2012 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class Interval

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

Setting the temperature (rear
compartment) ................................ 124
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ............................................ 126
Switching on/off ........................... 122
Switching residual heat on/off ......127
Switching the rear window
heating on/off ............................... 126
Switching the ZONE function on/
off .................................................. 125
Cockpit
Overview .......................................... 26
see Instrument cluster
Collapsible spare wheel
Inflating ......................................... 300
see Emergency spare wheel
COMAND
see separate operating instructions
Combination switch .......................... 108
Compass Calibrating ..................................... 278
Calling up ....................................... 277
Setting ........................................... 277
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 201
Convenience closing feature .............. 87
Convenience opening feature ............ 87
Coolant (engine) Checking the level .........................282
Display message ............................ 226
Notes ............................................. 350
Temperature (on-board computer) . 213
Temperature gauge ........................ 196
Warning lamp ................................. 249
Cooling
see Climate control
Cornering light (display message) ... 224
Cornering light function Function/notes ............................. 109
Crash-responsive emergency
lighting ............................................... 111
Cruise control Cruise control lever .......................155
Deactivating ................................... 156
Display message ............................ 234
Driving system ............................... 155
Function/notes ............................. 155
Important safety notes ..................155LIM indicator lamp .........................155
Setting a speed .............................. 156
Storing and maintaining current
speed ............................................. 155
Cup holder
Center console .............................. 262
Important safety notes ..................261
Rear compartment .........................262
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 23
Customer Relations Department ....... 23
D
Dashboard see Cockpit
Daytime running lamp mode
see Daytime running lamps
Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 225
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Switching on/off (switch) ..............107
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 210
Interior lighting .............................. 210
Digital speedometer ......................... 201
DIRECT SELECT lever see Automatic transmission
Display (cleaning instructions) ........ 290
Display messages Calling up (on-board computer) .....216
Driving systems ............................. 229
Engine ............................................ 226
General notes ................................ 216
Hiding (on-board computer) ...........216
Key ................................................ 239
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 239
Lights ............................................. 224
Safety systems .............................. 217
Service interval display ..................284
Tires ............................................... 234
Vehicle ........................................... 237
Distance display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 206
Distance recorder ............................. 201
see Odometer
see Trip odometer
Index7

Low-beam headlamps ....................107
Parking lamps ................................ 106
Setting the brightness of the
ambient lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Setting the brightness of the
display/switch (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Setting the color of the ambient
lighting (on-board computer) .........210
Switching Adaptive Highbeam
Assist on/off ................................. 209
Switching the daytime running
lamps on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Switching the daytime running
lamps on/off (switch) ....................107
Switching the exterior lighting
delayed switch-off on/off (on-
board computer) ............................ 210
Switching the surround lighting
on/off (on-board computer) ..........210
Turn signals ................................... 108
see Changing bulbs
see Interior lighting
Light sensor (display message) ....... 226
LIM indicator lamp Cruise control ................................ 155
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 159
Loading guidelines ............................ 256
Locking see Central locking
Locking (doors)
Automatic ........................................ 80
Emergency locking ........................... 81
From inside (central locking
button) ............................................. 80
Locking centrally
see Central locking
Locking verification signal (on-
board computer) ............................... 211
Low-beam headlamps Display message ............................ 224
Setting for driving abroad
(symmetrical) ................................. 106
Switching on/off ........................... 107
Luggage net ....................................... 258Lumbar support
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support ............................................ 97
Luxury head restraints ....................... 94
M
M+S tires ............................................ 316
Maintenance see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
Malfunction message
see Display messages
Massage function (PULSE) ................. 97
Matte finish (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 288
mbrace 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
Mechanical key
Function/notes ................................ 75
Locking vehicle ................................ 81
Unlocking the driver's door ..............81
Memory card (audio) ......................... 203
Memory function ............................... 102
Message memory (on-board
computer) .......................................... 216
Messages see Display messages
Mirrors
see Exterior mirrors
see Vanity mirror
Mobile phone
Menu (on-board computer) ............204
Modifying the programming
(SmartKey) ........................................... 75
12Index

Roller blindsee Roller sunblind
Roller sunblind
Rear window .................................. 264
Roof carrier ........................................ 261
Roof lining and carpets (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 292
Roof load (maximum) see Technical data
Route
see Route guidance (navigation)
Route guidance (navigation) ............ 202
S
Safety Children in the vehicle .....................55
Child restraint systems ....................55
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 43
Overview of occupant safety
systems ........................................... 36
Safety systems
see Driving safety systems
Seat belts
Adjusting the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt .........................53
Adjusting the height ......................... 53
Belt force limiters ............................ 54
Cleaning ......................................... 292
Correct usage .................................. 51
Emergency Tensioning Devices ........ 54
Fastening ......................................... 52
Important safety guidelines .............50
Releasing ......................................... 53
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Special seat belt retractor ...............57
Switching belt adjustment on/off
(on-board computer) ......................212
Warning lamp ................................. 241
Warning lamp (function) ................... 53
Seats
Active multicontour seat ..................96
Adjusting (electrically) .....................94
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support ............................................ 97
Adjusting the head restraint ............94
Cleaning the cover .........................291
Correct driver's seat position ........... 92
Important safety notes ....................93
Multicontour seat ............................ 96
Seat backrest display message .....238
Seat heating problem ......................98
Seat ventilation problem ..................98
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 102
Switching seat heating on/off .........97
Switching the seat ventilation on/
off .................................................... 98
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 289
Service see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
Service interval display
Displaying service messages .........285
Hiding service messages ...............285
Notes ............................................. 285
Service messages ..........................284
Service menu (on-board computer) . 208
Service products Brake fluid ..................................... 350
Capacities ...................................... 347
Coolant (engine) ............................ 350
Engine oil ....................................... 349
Fuel ................................................ 347
Important safety notes ..................346
Refrigerant (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 350
Washer fluid ................................... 351
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) .........212
On-board computer .......................208
Setting the air distribution ............... 124
Setting the airflow ............................ 124
SETUP (on-board computer) ............. 213
Side impact air bag ............................. 41
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 225
Side windows Convenience closing feature ............87
Convenience opening feature ..........87
Important safety information ...........86
Opening/closing .............................. 86
Problem (malfunction) .....................88
Resetting ......................................... 88Index15

Maintenance
The Service and Warranty Booklet describes
all the necessary maintenance work which
should be done at regular intervals.
Always have the Service and Warranty
Booklet with you when you bring the vehicle
to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. The
service advisor will record every service for
you in the Service and Warranty Booklet.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program offers technical help in the event of
a breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside
Assistance Hotline are answered by our
agents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372)
(USA)
1-800-387-0100 (Canada)
For additional information, refer to the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program brochure (USA) or the "Roadside
Assistance" section in the Service and
Warranty booklet (Canada). You will find both
in your vehicle literature portfolio.
Change of address or ownership
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave the
entire literature in the vehicle so that it is
available to the next owner.
Operating safety
Safety notes
GWARNING
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle's electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function when the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.GWARNING
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole.
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that damage
to your vehicle has occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers.
R slow down carefully.
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
Qualified specialist workshop
An authorized Mercedes-Benz Center is a
qualified specialist workshop. It has the
necessary specialist knowledge, tools and
qualifications to correctly carry out the work
required on your vehicle. This is especially the
case for work relevant to safety.
Observe the notes in the service booklet.
22Introduction

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 22).
Overview of climate control systems
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Severe conditions (e.g. strong air pollution)
may require replacement of the filter before
its scheduled replacement interval. A clogged
filter will reduce the air volume to the interior
and the windows could fog up, impairing
visibility and endangering you and others.
Have a blocked filter replaced at a Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.
GWARNING
Follow the recommended settings for heating
and cooling given on the following pages.
Otherwise, the windows could fog up,
impairing visibility and endangering you and
others.
The automatic climate control/automatic
climate control controls the temperature and
the humidity of the vehicle interior and filters
out undesirable substances from the air.
The automatic climate control is only
operational when the engine is running. 10
Optimum operation is only achieved if you
drive with the side windows and sliding
sunroof/panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel closed.
i Ventilate the vehicle for a brief period
during warm weather, e.g. using the
convenience opening feature ( Y page 87).
This will speed up the cooling process and
the desired vehicle interior temperature
will be reached more quickly.
i The integrated filter can filter out most
particles of dust and completely filters out
pollen. A clogged filter reduces the amount
of air supplied to the vehicle interior. For
this reason, you should always observe the
interval for replacing the filter, which is
specified in the Service Booklet. As it
depends on environmental conditions, e.g.
heavy air pollution, the interval may be
shorter than stated in the Service Booklet.10 The residual heat function can only be activated/deactivated when the ignition is switched off.118Overview of climate control systemsClimate control

! Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®
system operates automatically, the engine
and the ignition system must be switched
off (SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in the
ignition lock or Start/Stop button in
position 0 or 1) when:
R testing the parking brake on a brake
dynamometer.
R you intend to have the vehicle towed with
one of the axles raised.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake
system.
If your brake system is subject only to
moderate loads, you should test the
functionality of your brakes at regular
intervals by pressing firmly on the brake pedal
at high speeds. This improves the grip of the
brake pads.GWARNING
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
You can find a description of Brake Assist
(BAS) on ( Y page 62) or of BAS PLUS on
( Y page 62).
Winter driving
General information
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 316).
Driving with summer tires
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y page 316).
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 317).
GWARNING
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
154Driving tipsDriving and parking

Menus and submenus
Menu overview
The number of menus shown depends on the optional equipment in the vehicle.
Function:Trip menu ( Y page 201);Navi menu (navigation instructions) ( Y page 202)=Audio menu ( Y page 203)?Tel menu (telephone) ( Y page 204)ADriveAssist menu (assistance) ( Y page 206)BService menu (Y page 208)
R calls up display messages ( Y page 216)
R tire pressure loss warning system (Canada only) ( Y page 321)
R tire pressure monitor ( Y page 322)
R ASSYST PLUS service interval display ( Y page 284)CSettings menu (Y page 208)DAMG menu in AMG vehicles ( Y page 213)200Menus and submenusOn-board computer and displays