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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Rthe selected gear range (Y page 321)
Rthe selected program mode:
C/S (Y page 322)
or
M (AMG vehicles only) (Y page 324)
Rthe position of the accelerator pedal
Rthe vehicle speed
With drive position D selected, you can
influence transmission shifting by
Rlimiting the gear range
Rextending the gear range
Rchanging the gears manually (AMG vehicles
only)
Transmission positions
The current transmission position appears in
the multifunction display.
:Transmission position indicator
If the current transmission position does not
appear in the multifunction display due to a
malfunction, for example, make sure that the
automatic transmission is in the desired
position.
XShift the automatic transmission into drive
position D.
XSelect automatic program mode S.XDo not limit the gear range.XDrive off carefully.EffectBPark position
Shift the automatic transmission
into park position P only when the
vehicle is stopped. The park position
is not intended to serve as a brake
when the vehicle is parked. Rather,
the driver should always engage the
electronic parking brake in addition
to shifting the automatic
transmission into park position P to
secure the vehicle.
If the vehicle’s electrical system is
malfunctioning, the automatic
transmission could remain locked in
park position P.
XHave the vehicle’s electrical
system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
CReverse gear
Shift the automatic transmission
into reverse gear R only when the
vehicle is stopped.
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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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:Preceding vehicle, if detected;Actual distance to the preceding vehicle=Preset distance threshold to the
preceding vehicle
?Your vehicle
DISTRONIC PLUS lever
:Setting current or higher speed;Setting current or lower speed=Deactivating the DISTRONIC PLUS?Activating the DISTRONIC PLUS or
resuming to the last set speed
ASetting following distance
Activating DISTRONIC PLUS
GWarning!
When the DISTRONIC PLUS is switched on,
the vehicle can be braked. You should
therefore switch off the DISTRONIC PLUS if
the vehicle must be towed.
You can activate the DISTRONIC PLUS when
the vehicle speed is above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
It is also possible to activate the DISTRONIC
PLUS when the vehicle speed is below
20 mph (30 km/h) and the DISTRONIC PLUS
has detected a preceding vehicle.
If the DISTRONIC PLUS is activated, the set
speed is indicated with marker ;
(Y page 333) in the speedometer dial.
The maximum vehicle speed you can set is
120 mph (Canada: 200 km/h).
If the DISTRONIC PLUS is not activated after
the DISTRONIC PLUS lever is pulled in
direction of arrow ? (Y page 335), you will
see the message: DISTRONIC PLUS ---
mph (Canada: DISTRONIC PLUS --- kmh) in
the multifunction display.
In the following cases you cannot activate the
DISTRONIC PLUS:
Rwithin 2 minutes after driving off, following
an engine start
Rif the vehicle is secured with the electronic
parking brake
Rif the ESC is switched off or has switched
off due to a malfunction
Rwhen the automatic transmission is in park
position P, reverse gear R, or neutral
position N
Rif the hood is open
Rif the driver’s door is open and the driver
has not fastened his or her seat belt
Rif the front passenger or a rear passenger
door is open
Rif the radar sensors are switched off
(Y page 236)
Switching on while driving
You can switch on the DISTRONIC PLUS when
the vehicle speed is above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
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StoppingGWarning!
The braking effect of the DISTRONIC PLUS is
canceled and the vehicle can start to roll if
R the DISTRONIC PLUS is switched off using
the DISTRONIC PLUS lever
R you accelerate
R the DISTRONIC PLUS system or the power
supply is malfunctioning, e.g. due to battery
failure
R the electrical components in the engine
compartment or the fuses have been
manipulated
R the battery is disconnected
GWarning!
Never get out of the vehicle while the
DISTRONIC PLUS is switched on!
The DISTRONIC PLUS must never be operated
or switched off by passengers or from outside
the vehicle.
The DISTRONIC PLUS is not a substitute for
the electronic parking brake. It must not be
used to secure the vehicle when parking.
When you get out of the vehicle or switch off
the engine, deactivate the DISTRONIC PLUS
and secure the vehicle from rolling away by
engaging the electronic parking brake.
When the DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the
preceding vehicle is stopping, the vehicle
brakes until it also stops. Once the vehicle is
at a standstill, it remains stationary, without
depressing the brake pedal.
After a short while, the vehicle is secured in
place by the electronic parking brake so that
the operating brake can be relieved of load.
Depending on the following distance set
using the distance setting switch on the
DISTRONIC PLUS lever ( Y page 339), the
vehicle will stop adequate away from the
preceding vehicle.
When the DISTRONIC PLUS is activated and
the vehicle is at a standstill, the automatic
transmission shifts into park position P
automatically when
R opening the driver’s door and releasing the
seat belt
R turning off the engine
R opening the hood
R a system malfunction occurs
R the on-board voltage is insufficient
The DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
Setting the current speedXAccelerate or decelerate to the desired
speed.XBriefly lift the DISTRONIC PLUS lever in
direction of arrow : or depress in
direction of arrow ; (Y page 335).
The current speed is set.XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
i If you do not take your foot off of the
accelerator pedal and continue to
accelerate past the set speed, the following
message will appear in the multifunction
display:
DISTRONIC PLUS Override
The distance to a slower moving vehicle in
front of you will not be set. Your vehicle
speed will then be determined only by the
accelerator pedal position.
Changing the set speed
GWarning!
Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment
until the vehicle has made the necessary
adjustments.
Increase or decrease the set vehicle speed to
a value that the prevailing road conditions and
legal speed limits permit. Otherwise, sudden
and unexpected acceleration or deceleration
of the vehicle could cause an accident and/
or serious injury to you and others.
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You can increase or decrease the set speed
in 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h) increments or in
5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h) increments.
When you use the DISTRONIC PLUS lever to
decelerate, the brake system will brake the
vehicle automatically if the engine’s braking
power does not brake the vehicle sufficiently.
Adjustment in 1 mph (Canada:
1 km/h) increments
i The set speed value is increased or
decreased in 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h)
increments each time you lift or press the
DISTRONIC PLUS lever up or down to the
resistance point.XIncreasing: Briefly lift the DISTRONIC
PLUS lever up to the resistance point in
direction of arrow :.XDecreasing: Briefly press the DISTRONIC
PLUS lever down to the resistance point in
direction of arrow ;.XRelease the DISTRONIC PLUS lever.
The new speed is set and the vehicle will
accelerate or decelerate.
Adjustment in 5 mph (Canada:
10 km/h) increments
i The set speed value is increased or
decreased in 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h)
increments each time you lift or press the
DISTRONIC PLUS lever up or down past the
resistance point.
XIncreasing: Briefly lift the DISTRONIC
PLUS lever up past the resistance point in
direction of arrow :.XDecreasing: Briefly press the DISTRONIC
PLUS lever down past the resistance point
in direction of arrow ;.XRelease the DISTRONIC PLUS lever.
The new speed is set and the vehicle will
accelerate or decelerate. Keep in mind that
it may take a brief moment until the vehicle
has reached the set speed.Setting stored speed (Resume function)GWarning!
The set speed stored in memory should only
be set again if prevailing road conditions and
legal speed limits permit. Possible
acceleration or deceleration differences
arising from returning to the preset speed
could cause an accident and/or serious injury
to you and others.
XBriefly pull the DISTRONIC PLUS lever in
direction of arrow ? (Y page 335).
The DISTRONIC PLUS is activated and
resumes to the last set speed or, if no
speed is stored, it will set and store the
current speed.XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Deactivating DISTRONIC PLUS
XDepress the brake pedal (only possible if
the vehicle is in motion).
or
XBriefly push the DISTRONIC PLUS lever in
direction of arrow = (Y page 335).
The last set speed is stored for later use.
The last stored speed is deleted from memory
when the engine is turned off.
The DISTRONIC PLUS switches off
automatically when
R the vehicle is secured with the electronic
parking brake
R the vehicle speed falls below 15 mph
(25 km/h) and no preceding vehicle is
detected
R the ESC is in operation, or switched off via
the control system (Y page 232), or the ESC
has switched off due to a malfunction
R you shift the automatic transmission into
park position P, reverse gear R, or neutral
position N while driving
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Ryou depress the brake pedal fully again
until the message HOLD in the multifunction
display disappears
Ryou engage the electronic parking brake
Ryou activate the DISTRONIC PLUS
iAfter a while, the vehicle will be secured
by the electronic parking brake to relieve
the service brake.
GWarning!
The braking effect of the HOLD function is
canceled and the vehicle can start to roll if
Rthe HOLD function is deactivated by
depressing the accelerator pedal or the
brake pedal
Rthe HOLD function or the power supply is
malfunctioning, e.g. due to battery failure
Rthe electrical components in the engine
compartment or the fuses have been
manipulated
Rthe battery is disconnected
GWarning!
Never get out of the vehicle while the HOLD
function is activated!
The HOLD function must never be operated
or deactivated by passengers or from outside
the vehicle.
The HOLD function does not replace the
electronic parking brake. It must not be used
to secure the vehicle when parking.
Deactivate the HOLD function when leaving
or parking the vehicle. Use the electronic
parking brake to secure the vehicle.
When the HOLD function is activated, the
automatic transmission shifts into park
position P automatically when
Ropening the driver’s door and releasing the
seat belt
Rturning off the engine
Ropening the hood
Ra system malfunction occurs
Rthe on-board voltage is insufficient
The HOLD function is deactivated.
AIRMATIC
Introduction
The AIRMATIC lets you select the chassis and
suspension setup. The chassis and
suspension setup adjusts the damping
behavior and the ride height for your vehicle.
The AIRMATIC consists of two components.
The Adaptive Damping System (ADS)
(Y page 343) and the vehicle level control
(Y page 344).
Adaptive Damping System (ADS)
The Adaptive Damping System (ADS) is
controlled electronically and operates
continuously. It adjusts the damping
characteristics to the current operating and
driving conditions. The 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
The selected setting remains stored in
memory even if the SmartKey is removed
from the starter switch.
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