
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
EBD, ABS, and ESC
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), ABS, ESP ®
, BAS, PRE-
SAFE ®
, HOLD and hill start assist are unavailable due to a
malfunction. BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may also have
failed. In addition, the ä, å and ! warning lamps in the
instrument cluster light up and a warning tone sounds.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.#
Check Brake Pad
WearThe brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
Release Park. BrakeYou are driving with the parking brake engaged. A warning tone
also sounds.XRelease the parking brake.Display messages221On-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 221Z

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.
222Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
BA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 222

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.
226Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
BA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 226

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.
Display messages227On-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 227Z

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.
228Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
BA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 228

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsCThere is only a small amount of fuel in the fuel tank.XRefuel at the nearest gas station.8
Fuel Level LowThe fuel level has dropped into the reserve range.XRefuel at the nearest gas station.8
Gas Cap LooseThe fuel system pressure is too low. The fuel filler cap is not closed
correctly or the fuel system is leaking.XCheck that the fuel filler cap is correctly closed.XIf the fuel filler cap is not correctly closed: close the fuel filler
cap.XIf the fuel filler cap is closed: visit a qualified specialist
workshop.
Driving systems
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsÀ
Attention Assist
Drowsiness
DetectedBased on specific criteria, ATTENTION ASSIST has determined
tiredness or a decrease in attention. A warning tone also sounds.XIf necessary, take a break.
During long journeys, take regular breaks in good time so you get
enough rest.
À
Attention Assist
InoperativeATTENTION ASSIST has failed.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.HOLD
OffThe HOLD function is deactivated. The vehicle is skidding.
A warning tone also sounds.XReactivate the HOLD function later.A condition for activation is no longer met when the brake pedal
is firmly depressed.
A warning tone also sounds.XCheck the activation conditions for the HOLD function
( Y page 184).Display messages229On-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 229Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsParking Guidance
CanceledParking Guidance is deactivated, because:
R the vehicle is skidding.
R the sensors are dirty.
R a malfunction has occurred.
A warning tone also sounds.XReactivate Parking Guidance later.
If the parking space symbol is not displayed in the multifunction
display when you are driving at a speed of less than 19 mph
(30 km/h):
XClean the sensors ( Y page 282).XRestart the engine.
If the parking space symbol is still not displayed in the
multifunction display when you are driving at a speed of less than
19 mph (30 km/h):
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Parking Guidance is deactivated because you have left the lane.XPark again and, while doing so, observe the display messages
in the multifunction display.Parking Guidance
FinishedThe vehicle is parked. A warning tone also sounds.
The display message disappears automatically.DISTRONIC PLUS
OffDISTRONIC PLUS has been switched off. When it is deactivated
automatically, a warning tone also sounds ( Y page 181).DISTRONIC PLUS
Now AvailableDISTRONIC PLUS is operational again after being temporarily
unavailable. You can now activate DISTRONIC PLUS again
( Y page 174).Display messages231On-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 231Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsDISTRONIC PLUS
Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's ManualDISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated and is temporarily inoperative if:
R the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator grill is dirty.
R the sensors in the bumpers are dirty.
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 its function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the system is outside the operating temperature range.
R the on-board voltage is too low.
A warning tone also sounds.
DISTRONIC PLUS 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.DISTRONIC PLUS
InoperativeDISTRONIC PLUS is faulty. BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may
also have failed. A warning tone also sounds.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.DISTRONIC PLUS
OverrideYou have depressed the accelerator pedal. DISTRONIC PLUS is no
longer controlling the speed of the vehicle.XTake your foot off the accelerator pedal.DISTRONIC PLUS
--- mphAn activation condition for DISTRONIC PLUS is not fulfilled.XCheck activation conditions for DISTRONIC PLUS
( Y page 174).232Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
BA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 232