2012 MERCEDES-BENZ CL-Class snow chains

Driving safety systemsABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......62
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 66
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............62
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) ............................................... 62
Electronic brake force distribution ...65
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 64
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 64
Important safety information ...........61
Overview .......................................... 61
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 66
Driving systems
Active Blind Spot Assist .................321
Active Body Control .......................305
Active Driving Assistance
package ......................................... 321
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............324
AIRMATIC ...................................... 303
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................316
Cruise control ................................ 290
Display message ............................ 366
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 292
HOLD function ............................... 302
Night View Assist Plus ...................317
Parking Guidance ........................... 310
PARKTRONIC ................................. 306
Rear view camera .......................... 314
Spotlight function .......................... 317
Driving tips
Automatic transmission .................276
Brakes ........................................... 287
Break-in period .............................. 266
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 300
Downhill gradient ........................... 287
Drinking and driving .......................286
Driving abroad ............................... 244
Driving in winter ............................. 290
Driving on flooded roads ................289
Driving on wet roads ......................289
Exhaust check ............................... 287
Fuel ................................................ 286
General .......................................... 286
Hydroplaning ................................. 289
Icy road surfaces ........................... 290Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 288
Pedals ............................................ 286
Snow chains .................................. 445
Symmetrical low beam ..................244
Wet road surface ........................... 287
DVD
Changer ......................................... 204
Copy protection ............................. 213
Fast forward/fast rewind ...............209
Handling ........................................ 173
Inserting ........................................ 204
Notes on discs ............................... 213
Selecting a media type ..................208
Selecting a track ............................ 208
Sound settings (balance, bass,
fader, treble) .................................. 125
DVD audio
Operation using the on-board
computer ....................................... 337
E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating (COMAND) ....................232
Function/notes ................................ 99
EASY-EXIT feature
Activating (COMAND) ....................232
Crash-responsive ........................... 100
Function/notes ................................ 99
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution) Display message ............................ 349
Function/notes ................................ 65
ECO function ...................................... 231
ECO start/stop function Deactivating/activating .................271
General information .......................270
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
10Index

On-board computer .......................343
Picture (COMAND) .........................224
Sound settings ............................... 125
System settings ............................. 127
Setting the language
COMAND ....................................... 134
Setting the night design ................... 127
Setting the text reader speed .......... 129
Setting the vehicle level ................... 305
Setting the volume Telephone calls .............................. 124
Video AUX ..................................... 230
Side impact air bag ............................. 45
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 361
Side windows Convenience closing feature ............87
Convenience opening feature ..........87
Important safety information ...........86
Opening/closing .............................. 86
Problem (malfunction) .....................88
Resetting ......................................... 88
Sliding sunroof
Important safety notes ....................89
Opening/closing .............................. 89
Problem (malfunction) .....................90
Resetting ......................................... 90
SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................76
Changing the programming .............75
Checking the battery .......................76
Convenience closing feature ............87
Convenience opening feature ..........87
Display message ............................ 376
Door central locking/unlocking .......72
Important safety notes ....................72
Loss ................................................. 78
Mechanical key ................................ 75
Positions (ignition lock) .................267
Problem (malfunction) .....................78
Starting the engine ........................268
SMS message
see Text message
Snow chains ...................................... 445
Socket Glove box ....................................... 395Sockets
Points to observe before use .........394
Trunk ............................................. 395
Sound menu ....................................... 125
Sounds see Sound settings
Sound settings
Balance and fader ..........................125
Calling up the sound menu ............125
Surround sound ............................. 126
Treble and bass ............................. 125
Spare wheel
Notes/data .................................... 468
Storage location ............................ 424
see Emergency spare wheel
Specialist workshop ............................ 29
Speech control see Voice Control System
Speed, controlling
see Cruise control
Speed Limit Assist
see Speed Limit Assist
Speedometer
Activating/deactivating the
additional speedometer .................344
Digital ............................................ 334
In the Instrument cluster .................33
Selecting the unit of
measurement ................................ 344
see Instrument cluster
SPLITVIEW ......................................... 112
Spotlight function ............................. 317
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) Display message ............................ 355
Introduction ..................................... 40
Warning lamp ................................. 383
Warning lamp (function) ................... 40
Standing lamps
Display message ............................ 360
Switching on/off ........................... 244
Starting (engine) ................................ 268
Station memory ................................. 197
Steering (display message) .............. 376
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) .....................98
Button overview ............................... 3520Index

VIN ...................................................... 473
Voice Control System Settings ......................................... 129
Volume, adjusting
COMAND ....................................... 124
Navigation messages .....................124
W
Waiting call ........................................ 185
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 380
Brakes ........................................... 379
Check Engine ................................. 384
Cruise control ................................ 291
Distance warning ........................... 385
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 385
ESP ®
.............................................. 381
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 382
Fuel tank ........................................ 384
LIM (DISTRONIC PLUS) ..................295
Overview .......................................... 34
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 46
Reserve fuel ................................... 384
Seat belt ........................................ 378
SRS ................................................ 383
Tire pressure monitor ....................385
Warranty ............................................ 473
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 376
see Windshield washer system
Weather Band
Searching for a channel .................198
Switching on .................................. 198
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 429
Wheel chock ...................................... 426
Wheels Changing a wheel .......................... 425
Checking ........................................ 443
Cleaning ......................................... 416
Important safety notes ..................442
Interchanging/changing ................465
Mounting a wheel .......................... 428
Removing a wheel ..........................428
Storing ........................................... 466
Tightening torque ........................... 429
Wheel size/tire size .......................466
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 356
Operation ......................................... 46
Windows
Cleaning ......................................... 417
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 259
Infrared reflective .......................... 406
Windshield washer system .............. 412
Notes ............................................. 480
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ...................253
Replacing the wiper blades ............252
Switching on/off ........................... 251
Winter driving
Important safety notes ..................444
Slippery road surfaces ...................290
Snow chains .................................. 445
Winter tires
M+S tires ....................................... 444
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 418
Important safety notes ..................252
Wooden trim (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 420Index25

iUSA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. 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.
i Canada only:
This device complies with RSS-Gen of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause 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.
Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems overview
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock Braking System)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R BAS PLUS ( Brake Assist System Plus*)
R ESP ®
(E lectronic Stability Program)
R EBD ( Electronic Brake force Distribution)
R ADAPTIVE BRAKE
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
Important safety notesGWARNING
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
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 442).
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.
Driving safety systems61SafetyZ

Beware of these limits if you deactivate
ESP ®
.
Do not deactivate ESP ®
when the emergency
or spare wheel is mounted.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
i Vehicles with ECO start/stop function:
the ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically when the vehicle
comes to a stop. The engine starts
automatically when the driver wants to pull
away again. ESP ®
remains in its previously
selected status. Example: if ESP ®
was
deactivated before the engine was
switched off, ESP ®
remains deactivated
when the engine is switched on again.
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.
When you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R the engine's torque is no longer limited 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.
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.
XTo deactivate: (Y page 342).
The å ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.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: (Y page 342).
The å ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 61).
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.
Driving safety systems65SafetyZ

by the engine's air suction nozzles and this
can cause engine damage.
Winter driving
General notes
GWARNING
If the vehicle becomes trapped in snow,
ensure that snow is kept away from the
exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle as
long as the engine is running. Otherwise,
poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) may enter
the vehicle, resulting in loss of consciousness
and even death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
At the onset of winter, have your vehicle
winterproofed at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y page 444).
Driving with summer tires
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y page 444).
Slippery road surfaces
GWARNING
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
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.
GWARNING
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:XShift the transmission to position N.
i
For more information on driving with
snow chains, see ( Y page 445).
GWARNING
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Driving systems
Cruise control
Important safety notes
Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must select shift range
1 , 2 or 3 in good time. By doing so, you will
make use of the braking effect of the engine,
which relieves the load on the brake system
and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonged period. You can
set any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
GWARNING
The cruise control is a convenience system
designed to assist the driver during vehicle
operation. The driver is and must always
remain responsible for the vehicle's speed
and for safe brake operation.
290Driving systemsDriving and parking

Deactivating the HOLD function
The HOLD function is deactivated
automatically if:
R you accelerate and the transmission is in
position D or R.
R you shift the transmission to position P.
R you apply the brakes again with a certain
amount of pressure until HOLD disappears
from the instrument cluster.
R you secure the vehicle using the electric
parking brake.
R you activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
i After a time, the electric parking brake
secures the vehicle and relieves the service
brake.
GWARNING
Never get out of the vehicle when the HOLD
function is activated.
The HOLD function must never be operated
or deactivated by a passenger or from outside
the vehicle.
The HOLD function does not replace the
electric parking brake and must not be used
for parking.
The braking effect of the HOLD function is
canceled and the vehicle could roll away if:
R the HOLD function is deactivated by
depressing the accelerator pedal or the
brake pedal.
R there is a malfunction in the system or an
interruption in the power supply, e.g.
battery failure.
R the electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses are
tampered with.
R the battery is disconnected.
AIRMATIC
Vehicle level
Important safety notes
Your vehicle regulates its height
automatically. All-round self-leveling ensures
the best possible suspension and constant
ground clearance, even with a laden vehicle.
When you drive fast, the vehicle is lowered
automatically to improve driving safety and to
reduce fuel consumption.
The following vehicle levels are possible:
R normal
R raised: the vehicle is raised by about 1.20 in
(30 mm) when compared with the normal
level
R lowered: the vehicle is lowered by about
0.40 in (10 mm) when compared with the
normal level
The "Normal" and "Raised" vehicle levels can
be set manually.
The "Lowered” vehicle level is set
automatically at speeds over 60 mph
(100 km/h).
Setting the vehicle level
Select the "Normal" setting for normal road
surfaces and "Raised" for driving with snow
chains or on particularly poor road surfaces.
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
GWARNING
To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and
feet away from wheel housing area, and stay
away from under the vehicle when lowering
the vehicle chassis.
Driving systems303Driving and parkingZ

Active Body Control (ABC)
Vehicle level
Your vehicle automatically adjusts its ride
height to improve driving safety and reduce
fuel consumption.
Depending on the vehicle height that has
been set, the vehicle automatically adjusts its
height dependent on the current speed. As
speed increases, the vehicle is lowered by up
to 0.4 in (10 mm). As the speed is reduced,
the vehicle is raised up to the set vehicle
height.
GWARNING
The vehicle is lowered when the engine is
switched off. Therefore, make sure that
nobody is in the vicinity of the wheel housing
or under the vehicle when you switch off the
engine. Otherwise, limbs could become
trapped.
! The vehicle is lowered when the engine is
switched off. Make sure when parking that
you position your vehicle so that it does not
make contact with the curb as the vehicle
is lowered. Your vehicle could otherwise be
damaged.
i For AMG vehicles: when the engine is
switched off, the vehicle is lowered by
approx. 0.2 in (5 mm).
Setting the vehicle level
Select the "Normal" setting for normal road
surfaces and "Raised" for driving with snow
chains or on particularly poor road surfaces.
GWARNING
To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and
feet away from wheel housing area, and stay
away from under the vehicle when lowering
the vehicle chassis.
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
Setting raised level
XStart the engine.
If indicator lamp ; is not lit:
XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up. The vehicle
height is adjusted to raised level.
Setting the normal level
XStart the engine.
If indicator lamp ; is lit:
XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The vehicle is
adjusted to normal level.
Suspension tuning
The electronically controlled ABC suspension
system works continuously. This improves
driving safety and comfort.
The ABC suspension system is tuned
individually to each wheel and depends on:
R your driving style, e.g. sporty
R the road surface condition, e.g. bumps
R your individual selection, i.e. sports or
comfort
R the vehicle load
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
Driving systems305Driving and parkingZ