2012 MERCEDES-BENZ B-CLASS snow chains

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

(vehicles without the EASY-
VARIO-PLUS system)
.....................240
Folding the backrest (rear
compartment) forwards/back
(vehicles with the EASY-VARIO-
PLUS system) ................................ 241
Seat belts
Adjusting the height ......................... 48
Belt force limiters ............................ 49
center rear-compartment seat
.........48
Cleaning ......................................... 277
Correct usage .................................. 46
Emergency Tensioning Devices ........ 49
Fastening ......................................... 47
Important safety guidelines .............45
Releasing ......................................... 48
Safety guidelines ............................. 40
Warning lamp ................................. 224
Warning lamp (function) ................... 49
Seats
Adjusting (electrically) .....................88
Adjusting (manually) ........................ 88
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support ............................................ 90
Adjusting the head restraint ............ 89
Cleaning the cover ......................... 276
Correct driver's seat position ........... 86
Important safety notes .................... 87
Seat heating problem ...................... 91
Storing settings (memory function) .. 95
Switching seat heating on/off ......... 91
Sensors (cleaning instructions) .......275
Service menu (on-board computer) . 196
Service products Brake fluid ..................................... 332
Coolant (engine) ............................ 333
Engine oil ....................................... 332
Fuel ................................................ 330
Important safety notes .................. 329
Refrigerant (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 334
Washer fluid ................................... 334
Service work
see ASSYST PLUS
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) ......... 199
On-board computer ....................... 196
Setting the air distribution ...............126Setting the airflow
............................ 126
Side impact air bag ............................. 44
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 211
Side windows Cleaning ......................................... 274
Convenience closing feature ............ 78
Convenience opening feature
..........78
Important safety information ........... 77
Opening/closing .............................. 77
Problem (malfunction) .....................79
Resetting ......................................... 79
Sliding sunroof
see Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel
SmartKey
Changing the battery ....................... 70
Changing the programming ............. 69
Checking the battery ....................... 70
Convenience closing feature ............ 78
Convenience opening feature .......... 78
Display message ............................ 223
Door central locking/unlocking ....... 68
Important safety notes .................... 68
Loss ................................................. 72
Mechanical key ................................ 69
Positions (ignition lock) ................. 135
Problem (malfunction) .....................72
Starting the engine ........................ 135
SmartKey positions (ignition lock) ..135
Snow chains ...................................... 301
Sockets Center console .............................. 251
Luggage compartment ................... 251
Points to observe before use ......... 250
Rear compartment ......................... 251
Specialist workshop ............................ 24
Speed, controlling see Cruise control
Speedometer
Activating/deactivating the
additional speedometer .................196
Digital ............................................ 190
In the Instrument cluster ................. 29
Segments ...................................... 187
Selecting the unit of measurement 196
see Instrument cluster Index
15
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PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF ...............
53
Reserve fuel ................................... 231
Seat belt
........................................ 224
SRS ................................................ 230
Warranty ............................................ 328
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 223
Wheel bolt tightening torque ...........322
Wheel chock ...................................... 320
Wheels Changing a wheel .......................... 319
Checking ........................................ 299
Cleaning ......................................... 273
Cleaning (warning) .........................319
Emergency spare wheel ................. 325
Important safety notes .................. 298
Interchanging/changing ................319
Mounting a new wheel ................... 322
Mounting a wheel .......................... 319
Removing a wheel ..........................322
Storing ........................................... 319
Tightening torque ........................... 322
Wheel size/tire size ....................... 323
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 208
Operation ......................................... 45
Windows
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 127
Windshield washer fluid
see Windshield washer system
Windshield washer system
Adding washer fluid .......................269
Notes ............................................. 334
Windshield wipers
Display message ............................ 223
Problem (malfunction) ...................115
Rear window wiper ........................112
Replacing the wiper blades ............ 112
Switching on/off ........................... 111
Winter driving
Slippery road surfaces ................... 157
Snow chains .................................. 301
Winter operation
General notes ................................ 300
Winter tires
M+S tires ....................................... 300Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 274
Important safety notes
..................112
Replacing (rear window) ................113
Replacing (windshield) ................... 113
Wooden trim (cleaning instructions) 276
Workshops see Qualified specialist workshop Z
ZONE function Switching on/off ........................... 126 Index
19
ProCarManuals.com

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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!
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
system.
When towing your vehicle with the front axle
raised, observe the notes on
ESP ®
(Y page 293).
ESP ®
is deactivated if the å ESP®
OFF
warning lamp in
the instrument cluster lights
up continuously when the engine is running.
If the ÷ ESP ®
warning lamp and the
å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp are lit
continuously, ESP ®
is not available due to a
malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 227) and display messages which
may be shown in the instrument cluster
(Y page 201).
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
Characteristics of ESP ®General information
ESP
®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷ ESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP ®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any
circumstances.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
Vehicles with the ECO start/stop function Deactivating/activating ESP
® Important safety notes
i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section for driving safety systems
(Y page 59).
You can select between the following states
of ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
is activated.
R ESP ®
is deactivated. G
WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer
stabilizes the vehicle. There is an increased
risk of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations
described in the following.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
i Activate ESP ®
as soon as the situations
described above no

longer apply. ESP®
will
otherwise not be able to stabilize the
vehicle if the vehicle starts to skid or a
wheel starts to spin.
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ®
deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
You can deactivate or activate ESP ®
via the
on-board computer.
X To deactivate: (Y page 194).
The å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
X To activate: (Y page 194).
The å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. Driving safety systems
63
Safety Z
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Winter driving
General notes G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. G
DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon
monoxide (CO) may enter the
vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open
a window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y page 300).
Driving with summer tires Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (
Y page 300).
Slippery road surfaces G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X
Shift the transmission to position N.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces. Avoid sudden

acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are
displayed after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges. You
should pay special attention to road
conditions when temperatures are around
freezing point.
i For more information on driving with
snow chains, see ( Y page 301). Driving systems
Cruise control
Important safety notes If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise
control can neither reduce the risk of an
accident nor override the laws of physics.
Cruise control cannot take into account the
road, traffic and weather conditions. Cruise
control is only

an aid. You are responsible for
the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle
speed, for braking in good time and for
staying in your lane.
Do not use cruise control:
R in road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed e.g.
in heavy traffic or on winding roads
R on slippery road surfaces. Braking or
accelerating could cause the drive wheels Driving systems
157
Driving and parking Z
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R
Snowfall or heavy
rain may lead to a parking
space being measured inaccurately.
R Pay attention to the PARKTRONIC
(Y page 170) warning messages during the
parking procedure.
R You can intervene in the steering procedure
to correct it at any time. Active Parking
Assist will then be canceled.
R When transporting a load which protrudes
from your vehicle, you should not use
Active Parking Assist.
R Never use Active Parking Assist when snow
chains are installed.
R Make sure that the tire pressures are
always correct. This has a direct influence
on the parking characteristics of the
vehicle.
General notes Active Parking Assist is an electronic parking
aid with ultrasound. Ultrasound is used to
measure the
road

on both sides of the vehicle.
A suitable parking space is indicated by the
parking symbol. Active steering intervention
can assist you during parking.
You may also use PARKTRONIC
(Y page 169). When PARKTRONIC is switched
off, Active Parking Assist is also unavailable.
Use Active Parking Assist for parking spaces:
R that are parallel to the direction of travel
R that are on straight roads, not bends
R that are on the same level as the road, e.g.
not on the pavement
Detecting parking spaces Objects located above the height range of
Active Parking Assist will not be detected
when the parking space is measured. These
are not taken into account when the parking
procedure is calculated, e.g. overhanging
loads,
tail
sections

or loading ramps of goods
vehicles. In some circumstances, Active
Parking Assist may therefore guide you into
the parking space too early. G
WARNING
If there are objects above the detection range,
Active Parking Assist may turn prematurely.
You may cause

a collision as a result. There is
a risk of an accident.
If there are objects above the detection range,
stop and deactivate Active Parking Assist.
Active Parking Assist is automatically
activated when driving forwards. The system
is operational at speeds of up to
approximately 22 mph (35 km/h). While in
operation, the system independently locates
and measures parking spaces on both sides
of the vehicle. When driving at speeds below
19 mph (30 km/h), you will see the parking
symbol as a status indicator in the instrument
cluster. By default, Active Parking Assist only
displays parking spaces on the front-
passenger side. Parking spaces on the
driver's side are displayed as soon as the turn
signal on the driver's side is activated. To park
on the driver's side, you must leave the
driver's side turn signal switched on. This
must remain switched on until you
acknowledge the use of Active Parking Assist
by pressing the a button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
When a parking space has been detected, an
arrow towards the right or the left also
appears. Example: detected parking space for a vehicle with
automatic transmission
:
Detected parking space on the left
; Parking symbol
= Detected parking space on the right Driving systems
173
Driving and parking Z
ProCarManuals.com

safety systems such as ABS and ESP
®
to
function optimally in
winter. These tires have
been developed specifically for driving in
snow.
Use M+S tires of the same make and tread on
all wheels to maintain safe handling
characteristics.
Always observe the maximum permissible
speed specified for the M+S tires you have
mounted.
Once the winter tires are mounted:
X Check the tire pressures (Y page 305).
X Restart the tire pressure loss warning
system (Y page 305).
For more information on driving with the
emergency spare wheel, see ( Y page 325).Snow chains
G
WARNING
If snow chains are mounted on the rear
wheels, the snow

chains could cause abrasion
to the vehicle body or to chassis components.
This could cause damage to the vehicle or the
tires. There is a risk of an accident.
To avoid hazardous situations:
R never mount snow chains on the rear
wheels
R only mount snow chains in pairs on the
front wheels.
! On some tire sizes there is not enough
space for snow chains. To avoid damage to
the vehicle or tires, observe the "Wheel and
tire combinations" section under "Tires and
wheels".
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use snow chains
that have been specially approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or are of a
corresponding standard of quality. If you intend to mount snow chains, please
bear the following points in mind:
R
Snow chains may not be mounted on all
wheel/tire combinations. Permissible
wheel-tire combinations (Y page 323).
R Only use snow chains when driving on
roads completely covered by snow.
Remove the snow chains as soon as
possible when you come to a road that is
not snow-covered.
R Local regulations may restrict the use of
snow chains. Observe the appropriate
regulations if you wish to mount snow
chains.
R Do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h).
R When snow chains

are installed, never use
Active Parking Assist (Y page 172).
i You may wish to deactivate
ESP ®
(Y page 62) when pulling away with
snow chains installed. You can thereby
allow the wheels to spin in a controlled
manner, achieving an increased driving
force (cutting action).
For more information on driving with the
emergency spare wheel, see ( Y page 325). Tire pressure
Tire pressure specifications
G
WARNING
Tires with tire pressures that are too low or
too high are associated with the following
hazards:
R they can burst,

in particular if the vehicle is
heavily laden or when driven at high
speeds.
R the tires can wear excessively and/or
unevenly, which can severely impair tire
traction.
R the driving, steering and braking
characteristics may be severely impaired.
There is a risk of accident. Tire pressure
301
Wheels and tires
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