2011 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-CLASS traction control

Emission control
............................... 213
Information label ............................ 289
System warranties ........................... 19
Engine
Break-in recommendations ............176
Cleaning ......................................... 217
Compartment ................................ 178
Malfunction indicator
lamp ........................................ 28, 257
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 243
Number .......................................... 289
Starting ............................................ 97
Turning off ..................................... 101
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Engine coolant
see Coolant
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 180
Additives ........................................ 298
Checking level ............................... 179
Consumption ................................. 179
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 246
Oil dipstick ..................................... 179
Recommended engine oils and oil
filter ............................................... 298
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .............................................. 59
ETS .................................................. 60
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 229, 239
Warning lamp ................................. 255
ETD (Emergency Tensioning
Device) ................................................. 49
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
ETS (Electronic Traction System) ....... 60
Express operation Power windows ................................ 94
Tilt/sliding sunroof ........................152
Exterior lamp switch ........................... 87
Exterior rear view mirrors ..................84
Parking position ............................... 85
Exterior view of vehicle ......................26 F
Fastening the seat belts .....................47
First aid kit .........................................
224
Flat tire ............................................... 271
Lowering the vehicle ......................276
Mounting the spare wheel ............. 272
Preparing the vehicle .....................271
Spare wheel ........................... 271, 296
Floormats ........................................... 173
Fluids
Automatic transmission fluid ......... 297
Brake fluid ..................................... 297
Capacities ...................................... 296
Engine coolant ............................... 297
Engine oil ....................................... 297
Power steering fluid ....................... 297
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ........................................... 297
Fog lamps ............................................. 89
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 247, 249
Front air bags
see Air bags
Front lamps
see Headlamps
Front passenger front air bag ............ 40
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 230
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp ............................. 41, 260
Fuel ..................................................... 176
Additives ........................................ 299
Capacity, fuel tank ......................... 297
Drive sensibly–safe fuel .................210
Fuel consumption statistics ...........125
Fuel filler flap and cap ................... 177
Fuel tank reserve warning
lamp ........................................ 29, 256
Premium unleaded gasoline ...........299
Refueling ........................................ 176
Requirements ................................ 299
Fuel filler flap ..................................... 177
Opening manually ..........................263
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. ........296 8
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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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If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering
capability
and extending the braking distance. BAS
G
Observe Safety notes, see page 58.
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.
X Apply 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. G
Warning!
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. Adaptive Brake
Adaptive Brake provides a high level of
braking safety as well as increased braking
comfort. Adaptive Brake takes driver and
vehicle characteristics into consideration,
thus achieving an optimal braking effect.
For more information on the brake system,
see ( Y page 210). EBP
G
Observe Safety notes, see page 58.
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. G
Warning!
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. ESP
® G
Observe Safety notes, see page 58.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP ®
) 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 ESP ®
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
ESP ®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The
ESP ®
is especially useful while driving off and
on wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP ®
also stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster flashes when the ESP ®
is
engaged. Driving safety systems
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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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When you switch off the ESP
®
,
R the ESP ®
does not stabilize the vehicle
R the engine output is not limited, which
allows
the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
R the ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
R the ESP ®
continues to operate when you
are braking
R the cruise control or the Distronic system
cannot be activated
R the cruise control or the Distronic system
switch off if activated
i When the ESP ®
is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP ®
warning lamp d in the instrument
cluster flashes. However, the ESP ®
will
then not stabilize the vehicle.
X With the engine running, press ESP ®
switch : until the ESP ®
warning lamp
d in the instrument cluster comes on.
The ESP ®
is switched off. G
Warning!
When the ESP ®
warning lamp d is
illuminated continuously, the ESP ®
is
switched off or is not operational due to a
malfunction. Vehicle stability in standard
driving maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt

your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP ®
.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period with the ESP ®
switched
off. This may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Switching off the ESP
®

(CLS 63 AMG only) G
Warning!
The ESP ®
should not be switched off during
normal driving.
Disabling of the system will result in the
following:
R no restriction to engine torque
R loss of system-supported traction control
“ESP ®
OFF” is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle’s natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and

requires a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch off the ESP ®
.
Do not switch off the ESP ®
when a spare
wheel is mounted.
When you switch off the ESP ®
,
R the ESP ®
does not stabilize the vehicle
R the engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin
R the ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
R the ESP ®
operates while you are braking
R the cruise control or the Distronic system
cannot be activated
R the cruise control or the Distronic system
switch off if currently activated
i When the ESP ®
is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP ®
warning lamp d in the instrument
cluster flashes. However, the ESP ®
will
then not stabilize the vehicle. Driving safety systems
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Automatic shift program
Program mode selector switch
C Comfort For comfort driving
S Sport For sporty driving
Program mode selector switch on CLS 63 AMG
C Comfort For standard driving
S Sport For sporty driving
M Manual For manual gearshifting The current program mode appears in the
multifunction display.
:
Program mode indicator
You should only change the program mode
when the automatic transmission is in park
position P.
Automatic program mode S will not be stored.
When the engine is turned off with the
automatic program mode S selected, the
automatic transmission will go to the
automatic program mode C when the engine
is restarted.
X Press the program mode selector switch
repeatedly until the letter of the desired
program mode appears in the multifunction
display.
Selecting program mode C means:
R The vehicle starts out more gentle, both
forward and reverse, except when driving
off with full throttle.
R Traction and driving stability are improved
on icy roads.
R Upshifts occur earlier even when you give
more gas. The engine then operates at
lower revolutions and the wheels are less
likely to spin.
Selecting program mode S means that
upshifts occur later. One-touch gearshifting
With the automatic transmission in drive
position D and driving in automatic program Automatic transmission
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your phone book) you are calling will
appear in the multifunction display.
The control system stores the dialed
number in the redial memory.
or
X Press button ~ if you do not want to
make the call. Redialing
The control system stores the most recently
dialed phone numbers. This eliminates the
need to search through your entire phone
book.
X
Press button U or V repeatedly until
the message TEL appears in the
multifunction display.
X Press button 6.
The first number in the redial memory
appears in the multifunction display.
X Press button & or * repeatedly until
the desired number or name appears in the
multifunction display.
X Press button 6.
The control system dials the selected
phone number. Driving systems
Introduction
This section describes the following driving
systems of your vehicle:
R Cruise control
R Distronic
R Distance warning function (only available
with Distronic) R
AIRMATIC DC
R Parktronic system
The driving safety systems ABS, Adaptive
Brake, BAS, EBP and ESP ®
are described in
the “Safety and security” section
(Y page 57). 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 corresponding cruise control
speed segments from the selected speed to
the vehicle maximum speed in the
multifunction display are illuminated. G
Warning!
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.
R The 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.
R The 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.
R Deactivate the cruise control when driving
in fog.
The “Resume” function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the Driving systems
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G
Warning!
The Distronic 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 cannot take street and traffic
conditions into account. Complex driving
situations are not always fully recognized by
the Distronic. This could result in wrong or
missing distance warnings. G
Warning!
The Distronic 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
lane curvature or the movement of preceding
vehicles.
The Distronic can only apply 20% of the
maximum braking power of the vehicle.
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 system to malfunction. G
Warning!
The Distronic cannot take road and traffic
conditions into account. Only use the
Distronic if the road, weather and traffic
conditions make it advisable to travel at a
constant speed. G
Warning!
Use of the Distronic can be dangerous on
slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire traction
can result in wheel spin and loss of control.
The Distronic does not function in adverse
sight

and distance conditions. Do not use the
Distronic during conditions of fog, heavy rain,
snow or sleet. G
Warning!
The Distronic cannot take weather conditions
into account. Switch off the Distronic 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 system sensor cover is 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 is
switched on. Otherwise, you may not be able
to recognize dangerous situations until it is
too late. This could cause an accident in which
you and/or others could be injured. G
Warning!
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. G
Warning!
Close attention to road and traffic conditions
is imperative at all times, regardless of
whether or not the Distronic is activated.
Use of the Distronic can be dangerous on
winding roads or in heavy traffic because
conditions do not allow safe driving at a
constant speed.
The Distronic will not react to stationary
objects

in the roadway (e.g. a stopped vehicle
in a traffic jam or a disabled vehicle). The 130
Driving systems
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