Safety systems
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions0027 (USA only)
004D (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 160).
X Do not add brake fluid. Topping up will not remedy the
malfunction.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display. 0025
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running.
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) is deactivated due to a malfunction.
BAS (Brake Assist), BAS PLUS, ESP
®
(Electronic Stability
Program), PRE-SAFE ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD function, hill
start assist and ESP ®
trailer stabilization are therefore also
deactivated, for example.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The 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 Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
If the ABS control unit is faulty, there is also a possibility that other
systems, such as the navigation system or the automatic
transmission, will not be available. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
259
On-board computer and displays Z
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions0025
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running. ABS is temporarily unavailable. BAS, BAS PLUS, ESP
®
, EBD
(electronic brake force distribution), PRE-SAFE ®
,
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD function, hill start assist and
ESP ®
trailer stabilization are therefore also deactivated, for
example.
Possible causes are:
R Self-diagnosis is not yet complete.
R The on-board voltage may be insufficient.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
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 a risk of an accident.
X Carefully drive a suitable distance, making slight steering
movements at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h).
The functions mentioned above are available again when the
warning lamp goes out.
If the warning lamp is still on:
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.260
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions0025
The yellow ABS warning
lamp is lit while the
engine is running. A
warning tone also
sounds.
EBD is not available due to a malfunction. Therefore, BAS, BAS
PLUS, ESP
®
, PRE-SAFE ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD function,
hill start assist and ESP ®
trailer stabilization
are also
unavailable,
for example.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
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 Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 0027 (USA only)
004D (Canada only)
00E500BB0025
The red brake warning
lamp, the yellow ESP
®
and ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps and the yellow
ABS warning lamp are
lit while the engine is
running. ABS and ESP
®
are not available due to a malfunction. Therefore,
BAS, BAS PLUS, EBD, PRE-SAFE ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD
function, hill start assist and ESP ®
trailer stabilization are also
unavailable, for example.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
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 Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
261
On-board computer and displays Z
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions00AC
The red coolant
warning lamp comes on
while the engine is
running.
The coolant level is too low.
If the coolant level is correct, the airflow to the engine radiator
may be blocked or the electric engine radiator fan may be
malfunctioning.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled
sufficiently.
X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 160).
X Wait until the engine has cooled down.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant (Y page 302). Observe
the warning notes.
X If you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.
X At coolant temperatures below 248 ‡ (120 †) drive to the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic. 00AC
The red coolant
warning lamp comes on
while the engine is
running.
A
warning tone
also sounds. The coolant temperature has exceeded 248 ‡ (120 †). The
airflow
to the
engine radiator
may be blocked or the coolant level
may be too low.
G WARNING
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.
Do not drive when your
engine is overheated. This can cause some
fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire.
Steam from the overheated engine can also cause serious burns
which can occur just by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 160).
X Wait until the engine has cooled down.266
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 SolutionsX
Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant (Y page 302). Observe
the warning notes.
X If you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.
X At coolant temperatures below 248 ‡ (120 †) drive to the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic. Driving systems
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050 Solutions00BA
The red distance
warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in
motion.
G
WARNING
The distance to the vehicle in front is too small for the speed
selected.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Increase the distance. 00BA
The red distance
warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in
motion. A warning tone
also sounds. G
WARNING
You are approaching a vehicle or a stationary obstacle in your line
of travel at too high a speed.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Be prepared to brake immediately.
X Pay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
More information about DISTRONIC PLUS (Y page 171) and
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (Y page 69). Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
267On-board computer and displays Z
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 Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: ( Y page 27).Loading guidelines
G
WARNING
If objects, luggage or loads are not secured or
not secured sufficiently, they could slip, tip
over or be flung around
and thereby hit vehicle
occupants. There is a risk of injury,
particularly in the event of sudden braking or
a sudden change in direction.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping before the
journey. G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide.
If the tailgate
is open when the engine is running,
particularly if the vehicle is moving, exhaust
fumes could enter the passenger
compartment. There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the
tailgate. Never drive with the tailgate open.
The gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the vehicle
weight including fuel, vehicle tool kit, spare
wheel, installed accessories, vehicle
occupants and luggage/cargo.
The gross load limit and the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) for your vehicle must
never be exceeded. The gross load limit and the GVWR are specified on the vehicle
identification plate on the B-pillar of the
driver's door (
Y page 339).
The load must also be
distributed so that the
weight on each axle never exceeds the gross
axle weight rating (GAWR) for the front and
rear axles. The specifications for GVWR and
GAWR are on the vehicle identification plate
on the B-pillar of the driver's door
(Y page 339).
Further information can be found in the
"Loading the vehicle" section ( Y page 339).
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 The cargo compartment is the preferred
place to carry objects.
R Position heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the cargo
compartment as possible.
R The load must not protrude above the
upper edge of the seat backrests.
R Always place the load against the rear or
front seat backrests. Make sure that the
seat backrests are securely locked into
place.
R Always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R Use the cargo tie down rings and the parcel
nets to transport loads and luggage.
R Use cargo tie-down rings and fastening
materials appropriate for the weight and
size of the load.
R Hook in the cargo net (if installed) when
loading.
R Secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie-downs. pad sharp edges
for protection.270
Loading guidelines
Stowage and features
Stowage areas
Stowage space
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If objects in the passenger compartment are
stowed incorrectly, they can slide or be
thrown around and hit vehicle occupants.
There is a risk of injury, particularly in the
event of sudden braking or a sudden change
in direction.
R Always stow objects so that
they cannot be
thrown around in such situations.
R Always make sure that objects do not
protrude from stowage spaces, parcel nets
or stowage nets.
R Close the lockable stowage spaces while
driving.
R Stow and secure objects that are heavy,
hard, pointy, sharp-edged, fragile or too
large in the cargo compartment.
Observe the loading guidelines (Y page 270).
Stowage compartments in the front Glove box
X
To open: pull handle 0043 and open
glove box
flap 0044.
X To close: fold glove box flap 0044 upwards
until it engages.
The glove box can only be locked and
unlocked using the mechanical key. X
To lock: insert the mechanical key into the
lock and turn it 90° clockwise to position
0048.
X To unlock: insert the mechanical key into
the lock and turn it 90° counter-clockwise
to position 0047
.
i The glove box can be ventilated
(Y page 137).
Stowage compartment under the armrest X
To open: press left-hand button 0044 or right-
hand button
0043.
The stowage compartment opens.
i Depending on the vehicle's equipment, a
USB connection and an
AUX
IN connection
or a Media Interface are installed in the
stowage compartment. A Media Interface
is a universal interface for portable audio
equipment, e.g. for an iPod ®
or MP3 player
(see the separate Audio or COMAND
Operating Instructions). Stowage areas
271
Stowage and features Z
Folding the rear seat backrest back
0043
Backrest
0044 Lock verification indicator
0087 Backrest release handle
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
forward if necessary.
! Make sure that the seat belt does not
become trapped when folding
the
rear seat
backrest back. Otherwise, it could be
damaged.
X Fold seat backrest 0043 back until it engages.
Red lock status indicator
0044 is no longer
visible.
X Adjust the head restraints if necessary
(Y page 99).
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary. Securing cargo
Cargo tie-down rings G
WARNING
The Top Tether anchorages cannot secure a
load. If you secure a
load with the Top Tether
anchorages, the Top Tether anchorages could
be pulled out during braking, abrupt changes
in direction or in the event of an accident. The
load could slip, tip over or be flung around and
thereby hit vehicle occupants. There is a risk
of injury. Only use the cargo tie down rings when
securing a load.
Observe the following notes on securing
loads:
R Observe the loading guidelines
(Y page 270).
R Secure the load using the cargo tie-down
rings.
R Distribute the load on the cargo tie down
rings evenly.
R Do not use elastic straps
or nets to secure
a load, as these are only intended as an
anti-slip protection for light loads.
R Do not route tie-downs across sharp edges
or corners.
R Pad sharp edges for protection.
There are four cargo tie down rings in the
cargo compartment and two in the rear-
compartment footwells 14
. 0043
Cargo tie-down rings in the cargo
compartment
14 Canada only. Stowage areas
273
Stowage and features Z