X
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.
X To make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions, and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving. G
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness. BAS (Brake Assist System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 69).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly,
BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
X Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated. G
WARNING
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore,
the braking distance may increase.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 69). At speeds above approximately
4 mph
(7 km/h), BAS PLUS assists you when
braking in hazardous situations and uses the
radar sensor system to evaluate the traffic
conditions.
i This device has been approved by the FCC
as a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar
sensor system is 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 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.
At speeds up to approximately
40 mph (70 km/h), BAS PLUS can also detect
stationary obstacles, for example stopped or
parked vehicles.
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 At speeds up to approximately
20 mph(30 km/h): should you apply the
brakes forcefully, BAS PLUS will
automatically increase the braking force to
a level suitable for the traffic conditions.
R At speeds up to approximately
20 mph(30 km/h): should 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.70
Driving safety systems
Safety
When you deactivate ESP
®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
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.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
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.
X To deactivate: (Y page 384).
The å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up. G
WARNING
When the å ESP®
OFF warning lamp is lit,
ESP ®
is deactivated.
If the ÷ ESP ®
warning lamp and the
å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp remain lit,
ESP ®
is not available due to a malfunction.
When ESP ®
is deactivated or not operational,
vehicle stability in standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP ®
.
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ®
deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
X To activate: (Y page 384).
The å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 69). EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking. G
WARNING
If EBD has malfunctioned, the braking system
remains available with full brake boosting
effect.
However, the rear wheels can still lock,
e.g. under full braking. This could cause you
to lose control of your vehicle and cause an
accident. You should therefore adapt your
driving style to the different handling
characteristics.
X Observe the notes on warning and indicator
lamps ( Y page 423) as well as display
messages ( Y page 392). ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety
and offers increased braking comfort. In
addition to the braking function, ADAPTIVE
BRAKE also has the HOLD function
(Y page 342) and hill start assist
(Y page 306). For further information, see
Driving tips (Y page 327). PRE-SAFE
®
Brake
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is only available in vehicles
with DISTRONIC PLUS.
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 69).
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can help you to minimize
the risk of a frontal collision with a vehicle
ahead or reduce the effects of such a
collision. If PRE-SAFE ®
Brake has detected a
risk of collision, you will be warned visually
and acoustically as well as by automatic
braking. PRE-SAFE ®
Brake cannot prevent a
collision without your intervention.
At speeds above approximately
4 mph (7 km/h), this function warns you
when you are rapidly approaching the vehicle
in front. An intermittent warning tone will Driving safety systems
73
Safety Z
G
WARNING
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake cannot always detect
complex traffic situations properly.
In these cases, PRE-SAFE(R) Brake may:
R give an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
R neither give a warning nor intervene
There is a risk of an accident. Always pay
particular
attention to the traffic situation and
be ready to brake, especially if PRE-SAFE(R)
Brake warns you. Terminate the intervention
in a non-critical driving situation.
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 other radar sources
R the possibility of strong radar reflections,
for example in parking garages
R a narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
R a vehicle traveling in front on a different line G
WARNING
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R in curves
As a result, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake cannot
intervene in critical situations. There is a risk
of an accident. Always pay careful attention
to the traffic situation and be ready to brake.
In
order to maintain the appropriate distance
to the vehicle in front and thus prevent a
collision, you must apply the brakes yourself. X
To activate/deactivate: activate or
deactivate PRE-SAFE ®
Brake in the on-
board computer ( Y page 384).
After activation, the Ä symbol is
displayed on the left in the instrument
cluster.
For PRE-SAFE ®
Brake to assist you when
driving, the radar sensor system must be
switched on (Y page 387) and operational.
Following damage to the front end of the
vehicle,
have the configuration and operation
of the radar sensors checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where there is no
visible damage to the front of the vehicle. Theft deterrent locking systems
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)
A visual 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 Theft deterrent locking systems
75
Safety Z
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 emergency call system
mbrace (USA only) or TELE AID (Canada
only) initiates a call to the Customer
Assistance 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 : flashes. The alarm
system is armed after approximately 30
seconds.
X To deactivate:
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 % or & button on the
SmartKey.
The alarm is switched off. X
To stop the 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.76
Theft deterrent locking systems
Safety
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. A child'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 could 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 82).
X Unlock the driver's door using the
mechanical key ( Y page 87).
X Lock the vehicle (Y page 88).
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
General notes 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 harmful
interference, and
2.
this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation. 78
SmartKey
Opening/closing
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. 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 of the device.
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.
Locking and unlocking centrally The SmartKey centrally locks/unlocks:
R
the doors
R the trunk lid
R the fuel filler flap :
& Locks the vehicle
; F Unlocks the trunk lid
= % 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 264).
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 386).
X To unlock centrally: press the %
button.
If you do not open the vehicle within
approximately 40 seconds of unlocking:
R the vehicle is locked again.
R the
theft deterrent locking system is armed
again.
X To lock centrally: press the & button. KEYLESS-GO
General notes 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 harmful
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: SmartKey
79
Opening/closing Z
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
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.
Important notes on the use of KEYLESS-
GO R
The KEYLESS-GO key can be used like a
conventional key.
R You can combine KEYLESS-GO functions
with those of a conventional key, e.g.
unlock
with KEYLESS-GO and lock with the
& button.
R Always carry your KEYLESS-GO key on your
person.
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 When locking and unlocking using
KEYLESS-GO, the distance between the
SmartKey and the corresponding door
handle must not exceed 3 ft (1 m).
R If the vehicle is parked for more than
72 hours, the KEYLESS-GO function is
deactivated. Pull the outer door handle and
switch on the ignition to reactivate the
KEYLESS-GO function.
R If the KEYLESS-GO key is removed from the
vehicle, it is possible that the system may
not recognize the SmartKey. The vehicle can then not be locked or started using
KEYLESS-GO.
R If the KEYLESS-GO key has been removed
from
the vehicle, e.g. if a passenger leaves
the vehicle with a KEYLESS-GO key:
- if the start/stop button is pressed or if
an attempt is made to lock the vehicle
with the locking button on the outer door
handle, the Key Not Detected message
appears in the multifunction display
- when the engine is running, the red Key
Not Detected message appears in the
multifunction display as you pull away.
Find the KEYLESS-GO key and change its
position in the vehicle. Carry the
KEYLESS-GO key in your shirt pocket, for
example.
R If you have started the engine with the
Start/Stop button, you can switch it off
again by:
-pressing the Start/Stop button again
- inserting the KEYLESS-GO key into the
ignition lock if the vehicle is stationary
and the automatic transmission is in park
position P.
R You could unlock the vehicle by mistake if
the distance between the KEYLESS-GO key
and the vehicle is less than 3 ft (1 m) and:
-an exterior door handle is hit by a water
jet
or
- you clean an exterior door handle.
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.80
SmartKey
Opening/closing
X
To unlock the vehicle: pull the door
handle.
X To lock the vehicle: touch sensor
surface :.
X Convenience closing feature: touch
recessed sensor surface ; for an
extended period ( Y page 94).
If you pull on the handle of the trunk lid, only
the trunk of the vehicle is unlocked. 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 % and & buttons
simultaneously for approximately six
seconds until the battery check lamp
(Y page 82) flashes twice.
i If the setting of the locking system is
changed within the signal range of the
vehicle, pressing the & or % button
locks or unlocks the vehicle.
The SmartKey now functions as follows:
X To unlock the driver's door: press the
% button once.
X To unlock centrally: press the %
button twice.
X To lock centrally: press the & button.
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 % and & buttons
simultaneously for approximately six
seconds until the battery check lamp
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-theft alarm system will be triggered
(Y page 75).
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.
Removing the mechanical key SmartKey
81
Opening/closing Z