2012 MERCEDES-BENZ A CLASS automatic transmission

ATA (anti-theft alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ...................69
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Function ........................................... 69
Interior motion sensor .....................70
Switching off the alarm .................... 69
Tow-away protection ........................ 70
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating ................. 219
Display message ............................ 245
Function/notes ............................. 195
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 214
AUTO lights Display message ............................ 242
see Lights
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 147
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) .......................... 146
Automatic headlamp mode ..............105
Automatic transmission Accelerator pedal position .............154
Automatic drive program ............... 156
Changing gear ............................... 154
DIRECT SELECT lever .....................151
Display message ............................ 252
Drive program display ....................152
Driving tips .................................... 154
Emergency running mode ..............159
Engaging drive position .................. 153
Engaging neutral ............................ 153
Engaging park position (AMG vehi-
cles) ............................................... 153
Engaging reverse gear ................... 153
Engaging the park position ............ 152
Holding the vehicle stationary on
uphill gradients .............................. 154
Kickdown ....................................... 154
Manual drive program ....................156
Overview ........................................ 151
Problem (fault) ............................... 159
Program selector button ................155
Pulling away ................................... 144
Selector lever ................................ 153
Starting the engine ........................ 144
Steering wheel gearshift paddles ...156
Trailer towing ................................. 155Transmission position display 152, 153
Transmission positions ..................
153
Automatic transmission emer-
gency running mode .........................159
Auxiliary heating Activating/deactivating
.................134
Activating/deactivating (on the
centre console) .............................. 135
Display message ............................ 255
Important safety notes .................. 134
Problem (display message) ............138
Remote control .............................. 135
Setting ........................................... 224
Setting the departure time ............. 136
Auxiliary ventilation
Activating/deactivating ................. 134
Activating/deactivating (on the
centre console) .............................. 135
Problem (display message) ............138
Remote control .............................. 135
Axle load, permissible (trailer tow-
ing) ...................................................... 349 B
Bag hook ............................................ 273
Ball coupling Folding in ....................................... 205
Folding out .....................................

203
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 62
Battery (key) Checking .......................................... 76
Important safety notes .................... 76
Replacing ......................................... 76
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 306
Display message ............................ 244
Important safety notes .................. 304
Jump starting ................................. 308
Belt force limiter
Activation ......................................... 49
Function ........................................... 49
Belt tensioner
Activation ......................................... 41
Function ........................................... 49
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating ................. 219
Display message ............................ 247 Index
5

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

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

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

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

Adaptive brake lamps
If you brake sharply from a speed of more
than
50 km/h or if braking is assisted by BAS
or adaptive Brake Assist, the brake lamps
flash rapidly. In this way, traffic travelling
behind you is warned in an even more notice-
able manner.
If you brake sharply from a speed of more
than 70 km/h to a standstill, the hazard warn-
ing lamps are activated automatically. If the
brakes are applied again, the brake lamps
light up continuously. The hazard warning
lamps switch off automatically if you travel
faster than 10 km/h. You can also switch off
the hazard warning lamps using the hazard
warning switch button (Y page 108).
i Adaptive brake lamps are only available in
certain countries. ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
General notes i
Observe
the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 61).
ESP ®
monitors driving stability and traction,
i.e. power transmission between the tyres
and the road surface.
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilise the
vehicle. 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 stabilise the vehicle during braking.
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System) i
Observe
the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 61).
ETS/4ETS traction control is part of ESP ®
.
ETS 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. In
addition, more drive torque is transferred to
the wheel or wheels with traction.
ETS remains active when you deactivate
ESP
®
.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilise
the vehicle. In addition, other driving
safety systems are switched off. This increa-
ses the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! When testing the electric parking brake
on a braking dynamometer, switch off the
ignition. Application of the brakes by
ESP ®
may otherwise destroy the brake sys-
tem.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: switch off the igni-
tion when the electric parking brake is
being tested using a dynamometer.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may oth-
erwise destroy the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or per-
formance tests may only be carried out on
a 2-axle dynamometer. Before operating
the vehicle on such a dynamometer, please
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
You could otherwise damage the drive train
or the brake system.
! Do not tow vehicles with 4MATIC with the
front or rear axle raised.
Vehicles without 4MATIC: when towing your
vehicle with the front axle raised, it is impor-
tant that you observe the notes on
ESP ®
(Y page 312).
Vehicles with 4MATIC: when towing your
vehicle with both axles on the ground, it is
important that you observe the notes on
ESP ®
(Y page 312). Driving safety systems
65
Safety Z