
Important safety notes
....................82
Opening (from the inside) ................83
Downhill Speed Regulation
see DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 159
Display ........................................... 156
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ......156
Manual .......................................... .160
Driver's door
see Door
Drive system
Active Blind Spot Assist .................207
Driving abroad
Service24h .................................... 313
Symmetrical dipped bea m............. 110
Driving in mountainous terrain
Approach/departure angl e............ 172
Driving off-road
see Off-road driving
Driving safety system
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .............................................. .66
Electronic Brake-force Distribu-
tion .................................................. 69
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 67
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 68
Important safety guidelines .............65
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......65
Adaptive brake lamps ......................67
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............66
Overview .......................................... 65
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................ .69
Driving system
Active Lane Keeping Assis t............ 210
Active Parking Assist .....................192
Display message (12-button mul-
tifunction steering wheel) ..............271
Display message (4-button multi-
function steering wheel) ................270
Driving systems
Active Driving Assistance pack-
age ................................................. 207
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................201Blind Spot Assist ............................ 203
Cruise control
................................ 173
Distronic Plus ................................ 178
HOLD function ............................... 186
Lane Keeping Assist ......................205
Lane package ................................ 203
PARKTRONIC ................................. 188
Reversing camera ..........................196
Speed Limit Assist .........................202
SPEEDTRONIC ............................... 176
Driving tips
Aquaplaning ................................... 168
Automatic transmission .................157
Brakes ........................................... 167
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 185
Downhill gradient ........................... 167
Driving abroad ............................... 110
Driving in winter ............................ .169
Driving on flooded roads ................168
Driving on sand .............................. 172
Driving on wet roads ......................168
Driving over obstacles ...................172
General .......................................... 165
Icy road surfaces ........................... 170
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 168
New brake pads/linings ................168
Off-road driving .............................. 170
Off-road fording ............................. 169
Running-in tips ............................... 146
Snow chains .................................. 353
Symmetrical dipped bea m............. 110
Towing a trailer .............................. 215
Travelling uphill .............................. 172
Tyre ruts ........................................ 172
Wet road surface ........................... 167
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
Display message (12-button mul-
tifunction steering wheel) ..............271
Function/notes ............................. 21310
Index

Side lamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 120
Switching on/off ........................... 112
Side windows
Convenience closing ........................90
Convenience opening ......................90
Important safety notes ....................88
Opening/closing .............................. 89
Problem (malfunction) .....................91
resetting .......................................... 91
Sliding sunroof
see Panorama sliding sunroof
Snow chains ...................................... 353
Socket Centre console .............................. 308
Luggage compartment ...................308
Rear compartment .........................308
Sockets
General notes ................................ 307
Spare wheel
Storage location ............................ 328
Storing ........................................... 328
Specialist workshop ............................ 27
Speed, controlling see Cruise control
Speed Limit Assist
Activating/deactivating the warn-
ing function ................................... .236
Displaying ...................................... 236
Display message (12-button mul-
tifunction steering wheel) ..............271
Display message in the multifunc-
tion displa y.................................... 203
Important safety notes ..................202
Speedometer
Activating/deactivating the addi-
tional speedometer ........................239
Digital ............................................ 231
In the instrument cluster (12-but-
ton multifunction steering wheel) ....33
In the instrument cluster (4-but-
ton multifunction steering wheel) ....31
Segments ...................................... 228
Selecting the unit of measure-
ment .............................................. 238
see Instrument cluster SPEEDTRONIC
Deactivating variable .....................177
Display message (12-button mul-
tifunction steering wheel) ..............275
Display message (4-button multi-
function steering wheel) ................270
Function/notes ............................. 176
Important safety notes ..................176
LIM indicator lamp .........................176
Permanent ..................................... 178
Selecting ........................................ 176
Variabl e......................................... 176
SRS (Supplemental Restraint Sys-
tem)
Display message (12-button mul-
tifunction steering wheel) ..............256
Display message (4-button multi-
function steering wheel) ................250
Introduction ..................................... 43
Warning lamp ................................. 291
Warning lamp (function) ................... 43
Starting (engine) ................................ 148
Steering Display message (12-button mul-
tifunction steering wheel) ..............281
Display message (4-button multi-
function steering wheel) ................279
Steering wheel
Adjusting (electrically) ...................102
Adjusting (manually). .....................102
Buttons (12-button multifunction
steering wheel) .............................. 228
Buttons (4-button multifunction
steering wheel) .............................. 225
Cleaning ......................................... 322
Gearshift paddles ........................... 159
Important safety notes ..................101
Storing settings (memory func-
tion) ............................................... 106
Steering wheel gearshift paddles ....159
Stowage areas ................................... 296
Stowage compartments Armrest (under) ............................. 297
Centre console .............................. 297
Cup holder ..................................... 305
Glove compartment .......................297
Important safety information .........296 20
Index

Windowbag
Display message (12-button mul-
tifunction steering wheel) ..............257
Display message (4-button multi-
function steering wheel) ................251
Operation ........................................ .48
Windows
Cleaning ......................................... 320
see Side windows
Windscreen
Demisting ...................................... 134
Windscreen washer fluid
see Windscreen washer system
Windscreen washer system .............317
Notes ............................................. 372
Windscreen wipers
Problem (malfunction) ...................124
Rear window wiper ........................123
Replacing the wiper blades ............123
Switching on/off ........................... 122
Winter operation
Important safety notes ..................352
Radiator cover ............................... 315
Slippery road surfaces ...................170
Snow chains .................................. 353
Winter tyres
Limiting the speed (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 241
M+S tyres ...................................... 352
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 320
Important safety notes ..................123
Replacing (on the rear window) .....124
Replacing (windscreen) ..................123
Wooden trim (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 323
Workshop see Qualified specialist workshop 24
Index

X
To activate/deactivate: press button;.
If indicator lamp :is lit, operation of the
rear side windows is disabled. Operation is
only possible using the switches in the driv-
er's door. If indicator lamp :is off, oper-
ation is possible using the switches in the
rear compartment. Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems overview
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock BrakingSystem)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R Adaptive brake lamps
R ESP ®
(Electronic StabilityProgram)
R EBD ( electronic brake force distribution) Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style or if you
are inattentive, the driving safety systems can
neither reduce the risk of accident nor over-
ride the laws of physics. Driving safety sys-
tems are merely aids designed to assist driv-
ing. You are responsible for the distance to
the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed and for
braking in good time. Always adapt your driv-
ing style to suit the prevailing road and
weather conditions and maintain a safe dis-
tance from the vehicle in front. Drive care-
fully.
i The driving safety systems described only
work as effectively as possible when there
is adequate contact between the tyres and
the road surface. Please pay special atten-
tion to the notes on tyres, recommended
minimum tyre tread depths, etc.
(Y page 350).
In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tyres (M+S tyres) and, if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the driv- ing 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" sec-
tion (Y page 65). G
WARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking charac-
teristics may be severely impaired. Addition-
ally, further driving safety systems are deac-
tivated. There is an increased danger of skid-
ding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked imme-
diately at a qualified specialist workshop.
If ABS is malfunctioning, other systems,
including driving safety systems, will also
become inoperative. Observe the information
on the ABS warning lamp ( Ypage 286) and
any display messages that may appear in the
instrument cluster (Y page 247) or
(Y page 252).
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the vehi-
cle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about 8 km/h
upwards, regardless of road-surface condi-
tions. ABS works on slippery surfaces, even
when you only brake gently.
The yellow !ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up when the ignition
is switched on. It goes out when the engine is
running.
Brakes X
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking sit-
uation is over.
X To make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force. Driving safety systems
65Safety Z

If ESP
®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ESP®
warning lamp in
the instrument cluster flashes. In such situa-
tions, ESP ®
will not stabilise the vehicle.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the fol-
lowing situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
If 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.
Off-road ESP ®
(vehicles with off-road
engineering package) An ESP
®
system specifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically once the off-
road drive program (Y page 215) is activated.
The off-road ESP ®
intervenes with a delay if
there is oversteering or understeering, thus
improving traction.
ESP ®
trailer stabilisation G
WARNING
If road and weather conditions are poor,
trailer stabilisation will not be able to prevent
the vehicle/trailer combination from swerv-
ing. Trailers with a high centre of gravity can
tip over before ESP ®
can detect this. There is
a risk of an accident.
Always adapt your driving style to the prevail-
ing road and weather conditions.
If your vehicle/trailer combination begins to
lurch, you can only stabilise the vehicle/
trailer combination by depressing the brake
firmly. In this situation, ESP
®
assists you and can
detect if the vehicle/trailer combination
begins to lurch. ESP ®
slows the vehicle down
by braking and limiting the engine output until
the vehicle/trailer combination has stabi-
lised.
Trailer stabilisation is active above speeds of
about 65 km/h.
Trailer stabilisation does not work if ESP ®
is
deactivated or disabled because of a mal-
function. EBD (electronic brake force distribu-
tion)
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 65). G
WARNING
If EBD has malfunctioned, the rear wheels can
still lock, e.g. under full braking. This increa-
ses the risk of skidding and an accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
to the different handling characteristics. Have
the brake system checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Observe the notes on warning and indicator
lamps (Y page 286) as well as display mes-
sages (Y page 248) (4-button multifunction
steering wheel) and (Y page 253) (12-button
multifunction steering wheel).
EBD monitors and controls the brake pres-
sure on the rear wheels to improve driving
stability while braking. PRE-SAFE
®
Brake
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 65).
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is only available in vehicles
with DISTRONIC PLUS.
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can help you to minimise
the risk of a collision with a vehicle ahead or
reduce the effects of such a collision. If PRE- Driving safety systems
69Safety Z

Slippery road surfaces
G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
This increases the risk of skidding and having
an accident.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
You should drive particularly carefully on slip-
pery road surfaces. Avoid sudden accelera-
tion, steering and braking manoeuvres.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Move the transmission to position N.
X Try to bring the vehicle under control by
using corrective steering.
i For more information on driving with
snow chains, see (Y page 353).Off-road driving
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you drive up a steep incline at an angle or
turn on a steep incline, the vehicle could slip
sideways, tip and overturn. There is a risk of
an accident.
When driving up an incline, drive into the line
of fall (upwards or downwards in a straight
line) and do not turn.
When driving off-road, substances such as
sand, mud and water or water mixed with oil
may get into the brakes. This may lead to a
reduction in braking performance or total
brake failure as a result of increased wear.
The braking characteristics will vary depend-
ing on the substances that get into the
brakes. Clean the brakes after driving off-
road. If you notice grinding noises or a reduc-
tion in braking performance, have the brake
system checked at a qualified specialist work- shop immediately. Adapt your driving style to
the altered braking characteristics.
Driving off-road increases the possibility of
damage to the vehicle, which may cause
assemblies or systems to fail. Adapt your
driving style to the conditions of the terrain.
Drive carefully. Have vehicle damage rectified
immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Do not shift into transmission position
N
when driving off-road. You could lose control
of the vehicle if you attempt to brake the
vehicle using the service brake. If the gradient
is too steep for your vehicle, back up in
reverse gear.
General notes H
Environmental note
Protection of the environment is of primary
importance. Treat nature with respect.
Observe all prohibiting signs.
Read this section before driving your vehicle
off-road. Practise by travelling over more gen-
tle off-road terrain first.
Off-road driving is only possible with the Off-
Road Engineering package (Y page 215).
The following driving systems are specially
adapted to off-road driving:
R Off-road drive program (Y page 215)
R Off-road ABS (Y page 65)
R Off-road 4ETS (Y page 68)
R Off-road ESP ®
(Y page 69)
R DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
(Y page 213)
Observe the following notes:
R Stop your vehicle and, if necessary, select
the off-road drive program (Y page 215)
before driving off-road.
R To avoid damaging the vehicle, make sure
there is always sufficient ground clearance.
R Check that items of luggage and loads are
stowed safely and are well secured
(Y page 299). 170
Driving tipsDriving and parking

procedure is calculated, e. g. overhanging
loads, tail sections or loading ramps of goods
vehicles. In some circumstances, Active Park-
ing Assist may therefore guide you into the
parking space too early. This may lead to a
collision. For this reason, you should avoid
using Active Parking Assist in such situations. G
WARNING
The front of the vehicle will veer out in the
direction of the oncoming traffic during the
parking operation. In some cases the vehicle
will also take you onto sections of the oncom-
ing lane during the parking procedure.
You are responsible for safety at all times and
must pay attention to any road users
approaching or passing. Stop the vehicle if
necessary or cancel the Active Parking Assist
parking procedure. G
WARNING
Make sure that no persons or animals are in
the manoeuvring range. Otherwise, they
could be injured.
Use Active Parking Assist for parking spaces:
R that are parallel to the direction of travel
R that are on straight roads, not bends
R that are on the same level as the road, e.g.
not on the pavement
Parking tips:
R on narrow roads, drive as closely as possi-
ble past the parking space.
R parking spaces that are littered, overgrown
or partially occupied by trailer drawbars
might be identified incorrectly or not at all.
R snowfall or heavy rain may lead to a parking
space being measured inaccurately.
R pay attention to the PARKTRONIC
(Y page 189 )warning messages during the
parking procedure.
R at any time, you can intervene in the steer-
ing procedure to correct it. Active Parking
Assist will then be cancelled. R
when transporting a load which protrudes
from your vehicle, you should not use
Active Parking Assist.
R when snow chains or an emergency spare
wheel are fitted, you should not use Active
Parking Assist here either.
R make sure that the tyre pressures are
always correct. This has a direct influence
on the parking characteristics of the vehi-
cle.
R the way your vehicle is positioned in the
parking space after parking is dependent
on various factors. These include the posi-
tion and shape of the vehicles parked in
front and behind it and the conditions of the
location. It may be the case that Active
Parking Assist guides you too far into a
parking space, or not far enough into it. In
some cases, it may also lead you across or
onto the kerb. If necessary, you should can-
cel the parking procedure with Active Park-
ing Assist.
R you can also engage forward gear prema-
turely. The vehicle redirects and does not
drive as far into the parking space. Should
a gear be changed too early to achieve a
sensible parking position, the parking pro-
cedure will be cancelled.
! If unavoidable, you should drive over
obstacles such as kerbs slowly and not at
a sharp angle. Otherwise, you may damage
the wheels or tyres.
Detecting parking spaces Active Parking Assist is switched on automat-
ically when driving forwards. The system is
operational at speeds of up to approximately
35 km/h. While in operation, the system inde-
pendently locates and measures parking
spaces on both sides of the vehicle. When
driving at speeds below 30 km/h, you will see
parking symbol as a status indicator in the
instrument cluster. Active Parking Assist only
displays parking spaces on the front-
passenger side as standard. Parking spaces
on the driver's side are displayed as soon as Driving systems
193Driving and parking Z

Towing a trailer
If you attach a trailer, make sure that you have
correctly established the electrical connec-
tion. This can be accomplished by checking
the trailer lighting.
Off-road driving systems
4MATIC (permanent all-wheel drive)
G
WARNING
4MATIC cannot reduce the risk of an accident
if you drive too fast.
If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip:
R only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary when pulling away.
R accelerate less when driving.
R adapt your driving style to suit road and
traffic conditions.
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz implied warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are per-
manently driven. Together with ESP ®
and
ETS, it improves the traction of your vehicle
whenever a drive wheel spins due to insuffi-
cient grip.
i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tyres (M+S tyres), with snow
chains if necessary.
! When testing the parking brake, operate
the vehicle only briefly (for a maximum of
ten seconds) on a brake test dynamometer.
When doing this, turn the key to position
0 or 1in the ignition. Failure to do this can
cause damage to the drive train or the
brake system. !
A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a twin-axle dyna-
mometer. Before you operate the vehicle
on such a dynamometer, please consult a
qualified workshop. You could otherwise
damage the drive train or the brake system.
For information about "Driving off-road", see
(Y page 170). DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
Important safety notes i
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) is only
available for vehicles with the Off-Road
Engineering package.
DSR is an aid to assist you when driving down-
hill. It keeps the speed of travel at the speed
selected on the on-board computer. The
steeper the downhill gradient, the greater the
DSR braking effect on the vehicle. When driv-
ing on flat stretches of road or on an uphill
gradient, the DSR braking effect is minimal or
non-existent. G
WARNING
DSR is only an aid designed to assist you when
driving downhill. You are responsible for keep-
ing control of the vehicle and for assessing
whether the downhill gradient can be man-
aged.
When activating DSR the vehicle may brake
suddenly due to DSR intervening. This is
dependent on the downhill gradient and the
difference between the current speed and the
speed set. DSR may not always be able to
keep to the set speed, depending on road sur-
face and tyre conditions. You could lose con-
trol of the vehicle and cause an accident.
Select a set speed suitable for the prevailing
conditions and when necessary, apply the
brakes manually.
DSR controls the vehicle’s speed when it is
activated and the transmission is in position
D, Ror N. By accelerating or braking, you can Off-road driving systems
213Driving and parking Z