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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Removing the mechanical keyXPush release catch : in the direction of
the arrow and at the same time remove
mechanical key ; from the SmartKey.
SmartKey battery
Important safety notes
It is advisable to have batteries replaced at a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
GWarning!
Batteries are toxic and contain caustic
substances. For this reason, keep batteries
out of the reach of children.
If a battery has been swallowed, visit a doctor
immediately.
GWarning
SmartKey batteries contain perchlorate
material, which may require special handling
and regard for the environment. Check with
your local government's disposal guidelines.
California residents, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/
HazardousWaste/Perchlorate/
index.cfm .
Checking the batteryXPress the & or % button.
The battery is working properly if battery
charge indicator lamp : lights up briefly.
If battery charge indicator lamp : does not
light up briefly during the test, the key
batteries are discharged.
XChange the key battery ( Y page 72).
i
Consult any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for a key battery.
i If the battery is tested within the signal
range of the vehicle, you can open or close
the vehicle by pressing & or %
respectively.
Changing the battery
You require a CR 2025 3 V cell battery.
XTake the mechanical key out of the
SmartKey ( Y page 71).XPress mechanical key ; into the opening
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Unlocking and opening doors from
the inside
You can open a door from inside the vehicle
even if it has been locked, unless the child-
proof locks have been activated (Y page 60).
Only open the door if traffic conditions allow
you to do so.
If the vehicle has previously been locked with
the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO, opening
a door from the inside will trigger the anti-
theft alarm system. Switch off the alarm
(Y page 65).
XFront door: pull door handle ;.
If the door is locked, locking knob : pops
up. The door is unlocked and can be
opened.
XRear door: pull up locking knob : on the
respective rear door.
The rear door is unlocked and can be
opened.
Centrally locking and unlocking the
vehicle from the inside
The locking or unlocking buttons of the
central locking do not lock or unlock the fuel
filler flap.
iYou cannot unlock the vehicle centrally
from the inside if the vehicle has been
locked with the SmartKey.
iIt is only possible to lock the vehicle
centrally if the front-passenger door is
closed.
XTo unlock: press button :.XTo lock: press button ;.
You can open a locked front door from inside
the vehicle. Only open the door if traffic
conditions allow you to do so.
If the vehicle has previously been locked with
the central locking button:
Rand the KEYLESS-GO key is restored to the
factory settings, the entire vehicle is
unlocked if a front door is opened from
inside the vehicle.
Rand the KEYLESS-GO key is set to individual
settings, only the front door which is
opened from inside the vehicle is unlocked.
If the vehicle has been locked centrally with
the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO, it does
not unlock if you use the unlocking button of
the central locking.
Automatic locking
iThe vehicle locks automatically when the
ignition is switched on and the wheels of
the vehicle are moving at a speed of more
than 9 mph(15 km/h). You may therefore
lock yourself out if the vehicle is being
pushed, towed, or located on a test rig.
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iIf you lock the vehicle as described above,
the fuel filler flap is not locked. The anti-
theft alarm system is not activated.
Cargo compartment
Important safety notes
GWarning!
Exhaust fumes could enter the vehicle interior
if the engine is running and the tailgate is
open. This could poison you. Therefore, you
should make sure that the tailgate is always
closed when the engine is running.
! The tailgate swings upwards and to the
rear when opened. Therefore, make sure
that there is sufficient clearance above and
behind the tailgate.
Do not leave the SmartKey in the cargo area.
You could otherwise lock yourself out.
The tailgate can be:
Ropened and closed manually
Ropened and closed automatically from
outside
Ropened and closed automatically from
inside
Opening and closing from the outside
Opening
XPress the % button on the SmartKey.XPull handle :.On vehicles with the EASY-PACK tailgate: if
you pull handle : and keep it in this position,
you can open the tailgate manually. If you
release the handle, the tailgate automatically
opens fully.
Closing
GRisk of injury
Make sure that nobody can become trapped
as you close the tailgate.
GWarning!
To prevent possible personal injury, always
keep hands and fingers away from the cargo
compartment opening when closing the
tailgate. Be especially careful when small
children are around.
XPull the tailgate down using recess :.XIf necessary, lock the vehicle with the
& button on the SmartKey.
Automatic opening and closing from
the outside
Important safety guidelines
To open the tailgate completely, a minimum
clearance of 6.90 ft (210 cm) above the
ground is necessary.
Opening the trunk lid
You can open the tailgate automatically with
the SmartKey or the handle in the tailgate.
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Open or close the tailgate fully using the
automatic function if you have stopped the
tailgate in an intermediate position.
XPress and hold the F button on the
SmartKey until the tailgate opens.
or
XWhen the tailgate is unlocked, pull the
handle and let it go again immediately.
iYou can also close the tailgate manually
if it is fully opened.
! If you have opened the tailgate
automatically, you should wait a moment
before closing the tailgate manually.
Closing the trunk lid
GWarning!
Monitor the closing procedure carefully to
make sure no one is in danger of being
injured. To prevent possible personal injury,
always keep hands and fingers away from the
cargo compartment opening when closing the
tailgate. Be especially careful when small
children are around. To stop the closing
procedure, do one of the following:
RPress or pull the remote tailgate opening/
closing switch on the driver’s door.
RPress the tailgate closing switch.
RPress the KEYLESS-GO locking/closing
switch.
RPull outside handle on the tailgate.
RWhen no SmartKey is inserted in the starter
switch (vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Make
sure the vehicle’s on-board electronics
have status 0): Press button F on the
SmartKey.
You can close the tailgate automatically using
the SmartKey, the closing button4 or the
locking button5.
Example: vehicle with the EASY-PACK tailgate andKEYLESS-GO
XTo close: press closing button : on the
tailgate or press and hold down the F
button on the SmartKey until the tailgate
closes.
XTo close and lock simultaneously:
Press locking button ; on the tailgate.
iThe tailgate can only be opened and
closed with the SmartKey if there is no
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
If the tailgate touches an object while
closing, the closing procedure is
interrupted and the tailgate reopens.
iOnly with KEYLESS-GO: if you leave a
KEYLESS-GO key in the cargo area, the
tailgate will not lock.
The tailgate is not closed unless a
KEYLESS-GO key is detected.
Automatic opening and closing from
the inside
You can open and close the tailgate from the
driver's seat when the vehicle is stationary.
GWarning!
Maintain sight of the area around the rear of
the vehicle while operating the tailgate with
the door-mounted remote tailgate switch.
Monitor the closing procedure carefully to
4For vehicles with the EASY-PACK tailgate only.5For vehicles with the EASY-PACK tailgate and KEYLESS-GO only.
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