2013 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class brake fluid

Service message ............................ 302
Special service requirements .........
302
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ................... 71
Function ........................................... 71
Switching off the alarm .................... 71
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating ................. 218
Display message ............................ 242
Function/notes ............................. 191
Audio system
see separate operating instructions
Authorized Centers
see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized workshops
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 238
see Lights
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 144
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) .......................... 143
Automatic headlamp mode ..............111
Automatic transmission Automatic drive program ............... 150
Changing gear ............................... 149
DIRECT SELECT lever .....................146
Display message ............................ 251
Drive program display ....................147
Driving tips .................................... 149
Emergency running mode ..............154
Engaging drive position .................. 148
Engaging neutral ............................ 148
Engaging park position (AMG
vehicles) ........................................ 147
Engaging reverse gear ................... 147
Engaging the park position ............ 147
Kickdown ....................................... 149
Manual drive program ....................152
Overview ........................................ 146
Problem (malfunction) ...................154
Program selector button ................149
Pulling away ................................... 141
Selector lever ................................ 146
Shift ranges ................................... 151Starting the engine ........................
141
Steering wheel paddle shifters ......150
Transmission position display ........ 146
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ................... 147
Transmission positions .................. 148
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 154 B
Backup lamp Changing bulbs

.............................. 120
Bag hook ............................................ 275
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 64
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 65
Battery (SmartKey) Checking .......................................... 77
Important safety notes .................... 77
Replacing ......................................... 77
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 316
Display message ............................ 241
Important safety notes .................. 314
Jump starting ................................. 317
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating ................. 219
Display message ............................ 245
Notes/function .............................. 195
see Active Blind Spot Assist
Bottle holder ...................................... 277
Brake Assist see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 231
Notes ............................................. 369
Brake lamps
Display message ............................ 237
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 64
BAS .................................................. 64
BAS PLUS ........................................ 65
Brake fluid (notes) .........................369
Display message ............................ 229
Driving tips .................................... 162
High-performance brake system .... 163
Important safety notes .................. 162 Index
5

Rear window blind
............................ 278
Rear window defroster Problem (malfunction) ...................132
Switching on/off
...........................132
Refueling
Fuel gauge ............................... 29, 209
Important safety notes .................. 154
Refueling process .......................... 155
see Fuel
Remote control
Garage door opener .......................291
Programming (garage door
opener) .......................................... 292
Reporting safety defects .................... 24
Reserve (fuel tank) see Fuel
Reserve fuel
Display message ............................ 242
Warning lamp ................................. 264
see Fuel
Residual heat (climate control) ........133
Restraint system see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Reverse gear (selector lever) ...........146
Reversing lamps (display
message) ............................................ 238
Roadside Assistance (breakdown) ....22
Roller sunblind Rear window .................................. 278
Roof carrier ........................................ 275
Roof lining and carpets (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 309
Roof load (maximum) ........................371S
Safety Children in the vehicle .....................58
Child restraint systems ....................58
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 45
Safety system
see Driving safety systems


Seat belts
Adjusting the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt .........................56
Adjusting the height ......................... 56 Belt force limiters ............................
57
Cleaning .........................................
309
Correct usage .................................. 54
Emergency Tensioning Devices ........ 57
Fastening ......................................... 55
Important safety guidelines .............53
Releasing ......................................... 56
Safety guidelines ............................. 40
Switching belt adjustment on/off
(on-board computer) ...................... 223
Warning lamp ................................. 256
Warning lamp (function) ................... 56
Seats
Adjusting (electrically) .....................98
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support .......................................... 101
Adjusting the head restraint ............ 99
Cleaning the cover ......................... 309
Correct driver's seat position ........... 96
Important safety notes .................... 97
Seat backrest display message .....253
Seat heating problem .................... 102
Seat ventilation problem ................ 102
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 107
Switching seat heating on/off ....... 101
Switching seat ventilation on/off ..102
Selector lever
Cleaning ......................................... 309
Sensors (cleaning instructions) .......307
Service see ASSYST PLUS
Service menu (on-board computer) . 219
Service products Brake fluid ..................................... 369
Coolant (engine) ............................ 369
Engine oil ....................................... 368
Fuel ................................................ 366
Important safety notes .................. 366
Washer fluid ................................... 370
Service work
see ASSYST PLUS
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) ......... 224
On-board computer ....................... 219
Setting the air distribution ...............130
Setting the airflow ............................ 131
SETUP (on-board computer) ............. 225 Index
15

Opening/closing (automatically
from outside)
................................... 84
Opening/closing (manually from
outside) ............................................
83
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 252
Opening/closing .............................. 82
Opening dimensions ...................... 371
Trunk load (maximum) ...................... 371
Turn signals Display message ............................ 236
Switching on/off ........................... 113
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................82
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 81V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........

278
Vehicle Data acquisition ............................... 25
Display message ............................ 251
Equipment ....................................... 21
Individual settings ..........................219
Limited Warranty ............................. 25
Loading .......................................... 337
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 82
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 75
Lowering ........................................ 352
Maintenance .................................... 22
Parking for a long period ................ 159
Pulling away ................................... 141
Raising ........................................... 350
Reporting problems .........................24
Securing from rolling away ............349
Towing away .................................. 318
Transporting .................................. 321
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 82
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................75
Vehicle data ................................... 371
Vehicle data ....................................... 371
Vehicle dimensions ...........................371Vehicle emergency locking
................82
Vehicle identification number see VIN


Vehicle identification plate ..............365
Vehicle level AIRMATIC ...................................... 180
Vehicle level (display message) .......243
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 312
Video Operating the DVD ......................... 216
VIN ...................................................... 365 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS

................................................ 258
Brakes ........................................... 257
Check Engine ................................. 264
Coolant .......................................... 264
Distance warning ........................... 266
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 266
ESP ®
.............................................. 260
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 261
Fuel tank ........................................ 264
Overview .................................. 30, 255
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 45
Reserve fuel ................................... 264
Seat belt ........................................ 256
SPORT handling mode ................... 261
SRS ................................................ 263
Tire pressure monitor .................... 267
Warranty ............................................ 364
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 253
Wheel bolt tightening torque ...........352
Wheel chock ...................................... 349
Wheels Changing a wheel .......................... 348
Checking ........................................ 327
Cleaning ......................................... 306
Cleaning (warning) .........................348
Emergency spare wheel ................. 357
Important safety notes .................. 326
Interchanging/changing ................348
Mounting a new wheel ................... 351
Mounting a wheel .......................... 349
Removing a wheel ..........................351 Index
19

High-beam flasher
:
High-beam headlamps
; Turn signal, right
= High-beam flasher
? Turn signal, left
X To switch on: turn the SmartKey in the
ignition lock to position 1 or 2 or start the
engine.
X Pull the combination switch in the direction
of arrow =. Hazard warning lamps
X
To switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button :.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a
turn signal using the combination switch,
only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.
X To switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button :. The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on if:
R
an air bag is deployed.
R the vehicle is slowed down rapidly from a
speed of over 45 mph (70 km/h) and
comes to a halt.
If the vehicle returns to a speed of over
6

mph (10 km/h) after a full application of the
brakes, the hazard warning lamps are
deactivated automatically.
i The hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off. Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated five times ( Y page 120) while the
lights

are on and the engine is running. When
you switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning system is reset and
counting is resumed from 0. Cornering light function
The cornering light function improves the
illumination of the road over a wide angle in
the

direction you are turning, enabling better
visibility in tight bends, for example. It can
only be activated when the low-beam
headlamps are switched on. 114
Exterior lighting
Lights and windshield wipers

Braking
Important safety notes 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.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients !
On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting
early
to a lower gear. This allows you to take
advantage of the engine braking effect and
helps avoid overheating and excessive
wear of the brakes.
When you take advantage of the engine
braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn
for some time, e.g. on a slippery road
surface. This could cause damage to the
drive train. This type of damage is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Heavy and light loads G
WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving,
the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but
drive on for a short while. This allows the
airflow to cool the brakes more quickly. Wet roads If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed
reaction

from the brakes when braking for the
first time. This may also occur after the
vehicle has been washed or driven through
deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the
vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying
attention to the traffic conditions. This will
warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them
more quickly and protecting them against
corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt
residue may form on the brake discs and
brake pads. This can result in a significantly
longer braking distance.
R
Brake

occasionally to remove any possible
salt residue. Make sure that you do not
endanger other road users when doing so.
R Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
R Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes G
WARNING
If brake pads or brake fluid other than those
recommended are used, the braking
properties of the vehicle can be degraded to
an extent that safe braking is substantially
impaired. This could result in an accident. G
WARNING
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
! If

the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a 162
Driving tips
Driving and parking

warning tone while the engine is running,
the brake fluid level may be too low.
Observe additional warning messages in
the multifunction display.
The
brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked
immediately. This work should be carried
out at a qualified specialist workshop.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or
performance tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. If you are
planning to have the vehicle tested on such
a dynamometer, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to obtain further
information first. Otherwise, you could
damage the drive train or the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®
system operates automatically, the engine
and the ignition must be switched off
(SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in the ignition
lock or Start/Stop button in position 0 or
1) while the parking brake is being tested
on a brake dynamometer.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake
system.
! 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.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. Consult a
qualified specialist workshop to arrange this. Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the
functionality of your brakes at regular
intervals. To do so, press firmly on the brake
pedal when driving at a high speed. This
improves the grip of the brake pads.
You can find a description of Brake Assist
(BAS) on (
Y page 64) or of BAS PLUS on
(Y page 65).
AMG high-performance and ceramic
brakes The high-performance brake system is
installed only on the CLS 63 AMG.
The AMG brake systems are designed for
heavy loads. This may lead to noise when
braking. This will depend on:
R
speed
R braking force
R environmental conditions, such as
temperature and humidity
The wear of individual components of the
brake

system, such as the brake pads/linings
or brake discs, depends on the individual
driving style and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a
mileage that will be valid under all
circumstances. An aggressive driving style
will lead to high wear. You can obtain further
information about this from your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after
several hundred kilometers of driving.
Compensate for this by applying greater force
to the brake pedal. Keep this in mind, and
adapt your driving and braking accordingly
during this break-in period.
Excessive heavy braking results in
correspondingly high brake wear. Observe
the brake system warning lamp in the
instrument cluster and note any brake status
messages in the multifunction display. For Driving tips
163Driving and parking Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsT!
÷
Inoperative See
Operator's Manual EBD (electronic brake force distribution), ABS, ESP
®
, BAS, PRE-
SAFE ®
,
the HOLD function and hill start assist are unavailable due
to a malfunction.
BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may also have failed.
In addition, the ÷, å and ! warning lamps light up in
the instrument cluster and a warning tone sounds.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The front and rear wheels could therefore
lock if you brake hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely
affected. The braking distance in an emergency braking situation
can increase.
If ESP ®


is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. F(USA
only)J(Canada
only)
Please Release
Parking Brake You are driving with the parking brake applied. A warning tone also
sounds.
X
Release the parking brake. $(USA
only)J(Canada
only)
Check Brake Fluid
Level There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
In addition, the $ (USA only)/J (Canada only) warning
lamp lights up in the instrument cluster and a warning tone
sounds.
G WARNING
The braking effect may be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention

to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 157).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Do not add brake fluid. This does not correct the malfunction. Display messages
231
On-board computer and displays Z

Safety systems
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake system
warning
lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. A warning tone
also sounds. G
WARNING
The brake boosting effect is malfunctioning and the braking
characteristics may be affected.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention

to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 157).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display. $ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake system
warning

lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. A warning tone
also sounds. There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
G WARNING
The braking effect may be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention

to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 157).
X Do not add brake fluid. Adding more will not remedy the
malfunction.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
257
On-board computer and displays Z