2013 MERCEDES-BENZ R-CLASS FAMILY TOURER Owners Manual

Activation conditions
To activate cruise control, all of the following
activation conditions mus
tbe fulfilled:
R the parking brake must be released.
R you are driving faster than 20mph
(30 km/h).
R ESP ®
must be active, but not intervening.
R the transmission must be in position D.
Storing, maintaining and calling up a
speed Storing and maintaining the speed
X
Accelerate the vehicle to the desired
speed.
X Briefly press the cruise control lever
up : or down ;.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Cruise control is activated. The vehicle
automatically maintains the stored speed.
You can accept the curren tspeed if you are
driving faster than 20 mph (30km/h).
i Cruise control may be unable to maintain
the stored speed on uphill gradients. The
stored speed is resumed when the gradient
evens out. Cruise controlm aintains the
stored speed on downhill gradients by
automatically applying the brakes.
Storing or calling up thes peedG
WARNING
The set speed stored in memory should only
be set againifp revailing road conditions and
legal speed limits permit. Possible
acceleration or deceleratio ndifferences
arising fro mreturning to the preset speed
could cause an acciden tand/o rserious injury
to you and others. X
Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you ?.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
The first time cruise control is activated, it
stores the curren tspeed or regulates the
speed of the vehicle to the previously
stored speed.
Setting aspeed G
WARNING
Keep in mind tha titmay take a brie fmoment
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.
X Press the cruise control lever up :for a
higher speed or down ;for a lower speed.
X To adjust the set speed in 1 mph
increments (1 km/h increments): briefly
press the cruise control lever up :or
down ;to the pressure point.
Every time the cruise control lever is
pressed up :or down ;the last speed
stored is increased or reduced.
X To adjust the set speed in 5 mph
increments (10 km/h increments):
press the cruise control lever up :or
down ;to beyond the pressure point.
Every time the cruise control lever is
pressed up :or down ;the last speed
stored is increased or reduced.
i Cruise control is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal. For
example, if you accelerate briefly to
overtake, cruise control adjusts the
vehicle's speed to the last speed stored
after you have finished overtaking. 174
Driving systemsDriving and parking

Deactivating cruise control
There are several ways to deactivate cruise
control:
X
Briefly press the cruise control lever
forwards =.
or
X Brake.
Cruise control is automatically deactivated if:
R you depress the parking brake.
R you are driving at less than 20 mph
(30 km/h).
R ESP ®
intervenes or you deactivate ESP ®
.
R you shift the transmissio nto position N
while driving.
If cruise control is deactivated, you will hear
a warning tone. You will see the CruiseControl Off message in the multifunction
display for approximately five seconds.
i When you switch off the engine, the last
speed stored is cleared. DISTRONIC
Important safety notes G
WARNING
To use DISTRONIC PLUS you must be familiar
with its mode of operation. We strongly
recommend that you read the following
information carefully before operating the
system. G
WARNING
When DISTRONIC brakes, the brake pedal is
pulled back (i.e. operated automatically). The
area around the pedal must not be blocked by
obstacles:
R do not place any object sinthe footwell.
R ensure that floormats and carpets are fixed
securely. In particular, do not place several
floormats on top of one another.
R do not place your foot under the brake
pedal, as it could become trapped.
Non-compliance could lead you to cause an
accident in which you and/or others could be
seriously injured. G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC is a convenience system. Its
speed adjustment reduction capability is
intended to make cruise control more
effective and usable when traffic speeds vary.
It is not however, intended to, nor does it,
replace the need for extreme care.
The responsibility for the vehicle's speed,
distance to the preceding vehicle and, most
importantly, brake operation to ensure a safe
stopping distance, always remains with the
driver.
The DISTRONIC cannot take street and traffic
conditions into account. Complex driving
situations are not always fully recognized by
the DISTRONIC. This could result in wrong or
missing distance warnings. G
WARNING
DISTRONIC distance control is not a
substitute for the driver's active involvement.
It does not react to pedestrians or stationary
objects nor can it detect, recognize or predict
the road's course or the movements of
vehicles in front.
DISTRONIC can only brake using 40 % of the
vehicle's maximum possible braking force.
The driver must always pay careful attention
to the road, weather and traffic conditions.
The driver must drive, steer and brake in a Driving systems
175Driving and parking
Z

manner which will allow him to always have
control of the vehicle.
High-frequency sources, such as toll stations,
velocity measurement systems, etc. may
cause DISTRONIC to malfunction.
G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC cannot take road and traffic
conditions into account. Only use the
DISTRONIC if the road, weather and traffic
conditions make it advisable to travel at a
constant speed. G
WARNING
Use of the DISTRONIC can be dangerous on
slippery roads.R apid changes in tire traction
can result in wheel spin and loss of control.
The DISTRONIC does not function in adverse
sigh tand distance conditions. Do not use the
DISTRONIC during conditions of fog, heavy
rain, snow or sleet. G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC cannot take weather
conditions into account. Switch off the
DISTRONIC or do not switch it on if:
R roads are slippery or covered with snow or
ice .The wheels could lose traction while
braking or accelerating, and the vehicle
could skid.
R the DISTRONIC system sensor cover is dirty
or visibility is diminished due to snow, rain
or fog, for example. The distance control
system functionality could be impaired.
Always pay attention to surrounding traffic
conditions even while the DISTRONIC is
switched on. Otherwise, you may not be able
to recognize dangerous situations until it is
too late. This could cause an accident in which
you and/or others could be injured. G
WARNING
The "Resume" function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed. G
WARNING
Close attention to road and traffic conditions
is imperative at all times, regardless of
whether or not the DISTRONIC is activated.
Use of the DISTRONIC can be dangerous on
winding roads or in heavy traffic because
conditions do not allow safe driving at a
constant speed.
The DISTRONIC will not react to stationary
objects in the roadway (e.g. a stopped vehicle
in a traffic jam or a disabled vehicle). The
DISTRONIC will also not respond to oncoming
vehicles.
Switch off the DISTRONIC
R when changing from the left to the right
lane if vehicles are moving more slowly in
the left lane
R when entering a turn lane or highway off
ramp
R in complex driving situations, such as in
highway construction zones
In these situations, the DISTRONIC will
continue to maintain the set speed unless
deactivated.
The DISTRONIC is designed and intended only
to maintain a set speed and keep a set
distance from moving objects in front of it.
i USA only:
This device has been approved by the FCC
as a "VehicularR adar System". The radar
sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removing, tampering
with, or altering the device will void any
warranties, and is notp ermitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter or use in any
non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification of the
device can result in the operating permit
being rendered invalid.
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 176
Driving systemsDriving and parking

2. this device must accep
tany interference
received, including interference tha tmay
cause undesired operatio nofthe device.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the
device will void any warranties and is not
permitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or use
the device in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
DISTRONIC regulates the speed and
automatically helps you maintain the
distance to the vehicle detected in front.
DISTRONIC brakes automatically so that the
set speed is not exceeded.
On long and steep downhill gradients,
especially if the vehicle is laden or towing a
trailer, you must select shift range 1,2or 3
in good time. By doing so, you will make use
of the braking effect of the engine, which
relieves the load on the brake system and
prevents the brakes from overheating and
wearing too quickly.
If DISTRONIC detects a slower-moving
vehicle in front, your vehicle is braked in order
to maintain the preset distance to the vehicle
in front.
If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC
operates in the same way as cruise control in
the speed range between 20 mph (30k m/h)
and 120 mph (200 km/h). If a vehicle is
driving in front of you, DISTRONIC operates
in the speed range between 0mph (0 km/h)
and 120 mph (200 km/h).
Do not use DISTRONIC on roads with steep
gradients. Cruise control lever :
To store the curren tspeed or a higher
speed
; To store the curren tspeed or a lower
speed
= To deactivate DISTRONIC
? To store the curren tspeed or call up the
last stored speed
Switching on DISTRONIC, storing and
maintaining the current speed Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The vehicle can be braked when DISTRONIC
is activated. For this reason, deactivate
DISTRONIC if the vehicle is to be set in motion
by other means (e.g. in a car wash or by
towing). G
WARNING
If you depress the brake pedal, DISTRONIC is
deactivated. DISTRONIC will then no longer
brake your vehicle. In such cases, control the
distance from vehicles traveling in front with
the brake alone. You could otherwise cause
an acciden tand thereby injure yourselfa nd
others. The driver remains fully responsible
for the vehicle's distance from othe rvehicles,
the speed being driven and for braking in good
time. Driving systems
177Driving and parking Z

G
WARNING
DISTRONIC must never be operated,
activated or deactivated by a passenger or
from outside the vehicle.
You can activate DISTRONIC in the following
circumstances:
R if the engine has been started and you have
been driving for up to two minutes
R while driving, except if you brake
R the parking brake is released
R if ESP ®
is activated
R if the transmission is in position D
Activating while driving
X Briefly pull the cruise control leve rtowards
you ?or press it up :or down ;to the
pressure point.
DISTRONIC is activated.
X Press the cruise control lever repeatedly
up : or down ;until the desired speed
is set.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Your vehicle adapts its speed to that of the
vehicle in front, but only up to the desired
stored speed.
You can also activate DISTRONIC when
driving at speeds below 20 mph (30 km/h)
but only if the vehicle in front has been
detected and is shown in the multifunction
display .Ifthe vehicle in front is no longer
detected and displayed, DISTRONIC switches
off and you will hear a tone.
i You can use the cruise control lever to set
the stored speed and the control on the
cruise control lever to set the specified
minimum distance (Y page 179).
i If you do not fully release the accelerator
pedal, the DISTRONIC Override message
appears in the multifunction display. The
set distance to a slower-moving vehicle in
front will then not be maintained. You will
be driving at the speed you determine by
the position of the accelerator pedal. Driving
If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC
operates in the same way as cruise control.
If DISTRONIC detects that the vehicle in front
has slowed down, it brakes your vehicle. In
this way, the distance you have selected is
maintained.
If DISTRONIC detects that the vehicle in front
is driving faster, it accelerates your vehicle,
but only up to the stored speed.
Stopping
If DISTRONIC detects that the vehicle in front
is stopping, it brakes your vehicle until it is
stationary.
i
Depending on the specified minimum
distance, your vehicle will come to a
standstill at a sufficient distance behind the
vehicle in front.T he specified minimum
distance is set using the control on the
cruise control lever.
DISTRONIC is deactivated automatically
when stopping:
R on flat stretches of road or on downhill
gradients when the vehicle is stationary
R while the vehicle is still moving on uphill
gradients, to prevent the vehicle from
unexpectedly rolling back when
DISTRONIC is deactivated
If DISTRONIC is deactivated, you will hear a
warning tone.
X To prevent the vehicle from rolling away,
depress the brake pedal or engage the
parking brake.
Setting aspeed G
WARNING
Keep in mind tha titmay take a brie fmoment
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 178
Driving systemsDriving and parking

of the vehicle could cause an accident and/
or serious injury to you and others.
X Press the cruise control lever up :for a
higher speed or down ;for a lower speed.
X To adjust the set speed in 1 mph
increments (1 km/h increments): briefly
press the cruise control lever up :or
down ;to the pressure point.
Every time the cruise control lever is
pressed up :or down ;the last speed
stored is increased or reduced.
X To adjust the set speed in 5 mph
increments (10 km/h increments):
briefly press the cruise control lever
up : or down ;to the pressure point.
Every time the cruise control lever is
pressed up :or down ;the last speed
stored is increased or reduced.
i DISTRONIC is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal. If you
accelerate to overtake, DISTRONIC adjusts
the vehicle's speed to the last speed stored
after you have finished overtaking.
Storing the current speed or calling up
the last stored speed G
WARNING
The set speed stored in memory should only
be set again if prevailing road conditions and
legal speed limits permit. Possible
acceleration or deceleration differences
arising from returning to the preset speed
could cause an accident and/or serious injury
to you and others.
X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you ?.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
DISTRONIC is activated and accepts the
current speed if it is activated for the first
time, or adjusts the vehicle's speed to the
last speed stored. Setting the specified minimum distance G
WARNING
It is up to the driver to exercise discretion to
select the appropriate setting given road
conditions, traffic, driver's preferred driving
style and applicable laws and driving
recommendations for safe following distance. You can set the specified minimum distance
for DISTRONIC by varying the time span
between one and two seconds. With this
function, you can set the minimum distance
that DISTRONIC keeps to the vehicle in front,
dependent on vehicle speed. You can see this
distance in the multifunction display
(Y
page 180).
X To increase: turn control;in direction
=.
DISTRONIC then maintains a greater
distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front.
X To decrease: turn control;in
direction :.
DISTRONIC then maintains a shorter
distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front.
i Make sure that you maintain the
minimum distance to the vehicle in front as
required by law. Adjust the distance to the
vehicle in front if necessary. Driving systems
179Driving and parking Z

DISTRONIC displays in the
speedometer
G
WARNING
An intermittent warning sounds and the
distance warning lamp ·in theinstrument
cluster is illuminated if the DISTRONIC system
calculates tha tthe distance to the vehicle
ahead and your vehicle's current speed
indicate that the DISTRONIC will not be
capable of slowing the vehicle sufficiently to
maintain the preset following distance, which
creates a danger of a collision.
Immediately brake the vehicle to increase
your distance to the preceding vehicle. The
warning sound is intended as a final caution
in which you should intercede with your own
braking inputs to avoid a potentially
dangerous situation. Do not wait for the
operation of the warning signal to intercede
with your own braking. This will result in
potentially dangerous emergency braking
which will not always result in an impact being
avoided.
Tailgating increases the risk of an accident. G
WARNING
DISTRONIC brakes your vehicle with a
maximum deceleration of 13 ft/s 2
(4 m/s 2
).
This corresponds to approximately 40 % of
your vehicle's maximum braking force.
To avoid a collision, you must apply the brakes
yourself. DISTRONIC brakes the vehicle to
restore the set distance to the vehicle in front
or to restore the set speed. In this case, the
brake pedal is depressed automatically,
which can be felt by amovement of the brake
pedal.
Always keep the driver's footwell clear of
objects, including the area under the brake
pedal. Objects in this area may impair pedal
movement and cause the DISTRONIC braking
function to malfunction.
Do not place your foot under the brake pedal
–y our foot could become caught. When DISTRONIC is activated, one or
two segments in the set speed range light up.
i
For design reasons, the speed displayed
in the speedometer may differ slightly from
the speed set for DISTRONIC.
If DISTRONIC detects a vehicle in front,
segments ;between speed of the vehicle in
front :and stored speed =light up.
DISTRONIC displays in the
multifunction display General notes
X
Press the VorU button to select the
DISTRONIC menu (Y
page 202).
Display when DISTRONIC is deactivated :
Vehicle in front, if detected
; Distance indicator, displaying current
distance to the vehicle in front
= Specified minimum distance to the
vehicle in front; adjustable
? Own vehicle 180
Driving systemsDriving and parking

Display when DISTRONIC is activated
:
DISTRONIC activated
; Stored speed
Whe nactivating DISTRONIC and when setting
the speed, stored speed ;appears for
around five seconds.
After approximately five seconds, current
stored speed ;is shown in the multifunction
display status indicator DTR XXX Miles .
Deactivating DISTRONIC There are several ways to deactivate
DISTRONIC:
X
Briefly press the cruise control lever
forwards :.
or
X Brake.
i The last speed stored remains stored until
you switch off the engine.
DISTRONIC is automatically deactivated if:
R you engage the parking brake.
R you are driving slowe rthan 20 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 you shift the transmission to P,Ror N.
If DISTRONIC is deactivated, you will hear a
warning tone. You will see the DISTRONIC Off message in the multifunction display for
approximately five seconds.
Tips for driving with DISTRONIC Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC 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
could lose sight of the preceding vehicle.
Your vehicle could then accelerate to the
previously selected speed.
The DISTRONIC regulates only the distance
between your vehicle and those directly
ahead of it, but does not register stationary
objects in the road, e.g.:
R a stopped vehicle in a traffic jam
R a disabled vehicle
R an oncoming vehicle
The driver must always be alert, observe all
traffic and intercede as required by means of
steering or braking the vehicle. G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC should not be used in snowy
or icy road conditions.
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. Driving systems
181Driving and parking Z