2012 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class airmatic

1, 2, 3 ...
12 V socket see Sockets
4ETS
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
4MATIC off-road system ................... 171
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 217
Function/notes ................................ 61
Important safety notes ....................61
Warning lamp ................................. 244
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 122
Active Blind Spot Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 207
Function/information ....................188
Active Driving Assistance package . 187
Active Lane Keeping Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 207
Display message ............................ 231
Function/information ....................191
Active Light System
Display message ............................ 226
Active multicontour seat .................... 96
Active Parking Assist Display message ............................ 232
Important safety notes ..................175
Active service system PLUS
see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 67
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Display message ............................ 226
Function/notes ............................. 109
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 349
Air bags Display message ............................ 223
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 40
Important safety notes ....................38
Knee bag .......................................... 40
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 43
Pelvis air bag ................................... 42
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Side impact air bag ..........................41
Window curtain air bag ....................42
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
AIR FLOW ........................................... 123
AIRMATIC Display message ............................ 229
Function/notes ............................. 168
Air pressure
see Tire pressure
Air vents
Glove box ....................................... 128
Important safety notes ..................127
Rear ............................................... 129
Setting ........................................... 127
Setting the center air vents ...........128
Setting the side air vents ...............128
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Alertness Assistant
see ATTENTION ASSIST
Ambient lighting
Setting the brightness (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Setting the color (on-board
computer) ...................................... 210
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ................................................ 170
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 213
Anti-lock Braking System see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Anti-theft system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........69
Ashtray ............................................... 264
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 206
ASSYST PLUS see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display 4Index

Distance warning (warning lamp) .... 251
DISTRONIC PLUS Deactivating ................................... 164
Display message ............................ 232
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 163
Driving tips .................................... 164
Function/notes ............................. 157
Important safety notes ..................157
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 162
Warning lamp ................................. 251
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 211
Automatic locking (switch) ............... 80
Central locking/unlocking (key) ......72
Control panel ................................... 34
Display message ............................ 238
Emergency locking ........................... 81
Emergency unlocking .......................81
Important safety notes ....................79
Opening (from inside) ......................80
Drinks holder
see Cup holders
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 144
Display ........................................... 140
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ......140
Manual ........................................... 145
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........213
Drive program selector ..................... 143
Driver's door see Doors
Driver's seat
see Seats
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................285
Symmetrical low beam ..................106
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......61
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 67
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............62
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) ............................................... 62
Electronic brake force distribution ...67ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 63
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 64
Important safety information ...........61
Overview .......................................... 60
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 67
Driving systems
Active Blind Spot Assist .................188
Active Driving Assistance
package ......................................... 187
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............191
Active Parking Assist .....................175
AIRMATIC ...................................... 168
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 170
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................180
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 184
Cruise control ................................ 155
Display message ............................ 229
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 157
HOLD function ............................... 166
Lane Keeping Assist ......................186
Lane Tracking package ..................184
Night View Assist Plus ...................181
PARKTRONIC ................................. 171
RACE START (AMG vehicles) ..........167
Rear view camera .......................... 178
Driving tips
Automatic transmission .................142
Brakes ........................................... 152
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 164
Downhill gradient ........................... 152
Driving abroad ............................... 106
Driving in winter ............................. 154
Icy road surfaces ........................... 154
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 153
Snow chains .................................. 317
Symmetrical low beam ..................106
Wet road surface ........................... 153
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 2038Index

Supplement Restraint Systemsee SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 210
Suspension tuning AIRMATIC ...................................... 169
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 170
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........213
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 126
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 69
T
Tachometer ........................................ 197
Tail lamps Display message ............................ 225
see Lights
Tank
see Fuel tank
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 27
Technical data
CLS 550 4MATIC
BlueEFFICIENCY ............................ 351
CLS 550 BlueEFFICIENCY ..............351
CLS 63 AMG .................................. 352
Tires/wheels ................................. 339
TELEAID
Call priority .................................... 271
Display message ............................ 220
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 272
Emergency call .............................. 269
Important safety notes ..................267
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............273
MB info call button ........................271
Remote vehicle locking ..................273
Roadside Assistance button ..........270
Search & Send ............................... 272
Self-test ......................................... 268
System .......................................... 268
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............272
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 205
Menu (on-board computer) ............204
Number from the phone book ........ 205
Redialing ........................................ 205
Rejecting/ending a call .................205
Temperature
Coolant .......................................... 196
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 213
Engine oil (on-board computer) ...... 213
Outside temperature ...................... 197
Setting (climate control) ................123
Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer ...................................... 69
Through-loading feature ................... 259
Tilt/sliding sunroof see Sliding sunroof
Timing (RACETIMER) ......................... 213
Tiredness assistant see ATTENTION ASSIST
Tire pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) .....322
Checking manually ........................321
Display message ............................ 234
Maximum ....................................... 320
Notes ............................................. 318
Pressure loss warning ....................321
Recommended ............................... 317
Tire pressure monitoring system
Function/notes ............................. 322
Restarting ...................................... 324
Warning lamp ................................. 252
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................337
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................335
Bar (definition) ............................... 335
Characteristics .............................. 335
Checking ........................................ 315
Definition of terms .........................335
Direction of rotation ......................338
Display message ............................ 234
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................338
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 334
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............335
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 336Index17

U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................81
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 80
V
Vanity mirror (in sun visor) .............. 263
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 23
Data acquisition ............................... 23
Display message ............................ 237
Equipment ....................................... 21
Individual settings ..........................208
Limited Warranty ............................. 23
Loading .......................................... 325
Locking (in an emergency) ...............81
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 73
Lowering ........................................ 301
Maintenance .................................... 22
Parking for a long period ................ 152
Pulling away ................................... 135
Raising ........................................... 297
Reporting problems .........................23
Towing away .................................. 306
Transporting .................................. 309
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........81
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................73
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle dimensions
see Technical data
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 81
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 345
Vehicle level AIRMATIC ...................................... 168
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 229
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 294
Vehicle weights see Technical data
Video (DVD) ........................................ 204
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 204
VIN ...................................................... 345
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 244
Brakes ........................................... 243
Check Engine ................................. 248
Coolant .......................................... 249
Cruise control ................................ 155
Distance warning ........................... 251
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 251
ESP ®
.............................................. 245
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 246
Fuel tank ........................................ 248
LIM (DISTRONIC PLUS) ..................159
Overview .......................................... 28
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 43
Reserve fuel ................................... 248
Seat belt ........................................ 241
SPORT handling mode ...................246
SRS ................................................ 247
Tire pressure monitor ....................252
Warranty ............................................ 344
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 239
see Windshield washer system
Weight
see Technical data
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 301
Wheel chock ...................................... 297
Wheels Changing/replacing .......................338
Changing a wheel .......................... 296
Checking ........................................ 315
Cleaning ......................................... 287
Important safety notes ..................314
Mounting a wheel .......................... 299
Removing a wheel ..........................299
Storing ........................................... 339
Tightening torque ........................... 301
Wheel size/tire size .......................339
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 221
Operation ......................................... 42
Windows
Cleaning ......................................... 288
see Side windows Index19

Rthe steering wheel is in the straight-ahead
position.
R the vehicle is stationary and the brake
pedal is depressed (left foot).
R the transmission is in position D.
Activating RACE STARTXDepress the brake pedal with your left foot,
and keep it depressed.XTurn the drive program selector clockwise
( Y page 143) until the RS lamp lights up.
The multifunction display shows the RACE
START Confirm: Paddle UP Cancel:
Paddle DOWN message.
i
If the conditions for activation are no
longer fulfilled, RACE START is canceled.
The multifunction display shows the RACE
START canceled message.
XTo cancel: pull the left steering wheel shift
paddle ( Y page 144).
or
XTo confirm: pull the right steering wheel
shift paddle ( Y page 144).
The multifunction display shows the RACE
START available Depress
accelerator message.
i
If you do not depress the accelerator
pedal fully within two seconds, RACE
START is canceled. The multifunction
display shows the RACE START not
possible See Operator's Manual
message.
XDepress the accelerator pedal fully.
The engine speed increases to
approximately 4000 rpm.
The multifunction display shows the RACE
START Release brake to start
message.
i If you do not release the brake pedal
within seven seconds, RACE START is
canceled. The multifunction display shows
the RACE START canceled message.XTake your foot off the brake, but keep the
accelerator pedal depressed.
The vehicle pulls away at maximum
acceleration.
The multifunction display shows the RACE
START active message.
RACE START is deactivated when a speed of
approximately 30 mph (Canada: 50 km/h) is
reached. Drive program S+ is activated.
SPORT handling mode remains activated.
RACE START is deactivated immediately if
you release the accelerator pedal during
RACE START or if any of the activation
conditions are no longer fulfilled. The
multifunction display shows the RACE START
not possible See Operator's Manual
message.
i If RACE START is used repeatedly within
a short period of time, it is only available
again after the vehicle has been driven a
certain distance.
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 0.80 in
(20 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
168Driving systemsDriving and parking

Select this mode when employing a sporty
driving style, e.g. on winding country roads.XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up. Sports
suspension tuning is selected.
The AIRMATIC SPORT message appears in
the multifunction display.
Comfort tuning
In Comfort mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are more comfortable. Select
this mode if you prefer a more comfortable
driving style, but also when driving fast on
straight roads, e.g. highways.
XPress button :.
Indicator lamp = lights up. Comfort tuning
is selected.
The AIRMATIC COMFORT message appears
in the multifunction display.
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system
General notes
i AMG adaptive sport suspension system is
available for the CLS 63 AMG model.
Rear axle level control
The vehicle automatically sets the vehicle
level at the rear axle. Rear axle level control
ensures the best possible suspension and
that the ground clearance remains constant
even when the vehicle is loaded. This
improves driving safety and fuel
consumption.
Suspension tuning
General notes
The electronically controlled damping system
works continuously. This improves driving
safety and ride comfort.
The damping 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 of Sport, Sport +
or Comfort
If you select Sport or Sport + mode and
restart the engine, the suspension setting
reverts to Comfort mode.
Sport mode
The firmer suspension tuning in Sport mode
ensures even better contact with the road.
Select this mode when employing a sporty
driving style, e.g. on winding country roads.
XPress button : once.
Indicator lamp ? lights up. You have
selected Sport mode.
The AMG Suspension System SPORT
message appears in the multifunction
display.
Sport + mode
The very firm setting of the suspension tuning
in Sport + mode ensures the best possible
contact with the road. Select this mode only
when driving on race circuits.
If indicator lamps = and ? are off:
XPress button : twice.
Indicator lamps = and ? light up. You
have selected Sport + mode.
The AMG Suspension System SPORT +
message appears in the multifunction
display.170Driving systemsDriving and parking

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions¨
Pull Over Car Too
LowYou have pulled away while the vehicle level is still too low.
AIRMATIC sets the vehicle to the selected level after a short
period.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XEngage the parking brake.XWait until the display message disappears before pulling away.GRisk of accident
AIRMATIC is defective. A warning tone also sounds.
XDo not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h).XMake only slight steering movements. Otherwise, the front
fender or the tires could be damaged if the steering movement
is too large.XListen for scraping sounds.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions, and select a higher vehicle level.
Depending on the malfunction, it may be possible to raise the
vehicle.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.¨
MalfunctionGRisk of accident
The AIRMATIC function is restricted. The vehicle's handling
characteristics may be affected.
XDo not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h).XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.HOLD
OffThe HOLD function is deactivated. The vehicle is skidding.
A warning tone also sounds.XReactivate the HOLD function later ( Y page 166).Radar Sensors
Deactivated See
Operator's ManualThe radar sensor system is deactivated.XSwitch on the radar sensor system ( Y page 211).230Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with:
R a "Minispare" emergency spare wheel
R a collapsible spare wheel
R MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties) ( Y page 302)
i Vehicle preparation is not necessary on
vehicles with MOExtended tires.
XVehicles with AIRMATIC: make sure that
"normal" level is selected ( Y page 168).XStop the vehicle as far away as possible
from traffic on solid, non-slippery and level
ground.XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps.XBring the front wheels into the straight-
ahead position.XMove the DIRECT SELECT lever to P.XSwitch off the engine.XVehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the
driver's door.
The on-board electronics have status 0,
which is the same as the SmartKey having
been removed.XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
( Y page 133).XAll occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as
they do so.XMake sure that no one is near the danger
area while a wheel is being changed.
Anyone who is not directly assisting in the
wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier.XGet out of the vehicle. Pay attention to
traffic conditions when doing so.XClose the driver's door.Changing a wheel and mounting the
spare wheel
Preparing the vehicleGWARNING
The wheel and tire size of the emergency
spare wheel/spare wheel may differ to that of
the damaged wheel. When using an
emergency spare wheel/spare wheel the
handling characteristics of the vehicle may
change.
Adapt your style of driving accordingly.
Never operate the vehicle with more than one
emergency spare wheel/spare wheel that
differs in size.
Only use an emergency spare wheel/spare
wheel of a differing size briefly and do not
switch off ESP ®
.
When using an emergency spare wheel, you
must not exceed the maximum speed of
50 mph (80 km/h).
GWARNING
Have the emergency spare wheel/spare
wheel replaced with a new wheel as soon as
possible at a qualified specialist workshop
which has the necessary specialist knowledge
and tools to carry out the work required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for this
purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
i Vehicles without a spare wheel/
emergency spare wheel are not equipped
with a tire-change tool kit at the factory. For
more information on which tools are
required to perform a wheel change on your
vehicle, e.g. wheel chock, lug wrench or
alignment bolt, consult an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
296Flat tireBreakdown assistance