2014 MERCEDES-BENZ B-CLASS HATCHBACK Owners Manual

Problems with automatic front-passenger front airbag deactivation
Be sure to observe the notes on "System self-test" (Y
page 52).Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator
lamp lights up and
remains lit, even
though the front-
passenger seat is occu-
pied by an adult or a
person with a build cor-responding to that of an
adult. The classification of the person on the front-passenger seat is
incorrect.
X Make sure the conditions for a correct classification of the per-
son on the front-passenger seat are met (Y page 50).
X If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp remains lit, the
front-passenger seat may not be used.
X Have the automatic front-passenger front airbag deactivation
system checked as soon as possible at a Mercedes-Benz Ser-
vice Centre. The PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator
lamp does not light up
and/or does not stay
on.
The front-passenger
seat is:
R empty
R occupied with a rear-
ward-facing child
restraint system The automatic front-passenger front airbag deactivation system is
malfunctioning.
X Make sure there is nothing between the seat and the child
restraint system.
X Make sure that the entire base of the child restraint system rests
on the seat cushion of the front-passenger seat.
X When installing the child restraint system, make sure that the
seat belt is tight. Do not pull the seat belt tight with the front-
passenger seat adjustment. This could result in the seat belt and the child restraint system being pulled too tightly.
X Check that the child restraint system is installed correctly.
X Make sure that no objects are applying additional weight to the
seat.
X If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp remains off and/
or the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp lights up, do not
install a rearward-facing child restraint system on the front-
passenger seat. It is recommended that you fit the child
restraint system to a suitable rear seat.
X Have the automatic front-passenger front airbag deactivation
system checked as soon as possible at a Mercedes-Benz Ser-
vice Centre. Deployment of belt tensioners and air-
bags
Important safety notes G
WARNING
After the airbag deploys, the airbag parts are
hot. There is a risk of injury. Do not touch the airbag parts. Have a
deployed airbag replaced at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop as soon as possible.
G
WARNING
Pyrotechnic seat belt tensioners that have
been deployed are no longer operational and 54
Occupant safetySafety

are unable to perform their intended protec-
tive function. This poses an increased risk of
injury or even fatal injury.
Therefore, have pyrotechnic belt tensioners
which have been triggered immediately
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have
the vehicle towed to a qualified specialist
workshop after an accident. Take this into
account, particularly if a seat belt tensioner
was triggered or an airbag was deployed.
An electric motor is used by PRE-SAFE ®
to
trigger the tightening of the seat belt in haz-
ardous situations. This procedure is reversi-
ble.
If the belt tensioners are triggered or an air-
bag is deployed, you will hear a bang, and a
small amount of powder may also be
released. The 6restraint system warning
lamp lights up.
Only in rare cases will the bang affect your
hearing. In general, the powder released is
not hazardous to health but may cause short- term breathing difficulties to persons suffer-
ing from asthma or other pulmonary condi-
tions. Provided it is safe to do so, you should
leave the vehicle immediately or open the
window in order to prevent breathing difficul- ties.
Operation During the first stage of a collision, the
restraint system control unit evaluates impor-
tant physical data relating to vehicle deceler- ation or acceleration, such as:
R duration
R direction
R intensity
Based on the evaluation of this data, the
restraint system control unit triggers the seat belt tensioners in the event of a head-on or
rear collision. A seat belt tensioner can only be triggered if:
R the ignition is switched on
R the components of the restraint system are
operational; see "Restraint system warning lamp" (Y page 41)
R the belt tongue has engaged in the belt
buckle of the respective front seat
The seat belt tensioners in the rear compart-
ment are triggered independently of the lock
status of the seat belts.
If the restraint system control unit detects a
high severity of an accident, in certain head-
on collisions, additional components of the
restraint system are deployed independently
of each another:
R Front airbags and driver's kneebag
R Windowbag, if the system determines that
deployment can offer additional protection
to that provided by the seat belt
On vehicles with the automatic front-
passenger front airbag deactivation system:
depending on the person in the front-
passenger seat, the front-passenger front air-
bag is either disabled or enabled. The front-
passenger front airbag can only be deployed
in an accident if the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp is lit. Observe the information
on the PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamps
(Y page 41).
Your vehicle has two-stage front airbags. In
the first deployment stage, the front airbag is
filled with propellant gas to reduce the risk of
injuries. The front airbag is fully deployed if
the second deployment stage is activated
within a few milliseconds.
The activation threshold for the seat belt ten- sioners and airbags is determined based on
the evaluation of the vehicle's rate of decel-
eration or acceleration at various points in the
vehicle. This process is pre-emptive in nature. The triggering/deployment process should
take place in good time at the start of the
collision. Occupant safety
55Safety Z

The rate of vehicle deceleration or accelera-
tion and the direction of the force are essen- tially determined by:
R the distribution of forces during the colli-
sion
R the collision angle
R the deformation characteristics of the vehi-
cle
R the characteristics of the object with which
the vehicle has collided
Factors which can only be seen and measured
after a collision has occurred do not play a
decisive role in the deployment of an airbag,
nor do they provide an indication of airbag
deployment.
The vehicle may be deformed significantly
without an airbag being deployed. This is the
case if only parts which are relatively easily
deformed are affected and the rate of decel-
eration is not high. Conversely, an airbag may be deployed even though the vehicle suffers
only minor deformation. This is the case if, for
example, very rigid vehicle parts such as lon-
gitudinal body members are hit, and sufficient deceleration occurs as a result.
If the restraint system control unit detects a
side impact, the applicable components of
the restraint system are activated independ-
ently of each other.
R Sidebags on the side on which an impact
occurs, independent from the seat belt ten-
sioner and seat belt usage
Vehicles with the automatic front-
passenger airbag deactivation system: the
sidebag on the front-passenger side
deploys under the following conditions:
- an occupant is detected on the front-
passenger seat or
- the belt tongue is engaged in the belt
buckle of the front-passenger seat
R Windowbag on the side on which an impact
occurs, independent of seat belt usage and regardless of whether the front-passenger
seat is occupied
R Seat belt tensioners, if the system deter-
mines that deployment can offer additional
protection for the vehicle occupants in this
situation
i Not all airbags are deployed in an acci-
dent. The different airbag systems work
independently of each other.
How the airbag system works is deter-
mined by the severity of the accident detec-
ted, especially the vehicle deceleration or
acceleration, and the apparent type of acci- dent:
R frontal collision
R side impact PRE-SAFE
®
(anticipatory occupant
protection)
Introduction In certain hazardous situations, PRE-SAFE
®
takes pre-emptive measures to protect the
vehicle occupants.
Important safety notes !
Make sure that there are no objects in the
footwell or behind the seats. There is a risk that the seats and/or the objects could be
damaged when PRE-SAFE ®
is activated.
Although your vehicle is equipped with PRE-
SAFE ®
, the possibility of injury in the event of
an accident cannot be ruled out. Always
adapt your driving style to suit the prevailing
road and weather conditions and maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front. Drive
carefully. 56
Occupant safetySafety

Function
PRE-SAFE
®
intervenes:
R in emergency braking situations, e.g. when
BAS is activated
R in critical driving situations, e.g. when phys-
ical limits are exceeded and the vehicle
understeers or oversteers severely
R on vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS: if adap-
tive Brake Assist intervenes powerfully
PRE-SAFE ®
takes the following measures
depending on the hazardous situation detec-
ted:
R the front seat belts are pre-tensioned.
R if the vehicle skids, the side windows are
closed so that only a small gap remains.
The panorama sliding sunroof is completely
closed.
R vehicles with the memory function: the
front-passenger seat is adjusted if it is in an
unfavourable position.
If the hazardous situation passes without
resulting in an accident, PRE-SAFE ®
slackens
the belt pre-tensioning. All settings made by
PRE-SAFE ®
can then be reversed.
If the seat belt pre-tensioning is not reduced:
X Move the seat backrest or seat back
slightly when the vehicle is stationary.
Seat belt pre-tensioning is reduced and the
locking mechanism is released.
The seat-belt adjustment is an integral part of
the PRE-SAFE ®
convenience function. Infor-
mation about the convenience function can
be found under "Belt adjustment"
(Y page 45). Automatic measures after an acci-
dent
Immediately after an accident, the following
measures are implemented, depending on
the type and severity of the impact: R the hazard warning lamps are activated
R the emergency lighting is activated R
the vehicle doors are unlocked
R the front side windows are lowered
R the engine is switched off and the fuel sup-
ply is cut off
R vehicles with the Mercedes-Benz emer-
gency call system: automatic emergency
call Children in the vehicle
Important safety notes
Accident statistics show that children
secured in the rear seats are safer than chil-
dren secured in the front-passenger seat. For this reason, Mercedes-Benz strongly advises
that you install a child restraint system on a
rear seat. Children are generally better pro-
tected there.
If a child younger than 12 years old and under 1.50 m in height is travelling in the vehicle:
R always secure the child in a child restraint
system suitable for Mercedes-Benz vehi-
cles. The child restraint system must be
appropriate to the age, weight and size of
the child.
R be sure to observe the instructions and
safety notes in this section in addition to
the child restraint system manufacturer's
installation instructions.
R always pay attention to the instructions
and safety notes on the automatic front-
passenger front airbag deactivation system
(Y page 49). G
WARNING
If you leave children unattended in the vehi-
cle, they may be able to set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
R release the parking brake
R shift the automatic transmission out of park
position Por shift manual transmission into
neutral
R start the engine Children in the vehicle
57Safety
Z

In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. There is a risk of
an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children unattended in the vehicle. G
WARNING
If persons (particularly children) are exposed
to heat or cold for a prolonged period, there is a risk of serious or even fatal injuries. Never
leave persons (particularly children) unatten-
ded in the vehicle. G
WARNING
If the child restraint system is placed in direct sunlight, the parts could become very hot.
Children could be suffer burns by touching
these parts, in particular on the metallic parts
of the child restraint system. There is a risk of injury.
If you and your child leave the vehicle, always
make sure that the child restraint system is
not in direct sunlight. Cover it with a blanket, for example. If the child restraint system has
been exposed to direct sunlight, leave it to
cool down before securing the child in it.
Never leave children unattended in the vehi-
cle.
Always ensure that all vehicle occupants have their seat belts fastened correctly and are sit-
ting properly. Particular attention must be
paid to children.
Observe the safety notes on the seat belt
(Y page 42) and the information on the cor-
rect use of the seat belt (Y page 43).Child restraint system
If you fit a rearward-facing child restraint sys- tem to the centre rear seat, the rear arm restmust be folded back as far as possible.
Observe the instructions for correct use of
the child restraint system (Y page 66).For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use a child restraint sys-
tem recommended by Mercedes-Benz
(Y page 70). G
WARNING
If the child restraint system is incorrectly fit-
ted on the seat position suitable for this pur-
pose, it cannot perform its intended protec-
tive function. In the event of an accident,
sharp braking or a sudden change in direction, the child may not be held securely. There is an
increased risk of serious or even fatal injuries.
Observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions and the correct use for the child
restraint system. Make sure that the entire
surface of the child restraint system is resting
on the seat surface. Never place objects
under or behind the child restraint system,
e.g. cushions. Only use child restraint sys-
tems with the original cover designed for
them. Only replace damaged covers with gen- uine covers. G
WARNING
If the child restraint system is fitted incor-
rectly or is not secured, it can come loose in
the event of an accident, heavy braking or a
sudden change in direction. The child
restraint system could be thrown about, strik- ing vehicle occupants. There is an increased
risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Always fit child restraint systems properly,
even if they are not being used. Make sure
that you observe the child restraint system
manufacturer's installation instructions.
You will find further information on stowing
objects, luggage and loads securely under
"Loading guidelines" (Y page 298). G
WARNING
Child restraint systems or their securing sys-
tems that have been damaged or subjected to a load in an accident cannot perform their
intended protective function. In the event of
an accident, sharp braking or a sudden
change in direction, the child may not be held 58
Children in the vehicleSafety

securely. There is an increased risk of serious
or even fatal injuries.
Immediately replace child restraint systems
that have been damaged or subjected to a
load in an accident. Have the child restraint
securing systems checked in a qualified spe-
cialist workshop before fitting a child restraint
system again.
The securing systems of child restraint sys-
tems are: R the seat belt system
R the ISOFIX securing rings
R the Top Tether anchorages
If it is absolutely necessary to carry a child on
the front-passenger seat, be sure to observe
the information on "Child restraint systems
on the front-passenger seat" (Y page 64).
Observe the warning labels in the vehicle inte-
rior and on the child restraint system.
i It is advisable to use Mercedes-Benz care
products to clean child restraint systems
recommended by Mercedes-Benz. You can obtain information about this at any
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. ISOFIX child seat securing system
G
WARNING
ISOFIX child restraint systems do not offer
sufficient protective effect for children whose weight is greater than 22 kg who are securedusing the safety belt integrated in the child
restraint system. The child could, for example,not be restrained correctly in the event of an
accident. This poses an increased risk of
injury or even fatal injury.
If the child weighs more than 22 kg, only use
ISOFIX child restraint systems with which the child is also secured with the vehicle seat belt. Also secure the child restraint system with the
Top Tether belt, if available.
When fitting a child restraint system, be sure to observe the manufacturer's installation and operating instructions and the instruc-
tions for correct use of the child restraint sys-
tem (Y page 66).
Before every trip, make sure that the ISOFIX
child restraint system is engaged correctly in both ISOFIX securing rings.
! When fitting the child restraint system,
make sure that the seat belt for the centre seat does not get trapped. Otherwise, the
seat belt could be damaged. :
ISOFIX securing rings
X Install the ISOFIX child restraint system on
both ISOFIX securing rings :.
ISOFIX is a standardised securing system for
specially designed child restraint systems on
the rear seats. ISOFIX securing rings :for
two ISOFIX child restraint systems are fitted
on the left and right of the rear seats.
Secure child restraint systems without an
ISOFIX child seat securing system using the
seat belts in the vehicle. When fitting a child
restraint system, be sure to observe the man-
ufacturer's installation and operating instruc-
tions and the instructions for correct use of
the child restraint system (Y page 66). Top Tether
Introduction Top Tether provides an additional connection
between the child restraint system secured
with ISOFIX and the vehicle. It helps reduce
the risk of injury even further. If the child Children in the vehicle
59Safety Z

restraint system is fitted with a Top Tether
belt, this should always be used.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If the rear seat backrests are not locked, they
could fold forwards in the event of an acci-
dent, heavy braking or sudden changes of
direction. As a result, child restraint systems
cannot perform their intended protective
function. Rear seat backrests that are not
locked can also cause additional injuries, e.g. in the event of an accident. This poses an
increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Always lock rear seat backrests after fitting a Top Tether belt. Observe the lock verificationindicator. Adjust the rear seat backrests so
that they are in an upright position.
If the rear backrest is not engaged and
locked, the red lock verification indicator will be visible (Y page 302).
Top Tether anchorages The Top Tether anchorage points are located
on the rear side of the backrests on both
outer rear seats. X
Move head restraint :upwards.
X Release rear seat backrest =and fold it
forwards (Y page 302).
X Route Top Tether belt Bunder head
restraint :between the two head restraint
bars.
X Hook Top Tether hook Aof Top Tether belt
B into Top Tether anchorage ?.
Ensure that:
R Top Tether hook Ais hooked into Top
Tether anchorage ?as shown.
R Top Tether belt Bis not twisted.
R Top Tether belt Bis routed between rear
seat backrest =and luggage compart-
ment cover ;if luggage compartment
cover ;is fitted.
R Top Tether belt Bis routed between the
rear seat backrest =and the safety net
if the safety net is fitted.
X Swing back rear seat backrest =until it
engages.
The red lock verification indicator is no lon-
ger visible.
X Fit the ISOFIX child restraint system with
Top Tether. Always comply with the child
restraint system manufacturer's installa-
tion instructions when doing so.
X Tension Top Tether belt B. Always comply
with the child restraint system manufactur- er's installation instructions when doing so.
X If necessary, move head restraint :back
down again slightly (Y page 111). Make
sure that you do not interfere with the cor-
rect routing of Top Tether belt B.60
Children in the vehicleSafety

Integrated child seat
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If the integrated child seat or the ICS padded play table is modified, damaged or subjected
to a load in an accident, it cannot perform its
intended protective function. A child there-
fore cannot be restrained in the event of an
accident, heavy braking or a sudden change of direction. This poses an increased risk of
injury or even fatal injury.
Immediately replace an integrated child seat
or ICS padded play table that has been modi- fied, damaged or subjected to a heavy load as
the result of an accident. Only use the ICS
padded play table with its original cover or
with a cover that has been approved by the
manufacturer, and do not used a protective
cover. G
WARNING
If the ICS padded play table is exposed to
direct sunlight or heat, parts could heat up.
Children could suffer burns on these parts,
particularly on metallic parts. There is a risk of
injury.
If you and your child leave the vehicle, cover
the ICS padded play table so that it is not
exposed to direct sunlight and heat. If the ICS padded play table has been exposed to direct sunlight, allow it to cool before securing a
child to it. Never leave children unattended in
the vehicle.
Observe the notes on the ICS padded play
table (Y page 62).
The integrated child seats are integrated into the seat cushions of the outer rear seats. In
conjunction with the components listed in the
following table, they comply with the legal
requirements of ECE-R44.04. Recommen-
ded for weight category I: from 24 months
up to 18 kg Weight category I: 9 to 18 kg Integrated
child seat ICS padded
play table Side head
restraints
Folded out Mandatory Mandatory
Weight category II: 15 to 25 kg
Integrated
child seat ICS padded
play table Side head
restraints
Folded out Not permis-
sible Mandatory
Weight category III: 22 to 36 kg
Integrated
child seat ICS padded
play table Side head
restraints
Folded out Not permis-
sible Recommen-
ded
Mercedes-Benz recommends using the inte-
grated child seat for children from the age of
24 month swho weigh up to 36 kg.
For children from the age of 24 months who
weigh up to 18 kg: an ICS padded play table
and a side head restraint which have been
specially approved for the integrated child
seat must also be used.
Note that children younger than 24 months
old require a different child restraint system.
Drive with the head restraints in the correct
position when the integrated child seat is
occupied. If the head restraint is correctly
adjusted, the back of the head is supported by the centre of the head restraint at about eye
level. G
WARNING
The head restraints cannot provide the inten-
ded protection unless they are fitted and
adjusted correctly. There is an increased risk of injury to the head and neck in the event of
an accident or sudden braking, for example.
Always drive with the head restraints fitted.
Ensure that the centre of the head restraints Children in the vehicle
61Safety
Z