
R
ADAPTIVE BRAKE
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake Important safety notes
G
WARNING
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative tha tyou read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all
necessary safety information and warning for
the operation of your vehicle.
If you fail to adapt your driving style or
become distracted, the driving safety
systems can neither reduce the risk of
accident nor override the laws of physics.
Driving safety systems are merely aids
designed to assist driving. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed and for braking in
good time. Always adapt your driving style to
suit the prevailing road and weather
conditions and maintain asafe distance from
the vehicle in front. Drive carefully.
i The driving safety systems described only
work as effectively as possible when there
is adequate contact between the tires and
the road surface. Pay particular attention
to the informatio nregarding tires,
recommended minimum tire tread depths
etc.int he "Wheels and tires" section
(Y page 498).
In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible. ABS (Anti-lockB
raking System)
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
sectio n(Ypage 73). G
WARNING
If ABSi s faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking
characteristics may be severely impaired.
Additionally, further driving safety systems
are deactivated. There is an increased danger
of skidding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked
immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
When ABS is malfunctioning, other systems,
including driving safety systems, will also
become inoperative. Observe the information
on the ABS warning lamp (Y page 428) and
display messages which may be shown in the
instrument cluster (Y page 391).
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph
(8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-surface
conditions. ABS works on slippery surfaces,
even if you only brake gently.
The 0015 warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking: X
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking
situation is over.
X To make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving. Driving safety systems
73Safety Z

BAS (Brake Assist System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Ypage 73). G
WARNING
If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance
in an emergency braking situatio nis
increased. There is a risk of an accident.
In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels fro mlocking.
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated. BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System Plus)
BAS PLUS is only available in vehicles
equipped with DISTRONIC PLUS.
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 73).
BAS PLUS provides braking assistance in
hazardous situations at speeds greater than
4m ph (7 km/h) and uses radar sensor
technology to assess the traffic situation.
i This device has been approved by the FCC
as a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar
senso ris intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removing, altering or
tampering with the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. 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.
With the help of the radar sensor system, BAS
PLUS can detect obstacles that are in the
path of your vehicle for an extended period of
time. BAS PLUS can also react to stationary
obstacles, e.g. stopped or parked vehicles, at
speeds of up to approximately 40 mph
(70 km/h).
Should you approach an obstacle and BAS
PLUS has detected a risk of collision, BAS
PLUS calculates the braking force necessary
to avoid a rear-end collision.
R
For speeds above 20 mph (30 km/h): if
you apply the brakes forcefully, BAS PLUS
automatically increases the braking force
to a level suitable for the traffic conditions.
R For speeds below 20 mph (30 km/h): if
you apply the brakes, BAS PLUS is
activated. Braking is performed as late as
possible.
If BAS PLUS demands particularly high
braking force, preventative passenger
protection measures (PRE-SAFE ®
) are
activated simultaneously.
X Keep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will work normally againi f:
R you release the brake pedal.
R there is no longe rany dange rofarear-end
collision.
R no obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle.
BAS PLUS is then deactivated.
For BAS PLUS to assist you when driving, the
rada rsensor system must be switched on and
operational; see "Rada rsensor system" in the
index. G
WARNING
Adaptive Brake Assist cannot always clearly
identify objects and complex traffic
situations. In these cases, Adaptive Brake
Assist may not intervene. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake. 74
Driving safet
ysystemsSafety

i
Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
ETS/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. On vehicles with 4MATIC, more
drive torque is also transferred to the wheel
or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 73). 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.
X To deactivate:(Y page 386).
The 0013 ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
S 63 AMG: deactivate ESP ®
when driving
on designated roads when the vehicle's
own oversteering and understeering
characteristics are desired. Driving without
ESP ®
requires an extremely qualified and
experienced driver who is able to cope with
these critical driving conditions.
X To activate:(Y page 386).
The 0013 ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. ESP
®
is activated automaticallyw hen the
engine is started.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the 000CESP®
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 the engine's torque is no longer limited, and
the drive wheels can spin. The spinning of
the wheels results in a cutting action, which
provides better grip.
Vehicles with ECO start/stop function: the
ECO start/stop function switches the engine
off automatically when the vehicle comes to
a stop. The engine starts automatically when
the driver wants to pull away again. ESP ®
remains in its previously selected status.
Example: if ESP ®
was deactivated before the
engine was switched off, ESP ®
remains
deactivated when the engine is switched on
again. EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 73). 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 76
Driving safety systemsSafety

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. Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct SmartKey.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
SmartKey that is left inside the vehicle.
X To activate with the SmartKey: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
X To activate with KEYLESS-GO: switch the
ignition off and open the driver's door.
X To deactivate: switch on the ignition.
i The immobilizer is always deactivated
when you start the engine. ATA (anti-theft alarm system)
Av isual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is armed and you open:
R a door
R the vehicle with the mechanical key
R the trunk lid
R the hood
The alarm is not switched off, even if you
close the open door that has triggered it, for
example. i
If the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, the mbrace (USA only) or TELE
AI D( Canada only) emergency call system
initiates a call to the Custome rAssistance
Center automatically. The emergency call
system initiates the call provided that:
R you have subscribed to the mbrace/
TELE AID service.
R the mbrace/TELE AID service has been
activated properly.
R the required mobile phone, power supply
and GPS are available. X
To arm: lock the vehicle with the SmartKey
or KEYLESS-GO.
Indicator lamp 0002flashes. The alarm
system is armed after approximately
30 seconds.
X To disarm: unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO.
X To stop the alarm using the SmartKey:
insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
The alarm is switched off.
or
X Press the 000Bor0009 button on the
SmartKey.
The alarm is switched off. Theft deterrent locking system
79Safety Z

X
To sto pthe alarm using KEYLESS-GO:
grasp the outside door handle. The
SmartKey must be outside the vehicle.
The alarm is switched off.
or
X Press the Start/Stop button on the
dashboard. The SmartKey must be inside
the vehicle.
The alarm is switched off. 80
Theft deterrent locking systemSafety

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).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
WARNING
If a key ring is too heavy or too large, the
weight acting on the key 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 may lose control
of the vehicle and cause an accident. Do not
attach any heavy or large key rings to the key
that is inserted in the ignition. General notes
If you cannot lock or unlock the vehicle with
the SmartKey, either the battery in the
SmartKey is discharged, the SmartKey is
faulty or the starter battery is discharged.
X Check the battery in the SmartKey and
replace it if necessary (Y page 85).
X Unlock the driver's door using the
mechanical key (Y page 90).
X Lock the vehicle (Y page 91).
X Have the starter battery and the battery
contacts checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
If the SmartKey is faulty, contact Roadside
Assistance or a qualified specialist workshop. SmartKey functions
The SmartKey centrally locks/unlocks:
R the doors
R the trunk lid
R the fuel filler flap 82
SmartKeyOpening/closing

0002
0009 Locks the vehicle
0003 0004 Unlocks the trunk lid
0026 000B Unlocks the vehicle
When unlocking, the turn signals flash once.
When locking, they flash three times.
When it is dark, the surround lighting also
comes on if it is activated in COMAND
(Y page 268).
If you activate the acoustic locking
confirmation function you will hear the
following, depending on the date of
production of the vehicle:
R an acoustic signal when locking
or
R one acoustic signal when unlocking and
three when locking.
The audible signal can be activated and
deactivated using the on-board computer
(Y page 388).
X To unlockc entrally:press the000B
button.
If you do not open th evehicle within
approximately 40 seconds of unlocking:
R the vehicle is locked again.
R the thef tdeterrent locking system is armed
again.
X To lock centrally: press the0009button. KEYLESS-GO
Important notes on the use of KEYLESS-
GO R
Do not keep the KEYLESS-GO key together
with:
- electronic devices, e.g. a mobile phone
or another key
- metallic objects, e.g. coins or metal foil.
This can affect the functionality of
KEYLESS-GO.
R Bear in mind that the engine can be started
by any of the vehicle occupants if there is
a KEYLESS-GO key in the vehicle.
Locking and unlocking centrally You can start, lock or unlock the vehicle using
KEYLESS-GO. To do this, you only need carry
the SmartKey with you. You can combine the
KEYLESS-GO functions with those of a
conventional key, e.g. using KEYLESS-GO to
unlock and pressing the
0009button to lock.
When locking and unlocking using KEYLESS-
GO, the distance between the SmartKey and
the corresponding door handle must not
exceed 3 ft (1 m).
KEYLESS-GO checks whether a valid key is in
the vehicle by periodically establishing a radio
connection between the vehicle and the key.
This happens:
R when the external door handles are
touched
R when starting the engine
R while the vehicle is in motion SmartKey
83Opening/closing Z

X
To unloc kthe vehicle: pull the door
handle.
X To loc kthe vehicle: touch sensor
surface 0002.
X Convenience closing feature: touch
recessed sensor surface 0003for an
extended period (Y page 97).
If you pull on the handl eofthe trunk lid, only
the trunk of the vehicle is unlocked.
If the vehicle has been parked for a long time,
the sensor surfaces are deactivated
automatically .Inorder to unlock the door,
pull the door handle. In order to reactivate the
sensor surface, switch the ignitio nonagain. Changing the settings of the locking
system
You can change the setting of the locking
system in such a way that only the driver's
door and the fuel filler flap are unlocked. This
is useful if you frequently travel on your own.
X To change the setting: press and hold
down the 000Band0009 buttons
simultaneously for approximately
six seconds until the battery check lamp
flashes twice (Y page 85).
i If the setting of the locking system is
changed within the signal range of the
vehicle, pressing the 0009or000B button
locks or unlocks the vehicle.
The SmartKey now functions as follows:
X To unlock the driver's door: press the
000B button once.
X To unlock centrally: press the000B
button twice.
X To lock centrally: press the0009button. The KEYLESS-GO function is changed as
follows:
X
To unlock the driver's door :pull the door
handle on the driver's door.
X To unlock centrally: pull the door handle
on the front-passenger door or on the rear
doors.
X To lock centrally: touch the outer sensor
surface on one of the door handles. Restoring the factory settings
X Press the 000Band0009 buttons
simultaneously for approximately
six seconds until the battery chec klamp
flashes twice. Mechanical key
General notes If you use the mechanical key to unlock and
open the driver's door or the trunk lid, the
anti-thef
talarm system will be triggered
(Y page 79).
There are several ways to tur noff the alarm:
X To turn the alarm off with the
SmartKey: press the000Bor0009 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. 84
SmartKeyOpening/closing