and night security
illumination
The locator lighting and night security
illumination are described in the COMAND
vehicle menu section under (Y page 208).
Combination switch
Turn signals
XPress the combination switch in direction
of arrow ; or ?.
The corresponding turn signal indicator
lamp ! or # in the instrument
cluster flashes.
The combination switch resets automatically
after major steering wheel movements.
To signal minor directional changes:
XPress the combination switch only to the
point of resistance in direction of
arrow ; or ? and release.
The corresponding turn signal lamps will
flash three times.
High beam XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
L (Y page 298).
XSwitching on: Push the combination
switch in direction of arrow :.
The high-beam headlamp indicator lamp
K in the instrument cluster comes on.
XSwitching off: Pull the combination switch
in direction of arrow = to its original
position.
iAlso note the information on high-beam
headlamps with activated automatic
headlamp mode (Y page 299) or the
daytime running lamp mode (Y page 299).
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Depending on the driving and traffic situation,
low-beam leveling and the high-beam
headlamps are controlled via an optical
sensor. The sensor is located on the front of
the overhead control panel. Glare for other
road users is reduced and the illumination of
road ahead is improved. The transitions
between low-beam and high-beam
headlamps take place without a sudden
change of light.
GWarning!
The Adaptive Highbeam Assist is only an aid
intended to support you while driving. The
driver is and remains responsible for proper
vehicle lighting in accordance with the
prevailing light, sight and traffic conditions.
The system may be impaired or unavailable
when
Rvisibility is poor, e.g. due to snow, rain, fog,
or heavy spray
Rthe optical sensor area of the windshield is
dirty, fogged up, or covered by a sticker for
example
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Shifting into optimal gear range XPull and hold left gearshift control :.
The automatic transmission will select the
gear range suited for optimal acceleration
and deceleration automatically. This will
involve shifting down one or more gears.
Manual shift program
The manual shift program is available on AMG
vehicles only.
Manual program mode M differs with regard
to spontaneity, response time, and shifting
smoothness from automatic program mode
S.
In manual program mode M, system-
controlled automatic gearshifting is switched
off. You need to change the gears by manually
upshifting or downshifting using the steering
wheel gearshift control.
Program mode selector switch on AMG vehicles
C ComfortFor standard drivingS SportFor sporty drivingM ManualFor manual gearshifting
The current program mode appears in the
multifunction display (Y page 322).
For information on automatic program mode
(C or S), see “Automatic shift program”
(Y page 322) and “One-touch gearshifting”
(Y page 323).
Activating manual shift programXPress the program mode selector switch
repeatedly until M appears in the
multifunction display.
The automatic transmission switches to
manual program mode M. Automatic
shifting is switched off. The gear range is
not limited.
You can change the gears manually with drive
position D selected. You can upshift or
downshift through the gears in succession.
iManual program mode M will not be
stored. When the engine is turned off with
manual program mode M selected, the
automatic transmission will go to
automatic program mode (C or S) when the
engine is restarted.
Upshifting
! In manual program mode M, the
automatic transmission will not upshift,
even if the engine has reached its
overrevving range. Shift up into the next
gear before the engine has reached its
overrevving range. Make absolutely certain
that the engine speed does not reach the
red marking on the tachometer. Otherwise
the engine could be damaged which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
XBriefly pull right gearshift control ;
(Y page 323).
The automatic transmission shifts into the
next higher gear.
Upshift indicator
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The driving safety systems ABS, Adaptive
Brake, Adaptive Brake Lights, BAS, BAS
PLUS, EBP, ESC and PRE-SAFE® Brake are
described in the “Safety and security” section
(Y page 63).
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 set speed is shown by a
triangle in the speedometer and the
corresponding speedometer 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
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed.
GWarning!
When the cruise control is braking, the brake
pedal is retracted (i.e. depressed
automatically). The pedals’ range of motion
must not be impeded by any obstacles:
RDo not place any objects in the footwell.
RMake sure that the floormats and carpets
are securely in place.
RDo 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.
:Setting current or higher speed ;Setting current or lower speed=Canceling the cruise control?Activating the cruise control or resuming
to last set speed
Activating cruise control
You can activate the cruise control at a
vehicle speed above 20 mph (30 km/h).
You cannot activate the cruise control
Rwhen you brake
Rwhen you have engaged the electronic
parking brake
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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
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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.
XIf indicator lamp ; is not lit: Press ADS
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.
XIf indicator lamp ; is lit: Press ADS
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. 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 when the vehicle is stationary and the
engine is running.
The vehicle chassis ride height is raised or
lowered according to the selected level
setting and to the vehicle speed. With
increasing speed, ride height is reduced by up
to approximately 0.8 in (20 mm). With
decreasing speed, the ride height is again
raised to the selected vehicle level.
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:
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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
R the vehicle speed is above 75 mph
(120 km/h)
R the 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.
ABC
The ABC system is an active, computer-
controlled system that adjusts the
suspension hydraulically at all four wheels in
response to various driving situations. It
selects the optimum suspension tuning and
ride height for your vehicle automatically.
Vehicle level control
Your vehicle adjusts its ride height
automatically to increase vehicle safety and
to reduce fuel consumption.
The vehicle chassis ride height is raised or
lowered according to the selected level
setting and to the vehicle speed. With
increasing speed, the ride height is reduced
by up to approximately 0.6 in (15 mm). With
decreasing speed, the ride height is again
raised to the selected vehicle level.
These height adjustments are so small that
you may not notice any change.
GWarning!
When you turn off the engine, the entire
vehicle is lowered. You should therefore make
sure that no one is near the wheel housing or
under the vehicle when you turn off the
engine. Otherwise, parts of the individuals
body could be trapped.
! When you turn off the engine, the entire
vehicle is lowered. When parking, position
your vehicle in such a way that it will not
scrape against a curb, for example, when it
is lowered. Your vehicle could otherwise be
damaged.
i S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG only:
When you turn off the engine, the entire
vehicle is lowered by 0.4 in (10 mm).
Setting the vehicle level
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.
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space, parking space symbol ; changes to
blue.
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
Rclosed-in at the rear
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
The following describes the parallel parking
process on the passenger side. Parallel
parking on the driver’s side is performed
reversed left to right.
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 blue parking space symbol in the
multifunction display.
XShift the automatic transmission into
reverse gear R.
The message Check 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.
XWhere necessary, depending on the
distance to the parking space, back up in a
straight line a short distance.
This is indicated by a green lane :.
XBack up until you hear an audible warning,
then stop.
The stopping position has been reached,
indicated by a white bracket ;.
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GWarning!
The ATTENTION ASSIST is only an aid to the
driver. It might not recognize fatigue or
increasing inattentiveness in time or fail to
recognize them at all. The system cannot
substitute a rested and attentive driver.
Fatigue can cause you to recognize dangers
too late, to misjudge potential dangers, or to
react slower. Therefore, make sure to be
rested before and during your trip. Take rests
early enough and regularly, especially during
long trips. Failure to do so could cause you to
recognize dangers too late which could result
in an accident and serious injury to you and/
or others.
The ATTENTION ASSIST interprets your
fatigue or increasing inattentiveness
considering the following criteria:
Rthe individual driving style, for example the
way you steer
Rthe driving conditions such as time of day
and duration of the ride
The ATTENTION ASSIST function is restricted
and warnings will be delayed or not issued at
all when
Rroad conditions are bad, e.g. heavy bumps
or potholes
Rcrosswinds are strong
Rdriving in a sporty manner with high speed
in curves or rapid acceleration
Rdriving slower than 50 mph (80 km/h) or
faster than 112 mph (180 km/h) most of
the time
Roperating the COMAND or making phone
calls via COMAND
Rchanging lanes or varying the vehicle
speed, i.e. you intervene actively
Warnings and displays in the
multifunction display
XSwitch on the ATTENTION ASSIST via the
control system (Y page 232).
ATTENTION ASSIST indicator : appears in
the multifunction display.
When the ATTENTION ASSIST is active, it will
warn you after 20 minutes of driving at the
earliest. An intermittent warning will then
sound twice and the message Attention
Assist: Time for a rest? appears in the
multifunction display.
XIf possible park your vehicle in a safe
location and take a rest.
XConfirm the message by pressing button
a on the multifunction steering wheel.
If you do not take a rest and the
ATTENTION ASSIST continues to recognize
fatigue or increasing inattentiveness, you will
be warned once more after 15 minutes at the
earliest.
During long trips, take regular and duly rests
that allow you to recover sufficiently.
The ATTENTION ASSIST will be reset and
restarts evaluating the degree of your fatigue
when
Ryou turn off the engine
Ryou release the seat belt and open the
driver’s door, e.g. during a rest or for a
driver change
Night View Assist Plus
The Night View Assist Plus illuminates the
road with infrared light in addition to the
normal headlamps.
A camera at the top of the windshield
measures the infrared light and shows a
black-and-white image in the multifunction
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