
XPress the = or ;  button on the
steering wheel to select the  DriveAssist
menu.XPress the  9 or :  button to select
Distance Display .XPress a.
The DISTRONIC PLUS distance display
( Y  page 180) appears in the multifunction
display.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
GWarning!
Never switch off the ESP when you see the
ESP warning lamp  ä 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.
Further information about ESP ®
(Y  page 66).
XStart the engine.XPress the  = or ;  button on the
steering wheel to select the  DriveAssist
menu.XPress  9 or :  to select  ESP.XPress  a.XTo deactivate:  press a again.
The  å  warning lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on.GWarning
When the  å ESP OFF warning lamp lights
up, ESP is switched off.
When the  ä ESP warning lamp and the
å  ESP OFF warning lamp are on
continuously, ESP is not operational due to a
malfunction.
When ESP is switched off or not operational,
the vehicle's stability during standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your driving style to suit the prevailing
road conditions/weather conditions and to
the non-operating status of ESP.XTo activate:  press a again.
The  å  warning lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Activating/deactivating PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
This function is only available with
DISTRONIC PLUS.
XPress the  = or ;  button on the
steering wheel to select the  DriveAssist
menu.XPress  9 or :  to select  PRE-SAFE 
Brake .XPress a.
The current selection is displayed.XTo activate/deactivate:  press a
again.
When PRE-SAFE ®
 Brake ( Y page 68) is
activated, the multifunction display shows
the  Ä  symbol.
Activating/deactivating ATTENTION
ASSIST
XPress the  = or ;  button on the
steering wheel to select the  DriveAssist
menu.XPress the  9 or :  button to select
Attention Asst.XPress  a.
The current selection is displayed.XTo activate/deactivate:  press a
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XPress the : or 9  button to select the
Display Unit Speed-/Odometer.
function.
You will see the selected setting:  km or
miles .XPress the  a button to save the setting.
Selecting the permanent display function
The  Permanent Display:  function allows
you to choose whether the multifunction
display always shows the outside
temperature or the speed in km/h (USA) or
mph (Canada). 
XPress the  = or ;  button on the
steering wheel to select the  Settings
menu.XPress the  : or 9  button to select the
Instr. Cluster  submenu.XPress the a button to confirm.XPress  : or 9  to select the
Permanent Display:  function.
You will see the selected setting  Outside 
Temperature  or Speedometer [km/h]: .XPress the a button to save the setting.
Lights
Switching the daytime running lamps on/
off
This function is not available in Canada.
If you have activated the  Daytime Running 
Lights:  function and the light switch is in the
c  position the daytime running lamps are
switched on automatically when the engine is
running. 
In the dark, the following also light up:
R the low-beam headlamps
R the parking lamps
R the tail lamps
R the license plate lamp
R the side marker lamps
XPress the  = or ;  button on the
steering wheel to select the  Settings
menu.XPress the  : or 9  button to select the
Lights  submenu.XPress the  a button to confirm.XPress the  : or 9  button to select the
Daytime Running Lights:  function.
You will see the selected setting:  Enabled
or  Disabled .XPress the  a button to save the setting.
Switching Adaptive Highbeam Assist on/
off
XPress the  = or ;  button on the
steering wheel to select the  Settings
menu.XPress the  : or 9  button to select the
Lights  submenu.XPress the  a button to confirm.XPress the  : or 9  button to select the
Adaptive Highbeam Assist:  function.
You will see the selected setting:  Enabled
or  Disabled .XPress the  a button to save the setting.
Activating/deactivating surround
lighting and exterior lighting delayed
switch-off
If you switch on the  Locator Lighting:
function and the light switch is set to  c, 
R the exterior lighting switches on when it is
dark after unlocking the vehicle with the
SmartKey.
The exterior lighting switches off when you
open the driver’s door.
R the exterior lighting remains on for 15
seconds when it is dark after closing the
doors.
If the engine is switched off and then none
of the doors are opened, or if an open door
is not closed, the exterior lighting goes out
after 60 seconds.
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If you activate the Locator Lighting:
function, the following light up:
R the parking lamps
R the tail lamps
R the fog lamps 18
R the low-beam headlamps 19
R the license plate lamp
R the side marker lampsXPress the  = or ;  button on the
steering wheel to select the  Settings
menu.XPress the  : or 9  button to select the
Lights  submenu.XPress the  a button to confirm.XPress the  : or 9  button to select the
Locator Lighting:  function.
You will see the selected setting:  Enabled
or  Disabled .XPress the  a button to save the setting.
To deactivate the delayed shut-off
temporarily:
XBefore leaving the vehicle, turn the
SmartKey to position  0 in the ignition lock.XTurn the SmartKey to position  2 in the
ignition lock and back to position  0.
The delayed shut-off is deactivated.
The delayed shut-off is reactivated the next
time you start the engine.
Activating/deactivating the interior
lighting delayed switch-off
When you activate the  Interior Lighting 
Delay:  function and remove the SmartKey
from the ignition lock, the interior lighting
remains on for 10 seconds. 
XPress the  = or ;  button on the
steering wheel to select the  Settings
menu.XPress the  : or 9  button to select the
Lights  submenu.XPress the  a button to confirm.XPress the  : or 9  button to select the
Interior Lighting Delay:  function.
You will see the selected setting:  Enabled
or  Disabled .XPress the  a button to save the setting.
Vehicle
Activating/deactivating the automatic
locking feature
If you select the  Automatic Door Lock:
function, the vehicle is centrally locked above
a speed of around 9 mph (15 km/h).
i Further information on the automatic
locking feature ( Y page 81).
XPress the  = or ;  button on the
steering wheel to select the  Settings
menu.XPress the  : or 9  button to select the
Vehicle  submenu.XPress the  a button to confirm.XPress the  : or 9  button to select the
Automatic Door Lock:  function.
You will see the selected setting:  Enabled
or  Disabled .XPress the  a button to save the setting.
Activating/deactivating the acoustic
locking confirmation
If you switch on the  Acoustic Lock 
Feedback:  function, an acoustic signal
sounds when you lock or unlock the vehicle.
When unlocking, the signal sounds once.
When locking, it sounds three times.
XPress the  = or ;  button on the
steering wheel to select the  Settings
menu.XPress the  : or 9  button to select the
Vehicle  submenu.XPress the  a button to confirm.18
Only for vehicles with front fog lamps.
19 Only for vehicles without front fog lamps.210Menus and submenusOn-board computer and displays
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsPRE-SAFE
Function Currently 
Limited See Oper. 
ManualGRisk of accident
PRE-SAFE ®
 Brake is temporarily inoperative if: 
R the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator grill is dirty.
R the sensors in the bumpers are dirty.
R its function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio
stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
R the system is outside the operating temperature range.
R the on-board voltage is insufficient.
PRE-SAFE ®
 Brake is operational again and the display message
disappears when:
R the dirt (e.g. slush) drops away while the vehicle is in motion.
R the system detects that the sensors are fully available again.
R the system is within the operating temperature range.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XClean the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator grill
( Y  page 282).XClean the bumpers ( Y page 282).XRestart the engine.XWait until the battery is sufficiently charged.PRE-SAFE
Functions Limited 
See Operator's 
ManualGRisk of accident
PRE-SAFE ®
 Brake is faulty. BAS PLUS or the distance warning
signal may also have failed.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.A
Malfunction 
Service RequiredGRisk of injury
Cabriolet: the roll bars are defective. 
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.Check Child Seat 
Pos.
See Operator's 
ManualGRisk of injury
Vehicles with BabySmart™ (Canada only): 
The BabySmart™ child seat is positioned incorrectly.
XInstall the child seat in the correct position.Display messages215On-board computer and displaysBA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 215Z 

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
Brake ImmediatelyA malfunction has occurred while the HOLD function or
DISTRONIC PLUS is active.
A tone may also sound at regular intervals. The tone becomes
louder if you attempt to lock the vehicle.
You cannot start the engine.XPaying attention to the traffic situation, immediately depress the
brake pedal firmly and hold until the display message
disappears.XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away before you leave it
( Y  page 289).
You can restart the engine.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
Check Brake Fluid 
LevelGRisk of accident
There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
Additionally, the red  $ (USA only)/  J (Canada only)
warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster and a warning
tone sounds.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.XEngage the parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.XDo not add brake fluid. This will not rectify the malfunction.GWarning
Driving with the message  Check Brake Fluid Level  displayed can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
Lights
i Display messages about LEDs:
This display message will only appear if all LEDs have failed.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Switch Off LightsThe lights are still switched on when you leave the vehicle. A
warning tone also sounds.XTurn the light switch to  c.Adaptive Highbeam 
Assist 
InoperativeAdaptive Highbeam Assist is faulty. XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Adaptive Highbeam 
Assist
Currently 
Unavailable See 
Operator's ManualAdaptive Highbeam Assist is deactivated and temporarily
inoperative, if:
R the windshield is dirty in the camera's field of vision.
R visibility is impaired due to heavy rain, snow or fog.XClean the windshield.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist is available again, if:
R the dirt (e.g. slush) drops away while the vehicle is in motion.
R the system detects that the camera is fully operational again.
The  Adaptive Highbeam Assist Now Available  message is
displayed.
Engine
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and  M Solutions+
Check Coolant 
Level See 
Operator's ManualThe coolant level is too low.XAdd coolant, observing the warning notes when doing so
( Y  page 274).XIf coolant needs adding more often than usual, have the engine
coolant system checked at a qualified specialist workshop.GWarning
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn
if it comes into contact with hot engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
!  The coolant level is too low. Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the cooling
system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the coolant level is
too low must not be ignored.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?
Coolant Level Low 
Stop Vehicle Turn 
Engine OffThe coolant is too hot.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XMake sure that the air supply to the radiator is not blocked, e.g.
by snow, slush or ice.XWait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. There is otherwise a risk of engine damage.XPay attention to the coolant temperature display.XIf the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.The poly-V-belt may have torn.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XOpen the hood.XCheck whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
!  Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is OK:
XWait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. There is otherwise a risk of engine damage.XPay attention to the coolant temperature display.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.GWarning
Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening the
engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
!  If the coolant temperature exceeds 248  ‡(120  †) do not continue driving. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?The engine fan is faulty.XAt coolant temperatures below 248  ‡ (120  †), continue driving
to the next qualified specialist workshop.XAvoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-start driving.#The battery is not being charged.
Possible causes are:
R a faulty alternator
R a torn poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronicsXPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XOpen the hood.XCheck whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
!  Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is OK:
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.4
Check Engine Oil 
At Next 
Refueling Check
Engine Oil at Next
RefuelingThe engine oil level has dropped to a critical level.
A warning tone also sounds.XCheck the oil level ( Y page 273).XIf necessary, add the engine oil ( Y page 274).XHave the engine checked for leaks if engine oil has to be added
more often than usual.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any qualified specialist workshop
or on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
!  The oil level is too low. Avoid long journeys with too little engine oil. There is a risk of
engine damage.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the oil level is too
low must not be ignored.
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