2012 MERCEDES-BENZ B-CLASS ESP

Symbols
Registered trademarks:
R
Bluetooth ®
is a registered trademark of
Bluetooth SIG Inc.
R DTS is a registered trademark of DTS, Inc.
R Dolby and MLP are registered trademarks
of DOLBY Laboratories.
R BabySmart™, ESP ®
and PRE-SAFE ®
are
registered trademarks of Daimler AG.
R HomeLink ®
is a registered trademark of
Prince.
R iPod ®
and iTunes ®
are registered
trademarks of Apple Inc.
R Logic7 ®
is a registered trademark of
Harman International Industries.
R Microsoft ®
and Windows media ®
are
registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
R SIRIUS is a registered trademark of Sirius
XM radio Inc.
R HD Radio is a registered trademark of
iBiquity Digital Corporation.
R Gracenote ®
is a registered trademark of
Gracenote, Inc.
R ZAGATSurvey ®
and related brands are
registered trademarks of ZagatSurvey,
LLC.
In this Operator's Manual, you will find the
following symbols: G
WARNING
Warning notes draw your attention to hazards
that endanger your
health or life, or the health
or life of others. H
Environmental note
Environmental notes provide you with
information on environmentally

aware actions
or disposal.
! Notes on material damage alert you to
dangers that could lead to damage to your
vehicle. i
Practical tips or further information that
could be helpful to you.
X This symbol indicates an
instruction that must be followed.
X Several of these symbols in
succession indicate an instruction
with several steps.
(Y page) This symbol tells you where you
can find more information about a
topic.
YY This symbol indicates a warning or
an
instruction that

is continued on
the next page.
Display This font indicates a display in the
multifunction display/COMAND
display.
Parts of the software in the vehicle are
protected by copyright ©
2005
The FreeType Project
http://www.freetype.org. All rights
reserved.
ProCarManuals.com

Switching the rear window
defroster on/off
............................ 128
Switching the ZONE function on/
off
.................................................. 126
Cockpit
Overview .......................................... 28
see Instrument cluster
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
Display message ............................ 201
Operation/notes .............................. 60
COMAND
see separate operating instructions
Combination switch ..........................100
Compass Calibrating ..................................... 264
Calling up ....................................... 263
Setting ........................................... 263
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 189
Convenience closing feature ..............78
Convenience opening feature ............78
Coolant (engine) Checking the level ......................... 269
Display message ............................ 212
Filling capacity ............................... 333
Important safety notes .................. 333
Temperature gauge ........................ 186
Warning lamp ................................. 231
Cooling
see Climate control
Cornering light function
Changing bulbs .............................. 108
Display message ............................ 209
Function/notes ............................. 101
Crash-responsive emergency
lighting ............................................... 104
Cruise control Activation conditions .....................158
Cruise control lever .......................158
Deactivating ................................... 159
Display message ............................ 218
Driving system ............................... 157
Function/notes ............................. 158
Important safety notes .................. 157
Setting a speed .............................. 159
Storing and maintaining current
speed ............................................. 158Cup holder
Center console .............................. 248
Important safety notes ..................247
Rear compartment
.........................248
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ...24
Customer Relations Department .......24 D
Dashboard see Instrument cluster


Dashboard lighting
see Instrument cluster lighting
Data
see Technical data
Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 211
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 197
Switching on/off (switch) ................ 99
Dealerships
see Qualified specialist workshop
Declarations of conformity ................. 23
Delayed switch-off Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 198
Interior lighting .............................. 198
Diagnostics connection ......................24
Digital speedometer .........................190
DIRECT SELECT lever see Automatic transmission
Display (cleaning instructions) ........275
Display messages ASSYST PLUS ................................ 270
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 200
Driving systems ............................. 215
Engine ............................................ 212
General notes ................................ 200
Hiding (on-board computer) ........... 200
Lights ............................................. 208
Safety systems .............................. 201
SmartKey ....................................... 223
Tires ............................................... 219
Vehicle ........................................... 220
Distance display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 194 Index
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Distance recorder
............................. 189
see Odometer

see Trip odometer
Distance warning function
Activating/deactivating ................. 195
Function/notes ................................ 60
Warning lamp ................................. 233
DISTRONIC PLUS
Activation conditions .....................161
Cruise control lever .......................161
Deactivating ................................... 165
Display message ............................ 217
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 163
Driving tips .................................... 166
Function/notes ............................. 160
Important safety notes .................. 159
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 165
Warning lamp ................................. 233
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 198
Automatic locking (switch) ............... 74
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 68
Control panel ................................... 35
Display message ............................ 222
Emergency locking ........................... 75
Emergency unlocking .......................75
Important safety notes .................... 73
Opening (from inside) ......................73
Drinking and driving .........................152
Drive program Automatic ...................................... 144
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ...... 141
Manual ........................................... 144
Driver's door
see Doors
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................271
Symmetrical low beam .................... 98
Driving on flooded roads ..................156
Driving safety systems ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 59
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 64
Adaptive Brake Assist ......................61
Adaptive brake lamps ...................... 62BAS (Brake Assist System)
..............59
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST ....60
Distance warning function
............... 60
Electronic brake force distribution ... 64
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .................................... 62, 63
ETS (Electronic Traction System) ..... 62
Important safety information ........... 59
Overview .......................................... 58
STEER CONTROL ............................. 64
Driving systems
Active Parking Assist .....................172
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................ 180
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 181
Cruise control ................................ 157
Display message ............................ 215
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 159
HOLD function ............................... 167
Lane Keeping Assist ...................... 183
Lane Tracking package .................. 181
PARKTRONIC ................................. 169
Rear view camera .......................... 176
Driving tips
Automatic transmission ................. 143
Brakes ........................................... 154
Break-in period .............................. 134
Checking brake lining thickness ....155
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 166
Downhill gradient ........................... 154
Drinking and driving .......................152
Driving abroad ................................. 98
Driving in winter ............................. 157
Driving on flooded roads ................156
Driving on wet roads ...................... 156
Exhaust check ............................... 152
Fuel ................................................ 152
General .......................................... 152
Hydroplaning ................................. 156
Icy road surfaces ........................... 157
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 154
Snow chains .................................. 301
Symmetrical low beam .................... 98
Wet road surface ........................... 154
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 192
DVD video (on-board computer) ......1938
Index
ProCarManuals.com

E
EASY-VARIO-PLUS system Cargo compartment enlargement ..240
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Display message ............................ 203
Function/notes ................................
64
ECO display
Function/notes ............................. 153
On-board computer ....................... 190
ECO start/stop function
Automatic engine start .................. 137
Automatic engine switch-off .......... 137
Deactivating/activating ................. 138
General information ....................... 136
Important safety notes .................. 136
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 75
Vehicle ............................................. 75
Emergency spare wheel
General notes ................................ 325
Important safety notes .................. 325
Removing ....................................... 326
Technical data ............................... 326
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Activation ......................................... 39
Function ........................................... 49
Safety guidelines ............................. 40
Emergency unlocking
Tailgate ............................................ 76
Emissions control
Service and warranty information .... 21
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 231
Display message ............................ 212
ECO start/stop function ................ 136
Engine number ............................... 329
Irregular running ............................ 139
Jump-starting ................................. 289
Starting problems .......................... 139
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 135
Switching off .................................. 150
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 294 Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................139
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 268
Additives ........................................ 332
Checking the oil level ..................... 267
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick
.......................................... 268
Display message ............................ 214
Filling capacity ............................... 332
Notes about oil grades ................... 332
Notes on oil level/consumption .... 267
Viscosity ........................................ 332
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) Deactivating/activating ................. 194
Deactivating/activating (notes) ....... 63
Display message ............................ 201
ETS .................................................. 62
Function/notes ......................... 62, 63
Important safety information ........... 62
Warning lamp ................................. 227
ETS (Electronic Traction System) ....... 62
Exhaust check ................................... 152
Exhaust pipe (cleaning instructions) 275
Exterior lighting Setting options ................................ 98
see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ......................................... 92
Dipping (automatic) .........................93
Folding in/out (automatically) ......... 93
Folding in/out (electrically) ............. 93
Folding in when locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 199
Out of position (troubleshooting) .....93
Setting ............................................. 93
Storing settings (memory function) .. 95
Storing the parking position ............. 94
Eyeglasses compartment ................. 237 F
Filler cap see Fuel filler flap


First-aid kit ......................................... 280
Flat tire MOExtended tires .......................... 281 Index
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ProCarManuals.com

Wear indicator (definition)
.............318
Wheel rim (definition) ....................316
see Flat tire

Top Tether ............................................ 55
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........291
Installing the towing eye ................ 292
Removing the towing eye ...............292
Towing away
With both axles on the ground ....... 293
With front axle raised ..................... 293
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 294
Important safety notes .................. 291
Installing the towing eye ................ 292
Removing the towing eye ...............292
Traction control ................................... 62
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display .........141
Transporting the vehicle .................. 293
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) . 276
Trip computer (on-board computer) 189
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 189
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 190
Trunk
see Tailgate
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ................... 108
Changing bulbs (rear) .................... 109
Display message ............................ 209
Switching on/off ........................... 100
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................75
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 74 V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........ 249
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 24
Data acquisition ............................... 25
Equipment
....................................... 21
Individual settings ..........................196
Limited Warranty ............................. 25
Loading .......................................... 306
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 75
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 68
Lowering ........................................ 322
Maintenance .................................... 22
Parking for a long period ................ 152
Pulling away ................................... 136
Raising ........................................... 320
Reporting problems .........................24
Securing from rolling away ............320
Towing away .................................. 291
Tow-starting ................................... 291
Transporting .................................. 293
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 75
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................68
Vehicle data ................................... 335
Vehicle data ....................................... 335
Vehicle dimensions ...........................335
Vehicle emergency locking ................75
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate ..............328
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 280
Video (DVD) ........................................ 193
VIN ...................................................... 328 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 225
Brakes

........................................... 225
Check Engine ................................. 231
Coolant .......................................... 231
Distance warning ........................... 233
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 233
ESP ®
.............................................. 227
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 228
Fuel tank ........................................ 231
Overview .......................................... 3018
Index
ProCarManuals.com

Protection of the environment
General notes
H
Environmental note
Daimler's declared policy is one of
comprehensive environmental protection.
The objectives are for the natural resources
that form the basis of our existence on this
planet to be used sparingly and in a manner
that takes the requirements of both nature
and humanity into account.
You too can help to protect the environment
by operating your vehicle in an
environmentally responsible manner.
Fuel consumption and the rate of engine,
transmission, brake and
tire wear are affected
by these factors:
R operating conditions of your vehicle
R your personal driving style
You can influence both factors. You should
bear the following in mind:
Operating conditions:
R avoid short trips as these increase fuel
consumption.
R always make sure that the tire pressures
are correct.
R do not carry any unnecessary weight.
R remove roof racks once you no longer need
them.
R a regularly serviced vehicle will contribute
to environmental protection. You should
therefore adhere to the service intervals.
R always have service work 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 keep an eye on the vehicle's fuel
consumption. Environmental concerns and
recommendations
Wherever the operating instructions require
you to dispose of materials, first try to
regenerate or re-use them. Observe the
relevant environmental rules and regulations
when disposing of materials. In this way you
will help to protect the environment. Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts
H
Environmental note
Daimler AG also supplies reconditioned major
assemblies and parts which are of the same
quality as new

parts. They are covered by the
same Limited Warranty entitlements as new
parts.
! Air bags and Emergency Tensioning
Devices, 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 cockpit
R instrument cluster
R center console
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
systems. 20
Introduction
ProCarManuals.com

Operating safety
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you do not have the prescribed service/
maintenance work or any required repairs
carried out, this
can result in malfunctions or
system failures. There is a risk of an accident.
Always have the prescribed service/
maintenance work as well as any required
repairs carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop. 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
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving. G
WARNING
Modifications to electronic components, their
software as well as wiring can impair their
function and/or the function of other
networked components. In particular,
systems relevant to safety could also be
affected. As a result, these may no longer
function as intended and/or jeopardize the
operating safety of the vehicle. There is an
increased risk of an accident and injury.
Never tamper with the wiring as well as
electronic components or

their software. You
should have all work to electrical and
electronic equipment carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
There is a risk of damage to the vehicle if:
R the vehicle becomes stuck, e.g. on a high
curb or an unpaved road
R you drive too fast over an obstacle, e.g. a
curb or a hole in the road
R a heavy object strikes the undercarriage or
parts of the chassis. In situations like this, the body, the
undercarriage, chassis parts, wheels or tires
could be
damaged

without the damage being
visible. Components damaged in this way can
unexpectedly fail or, in the case of an
accident, no longer withstand the strain they
are designed to.
If the underbody paneling is damaged,
combustible materials such as leaves, grass
or twigs can gather between the underbody
and the underbody paneling. If these
materials come in contact with hot parts of
the exhaust system for an extended period,
they can catch fire.
Have the vehicle checked and repaired
immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop. If on continuing your journey you
notice that driving safety is impaired, pull over
and stop the vehicle immediately, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. In
such cases, visit a qualified specialist
workshop. Declarations of conformity
Vehicle components which receive
and/or transmit radio waves USA: "The wireless devices of this vehicle
comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: 1) These devices may not cause
harmful interference, and 2) These devices
must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation. Changes or
modifications not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void
the user’s authority to operate the
equipment."
Canada:
"The wireless

devices of this vehicle
comply with Industry Canada license-exempt
RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) These devices
may not cause interference, and (2) These
devices must accept any interference, Introduction
23 Z
ProCarManuals.com

including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device."
Diagnostics connection
The diagnostics connection is only intended
for the connection
of diagnostic equipment at
a qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
If you connect equipment to the diagnostics
connection in the vehicle, it may affect the
operation of the

vehicle systems. As a result,
the operating safety of the vehicle could be
affected. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not connect any equipment to a
diagnostics connection in the vehicle. G
WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict the
pedal travel or obstruct a depressed pedal.
The operating and road safety of the vehicle
is jeopardized. There is a risk of an accident.
Make sure that all objects in the vehicle are
stowed correctly, and that they cannot enter
the driver's footwell. Install the floormats
securely and as specified in order to ensure
sufficient clearance for

the pedals. Do not use
loose floormats.
! If the engine is switched off and
equipment on the diagnostics connection
is used, the starter battery may discharge.
Connecting equipment to the diagnostics
connection can lead to emissions monitoring
information being reset, for example. This
may lead to the vehicle failing to meet the
requirements of the next emissions test
during the main inspection. Qualified specialist workshop
An authorized Mercedes-Benz Center is a
qualified specialist workshop. It has the
necessary specialist knowledge, tools and
qualifications to correctly carry out the work required on your vehicle. This is especially the
case for work relevant to safety.
Observe the notes in the Maintenance
Booklet.
Always have
the

following work carried out at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center:
R work relevant to safety
R service and maintenance work
R repair work
R alterations, installation work and
modifications
R work on electronic components Correct use
If you remove any warning stickers, you or
others could fail

to recognize certain dangers.
Leave warning stickers in position.
Observe the following information when
driving your vehicle:
R the safety notes in this manual
R the Technical Data section in this manual
R traffic rules and regulations
R laws and safety standards pertaining to
motor vehicles Problems with your vehicle
If you should

experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the problem diagnosed
and rectified. If the problem is not resolved to
your satisfaction, please discuss the problem
again with a Mercedes-Benz Center or
contact us at one of the following addresses.
In the USA
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada 24
Introduction
ProCarManuals.com