Continue to drive moderately.
Have the vehicle checked by the serv‐ ice center immediately.
Front-end collision warning Illuminated: advance warning is issued,
e.g., when there is the impending dan‐
ger of a collision or the distance to the
vehicle ahead is too small.
Increase distance.
Flashing: acute warning of the imminent dan‐
ger of a collision when the vehicle approaches
another vehicle at a relatively high differential
speed.
Intervention by braking or make an evasive ma‐
neuver.
Pedestrian warning Symbol in the instrument cluster.
If a collision with a person detected in this way
is imminent, the symbol lights up and a signal
sounds.
Orange lights Active Cruise Control The number bars shows the selected
distance from the vehicle driving
ahead.
For additional information, refer to Active
Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, ACC,
refer to page 144.
Vehicle detection, Active Cruise Control Illuminated: vehicle driving ahead de‐
tected.
Flashing: the conditions are not ade‐
quate for operating the system.The system was deactivated but applies the
brakes until you actively resume control by
pressing on the brake pedal or accelerator
pedal.
Yellow lights
Antilock Brake System ABS It reduces the braking distance to a
minimum during emergency stops.
Illuminated: avoid abrupt braking if pos‐
sible. Braking force boost in some
cases defective. Stop carefully. Take
into account longer brake travel. Have this
checked by the service center immediately.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control Flashing: DSC controls the drive and
braking forces. The vehicle is stabi‐
lized. Reduce speed and adapt driving
profile to the driving circumstances.
Illuminated: DSC failed. Have the system
checked by the service center.
For additional information, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control DSC, refer to page 138.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control is
deactivated or DTC Dynamic Traction
Control is activated
Dynamic Stability Control DSC is
switched off or Dynamic Traction Con‐
trol DTC is switched on.
For additional information, refer to Dynamic
Stability Control, refer to page 138, and Dy‐
namic Traction Control, refer to page 139.
FTM Flat Tire Monitor The Flat Tire Monitor signals a loss of
tire inflation pressure in a tire.Seite 94ControlsDisplays94
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Driving stability control systemsVehicle features and optionsThis chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and
systems.
Antilock Brake System ABS
ABS prevents locking of the wheels during
braking.
The vehicle contains its steering power even
during full brake applications, thus increasing
active safety.
ABS is operational every time you start the en‐
gine.
Brake assistant
When you apply the brakes rapidly, this system
automatically produces the greatest possible
braking force boost. It reduces the braking dis‐
tance to a minimum during emergency stop.
This system utilizes all of the benefits provided
by ABS.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal
for the duration of the emergency stop.
Drive-off assistant
This system supports driving off on inclines.
The parking brake is not required.1.Hold the vehicle in place with the foot
brake.2.Release the foot brake and drive off with‐
out delay.After the foot brake is released, the vehicle is
held in place for approx. 2 seconds.
Depending on the vehicle load, the vehicle may
roll back slightly.
Driving off without delay
After releasing the foot brake, start driv‐
ing without delay, since the drive-off assistant
will not hold the vehicle in place for more than
approx. 2 seconds and the vehicle will begin to
roll back.◀
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control
The concept DSC prevents traction loss in the power
wheels when driving off and accelerating.
DSC also recognizes unstable vehicle condi‐
tions such as fishtailing or nose-diving. Within
the physical limits DSC helps to keep the vehi‐
cle on a steady course by reducing engine
speed and by applying brakes to the individual
wheels.
Note Adjust your driving style to the situation
An appropriate driving style is always the
responsibility of the driver.
The laws of physics cannot be repealed, not
even with DSC.
Therefore, do not reduce the additional safety
margin by driving in a risky manner.◀
Do not deactivate DSC when driving with
roof load
Do not deactivate Dynamic Stability Control DSC when driving with roof load, e.g. roof-
mounted luggage rack.Seite 138ControlsDriving stability control systems138
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TRACTION is displayed in the instrument clus‐
ter and the indicator lamp for DSC OFF lights
up.
Deactivating DTC Press button again.
TRACTION and the DSC OFF indica‐
tor lamp go out.
Indicator/warning lights
If DTC is activated, TRACTION is displayed in
the instrument cluster.
The indicator lamp lights up: DTC Dy‐
namic Traction Control is activated.
Dynamic Damping Control The conceptThis system reduces undesirable vehicle mo‐
tion when using a dynamic driving style or trav‐
eling on uneven road surfaces.
The system enhances driving dynamics and
comfort fitting road surface and driving style.
Programs The system offers several different programs.
Select the programs via the Driving Dynamics
Control, refer to page 140.
SPORT/SPORT+
Consistently sporty control of the shock ab‐
sorbers for greater driving agility.
COMFORT/ECO PRO Balanced tuning.
COMFORT+
Comfort-oriented tuning of the shock absorb‐ ers for optimal traveling comfort.Self-leveling suspension
The concept The self-leveling suspension keeps the vehicle
height and ground clearance constant. The
height of the vehicle at the rear axle is main‐
tained at a predefined level under all load con‐
ditions.
The system ensures consistent comfort by
keeping spring travel constant in all driving sit‐
uations.
Malfunction
A Check Control message is displayed. The system is disrupted. Vehicle handling may be
altered and driving comfort may be noticeably
reduced. Visit your nearest service center.
Driving Dynamics Control The concept
The Driving Dynamics Control can be used to
adjust the driving dynamics of the vehicle. For
this purpose various programs are available for
selection that are activated via the two buttons
of the Driving Dynamics Control and the DSC
OFF-button.
At a glance
Button in the vehicleSeite 140ControlsDriving stability control systems140
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Activating SPORT+Press button repeatedly until SPORT+
appears in the instrument cluster and
the DSC OFF indicator lamp lights up.
Automatic program change When switching on the adjustable speed limitor activating cruise control, the program auto‐
matically switches to SPORT mode.
Indicator/warning lights
SPORT+ is displayed in the instrument cluster.
The DSC OFF indicator lamp lights up:
Dynamic Traction Control is activated.
SPORT
Consistently sporty tuning of the suspension
and engine control for greater driving agility
with maximum driving stabilization.
The program can be configured to individual
specifications.
The configuration is stored for the profile cur‐
rently in use.
Activating SPORT Press button repeatedly until SPORT
is displayed in the instrument cluster.
Configuring SPORT When the display is activated on the Control
Display, refer to page 143, the SPORT driving
mode can be set.
After the SPORT driving mode is activated, se‐
lect "Configure SPORT" on the displayed
panel and configure the program.
SPORT can also be configured before it is acti‐
vated:1."Settings"2."SPORT mode" or: "Driving mode"3.Configure driving mode.This configuration is retrieved when the
SPORT driving mode is activated.
COMFORT For a balanced tuning with maximum driving
stabilization.
Activating COMFORT Press button repeatedly until COM‐
FORT is displayed in the instrument
cluster.
In certain situations, the system automatically
changes to the NORMAL program, automatic
program change, refer to page 141.
COMFORT+
Comfort-oriented tuning of the shock absorb‐ ers and adapted engine control for optimal
traveling comfort with maximum driving stabili‐
zation.
COMFORT+ activation Press button repeatedly until COM‐
FORT+ is displayed in the instrument
cluster.
ECO PROECO PRO, refer to page 195, provides consis‐
tent tuning to minimize fuel consumption for
maximum range with maximum driving stabili‐
zation.
Comfort functions and the engine controller
are adjusted.
Hybrid operation makes it possible to drive
with more electrical power.
The program can be configured to individual
specifications.
Activating ECO PRO Press button repeatedly until ECO
PRO is displayed in the instrument
cluster.Seite 142ControlsDriving stability control systems142
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HydroplaningHydroplaning
When driving on wet or slushy roads, re‐
duce your speed to prevent hydroplaning.◀
On wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can
form between the tires and road surface.
This phenomenon is referred to as hydroplan‐
ing. It is characterized by a partial or complete
loss of contact between the tires and the road
surface, ultimately undermining your ability to
steer and brake the vehicle.
Driving through water Observe water level and speed
Do not exceed the maximum water level
and maximum speed; otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical systems and the trans‐
mission may be damaged.◀
Drive though calm water only and only if it is
not deeper than 9.8 inches/25 cm and at this
height, no faster than walking speed, up to
3 mph/5 km/h.
Braking safely Your vehicle is equipped with ABS as a stand‐
ard feature.
Applying the brakes fully is the most effective
way of braking in situations needed.
Steering is still responsive. You can still avoid
any obstacles with a minimum of steering ef‐
fort.
Pulsation of the brake pedal and sounds from
the hydraulic circuits indicate that ABS is in its
active mode.
In certain braking situations, the perforated
brake discs can cause functional problems.
However, this has no effect on the perform‐
ance and operational reliability of the brake.Objects within the range of movement
of the pedals
No objects in the area around the pedals
Keep floor mats, carpets, and any other
objects out of the pedal area; otherwise, the
function of the pedals could be impeded while
driving and create the risk of an accident.
Do not place additional floor mats over existing
mats or other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved
for the vehicle and can be properly attached to
floor.
Ensure that the floor mats are securely fas‐
tened again after they were removed for clean‐
ing, e.g.◀
Driving in wet conditions When roads are wet, salted, or in heavy rain,
press brake pedal ever so gently every few
miles.
Ensure that this action does not endanger other traffic.
The heat generated in this process helps dry
the brake discs and pads.
In this way braking efficiency will be available
when you need it.
Hills Avoid stressing the brakes
Avoid placing excessive stress on the
brake system. Light but consistent brake pres‐
sure can lead to high temperatures, brakes
wearing out and possibly even brake failure.◀
Do not drive in neutral
Do not drive in neutral or with the engine
stopped, as doing so disables engine braking.
In addition, steering and brake assist are un‐
available with the engine stopped.◀
Drive long or steep downhill gradients in the
gear that requires least braking efforts. Other‐Seite 189Things to remember when drivingDriving tips189
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Changing wheels and tires
Mounting Information on mounting tires
Have mounting and balancing performed
only by a service center.
If work is not carried out properly, there is a
danger of subsequent damage and related
safety hazards.◀
Wheel and tire combination
You can ask the service center about the right
wheel/tire combination and wheel rim versions
for the vehicle.
Incorrect wheel and tire combinations impair
the function of a variety of systems such as
ABS or DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle re‐
sponse, use only tires with a single tread con‐ figuration from a single manufacturer.
Following tire damage, have the original wheel
and tire combination remounted on the vehicle
as soon as possible.
Approved wheels and tires
You should only use wheels and tires
that have been approved by the vehicle manu‐ facturer for your vehicle type; otherwise, e.g.,
despite having the same official size ratings,
variations can lead to chassis contact and with
it, the risk of severe accidents
The manufacturer of your vehicle cannot eval‐
uate non-approved wheels and tires to deter‐
mine if they are suited for use, and therefore
cannot guarantee the operating safety of the
vehicle.◀Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your ve‐
hicle recommends certain tire brands. These
can be identified by a star on the tire sidewall.
With proper use, these tires meet the highest
standards for safety and handling.
New tires Tire traction is not optimal due to manufactur‐
ing circumstances when tires are brand-new;
they achieve their full traction potential after a
break-in time.
Drive conservatively for the first
200 miles/300 km.
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle does not rec‐
ommend the use of retreaded tires.
Retreaded tires
Possibly substantial variations in the de‐
sign and age of the tire casing structures can
limit service life and have a negative impact on
road safety.◀
Winter tires
Winter tires are recommended for operating on
winter roads.
Although so-called all-season M+S tires pro‐
vide better winter traction than summer tires,
they do not provide the same level of perform‐
ance as winter tires.
Seite 209Wheels and tiresMobility209
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Everything from A to Z
IndexA ABS, Antilock Brake Sys‐ tem 138
ACC, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go 144
Activated-charcoal filter 168
Activate drive readiness 76
Active Blind Spot Detec‐ tion 134
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, ACC 144
ActiveHybrid, system 31
Active Protection 135
Active seat, front 58
Active seat ventilation, front 59
Active seat ventilation, rear 62
Adapting to the course of the road, hybrid system 93
Adaptive brake lights, refer to Brake force display 135
Adaptive Light Control 108
Adaptive Light Control, bulb replacement 223
Additives, oil 215
Adjusting, steering wheel 69
Adjustments, seats/head re‐ straints 56
After washing vehicle 235
Airbags 112
Airbags, indicator/warning light 113
Air circulation, refer to Recir‐ culated-air mode 167
Air, dehumidifying, refer to Cooling function 167
Air distribution, manual 166
Air flow, automatic climate control 166 Air outlets, see ventila‐
tion 168
Air pressure, tires 204
Alarm system 50
Alarm, unintentional 51
All around the center con‐ sole 16
All around the roofliner 17
All around the steering wheel 14
All-season tires, refer to Win‐ ter tires 209
Alternating-code hand-held transmitter 174
Alternative oil types 216
Ambient light 110
Animal detection, see Night Vision 129
Antifreeze, washer fluid 86
Antilock Brake System, ABS 138
Anti-slip control, refer to DSC 138
Approved axle load 241
Approved engine oils 216
Armrest, refer to Center arm‐ rest 180
Arrival time 102
Ashtray 175
Assistance for the combus‐ tion engine, ASSIST 79
Assistance for the combus‐ tion engine, eBOOST 79
Assistance, Roadside Assis‐ tance 229
Assistance when driving off 138
ASSIST, assistance for the combustion engine 79
Attentiveness assistant 136
AUTO H button 80 AUTO H button, refer to Au‐
tomatic Hold 80
AUTO intensity 166
Automatic car wash 234
Automatic climate con‐ trol 165
Automatic Cruise Control with Stop & Go 144
Automatic Curb Monitor 68
Automatic deactivation, front- seat passenger airbags 114
Automatic deactivation of the hybrid system 233
Automatic engine start-stop function 77
Automatic headlight con‐ trol 108
Automatic Hold 80
Automatic locking 49
Automatic recirculated-air control 167
Automatic Soft Closing, doors 42
Automatic Soft Closing, trunk lid 43
Automatic transmission, see Steptronic transmission 87
Automatic trunk lid 43
AUTO program, automatic cli‐ mate control 166
AUTO program, intensity 166
Auxiliary air conditioning 172
Average fuel consump‐ tion 102
Average speed 102
Axle loads, weights 241
B Backrest curvature, refer to Lumbar support 57 Seite 242ReferenceEverything from A to Z242
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