2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class COUPE display

When SPORT handling mode is activated:
R ESP ®
only improves driving stability to a
limited degree.
R the engine's torque is restricted only to a
limited degree and the drive wheels can
spin. The spinning of the wheels results in
a cutting action, which provides better grip.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you brake
firmly.
If SPORT handling mode is activated and one
or more wheels start to spin, the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. ESP ®
only stabilizes the vehicle to a
limited degree.XTo activate: briefly press button :.
The M SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
The SPORT handling mode message
appears in the multifunction display.XTo deactivate: briefly press button :.
The M SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
Activating/deactivating ESP ®
GWARNING
The ESP
®
should not be switched off during
normal driving.
Disabling of the system will result in the
following:
R no restriction to engine torque
R loss of system-supported traction control
"ESP ®
OFF" is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle's natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and requires a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch off the ESP ®
.
Do not switch off the ESP ®
when a spare
wheel is mounted.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravelGWARNING
Switch on ESP ®
immediately if one of the
previously stated conditions is no longer met.
Otherwise, ESP ®
cannot stabilize the vehicle
if it begins to lurch or when a wheel spins.
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 traction control is still activated.
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is no longer available,
nor is it activated if you brake firmly and
ESP ®
intervenes.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you brake
firmly.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in
the instrument cluster does not flash. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
Driving safety systems61SafetyZ

XTo deactivate: press button : until the
å ESP®
OFF warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster.
The ÷ OFF message appears in the
multifunction display.GWARNING
When the å ESP®
OFF warning lamp is lit,
ESP ®
is deactivated.
If the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp and the
å ESP®
OFF warning lamp remain lit,
ESP ®
is not available due to a malfunction.
When ESP ®
is deactivated or not operational,
vehicle stability in standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP ®
.
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ®
deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
XTo activate: briefly press button :.
The å ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. The ÷ON
message appears in the multifunction
display.
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 56).
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking.GWARNING
If EBD has malfunctioned, the braking system
remains available with full brake boosting
effect. However, the rear wheels can still lock,
e.g. under full braking. This could cause you
to lose control of your vehicle and cause an
accident. You should therefore adapt your
driving style to the different handling
characteristics.
XObserve the notes on warning and indicator
lamps ( Y page 230) as well as display
messages ( Y page 204).
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 159) and hill start assist
( Y page 128). For further information, see
Driving tips ( Y page 143).
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is only available in vehicles
with DISTRONIC PLUS.
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 56).
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can help you to minimize
the risk of a frontal collision with a vehicle
ahead or reduce the effects of such a
collision. If PRE-SAFE ®
Brake has detected a
risk of collision, you will be warned visually
and acoustically as well as by automatic
braking. PRE-SAFE ®
Brake cannot prevent a
collision without your intervention.
At speeds above approximately
20 mph (30 km/h), this function warns you
when you are rapidly approaching the vehicle
in front. An intermittent warning tone will
62Driving safety systemsSafety

In these cases, PRE-SAFE(R) Brake may:
R give an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
R neither give a warning nor intervene
There is a risk of an accident. Always pay
particular attention to the traffic situation and
be ready to brake, especially if PRE-SAFE(R)
Brake warns you. Terminate the intervention
in a non-critical driving situation.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if there is:
R dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
R snow or heavy rain
R interference by other radar sources
R the possibility of strong radar reflections,
for example in parking garages
R a narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
R a vehicle traveling in front on a different lineGWARNING
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R in curves
As a result, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake cannot
intervene in critical situations. There is a risk
of an accident. Always pay careful attention
to the traffic situation and be ready to brake.
In order to maintain the appropriate distance
to the vehicle in front and thus prevent a
collision, you must apply the brakes yourself.
XTo activate/deactivate: activate or
deactivate PRE-SAFE ®
Brake in the on-
board computer ( Y page 193).
The Ä symbol appears in the
multifunction display as long as the HOLD
function is not activated ( Y page 159).
On vehicles with Parking Guidance, the
Ä symbol is displayed whentransmission position P is selected or if you
drive faster than 22 mph (35 km/h).
For PRE-SAFE ®
Brake to assist you when
driving, the radar sensor system must be
switched on ( Y page 196) and operational.
Following damage to the front end of the
vehicle, have the configuration and operation
of the radar sensors checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where there is no
visible damage to the front of the vehicle.
Theft deterrent locking systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct SmartKey.
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.
XTo activate with the SmartKey: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.XTo activate with KEYLESS-GO: switch the
ignition off and open the driver's door.XTo deactivate: switch on the ignition.
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
USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is armed and you open:
R a door
R the vehicle with the mechanical key
R the trunk lid
R the hood
64Theft deterrent locking systemsSafety

This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
The Product label with FCC ID and IC
certification number can be found in the
battery case of the SmartKey.
Important notes on the use of KEYLESS-
GO
R The KEYLESS-GO key can be used like a
conventional key.
R You can combine KEYLESS-GO functions
with those of a conventional key, e.g.
unlock with KEYLESS-GO and lock with the
& button.
R Always carry your KEYLESS-GO key on your
person.
R Do not keep the KEYLESS-GO key together
with:
- electronic devices, e.g. a mobile phone
or another key
- metallic objects, e.g. coins or metal foil.
This can affect the functionality of
KEYLESS-GO.
R When locking and unlocking using
KEYLESS-GO, the distance between the
SmartKey and the corresponding door
handle must not exceed 3 ft (1 m).
R If the KEYLESS-GO key is removed from the
vehicle, it is possible that the system may
not recognize the SmartKey. The vehicle
can then not be locked or started using
KEYLESS-GO.
R If the KEYLESS-GO key has been removed
from the vehicle, e.g. if a passenger leaves
the vehicle with a KEYLESS-GO key:
- if the start/stop button is pressed or if
an attempt is made to lock the vehicle
with the locking button on the outer door
handle, the Key Not Detected message
appears in the multifunction display
- when the engine is running, the red Key
Not Detected message appears in the
multifunction display as you pull away.
Find the KEYLESS-GO key and change its
position in the vehicle. Carry the
KEYLESS-GO key in your shirt pocket, for
example.
R If you have started the engine with the
Start/Stop button, you can switch it off
again by:
- pressing the Start/Stop button again
- inserting the KEYLESS-GO key into the
ignition lock if the vehicle is stationary
and the automatic transmission is in park
position P.
R You could unlock the vehicle by mistake if
the distance between the KEYLESS-GO key
and the vehicle is less than 3 ft (1 m) and:
- an exterior door handle is hit by a water
jet
or
- you clean an exterior door handle.
R Bear in mind that the engine can be started
by any of the vehicle occupants if there is
a KEYLESS-GO key in the vehicle.70SmartKeyOpening/closing

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 Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 23).
Correct driver's seat position
Observe the safety guidelines on seat
adjustment ( Y page 89).
XCheck whether you have adjusted seat =
properly.
Manual and electrical seat adjustment
( Y page 90)
Electrical seat adjustment ( Y page 90)
When adjusting the seat, make sure:
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.XCheck whether the head restraint is
adjusted properly ( Y page 91).
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 93).
XCheck whether steering wheel : is
adjusted properly.
Adjusting the steering wheel
manually( Y page 93)
Adjusting the steering wheel electrically
( Y page 94)
When adjusting the steering wheel, make
sure:
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 48).
XCheck whether you have fastened seat
belt ; properly ( Y page 49).
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 jointsXBefore starting off, adjust the rear-view
mirror and the exterior mirrors88Correct driver's seat positionSeats, steering wheel and mirrors

?Seat fore-and-aft adjustmentABackrest angle
Adjusting the head restraints
Adjusting the head restraint height
electrically
XTo adjust the head restraint height: slide
the switch for head restraint adjustment
( Y page 90) up or down in the direction of
the arrow.
Folding the front-seat backrests
forward/back
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The seat belts can only provide protection if
the seat backrest is locked in the upright
position. The seat backrest must therefore be
locked in the upright position during the
journey. Do not drive the vehicle if the seat
backrest is not locked in the upright position.
If the
Lock Seat Backrest Front Right
or
Lock Seat Backrest Front Left
warning message is displayed in the
multifunction display, then the corresponding
seat backrest is not locked. Carefully slow
down and drive with caution to an area which
is a safe distance from the road. Always
ensure that there is sufficient space behind
the seat backrest and fold the seat backrest
back fully until it engages in the locking
mechanism.
The warning message is no longer displayed
once the seat backrest engages in the locking
mechanism. If both seat backrests are locked
and the warning message continues to be
displayed, have the system checked by a
Mercedes-Benz Center without delay.
GWARNING
Always ensure that no-one can become
trapped or injured by the movement of the
seat. In a potentially hazardous situation, the
procedure can be interrupted by moving the
seat adjustment switch in the door control
panel or by operating one of the position
buttons of the Memory function.
Folding the backrest forwards
The seat moves forwards if you have folded
the backrest forwards and the seat is in the
rear half of the range. This makes it easier for
passengers to get into and out of the rear
compartment. The head restraint is lowered
simultaneously.
XPull seat release handle : forwards and
fold the backrest forwards as far as it will
go.
The seat automatically moves to the
foremost position and the head restraint is
lowered.
Folding back the backrest
XSwing back the seat backrest.
The seat moves automatically to the stored
position.
Adjusting the four-way lumbar
support
You can adjust the contour of the front seat
backrests individually to provide optimum
support for your back.
Seats91Seats, steering wheel and mirrorsZ

In automatic mode, the set temperature is
maintained automatically at a constant level.
The system automatically regulates the
temperature of the dispensed air, the airflow
and the air distribution.
Automatic mode will achieve optimal
operation if cooling with air dehumidification
is also activated. If desired, cooling with air
dehumidification can be deactivated.XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XSet the desired temperature.XTo activate: press the à button.
The indicator lamp in the à button lights
up. Automatic air distribution and airflow
are activated.XTo switch off: press the _ button.
or
XPress the K or I button.
The indicator lamp in the à button goes
out. Automatic air distribution and airflow
are deactivated.
Setting the temperature
Different temperatures can be set for the
driver's and front-passenger sides.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo increase/reduce: turn controls : and
B clockwise or counter-clockwise
( Y page 115).
Only change the temperature setting in
small increments. Start at 72 † (22 †).Setting the air distribution
Air distribution settingsPDirects air through the center and side
air ventsODirects the airflow through the
footwell air ventsSDirects air through the center, side and
footwell vents¯Directs air through the defroster ventsbDirects the airflow through the
defroster, center and side air vents 8aDirects air through the defroster and
footwell vents_Directs the airflow through the
defroster, center and side air vents as
well as the footwell air vents 8
i
Regardless of the air distribution setting,
airflow is always directed through the side
air vents.. The side air vents can only be
closed when the controls on the side air
vents are turned downwards.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress the _ button repeatedly until the
desired symbol appears in the display.
The indicator lamp in the à button goes
out. Automatic control is deactivated and
the air distribution is controlled according
to the selected setting.
Setting the airflow
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo increase/reduce: press the K or
I button.
Switching the ZONE function on/off
This function is only available in vehicles for
Canada.
8 Canada only.118Operating the climate control systemClimate control

iYou should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Windows fogged up on the outsideXSwitch on the windshield wipers.XPress the _ button repeatedly until the
O or P symbol appears in the
display.
i You should only select this setting until
the windshield is clear again.
Rear window defroster
Activating/deactivating
GWARNING
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from the rear window before driving.
Visibility could otherwise be impaired,
endangering you and others.
The rear window defroster has a high current
draw. You should therefore switch it off as
soon as the window is clear as it only switches
off automatically after several minutes.
If the battery voltage is too low, the rear
window defroster may switch off.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress the ¤ button.
The indicator lamp in the ¤ button lights
up or goes out.
Problems with the rear window
defroster
The rear window defroster has deactivated
itself prematurely or cannot be activated.
XSwitch off any consumers that are not
required, e.g. reading lamps or interior
lighting.
When the battery is sufficiently charged,
the rear window defroster is activated
again automatically.Activating/deactivating air-
recirculation mode
You can deactivate the flow of fresh air if
unpleasant odors are entering the vehicle
from outside. The air already inside the
vehicle will then be recirculated.GWARNING
Fogged windows impair visibility,
endangering you and others. If the windows
begin to fog on the inside, switching off the
air recirculation mode immediately should
clear interior window fogging. If interior
window fogging persists, make sure the air
conditioning is activated, or press the ¬
button.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo activate: press the g button.
The indicator lamp in the g button lights
up.
i In the event of high pollution levels or at
high outside temperatures, air-
recirculation mode is automatically
activated. When air-recirculation mode is
activated automatically, the indicator lamp
in the g button is not lit.
Outside air is added after about 30
minutes.
XTo switch off: press the g button.
The indicator lamp in the g button goes
out.
Setting the air vents
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When operating the climate control, the air
that enters the passenger compartment
through the air vents can be very hot or very
cold (depending on the set temperature). This
could cause burns or frostbite to unprotected
skin in the immediate area of the air vents.
120Setting the air ventsClimate control