1, 2, 3 ...
12 V socket ........................................ 258
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 220
Function/notes ................................ 64
Warning lamp ................................. 243
Accident (notes) ................................ 287
Active light function (display
message) ............................................ 225
Active service system see Service interval display
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 68
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Display message ............................ 226
Switching on/off ........................... 123
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Air bags
Display message ............................ 218
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 37
Important safety notes ....................36
Knee bag .......................................... 38
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only Canada) ...........47
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only USA) ................42
Pelvis air bag ................................... 40
Safety guidelines ............................. 35
Side impact air bag ..........................39
Window curtain air bag ....................41
AIRCAP ................................................. 97
AIRCAP (cleaning instructions) ........ 280
Air-conditioning system see Climate control
Air dehumidification
Activating/deactivating with
cooling ........................................... 139
Air distribution
Setting ........................................... 141
Airflow
Setting ........................................... 142
Air nozzles
see Air vents .................................. 145
Air pressure
see Tire pressure
Air-recirculation mode
Activating/deactivating .................144
AIRSCARF ........................................... 112
Setting the vents ........................... 147
Air vents ............................................. 145
Glove box ....................................... 146
Important safety information .........145
Rear ............................................... 146
Setting the AIRSCARF vents ..........147
Setting the center air vents ...........145
Setting the side air vents ...............146
Switching AIRSCARF on/off ..........112
Alarm system
see ATA
Alertness Assistant
see ATTENTION ASSIST
Anti-lock Braking System
see ABS
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA
Anti-theft system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........71
Ashtray ............................................... 257
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 206
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) Activating/deactivating ...................71
Function ........................................... 71
Switching off the alarm ....................71
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 207
Display message ............................ 229
Function/notes ............................. 193
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 204
AUTO lights see Light sensor
Automatic car wash .......................... 277
Automatic transmission Display message ............................ 236
Driving tips .................................... 158
Emergency running mode ..............162
Kickdown ....................................... 158
Malfunction .................................... 162
Program selector button ................1584IndexBA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 4
Pulling away ................................... 153
Releasing the parking lock
manually ........................................ 162
Selector lever ................................ 156
Starting .......................................... 153
B
Backrest Folding forward/back ....................110
Backrest (display message) ............. 237
Bag hook ............................................ 253
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 65
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
Plus*) .................................................... 65
Battery Charging ........................................ 294
Checking (SmartKey) .......................78
Display message ............................ 228
Important safety guidelines
(SmartKey) ....................................... 77
Jump-starting ................................. 296
Replacing (SmartKey) ......................78
Safety notes .................................. 293
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 208
Display message ............................ 230
Function/notes ............................. 194
Brake fluid
Notes ............................................. 338
Brake fluid level ................................ 276
Brake lamp (display message) ......... 223
Brakes ABS .................................................. 64
BAS .................................................. 65
BAS PLUS ........................................ 65
Brake fluid (notes) .........................338
Display message ............................ 221
Important safety notes ..................168
Maintenance .................................. 169
Parking brake ................................ 166
Warning lamp ................................. 240
Breakdown
see Accident (notes)
see Flat tire
Bulbs
High-beam headlamps ...................128
Low-beam headlamps ....................127
Overview ........................................ 127
Parking lamps ................................ 128
Standing lamps (front) ...................128
Turn signals (front) ......................... 128
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) .........21
California
Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................19
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Capacities
see Technical data
Care
AIRCAP .......................................... 280
Carpets .......................................... 284
Car wash ........................................ 277
Display ........................................... 282
Gear or selector lever ....................283
Headlamps ..................................... 282
Notes ............................................. 277
Paint .............................................. 279
Plastic trim .................................... 283
Power washer ................................ 278
Rear view camera .......................... 282
Roof lining ...................................... 284
Seat belt ........................................ 284
Seat covers .................................... 283
Sensors ......................................... 282
Soft top .......................................... 279
Steering wheel ............................... 283
Tail pipes ....................................... 282
Trim strips ..................................... 283
Washing by hand ........................... 278
Wheels ........................................... 279
Wind deflector ............................... 280
Windows ........................................ 281
Wind screen ................................... 280
Wiper blades .................................. 281
Wooden trim .................................. 283
Cargo tie down rings ......................... 253
Index5BA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 5
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel Opening/closing ............................ 102
Resetting ....................................... 103
Parking ............................................... 165
Parking aid Parking Guidance ........................... 189
PARKTRONIC ................................. 186
Rear view camera .......................... 192
Parking brake .................................... 166
Parking Guidance .............................. 189
Display message ............................ 230
Parking lamp (display message) ...... 224
Parking lock Releasing manually (automatic
transmission) ................................. 162
Parking position
Exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side ............................... 115
PARKTRONIC
Activating/deactivating .................187
Function/notes ............................. 186
Malfunction .................................... 189
Problem ......................................... 189
Range of the sensors .....................186
Warning display ............................. 187
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator
lamp (only Canada) ............................. 47
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator
lamp (only USA) ................................... 42
Pedals ................................................. 167
Permanent display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 209
Plastic trim (cleaning instructions) . 283
Power washers .................................. 278
Power windows see Side windows
Pre-emptive occupant safety
system
see PRE-SAFE ®
system
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (vehicles with
DISTRONIC PLUS) Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 207
Function/notes ................................ 68PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (vehicles with
DISTRONIC PLUS) Display message ............................ 215
Warning lamp ................................. 247
PRE-SAFE ®
system
Display message ............................ 214
Operation ......................................... 51
Product information ............................ 18
Program selector button .................. 158
Pulling away Automatic transmission .................153
R
Radar sensor system Display message ............................ 230
Radar sensor system (on-board
computer) .......................................... 211
Radio Changing stations (on-board
computer) ...................................... 204
see separate operating instructions
Range (on-board computer) ............. 202
Rear compartment Setting the air vents ......................146
Setting the temperature ................141
Rear fog lamp (display message) ..... 224
Rear seat backrest Display message ............................ 237
Folding forwards/back ..................252
Rear seat backrest (display
message) ............................................ 237
Rear view camera Function/notes ............................. 192
Rear view camera (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 282
Rear-view mirror Anti-glare (manual) ........................114
Dipping (automatic) .......................115
Rear window blind ............................ 256
Rear window heating Malfunction .................................... 144
Switching on/off ........................... 144
Refueling ............................................ 162
Remote control Programming (garage door
opener) .......................................... 265
12IndexBA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 12
ReportingMalfunctions relevant to safety ........ 21
Reserve fuel
Display message ............................ 229
Warning lamp ................................. 245
Residual heat
Switching on/off ........................... 144
Restraint systems
see SRS
Reversing lamp (display message) .. 225
Roadside Assistance (breakdown) .... 19
Roll bar Display message ............................ 215
Operation ......................................... 50
Roller blind
see Roller sunblind
Roller sunblind
Opening/closing ............................ 102
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel .................................. 102
Rear window .................................. 256
Roof
see Soft top
Roof carrier ................................ 254, 255
Roof lining and carpets (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 284
Route see Route guidance (on-board
computer)
Route guidance (on-board
computer) .......................................... 203
S
Safety Children in the vehicle .....................58
Child restraint systems ....................59
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 42
Overview of occupant safety
systems ........................................... 34
Safety systems
see Driving safety systems
Seat belts
Adjusting the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt .........................56
Automatic comfort-fit feature ..........58
Belt force limiters ............................ 57
Cleaning ......................................... 284
Correct usage .................................. 53
Emergency Tensioning Devices ........ 57
Fastening ......................................... 54
Important safety guidelines .............53
Releasing ......................................... 56
Safety guidelines ............................. 35
Special seat belt retractor ...............61
Switching belt adjustment on/off
(on-board computer) ......................211
Warning lamp ................................. 241
Warning lamp (function) ................... 56
Seat heating
Indicator lamp (Malfunction) ..........112
Seats
Adjusting (electrically) ...................108
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support .......................................... 111
Adjusting the head restraint ..........108
Cleaning the cover .........................283
Correct driver's seat position ........106
Important safety notes ..................107
Multicontour seat .......................... 110
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 116
Switching AIRSCARF on/off ..........112
Switching seat heating on/off .......111
Switching the seat ventilation on/
off .................................................. 112
Seat ventilation
Indicator lamp (Malfunction) ..........112
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 282
Service indicator see Service interval display
Service interval display .................... 276
Displaying a service message (on-
board computer) ............................ 277
Service menu (on-board computer) . 208
Service products Brake fluid ..................................... 338
Capacities ...................................... 335
Coolant (engine) ............................ 338
Engine oil ....................................... 337
Fuel ................................................ 335
Important safety notes ..................334
Notes ............................................. 334Index13BA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 13
workshop immediately and have the roll bar
checked.
PRE-SAFE ®
system
GWarning
The PRE-SAFE ®
system reduces the impact of
an accident on vehicle occupants, as long as
their seat belts have been fastened correctly.
Although your vehicle is equipped with a PRE-
SAFE ®
system, the possibility of injury in the
event of an accident cannot be ruled out. You
should therefore always drive carefully and
adapt your driving style to the prevailing road,
weather and traffic conditions.
PRE-SAFE ®
takes pre-emptive measures to
protect the occupants in certain hazardous
situations.
PRE-SAFE ®
intervenes:
R in emergency braking situations, e.g. if BAS
is activated or, on vehicles with DISTRONIC
PLUS, if BAS PLUS or PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
intervenes powerfully
R if the radar sensor system detects an
imminent danger of collision in certain
situations (on vehicles with DISTRONIC
PLUS)
R in critical driving situations, e.g. when
physical limits are exceeded and the
vehicle understeers or oversteers severely
or when having to swerve to avoid an
obstacle at a speed above 85 mph
(140 km/h).
PRE-SAFE ®
takes the following measures
depending on the hazardous situation
detected:
R the front seat belts are pre-tensioned.
R under accident conditions, the front-
passenger seat is adjusted if it is in an
unfavorable position.
R increases the air pressure in the side
bolsters of the seat cushion and seat
backrest of the multicontour seats in the
front.
R Coupe: if the vehicle skids, the panorama
sliding sunroof and the front side windows
are closed so that only a small gap remains.
R Cabriolet: if the vehicle skids, the front side
windows are closed so that only a small gap
remains.
If the hazardous situation passes without
resulting in an accident, PRE-SAFE ®
slackens
the belt pretensioning. The air pressure in the
side bolsters on the multicontour seat is
reduced again. All settings made by PRE-
SAFE ®
can then be reversed.
If the seat belts are not released:XWhen the vehicle is stationary, move the
backrest or seat back slightly.
The belt pretensioning is reduced and the
locking mechanism is released.GWarning
Make sure that nobody can become trapped
as you adjust the seat.
! Make sure that there are no objects in the
footwell or behind the seats when resetting
the seats. There is a risk that the seats
and/or the objects could be damaged.
More information about belt adjustment, a
convenience function integrated into PRE-
SAFE ®
, can be found in the "Belt adjustment"
section ( Y page 56).
NECK-PRO head restraints
The NECK-PRO head restraints increase
protection for the driver's and front-
passenger's head and neck. In the event of a
rear collision of a certain severity, the NECK-
PRO head restraints on the driver's and front-
passenger seats are moved forwards and
upwards. This provides better head support.
GWarning
Do not secure any objects (e.g. coat hangers)
on the NECK-PRO head restraints. Otherwise,
Occupant safety51SafetyBA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 51Z
GWarning
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about
5 mph (8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-
surface conditions. ABS works on slippery
surfaces, even when you only brake gently.
The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.XTo make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.GWarning
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
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 the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
BAS (Brake Assist)GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 64).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is 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 (Brake Assist PLUS)
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 64).
At speeds above approximately
20 mph (30 km/h), BAS PLUS assists you
when braking in hazardous situations and
uses the radar sensor system to evaluate the
traffic conditions.
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
Driving safety systems65SafetyBA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 65Z
could cause an accident. Personal or fatal
injury to you or others may be the result.
i This equipment has been approved by the
FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System". The
radar sensor system is intended for use in
an automotive radar system only. Removal,
tampering, or altering of the device will void
any warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with the device in any
way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
BAS PLUS can detect obstacles that are in the
path of your vehicle for an extended period of
time. Should you approach a detected
obstacle quickly, BAS PLUS calculates the
braking force necessary to avoid a rear-end
collision. Should you additionally apply the
brakes, BAS PLUS will automatically increase
the braking force to a level suitable for the
traffic conditions.
If BAS PLUS demands particularly high
braking force, PRE-SAFE ®
is activated
simultaneously.XKeep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will work normally again when:
R you release the brake pedal
R no obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle
R there is no longer any danger of a rear-end
collision
BAS PLUS is then deactivated.
At speeds up to approximately
40 mph (70 km/h), BAS PLUS can also detect
stationary obstacles, for example, stopped or
parked vehicles.
For BAS PLUS to assist you when driving, the
radar sensor system must be switched on and
operational. You can check this by activating
DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 174) or via the
"radar sensor" function in the on-board
computer( Y page 211).GWarning!
BAS PLUS 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
BAS PLUS uses radar signals that are not
reflected well by narrow objects and
absorptive materials. For this reason BAS
PLUS will not react to persons, animals, and
approaching traffic or cross-traffic.
BAS PLUS may not detect narrow vehicles
driving in front of you, such as motorcycles
and vehicles driving offset from your vehicle
center.
Following a collision or accident-related
damage to the front end of the vehicle, have
the configuration and operation of the radar
sensors checked at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
If BAS PLUS is not available due to a
malfunction in the radar sensor system, the
brake system remains available with full
brake boosting effect and BAS.
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 64).
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also
modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
assists
66Driving safety systemsSafety
BA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 66
Immediately brake your vehicle to increase
the distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle driving in front of you. The warning
sound is intended as a final caution that you
have not interceded with your own braking
inputs to avoid a potentially dangerous
situation. Do not wait for the operation of the
warning signal to intercede with your own
braking, as that will result in potentially
dangerous emergency braking which will not
always result in an impact being avoided.
Tailgating increases the risk of an accident.GWarning!
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake 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 the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is switched
on. Otherwise, you may not be able to
recognize dangerous situations until it is too
late and could cause an accident resulting in
personal or fatal injury to you or others.
i USA only: this device has been approved
by the FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System".
The radar sensor system is intended for use
in an automotive radar system only.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the
device will void any warranties, and is not
permitted by the FCC. Do not tamper with
the device in any way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only: this device complies with
RSS-210 from Industry Canada. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. This device must withstand any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the
device will void any warranties, and is not
permitted. Do not tamper with the device
in any way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
With the help of the radar sensor system,
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can detect obstacles that
are in front of your vehicle for an extended
period of time. If you approach an obstacle
and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake detects a risk of a
collision, the system will initially alert you
both visually and acoustically. If you do not
brake or steer, the vehicle will at first
automatically brake slightly. In the event of
an increased risk of a collision, PRE-SAFE ®
is
activated ( Y page 51). If the risk of collision
remains and you do not brake, take evasive
action or accelerate significantly, the vehicle
may perform automatic emergency braking.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.
Driving safety systems69SafetyBA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 69Z