Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal. The pulsation indicates that the
ABS is in the regulating mode.
XKeep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal while you feel the pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver
XKeep continuous full pressure on the brake
pedal.GWarning!
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety
systems such as the BAS or the ESC are also
switched off. Observe indicator and warning
lamps that may come on as well as messages
in the multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
BAS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 63.
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the brakes
very quickly, the BAS provides full brake
boost automatically, thereby potentially
reducing the braking distance.
XApply continuous full braking pressure until
the emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.When you release the brake pedal, the brakes
function again as normal. The BAS is then
deactivated.GWarning!
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
BAS PLUS
The Brake Assist System PLUS (BAS PLUS)
operates in emergency braking situations and
uses radar sensors to assess the traffic
situation. BAS PLUS assists you in braking at
speeds above approximately 20 mph
(30 km/h).
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 BAS PLUS
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ( Y page 69)
R DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 330)
R Blind Spot Assist ( Y page 359)
GWarning!
BAS PLUS is a convenience system designed
to assist the driver during vehicle operation.
The responsibility for the vehicle speed and
the distance to the vehicle ahead, including
most importantly brake operation to assure
safe stopping distance, always remains with
the driver.
Always pay attention to traffic conditions
even while BAS PLUS is switched on.
Otherwise, you may not be able to recognize
dangerous situations until it is too late and
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vehicle characteristics into consideration,
thus achieving an optimal braking effect.
In addiditon, Adaptive Brake provides the
HOLD function (Y page 342) and the hill-start
assist system ( Y page 341).
For more information on the brake system,
see ( Y page 435).
Adaptive Brake Lights
i This function is only available for the
S 600 and the S 65 AMG (USA only).
The brake lamps flash in quick intervals
R while you are braking hard at a speed of
more than 30 mph (50 km/h)
R when you are braking with the aid of BAS
R when you are braking with the aid of BAS
PLUS.
This helps to alert drivers behind you.
If you bring the car to a complete stop by hard
braking at a speed of more than 40 mph
(70 km/h), the hazard warning flasher comes
on automatically as soon as the vehicle is at
a standstill. While the vehicle is stationary,
the brake lamps are continuously lit up. Once
you drive faster than 6 mph (10 km/h)
afterward, the hazard warning flasher goes
out.
EBP
GObserve Safety notes, see page 63.
The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP)
enhances braking effectiveness by allowing
the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion
of the braking effort in straight-line braking
without a loss of vehicle stability.
GWarning!
If the EBP malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
ESC
GObserve Safety notes, see page 63.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is
operational as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESC recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual
wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESC works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESC is
especially useful while driving off and on wet
or slippery road surfaces. The ESC also
stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESC warning lamp ÷ in the instrument
cluster comes on when you switch on the
ignition. It goes out when the engine is
running.
GWarning!
Never switch off the ESC when you see the
ESC warning lamp ÷ flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When 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 ESC cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC:
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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
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 54) is activated
when 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.
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.
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake applies the brake pedal
automatically which results in the brake pedal
moving. Therefore keep driver’s foot area
clear at all times, including the area under the
brake pedal. Objects stored in this area may
impair pedal movement which could interfere
with the braking ability of the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake.
Do not place your foot under the brake pedal
– your foot could become caught.
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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 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 Ä appears
in the instrument cluster. When the HOLD
function is switched on, the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake indicator Ä 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.
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iWhen you now press the KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button once and the driver’s
door is open, the power supply is switched
off.
Seats
Safety notes
GWarning!
In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle
control the following must be done before the
vehicle is put into motion:
R seat adjustment
R head restraint adjustment
R steering wheel adjustment
R rear view mirror adjustment
R fastening of seat belts
GWarning!
Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving.
Adjusting the seat while driving could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined position as
this can be dangerous. You could slide under
the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under
it, the seat belt would apply force at the
abdomen or neck. That could cause serious
or fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat
belts provide the best restraint when the
wearer is in a position that is as upright as
possible and seat belts are properly
positioned on the body.
GWarning!
Your seat must be adjusted so that you can
correctly fasten your seat belt.
Observe the following points:
R Adjust the seat backrest until your arms are
slightly angled when holding the steering
wheel.
R Adjust the seat to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely. The
position should be as far back as possible
with the driver still able to operate the
controls properly.
R Adjust the head restraint so that it is as
close to the head as possible. The center of
the head restraint must support the back of
the head at eye level.
R Never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being
adjusted.
Failure to do so could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.GWarning!
The power seats can be operated at any time.
Therefore, 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.
GWarning!
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained in the rear
seating positions than in the front seating
position. Thus, we strongly recommend that
children be placed in the rear seats whenever
possible. Regardless of seating position,
children 12 years old and under must be
seated and properly secured in an
appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler
restraint, or booster seat recommended for
the size and weight of the child. For additional
information, see “Children in the vehicle”.
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and/
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daytime running lamp mode on or off (USA
only)” ( Y page 234).XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
$ or c .
When the engine is running and the
ambient light is bright, the daytime running
lamps come on.
In low ambient lighting conditions, the
following lamps will come on additionally:
R Low-beam headlamps
R Parking lamps 38
R green indicator lamp T in the exterior
lamp switch
You can only switch on the high-beam
headlamps when the low-beam headlamps
are on.
The high-beam flasher is available at all times.
Canada only
When the engine is running, and you
R shift from a driving position to park
position P with the vehicle at a standstill or
the electronic parking brake is engaged,
the daytime running lamps or the low-beam
headlamps will go out with a delay of
3 minutes
R turn the exterior lamp switch to position
T , the daytime running lamps and the
parking lamps 38
come on in bright ambient
lighting conditions.
R turn the exterior lamp switch to position
L , the manual headlamp mode has
priority over the daytime running lamp
mode
The corresponding exterior lamps come on
( Y page 298).
USA only
When the engine is running, and you turn the
exterior lamp switch to position T or
L , the manual headlamp mode has
priority over the daytime running lamp mode.
The corresponding exterior lamps come on
( Y page 298).
Fog lamps
Fog lamps cannot be switched on with the
exterior lamp switch in position c or
$ .
GWarning!
In low ambient lighting or foggy conditions,
only switch from position c to L with
the vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching from c to L will briefly
switch off the headlamps. Doing so while
driving in low ambient lighting conditions may
result in an accident.
Front fog lamps will operate with the parking
lamps and/or the low-beam headlamps on.
The rear fog lamp can only be switched on
with the exterior lamp switch in position
L . Fog lamps should only be used in
conjunction with low-beam headlamps.
Consult your State or Province Motor Vehicle
Regulations regarding permissible lamp
operation.
XSwitch on the ignition.XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
T or L (Y page 298).
Vehicles with front fog lamps
XSwitching on front fog lamps: Pull out the
exterior lamp switch to first stop
( Y page 298).
The green indicator lamp N in the
exterior lamp switch comes on.XSwitching on rear fog lamp: Pull out the
exterior lamp switch to second stop.
The rear fog lamp, the front fog lamps, the
green N and the yellow indicator lamp
R in the exterior lamp switch come on.XSwitching off front fog lamps/rear fog
lamp: Push in the exterior lamp switch to
its stop.38 When the parking lamps are on, the tail lamps, the license plate lamps, the side marker lamps, and the
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The system cannot recognize the following
road users:
RRoad users without a lighting system of
their own, e.g. pedestrians
RRoad users with dim lighting of their own,
e.g. cyclists
RRoad users whose lighting is obstructed,
e.g. road users behind a guardrail
RIn some seldom cases, even road users with
a lighting system of their own may be
recognized too late or not at all.
The automatic high-beam headlamps will then
not be deactivated or it will be activated in
spite of preceding or oncoming road users.
This could endanger you and/or others and
cause an accident. Always pay close attention
to the traffic situation and switch off the high
beam manually if necessary.
XActivating: Enable the Adaptive
Highbeam Assist via the control system
(Y page 235).
XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
c.
XPress the combination switch in direction
of arrow :.
The Adaptive Highbeam Assist
indicator _ in the multifunction display
comes on when switching on the low-beam
headlamps.
When driving faster than approximately
34 mph (55 km/h) and no other road users
are recognized, the high-beam headlamps
are switched on automatically. The high-
beam headlamp indicator lamp K in the
instrument cluster comes on additionally.
When driving slower than approximately
28 mph (45 km/h), other road users are
recognized, or the road is illuminated
sufficiently, the high-beam headlamps are
switched off automatically. The indicator
lamp K in the instrument cluster goes
out. The Adaptive Highbeam Assist
indicator _ in the multifunction display
remains on.
Adaptive control of the headlamp leveling
takes place at a speed of approximately
25 mph (40 km/h).
XDeactivating: Pull the combination switch
back to its initial position.
The Adaptive Highbeam Assist
indicator _ in the multifunction display
goes out.
High-beam flasher
XSwitching on: Pull the combination switch
briefly in direction of arrow =.
Hazard warning flasher
The hazard warning flasher can be switched
on at all times, even with the SmartKey
removed from the starter switch.
The hazard warning flasher comes on
automatically when an air bag deploys.
S 600 and S 65 AMG (USA only):
The hazard warning flasher comes on
automatically when you brake the vehicle
strongly at a speed of more than 50 mph
(70 km/h) and bring it to a complete stop.
XSwitching on: Press hazard warning
flasher switch :.
All turn signal lamps are flashing.
iWith the hazard warning flasher activated
and the combination switch set for either
left or right turn, only the respective left or
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otherwise seriously damage the brake
system or the transfer case which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
! Because the ESC operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or
1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in
position 0 or 1) when the electronic parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer or when the vehicle is being
towed with one axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESC may
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Instrument cluster
Introduction
For a full view illustration of the instrument
cluster, see “Instrument cluster”
(Y page 32).
GWarning!
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
Rspeed
Routside temperature
Rwarning/indicator lamps
Rmalfunction/warning messages
Rfailure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.
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.
The language setting for the multifunction
display can be changed via COMAND
(Y page 94).
Activating the instrument cluster
The instrument cluster is activated when you
Ropen a door
Rswitch on the ignition
Rswitch on the exterior lamps
Adjusting the instrument cluster
illumination
XTo brighten illumination: Turn knob :
clockwise.
XTo dim illumination: Turn knob :
counterclockwise.
iThe instrument cluster illumination is
dimmed or brightened automatically to suit
ambient light conditions.
The instrument cluster illumination will also
be adjusted automatically when you switch
on the vehicle’s exterior lamps.
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