SafetyVehicle features and options
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are notnecessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and
systems.
Airbags
1Front airbag, driver2Front airbag, front passenger3Side airbag4Knee airbagsFront airbags
Front airbags help protect the driver and front
passenger by responding to frontal impacts in
which safety belts alone would not provide ad‐
equate restraint.
Side airbags
In a lateral impact, the side airbag supports the
side of the body in the chest, lap, and head
area.Knee airbag
The knee airbag supports the legs in a frontal
impact.
Protective action
Airbags are not triggered in every impact situa‐
tion, e.g., in less severe accidents or rear-end
collisions.
Information on how to ensure the optimal
protective effect of the airbagsSeite 106ControlsSafety106
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Strength of the driver's and front-seat
passenger airbag
The explosive power that activates driver's/
front passenger's airbags very much depends
on the positions of the driver's/front passeng‐
er's seat.
With a respective message appearing on Con‐
trol Display calibrate the front seats to keep
the accuracy of this function over the long-
term.
Calibrating the front seats A corresponding message appears on the
Control Display.1.Press the reel and move the respective
seat all the way forward.2.Press the reel forward again. The seat still
moves forward slightly.3.Readjust the seat to the desired position.
The calibration procedure is completed when
the message on the Control Display disap‐
pears.
If the message continues to be displayed, re‐
peat the calibration.
If the message does not disappear after a re‐
peat calibration, have the system checked as
soon as possible.
Unobstructed area of movement
Ensure that the area of movement of the
seats is unobstructed to avoid personal injury
or damage to objects.◀
Rollover protection system The concept
The rollover protection system is automatically
activated in the event of a sufficiently serious
accident or if the longitudinal axis is tilted ex‐
cessively. The safety frames located behind
the rear headrests extend within fractions of a
second.
Supplementing the reinforced front windshield
frame, the rollover protection system further
increases passenger safety.
Hints Keep the movement area unobstructed
Always keep the movement area of the
rollover protection system clear. Otherwise,
there may be damage or injuries when the roll‐
over protection system is triggered.◀
In the event of malfunctions, deactivation
or after deployment
Only have the airbags checked, repaired or dis‐
mantled and the system scrapped by your
service center. Non-professional attempts to
service the system could lead to failure in an
emergency or unintentional activation of the airbag - both may lead to injury.◀
Triggered rollover protection system After deployment or damage
After deployment of the rollover protec‐
tion system or in the event of damage, have
the system checked and replaced.
Have this work performed only by your service
center; otherwise, this safety feature might not
work properly.◀
Do not move convertible top
When the rollover protection system is
extended, do not move the convertible top.
Otherwise, damages or injuries may result.◀
If the rollover protection system was not
placed under any stress after an automatic
triggering, it can be pushed back by hand, e.g.
to close the convertible top. One person must
push down on a safety frame and the another
person must close the convertible top. TheSeite 109SafetyControls109
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tire or loss of tire inflation pressure can be de‐
tected.
Display in the following situations:▷A wheel without TPM electronics is fitted:
have the service center check it if needed.▷Malfunction: have the system checked by
your service center.▷TPM was unable to complete the reset.
Reset the system again.▷Interference through systems or devices
with the same radio frequency: after leav‐
ing the area of the interference, the system
automatically becomes active again.
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring
System
Each tire, including the spare (if provided)
should be checked monthly when cold and in‐
flated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pres‐
sure telltale when one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when
the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pres‐
sure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated
tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel ef‐
ficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle's handling and stopping ability. Please
note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver's
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the
level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low
tire pressure telltale. Your vehicle has also
been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indi‐
cator to indicate when the system is not oper‐
ating properly. The TPMS malfunction indica‐
tor is combined with the low tire pressure
telltale. When the system detects a malfunc‐
tion, the telltale will flash for approximately one
minute and then remain continuously illumi‐
nated. This sequence will continue upon sub‐
sequent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal‐
function exists. When the malfunction indicator
is illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of replace‐
ment or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle
that prevent the TPMS from functioning prop‐
erly. Always check the TPMS malfunction tell‐
tale after replacing one or more tires or wheels
on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement
or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS
to continue to function properly.
FTM Flat Tire Monitor
The concept The system detects tire inflation pressure loss
on the basis of rotation speed differences be‐
tween the individual wheels while driving.
In the event of a tire inflation pressure loss, the
diameter and therefore the rotational speed of
the corresponding wheel changes. This will be
detected and reported as a flat tire.
The system does not measure the actual infla‐
tion pressure in the tires.
Functional requirements
The system must have been initialized when
the tire inflation pressure was correct; other‐
wise, reliable flagging of a flat tire is not as‐
sured. Initialize the system after each correc‐
tion of the tire inflation pressure and after
every tire or wheel change.Seite 113SafetyControls113
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Run-flat tiresMaximum speed
You may continue driving with a damaged tire
at speeds up to 50 mph/80 km/h.
Continued driving with a flat tire
If continuing to drive with a damaged tire:1.Avoid sudden braking and steering maneu‐
vers.2.Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.3.Check the air pressure in all four tires at
the next opportunity.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four tires
is correct, the Flat Tire Monitor may not
have been initialized. In this case, initialize
the system.
Possible driving distance with complete loss of
tire inflation pressure:
The possible driving distance after a loss of tire
inflation pressure depends on cargo load, driv‐
ing style and road conditions.
A vehicle with an average load has a possible
driving range of approx. 50 miles/80 km.
A vehicle with a damaged tire reacts differ‐
ently, e.g., it has reduced lane stability during
braking, a longer braking distance and different
self-steering properties. Adjust your driving
style accordingly. Avoid abrupt steering ma‐
neuvers or driving over obstacles, e.g., curbs,
potholes, etc.
Because the possible driving distance de‐
pends on how the vehicle is used during the
trip, the actual distance may be shorter or lon‐
ger depending on the driving speed, road con‐
ditions, external temperature, cargo load, etc.
Continued driving with a flat tire
Drive moderately and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
Your car handles differently when you lose tire
inflation pressure, e.g., your lane stability is re‐
duced when braking, braking distances are
longer and the self-steering properties will
change.◀
Final tire failure
Vibrations or loud noises while driving
can indicate the final failure of a tire. Reduce
speed and stop; otherwise, pieces of the tire
could come loose and cause an accident. Do
not continue driving and contact your service
center.◀
Intelligent Safety
The concept Intelligent Safety enables central operation of
the driver assistance system.
Depending on how the vehicle is equipped, In‐
telligent Safety consists of one or more sys‐
tems that can help prevent a imminent colli‐
sion. These systems are active automatically
every time the engine is started using the
Start/Stop button:▷Front-end collision warning, refer to
page 116.▷Pedestrian warning, refer to page 122.
Note
Personal responsibility
The system does not serve as a substi‐
tute for the driver's personal judgment of the
traffic situation.
Be aware of the traffic situation and the vehi‐
cle's surroundings at all times, otherwise acci‐
dents are still possible despite all warnings.◀
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At a glance
Button in the vehicle
Intelligent Safety button
Camera
The camera is found near the interior rearview
mirror.
Keep the windshield in the area behind the in‐
terior rearview mirror clean and clear.
Switching on/offThe Intelligent Safety systems are automati‐
cally active after every departure.
Press button: the systems are turned
off. The LED goes out.
Press button: the systems are turned on. The
LED lights up.
Settings can be made on the Control Display.
Front-end collision warning
Depending on the equipment, the collision
warning system consists of one of the two sys‐
tems:▷Front-end collision warning with City Brak‐
ing function, refer to page 119.▷Front-end collision warning with braking
function, refer to page 116.
Front-end collision warning
with braking function
The concept The ystem can help prevent accidents. If an
accident cannot be prevented, the system will help reduce the collision speed.
The system sounds a warning before an immi‐
nent collision and actuates brakes independ‐
ently if needed.
The automatic braking intervention may be
executed with maximum braking force and for
a brief period only as necessary.
If the vehicle is equipped with Active Cruise
Control with Stop & Go, the front-end collision
warning is controlled via the cruise control ra‐
dar sensor in conjunction with a camera.
The front-end collision warning is available even if cruise control has been deactivated.
With the vehicle approaching another vehicle
intentionally the collision warning is delayed
avoiding false alarm.
Note Personal responsibility
The system does not serve as a substi‐
tute for the driver's personal judgment of the
traffic situation.
Be aware of the traffic situation and the vehi‐
cle's surroundings at all times, otherwise acci‐
dents are still possible despite all warnings.◀
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General information
The system issues a two-phase warning of a
possible danger of collision with vehicles at
speeds above approx. 3 mph/5 km/h. Time of
warnings may vary with the current driving sit‐
uation.
Detection range
It responds to objects if they are detected by
the system.
At a glance
Button in the vehicle
Intelligent Safety button
Radar sensor
The radar sensor is located in the lower area of
the front bumper.
Always keep radar sensor clean and unob‐
structed.
Camera
The camera is found near the interior rearview
mirror.
Keep the windshield in the area behind the in‐
terior rearview mirror clean and clear.
Switching on/off
Switching on automatically The system is automatically active after every
driving-off.
Switch off Press button: the system is switched
off. The LED goes out.
Re-press button: the system is switched on.
The LED lights up.
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Setting the warning timeThe warning time can be set via iDrive.1."Settings"2."Frontal Coll. Warning"3.Activate the desired time on the Control
Display.
The selected time is stored for the profile cur‐
rently in use.
Warning with braking function
Note Adapting your speed and driving style
The warning does not relieve the driver
of the responsibility to adapt his or her driving
speed and style to the traffic conditions.◀
Display
If a collision with a recognized vehicle is immi‐
nent a warning symbol appears in the instru‐
ment cluster and in the Head-Up Display.
SymbolMeasureThe vehicle lights up red: prewarn‐
ing.
Brake and increase distance.The vehicle flashes red and an
acoustic signal sounds: acute warn‐
ing.
You are requested to intervene by
braking or make an evasive maneu‐
ver.
Prewarning
This warning is issued, e.g., when there is the
impending danger of a collision or the distance
to the vehicle ahead is too small.
The driver must intervene actively when there
is a prewarning.
Acute warning with braking function
Warning of the imminent danger of a collision
when the vehicle approaches another object at
a relatively high differential speed.
The driver must intervene actively when there
is an acute warning. If necessary, the driver is
assisted by an automatic braking intervention
in a possible risk of collision.
Acute warnings can also be triggered without
previous prewarning.
Braking intervention
The warning prompts the driver himself/herself
to react. During a warning, the maximum brak‐
ing force is used. Premise for the brake boos‐
ter is sufficiently quick and hard stepping on
the brake pedal. The system can assist with
automatic braking intervention if there is risk of
a collision. The intervention can bring the vehi‐
cle to a complete stop.
The braking intervention is executed only if
DSC Dynamic Stability Control is switched on
and Dynamic Traction Control DTC is acti‐
vated.
Above approx. 130 mph/210 km/h the braking
intervention occurs as a brief braking pressure.
No automatic delay occurs.
The braking intervention can be interrupted by
stepping on the accelerator pedal or by ac‐
tively moving the steering wheel.
Object detection can be restricted. Limitations
of the detection range and functional restric‐
tions are to be considered.
Tow-starting and towing
For towing the vehicle turn, switch off the
Intelligent Safety systems; otherwise malfunc‐
tions of the individual braking systems might
lead to accidents.◀Seite 118ControlsSafety118
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System limitsBe alert
Due to system limitations, warnings may
be not issued at all, or may be issued late or
improperly. Therefore, always be alert and
ready to intervene; otherwise, there is the risk
of an accident.◀
Detection range
The system's detection potential is limited.
Thus a warning might not be issued or be is‐
sued late.
E. g. the following situations may not be de‐
tected:▷Slow moving vehicles when you approach
them at high speed.▷Vehicles that suddenly swerve in front of
you, or sharply decelerating vehicles.▷Vehicles with an unusual rear appearance.▷Two-wheeled vehicles ahead of you.
Functional limitations
The system may not be fully functional in the
following situations:
▷In heavy fog, rain, sprayed water or snow‐
fall.▷In tight curves.▷If the driving stability control systems are
limited or deactivated, e.g., DSC OFF.▷If, depending on the vehicle equipment
version, the field of view of the camera in
the mirror or the radar sensor is dirty or ob‐
scured.▷Up to 10 seconds after the start of the en‐
gine, via the Start/Stop knob.▷During calibration of the camera immedi‐
ately after vehicle shipment.▷If there is constant blinding effects be‐
cause of oncoming light, e.g., from the sun
low in the sky.Warning sensitivity
The more sensitive the warning settings are,
the more warnings are displayed. However,
there may also be an excess of false warnings.
Front-end collision warning
with City Braking function
The concept The ystem can help prevent accidents. If an
accident cannot be prevented, the system will
help reduce the collision speed.
The system sounds a warning before an immi‐
nent collision and actuates brakes independ‐
ently if needed.
The automatic braking intervention is done
with limited force and duration.
A camera in the area of the rearview mirror
controls the system.
The front-end collision warning is available
even if cruise control has been deactivated.
With the vehicle approaching another vehicle
intentionally the collision warning is delayed
avoiding false alarm.
Note Personal responsibility
The system does not serve as a substi‐
tute for the driver's personal judgment of the
traffic situation.
Be aware of the traffic situation and the vehi‐
cle's surroundings at all times, otherwise acci‐
dents are still possible despite all warnings.◀
General information
The system warns at two levels of an imminent
danger of collision at speeds from approx.
3 mph/5 km/h. Time of warnings may vary with
the current driving situation.
Appropriate braking kicks in at speeds of up to
35 mph/60 km/h.Seite 119SafetyControls119
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