2013 MERCEDES-BENZ R-CLASS FAMILY TOURER warning

ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
sectio n(Ypage 67). G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further
driving safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! Only operate the vehicle for a maximum
of ten seconds on a brake test
dynamometer. Switch off the ignition.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! A function or performance test should
only be carried out on atwo-axle
dynamometer. 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.
ESP ®
is deactivated if the åwarning lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up
continuously when the engine is running.
If the ÷ warning lamp and the å
warning lamp are lit continuously, ESP ®
is not
available due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 241) and display messages which
may be shown in the instrument cluster
(Y page 215).
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. The engine output is also modified to
keep the vehicle on the desired course within
physical limits. ESP ®
assists the driver when
pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the vehicle during braking. If ESP
®
intervenes, the ÷ESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP ®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any
circumstances.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) Traction control is part of ESP
®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side. In addition, more drive torque is
transferred to the wheel or wheels with
traction.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Deactivating/activating ESP ® G
WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer
stabilizes the vehicle. There is an increased
risk of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations
described in the following.
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ®
deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain. Driving safety systems
69Safety Z

X
To switch off: press button:.
The å ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
X To switc hon:press button :.
The å ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ESP®
warning lamp in
the instrument cluster flashes. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following 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 traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
R engine torque is not limited and the drive
wheels are able to spin. The spinning
wheels produce a cutting effec tfor better
traction.
ESP ®
trailer stabilization G
WARNING
If road and weather conditions are poor,
trailer stabilization will not be able to prevent the vehicle/trailer combination from
swerving. Trailers with a high center of gravity
can tip over before ESP
®
can detect this.
There is a risk of an accident.
Always adapt your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
If your vehicle with trailer (vehicle/trailer
combination) begins to lurch, you can only
stabilize 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
stabilized.
Trailer stabilization is active above speeds of
about 40 mph (65 km/h).
Trailer stabilization does not work if ESP ®
is
deactivated because of a malfunction. EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 67). G
WARNING
If EBD has malfunctioned, the rear wheels can
still lock, e.g. under full braking. This
increases 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
specialist workshop.
Observe information regarding indicator and
warning lamps (Y page 239) as well as
display messages (Y page 217).
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking. 70
Driving safety systemsSafety

Distance warning function
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 67). G
WARNING
The distance warning function does no treact:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R when cornering
Thus, the distance warning function cannot
provide a warning in all critical situations.
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake.
The distance warning function is only
available in vehicles with DISTRONIC.
The distance warning function cannot always
clearly identify objects and complex traffic
situations.
In such cases, the distance warning function
may:
R give an unnecessary warning
R not give a warning
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and do not rely solely on the
distance warning function.
Function X
To activate/deactivate: activate or
deactivate the distance warning function in
the on-board computer (Y page 211).
After activation, the Äsymbol is
displayed in the lower multifunction
display.
The distance warning function can help you
to minimize the risk of a front-end collision
with a vehicle ahead or reduce the effects of
such a collision. If the distance warning
function detects that there is a risk of a
collision, you will be warned visually and acoustically. The distance warning function
cannot preven
tacollision withouty our
intervention.
Starting at a speed of around 20 mph
(30 km/h), the distance warning function
warns you if you approach a vehicle in front
very quickly. An intermittentw arning tone will
then sound and the ·distance warning
lamp will light up in the instrumen tcluster.
X Brake immediately in order to increase the
distance from the vehicle in front.
or
X Take evasive action provided it is safe to do
so.
For the distance warnin gfunction to assist
you when driving, the function must be
activated in the on-board computer and be
operational ( Ypage 211).
Due to the nature of the system, particularly
complicated driving conditions may cause the
system to display unnecessary warnings.
With the help of the radar sensor system, the
distance warning function can detect
obstacles that are in the path of your vehicle
for an extended period of time.
At speeds up to 40 mph (70 km/h), the
distance warning function may also detect
stationary obstacles such as stopped or
parked vehicles.
If you approach an obstacle and the distance
warning function detects a ris kofacollision,
the system will initially alert you both visually
and acoustically.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if there is:
R dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
R snow or heavy rain
R interference by othe rradar sources
R the possibility of strong radar reflections,
for example in parking garages Driving safety systems
71Safety 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 24).SmartKey
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take
the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, and do not give them access
to an unlocked vehicle. Achild's unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. They could:
R injure themselves on vehicle parts
R be seriously or fatally injured by extreme
heat or cold
R injure themselves or have an accident with
vehicle equipment that may still be in
operation even after the SmartKey has
been removed from the ignition, such as the
seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment or memory function.
If children open a door, they could cause
severe or even fatal injury to other persons; if
they get out of the vehicle, they could injure
themselves when doing so or be seriously or
even fatally injured by any passing traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system's
metal parts, for example, could become very hot, and a child could be burned on these
parts.
G
WARNUNG
If a key ring is too heavy or too large, the
weight acting on the SmartKey could cause it
to turn in the ignition lock or catch on the
steering wheel. This could cause the engine
to be switched off suddenly. You could lose
control of the vehicle and cause an accident.
Do not attach any heavy or large key rings to
the SmartKey that is inserted in the ignition.
i USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
The Product label with FCC ID and IC
certification number can be found in the
battery case of the SmartKey.
i Canada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada.O peration is subjectto
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accep tany interference
received, including interference tha tmay
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modificatio nto this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment. 76
SmartKeyOpening/closing

There are several ways to turn off the alarm:
X
To turn the alarm off with the
SmartKey: press the%or& button
on the SmartKey.
or
X Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
or
X To deactivate the alarm with KEYLESS-
GO: press the Start/Stop button in the
ignition lock. The SmartKey must be in the
vehicle.
or
X Lock or unlock the vehicle using KEYLESS-
GO. The SmartKey must be outside the
vehicle.
If you unlock the vehicle using the mechanical
key, the fuel filler flap will not be unlocked
automatically.
X To unlock the fuel filler flap: insert the
SmartKey into the ignition lock.
Removing the mechanical key X
Push release catch :in the direction of
the arrow and at the same time remove
mechanical key ;from the SmartKey. SmartKey battery
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Batteries contain toxic and caustic
substances .For this reason, keep batteries
out of the reach of children.
If a battery has been swallowed, seek medical
help immediately. G
WARNING
The SmartKey batteries contain perchlorate
material, which may require special handling
and regard for the environment. Observe
government disposal guidelines. California
residents, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/
HazardousWaste/Perchlorate/
index.cfm.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have
the batteries replaced at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Checking the battery X
Press the &or% button.
The battery is working properly if battery
check lamp :lights up briefly.
The battery is discharged if battery check
lamp :does not light up briefly.
X Changing the battery (Y page 80) SmartKey
79Opening/closing Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
You have lost the
mechanical key. X
Report the loss immediately to the vehicle insurers.
X If necessary, have the locks changed as well. The engine cannot be
started using the
SmartKey. The on-board voltage is too low.
X
Switch off non-essential consumers, e.g. seat heating or interior
lighting, and try to start the engine again.
If this does not work:
X Check the starter battery and charge it if necessary
(Y page 303).
or
X Jump-start the vehicle (Y page 304).
or
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The engine cannot be
started using KEYLESS-
GO. The SmartKey is in
the vehicle. Ad
oor is open. Therefore, the SmartKey cannot be detected as
easily.
X Close the door and try to start the vehicle again. There is interference from a powerful source of radio waves.
X
Start your vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock. Doors
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take
the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, and do not give them access
to an unlocked vehicle. Achild's unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. They could:
R injure themselves on vehicle parts
R be seriously or fatally injured by extreme
heat or cold
R injure themselves or have an accident with
vehicle equipment that may still be in
operation even after the SmartKey has
been removed from the ignition, such as the seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment or memory function.
If children open a door, they could cause
severe or even fatal injury to other persons; if
they get out of the vehicle, they could injure
themselves when doing so or be seriously or
even fatally injured by any passing traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system's
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and a child could be burned on these
parts. G
WARNING
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment or cargo
compartmentu nless they are firmly secured
in place. 82
DoorsOpening/closing

Cargo compartment
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take
the SmartKey with you and loc kthe vehicle.
Do not leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, and do not give them access
to an unlocked vehicle. Achild's unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. They could:
R injure themselves on vehicle parts
R be seriously or fatally injured by extreme
heat or cold
R injure themselves or have an accident with
vehicle equipment that may still be in
operation even after the SmartKey has
been removed from the ignition, such as the
seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment or memory function.
If children open a door, they could cause
severe or even fatal injury to other persons; if
they get out of the vehicle, they could injure
themselves when doing so or be seriously or
even fatally injured by any passing traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system's
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and a child could be burned on these
parts. G
WARNING
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment or cargo
compartmentu nless they are firmly secured
in place.
Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child's risk of injury in the event
of
R strong braking maneuvers
R sudden changes of direction
R an accident G
WARNING
Make sure the tailgate is closed when the
engine is running and whiled riving. Among
other dangers, deadly carbon monoxide (CO)
gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
! The tailgate swings upwards and to the
rear when opened.T herefore, make sure
that there is sufficient clearance above and
behind the tailgate.
i Tailgate opening dimensions
(Y page 357).
Do not leave the SmartKey in the cargo
compartment. You could otherwise lock
yourself out.
Vehicles without the EASY-PACK
tailgate: the tailgate can be:
R opened and closed manually from outside
R opened manually from inside
For vehicles with the EASY-PACK tailgate
you can:
R close the tailgate manually from outside
R open and close the tailgate automatically
from outside
R open and close the tailgate automatically
from inside
R open the tailgate manually from inside
R limit the opening angle of the tailgate Opening/closing from outside
Opening Cargo compartment
85Opening/closing Z

X
Press the %button on the SmartKey.
X Pull handle :.
X Raise the tailgate.
Vehicles with the EASY-PAC Ktailgate: if
you pull handle :and then release it, the
tailgate opens automatically.
Closing G
WARNING
To prevent possible personal injury, always
keep hands and fingers away from the cargo
compartment opening whe nclosing the
tailgate. Be especially careful when small
children are around. X
Pull the tailgate down using recess :.
X Allow the tailgate to drop into the lock.
X Loc kthe vehicle if necessary with
the & button on the SmartKey or with
KEYLESS-GO.
i If a KEYLESS-GO key is detected in the
cargo compartment, the tailgate will not
lock. Opening/closing automatically from
outside
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Make sure the tailgate is closed when the
engine is running and while driving. Among
other dangers, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
! The tailgate swings upwards and to the
rear when opened. Therefore, make sure
that there is sufficient clearance above and
behind the tailgate.
i Tailgate opening dimensions
(Y page 357).
Opening the tailgate automatically You can open the tailgate automatically using
the SmartKey or the handle in the tailgate.
X
Press and hold the Fbutton on the
SmartKey until the tailgate opens.
or
X If the tailgate is unlocked, pull the handle
and let it go again immediately.
Closing the tailgate automatically G
WARNING
Monitor the closing procedure carefully to
make sure no one is in danger of being
injured. To prevent possible personal injury,
always keep hands and fingers away from the
cargo compartmento peningwhen closing the
tailgate. Be especially careful when small
children are around. To stop the closing
procedure, do one of the following:
R Press or pull the remote tailgate opening/
closing switch on the driver's door.
R Press the tailgate closing switch.
R Press the KEYLESS-GO locking/closing
switch.
R Pull outside handle on the tailgate.
R When no SmartKey is inserted in the starter
switch (vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Make
sure the vehicle's on-board electronics
have status 0): Press button Fon the
SmartKey. 86
Cargo compartmentOpening/closing