2012 MERCEDES-BENZ B-CLASS power steering

Power washer ................................
272
Rear view camera .......................... 275
Roof lining ...................................... 277
Seat belt
........................................ 277
Seat cover ..................................... 276
Sensors ......................................... 275
Steering wheel ............................... 276
Trim pieces .................................... 276
Washing by hand ........................... 272
Wheels ........................................... 273
Windows ........................................ 274
Wiper blades .................................. 274
Wooden trim .................................. 276
Cargo compartment cover ...............244
Cargo compartment enlargement ...240
Important safety notes .................. 240
Notes on use ................................. 242
Cargo compartment floor
Height adjustment .........................246
Important safety notes .................. 245
Opening/closing ............................ 246
Stowage well (under) ..................... 245
Cargo net
Attaching ....................................... 245
Important safety information ......... 245
Cargo tie down rings .........................243
Car wash (care) ................................. 271
Center console Lower section .................................. 33
Upper section .................................. 32
Central locking
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 198
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........ 68
Changing bulbs
Brake lamps ................................... 109
Cornering light function .................108
High-beam headlamps ...................107
Important safety notes .................. 104
License plate lighting .....................111
Low-beam headlamps .................... 107
Overview of bulb types ..................105
Parking lamps ................................ 108
Rear fog lamp ................................ 109
Removing/replacing the cover
(front wheel arch) .......................... 106
Reversing lamps ............................ 109
Standing lamps (front) ...................108Tail lamps
...................................... 109
Turn signals (front) ......................... 108
Turn signals (rear)
..........................109
Child-proof locks
Important safety notes .................... 57
Rear doors ....................................... 58
Children
In the vehicle ................................... 50
Restraint systems ............................ 50
Child seat
Automatic recognition ..................... 53
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ............................................ 54
On the front-passenger seat ............52
Problem (malfunction) .....................57
Top Tether ....................................... 55
Cigarette lighter ................................ 250
Climate control Automatic climate control ............. 119
Automatic climate control (dual-
zone) .............................................. 121
Controlling automatically ...............125
Cooling with air dehumidification ..123
Defrosting the windows ................. 127
Defrosting the windshield .............. 127
Important safety notes .................. 118
Indicator lamp ................................ 125
Maximum cooling .......................... 127
Notes on using automatic climate
control ................................... 120, 122
Overview of systems ...................... 118
Problems with cooling with air
dehumidification ............................ 125
Problem with the rear window
defroster ........................................ 129
Refrigerant ..................................... 334
Refrigerant filling capacity .............335
Setting the air distribution .............126
Setting the airflow ......................... 126
Setting the air vents ......................130
Setting the temperature ................ 125
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ............................................ 129
Switching on/off ........................... 123
Switching residual heat on/off ...... 1296
Index
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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
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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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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).Notes on breaking-in a new vehicle
Important safety notes
New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after
several hundred kilometers of driving.
Compensate for this

by applying greater force
to the brake pedal. The first 1,000miles (1,500 km)
The more you

look after the engine when it is
new, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance in the future.
R You should therefore drive at varying
vehicle and engine speeds for the first
1,000 miles (1,500 km).
R Avoid heavy loads, e.g. driving at full
throttle, during this period.
R Change gear in good time, before the
tachometer needle is Ô of the way to the
red area of the tachometer.
R Do not manually shift to a lower gear to
brake the vehicle.
R If possible, do not depress the accelerator
pedal past the point of resistance
(kickdown).
R Ideally, for the first 1,000 miles (1,500 km),
drive in program E. After 1,000 miles (1,500km), you can
increase the
engine

speed gradually and bring
the vehicle up to full speed.
i You should also observe these notes on
breaking-in if the engine or parts of the
drive train on your vehicle have been
replaced.
i Always observe the respective speed
limits. Driving
Important safety notes
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. 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
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident. 134
Driving
Driving and parking
ProCarManuals.com

Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave
the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharging.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as
a result of lack of use.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice.
i You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist
workshop. Driving tips
General notes
Important safety notes 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
If you operate mobile communication
equipment while driving, you will be
distracted from traffic conditions. You could
also lose control

of the vehicle. There is a risk
of an accident.
Only operate this equipment when the vehicle
is stationary.
Observe the legal requirements for the
country in which you are driving. Some
jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a
mobile phone while driving a vehicle.
If you make a call while driving, always use
hands-free mode. Only operate the telephone
when the traffic situation permits. If you are unsure, pull over to a safe location and stop
before operating the telephone.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph
(approximately
50 km/h), the vehicle covers
a distance of 44 feet (approximately

14 m)
per second.
Drive sensibly – save fuel Observe the following tips to save fuel:
R
The tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure.
R Remove unnecessary loads.
R Remove roof racks when they are not
needed.
R Warm up the

engine at low engine speeds.
R Avoid frequent acceleration or braking.
R Have all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the
Maintenance Booklet or by the service
interval display.
Fuel consumption also increases when
driving in cold weather, in stop-start traffic
and in hilly terrain.
Drinking and driving G
WARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly

increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Emission control G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases

leads to poisoning. There152
Driving tips
Driving and parking
ProCarManuals.com

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsA The tailgate is open.
G WARNING
When the engine is running, exhaust gases can enter the vehicle
interior if the tailgate is open.
There is a risk of poisoning.
X Close the tailgate. ? The hood is open.
G WARNING
The open hood may block your view when the vehicle is in motion.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
X Close the hood. C At least one door is open. A warning tone also sounds.
X
Close all the doors. Ð
Power Steering
Malfunction See
Operator's Manual The power steering is malfunctioning.
A warning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
You will need to use more force to steer.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Check whether you are able to apply the extra force required.
X If you are able to steer safely:
carefully drive
on to a qualified
specialist workshop.
X If you are unable to steer safely: do not
drive on. Contact the
nearest qualified specialist workshop. Phone No Service Your vehicle is outside the network provider's transmitter/
receiver range.
X
Wait until the mobile phone operational readiness symbol
appears in the multifunction display.222
Display messages
On-board computer and displays
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X
To raise: using handle :, lift up cargo
compartment floor ; in the direction of
arrow = and pull it upwards.
X Lower cargo compartment floor ; again.
To do
this,
push the trunk floor away so that
it engages in the guide on the upper level.
Cargo compartment floor ; engages in
the upper position.
i Carry out this step using both hands.
X To lower: raise cargo compartment
floor ; slightly
using

handle : and pull it
towards you.
X Lower cargo compartment floor ; again
slowly. Whilst doing so, press the trunk
floor into the lower level.
Cargo compartment floor ; engages in
the lower position. Roof carrier
Important safety notes G
WARNING
When you load the roof, the center of gravity
of the vehicle rises and the driving
characteristics change. If you exceed the
maximum roof load, the driving
characteristics, as well as steering and
braking, will be greatly impaired. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never exceed the maximum roof load and
adjust your driving style.
! Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
only use roof

carriers that have been tested
and approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
This helps to prevent damage to the
vehicle.
Position the load on the roof rack in such a
way that the vehicle will not sustain
damage even when it is in motion.
Ensure that, depending on the vehicle's
equipment, you can raise the panorama
roof with power tilt/sliding panel fully and open the tailgate fully when the roof carrier
is installed.
The maximum roof load is 165 lbs((75 kg).
An incorrectly secured roof carrier or roof
load may

become detached from the vehicle.
You must therefore ensure that you observe
the roof carrier manufacturer's installation
instructions.
Attaching the roof carrier X
Open covers : carefully in
the direction of
the arrow.
X Fold covers : upwards.
X Only secure the roof carrier to the
anchorage points under covers :.
X Observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions. Features
Cup holder
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The cup holder cannot hold a container secure
whilst traveling. If

you use a cup holder whilst
traveling, the container may be flung around
and liquid may be spilled. The vehicle
occupants may come into contact with the
liquid and if it is hot, they may be scalded. You
may be distracted from the traffic conditions
and you could lose control of the vehicle.
There is a risk of an accident and injury. Features
247
Stowage and features
ZProCarManuals.com

Position number
B identifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump-
starting device.
X Press together cover : of positive clamp ; and slide it back.
X Connect positive terminal ; on your vehicle to positive terminal = of donor battery B
using the jumper cable, beginning with your own battery.
X Start the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed.
X Connect negative terminal ? of
donor
battery B to ground point A of your vehicle using
the jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to donor battery B first.
X Start the engine.
X Before disconnecting the jumper cables, let the engine run for several minutes.
X First, remove the jumper cables from earth point A and negative terminal ?, then from
positive clamp ; and positive terminal =. Begin each time at the contacts on your own
vehicle first.
X Close cover : of positive terminal ; after removing the jumper cables.
X Have the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
i Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
i Jumper cables and further information regarding jump-starting can be obtained at any
qualified specialist workshop. Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if:
R the engine is not running.
R the brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
R there is a

malfunction in the voltage supply
or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely. G
WARNING
If the weight of the vehicle to be towed or tow-
started is greater than the permissible gross
weight of your vehicle:
R the towing eye could detach itself
R the vehicle/trailer combination could
rollover.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the
permissible gross weight of your vehicle.
Information on your vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate ( Y page 328). G
WARNING
The vehicle is braked if the HOLD function is
activated. Therefore, deactivate HOLD if the
vehicle is to be towed. Towing and tow-starting
291
Breakdown assistance Z
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