Page 49 of 288

XPull the seat belt smoothly from the inertia
reel.XEngage fixed seat belt tongue ? in
buckle ;.XPull movable seat belt tongue C and route
the seat belt across your body. Without
twisting it, guide the shoulder section of the
seat belt across the middle of your shoulder
and the lap section across your hips.XEngage movable seat belt tongue C in
buckle A.XIf necessary, pull upwards on the shoulder
section of the seat belt to tighten the belt
across your body.For more information about releasing the seat
belt with release buttons B and =, see
"Releasing seat belts" ( Y page 48).
Special seat belt retractor
All seat belts in the vehicle with the exception
of the driver's are equipped with a special
seat belt retractor, to which a child restraint
system can be secured. For further
information on special seat belt retractors,
see ( Y page 51).
Belt height adjustment
You can adjust the belt height on the driver's
and front-passenger seat, as well as on the
outer rear seats.
Adjust the height so that the upper part of the
seat belt is routed across the center of your
shoulder.
XTo raise: slide the belt sash guide upwards.
The belt sash guide engages in various
positions.XTo lower: pull belt sash guide release :
forwards and hold it.XSlide the belt sash guide downwards.XRelease belt sash guide release : and
make sure that the belt sash guide has
engaged.Occupant safety47SafetyZ
Page 50 of 288

Releasing seat belts
Notes
! Make sure that the seat belt is fully rolled
up. Otherwise, the seat belt or belt tongue
will be trapped in the door or in the seat
mechanism. This could damage the door,
the door trim panel and the seat belt.
Damaged seat belts can no longer fulfill
their protective function and must be
replaced. Consult an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Three-point seat belt, front
XPress release button = and guide belt
tongue ; back towards belt sash guide ?
( Y page 46).
Three-point seat belt in the rear, center
XPress release button B on seat belt buckle
A (Y page 46).XOpen belt buckle ; with a screwdriver or
similar item ( Y page 46).XLet the seat belt roll up to the stop.XGuide both seat belt tongues ? and C
into bracket : one on top of the other.
( Y page 46).GWarning!
To help prevent the possibility of injury,
always store the rear center seat belt latch
plates in the attachment when the rear center
seat belt is not in use.
Belt warning for the driver and front
passenger
The 7 seat belt warning lamp in the
instrument cluster is a reminder for all
occupants to fasten their seat belts.
Regardless of whether the driver and front-
passenger seat belts have already been
fastened, the 7 seat belt warning lamp will
always illuminate for six seconds each time
the engine is started. It then goes out if the
driver and the front passenger have fastened
their seat belts.
If the driver or front-passenger seat belt is not
fastened when the engine is started, an
additional warning tone will sound. This
warning tone ceases after a maximum of six
seconds or when the driver and front
passenger have fastened their seat belts.
If after six seconds, the driver or front
passenger have not fastened their seat belts
and the doors are closed:
R the 7 seat belt warning lamp remains
illuminated as long as either the driver's or
front-passenger seat belt is not fastened.
R the 7 seat belt warning lamp lights up
if the vehicle speed exceeds 15 mph
( 25 km/h). Additionally, a warning tone will
sound with increasing intensity for a
maximum of 60 seconds or until the
driver's or front-passenger seat belt are
fastened.
If the driver or front passenger unfasten their
seat belt while the vehicle is in motion, the
7 seat belt warning lamp lights up and a
warning tone sounds again.
The warning tone ceases even if the driver or
front passenger have still not fastened their
seat belt after 60 seconds. The 7 seat belt
warning lamp stops flashing but remains
illuminated.
After the vehicle comes to a standstill, the
warning tone is reactivated and the 7 seat
belt warning lamp flashes again if the vehicle
speed again exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h) .
The 7 seat belt warning lamp only goes
out if:
R both the driver and the front passenger
have fastened their seat belts.
or
R the vehicle is stationary and a door is open.
i For more information on the 7 seat
belt warning lamp, see "Indicator and
warning lamps in the instrument cluster,
seat belt" ( Y page 184).48Occupant safetySafety
Page 51 of 288

Emergency Tensioning Device, belt
force limiters
The front seat belts and the outer seat belts
in the rear are equipped with ETDs and belt
force limiters.
! If the front-passenger seat is not
occupied, do not engage the seat belt
tongue in the buckle on the front-
passenger seat. Otherwise, the Emergency
Tensioning Device could be triggered in the
event of an accident.
The ETDs tighten the seat belts in an accident,
pulling them close against the body.
The ETDs do not correct incorrect seat
positions or incorrectly fastened seat belts.
The ETDs do not pull vehicle occupants back
towards the backrest.
Belt force limiters, when triggered, help to
reduce the peak force exerted by the seat belt
on the vehicle occupant.
The front belt force limiters are synchronized
with the front air bags, which take on a part
of the deceleration force. Thus, the force
exerted on the occupant is distributed over a
greater area.
The ETDs can only be activated when:
R the SmartKey is in position 1 or 2 in the
ignition lock.
R the restraint systems are operational; see
"SRS warning lamp" ( Y page 34).
R the belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on
each of the lap-shoulder belts in the front.
R the front-passenger seat is occupied and
the belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on
the front-passenger side.
The ETDs are triggered depending on the type
and severity of an accident:
R in the event of a head-on or rear-end
collision if the vehicle decelerates or
accelerates rapidly in a longitudinal
direction during the initial stages of the
impact
R in certain situations if the vehicle overturns
and the system determines that it can
provide additional protection
If the Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs)
are triggered, you will hear a bang, and a small
amount of smoke may also be released. Only
in rare cases will the bang affect your hearing.
The smoke that is released generally does not
constitute a health hazard. The + SRS
warning lamp lights up.GWarning
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.
Children in the vehicle
Important safety notes
GWarning
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take
the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. The children
could:
R injure themselves on parts of the vehicle
R be seriously or fatally injured through
excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold
R injure themselves or cause an accident with
vehicle equipment that can be operated
even if the SmartKey is removed from the
ignition lock or removed from the vehicle,
such as seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment, or the memory function
Children in the vehicle49SafetyZ
Page 52 of 288

If children open a door, they could injure other
persons or get out of the vehicle and injure
themselves or be injured by following traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system's
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and the child could be burned on these
parts.GWarning!
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment or trunk unless they
are firmly secured in place.
Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child's risk of injury in the event
of
R strong braking maneuvers
R sudden changes of direction
R an accident
If an infant or child is traveling in the vehicle:
XSecure the child using an infant or child
restraint system appropriate to the age and
weight of the childXMake sure that the infant or child is
properly secured at all times while the
vehicle is in motion.
Child restraint systems
Important safety notes
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 49).
We recommend all infants and children be
properly restrained using the child restraint
systems at all times while the vehicle is in
motion.
Always use a child restraint system that is
compatible with BabySmart™ on the front-
passenger seat.
The use of infant or child restraints is required
by law in all 50 states, the District of
Columbia, the U.S. territories and all
Canadian provinces.
Infants and children should always be seated
in an infant or child seat restraint system
appropriate for the size and weight of the
child. They must be properly secured in
accordance with the manufacturer's
installation instructions for the infant or child
seat restraint system. All infant and child seat
restraint systems must comply with the US
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213
and 225 and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards 213 and 210.2.
A statement by the child restraint
manufacturer of compliance with these
standards can be found on the instruction
label on the restraint system. You will also
find the statement in the instruction manual
provided with the child restraint system.
When using an infant restraint system, child
restraint system or booster seat, make sure
to carefully read and follow all manufacturer's
instructions for installation and use.
Please read the warning labels affixed to the
interior of the vehicle or to the infant restraint
or child restraint system.GWarning!
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained in the rear
seating positions than in the front seating
position. Thus, we strongly recommend that
children be placed in the rear seats whenever
possible. Regardless of seating position,
children 12 years old and under must be
seated and properly secured in an appropriate
infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster
seat recommended for the size and weight of
the child.
The infant or child restraint must be properly
secured with the vehicle’s seat belt, the seat
belt and top tether strap, or lower anchors and
top tether strap, fully in accordance with the
child seat manufacturer’s instructions.
Occupants, especially children, should always
sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt
properly and use an appropriately sized infant
50Children in the vehicleSafety
Page 53 of 288

restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
Children can be killed or seriously injured by
an inflating air bag. Note the following
important information when circumstances
require you to place a child in the front
passenger seat:
R Children 12 years old and under must never
ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-
Benz authorized BabySmart™ compatible
child seat, which operates with the
BabySmart™ system installed in the vehicle
to deactivate the front passenger front air
bag when it is installed properly. Otherwise
they will be struck by the air bag when it
inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious
or fatal injury will result.
R A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the
front passenger seat will be seriously
injured or even killed if the front passenger
front air bag inflates in a collision which
could occur under some circumstances,
even with the air bag technology installed
in your vehicle. The only means to
completely eliminate this risk is to never
place a child in a rear-facing child restraint
in the front seat. We therefore strongly
recommend that you always place a child
in a rear-facing child restraint in a backseat.
R If you must install a rear-facing child
restraint on the front passenger seat
because circumstances require you to do
so, make sure the 4 / indicator
lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front
passenger front air bag is deactivated.
Should the 4 / indicator lamp not
illuminate or go out while the restraint is
installed, please check installation.
Periodically check the 4 / indicator
lamp while driving to make sure the
4 / indicator lamp is illuminated. If
the 4 / indicator lamp goes out or
remains out, do not transport a child on the
front passenger seat until the system has
been repaired.A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the
front passenger seat will be seriously
injured or even killed if the front passenger
front air bag inflates.
R If you have to place a child in a forward-
facing child restraint on the front passenger
seat, move the seat as far back as possible,
use the proper child restraint
recommended for the age, size and weight
of the child, and secure child restraint with
the vehicle’s seat belt according to the child
seat manufacturer’s instructions.GWarning
Infants and small children should never share
a seat belt with another occupant. During an
accident, they could be crushed between the
occupant and seat belt.
A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and/
or the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
Children too big for a toddler restraint must
ride in seats using regular seat belts. Position
the shoulder belt across the chest and
shoulder, not face or neck. A booster seat
may be necessary to achieve proper seat belt
positioning for children over 41 lb (18 kg) until
they reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt
fits properly without a booster.
When the child restraint is not in use, remove
it from the vehicle or secure it with the seat
belt to prevent the child restraint from
becoming a projectile in the event of an
accident.
Special seat belt retractor
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 49).
All seat belts except the driver's seat belt are
equipped with a special seat belt retractor.
When enabled, the special seat belt retractor
function ensures that the seat belt does not
Children in the vehicle51SafetyZ
Page 54 of 288

slacken once the child restraint system is
secured.
Installing a child restraint system:XAlways comply with the manufacturer's
installation instructions.XPull the seat belt smoothly from the inertia
reel.XEngage the seat belt tongue in the belt
buckle.
Activating the special seat belt retractor:
XPull the seat belt out fully and let the inertia
reel retract it again.
While the seat belt is retracting, you should
hear a ratcheting sound. The special seat
belt retractor function is enabled.XPush down on the child restraint system to
take up any slack.
Removing a child restraint system/
deactivating the special seat belt retractor:
XAlways comply with the manufacturer's
installation instructions.XPress the seat belt release button and
guide the belt tongue to the belt outlet.
The special seat belt retractor function is
deactivated.GWarning
Never release the seat belt buckle while the
vehicle is in motion, since the special seat belt
retractor will be deactivated.
ISOFIX child seat securing system for
the rear seats
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 49).
GWarning
Children that are too large for a child restraint
must travel in seats using normal seat belts.
Position shoulder belt across the chest and
shoulder, not face or neck.
In order to attain the correct seating position
for children weighing over 41 lb (18 kg), it may
be necessary to use a booster seat until they
reach a height where a normal lap/shoulder
seat belt lies properly across their bodies
without the need for a booster seat.
Install the child restraint system according to
the manufacturer's instructions.
The child restraint system must be installed
firmly on both brackets.
An incorrectly installed child restraint system
can come loose in the event of an accident,
causing the child to be severely or fatally
injured.
Child restraint systems/child restraint
retaining brackets that are damaged or have
suffered damage due to an impact must be
replaced.
ISOFIX is a standardized securing system for
specially designed child restraint systems on
the rear seats. Securing rings for two ISOFIX
child restraint systems are installed on the
left and right of the rear seats.
Non LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seats must be
secured using the vehicle's seat belts. Follow
the manufacturer's instructions for
installation of child restraint systems.:Securing ringsXInstall the ISOFIX child restraint system.
Comply with the manufacturer's52Children in the vehicleSafety
Page 55 of 288

instructions when installing the ISOFIX
child restraint system.XWhen an ISOFIX child seat securing system
is installed, make sure that the center seat
belt in the rear compartment is fully
functional and can move freely.
Top Tether
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 49).
GWarning
Always lock the rear seat backrests in their
upright position when the rear seats are
occupied by passengers. Lock the rear seat
backrests in their upright position before
installing the Top Tether straps or when the
cargo compartment is not in use. Make sure
that rear seat backrests are secured properly
by pushing and pulling on the seat backrests.
If the seat backrest is not locked properly, the
seat backrest could fold forward. The child
restraint system is no longer supported
properly or held in position and can no longer
fulfill its function. This could cause serious or
even fatal injuries.
Top Tether provides an additional connection
between the child restraint system secured
with ISOFIX and the rear seat. It helps reduce
the risk of injury even further.
The Top Tether anchorage points are located
on the trunk floor behind the rear bench seat.
XRemove the cargo compartment cover
( Y page 196).XMove the head restraint upwards.XInstall the ISOFIX child restraint system
with Top Tether. Comply with the
manufacturer's installation instructions
when doing so.XRoute Top Tether belt = under the head
restraint between the two head restraint
bars.XAttach Top Tether hook : to Top Tether
anchorage ; on the trunk floor.XMake sure that Top Tether belt = is not
twisted.XTension Top Tether belt =. Comply with
the manufacturer's installation
instructions when doing so.XMove the head restraint back down again
slightly if necessary ( Y page 80). Make
sure that you do not interfere with the
correct routing of Top Tether belt =.GWarning!
Only use the described top tether anchorage
rings for the respective child seat. Other
lashing eyelets could tear in case of an
accident. Make sure the top tether straps are
not crossed or twisted and the hook is
attached and closed properly.
Children in the vehicle53SafetyZ
Page 56 of 288

Child-proof locks
Child-proof locks for the rear doorsGWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 49).
GWarning
Children could open a rear door from inside
the vehicle. This could result in serious
injuries or an accident. Therefore, when
children ride in the rear always secure the rear
doors with the child-proof locks.
You secure each door individually with the
child-proof locks on the rear doors. A door
secured with a child-proof lock cannot be
opened from inside the vehicle. When the
vehicle is unlocked, the door can be opened
from the outside.
XTo activate: press the child-proof lock
lever down in the direction of arrow ;.XMake sure that the child-proof locks are
working properly.XTo deactivate: press the child-proof lock
lever up in the direction of arrow :.
Override feature for the rear side
windows
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 49).
GWarning
When children ride on the vehicle's rear seats,
activate the override switch. Otherwise, the
children could be injured, e.g. by trapping
themselves in the rear side window.
XTo deactivate: slide override switch : to
the right.
The . symbol becomes visible. Operation
is only possible using the switches in the
driver's door.XTo release: slide override switch : to the
left.
The . symbol is covered. Operation using
the switches in the rear compartment is
possible again.
Panic alarm
54Panic alarmSafety