GWarning
The SRS self-check has detected a
malfunction if the + SRS warning lamp:
R does not illuminate
R goes out approximately 4 seconds after the
engine is started
R illuminates after the engine is started or
illuminates during the journey
For your safety, Mercedes-Benz recommends
that you have the system checked as soon as
possible at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. Otherwise the SRS may not be
activated when it is needed in an accident,
which could result in serious or fatal injury.
The SRS might also deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in
injury.
In addition, improper work on the SRS creates
a risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or
causing unintended air bag deployment. Work
on the SRS must therefore only be performed
by qualified technicians. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
if it is necessary to modify an air bag system
to accommodate a person with disabilities.
USA only: Call our Customer Assistance
Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) for details.
Safety guidelines for seat belts,
Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs)
and air bags
GWarning
R Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have
been subjected to stress in an accident
must be replaced. Their anchoring points
must also be checked. Only use seat belts
installed or supplied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency
Tensioning Devices (ETDs) contain
perchlorate material, which may require
special handling and regard for the
environment. Check your national disposal
guidelines. California residents, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/
Perchlorate/index.cfm .
R Air bags and ETDs are designed to function
on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD
that has deployed must be replaced. PRE-
SAFE ®
has electrically operated reversible
belt tensioners in addition to the
pyrotechnic ETDs.
R Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges.
They could tear.
R Do not make any modification that could
change the effectiveness of the seat belts.
R Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
R No modifications of any kind may be made
to any components or wiring of the SRS.
R Do not change or remove any component
or part of the SRS.
R Do not install additional trim material, seat
covers, badges, etc. to the:
- padded steering wheel boss
- knee bag covers
- front-passenger air bag cover
- outer side of front seat bolsters
- outer side of rear bench seat backrest
seat bolsters
- roof lining trim
R Do not install additional electrical/
electronic equipment on or near SRS
components and wiring.
R Keep area between air bags and occupants
free of objects (e.g. packages, purses,
umbrellas, etc.).
R Do not hang items such as coat hangers
from the coat hooks or handles over the
door. These items may be thrown around in
the vehicle and cause head and other
injuries when the window curtain air bag is
deployed.
R Air bag system components will be hot after
an air bag has inflated. Do not touch them.Occupant safety37SafetyBA 164.8 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T15:08:44+02:00 - Seite 37Z
In addition, the occupant weight may appear
to increase or decrease due to the following:
R objects hanging on the seat
R objects lodged underneath the seat
R objects lodged between the seat and the
center console
R objects lodged between the seat and the
door
R other passengers exerting weight on the
seat
R objects applying pressure to the back of
the seat
Make sure that the seat always has clearance
in all directions.
If the front-passenger seat, the seat cover or
the seat cushion are damaged, have the
necessary repair work carried out at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use seat
accessories which have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
Both the driver and the front passenger
should observe the 42 indicator
lamp to determine whether or not the front
passenger is positioned correctly.GWarning!
If the 4 2 indicator lamp
illuminates when an adult or someone larger
than a small individual is in the front
passenger seat, have the front passenger
reposition himself or herself in the seat until
the 4 2 indicator lamp goes out,
or check whether objects are caught under or
around the seat.
In the event of a collision, the air bag control
unit will not allow front passenger front air bag
deployment when the OCS has classified the
front passenger seat occupant as weighting
as much as or less than a typical 12-month-
old child in a standard child restraint or if the
front passenger seat is classified as being
empty.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat occupant is classified as
being up to or less than the weight of a typical
12-month-old child in a standard child
restraint, the 4 2 indicator lamp
will illuminate when the engine is started and
remain illuminated, indicating that the front
passenger front air bag is deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat is classified as being empty,
the 4 2 indicator lamp will
illuminate when the engine is started and
remain illuminated, indicating that the front
passenger front air bag is deactivated.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat occupant is classified as
being heavier than the weight of a typical
12-month-old child seated in a standard child
restraint or as being a small individual (such
as a young teenager or a small adult), the
4 2 indicator lamp will illuminate
for approximately 6 seconds when the engine
is started and then, depending on occupant
weight sensor readings from the seat, remain
illuminated or go out. With the 4
2 indicator lamp illuminated, the
front passenger front air bag is deactivated.
With the 4 2 indicator lamp out,
the front passenger front air bag is activated.
When the OCS senses that the front
passenger seat occupant is classified as an
adult or someone larger than a small
individual, the 4 2 indicator lamp
will illuminate for approximately 6 seconds
when the engine is started and then goes out,
indicating that the front passenger front air
bag is activated.
If the 4 2 indicator lamp is
illuminated, the front passenger front air bag
is deactivated and will not be deployed.Occupant safety43SafetyBA 164.8 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 2, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.52010-04-21T15:08:44+02:00 - Seite 43Z
XSlide the belt sash guide downwards.XRelease belt sash guide release : and
make sure that the belt sash guide has
engaged.
Releasing seat belts
XPress release button ?(Y page 55) and
guide belt tongue ;(Y page 55) back
towards belt sash guide :(Y page 55).
!
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.
Belt warning for driver and front
passenger
Regardless of whether the driver's and front-
passenger seat belts have already been
fastened, the 7 seat belt warning lamp
lights up for six seconds each time the engine
is started. It then goes out once the driver and
the front passenger have fastened their seat
belts.
If the driver's seat belt is not fastened after
the engine is started, an additional warning
tone will sound. The warning tone goes out
after approximately six seconds or once the
driver's seat belt is fastened.
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 if the vehicle speed once exceeds 15 mph
(25 km/h), the 7 seat belt warning
lamp lights up. Additionally, a warning tone
will sound with increasing intensity for a
maximum of 60 seconds or until the
driver's and front-passenger seat belt are
fastened.
If the driver/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 continues to
be illuminated.
After the vehicle has come to a standstill, the
warning tone is reactivated and the 7 seat
belt warning lamp flashes again if the vehicle
speed has exceeded 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 255).
Emergency Tensioning Devices and
seat belt force limiters
The seat belts for the front seats are equipped
with ETDs/belt buckle tensioners and seat
belt force limiters. The outer seat belts in the
second row of seats are equipped with ETDs
and belt force limiters. The seat belts for the
third row of seats are equipped with ETDs.
! 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/belt buckle tensioner
could be triggered in the event of an
accident.
ETDs/belt buckle tensioners tighten the seat
belts in an accident, pulling them close
against the body.
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GWarning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal reduces the braking effect.
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.
Off-road ABS
An ABS system specifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically if the off-
road drive program (Y page 204) is activated
or the LOW RANGE off-road gear
( Y page 157) is selected.
At a speed below 18 mph (30 km/h) the front
wheels lock periodically when braking. The
digging-in effect achieved in the process
reduces the stopping distance on off-road
terrain. This limits steering capability.
BAS (Brake Assist)
GWarning
Observe "Important safety instructions"
( Y page 65).
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.
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
GWarning
Observe "Important safety instructions"
( Y page 65).
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
the driver when pulling away on wet or
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slippery roads. ESP®
can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the d warning lamp
flashes in the instrument cluster.GWarning
Never switch off the ESP ®
when you see the
d warning lamp 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.
! Only operate the vehicle for a maximum
of ten seconds on a brake test
dynamometer. Switch off the ignition.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Function or performance tests may only
be performed on a 2-axle dynamometer. If
you wish to operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
beforehand. You could otherwise damage
the drive train or the brake system.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
GWarning
Observe "Important safety instructions"
( Y page 65).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side. In addition, more drive torque is
transferred to the wheel or wheels with
traction.
Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP ®
.XActivate the off-road drive program
( Y page 204) or engage the LOW RANGE
off-road gear ( Y page 157) if appropriate
for the driving conditions.
Off-road 4ETS (Electronic Traction
System)
A 4ETS system specifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically if the off-
road drive program is activated
( Y page 204) or the LOW RANGE off-road
gear ( Y page 157) is selected.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
GWarning
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.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is running.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
GWarning!
Activate ESP ®
as soon as the situations
described above no longer apply. ESP ®
will
otherwise not be able to stabilize the vehicle
if the vehicle starts to skid or a wheel starts
to spin.
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If you deactivate ESP®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R the engine's torque is no longer limited and
the drive wheels can spin. The spinning of
the wheels results in a cutting action, which
provides better grip.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the d warning lamp in the
instrument cluster flashes. In such situations,
ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.XTo deactivate: press button :.
The d warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.GWarning
When the d ESP®
warning lamp 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 style to the
prevailing road conditions and to the non-
operating status of the ESP ®
.
! Avoid spinning a drive wheel for an
extended period with ESP switched off. This
could cause serious damage to the drive
train.
XTo activate: press button :.
The d warning lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.Off-road ESP ®
An ESP
®
system specifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically if the off-
road drive program is activated
( Y page 204)or if the LOW RANGE off-road
gear ( Y page 157) is selected. It intervenes
with a delay if there is oversteering or
understeering, thus improving traction.
ESP ®
trailer stabilization
If your trailer begins to lurch, you can only
stabilize the vehicle/trailer combination by
depressing the brake firmly.
In this situation, ESP ®
assists you and can
detect if the trailer begins to lurch. ESP ®
slows the vehicle down by braking and
limiting the engine output until the vehicle/
trailer combination has stabilized.
Trailer stabilization is active from a speed
above 40 mph (65 km/h).
GWarning!
The system will not be able to assist when the
trailer jackknifes
R if the ESP ®
has switched off due to a
malfunction
R on wet or icy roads
R on roads with slippery surface
R in sand or gravel
Trailers with a high center of gravity may tip
over before the system recognizes swaying of
the trailer.
Trailer stabilization does not work if ESP ®
is
deactivated or disabled because of a
malfunction.
EBD
GWarning
Observe "Important safety instructions"
( Y page 65).
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EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking.GWarning!
If the EBD 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.
Distance warning function (vehicles
with DISTRONIC)
This function warns you from a speed of
approximately 20 mph (30 km/h), if:
R for a period of several seconds, the
distance to the vehicle in front is too short
for the speed at which you are traveling.
The · distance warning lamp in the
instrument cluster will light up.
R you are approaching the vehicle in front
rapidly. An intermittent warning tone will
then sound and the · distance warning
lamp in the instrument cluster will light up.
You must apply the brakes yourself in order
to maintain the appropriate distance to the
vehicle in front and prevent a collision.
GWarning!
If the distance warning lamp · in the
instrument cluster comes on while driving
and/or an intermittent warning sounds,
immediate attention on the part of the driver
is required. As required by the traffic
situation, apply the brakes and navigate
around a possible obstacle. However, do not
drive by relying on the distance warning
function, as this will result in an emergency
braking application. This will not always
enable you to avoid a collision, especially
when traveling on varying road surface
conditions and with varying driver reaction.
Complex driving situations are not always
fully recognized by the distance warning
function. This could result in wrong or missing
distance warnings.XTo activate/deactivate: activate or
deactivate the distance warning function in
the on-board computer ( Y page 226).
After activation, the Ä symbol is
displayed in the lower multifunction
display.
Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct SmartKey.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
XTo activate with the SmartKey: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.XTo activate with KEYLESS-GO: switch the
ignition off and open the driver's door.XTo deactivate: switch on the ignition.
i
The immobilizer is always deactivated
when you start the engine.
In the event that the engine cannot be
started when the starter battery is fully
charged, the immobilizer may be faulty.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in
USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is armed and you open:
R a door
R the vehicle with the mechanical key
R the tailgate
R the hood
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Important information about using
KEYLESS-GO
R You can use the KEYLESS-GO key as a
conventional SmartKey.
R You can combine KEYLESS-GO functions
with those of a conventional SmartKey, e.g.
you can open the vehicle with KEYLESS-GO
and close it with the & button.
R Always carry your KEYLESS-GO key on your
person.
R Never store the KEYLESS-GO key together
with:
- electronic devices, such as a mobile
phone or other SmartKey
- metal objects, such as coins or metal foil
Doing so may impair the function of
KEYLESS-GO.
R To open or close the vehicle, the KEYLESS-
GO key should not be more than 3 ft (1 m)
from the door or tailgate.
R If the vehicle is parked for more than
72 hours, the KEYLESS-GO function is
deactivated. Pull an outer door handle and
switch on the ignition to reactivate the
KEYLESS-GO function.
R If the KEYLESS-GO key is removed from the
vehicle, the system may not be able to
recognize the SmartKey anymore. The
vehicle can then no longer be locked or
started with KEYLESS-GO.
R If the KEYLESS-GO key has been removed
from the vehicle, e.g. when another vehicle
occupant with a KEYLESS-GO key leaves
the vehicle:
- when the Start/Stop button is pressed,
or when trying to lock the vehicle using
the locking button on the outside door
handle, the Key Not Detected message
appears in the multifunction display.
- when the engine is running, the red Key
Not Detected message appears in the
multifunction display as you pull away.
Look for the KEYLESS-GO key and place
it somewhere else in the vehicle. Place
the KEYLESS-GO key on the front-
passenger seat, for example, or in your
shirt pocket.
R If you have switched on the engine with the
Start/Stop button, you can switch it off
again by:
- pressing the Start/Stop button
- inserting the KEYLESS-GO key into the
ignition lock while the vehicle is at a
standstill and the automatic
transmission is in park position P.
R You may inadvertently unlock the vehicle if
the KEYLESS-GO key is less than 3 ft (1 m)
from the vehicle and:
- an exterior door handle is hit by a jet of
water, or
- you clean an exterior door handle
R Please note that any vehicle occupant can
start the engine when there is a KEYLESS-
GO key in the vehicle.
Scenario 1: There is a KEYLESS-GO key in
the vehicle and a second one outside the
vehicle. If you leave the KEYLESS-GO key
in the vehicle when you leave and lock the
vehicle, no message appears in the
multifunction display.
Scenario 2: There is a KEYLESS-GO key in
the vehicle, but none outside the vehicle. If
you get out of the vehicle and attempt to
lock it, the Key Detected In Vehicle
message appears in the multifunction
display. The vehicle is not then locked.
When starting the engine and whilst driving,
KEYLESS-GO also checks whether a valid
SmartKey is in the vehicle by periodically
establishing radio contact.74SmartKeyOpening and closing
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