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 308).
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 61).
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
Driving safety systems61SafetyZ
XObserve the notes on warning and indicator
lamps ( Y page 242) as well as display
messages ( Y page 215).
ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety
and offers increased braking comfort. In
addition to the braking function, ADAPTIVE
BRAKE also has the HOLD function
( Y page 176) and hill start assist
( Y page 147). For further information, see
Driving tips ( Y page 161).
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is only available in vehicles
with DISTRONIC PLUS.
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 61).
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can help you to minimize
the risk of a frontal collision with a vehicle
ahead or reduce the effects of such a
collision. If PRE-SAFE ®
Brake has detected a
risk of collision, you will be warned visually
and acoustically as well as by automatic
braking. PRE-SAFE ®
Brake cannot prevent a
collision without your intervention.
At speeds above approximately
20 mph (30 km/h), this function warns you
when you are rapidly approaching the vehicle
in front. An intermittent warning tone will
then sound and the · distance warning
lamp in the instrument cluster will light up.
XBrake immediately in order to increase the
distance from the vehicle in front.
or
XTake evasive action provided it is safe to do
so.At speeds of above approximately
20 mph (30 km/h), if the driver and front
passenger have fastened their seat belts,
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can:
R brake the vehicle automatically at speeds
up to approximately 124 mph (200 km/h)
R trigger preventative occupant protection
measures (PRE-SAFE ®
) ( Y page 48)
Due to the nature of the system, particularly
complicated driving conditions may cause
unnecessary warnings or the unnecessary
intervention of PRE-SAFE ®
Brake. To stop the
braking action, you can either depress the
accelerator pedal further, activate kickdown
or release the brake pedal.
The braking action of PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is
ended automatically if:
R your speed drops below approximately
9 mph (15 km/h).
R you maneuver to avoid the obstacle.
R there is no longer any danger of a rear-end
collision.
R there is no longer an obstacle detected in
front of your vehicle.
i USA only: this device has been approved
by the FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System".
The radar sensor system is intended for use
in an automotive radar system only.
Removing, altering or tampering with 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.
i Canada only: this device complies with
RSS-210 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 of the device.Driving safety systems65SafetyZ
Removal, tampering, or altering of the
device will void any warranties, and is not
permitted. 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,
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can detect obstacles that
are in front of your vehicle for an extended
period of time.
At speeds up to approximately 40 mph
(70 km/h), PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can also react
to stationary obstacles, for example stopped
or parked vehicles.
If you approach an obstacle and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake detects a risk of collision, the system
will initially alert you both visually and
acoustically. If you do not brake or take
evasive action, the system will warn you by
automatically braking the vehicle gently. If
there is an increased risk of collision,
preventative passenger protection measures
(PRE-SAFE ®
) are activated (Y page 48). If the
risk of collision remains and you do not 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 lineGWARNING
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R in curves
As a result, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake cannot
intervene in critical situations. There is a risk
of an accident. Always pay careful attention
to the traffic situation and be ready to brake.
In order to maintain the appropriate distance
to the vehicle in front and thus prevent a
collision, you must apply the brakes yourself.
XTo activate/deactivate: activate or
deactivate PRE-SAFE ®
Brake in the on-
board computer ( Y page 207).
The Ä symbol appears in the
multifunction display as long as the HOLD
function is not activated ( Y page 176).
On vehicles with Parking Guidance, the
Ä symbol is displayed when66Driving safety systemsSafety
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
The Product label with FCC ID and IC
certification number can be found in the
battery case of the SmartKey.
Important notes on the use of KEYLESS-
GO
R The KEYLESS-GO key can be used like a
conventional key.
R You can combine KEYLESS-GO functions
with those of a conventional key, e.g.
unlock with KEYLESS-GO and lock with the
& button.
R Always carry your KEYLESS-GO key on your
person.
R Do not keep the KEYLESS-GO key together
with:
- electronic devices, e.g. a mobile phone
or another key
- metallic objects, e.g. coins or metal foil.
This can affect the functionality of
KEYLESS-GO.
R When locking and unlocking using
KEYLESS-GO, the distance between the
SmartKey and the corresponding door
handle must not exceed 3 ft (1 m).
R If the vehicle is parked for more than
72 hours, the KEYLESS-GO function is
deactivated. Pull the outer door handle and
switch on the ignition to reactivate the
KEYLESS-GO function.
R If the KEYLESS-GO key is removed from the
vehicle, it is possible that the system may
not recognize the SmartKey. The vehicle
can then not be locked or started using
KEYLESS-GO.
R If the KEYLESS-GO key has been removed
from the vehicle, e.g. if a passenger leaves
the vehicle with a KEYLESS-GO key:
- if the start/stop button is pressed or if
an attempt is made to lock the vehicle
with the locking button on the outer door
handle, the Key Not Detected message
appears in the multifunction display
- when the engine is running, the red Key
Not Detected message appears in the
multifunction display as you pull away.
Find the KEYLESS-GO key and change its
position in the vehicle. Carry the
KEYLESS-GO key in your shirt pocket, for
example.
R If you have started the engine with the
Start/Stop button, you can switch it off
again by:
- pressing the Start/Stop button again
- inserting the KEYLESS-GO key into the
ignition lock if the vehicle is stationary
and the automatic transmission is in park
position P.
R You could unlock the vehicle by mistake if
the distance between the KEYLESS-GO key
and the vehicle is less than 3 ft (1 m) and:
- an exterior door handle is hit by a water
jet
or
- you clean an exterior door handle.
R Bear in mind that the engine can be started
by any of the vehicle occupants if there is
a KEYLESS-GO key in the vehicle.72SmartKeyOpening/closing
Rafter about seven minutes if the ignition is
switched on
R immediately if the ignition is switched off
A warning tone sounds shortly beforehand.
The Convertible Top Opening/Closing
Not Finished message appears in the
multifunction display.
Lock the soft top again before driving on.
Otherwise, the unlocked soft top could open
during the journey and cause you to lose
control of your vehicle. You or other persons
could be injured as a result.
! Never sit on the soft-top compartment
cover and do not store any heavy objects
on it. You will otherwise damage the soft
top and soft-top compartment cover of the
vehicle.
! When opening and closing the soft top,
make sure that:
R there is sufficient clearance above it, as
the soft top swings upwards
R the trunk partition is closed.
R the trunk is only loaded to below the
trunk partition.
R the trunk partition is not pushed up by
the load.
R the trunk lid is closed.
R no objects are on the soft-top
compartment cover
R the fabric is not dirty, wet or frozen.
You could otherwise damage the soft top,
trunk and other parts of the vehicle.
i Make sure that the soft top is dry and
clean before closing it. Otherwise, water or
dirt could enter the vehicle interior or trunk.Opening and closing with the soft-top
switch
Important safety notesGWARNING
Make sure nobody can be trapped or injured
by moving parts, such as the soft-top linkage
or soft-top compartment cover, when opening
or closing the soft top.
Release the soft-top switch in the event of
danger. The soft-top mechanism stops
immediately.
GWARNING
The soft top stops moving during the opening
or closing procedure if you drive faster than
25 mph (40 km/h). This could impair your rear
view. At high speeds the soft top may be
damaged.
Reduce your speed to below 25 mph
(40 km/h) or stop in accordance with traffic
conditions. Press the soft-top switch again in
order to open or close the soft top fully.
Opening and closing
XMake sure that the trunk partition is closed
( Y page 93).XClose the trunk lid.XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XOpen the cover on the lower section of the
center console.Soft top (Cabriolet)87Opening/closingZ
XTo open: pull soft-top switch : until the
entire soft top is stowed away in the trunk.
The Convertible Top in Operation
message appears in the multifunction
display.
If you drive faster than 25 mph (40 km/h)
during the opening procedure, the opening
procedure is stopped and the Open/Close
Convertible Top Completely message
is displayed in the multifunction display.
Reduce speed back to under 25 mph
( 40 km/h) and pull the soft top switch again
to fully open the soft top.XTo close: press and hold soft-top
switch : until the soft top is fully closed.
The Convertible Top in Operation
message appears in the multifunction
display.
If you drive faster than 25 mph (40 km/h)
during the closing procedure, the closing
procedure is stopped and the Open/Close
Convertible Top Completely message
is displayed in the multifunction display.
Reduce speed back to under 25 mph
(40 km/h) and push the soft top switch
again to fully close the soft top.
Opening and closing using the
SmartKey
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Make sure nobody can be trapped or injured
by moving parts such as the soft-top linkage
or soft-top compartment cover when opening
or closing the soft top.
If there is a risk of entrapment, immediately
release the % or & button on the
SmartKey. The soft-top mechanism stops
immediately.
Opening and closing
i The SmartKey must be close to the
driver's door handle.
XPoint the tip of the SmartKey at the driver's
door handle.XTo open: press and hold the % button
on the SmartKey until the soft top is fully
opened.
The Convertible Top in operation
message appears in the multifunction
display. The seat ventilation is switched on.
The rear side windows open.XTo close: press and hold the & button
on the SmartKey until the soft top is fully
closed.
The Convertible Top in Operation
message appears in the multifunction
display. The soft top and the side windows
close.
Closing the soft top manually
If the soft top cannot be closed automatically,
check the following points:
R Is the trunk partition engaged
( Y page 93)?
R Are the head restraints on the rear bench
seats extended?
R Is the trunk lid closed?
R Is the on-board voltage sufficient?
Start the engine if necessary.
If automatic operation still does not work, the
soft top can be closed manually.
This work must be performed by two persons.
i Closing the soft top manually is a
complex, technically demanding process
which requires a great deal of force. Only
close the soft top manually in extreme
emergencies. Preferably, contact a
qualified specialist workshop.
88Soft top (Cabriolet)Opening/closing
! Do not under any circumstances open the
trunk lid with the emergency key. You could
otherwise damage the trunk lid and the
soft-top compartment cover.
Re-locking the soft top
The soft top is not locked if:
R the Convertible Top in Operation
message appears in the multifunction
display.
R you hear a warning tone for up to ten
seconds when pulling away or while driving.
GWARNING
Stop the vehicle at a suitable location as soon
as it is possible to do so safely and lock the
soft top before driving on. You could
otherwise endanger yourself and others.
You can lock the soft top again if it is not
locked fully.
XStop the vehicle immediately, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress the soft-top switch.
Trunk partition
General notes
The trunk partition can be used to cover
luggage and loads in the trunk.
The soft top can only be opened when the
trunk partition is closed.
! To avoid damaging the soft top or load
when folding back the soft top, observe the
following:
R when the trunk partition is open, do not
place any objects in or behind the net on
the side that are so long they could
obstruct the trunk partition or damage
the opened soft top.
R make sure that the cargo does not push
the trunk partition upwards.
Opening and closingXTo close: pull trunk partition : by the
handle in the direction of the arrow until it
rests on the sides of the trunk.
Trunk partition : finishes closing
automatically.XTo open: push trunk partition : against
the direction of the arrow by the handle.
The trunk partition finishes opening
automatically.
Brackets for the wind screen
The wind screen protects against wind when
driving with the soft top open. It is secured
above the rear bench seats. For this reason,
only the driver and the front passenger can
travel in the vehicle when the wind screen is
installed.
GWARNING
Fold back the top part of the wind screen if it
restricts your vision or when it is dark. It could
otherwise impair your view to the rear and you
could cause an accident.
! Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
only use wind screens which have been
tested and approved for Mercedes-Benz
Soft top (Cabriolet)93Opening/closingZ
Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 23).
Correct driver's seat position
Observe the safety guidelines on seat
adjustment ( Y page 103).
XCheck whether you have adjusted seat =
properly.
Electrical seat adjustment ( Y page 104)
When adjusting the seat, make sure:
R you are as far away from the driver's air
bag as possible.
R you are sitting in a normal upright
position.R you can fasten the seat belt properly.
R you have moved the backrest to an
almost vertical position.
R you have set the seat cushion angle so
that your thighs are gently supported.
R you can depress the pedals properly.XCheck whether the head restraint is
adjusted properly ( Y page 105).
When doing so, make sure that you have
adjusted the head restraint so that the back
of your head is supported at eye level by
the center of the head restraint.
Observe the safety guidelines on steering
wheel adjustment ( Y page 109).
XCheck whether steering wheel : is
adjusted properly.
Adjusting the steering wheel electrically
( Y page 109)
When adjusting the steering wheel, make
sure:
R you can hold the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent.
R you can move your legs freely.
R you can see all the displays in the
instrument cluster clearly.
Observe the safety guidelines for seat belts
( Y page 50).
XCheck whether you have fastened seat
belt ; properly ( Y page 52).
The seat belt should:
R fit snugly across your body
R be routed across the middle of your
shoulder
R be routed in your pelvic area across the
hip jointsXBefore starting off, adjust the rear-view
mirror and the exterior mirrors
( Y page 110) in such a way that you have
a good view of road and traffic conditions.XVehicles with a memory function: save
the seat, steering wheel and exterior mirror
settings ( Y page 113).102Correct driver's seat positionSeats, steering wheel and mirrors