Driving safet
ysystems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......59
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 65
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............60
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .............................................. .60
Electroni cbrake force distribution ...64
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program) .61
ETS (Electronic Traction System) .....62
Important safety information ...........59
Overview .......................................... 59
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................ .65
Driving systems
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................ 184
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 185
Cruis econtrol ................................ 163
Display message ............................ 228
DISTRONI CPLUS ........................... 166
Driving Assistance package ...........185
Dynami chandling package ............176
HOLD function ............................... 176
Lane Keeping Assist ......................187
Parking Guidance ........................... 181
PARKTRONI C................................. 178
Driving tips
Automatic transmission .................147
Brakes ........................................... 160
Break-in period .............................. 134
DISTRONI CPLUS ........................... 174
Downhill gradient ........................... 160
Drinking and driving .......................159
Driving abroad ............................... 106
Driving in winter ............................ .163
Driving on flooded road s................ 162
Driving on wet road s...................... 162
Exhaus tcheck ............................... 159
Fuel ................................................ 159
General .......................................... 158
Hydroplaning ................................. 162
Icy road surfaces ........................... 163
Limited braking efficiency on
salted road s................................... 161
Snow chains .................................. 311
Symmetrical low bea m.................. 106
Wet road surface ........................... 161Drowsiness detection assistance
system
see ATTENTION ASSIST
DVD audio
Operating (on-board computer) .....199
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) .....200
Dynamic handling package
Function/notes ............................. 176 E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating .................206
Function/notes ................................ 99
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 100
Function/notes ................................ 99
Switching on/off ........................... 206
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Display message ............................ 214
Function/notes ................................ 64
ECO display
Function/notes ............................. 159
On-board computer .......................196
ECO start/stop function
Deactivating/activating .................140
General information .......................139
Important safety notes ..................139
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electroni cStability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS (Electronic Traction System)
Emergenc yrelease
Driver's door .................................... 78
Trunk ............................................... 81
Vehicle ............................................. 78
Emergency spare wheel
Important safety notes ..................339
Points to remember .......................339
Removing ....................................... 340
Stowing .......................................... 340
Technical data ............................... 343
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function .......................................... .55
Safety guideline s............................. 408
Index
Emissions control
Service and warranty information ....20
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 250
Display message ............................ 226
ECO start/stop function ................139
Engine number ............................... 348
Irregularr unning............................ 143
Jump-starting ................................. 299
Starting problems ..........................143
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 137
Starting with KEYLESS-GO .............138
Switching off .................................. 156
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 303
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................143
Engine jump starting
see Jump starting (engine)
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 278
Additives ........................................ 351
Checking the oil level ..................... 277
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 278
Display message ............................ 227
Filling capacity ............................... 350
Notes about oil grades ................... 350
Notes on oil level/consumption ....277
Temperature (on-board computer) .207
Viscosity ........................................ 351
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) AMG menu (on-board computer) ...208
Deactivating/activating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 63
Deactivating/activating (notes;
except AMG vehicles) ......................62
Display message ............................ 212
ETS .................................................. 62
Function/notes ................................ 61
Important safety information ...........61
Warning lamp ................................. 246
ETS (Electronic Traction System) ....... 62
Exhaus tcheck ................................... 159
Exhaus ttail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 285Exterior lighting
Setting options .............................. 106
see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 100
Dipping (automatic) .......................101
Folding in/ou t(automatically) .......101
Folding in/ou t(electrically) ...........101
Folding in whe nlocking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 207
Out of position (troubleshooting) ...101
Storing settings (memory function) 103
Storing the parking position ..........102
Eyeglasses compartment .................257 F
Fille rcap
see Fuel filler flap
Filling capacities (Technical data) ...348
Fire extinguisher ............................... 291
First-aid kit ......................................... 290
Flat tire MOExtended tires ..........................292
Preparing the vehicle .....................291
TIREFIT kit ...................................... 293
see Emergency spare wheel
Floormats ........................................... 273
Fog lamps Switching on/off ........................... 108
Front fog lamps
Display message ............................ 224
Switching on/off ........................... 108
Fuel
Additives ........................................ 350
Consumption statistics ..................196
Displaying the current
consumption .................................. 196
Displaying the range ......................196
Driving tips .................................... 159
Fuel gauge ....................................... 29
Grade (gasoline) ............................ 349
Important safety notes ..................348
Problem (malfunction) ...................155
Refueling ........................................ 152
Tank content/reserve fuel .............349
Fuel filler flap
Opening/closing ............................ 153 Index
9
If ESP
®
intervenes, the 000CESP®
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 yourd riving style to suitt he
prevailing road and weather conditions.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
4ETS (Electronic Traction System) i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 59).
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.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
(except
AMG vehicles) i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 59). 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 switch off: press button0003.
The 0014 ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrumentc luster lights up.
X To switch on: press button0003.
The 0014 ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrumen tcluster goes out.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically if the vehicle stops
moving. The engine starts automatically when
the drive rwants 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.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
star tto 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. 62
Driving safety systemsSafety
R
ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
R engine torque is not limited and the drive
wheels are able to spin. Th espinning
wheels produce a cutting effec tfor better
traction.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
(AMG
vehicles) Activating/deactivating SPORT handling
mode G
WARNING
When SPORT handling mode is activated,
there is a greater risk of skidding and
accidents.
Only activate SPORT handling mode in the
situations described in the following. X
To activate: briefly press button 0003.
The 0002 SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
The SPORT handling mode message
appears in the multifunction display.
SPORT handling mode is designed for
driving on designated roads when the
vehicle's own oversteering and
understeering characteristics are desired.
Driving in SPORT handling mode requires
an extremely qualified and experienced
driver who is able to cope with these critical
driving conditions.
X To deactivate: briefly press button 0003.
The 0002 SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out. ESP
®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
It may be best to activate SPORT handling
mode in the following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
If SPORT handling mode is activated and one
or more wheels start to spin, the 000CESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. ESP ®
only stabilizes the vehicle to a
limited degree.
When SPORT handling mode is activated:
R ESP ®
only improves driving stability to a
limited degree.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you brake
firmly.
R engine torque is only restricted to a limited
degree, and the drive wheels are able to
spin. The spinning wheels produce a
cutting effect for better traction.
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.
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
63Safety Z
X
To deactivate: press button0003until the
0014 ESP®
OFF warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster.
The 000COFF message appears in the
multifunctio ndisplay.
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 drive rwho is able to cope with
these critical driving conditions.
X To activate: briefly press button 0003.
The 0014 ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrumentc luster goes out. The 000CONmessage appears in the multifunction
display.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ESP ®
000C warning lamp in
the instrumen tcluster does not flash. 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
PRE-SAFE ®
is no longer available, nor is it
activated if you brake firmly and ESP ®
intervenes.
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is no longer available, it
is also not activated if you brake firmly and
ESP ®
intervenes.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you brake
firmly.
R engine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels are able to spin .The spinning
wheels produce a cutting effect for better
traction.
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 59). 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 244) as well as
display messages (Y page 214).
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking. 64
Driving safety systemsSafety
traffi
cbecause conditions do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid
changes in tire traction can result in wheel
spin and loss of control.
R Deactivate the cruise control when driving
in fog.
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
The cruise control brakes automatically so
that the set speed is not exceeded.
General notes Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must select shift range
1, 2or 3in good time (Y page 149). By doing
so, you will make use of the braking effec tof
the engine, which relieves the load on the
brake syste mand prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonge dperiod. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h). Cruise control lever Cruise control lever
0003
To store the curren tspeed or a higher
speed
0004 To store the curren tspeed or calling up
the last stored speed
0024 To store the curren tspeed or a lower
speed
0023 To deactivate cruise control
When you activate cruise control, the stored
speed is shown in the status indicator of the
multifunction display:
R USA only: e.g. CRUISE 55 Miles R
Canada only: e.g. 001090 Km/h Storing, maintaining and calling up a
speed
Storing and maintaining
aspeed
X Accelerate the vehicle to the desired
speed.
X Briefly press the cruise control lever
up 0003 or down 0023.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Cruise control is activated. The vehicle
automatically maintains the stored speed.
You can store the current speed 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 control maintains the 164
Driving systemsDriving and parking
R
on vehicles with manual transmission, you
shift to a gear that is too high, and as a
result the engine speed is too low.
R on vehicles with manual transmission, you
shift to a gear that is too high, and as a
result the engine speed is too low.
R you shift the transmission to 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 PLUS
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS requires familiarity with
its operational characteristics. We strongly
recommend that you review the following
information carefully before operating the
system. G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS is a convenience
system. Its speed adjustmen treduction
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 PLUS cannot take street and
traffic conditions into account.
Complex driving situations are not always
fully recognized by the DISTRONIC PLUS. This
could result in wrong or missing distance
warnings. G
WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS distance is not a substitute
for the active intervention of the driver. It does
not detect pedestrians or stationary objects,
nor can it detect, recognize or predict the
road's course or the movements of vehicles
in front. DISTRONIC PLUS can only brake the
vehicle using 40% of the vehicle's maximum
available brake force.
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or
vehicles driving in the lane beyond the lane
nextt o your vehicle, especially if the vehicles
are not driving on the middle of their lane.
The driver must always pay careful attention
to the road, weather and traffic conditions.
The driver must drive, steer and brake in a
manner which will allow him to always have
control of the vehicle.
Sources of high-frequency radio waves, such
as toll stations, speed-measuring radar, etc.,
can cause DISTRONIC PLUS to fail
temporarily. G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take road and
traffic conditions into account. Only use the
DISTRONIC PLUS if the road, weather and
traffic conditions make it advisable to travel
at a constant speed. G
WARNING
Use of the DISTRONIC PLUS can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid changes
in tire traction can result in wheel spin and
loss of control.
The DISTRONIC PLUS does not function in
adverse sight and distance conditions. Do not
use the DISTRONIC PLUS during conditions of
fog, heavy rain, snow or sleet. 166
Driving systemsDriving and parking
G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take weather
conditions into account. Switch off the
DISTRONIC PLUS 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 PLUS system sensor covers
are 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 PLUS is
switched on. Otherwise, you may not be able
to recognize dangerous situations until it is
too late. This could caus eanaccident 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 particula rpreset speed. G
WARNING
Your undivided attention to street and traffic
conditions is necessary at all times whether
DISTRONIC PLUS is active or not.
The use of DISTRONIC PLUS can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy traffic
because conditions do not allow safe driving
at a constant speed.
DISTRONIC PLUS does not react to stationary
objects on the road (for example, a vehicle
stopped in traffic or an abandoned vehicle).
DISTRONIC PLUS likewise does not react to
oncoming vehicles. Deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS:
R
when changing to the right lane, if the
vehicles in the left lane are driving slower
R when driving into a filter lane or an
expressway exit
R in comple xdriving situations, for example
in construction sites on an expressway
In these situations DISTRONIC PLUS will
maintai nthe set speed if it is not deactivated.
DISTRONIC PLUS is intended only for
maintaining a set speed and a set distance
from the objects moving in front of the
vehicle. G
WARNING
An intermittent warning sounds and the
distance warning lamp 000Cin the instrument
cluster is illuminated if the DISTRONIC PLUS
system calculates that the distance to the
vehicle ahead and your vehicle's current
speed indicate that the DISTRONIC PLUS 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 PLUS 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 PLUS brakes the vehicle Driving systems
167Driving and parking
Z