2012 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class ECU

speed being driven and for braking in good
time.
Changing lanes
If you wish to change to the passing lane (in
left-hand-drive vehicles, the passing lane is
the left-hand lane), DISTRONIC PLUS
supports you if:
R you are driving faster than 40 mph
(60 km/h).
R DISTRONIC PLUS is maintaining the
distance to a vehicle in front.
R you switch on the appropriate turn signals.
R DISTRONIC PLUS does not detect a danger
of collision.
If these conditions are met, your vehicle is
accelerated. Acceleration will be interrupted
if changing lanes takes too long or if the
distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front becomes too small.GWARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS and Active Blind Spot Assist
are only aids designed to assist driving.
They do not relieve you of the responsibility
of paying attention. The driver remains fully
responsible for the vehicle's distance from
other vehicles, the vehicle's speed and for
braking in good time. Always pay attention to
traffic conditions and your surroundings.
Otherwise, you may fail to recognize dangers
in time, cause an accident and injure yourself
and others.
Stopping
GWARNING
Never get out of the vehicle when DISTRONIC
PLUS is activated.
DISTRONIC PLUS must also never be
operated, activated or deactivated by a
passenger or from outside the vehicle.
DISTRONIC PLUS does not replace the
electric parking brake and must not be used
for parking.
The DISTRONIC PLUS braking effect is
canceled and the vehicle can start moving if:
R DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated using the
cruise control lever.
R you accelerate.
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.
If you wish to leave the vehicle or park it,
deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS and secure the
vehicle against rolling away.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle
in front is stopping, it brakes your vehicle until
it is stationary.
Once your vehicle is stationary, it remains
stationary and you do not need to depress the
brake.
i After a time, the electric parking brake
secures the vehicle and relieves the service
brake.
i Depending on the specified minimum
distance, your vehicle will come to a
standstill at a sufficient distance behind the
vehicle in front. The specified minimum
distance is set using the control on the
cruise control lever.
Setting a speedGWARNING
Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment
until the vehicle has made the necessary
adjustments.
Increase or decrease the set vehicle speed to
a value that the prevailing road conditions and
legal speed limits permit. Otherwise, sudden
and unexpected acceleration or deceleration
of the vehicle could cause an accident and/
or serious injury to you and others.
Driving systems337Driving and parkingZ

Deactivating DISTRONIC PLUS
There are several ways to deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS:
XBriefly press the cruise control lever
forwards :.
or
XBrake, unless the vehicle is stationary.
When you deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS, the
DISTRONIC PLUS Off message is shown in
the multifunction display for approximately
five seconds.
i The last speed stored remains stored until
you switch off the engine.
i DISTRONIC PLUS is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal. If you
accelerate to overtake, DISTRONIC PLUS
adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last
speed stored after you have finished
overtaking.
DISTRONIC PLUS is automatically
deactivated if:
R you engage the electric parking brake or if
the vehicle is automatically secured with
the electric parking brake.
R you are driving slower than
15 mph (25 km/h) and there is no vehicle
in front, or if the vehicle in front is no longer
detected.
R ESP ®
intervenes or you deactivate ESP ®
.
R the transmission is in the P, R or N position.
R you switch off the radar sensor system
( Y page 387).
R
you pull the cruise control lever towards
you in order to pull away and the front-
passenger door or one of the rear doors is
open.
R the vehicle has skidded.
If DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, you will
hear a warning tone. The DISTRONIC PLUS
Off message is shown in the multifunction
display for approximately five seconds.GWARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS switches off and
releases the brakes when the vehicle
decelerates below the minimum speed of
20 mph (30 km/h) by operation of the system
unless the DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle
directly ahead of you. At that time the driver
must apply the brakes in order to reduce
vehicle speed further or bring it to a stop.
Tips for driving with DISTRONIC PLUS
Important safety notes
The following contains descriptions of certain
road and traffic conditions in which you must
be particularly attentive. In such situations,
brake if necessary. DISTRONIC PLUS is then
deactivated.
GWARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS works to maintain the
speed selected by the driver unless a moving
obstacle proceeding directly ahead of it in the
same travel direction is detected (e.g.
following another vehicle ahead of you at your
set distance).
This means that:
R Your vehicle can pass another vehicle after
you have changed lanes.
R While in a sharp turn or if the preceding
vehicle is in a sharp turn, the DISTRONIC
PLUS could lose sight of the preceding
vehicle. Your vehicle could then accelerate
to the previously selected speed.
340Driving systemsDriving and parking

iIf depressing the brake pedal the first
time does not activate the HOLD function,
wait briefly and then try again.GWARNING
The vehicle's brakes are applied when the
HOLD function is activated. For this reason,
deactivate the HOLD function if the vehicle is
to be set in motion by other means (e.g. in a
car wash or by towing).
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 on
vehicles without 4MATIC:
R normal
R raised: the vehicle is raised by about 1.00
in (25 mm) when compared with the normal
level
R lowered: the vehicle is lowered by about
0.60 in (15 mm) when compared with the
normal level
The following vehicle levels are possible on
vehicles with 4MATIC:
R normal: in Comfort mode, the vehicle is
raised by about 0.40 in (10 mm) when
compared with Sport mode
R raised: in Comfort mode, the vehicle is
raised by about 0.60 in (15 mm) and in
Sport mode by about 1.00 in (25 mm) when
compared with 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.
Driving systems343Driving and parkingZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe red F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator lamp
flashes, the yellow F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) warning
lamp lights up and a warning tone sounds.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning and the braking effect
is restricted.
While the vehicle is in motion:XRelease the electric parking brake handle.
While the vehicle is stationary:
XSwitch off the ignition and turn it back on.XRelease the electric parking brake.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XShift the transmission to P.XUse the folding wheel chock (Y page 474) from the vehicle tool
kit to secure the vehicle against rolling away.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.F (USA
only) ! (Canada
only)
Parking Brake See
Oper. ManualThe yellow F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) warning lamp
lights up. Additionally, the red F (USA only)/ ! (Canada
only) indicator lamp may light up.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning.
To release:XPull the electric parking brake handle.
or
XPull away carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.
To apply:
XSwitch off the ignition.XPull the electric parking brake lever for at least ten seconds,
until the display message disappears.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XShift the transmission to P.XUse the folding wheel chock (Y page 474) from the vehicle tool
kit to secure the vehicle against rolling away.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.Display messages393On-board computer and displaysZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe yellow F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) warning lamp
lights up. The red F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator
lamp flashes for approximately 10 seconds after the electric
parking brake has been applied or released. It then goes out or
remains lit.
The electric parking brake has overheated.XAllow the vehicle to cool down. Do not engage or release the
electric parking brake during this time.XUse the folding wheel chock (Y page 474) from the vehicle tool
kit to secure the vehicle against rolling away.XWhen the vehicle has cooled down: switch the ignition off and
on again, then engage or release the electric parking brake.F (USA
only) ! (Canada
only)
Parking Brake
InoperativeThe yellow F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) warning lamp
lights up. The red F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator
lamp flashes for approximately 10 seconds after the electric
parking brake has been applied or released. It then goes out or
remains lit.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning.XSwitch the ignition off and on, and then engage the electric
parking brake.
If it is not possible to engage the electric parking brake:
XShift the transmission to P.XUse the folding wheel chock (Y page 474) from the vehicle tool
kit to secure the vehicle against rolling away.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.F (USA
only) ! (Canada
only)
Turn On the
Ignition to
Release the
Parking BrakeThe red F (USA only)/ ! (Canada only) indicator lamp lights
up.
You attempted to release the electric parking brake while the
ignition was switched off.XSmartKey: turn the SmartKey to position 1 in the ignition lock.XKEYLESS-GO: switch on the ignition.Display messages395On-board computer and displaysZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFront Passenger
Airbag Enabled
See Oper. ManualThe front-passenger air bag is enabled during the journey, even
though:
R a child, a small adult or an object weighing less than the
system's weight threshold is located on the front-passenger
seat.
R the front-passenger seat is unoccupied.
The system may detect objects or forces applying additional
weight on the seat.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XEngage the parking brake.XSwitch off the ignition.XOpen the front-passenger door.XRemove the child and the child restraint system from the front-
passenger seat.XIf necessary, secure the child in a child restraint system on a
suitable rear seat.XMake sure that there are no objects on the seat adding to the
weight.
The system may otherwise detect the additional weight and
interpret the seat occupant's weight as greater than it actually
is.XKeep the seat unoccupied, close the front-passenger door and
switch on the ignition.
Observe the 42 (Y page 50) indicator lamp and the
multifunction display and check the following:
Seat unoccupied and ignition switched on:
R the 42 indicator lamp must light up and remain lit.
When the indicator lamp is on, OCS (Y page 50) has deactivated
the front-passenger air bag.
R the Front Passenger Airbag Enabled See Oper. Manual
or Front Passenger Airbag Disabled See Oper. Manual
display messages must not appear in the multifunction display.
Wait for a period of at least 60 seconds until the necessary
system checks have been completed and to make sure that the
display messages do not appear in the multifunction display.
If the conditions are not fulfilled, the system is not operating
correctly.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.Display messages399On-board computer and displaysZ

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions7
The red seat belt
warning lamp lights up
after the engine starts,
as soon as the driver's
or the front-passenger
door is closed.GRisk of injury
The driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt.
XFasten your seat belt ( Y page 57).
The warning lamp goes out.GRisk of injury
There are objects on the front-passenger seat.
XRemove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow
them in a secure place.
The warning lamp goes out.7
The red seat belt
warning lamp flashes
and an intermittent
audible warning
sounds.GRisk of injury
The driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt. In
addition, you are driving faster than 15 mph (25 km/h) or you have
briefly driven faster than 15 mph (25 km/h).
XFasten your seat belt ( Y page 57).
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning tone
ceases.GRisk of injury
There are objects on the front-passenger seat. In addition, you are
driving faster than 15 mph (25 km/h) or you have briefly driven
faster than 15 mph (25 km/h).
XRemove the objects from the front-passenger seat and stow
them in a secure place.
The warning lamp goes out and the intermittent warning tone
ceases.Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster421On-board computer and displaysZ

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 31).
Loading guidelines
GWARNING
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible. Use cargo tie-down rings and
fastening materials appropriate for the weight
and size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
The trunk is the preferred place to carry
objects.
Never drive a vehicle with the trunk open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
The handling characteristics of a laden
vehicle are dependent on the distribution of
the load within the vehicle. For this reason,
you should observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R when transporting a load, never exceed the
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight
or the gross axle weight rating of the
vehicle (including occupants). The values
are specified on the vehicle identification
plate on the B-pillar of the driver's door.
R position heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the trunk as
possible.
R the load must not protrude above the upper
edge of the seat backrests.
R always place the load against the rear seat
backrests.
R always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie down. pad sharp edges
for protection.
Stowage areas
Stowage compartments
Important safety notes
GWARNING
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or
cargo in the trunk if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during
R braking
R vehicle maneuvers
R an accident
Stowage compartments in the front
Glove box
i Depending on the vehicle's equipment,
you will find the following installed in the
glove box: an audio and video AUX jack, a
USB socket or Media Interface, a universal
interface for portable audio equipment, e.g.
for an iPod or USB device, and a bracket for
432Stowage areasStowing and features