2012 MERCEDES-BENZ A CLASS Owners Manual

R
RACE START (AMG vehicles) .............181
RACETIMER (on-board computer) .... 226
Radar sensor system Activating/deactivating
.................223
Country overview ........................... 350
Display message ............................ 246
Radio
Selecting a station .........................214
see separate operating instructions
Rain closing feature (panorama
sliding sunroof) ................................... 88
Reading lamp ..................................... 111
Rear bench seat Folding the backrest forwards/
back ............................................... 272
Rear compartment
Setting the air vents ......................140
Rear-compartment seat belt sta-
tus indicator ........................................ 49
Rear foglamp Changing bulbs .............................. 116
Display message ............................ 241
Switching on/off ........................... 106
Rear lamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 116
see Lights
Rear shelf ........................................... 273
Rear-view mirror Anti-dazzle mode (automatic) ........ 100
Dipping (manual) .............................. 98
Rear window heating
Problem (fault) ............................... 132
Switching on/off ........................... 131
Rear window wiper
Replacing the wiper blade .............. 119
Switching on/off ........................... 118
Refuelling
Fuel gauge ....................................... 30
Important safety notes .................. 159
Notes for AMG vehicles ................. 340
Refuelling process .........................160
see Fuel
Remote control
Auxiliary heating/ventilation .......... 135
Changing the batteries (auxiliary
heating) ......................................... 136Replacing bulbs
Important safety notes ..................112
Overview of bulb types ..................113
Removing/replacing the cover
(front wheel arch) .......................... 113
Replacing the battery (auxiliary
heating remote control) .................... 136
Reserve (fuel tank) see Fuel
Reserve fuel
Display message ............................ 245
Warning lamp ................................. 264
Residual heat (climate control) ........133
Restraint system see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Rev counter ........................................ 208
Reverse gear
Engaging (manual transmission) ....151
Reverse gear (selector lever) ...........153
Reversing camera Cleaning instructions ..................... 294
Function/notes ............................. 191
Switching on/off ........................... 191
Reversing feature
Panorama sliding sunroof ................ 87
Roller sunblinds ............................... 88
Side windows ................................... 84
Reversing lamp
Changing bulbs .............................. 116
Reversing lamps
Display message ............................ 241
Roller sunblind
Opening/closing .............................. 89
Panorama sliding sunroof ................ 88
Roof carrier ........................................ 275
Roof lining and carpets (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 296
Roof load (maximum) ........................346
Route (navigation) see Route guidance (navigation)
Route guidance (navigation) ............213 Index
15

S
Safety Children in the vehicle .....................50
Child restraint systems ....................50
Safety system
see Driving safety system

Seat
Adjusting (Performance Seat) ..........97
Folding the backrest (rear com-
partment) forwards/back ..............272
Seat belt
Adjusting the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt .........................47
Adjusting the height ......................... 48
Belt force limiter .............................. 49
Belt tensioner .................................. 49
Cleaning ......................................... 296
Display message ............................ 237
Fastening ......................................... 47
Important safety guidelines .............46
Rear seat belt status indicator ......... 49
Releasing ......................................... 48
Switching belt adjustment on/off
(on-board computer) ...................... 225
Warning lamp ................................. 257
Warning lamp (function) ................... 48
Seats
Adjusting (electrically) .....................94
Adjusting (manually) ........................94
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar sup-
port .................................................. 96
Adjusting the head restraint ............ 94
Cleaning the cover ......................... 296
Correct driver's seat position ........... 92
Important safety notes .................... 93
Seat heating problem ...................... 97
Storing settings (memory function) 101
Switching seat heating on/off ......... 96
Sensors (cleaning instructions) .......294
Service see ASSYST PLUS
Service Centre
see Qualified specialist workshop
Service menu (on-board computer) . 219
Service products Brake fluid ..................................... 344
Coolant (engine) ............................ 344Engine oil .......................................
343
Fuel ................................................ 339
Important safety notes .................. 338
Washer fluid ................................... 345
Service report
see Qualified specialist workshop
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) ......... 225
On-board computer ....................... 220
Setting the air distribution ...............129
Setting the airflow ............................ 129
SETUP (on-board computer) ............. 226
Shifting to neutral (manual trans-
mission) ............................................. 151
Sidebag ................................................ 44
Side lamps Switching on/off ........................... 106
Side windows
Convenience closing ........................ 85
Convenience opening ...................... 85
Important safety notes .................... 83
Opening/closing .............................. 84
Problem (malfunction) .....................86
resetting .......................................... 85
Sliding sunroof
see Panorama sliding sunroof
Snow chains ...................................... 321
Socket Centre console .............................. 279
Luggage compartment ................... 279
Points to observe before use ......... 278
Rear compartment ......................... 279
Specialist workshop ............................ 24
Spectacles compartment .................269
Speed, controlling see Cruise control
Speed Limit Assist
Activating/deactivating the warn-
ing function .................................... 218
Displaying ...................................... 218
Display message ............................ 246
Display message in the multifunc-
tion display .................................... 197
Function/notes ............................. 196
Important safety notes .................. 19616
Index

Speedometer
Activating/deactivating the addi-
tional speedometer ........................220
Digital ............................................ 212
In the Instrument cluster
.................30
Segments ...................................... 209
Selecting the unit of measurement 220
see Instrument cluster
SPEEDTRONIC
Deactivating variable .....................172
Display message ............................ 250
Function/notes ............................. 171
Important safety notes .................. 171
LIM indicator lamp .........................171
Permanent ..................................... 172
Selecting ........................................ 171
Storing the current speed .............. 172
Variable ......................................... 171
SPORT handling mode
Activating/deactivating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 66
Warning lamp ................................. 261
SRS (Supplemental Restraint Sys-
tem)
Display message ............................ 238
Introduction ..................................... 41
Warning lamp ................................. 263
Warning lamp (function) ................... 41
Start/stop function
see ECO start/stop function
Starting (engine) ................................ 143
STEER CONTROL .................................. 69
Steering (display message) ..............255
Steering wheel Adjusting (manually) ........................98
Button overview ............................... 33
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 209
Cleaning ......................................... 295
Gearshift paddles ........................... 156
Important safety notes .................... 98
Steering wheel gearshift paddles ....156
Stopwatch (RACETIMER) ................... 226
Stowage areas ................................... 269
Stowage compartment Spectacles compartment ...............269
Stowage compartments
Armrest (front) ............................... 270
Armrest (under) ............................. 270Centre console ..............................
269
Centre console (rear) ..................... 271
Cup holder
..................................... 275
Glove compartment ....................... 269
Important safety information ......... 269
Luggage net ................................... 271
Under driver's seat/front-
passenger seat .............................. 270
Summer tyres .................................... 320
Sun visor ............................................ 277
Supplemental Restraint System see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Surround lighting (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 222
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............69 T
Tailgate Display message

............................ 254
Emergency unlocking .......................83
Important safety notes .................... 82
Opening/closing (from outside) ....... 82
Opening dimensions ...................... 346
Tail lamps
Display message ............................ 241
see Lights
Technical data
Capacities ...................................... 338
Emergency spare wheel ................. 333
Information .................................... 336
Trailer loads ................................... 349
Tyres/wheels ................................. 329
Vehicle data ................................... 346
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 216
Display message ............................ 256
Menu (on-board computer) ............ 215
Number from the phone book ........ 216
Redialling ....................................... 217
Rejecting/ending a call ................. 216
Telephone compartment ................ 270
Temperature
Coolant .......................................... 208
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 226
Engine oil (on-board computer) ...... 226 Index
17

Outside temperature ...................... 209
Setting (climate control)
................128
TEMPOMAT
Function/notes ............................. 168
Theft-deterrent system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........69
Immobiliser ...................................... 69
Through-loading ................................ 271
Time see Separate Owner's manual
Timing (RACETIMER) .........................226
TIREFIT kit .......................................... 301
Top Tether ............................................ 54
Tow-away protection .......................... 70
Towing Important safety notes .................. 310
Towing a trailer
Active Parking Assist .....................190
Axle load, permissible .................... 349
Bulb failure indicator for LED lamps 206
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program) . 68
Pulling away with a trailer ..............145
Trailer tow hitch display message .. 255
Towing away
Fitting the towing eye ....................311
Removing the towing eye ...............312
With both axles on the ground ....... 312
With front axle raised ..................... 312
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 314
Fitting the towing eye ....................311
Important safety notes .................. 310
Removing the towing eye ...............312
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer towing
7-pin connector ............................. 206
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 199
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 294
Coupling up a trailer ......................204
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 204
Driving tips .................................... 201
Folding in the ball coupling ............205
Folding out the ball coupling ..........203
Important safety notes .................. 201
Lights display message .................. 239
Mounting dimensions .................... 348Parktronic ......................................
185
Power supply ................................. 206
Trailer loads ................................... 349
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
see Manual transmission
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ......................152
Transporting the vehicle .................. 313
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) . 295
Trip computer (on-board computer) 211
Trip meter Calling up ....................................... 211
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 213
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ................... 115
Changing bulbs (rear) .................... 116
Switching on/off ........................... 107
TV
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 215
see Separate operating instructions
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 336
Installation ..................................... 336
Transmission output (maximum) .... 336
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
Tyre pressure
Display message ............................ 251
Not reached (TIREFIT) .................... 303
Reached (TIREFIT) .......................... 303
Recommended ............................... 321
Tyre pressure loss warning
Important safety notes .................. 323
Restarting ...................................... 323
Tyres
Changing a wheel .......................... 324
Checking ........................................ 319
Direction of rotation ......................324
Display message ............................ 251
Important safety notes .................. 318
M+S tyres ...................................... 320
MOExtended tyres .........................320
Replacing ....................................... 324
Service life ..................................... 319
Storing ........................................... 324
Summer tyres ........................ 168, 32018
Index

Tyre size (data)
.............................. 329
Tyre tread ...................................... 319
see Flat tyre
U
Unladen weight ................................. 346
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................81
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 80V
Vanity mirror (in sun visor) .............. 277
Variable SPEEDTRONIC see SPEEDTRONIC


Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 24
Data acquisition ............................... 25
Electronics ..................................... 336
Equipment ....................................... 22
Implied warranty .............................. 24
Individual settings ..........................220
Leaving parked up ......................... 164
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 81
Locking (key) ................................... 75
Lowering ........................................ 329
Pulling away ................................... 144
Raising ........................................... 326
Registration ..................................... 24
Securing from rolling away ............325
Towing away .................................. 310
Tow-starting ................................... 310
Transporting .................................. 313
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 81
Unlocking (key) ................................ 75
Vehicle data ................................... 346
Vehicle data ....................................... 346
Vehicle dimensions ...........................346
Vehicle emergency locking ................81
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate ..............338
Vehicle maintenance see ASSYST PLUS
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 299
Vehicle weights ................................. 346Video (DVD)
........................................
215
Video DVD (on-board computer) ......215
VIN ...................................................... 338 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS

................................................ 258
Brakes ........................................... 258
Distance warning signal ................. 266
ESP ®
.............................................. 260
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 261
Fuel tank ........................................ 264
LIM (cruise control) ........................ 169
LIM (DISTRONIC PLUS) .................. 174
LIM (variable SPEEDTRONIC) ......... 171
Overview .......................................... 32
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF ................ 52
Reserve fuel ................................... 264
Seat belt ........................................ 257
SRS ................................................ 263
Warning triangle ................................ 298
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 256
Wheel bolt tightening torque ...........329
Wheel chock ...................................... 325
Wheels Changing/replacing .......................324
Changing a wheel .......................... 324
Checking ........................................ 319
Cleaning ......................................... 292
Cleaning (warning) .........................324
Emergency spare wheel ................. 332
Fitting a new wheel ........................328
Fitting a wheel ............................... 325
Important safety notes .................. 318
Removing a wheel ..........................328
Storing ........................................... 324
Tightening torque ........................... 329
Wheel size/tyre size ......................329
Windowbag
Display message ............................ 239
Operation ......................................... 45
Windows
Cleaning ......................................... 293
see Side windows
Windscreen
Demisting ...................................... 130 Index
19

Windscreen washer fluid
see Windscreen washer system
Windscreen washer system
Notes ............................................. 345
Topping up
..................................... 289
Windscreen wipers
Display message ............................ 256
Problem (malfunction) ...................120
Rear window wiper ........................118
Replacing the wiper blades ............ 118
Switching on/off ........................... 117
see Windscreen
Winter driving
General notes ................................ 320
Winter operation
Slippery road surfaces ................... 168
Snow chains .................................. 321
Winter tyres
Limiting the speed (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 223
M+S tyres ...................................... 320
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 293
Important safety notes .................. 118
Replacing (on the rear window) ..... 119
Replacing (windscreen) ..................118
Wooden trim (cleaning instructions) 295
Workshop see Qualified specialist workshop Z
ZONE function Switching on/off

........................... 12920
Index

Protection of the environment
General notes
H
Environmental note
Daimler's declared policy is one of compre-
hensive environmental protection.
Our objectives are to use the natural resour-
ces which form the basis of our existence on
this planet sparingly and in a manner which
takes the requirements of both nature and
humanity into consideration.
You too can help to protect the environment
by operating your vehicle in an environmen-
tally-responsible manner.
Fuel consumption and the rate of engine,
transmission,
brake and tyre wear depend on
the following factors:
R operating conditions of your vehicle
R your personal driving style
You can influence both factors. Therefore,
please bear the following in mind:
Operating conditions:
R avoid short trips, as these increase fuel
consumption.
R observe the correct tyre pressure.
R do not carry any unnecessary weight in the
vehicle.
R remove the roof rack once you no longer
need it.
R a regularly serviced vehicle will contribute
to environmental protection. You should
therefore adhere to the service intervals.
R all maintenance work should be carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop.
Personal driving style:
R do not depress the accelerator pedal when
starting the engine.
R do not warm up the engine when the vehicle
is stationary.
R drive carefully and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front.
R avoid frequent, sudden acceleration and
braking. R
change
gear in good time and use each gear
only up to Ô of its maximum engine speed.
R switch off the engine in stationary traffic.
R monitor the vehicle's fuel consumption. Returning an end-of-life vehicle
EU countries only:
Mercedes-Benz

will take back your old vehicle
to dispose of it in an environmentally-respon-
sible manner in accordance with the Euro-
pean Union (EU) End of Life Vehicles Direc-
tive.
There is a network of return points and dis-
assembly plants available. You can return
your vehicle to these plants free of charge.
This makes a valuable contribution to the
recycling process and the conservation of
resources.
For further information on recycling old vehi-
cles, recovery and the terms of the policy,
visit the Mercedes-Benz homepage. Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts
H
Environmental note
Daimler AG also supplies reconditioned
assemblies and parts which are of the same
quality

as new parts. For these, the same war-
ranty applies as for new parts.
! Airbags and seat belt tensioners, as well
as control units and sensors for these
restraint systems, may be installed in the
following areas of your vehicle:
R doors
R door pillars
R door sills
R seats
R dashboard
R instrument cluster
R centre console Introduction
21 Z

Do not install accessories such as audio
systems in these areas. Do not carry out
repairs or welding. You could impair the
operating efficiency of the restraint sys-
tems.
Have accessories retrofitted at a qualified
specialist workshop.
If you use parts, tyres and wheels as well as
accessories
relevant to safety which have not
been approved by Mercedes, the operating
safety of the vehicle could be jeopardised.
This could lead to malfunctions in safety-rel-
evant systems, e.g. the brake system. Only
use genuine Mercedes-Benz parts or parts of
equal quality. Only use tyres, wheels and
accessories that have been specifically
approved for your vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz tests genuine parts and con-
version parts and accessories that have been
specifically approved for your vehicle for their
reliability, safety and suitability. Despite
ongoing market research, Mercedes-Benz is
unable to assess other parts. Mercedes-Benz
accepts no responsibility for the use of such
parts in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, even if they
have been independently or officially
approved.
In Germany, certain parts are only officially
approved for installation or modification if
they comply with legal requirements. This
also applies to some other countries. All gen-
uine Mercedes-Benz parts meet the approval
requirements. The use of non-approved parts
may invalidate the vehicle's general operating
permit.
This is the case:
R if they cause a change of the vehicle type
from that for which the vehicle's general
operating permit was granted
R if other road users could be endangered
R if the emission or noise levels are adversely
affected
Always specify the vehicle identification num-
ber (VIN) ( Y page 338) and the engine num-
ber ( Y page 338) when ordering genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts. Owner's Manual
General notes
Before you first drive off, read this Owner's
Manual

carefully and familiarise yourself with
your vehicle.
For your own safety and a longer vehicle life,
follow the instructions and warning notices in
this manual. Disregarding them may lead to
damage to the vehicle or personal injury. Vehicle equipment
This Owner's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment
available for your vehicle at the time of pub-
lication

of the Owner's Manual. Country-spe-
cific differences are possible. Note that your
vehicle may not be fitted with all features
described. This is also the case for systems
and functions relevant to safety. Therefore,
the equipment on your vehicle may differ from
that in the descriptions and illustrations.
The original purchase contract documenta-
tion for your vehicle contains a list of all of the
systems in your vehicle.
Should you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
The Owner's Manual and Service Booklet are
important documents and should kept in the
vehicle. Operating safety
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you do not have the prescribed service/
maintenance work or necessary repairs car-
ried out, this could result in malfunctions or
system

failures. There is a risk of an accident.
Always have the prescribed service/mainte-
nance work as well as necessary repairs car-
ried out at a qualified specialist workshop. 22
Introduction