2012 MERCEDES-BENZ A CLASS brake

EBD (electronic brake force distribu-
tion)
i Observe
the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion for driving safety systems
(Y page 61). G
WARNING
If EBD has malfunctioned, the rear wheels can
still lock, e.g. under full braking. This increa-
ses the risk of skidding and an accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
to

the different handling characteristics. Have
the brake system checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Observe information regarding indicator and
warning lamps ( Y page 258) as well as dis-
play messages (Y page 232).
EBD monitors and controls the brake pres-
sure on the rear wheels to improve driving
stability while braking. ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety
and

offers increased braking comfort. In addi-
tion to the braking function, ADAPTIVE BRAKE
also has the HOLD function (Y page 180) and
hill start assist ( Y page 145). For further
information, see Driving tips (Y page 166). STEER CONTROL
STEER
CONTROL helps you by transmitting a
noticeable steering force to the steering
wheel in the direction required for vehicle
stabilisation.
This steering support is provided in particular
if:
R both right wheels or both left wheels are on
a wet or slippery road surface when you
brake
R the vehicle starts to skid.
If there is an ESP ®
malfunction, you will not
receive any steering support from STEER CONTROL. Power steering will, however, con-
tinue to function.
Anti-theft systems
Immobiliser
The immobiliser prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct key.
X To activate:
remove the key from the igni-
tion lock.
X To deactivate: switch on the ignition.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key
with
you and lock the vehicle. The engine can
be started by anyone with a valid key that is
left inside the vehicle.
i The immobiliser is always deactivated
when you start the engine. ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
X
To prime: lock the vehicle with the key.
Indicator lamp : flashes. The alarm sys-
tem is primed after approximately
15 seconds.
X To deactivate:
unlock the vehicle with the
key.
or
X Insert the key into the ignition lock. Anti-theft systems
69
Safety Z

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all mod-
els,
series and optional equipment for your
vehicle that were available at the time of
going to press. National variations are pos-
sible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the functions descri-
bed. This is also the case for systems and
functions relevant to safety.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops: (Y page 24). Key
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
R open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
R get out and disrupt traffic.
R operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
R release the parking brake.
R shift the automatic transmission out of
parking position P.
R shift the manual transmission into neutral.
R start the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When

leaving the vehicle, always take the key
with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children or animals unattended in the vehicle.
Always keep the key out of reach of children. G
WARNING
If persons (particularly children) are exposed
to heat or cold for a prolonged period, there
is

a risk of serious or even fatal injuries. Never
leave persons (particularly children) unatten-
ded in the vehicle. G
WARNING
If you attach heavy or large objects to the key,
the
key could be unintentionally turned in the
ignition lock. This could cause the engine to
be switched off. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not attach any heavy or large objects to
the key. Remove any bulky keyrings before
inserting the key into the ignition lock.
! Keep the key away from strong magnetic
fields. Otherwise, the remote control func-
tion could be affected.
Strong magnetic fields can occur in the
vicinity of powerful electrical installations.
Do not keep the key:
R with electronic devices, e.g. a mobile
phone or another key
R with metallic objects, e.g. coins or metal
film
R inside metallic objects, e.g. a metal case
United Kingdom only: G
WARNING
When the double locks are activated, the
doors can no longer be opened from the
inside.

People in the vehicle can no longer get
out, e.g. in hazardous situations. There is a
risk of injury.
Therefore, do not leave any people unsuper-
vised in the vehicle, particularly children, eld-
erly people or people in need of special assis-
tance. Do not activate the double lock when
people are in the vehicle.
If the vehicle has been locked with the key,
then the double lock function is activated as
standard. You can deactivate the double lock
function by deactivating the interior motion
sensor (Y page 70). The doors can then be
opened from the inside after the vehicle has
been locked from the outside. The anti-theft
alarm system is triggered if the door is
opened from the inside. Switch off the alarm
(Y page 69). 74
Key
Opening and closing

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsThe engine cannot be
started using the key. The on-board voltage is too low.
X
Switch off non-essential consumers, e.g. seat heating or interior
lighting, and try to start the engine again.
If this does not work:
X Check the starter battery and charge it if necessary
(Y page 304).
or
X Jump-start the vehicle (Y page 308).
or
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The engine cannot be
started using the key. The steering lock is mechanically blocked.
X
Remove the key and reinsert it into the ignition lock. While doing
this, turn the steering wheel in both directions. Doors
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
R open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
R get out and disrupt traffic.
R operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
R release the parking brake.
R shift the automatic transmission out of
parking position P.
R shift the manual transmission into neutral.
R start the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When
leaving the vehicle, always take the key
with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children or animals unattended in the vehicle.
Always keep the key out of reach of children. G
WARNING
If persons (particularly children) are exposed
to heat or cold for a prolonged period, there
is

a risk of serious or even fatal injuries. Never
leave persons (particularly children) unatten-
ded in the vehicle.
United Kingdom only: G
WARNING
When the double locks are activated, the
doors can no longer be opened from the
inside.

People in the vehicle can no longer get
out, e.g. in hazardous situations. There is a
risk of injury.
Therefore, do not leave any people unsuper-
vised in the vehicle, particularly children, eld-
erly people or people in need of special assis-
tance. Do not activate the double lock when
people are in the vehicle.
If the vehicle has been locked with the key,
then the double lock function is activated as
standard. You can deactivate the double lock
function by deactivating the interior motion
sensor (Y page 70). The doors can then be
opened from the inside after the vehicle has
been locked from the outside. The anti-theft Doors
79
Opening and closing Z

even if the light sensor does not sense dark
ambient light conditions. This is advanta-
geous when there is fog or rain.
X
To switch on the dipped-beam head-
lamps: turn the key in the ignition lock to
position 2 or start the engine.
X Turn the light switch to L.
The green L indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
Foglamps
In conditions where visibility is poor due to
fog, snow or rain, the foglamps improve visi-
bility

as well as making it easier for other road
users to see you. They can be operated
together with the side lamps or together with
the side lamps and dipped-beam headlamps.
X To switch on the foglamps: turn the key
in

the ignition lock to position 2 or start the
engine.
X Turn the light switch to L or Ã.
X Press the N button.
The

green N indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
X To switch off the front foglamps: press
the N button.
The

green N indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out.
Only vehicles with front foglamps are equip-
ped with the "Foglamp" function; for how to
operate the foglamps on vehicles with the
Intelligent Light System

(Y page 109).
Rear foglamp
The rear foglamp improves the visibility of
your vehicle in heavy fog for the following
traffic. Please observe the country-specific
laws on the use of rear foglamps.
X To switch on the rear foglamp: turn the
key
in the ignition lock to position 2 or start
the engine.
X Turn the light switch to L or Ã.X
Press the R button.
The yellow R indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
X To switch off the rear foglamp:
press the
R button.
The yellow R indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
i Vehicles with bi-xenon headlamps or the
Intelligent

Light System: when the rear fog-
lamp is switched on, the lower 15 LEDs of
the brake lamp in the tail lamp switch off
due to a legal requirement: for right-hand
traffic only in the left-hand tail lamp and for
left-hand traffic only in the right-hand tail
lamp.
Side lamps
! If the battery has been excessively dis-
charged, the side lamps or parking lamps
are automatically switched off to enable
the next engine start. Always park your
vehicle safely and sufficiently lit according
to legal standards. Avoid the continuous
use of the T side lamps for several
hours. If possible, switch on the X right
or the W left parking lamp.
X To switch on: turn the light switch to
T.
Depending on the equipment level, the
green indicator lamp or the scale illumina-
tion in the instrument cluster light up.
Parking lamps
Switching on the parking lamps ensures the
corresponding side of the vehicle is illumina-
ted.
X To switch on the parking lamps: the key
is not in the ignition lock or it is in posi-
tion 0.
X Turn the light switch to W
(left-hand side
of the vehicle) or X (right-hand side of
the vehicle). 106
Exterior lighting
Lights and windscreen wipers

The blue
K indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up when the main-beam
headlamps are switched on.
X To switch off the main-beam head-
lamps:

move the combination switch back
to its normal position.
The blue K indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out.
i Vehicles with Adaptive Highbeam Assist:
when Adaptive Highbeam Assist is active,
it controls activation of the main-beam
headlamps

(Y page 110).
Headlamp flasher X
To switch on: turn the key in the ignition
lock to position 1 or 2,

or start the engine.
X Pull the combination switch in the direction
of arrow =. Hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lamps switch on auto-
matically if:
R
an airbag is deployed or
R the vehicle decelerates rapidly from a
speed

of more than 70 km/h and comes to
a standstill
X To 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 corre-
sponding side of the vehicle will flash.
X To switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button :.
The hazard warning lamps switch off auto-
matically if the vehicle reaches a speed of
over 10 km/h

again after a full brake appli-
cation.
i The hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off. Headlamp cleaning system
If the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated five times ( Y page 117) while the
lights are on and the engine is running, the
headlamps are cleaned automatically. When
you switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp

cleaning system is reset and count-
ing is resumed from 0. Intelligent Light System
General notes The Intelligent Light System is a system that
adjusts the headlamps automatically to suit
the

prevailing driving and weather conditions.
It offers advanced functions for improved illu-
mination of the road surface, e.g. depending
on the vehicle speed or weather conditions.
The system includes the active light function,
cornering light function, motorway mode and
extended range foglamps. The system is only
active when it is dark.
You can activate or deactivate the "Intelligent
Light System" using the on-board computer
(Y page 221). 108
Exterior lightingLights and windscreen wipers

Overview of bulb replacement – bulbs
You can replace the following bulbs. The
details for the bulb type can be found in the
legend. Halogen headlamps
:
Turn signal lamp: PY 21 W
; Main-beam headlamp/side lamp/park-
ing lamp: H15 55 W/15 W
= Dipped-beam headlamp: H7 55 W Vehicles with Intelligent Light System
:
Cornering lamp: H7 55 W Tail lamp (halogen headlamps)
:
Reversing lamp: W 16 W
; Turn signal lamp: PY 21 W
= Tail lamp/brake lamp: W 16 W
? Rear foglamp: W 16 W
A Tail lamp: W 16 W Replacing the front bulbs
Fitting/removing the cover on the front
wheel arch You must remove the cover from the front
wheel housing before you can change the
front bulbs.
X
To remove: switch off the lights.
X Turn the front wheels inwards.
X Turn rotary knob : through 90°.
Cover ; is released.
X Push cover ; down.
X To fit: push cover ; up.
X Turn rotary knob : through 90°.
Cover ; is locked. Replacing bulbs
113
Lights and windscreen wipers Z

Right-hand side trim panel
X
To open: turn release knob : 90° in the
direction
of the arrow and remove side trim
panel ;.
X To close:
insert side trim panel ; and turn
release knob : 90° in the opposite direc-
tion to the arrow.
Tail lamps X
Switch off the lights.
X Open the luggage compartment.
X Open the side trim panel ( Y page 115).X
Release and remove connector ;.
X Unscrew wing nut :
and remove the lamp
cluster. Lamp cluster
X
Remove plastic nut ? using a suitable
item, e.g. a coin.
X Release attachments =.
X Remove the bulb holder from the lamp clus-
ter. Bulb holder
A
Tail lamp/brake lamp
B Reversing lamp
C Rear foglamp
D Tail lamp
E Turn signals
X Tail lamp/brake lamp/rear foglamp/
reversing lamp: remove the correspond-
ing bulb from the bulb holder.
X Insert the new bulb into the bulb holder.
X Turn signal lamp: lightly press the bulb
into the bulb holder, turn it anti-clockwise
and remove it from the bulb holder. 116
Replacing bulbs
Lights and windscreen wipers

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all mod-
els,
series and optional equipment for your
vehicle that were available at the time of
going to press. National variations are pos-
sible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the functions descri-
bed. This is also the case for systems and
functions relevant to safety.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops: (Y page 24). Running-in notes
Important safety notes
New brake pads/linings and discs that have
been

replaced only achieve optimum braking
effect after several hundred kilometres of
driving. Compensate for the reduced braking
effect by applying greater force to the brake
pedal. The first 1500 km
If you treat the engine with sufficient care
from

the very start, you will be rewarded with
excellent performance for the remainder of
the engine's life.
R Drive at varying vehicle speeds and engine
speeds for the first 1500 km.
R Avoid overstraining the vehicle during this
period, e.g. driving at full throttle.
R Change gear in good time, before the rev
counter needle is Ô of the way to the red
area of the rev counter.
R Do not shift down a gear manually in order
to brake.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
R Try to avoid depressing the accelerator
pedal beyond the point of resistance (kick-
down).
After 1,500 km, you may gradually bring the
vehicle up to full road and engine speeds. Additional running-in notes for AMG vehicles:
R
Do

not drive at speeds above 140 km/h for
the first 1,500 km.
R Only allow the engine to reach a maximum
engine speed of 4,500 rpm briefly.
i You should also observe these notes on
running-in if the engine or parts of the drive
train on your vehicle have been replaced. Driving
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell may restrict
the clearance around the pedals or block a
depressed pedal. This jeopardises the oper-
ating and road safety of the vehicle. There is
a risk of an accident.
Stow

all objects securely in the vehicle so that
they do not get into the driver's footwell.
Always fit the floormats securely and as pre-
scribed in order to ensure that there is always
sufficient room for the pedals. Do not use
loose floormats and do not place several floor-
mats on top of one another. G
WARNING
Unsuitable footwear can hinder correct usage
of the pedals, e.g.:
R shoes with thick soles
R shoes with high heels
R slippers
There is a risk of an accident.
Wear suitable footwear to ensure correct
usage of the pedals. G
WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with

limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably 142
Driving
Driving and parking