2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class SEDAN Attention assist

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 263
12 V socket see Sockets
4ETS
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 175
4MATIC off-road system ................... 175
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 214
Function/notes ................................ 59
Important safety notes ....................59
Warning lamp ................................. 242
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 126
Active Blind Spot Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 205
Function/information ....................187
Active Driving Assistance package . 187
Active Lane Keeping Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 205
Display message ............................ 229
Function/information ....................190
Active light function ......................... 110
Active Light System Display message ............................ 224
Active service system PLUS
see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 64
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Display message ............................ 225
Function/notes ............................. 110
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 207
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 349
Air bags Display message ............................ 221
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 39
Important safety notes ....................38
Knee bag .......................................... 40
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 42
Pelvis air bag ................................... 41
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Side impact air bag ..........................40
Window curtain air bag ....................42
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
AIR FLOW ........................................... 127
Air pressure see Tire pressure
Air vents
Glove box ....................................... 132
Important safety notes ..................131
Rear ............................................... 133
Setting ........................................... 131
Setting the center air vents ...........132
Setting the side air vents ...............132
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Alertness Assistant
see ATTENTION ASSIST
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 210
Anti-lock Braking System see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ashtray ............................................... 262
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 204
ASSYST PLUS see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ...................67
Function ........................................... 67
Switching off the alarm ....................67
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating .................205
Display message ............................ 228
Function/notes ............................. 182
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 201
Audio system see separate operating instructions 4Index

DoorsAutomatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 208
Automatic locking (switch) ............... 78
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 70
Control panel ................................... 34
Display message ............................ 237
Emergency locking ........................... 79
Emergency unlocking .......................79
Important safety notes ....................77
Opening (from inside) ......................78
Drinking and driving ......................... 155
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 146
Display ........................................... 143
Manual ........................................... 147
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........210
Drive program selector ..................... 145
Driver's door see Doors
Driver's seat
see Seats
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................283
Symmetrical low beam ..................106
Driving lamps
see Daytime running lamps
Driving on flooded roads .................. 158
Driving safety systems ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......59
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 64
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............59
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) ............................................... 60
Electronic brake force distribution ...64
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 61
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 61
Important safety information ...........59
Overview .......................................... 58
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 65Driving systems
Active Blind Spot Assist .................187
Active Driving Assistance
package ......................................... 187
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............190
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................182
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 183
Cruise control ................................ 159
Display message ............................ 228
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 161
Dynamic handling package with
sports mode .................................. 171
HOLD function ............................... 172
Lane Keeping Assist ......................185
Lane Tracking package ..................183
Parking Guidance ........................... 178
PARKTRONIC ................................. 175
RACE START (AMG vehicles) ..........174
Rear view camera .......................... 181
Driving tips
Automatic transmission .................144
Brakes ........................................... 156
Break-in period .............................. 136
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 170
Downhill gradient ........................... 156
Drinking and driving .......................155
Driving abroad ............................... 106
Driving in winter ............................. 158
Driving on flooded roads ................158
Driving on wet roads ......................158
Exhaust check ............................... 156
Fuel ................................................ 155
General .......................................... 155
Hydroplaning ................................. 158
Icy road surfaces ........................... 159
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 157
Pedals ............................................ 155
Snow chains .................................. 313
Symmetrical low beam ..................106
Wet road surface ........................... 156
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 202
DVD video (on-board computer) ...... 202
Dynamic handling package with
sports mode ....................................... 1718Index

Stowage well beneath the trunk
floor .................................................... 258
Summer opening see Convenience opening feature
Summer tires ..................................... 312
Sun visor ............................................ 260
Supplemental Restraint System see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 207
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 130
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 67
T
Tachometer ........................................ 195
Tail lamps Display message ............................ 223
Tank
see Fuel tank
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 29
Technical data
Notes ............................................. 342
Tires/wheels ................................. 335
Vehicle data ................................... 351
TELEAID
Call priority .................................... 268
Display message ............................ 218
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 269
Emergency call .............................. 266
Important safety notes ..................264
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............270
MB info call button ........................268
Remote vehicle locking ..................270
Roadside Assistance button ..........267
Search & Send ............................... 269
Self-test ......................................... 265
System .......................................... 265
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............269
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 203
Display message ............................ 237
Menu (on-board computer) ............202
Number from the phone book ........ 203
Redialing ........................................ 203
Rejecting/ending a call .................203
Temperature
Coolant .......................................... 194
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 210
Engine oil (on-board computer) ...... 210
Outside temperature ...................... 195
Setting (climate control) ................128
Theft deterrent systems
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........67
Immobilizer ...................................... 66
Through-loading feature ................... 256
Tilt/sliding sunroof see Sliding sunroof
Timing (RACETIMER) ......................... 211
Tiredness assistant see ATTENTION ASSIST
Tire pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) .....319
Checking manually ........................317
Display message ............................ 233
Maximum ....................................... 316
Notes ............................................. 315
Pressure loss warning ....................317
Recommended ............................... 313
Tire pressure monitoring system
Function/notes ............................. 319
Restarting ...................................... 321
Warning lamp ................................. 250
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................333
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................331
Bar (definition) ............................... 331
Characteristics .............................. 331
Checking ........................................ 311
Definition of terms .........................331
Direction of rotation ......................334
Display message ............................ 233
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................334
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 330
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............331
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 332Index17

Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style, 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 conditions,
as well as the traffic conditions and maintain
a safe distance to the vehicle in front. Drive
carefully.
i Please note that 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 310).
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 ( Y page 59).
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 surfaces,
even when you only brake gently.
GWARNING
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.XTo make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions, and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
GWARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 59).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
Driving safety systems59SafetyZ

GWARNING
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System Plus)
BAS PLUS is only available in vehicles
equipped with DISTRONIC PLUS.
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 59).
At speeds above approximately
20 mph (30 km/h), BAS PLUS assists you
when braking in hazardous situations and
uses the radar sensor system to evaluate the
traffic conditions.
i This device has been approved by the FCC
as a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar
sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removal, tampering, or
altering of the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
With the help of the radar sensor system, BAS
PLUS can detect obstacles that are in the
path of your vehicle for an extended period of
time.
At speeds up to approximately
40 mph (70 km/h), BAS PLUS can also detect
stationary obstacles, for example stopped or
parked vehicles.
Should you approach an obstacle and BAS
PLUS has detected a risk of collision, BAS
PLUS calculates the braking force necessary
to avoid a rear-end collision. Should you apply
the brakes forcefully, BAS PLUS can
automatically increase the braking force to a
level suitable for the traffic conditions.
XKeep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will work normally again if:
R you release the brake pedal.
R there is no longer any danger of a rear-end
collision.
R no obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle.
BAS PLUS is then deactivated.
For BAS PLUS to assist you when driving, the
radar sensor system must be switched on and
operational, see "Radar sensor system" in the
index.
GWARNING
BAS PLUS cannot always clearly identify
objects and complex traffic situations. BAS
PLUS cannot intervene in these cases.
There is a risk of an accident. Always pay
careful attention to the traffic situation and be
ready to brake.
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 line
GWARNING
BAS PLUS does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R in curves
As a result, BAS PLUS cannot intervene in
critical situations. There is a risk of an
60Driving safety systemsSafety

accident. Always pay careful attention to the
traffic situation and be ready to brake.
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.
If BAS PLUS is not available due to a
malfunction in the radar sensor system, the
brake system remains available with full
brake boosting effect and BAS.
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
i See the "Important safety notes" section
( Y page 59).
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also
modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or
slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷ ESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
GWARNING
Under no circumstances should you
deactivate ESP ®
when the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. Proceed as follows:
R when driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R while driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R adapt your speed to suit the prevailing road
and weather conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Vehicles without 4MATIC: switch the
ignition off when:
R the parking brake is being tested using a
dynamometer
R the vehicle is being towed with the front
axle raised
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: switch off the
ignition when the parking brake is being
tested on a brake dynamometer.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or
performance tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. If you wish to
operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center in
advance. You could otherwise damage the
drive train or the brake system.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System)GWARNING
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 58).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side. On vehicles with 4MATIC, more
drive torque is also transferred to the wheel
or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Driving safety systems61SafetyZ

brake, take evasive action or accelerate
significantly, the vehicle may perform
automatic emergency braking. Automatic
emergency braking is not performed until
immediately prior to an accident that can no
longer be avoided.GWARNING
Even if PRE-SAFE ®
Brake slows the vehicle
before an imminent rear-end collision, the
system cannot avert a collision without the
intervention of the driver. There is a risk of an
accident. Brake according to the situation or
take evasive action. Delayed intervention by
the driver can lead to an accident.
GWARNING
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake cannot always detect
complex traffic situations properly.
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 line
GWARNING
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 205).
The Ä symbol appears in the
multifunction display as long as the HOLD
function is not activated ( Y page 172).
On vehicles with Parking Guidance, the
Ä symbol is displayed when
transmission 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 208) 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.66Theft deterrent locking systemsSafety

The system automatically adapts the low-
beam headlamp range depending on the
distance to the other vehicle. Once the
system no longer detects any other vehicles,
it reactivates the high-beam headlamps.
The system's optical sensor is located behind
the windshield near the overhead control
panel.XTo activate: activate the Adaptive
Highbeam Assist function using the on-
board computer ( Y page 207).XTurn the light switch to c or à .XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of arrow :
( Y page 109).
If it is dark and the light sensor activates
the low-beam headlamps, the _
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up.
If you drive faster than approximately
28 mph (45 km/h):
the headlamp range is set automatically
depending on the distance between the
vehicle and other road users.
If you drive faster than approximately
35 mph (55 km/h) and no other road users
are identified:
the high-beam headlamps are switched on
automatically. The K indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster also lights up.When you drive slower than approximately
30 mph (45 km/h) or if other road users
are identified or if the roads are sufficiently
illuminated:
the high-beam headlamps are switched off
automatically. The K indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster goes out. The _
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
stays on.XTo deactivate: move the combination
switch back to its normal position.
The _ indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.GWARNING
The Adaptive Highbeam Assist is only an aid
intended to support you while driving. The
driver is and remains responsible for proper
vehicle lighting in accordance with the
prevailing light, sight and traffic conditions.
The system may be impaired or unavailable
when
R visibility is poor, e.g. due to snow, rain, fog,
or heavy spray
R the optical sensor area of the windshield is
dirty, fogged up, or covered by a sticker for
example
The system cannot recognize the following
road users:
R Road users without a lighting system of
their own, e.g. pedestrians
R Road users with dim lighting of their own,
e.g. cyclists
R Road users whose lighting is obstructed,
e.g. road users behind a guardrail
R In some seldom cases, even road users with
a lighting system of their own may be
recognized too late or not at all.
The automatic high-beam headlamps will then
not be deactivated or it will be activated in
spite of preceding or oncoming road users.
This could endanger you and/or others and
cause an accident. Always pay close attention
to the traffic situation and switch off the high
beam manually if necessary.
Exterior lighting111Lights and windshield wipersZ