2012 MERCEDES-BENZ B-CLASS steering

R
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ( Y
page 64)
(Y page 64)
R STEER CONTROL ( Y page 64)Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style or
become distracted, the driving safety
systems can neither reduce the risk of
accident nor override the laws of physics.
Driving safety systems are merely aids
designed to assist driving. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed and for braking in
good time. Always

adapt your driving style to
suit the prevailing road, weather and traffic
conditions and maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front. Drive carefully.
i The driving safety systems described only
work as effectively as possible when there
is adequate contact between the tires and
the road surface. Pay particular attention
to the information regarding tires,
recommended minimum tire tread depths
etc. in the "Wheels and tires" section
(Y page 298).
In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section for driving safety systems
(Y page 59). G
WARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking
characteristics may be severely impaired.
Additionally, further driving safety systems are deactivated. There is an increased danger
of skidding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked
immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
When ABS is malfunctioning, other systems,
including driving safety systems, will also
become inoperative. Observe

the information
on the ABS warning lamp ( Y page 225) and
display messages which may be shown in the
instrument cluster (Y page 201).
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph
(8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-surface
conditions. ABS works on slippery roads,
even if you only brake gently.
The ! ABS warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking X
If ABS intervenes: continue to
depress the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking
situation is over.
X To make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions, and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving. BAS (Brake Assist System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 59). Driving safety systems
59
Safety Z
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Characteristics when ESP
®
is deactivated
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in
the instrument cluster flashes. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R the engine's torque is no longer limited and
the drive wheels are able to spin. The
spinning of the wheels results in a cutting
action, which provides better grip.
R ETS is still active.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake. EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section for driving safety systems
(Y page 59). G
WARNING
If EBD has malfunctioned, the rear wheels can
still lock, e.g. under full braking. This
increases 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
specialist workshop.
Observe information regarding indicator and
warning lamps ( Y page 225) as well as
display messages ( Y page 203).
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking. ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety
and offers increased braking comfort. In
addition to the braking function, ADAPTIVE
BRAKE also has the HOLD function
(Y page 168) and hill start assist (Y page 136). For further information, see
Driving tips (Y page 154).
STEER CONTROL
STEER CONTROL helps

you by transmitting a
noticeable steering force to the steering
wheel in the direction required for vehicle
stabilization.
This steering assistance 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 ESP ®
is malfunctioning, you will not receive
steering support from STEER CONTROL.
Power steering will, however, continue to
function. Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct SmartKey.
X To activate: remove the SmartKey from
the ignition lock.
X To deactivate: switch on the ignition.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
i The immobilizer is always deactivated
when you start the engine.
In the event that the engine cannot be
started when the starter battery is fully
charged, the immobilizer may be faulty.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call

1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the
USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada). 64
Theft deterrent locking system
Safety
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Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsThe engine cannot be
started using the
SmartKey. 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 285).
or
X Jump-start the vehicle (Y page 289).
or
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The engine cannot be
started using the
SmartKey. The steering lock is mechanically blocked.
X
Remove the SmartKey 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 starting the engine.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you
and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children or animals unattended in the
vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of
reach of children. G
WARNING
If persons, particularly children are subjected
to prolonged exposure to extreme heat or
cold, there is a risk of injury, possibly even
fatal. Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle. Unlocking and opening doors from
the inside
X
To unlock a front door: pull door
handle ;.
Locking knob : pops up.
The door is unlocked and can be opened. Doors
73
Opening and closing Z
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Useful information ..............................
86
Correct driver's seat position ............ 86
Seats .................................................... 87
Steering wheel .................................... 91
Mirrors ................................................. 92
Memory functions ............................... 95 85Seats, steering wheel and mirrors
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Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note
that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: ( Y page 24).Correct driver's seat position
Observe the safety guidelines on seat
adjustment (
Y page 87).
X Make sure that seat = is adjusted
properly.
Manual seat adjustment ( Y page 88)
Electrical seat adjustment ( Y page 88)
When adjusting the seat, make sure that:
R you are as far away from the driver's air
bag as possible.
R you are sitting in a normal upright
position.
R you can fasten the seat belt properly. R
you have moved the backrest to an
almost vertical position.
R you have set the seat cushion angle so
that your thighs are gently supported.
R you can depress the pedals properly.
X Check whether the head restraint is
adjusted properly ( Y page 89).
When doing so, make sure that you have
adjusted

the head restraint so that the back
of your head is supported at eye level by
the center of the head restraint.
Observe the safety guidelines on steering
wheel adjustment ( Y page 91).
X Make sure that steering wheel : is
adjusted properly.
Adjusting the steering wheel
(Y page 91)
When adjusting the steering wheel, make
sure that:
R you can hold

the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent.
R you can move your legs freely.
R you can see all the displays in the
instrument cluster clearly.
Observe the safety guidelines for seat belts
(Y page 45).
X Check whether you have fastened seat
belt ; properly ( Y page 47).
The seat belt should:
R fit snugly across your body
R be routed across the middle of your
shoulder
R be routed in your pelvic area across the
hip joints
X Before starting off, adjust the rear-view
mirror and the exterior mirrors
(

Y page 92) in such a way that you have
a good view of road and traffic conditions.
X Vehicles with a memory function: save
the seat and exterior mirror settings
(Y page 95). 86
Correct driver's seat position
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors
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Seats
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Children could become trapped if they adjust
the seats, particularly when unattended.
There is a risk of injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you
and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. G
WARNING
You could lose control of your vehicle if you
do the following while driving:
R adjust the driver's seat, head restraint,
steering wheel or mirrors
R fasten the seat belt
There is a risk of an accident.
Adjust the driver's seat, head restraint,
steering wheel and mirror and fasten your
seat belt before starting the engine. G
WARNING
If you adjust the seat height carelessly, you or
other vehicle occupants

could be trapped and
thereby injured. Children in particular could
accidentally press the electrical seat
adjustment buttons and become trapped.
There is a risk of injury.
While moving the seats, make sure that your
hands or other body parts do not get under
the lever assembly of the seat adjustment
system. G
WARNING
When you adjust a seat, you or other vehicle
occupants could become

trapped, e.g. on the
seat guide rail. There is a risk of injury.
Make sure when adjusting a seat that no one
has any body parts in the sweep of the seat. G
WARNING
The seat belt does not offer the intended level
of protection if the backrest is not in the
upright position. When

braking or in the event of an accident, you could slide underneath the
seat belt and sustain abdomen or neck
injuries, for
example.

This poses an increased
risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Adjust the seat properly before beginning
your journey. Always make sure that the seat
is in the upright position. G
WARNING
If head restraints are not installed and
adjusted correctly, they cannot provide
protection as intended.

There is an increased
risk of injury in the head and neck area, e.g.
in the event of an accident or when braking.
Always drive with the head restraints
installed. Before driving off, make sure for
every vehicle occupant that the center of the
head restraint supports the back of the head
at about eye level. G
WARNING
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained on the rear
seats than on

the front-passenger seat. Thus,
we strongly recommend that children be
placed in the rear seat whenever possible.
Regardless of seating position, children 12
years old and under must be seated and
properly secured in an appropriately sized
child restraint system or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child. For additional information, see the
"Children in the vehicle" section.
A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and/
or the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
! To avoid damage to the seats and the seat
heating, observe the following information:
R keep liquids from spilling on the seats. If
liquid is spilled on the seats, dry them as
soon as possible.
R if the seat covers are damp or wet, do not
switch on the seat heating. The seat Seats
87
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors Z
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heating should also not be used to dry
the seats.
R clean the seat covers as recommended;
see the "Interior care" section.
R do not transport heavy loads on the
seats. Do not
place sharp objects on the
seat cushions, e.g. knives, nails or tools.
The seats should only be occupied by
passengers, if possible.
R when the seat heating is in operation, do
not cover the seats with insulating
materials, e.g. blankets, coats, bags,
seat covers, child seats or booster seats.
! Make sure that there are no objects in the
footwell or behind the seats when resetting
the seats. There is a risk that the seats
and/or the objects could be damaged.
i The head restraints in the front and rear
seats can be removed. 1
For more information, contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
i Further related subjects:
R Luggage compartment enlargement
(folding down the rear seats)
(Y page 240) Adjusting the seats manually Seat fore-and-aft adjustment
X
Lift handle : and slide the seat forwards
or backwards.
X Release lever : again.
Make sure
that

you hear the seat engage in
position.
Backrest angle X
Relieve the pressure on the backrest.
X Turn handwheel ? forwards or
backwards.
Seat height X
Pull handle = upwards or push it down
repeatedly until the seat has reached the
desired height.
Seat cushion angle Adjust the angle so that your thighs are lightly
supported.
X
Turn handwheel ; forwards or
backwards. Adjusting the seats electrically
:
Head restraint height 2
; Seat cushion angle
= Seat height
? Seat fore-and-aft adjustment
A Backrest angle
1 Not on vehicles with sports seats.
2 Not available on vehicles with sports seats.88
Seats
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors
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i
You can store the seat settings using the
memory function ( Y page 95).Adjusting the head restraints
G
WARNING
You could lose control of your vehicle if you
do the following while driving:
R adjust the driver's seat, head restraint,
steering wheel or mirrors
R fasten the seat belt
There is a risk of an accident.
Adjust the driver's seat, head restraint,
steering wheel and mirror and fasten your
seat belt before starting the engine. G
WARNING
If head restraints are not installed and
adjusted correctly, they cannot provide
protection as intended.
There is an increased
risk of injury in the head and neck area, e.g.
in the event of an accident or when braking.
Always drive with the head restraints
installed. Before driving off, make sure for
every vehicle occupant that the center of the
head restraint supports the back of the head
at about eye level.
Adjusting the head restraints manually Adjusting the head restraint height X
To raise: pull the head restraint up to the
desired position.
X To lower: press release catch : in the
direction of the arrow and push the head
restraint down to the desired position.
Adjusting the fore/aft position of the
head restraint With this function you can adjust the distance
between the head restraint and the back of
the seat occupant's head.
X
To adjust forwards: pull the
head restraint
forwards in the direction of the arrow until
it engages.
There are several notches.
X To move backwards: press and hold
release button : and push the head
restraint backwards.
X When the head restraint is in the desired
position, release the

button and make sure
that the head restraint is engaged in
position.
Adjusting the height of the head
restraints electrically X
To adjust the head restraint height: slide
the switch for head restraint adjustment
( Y

page 88) up or down in the direction of
the arrow. Seats
89
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors Z
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