2011 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-CLASS tow

Direction of rotation (tires)
..............197
Displays
Digital speedometer ......................113
Distronic
........................................ 131
Maintenance service indicator .......214
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 228
Multifunction display .....................111
Outside temperature .............113, 120
Symbol messages .......................... 238
Text messages ............................... 229
Trip computer ................................ 124
Vehicle status message memory ...117
Vehicle system settings ................. 118
Distronic ............................................ 129
Cleaning system sensor cover ....... 219
Control system .............................. 117
Distance warning function .............137
Distance warning lamp .......... 131, 256
Driving with .................................... 135
Menu ............................................. 132
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 233
Resume function ............................ 134
Sensor cover .................................. 219
Door control panel .............................. 32
Door handles ........................................ 32
Doors
Child safety locks ............................ 56
Locking/unlocking (KEYLESS-GO) ...67
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........ 66
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 241
Opening from inside ......................... 70
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) ....... 168
Unlocking (Mechanical key) ........... 261
DOT (Department of
Transportation) .................................. 206
Drinking and driving .........................210
Driving
Abroad ........................................... 213
Hydroplaning ................................. 212
Instructions ............................. 97, 210
In winter ........................................ 209
Problems ......................................... 99
Safety systems ................................ 57
Systems ......................................... 127Through standing water
.................213
With Distronic ................................ 135
Driving and parking
Safety notes ..................................... 96
Driving off .................................... 98, 212
Driving safety systems ....................... 57
ABS .................................................. 58
Adaptive Brake ................................ 59
BAS .................................................. 59
EBP .................................................. 59
ESP ®
................................................ 59
ETS .................................................. 60
Driving systems
AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control) .......... 137
Cruise control ................................ 127
Distronic ........................................ 129
Parktronic system ..........................139
Driving tips, automatic
transmission ...................................... 104 E
Easy-entry/exit feature .............. 83, 124
EBP (Electronic Brake
Proportioning) ......................................

59
Electrical system
Improper work on or
modifications ................................... 21
Power outlets ................................. 163
Electrical system (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®

Emergency, in case of
First aid kit ..................................... 224
Flat tire .......................................... 271
Hazard warning flasher ....................90
Roadside Assistance ................ 20, 166
Towing the vehicle .........................281
Emergency calls
Tele Aid .......................................... 165
Emergency operations
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) ....... 168
Trunk lid, emergency release ...........74
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD Index
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Treadwear
...................................... 199
Treadwear indicators .............198, 208
Vehicle maximum load on ..............208
Wear pattern .................................. 200
Winter tires ............................ 208, 291
Tire speed rating .......................203, 207
Top tether see Children in the vehicle
Total load limit ................................... 207
Towing
Towing eye bolt .............................. 282
Vehicle ........................................... 281
Towing eye bolt ................................. 282
Traction ...................................... 199, 207
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission fluid level .................... 180
Transmission gear selector lever see Gear selector lever
Transmission positions ....................103
Traveling abroad ............................... 213
Tread (tires) ....................................... 207
Tread depth (tires) ....................198, 208
Treadwear .......................................... 199
Treadwear indicators (tires) .... 198, 208
Trip computer menu .........................124
Trip odometer, resetting ................... 110
Trunk
Closing ............................................. 72
Fuse box ........................................ 285
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 241
Opening ........................................... 72
Opening/closing system .................. 73
Tie-down hooks .............................. 157
Trunk lid emergency release ............ 74
Unlocking manually .......................262
Valet locking .................................... 75
Turning off the engine ......................101
Turn signals ......................................... 89
Cleaning lenses ............................. 219
Indicator lamps ................................ 28
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 250
Replacing bulbs ............................. 267 U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards .................................. 199, 208
Units Selecting speedometer display
mode ............................................. 120
Unleaded gasoline, premium ........... 299
Unlocking the vehicle
KEYLESS-GO
.................................... 67
Manually ........................................ 261
SmartKey ......................................... 66
Upholstery, cleaning .........................221
Useful features .................................. 160 V
Valet locking ........................................ 75
Vehicle
Battery ........................................... 278
Care ............................................... 215
Control system .............................. 110
Identification Number (VIN) ........... 288
Locking/unlocking

........................... 66
Lowering (wheel change) ...............276
Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety .............................. 21
Towing ........................................... 281
Unlocking/locking manually .......... 261
Vehicle dimensions
see Vehicle specification
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ................................................... 288
Vehicle jack see Jack
Vehicle level control
see AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control)
Vehicle lighting .................................... 86
Vehicle loading
Instructions .................................... 154
Load limit ....................................... 194
Roof rack ....................................... 155
Ski bag ........................................... 155
Terminology ................................... 205
Vehicle maximum load on the tire ... 208
Vehicle specification
CLS 550 ......................................... 290
CLS 63 AMG .................................. 290 Index
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contacting you in a timely manner should the
need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all
literature
with the vehicle to make it available
to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used Car”
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the
USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer
Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. Operating your vehicle outside the
USA or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that:
R Service

facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
R Unleaded gasoline for vehicles with
catalytic converters may not be available;
the use of leaded fuels will damage the
catalysts.
R Gasoline may have a considerably lower
octane rating, and improper fuel can cause
engine damage.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available
for delivery in Europe under our European
Delivery Program. For details, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to:
In the USA:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9 Operating safety
G
Warning!
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause

them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle’s electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function while the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving. G
Warning!
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole. If you feel a sudden significant
vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect
that damage to your vehicle as occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers
R slow down carefully
R drive

with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs. Introduction
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Exterior view
i
This Operator’s Manual describes all features, standard or optional, potentially available
for your vehicle at the time of purchase. Please be aware that your vehicle might not be
equipped with all features described in this manual. Function Page
:
Trunk:
Locking and unlocking 66
Opening and closing 71,
72 Valet locking 75
;
Rear lamps 267
=
Rear window defroster 151
?
Fuel filler flap 176
A
Doors:
Locking and unlocking 66,
261 B
Towing eyes 282
C
Tires and wheels 182 Function Page
Rims and tires 291
D
Front lamps 266
E
Hood 178
F
Wipers 92
Wiper blades, replacing 270
Wiper blades, cleaning 219
G
Windshield:
Wiping with washer fluid 92
Cleaning 219
H
Power tilt/sliding sunroof 152
I
Exterior rear view mirrors 8426
Exterior viewAt a glance
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If you and/or your passenger release the
seat belt during driving, the seat belt
telltale
7 starts flashing and the
warning
chime sounds as described before.
If the driver’s or the front passenger’s seat
belt remains unfastened after 60 seconds,
the warning chime stops sounding, the seat
belt telltale 7 stops flashing but
continues to be illuminated.
After a vehicle standstill, the warning chime
is reactivated and the seat belt telltale
7 is flashing again if the vehicle speed
once exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h).
The seat belt telltale 7 will only go out if
both the driver’s and the front passenger’s
seat belt (with the front passenger seat
occupied) are fastened, or the vehicle is
standing still and a front door is opened.
For more information, see “Practical hints”
(Y page 253).
Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD),
seat belt force limiter The seat belts for the front seats and rear
outer

seats are equipped with ETDs and seat
belt force limiters.
The ETDs are designed to activate in the
following cases:
R in frontal or rear-end impacts exceeding
the system’s preset deployment threshold
R in side impacts exceeding the system’s
preset deployment threshold on the far
side of the impact
R in certain vehicle rollovers
R if the restraint systems are operational and
functioning correctly, see “SRS indicator
lamp” (Y page 36)
The ETDs for the front seats will only activate
if the front seat belts are fastened (latch plate
properly inserted into buckle).
The ETDs for the rear outer seats will activate
with or without the respective seat belts
fastened. In an impact, the ETDs remove slack from the
seat

belts in such a way that the seat belts fit
more snugly against the body. Seat belt force
limiters, when activated, are employed to
help reduce the peak force exerted by the
seat belts on occupants during a crash.
i The ETDs do not correct an incorrect seat
position or incorrectly worn seat belts.
The ETDs do not pull occupants back
toward the seat backrest. G
Warning!
Pyrotechnic ETDs that were activated must be
replaced.
For your safety, when disposing of the
pyrotechnic ETDs always follow our safety
instructions. These are available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Automatic comfort-fit feature seat belt An automatic comfort-fit feature for the front
seats

reduces the retracting force of the seat
belts when they are in normal use. Preventive occupant safety (PRE-
SAFE
®
) G
Warning!
The PRE-SAFE ®

system is intended to reduce
the effects of an accident on vehicle
occupants who are wearing their seat belt
properly. Despite your vehicle being equipped
with the PRE-SAFE ®
system, the possibility of
personal injuries occurring as a result of an
accident cannot be eliminated. Therefore,
always drive carefully and adjust your driving
to the prevailing road, weather, and traffic
conditions. Occupant safety
49
Safety and security
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G
Warning!
Never switch off the ESP ®
when you see the
ESP ®
warning lamp d 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 ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Because the ESP ®
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 parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer or when the vehicle is being
towed with the front axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! The ESP ®
will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
as specified in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
i The Distronic system and cruise control
switch off automatically when the ESP ®
engages.
Electronic Traction System (ETS) G
Observe Safety notes, see page 58.
The ETS (Electronic Traction System) is a
component of the ESP ®
. The ETS improves
the vehicle’s ability to utilize available
traction, especially under slippery road conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel.
Except CLS 63 AMG:
When you switch off the ESP
®
, the ETS is still
enabled.
Switching off the ESP ® Switching off the ESP
®
(except
CLS 63 AMG) G
Warning!
The ESP ®
should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP ®
when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESP ®
. This allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for
example
R when driving with snow chains
R in deep snow
R in sand or gravel G
Warning!
Switch on the ESP ®
immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESP ®
will not
stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to skid
or a wheel is spinning. 60
Driving safety systemsSafety and security
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affecting the window before trying to shut
the door.
X Rear doors: Pull up locking knob on the
respective rear door to unlock door.
X Pull on the inside door handle on the
respective rear door. Automatic central locking
You can switch the automatic central locking
on or off using the control system
(Y page 123).
The doors and the trunk lock automatically
when the vehicle is set into motion.
You can open a locked front door from the
inside. Open door only when conditions are
safe to do so.
The doors are designed to unlock
automatically after an accident if the force of
the impact exceeds a preset threshold.
The vehicle locks automatically when the
ignition is switched on and the wheels are
turning at a vehicle speed of above 9 mph
(15 km/h). You could therefore lock yourself
out when the vehicle is pushed or towed or is
on a test stand. Locking and unlocking from the inside
G
Observe Safety notes, see page 52.
You can lock or unlock the vehicle from the
inside using the central locking or unlocking
switch. This can be useful, for example, if you
want to lock the vehicle before starting to
drive.
The central locking or unlocking switch does
not lock or unlock the fuel filler flap. X
Locking: Press central locking switch ;.
When all doors are closed, the vehicle
locks.
X Unlocking: Press central unlocking
switch :.
You can open a locked front door from the
inside. Open door only when conditions are
safe to do so.
If the vehicle was previously locked with the
central locking switch
R and the SmartKey is set to factory settings,
the complete vehicle is unlocked when a
front door is opened from the inside
R and the SmartKey is set to selective
settings, only the front door opened from
the inside is unlocked
If the vehicle has been locked centrally with
the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO, it will not
unlock using the central unlocking switch. Opening the trunk
G
Warning!
Make sure the trunk is closed when the engine
is running and while driving. Among other
dangers, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases
may enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
! When you open the trunk, the trunk lid
swings open upwards. Always make sure
there is sufficient overhead clearance. Locking and unlocking
71Controls in detail
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X
Give very little gas.
X Have the problem checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
The coolant temperature is above
248‡
(120†) The coolant is too hot and is no longer cooling
the engine.
X
Stop the vehicle in a safe location as soon
as possible.
X Turn off the engine immediately.
X Allow the engine and coolant to cool off.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant if
necessary ( Y page 180).
In case of accident If the vehicle is leaking fuel:
X
Do not start the engine under any
circumstances.
X Exit the vehicle at a safe distance from the
roadway.
X Notify local fire and/or police authorities.
If the extent of the damage cannot be
determined:
X Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call Roadside Assistance.
If no damage on major assemblies, fuel
system, and engine mount can be
determined:
X Start the engine in the usual manner. Parking
G
Warning!
Do not park this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system. These materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire. Vehicle movement may result in serious
personal injury or damage to the vehicle or
vehicle drivetrain. Therefore, always do the
following before turning off the engine and
leaving the vehicle:
R
Keep right foot on the brake pedal.
R Engage the parking brake.
R Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
R Slowly release the brake pedal.
R When

parked on an incline, always turn the
front wheels towards the road curb.
R Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 0 and remove the SmartKey from
the starter switch, or press the KEYLESS-
GO start/stop button.
R Take the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle when leaving. G
Warning!
Vehicles with AIRMATIC:
If you have selected the Comfort suspension
tuning, the vehicle lowers slightly when you
lock

it within approximately 60 seconds after
turning off the engine. You should therefore
make sure that no one is standing near the
wheel arches or lying underneath the vehicle
when it is being locked. Otherwise, personal
injury could result.
Also, make sure your vehicle cannot come
into contact with objects, such as a road curb,
while lowering. Your vehicle could otherwise
be damaged.
Parking brake G
Warning!
Engaging the parking brake while the vehicle
is
in motion can cause the rear wheels to lock
up. You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident. In addition, the vehicle’s
brake lights do not light up when the parking
brake is engaged. 100
Driving and parking
Controls in detail
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