2012 MERCEDES-BENZ A CLASS Owners Manual

Problem (malfunction)
.....................56
Recommendations ........................... 58
Suitable positions
............................ 56
Top Tether ....................................... 54
Cigarette lighter ................................ 278
Cleaning Trailer tow hitch ............................. 294
Climate control
Auxiliary heating/ventilation .......... 134
Controlling automatically ...............128
Convenience opening/closing
(air-recirculation mode) ................. 132
Cooling with air dehumidification ..126
Demisting the windows .................. 130
Demisting the windscreen ............. 130
Important safety notes .................. 122
Indicator lamp ................................ 128
Notes on using THERMATIC auto-
matic climate control .....................123
Notes on using THERMOTRONIC
automatic climate control .............. 125
Overview of systems ......................122
Problems with cooling with air
dehumidification ............................ 128
Problem with the rear window
heating .......................................... 132
Setting the air distribution .............129
Setting the airflow ......................... 129
Setting the air vents ......................139
Setting the temperature ................ 128
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ............................................ 132
Switching on/off ........................... 126
Switching residual heat on/off ...... 133
Switching the rear window heat-
ing on/off ...................................... 131
Switching the ZONE function on/
off .................................................. 129
THERMATIC automatic climate
control ........................................... 123
THERMOTRONIC (2-zone) auto-
matic climate control .....................125
Cockpit
Overview .......................................... 28
see Instrument cluster COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating the dis-
tance warning function
..................218
Display message ............................ 230
Operation/notes .............................. 62
COMAND Online
see separate operating instructions
Combination switch ..........................107
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 211
Convenience closing feature ..............85
Convenience opening/closing (air-
recirculation mode) ........................... 132
Convenience opening feature ............85
Coolant (engine) Checking the level ......................... 288
Display message ............................ 243
Important safety notes .................. 344
Temperature (on-board computer) . 226
Temperature gauge ........................ 208
Warning lamp ................................. 264
Cooling
see Climate control
Cornering lamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 115
Cornering light function
Display message ............................ 239
Function/notes ............................. 109
Crash-responsive emergency light-
ing ....................................................... 112
Cruise control Activation conditions .....................169
Cruise control lever .......................169
Deactivating ................................... 170
Display message ............................ 250
Driving system ............................... 168
Important safety notes .................. 168
LIM indicator lamp .........................169
Selecting ........................................ 169
Setting a speed .............................. 170
Storing and maintaining current
speed ............................................. 169
Cup holder
Centre console .............................. 276
Important safety notes .................. 275
Rear compartment ......................... 276 Index
7

D
Dashboard see Instrument cluster

Dashboard lighting
see Instrument cluster lighting
Data
see Technical data
Daytime driving lights
Display message ............................ 242
Switching on/off (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 221
Switching on/off (switch) .............. 105
Dealership
see Qualified specialist workshop
Declarations of conformity ................. 23
Delayed switch-off Exterior lighting (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 222
Interior lighting .............................. 223
Diagnostics connection ......................23
Diesel .................................................. 341
Digital speedometer .........................212
Dipped-beam headlamps Changing bulbs .............................. 114
Display message ............................ 239
Setting for driving abroad (sym-
metrical) ........................................ 104
Setting for driving on the right/left 221
Switching on/off ........................... 105
DIRECT SELECT lever
see Automatic transmission
Display (cleaning instructions) ........295
Display message ASSYST PLUS ................................ 289
General information ....................... 229
Hiding (on-board computer) ........... 229
Display messages
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 229
Driving systems ............................. 245
Engine ............................................ 243
Key ................................................ 256
Lights ............................................. 239
Safety systems .............................. 230
Tyres .............................................. 251
Vehicle ........................................... 252
Distance recorder
see Trip meter Distance warning function
Activating/deactivating .................218
Function/notes ................................ 62
Warning lamp ................................. 266
DISTRONIC PLUS
Activation conditions .....................175
Cruise control lever .......................174
Deactivating ................................... 177
Display message ............................ 249
Displays in the multifunction dis-
play ................................................ 175
Driving tips .................................... 178
Function/notes ............................. 174
Important safety notes .................. 173
Selecting ........................................ 175
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 177
Warning lamp ................................. 266
Door
Automatic locking (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 223
Automatic locking (switch) ............... 81
Central locking/unlocking (key) ...... 75
Control panel ................................... 37
Display message ............................ 254
Emergency locking ........................... 81
Emergency unlocking .......................81
Important safety notes .................... 79
Opening (from the inside) ................ 80
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 156
Display ........................................... 153
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ...... 152
Manual ........................................... 156
Driver's door
see Door
Driving abroad
Service24h .................................... 290
Symmetrical dipped beam .............104
Driving on flooded roads ..................167
Driving safety system Adaptive Brake Assist ......................64
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST .... 62
Distance warning function ...............62
Electronic Brake-force Distribution ..69
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ......................................... 65, 668
Index

ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ...........................................
65
Important safety guidelines .............61
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
.......61
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 69
Adaptive brake lamps ...................... 65
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............62
Overview .......................................... 61
Steering assistant STEER CON-
TROL ................................................ 69
Driving system
Active Parking Assist .....................186
Driving systems
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................ 195
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 197
Cruise control ................................ 168
Display message ............................ 245
Distronic Plus ................................ 173
HOLD function ............................... 179
Lane Keeping Assist ...................... 199
Lane package ................................ 197
PARKTRONIC ................................. 182
RACE START (AMG vehicles) ..........181
Reversing camera ..........................191
Speed Limit Assist ......................... 196
SPEEDTRONIC ............................... 171
Driving tips
Aquaplaning ................................... 167
Automatic transmission ................. 154
Brakes ........................................... 166
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 178
Downhill gradient ........................... 166
Driving abroad ............................... 104
Driving in winter ............................. 167
Driving on flooded roads ................167
Driving on wet roads ...................... 167
General .......................................... 165
Icy road surfaces ........................... 168
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 167
New brake pads/linings ................ 167
Running-in tips ............................... 142
Snow chains .................................. 321
Symmetrical dipped beam .............104
Towing a trailer .............................. 201
Wet road surface ........................... 166
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 215 E
EASY-VARIO-PLUS system Luggage compartment enlarge-
ment .............................................. 272
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)
Display message
............................ 232
Function/notes ................................ 69
ECO display
Function/notes ............................. 165
On-board computer ....................... 212
ECO start/stop function
Automatic engine start .................. 147
Automatic engine switch-off ..........146
Deactivating/activating ................. 147
General information ....................... 146
Important safety notes .................. 146
Introduction ................................... 145
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Emergency key
Unlocking the driver's door ..............81
Emergency key element
Function/notes ................................ 75
Locking vehicle ................................ 81
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 81
Emergency spare wheel
General notes ................................ 332
Important safety notes .................. 332
Removing ....................................... 332
Technical data ............................... 333
Emergency unlocking
Tailgate ............................................ 83
Vehicle ............................................. 81
Engine
Display message ............................ 243
ECO start/stop function ................ 145
Engine number ............................... 338
Jump-starting ................................. 308
Running irregularly ......................... 149
Starting problems .......................... 149
Starting the engine with the key .... 144
Stopping ........................................ 162 Index
9

Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 314
Warning lamp (engine diagnostics)
264
Engine electronics
Notes ............................................. 336
Problem (fault) ............................... 149
Engine oil
Additives ........................................ 344
Checking the oil level ..................... 286
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 287
Display message ............................ 245
Filling capacity ............................... 343
Notes about oil grades ................... 343
Notes on oil level/consumption .... 286
Temperature (on-board computer) . 226
Topping up ..................................... 287
Viscosity ........................................ 344
Environmental protection
Returning an end-of-life vehicle ....... 21
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) AMG menu (on-board computer) ... 226
Deactivating/activating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 66
Deactivating/activating (except
AMG vehicles) ................................ 218
Deactivating/activating (notes;
except AMG vehicles) ...................... 68
Display message ............................ 230
ETS/4ETS ........................................ 65
Function/notes ......................... 65, 66
Important safety guidelines .............65
Trailer stabilisation ..........................68
Warning lamp ................................. 260
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction Sys-
tem) ...................................................... 65
Exhaust pipe (cleaning instructions) 294
Exterior lighting Settings options ............................. 105
see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ......................................... 99
Anti-dazzle mode (automatic) ........ 100
Folding in/out (automatically) ....... 100
Folding in/out (electrically) ............. 99
Folding in when locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 225
Out of position (troubleshooting) ...100 Parking position .............................
100
Resetting ......................................... 99
Storing settings (memory function)
101 F
Fault message see Display messages


Filler cap
see Fuel filler flap
Fire extinguisher ............................... 299
First-aid kit ......................................... 298
Fitting a wheel Removing a wheel ..........................328
Fitting wheels
Fitting a wheel ............................... 328
Lowering the vehicle ......................329
Preparing the vehicle .....................325
Raising the vehicle ......................... 326
Securing the vehicle against roll-
ing away ........................................ 325
Flat tyre
MOExtended tyres .........................300
Preparing the vehicle .....................300
TIREFIT kit ...................................... 301
see Emergency spare wheel
Floormat ............................................. 281
Foglamps Extended range .............................. 109
Switching on/off ........................... 106
Frequencies
Mobile phone ................................. 336
Two-way radio ................................ 336
Front foglamps
Display message ............................ 241
Fuel
Additives ........................................ 341
Consumption information .............. 342
Consumption statistics ..................211
Displaying the current consump-
tion ................................................ 212
Displaying the range ...................... 212
Fuel gauge ....................................... 30
Grade (petrol) ................................ 340
Important safety notes .................. 339
Notes for AMG vehicles ................. 340
Problem (malfunction) ...................161
Quality (diesel) ............................... 34110
Index

Refuelling
....................................... 159
Tank content/reserve fuel ............. 339
Fuel filler flap
Opening/closing ............................ 160
Fuel filter (white display message) . 245
Fuel level Calling up the range (on-board
computer) ...................................... 212
Gauge .............................................. 30
Fuel reserve
see Fuel
Fuel tank
Capacity ........................................ 339
Problem (malfunction) ...................161
Fuses
Allocation chart ............................. 315
Before changing ............................. 314
Fuse box in the engine compart-
ment .............................................. 315
Fuse box in the front-passenger
footwell .......................................... 315
Important safety notes .................. 314G
Gear indicator (on-board computer)

226
Gear or selector lever (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 295
Gearshift program SETUP (on-board computer) .......... 226
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts ........... 21
Glove compartment ..........................269H
Handbrake see Parking brake


Hazard warning lamps ......................108
Display message ............................ 256
Headlamp
Cleaning system (function) ............ 108
Cleaning system (notes) ................345
Headlamps
Misting up ...................................... 111
Topping up the cleaning system .... 289
see Automatic headlamp mode Head restraints
Adjusting ......................................... 94
Adjusting (electrically) .....................95
Adjusting (manually)

........................ 95
Adjusting (rear) ................................ 96
Fitting/removing (rear) ....................96
Heating
see Climate control
High-pressure cleaners .................... 291
Hill start assist .................................. 145
HOLD function Deactivating ................................... 180
Display message ............................ 246
Function/notes ............................. 180 I
Ignition lock see Key positions


Immobiliser .......................................... 69
Indicator and warning lamps Coolant .......................................... 264
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 266
Engine diagnostics .........................264
SPORT handling mode ................... 261
Indicator lamps
Display message ............................ 240
see Warning and indicator lamps
Inspection
see ASSYST PLUS
Instrument cluster
Overview .......................................... 30
Settings ......................................... 220
Warning and indicator lamps ...........32
Instrument cluster lighting .............. 208
Intelligent Light System Activating/deactivating ................. 221
Display message ............................ 242
Overview ........................................ 108
Setting the dipped-beam head-
lamps for driving on the right/left . 221
Interior lighting ................................. 111
Automatic control system .............. 111
Delayed switch-off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 223
Emergency lighting ........................ 112
Manual control ............................... 112
Overview ........................................ 111 Index
11

Reading lamp
................................. 111
Setting the ambient lighting
brightness (on-board computer) .... 222
Interior motion sensor ........................70
ISOFIX child seat securing system ....53 J
Jack Storage location ............................ 299
Using ............................................. 326
Jump starting (engine) ...................... 308K
Key Changing the battery ....................... 76
Checking the battery ....................... 76
Convenience closing feature ............ 85
Convenience opening feature .......... 85
Display message
............................ 256
Door central locking/unlocking ....... 75
Emergency key element ................... 75
Important safety notes .................... 74
Loss ................................................. 78
Modifying the programming .............75
Positions (ignition lock) ................. 143
Problem (malfunction) .....................78
Starting the engine ........................ 144
Key positions (ignition lock) ............143
Kickdown Driving tips .................................... 154
Manual drive program ....................158
Kneebag ............................................... 44L
Lamps see Warning and indicator lamps


Lane Keeping Assist
Activating/deactivating ................. 219
Display message ............................ 247
Function/information .................... 199
Lane package ..................................... 197
Lap time (RACETIMER) ......................226
Lashing eyelets ................................. 273
Licence plate lamp (display mes-
sage) ................................................... 241Lighting
see Lights

Lights
Activating/deactivating the Intel-
ligent Light System ........................ 221
Activating/deactivating the inte-
rior lighting delayed switch-off ....... 223
Active light function .......................109
Automatic headlamp mode ............ 105
Cornering light function .................109
Dipped-beam headlamps ............... 105
Display message ............................ 239
Driving abroad ............................... 104
Foglamps ....................................... 106
Foglamps (extended range) ...........109
Hazard warning lamps ................... 108
Headlamp flasher ........................... 108
Headlamp range ............................ 107
Light switch ................................... 105
Main-beam headlamps ................... 107
Motorway mode ............................. 109
Parking lamps ................................ 106
Rear foglamp ................................. 106
Setting the ambient lighting
brightness (on-board computer) .... 222
Side lamps ..................................... 106
Switching Adaptive Highbeam
Assist on/off ................................. 222
Switching the daytime driving
lights on/off (on-board computer) . 221
Switching the daytime driving
lights on/off (switch) ..................... 105
Switching the exterior lighting
delayed switch-off on/off (on-
board computer) ............................ 222
Switching the surround lighting
on/off (on-board computer) ..........222
Turn signals ................................... 107
see Interior lighting
see Replacing bulbs
Light sensor (display message) .......242
LIM indicator lamp Cruise control ................................ 169
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 174
Variable SPEEDTRONIC .................171
Limiting the speed
see SPEEDTRONIC
Loading guidelines ............................26812
Index

Locking
see Central locking
Locking (doors)
Automatic ........................................ 81
Emergency locking ........................... 81
From inside (central locking but-
ton) .................................................. 80
Locking centrally
see Central locking
Locking verification signal (on-
board computer) ............................... 223
Luggage compartment enlargement 272
Important safety notes .................. 272
Luggage compartment floor
Important safety notes .................. 274
opening/closing ............................ 274
stowage well, under ....................... 274
Luggage net ....................................... 271
Lumbar support Adjusting the 4-way lumbar sup-
port .................................................. 96M
M+S tyres ........................................... 320
Main-beam headlamps Changing bulbs

.............................. 114
Display message ............................ 241
Switching Adaptive Highbeam
Assist on/off ................................. 110
Switching on/off ........................... 107
Maintenance
see ASSYST PLUS
Manual transmission
Engaging reverse gear ................... 151
Gear lever ...................................... 150
Pulling away ................................... 144
Shifting to neutral ..........................151
Shift recommendation ................... 151
Starting the engine ........................ 144
Matt finish (cleaning instructions) ..292
Memory card (audio) ......................... 215
Memory function ............................... 101
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre see Qualified specialist workshop
Message memory (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 229 Messages
see Display messages

Mirror
see Vanity mirror (in sun visor)
Mirrors
see Exterior mirrors
see Rear-view mirror
Mobile phone
Frequencies ................................... 336
Installation ..................................... 336
Menu (on-board computer) ............ 215
Notes/placing in the bracket ......... 279
Transmission output (maximum) .... 336
Mobile telephone
Pre-installed bracket ...................... 281
Modifying the programming (key) ..... 75
MOExtended tyres ............................. 300
Motorway mode ................................ 109
MP3 Operating ....................................... 215
see Separate operating instructions
Multifunction display
Function/notes ............................. 210
Permanent display ......................... 220
Multifunction steering wheel
Operating the on-board computer . 209
Overview .......................................... 33 N
Navigation Menu (on-board computer) ............ 213
see separate operating instructions


Notes on running in a new vehicle ..142 O
Occupant safety Children in the vehicle .....................50
Important safety notes

....................40
Odometer ........................................... 211
see Total distance recorder
see Trip meter
Oil
see Engine oil
On-board computer
AMG menu ..................................... 226
Assistance menu ........................... 217 Index
13

Audio menu
................................... 214
Convenience submenu .................. 225
Displaying a service message
........290
Display messages ..........................229
Factory setting submenu ............... 225
Heating submenu ........................... 224
Important safety notes .................. 208
Instrument cluster submenu ..........220
Light submenu ............................... 221
Menu overview .............................. 211
Message memory .......................... 229
Navigation menu ............................ 213
Operating the TV ............................ 215
Operating video DVD ..................... 215
Operation ....................................... 209
RACETIMER ................................... 226
Service menu ................................. 219
Settings menu ............................... 220
Standard display ............................ 211
Telephone menu ............................ 215
Trip menu ...................................... 211
Vehicle submenu ........................... 223
Opening and closing the side trim
panels ................................................. 115
Operating system see On-board computer
Outside temperature display ...........209
Overhead control panel ......................36
Override feature Rear side windows ........................... 61P
Paint code .......................................... 338
Paintwork (cleaning instructions) ...292
Panorama sliding sunroof Important safety information

...........86
Opening/closing .............................. 87
Opening/closing the roller sun-
blind ................................................. 89
Problem (malfunction) .....................89
Rain closing feature ......................... 88
Resetting ......................................... 89
Parking ............................................... 162
Important safety notes .................. 162
Parking brake ................................ 163Position of exterior mirror, front-
passenger side

............................... 100
Reversing camera ..........................191
see Active Parking Assist
see PARKTRONIC
Parking aid
Active Parking Assist .....................186
see Exterior mirrors
see PARKTRONIC
Parking brake
Display message ............................ 233
Electric parking brake ....................163
Warning lamp ................................. 263
Parking lamps
Display message ............................ 241
Switching on/off ........................... 106
PARKTRONIC
Deactivating/activating ................. 185
Driving system ............................... 182
Function/notes ............................. 182
Important safety notes .................. 182
Problem (fault) ............................... 186
Sensor range ................................. 183
Trailer towing ................................. 185
Warning display ............................. 184
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF warning
lamp ...................................................... 52
Petrol .................................................. 340
Plastic trim (cleaning instructions) . 295
Power windows see Side windows
PRE-SAFE ®
(preventive occupant
safety system) Display message ............................ 236
Operation ......................................... 45
Program selector button .................. 155
Protection of the environment General notes .................................. 21
Pulling away
Automatic transmission ................. 144
Manual transmission ...................... 144
Trailer ............................................ 145 Q
Qualified specialist workshop ...........2414
Index