
Driving safety systems
Introduction
This section contains information about the
following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Antilock Brake System)
R Adaptive Brake
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R EBP ( Electronic Brake Proportioning)
R ESC ( Electronic Stability Control)
R Trunk Wing
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
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 from 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 winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of most of the driving
systems described in this section is only
achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
ABS
GObserve Safety notes, see 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.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp 0031 in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal. The pulsation indicates that the
ABS is in the regulating mode.
XKeep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal while you feel the pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
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functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Emergency brake maneuverXKeep continuous full pressure on the brake
pedal.GWarning!
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety
systems such as the BAS or the ESC 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 steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
BAS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 61.
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the brakes
very quickly, the BAS provides full brake
boost automatically, thereby potentially
reducing the braking distance.
XApply continuous full braking pressure until
the emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes
function again as normal. The BAS is then
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.
ESC
GObserve Safety notes, see page 61.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is
operational as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESC recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual
wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESC works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESC is
especially useful while driving off and on wet
or slippery road surfaces. The ESC also
stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESC warning lamp 00F2 in the instrument
cluster comes on when you switch on the
ignition. It goes out when the engine is
running.GWarning!
Never switch off the ESC when you see the
ESC warning lamp 00F2 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 ESC cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Because the ESC operates automatically,
the engine and ignition must be shut off
(KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in position
0 or 1, or SmartKey in starter switch
position 0 or 1) when the electronic parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer or when the vehicle is being
towed with the rear axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESC may
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
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Multifunction Steering WheelFunction1Multifunction display2\000ZVolume up\000[Volume down\000lMute\000End and reject calls\000jAccept and iniate calls3\000bActivate Voice ControlFunction4\000APress briefly:Navigate one level up in the
menu structure of the
multifunction display
Cancel Voice ControlConfirm messagesPress and hold:Multifunction display changes
to the standard display (trip
odometer and odometer)
COMAND changes to the main
display of the current
operating mode
5Select submenu or scroll through
lists
\000
\000>Right\000@Left\000dConfirm selection80At a glanceCOMAND APS
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Operating the Multifunction DisplayGWarning!
A driver’s attention to the road and traffic
conditions must always be his/her primary
focus when driving.
For your safety and the safety of others,
selecting features through the multifunction
steering wheel should only be done by the
driver when traffic and road conditions permit
it to be done safely.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.
XTo select a menu: Press the \000@
or \000> button.
XTo select a submenu or scroll in a list:
Press the \000< or \000= button.
XTo select the next menu level up: Press
the \000A button.
XTo select the standard display: Press the
\000A button repeatedly until the standard
display with the odometer and trip
odometer appears again in the display.
or
XPress and hold the \000A button until the
standard display with the odometer and trip
odometer appears.
XTo confirm the selection: Press the
\000d button.
XTo confirm a display message: Press the
\000d or \000A button.
Multifunction Display
The description field on the multifunction
display shows you values and settings as well
as any display messages that may have been
generated.
1 Description field2 Line for menus
Text field 1 shows settings, functions,
submenus and any malfunctions that occur.
XTo show the line for menus 2: Press the
\000@ or \000> button.
Menus and Submenus
The number of menus shown depends on the
optional equipment in the vehicle.
Multifunction Display Menus
iThe following table only lists the functions
and submenus that are needed in
connection with COMAND. For information
on the vehicle-related submenus please
refer to the vehicle operator's manual.
MenusFunctions and SubmenusNaviNavigation messagesAudioSelecting radio stations
Operating the DVD changer/
Music register/Memory card
TelAccepting a call
Initiating a call
Rejecting a call
Ending a call
Selecting a phone book entry
Calls dialed
Navi Menu
The multifunction display shows navigation
instructions in the Navi menu.
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Tuning to a Station Manually
XSlide m r to highlight the lower menu bar.XRotate y m z or slide o m p to select FM,
AM or WB.
XTune to a station by rotating y m z or
sliding o m p.
The red line (tuning indicator) moves right
or left and stops when a receivable station
is found.
Basic Functions of COMAND
iThe COMAND components can be found
on (Y page 73). Operating examples can be
found on (Y page 85).
Switching COMAND On/Off
XPress the \000C button.
A warning message is displayed. COMAND
calls up the previously selected menu.
iIf you switch off COMAND, playback of
the current audio or video source will also
be switched off.
Sound
XTo switch on/off: Press the \000l button.
The sound from the active audio or video
source is switched on or muted.
iWhen the sound is muted, you will see the
X icon in the status bar.
If you change the audio or video source or
change the volume, the sound is
automatically switched on again.
iAnnouncements from the navigation
system can still be heard with the sound
switched off.
Switching Navigation Announcements
On/Off
XPress \000l during the announcement.
iThe navigation announcements are
switched on again if you start a new route
guidance or if COMAND is switched off and
on with the \000C button.
Setting the Volume
XTo set: Turn the \000C rotary/push button.
or
XPress the \000Z or \000[ button on the multi-
function steering wheel.
The volume of the selected audio or video
source changes.
Volume of Navigation Announcements
You can set the volume for navigation
announcements independently of the volume
for the active audio or video source.
During a navigation announcement:
XTurn the \000C rotary/push button.
or
XPress the \000Z or \000[ button on the multi-
function steering wheel.
Audio Fadeout
The Audio Fadeout function, if activated,
lowers the volume of the current audio source
when a navigation announcement is issued.
As soon as the navigation announcement has
ended, the audio source will be played at the
previous volume (Y page 89).
Setting Volume for Phone Calls
You can adjust the volume for hands-free
mode during a telephone call.
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During a telephone call:XTurn the \000C rotary/push button.
or
XPress the \000Z or \000[ button on the multi-
function steering wheel.
Sound Settings
You can select different sound settings for
each audio and video source. The sound
menu can be opened from the submenu of the
desired operating mode.
Examples:
RAudio £ FM/AM Radio £ Sound
RAudio £ Disc £ Sound
Setting Bass and Treble
XSelect Sound £ Treble or Bass.
The previously selected setting is indicated
by an empty bar.
Setting treble and bass
1 Last selected setting2 Current settingXTo change the setting: Rotate y m z or
slide q m r until the desired treble and bass
levels are set.
XTo save setting: Press n.
The setting is stored and the menu is
exited.
XTo exit the menu without changes: Press
the \000= button or slide o m p.
Setting Balance
The balance determines whether the sound
intensity is higher on the driver’s side or on
the front passenger’s side.
XSelect Sound £ Balance.
Setting Balance (display image may differdepending on model)
1 Current settingXTo change the setting: Slide q m r or
o m p until the balance is set as desired.
XTo store a setting: Press the n button.
The setting is stored and the menu is
exited.
XTo exit the menu without changes: Press
the \000= button.
Bang & Olufsen sound system
Your vehicle is equipped with the
Bang & Olufsen sound system.
There are two settings available with True
Image™ sound technology:
Rreference
This setting provides a crisp, clear, luxury
high-end sound setting for a studio
atmosphere in your vehicle.
Rsurround
This setting enables a wide-ranging sound
experience for playing music and videos.
The Sound Mode function can be used to
optimize the selected sound setting for one
seat. The settings left, all and right can
be selected.
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your safety and the safety of others, we
recommend that you pull over to a safe
location and stop before placing or taking a
telephone call. If you choose to use the mobile
phone while driving, please use the handsfree
device and only use the mobile phone when
weather, road, and traffic conditions permit.
Some jurisdictions prohibit the driver from
using a cellular mobile phone while driving a
vehicle.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.GWarning
You and others may damage your health due
to excessive electromagnetic radiation. By
using an external antenna, the possible health
risks of electromagnetic fields, which are
under discussion among the scientific
community, should be largely prevented.
General Information
Vehicle Equipment
i This Operator’s Manual describes all
features, standard or optional, potentially
available for your vehicle at the time of
purchase. Please be aware that your
vehicle might not be equipped with all
features described in this manual.
Making Calls via Bluetooth ®
Interface
The telephone function via the Bluetooth ®
interface is available in conjunction with a
Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone.
With a suitable mobile phone, you can use
COMAND’s hands-free feature to download
contacts from your mobile phone (Phone
Book Access profile) and electronic business
cards (vCards) via the Bluetooth ®
interface.
Suitable Mobile Phones
Further information on suitable mobile
phones and connecting Bluetooth-enabled
mobile phones to COMAND is available via
the Internet at
http://www.mbusa-mobile.com . Or call
the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) (US), or Customer
Relations at 1-800-387-0100 (Canada).
Interruptions to the Connection While
Driving
Interruptions to the connection may occur if
R there is inadequate network coverage in
certain regions
R you are switching from one transmitting/
receiving station (cell) to another and there
is no voice channel available in this cell
R you are using a SIM card that is not
compatible with the available network
R when using a mobile phone with
“Twincard”, the mobile phone is
simultaneously logged into the network
with the second SIM card.
Operating Options
If the mobile phone is connected with
COMAND via the Bluetooth ®
interface, you
can operate the phone using the following
devices:
R Keypad on the COMAND control unit
R Multifunction steering wheel
R Voice Control
The explanations in this section assume that
the mobile phone is connected to COMAND
via the Bluetooth ®
interface. Exceptions are
explicitly described.
Functional Restrictions
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COMAND Phone Book
The COMAND phone book is an extract of
entries from the address book. All the
COMAND address book entries having at
least one phone number can be found in the
COMAND phone book.
iFor many operating functions you can
also use the buttons on the multifunction
steering wheel, e.g. the \000@, \000>,
\000<, \000=, \000d, \000j or \000 buttons,
for selecting a menu, scrolling through lists
or initiating or ending a call (Y page 84).
Opening COMAND Phone Book
XOpen the phone main menu (Y page 152).XSelect Name.
The COMAND phone book is displayed.1 Address book entry2 Calls up options3 Predictive speller4 Closes phone book5 ¦ symbol for voice name
Address book entries may have the symbol
5. An additional voice name is saved with
these entries.
If an address book entry has the symbol +
then this has more than one phone number.
You can select these subentries
(Y page 153).
XTo close phone book: In the predictive
speller select the symbol á.
or
XPress \000=.
Selecting an Entry
Selecting via List
XRotate y m z or slide q m r until the
desired entry is highlighted.
XTo confirm selection: Press n.
Selecting Subentries
XSelect a phone book entry with the + icon
and press n.
The subentries appear. The + icon
changes to /.
1 Expanded phone book entry2 Phone book entry with subentriesXRotate y m z or slide q m r and select the
desired sub-entry.
Displaying Details on an Entry
COMAND can also fully display an
abbreviated entry.
XSelect entry.XSelect Options £ Details.
The details screen appears.
XTo close details screen: Slide o m p
repeatedly until the entry is highlighted
again.
or
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