operation is possible using the switches in
the rear compartment.
Panic alarm
X To activate: press and hold !
button : for about one second.
An alarm sounds and the exterior lighting
flashes.XTo deactivate: press ! button :
again.
or
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
or
XPress the KEYLESS-GO Start-Stop button.
The KEYLESS-GO key must be in the
vehicle.
i USA only:
This device complies with the part 15 of the
FCC regulations. 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.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only:
This device complies with the RSS-210
regulations of 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 of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
Driving safety systems
Overview of driving safety systems
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock Braking System)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R ESP ®
(E lectronic Stability Program)
R EBD ( Electronic Brake-power Distribution)
Important safety notes
GWarning
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
Driving safety systems61SafetyBA 204.9 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 6, en-USd2mwentsVersion: 3.0.3.62010-06-15T08:58:39+02:00 - Seite 61Z
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
i In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 61).
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 61).
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.
62Driving safety systemsSafety
BA 204.9 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 6, en-USd2mwentsVersion: 3.0.3.62010-06-15T08:58:39+02:00 - Seite 62
ESP®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notesGWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 61).
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
slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ä warning lamp
flashes in the instrument cluster.
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.
! Vehicles without 4MATIC: switch the
ignition off when:
R the parking brake is being tested using a
dynamometer
R the vehicle is being towed with the front/
rear axle raised
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: switch off the
ignition when the parking brake is being
tested on a brake dynamometer.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or
performance tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. If you wish to
operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center in
advance. 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.
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System)GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 61).
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. On vehicles with 4MATIC, more
drive torque is also transferred to the wheel
or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
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.
Driving safety systems63SafetyBA 204.9 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 6, en-USd2mwentsVersion: 3.0.3.62010-06-15T08:58:39+02:00 - Seite 63Z
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 gravelGWarning!
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.
When 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 ä warning lamp in the
instrument cluster flashes. In such situations,
ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
XTo deactivate: press button :.
The å warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.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.
! 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 å warning lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
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
64Driving safety systemsSafety
BA 204.9 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 6, en-USd2mwentsVersion: 3.0.3.62010-06-15T08:58:39+02:00 - Seite 64
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 notes"
( Y page 61).
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.
Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct key.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
key 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
The alarm is not switched off, even if you
close the open door that has triggered it, for
example.
i If the alarm stays on for more than 30
seconds, the emergency call system
mbrace (USA only) or TELEAID (Canada
only) initiates a call to the Customer
Assistance Center automatically. The
emergency call system initiates the call
provided that:
R you have subscribed to the mbrace/
TELEAID service.
R the mbrace/TELEAID service has been
activated properly.
R the required mobile phone, power supply
and GPS are available.
Anti-theft systems65SafetyBA 204.9 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 6, en-USd2mwentsVersion: 3.0.3.62010-06-15T08:58:39+02:00 - Seite 65Z
Seats
Important safety notes
GWarning
In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle
control, all seat, head restraint, steering
wheel and rear view mirror adjustments, as
well as fastening of seat belts, must be done
before setting the vehicle in motion.
GWarning
Do not adjust the driver's seat while driving.
Adjusting the seat while driving could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Never travel in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined position as
this can be dangerous. You could slide under
the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under
it, the seat belt would apply force at the
abdomen or neck. This could cause serious or
fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat belts
provide the best restraint when the wearer is
in a position that is as upright as possible and
seat belts are properly positioned on the
body.
GWarning
Your seat belt must be adjusted so that you
can correctly fasten your seat belt.
Observe the following points:
R adjust the seat backrest until your arms are
slightly angled when holding the steering
wheel.
R adjust the seat to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely. The
position should be as far back as possible
with the driver still able to operate the
controls properly.
R adjust the head restraint so that it is as
close to the head as possible and the center
of the head restraint supports the back of
the head at eye level.
R never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being
adjusted.
Failure to do so could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.GWarning
The electrically adjustable seats can be
operated at any time. Therefore, do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, 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.
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
appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler
restraint, or booster seat recommended for
the size and weight of the child. For additional
information, see "Children in the vehicle".
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.
GWarning
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint so that it is as close
to the head as possible and the center of the
head restraint supports the back of the head
at eye level. This will reduce the potential for
injury to the head and neck in the event of an
accident or similar situation.
Seats91Seats, steering wheel and mirrorsBA 204.9 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 6, en-USd2mwentsVersion: 3.0.3.62010-06-15T08:58:39+02:00 - Seite 91Z
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the high-beam
headlamps are switched on.
XTo switch off the high-beam
headlamps: move the combination switch
back to its normal position.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
High-beam flasher
XTo switch on: turn the key in the ignition
lock to position 1 or 2 or start the engine.
XPull the combination switch briefly in the
direction of arrow =.
Hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on:
Rif an air bag is deployed
Rthe vehicle decelerates rapidly from a
speed of more than 45 mph (70 km/h) and
comes to a standstill.
XTo switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button :.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn signal using the combination switch,
only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.
XTo switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button :.
The hazard warning lamp switches off
automatically after full brake application if the
vehicle then reaches a speed above
6 mph (10 km/h) again.
iThe hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off.
Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated ten times while the lights are on and
the engine is running (Y page 113). When you
switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning system is reset and
counting is resumed from 0.
Active light function
The active light function is a system that
moves the headlamps according to the
steering movements of the front wheels. In
this way, relevant areas remain illuminated
while driving. This allows you to recognize
pedestrians, cyclists and animals.
Active: when the lights are switched on.
Exterior lighting105Lights and windshield wipersBA 204.9 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 6, en-USd2mwentsVersion: 3.0.3.62010-06-15T08:58:39+02:00 - Seite 105Z
Bi-Xenon headlamps
:Turn signal lamp/side marker lamp:
WY 5 W
;Turn signal lamp: PY 21 W=Cornering lamp: H7 55 W?Parking lamp/standing lamp: W 5 W
Tail lamp with/without LED
:Tail lamp/brake lamp: P 21 W;Turn signal lamp: PY 21 W=Backup lamp: P 21 W or W 16 W10?Tail lamp/rear fog lamp: P 21 WASide marker lamp: W 3 W
License plate lamp
:License plate lamp: W 5 W
Changing the front bulbs
Removing/installing the cover on top of
the headlamp
You must remove the headlamp cover in the
engine compartment before you can replace
the bulbs in the headlamp.
XTo remove: press retaining clip : in the
direction of the arrow.
XPull cover ; forward underneath
cover = and remove.
XTo install: slide cover ; under cover =.
Connect the two covers by inserting the
tongue into the groove.
XPress cover ; until retaining clip :
engages.10Vehicles without LED turn signals (W 16 W)/vehicles with LED turn signals (P 21 W).Changing bulbs109Lights and windshield wipersBA 204.9 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 6, en-USd2mwentsVersion: 3.0.3.62010-06-15T08:58:39+02:00 - Seite 109Z