Traction control brakes the drive wheels indi-
vidually 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. In addition, more drive torque is trans-
ferred to the wheel or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active if you deacti-
vate ESP ®
.
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 76). G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilise the vehicle. In addition, other driving
safety systems are switched off. This increa-
ses the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! If you test the parking brake using a brake
dynamometer, switch the ignition off.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may oth-
erwise destroy the brake system.
When towing your vehicle with the rear axle
raised, observe the notes on ESP ®
(Y page 426).
ESP ®
is deactivated if the åwarning lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up and:
R the vehicle is moving
R the ECO start/stop function is activated
If the ÷ warning lamp lights up continu-
ously, ESP ®
is not available due to a malfunc-
tion.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 359) and display messages which
may be shown in the instrument cluster
(Y page 317).
Only use wheels with the recommended tyre
sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function properly. Characteristics of ESP
® General notes
If the
÷ ESP warning lamp goes out before
beginning the journey, ESP ®
is automatically
active.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷ESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP ®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any circum-
stances.
X When pulling away, only depress the accel-
erator pedal as far as is necessary.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the prevail-
ing road and weather conditions.
ECO start/stop function
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically if the vehicle stops
moving. When pulling away again, the engine
starts automatically. ESP ®
remains in its pre-
viously 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 ® Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 76).
You can select between the following states
of ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
is activated
R ESP ®
is deactivated G
WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer sta-
bilises the vehicle. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations descri-
bed in the following. 82
Driving safety systemsSafety
A check which periodically establishes a radio
connection between the vehicle and the key
determines whether a valid key is in the vehi- cle. This occurs, for example:
R when starting the engine
R whilst driving
R when the external door handles are
touched
R during convenience closing Key functions
:
& Locks the vehicle
; F Opens/closes the tailgate
= % Unlocks the vehicle
X To unlock centrally: press button=.
If you do not open the vehicle within
approximately 40 second s of unlocking:
R the vehicle is locked again
R protection against theft is reactivated
X To lock centrally: press button:.
The key centrally locks/unlocks:
R the doors
R the tailgate
R the fuel filler flap
When unlocking, the turn signals flash once.
When locking, they flash three times.
You can also set an audible signal to confirm that the vehicle has been locked. The audible
signal can be activated and deactivated via
COMAND Online or Audio 20 (see the sepa-
rate operating instructions). When the locator lighting is activated via
COMAND Online or Audio 20, it lights up
when it is dark after the vehicle is unlocked
with the remote control (see the separate
operating instructions).
X To open the tailgate automatically from
outside the vehicle: press button;until
the tailgate opens.
X To open the tailgate automatically from
outside the vehicle: if the key is located in
the immediate vicinity of the vehicle: press the F button on the key.
You can release the button as soon as the
tailgate starts to close. KEYLESS-GO
General notes Bear in mind that the engine can be started by
any of the vehicle occupants if there is a key
in the vehicle.
Locking and unlocking centrally You can start, lock or unlock the vehicle using
KEYLESS-GO. To do this, you only need carry
the key with you. You can combine the KEY-
LESS-GO functions with the functions of a
conventional key. Unlock the vehicle by using KEYLESS-GO, for instance, and lock it using
the & button on the key.
The driver's door and the door at which the
handle is used, must both be closed. The key
must be outside the vehicle. When locking or unlocking with KEYLESS-GO, the distance
between the key and the corresponding door
handle must not be greater than 1 m.
A check which periodically establishes a radio
connection between the vehicle and the key
determines whether a valid key is in the vehi- cle. This occurs, for example:
R when starting the engine
R whilst driving Key
91Opening and closing Z
R
when the external door handles are
touched
R during convenience closing X
To unlock the vehicle: touch the inner
surface of the door handle.
X To lock the vehicle: touch sensor sur-
face :or;.
Make sure that you do not touch the inner
surface of the door handle.
X Convenience closing feature: touch
recessed sensor surface ;for an exten-
ded period.
For further information on the convenience closing feature (Y page 108).
X To unlock the tailgate: pull the tailgate
handle.
Deactivating If you do not intend to use the vehicle for a
longer period of time, you can deactivate KEY- LESS-GO. The key will then use very little
power, thereby conserving battery power. For
the purposes of activation/deactivation, the
vehicle must not be nearby.
X To deactivate: press the&button on
the key twice in rapid succession.
The battery check lamp of the key lights up
twice briefly and KEYLESS-GO is deactiva-
ted.
X To activate: press any button on the key or
insert the key into the ignition lock.
KEYLESS-GO and all of its associated fea-
tures are available again. KEYLESS-GO start function
Bear in mind that the engine can be started by any of the vehicle occupants if there is a key
in the vehicle. Changing the settings of the locking
system
You can change the settings of the locking
system. This means that only the driver's door and the fuel filler flap are unlocked when the
vehicle is unlocked. This is useful if you fre-
quently travel alone.
X To change the setting: press and hold
down the %and& buttons simulta-
neously for about six seconds until the bat- tery indicator lamp flashes twice
(Y page 94).
If the setting of the locking system is changed
within the signal range of the vehicle, press-
ing the &or% button:
R locks or
R unlocks the vehicle
The key now functions as follows:
X To unlock the driver's door: press the
% button once.
X To unlock centrally: press the%but-
ton twice.
X To lock centrally: press the&button.
The KEYLESS-GO function is changed as fol-
lows:
X To unlock the driver's door: touch the
inner surface of the door handle on the
driver's door.
X To unlock centrally: touch the inner sur-
face of the door handle on the front-
passenger door or the rear door.
X To lock centrally: touch the outer sensor
surface on one of the door handles.
X To restore the factory settings: press
and hold down the %and& buttons
simultaneously for approximately six sec- 92
KeyOpening and closing
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The engine cannot be
started using the key. The on-board voltage is too low.
X Switch off non-essential consumers, e.g. seat heating or interior
lighting, and try to start the engine again.
If this does not work:
X Check the starter battery and charge it if necessary
(Y page 420).
or
X Jump-start the vehicle (Y page 422).
or
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The engine cannot be
started using the Start/
Stop button. The key is
in the vehicle. The vehicle is locked.
X Unlock the vehicle and try to start the vehicle again. The key battery is discharged or nearly discharged.
X Check the key battery (Y page 94) and replace it if necessary
(Y page 94).
If this does not work: X Start your vehicle with the key in the ignition lock. There is interference from a powerful source of radio waves.
X Start your vehicle with the key in the ignition lock. You have lost a key. X
Have the key deactivated at a qualified specialist workshop.
X Report the loss immediately to the vehicle insurers.
X If necessary, have the locks changed as well. You have lost the emer-
gency key element. X
Report the loss immediately to the vehicle insurers.
X If necessary, have the locks changed as well. Doors
Important safety notes
United Kingdom only: G
WARNING
When the double locks are activated, the
doors can no longer be opened from the
inside. People in the vehicle can no longer get out, e.g. in hazardous situations. There is a
risk of injury. Therefore, do not leave any people unsuper-
vised in the vehicle, particularly children, eld- erly people or people in need of special assis-
tance. Do not activate the double lock when
people are in the vehicle.
If the vehicle has been locked from the out-
side, the double-lock function is activated as
standard. It is then not possible to open the
doors from inside the vehicle. You can deac-
tivate the double lock function by deactivat-
ing the interior motion sensor (Y page 88).96
DoorsOpening and closing
Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all mod-
els, series and optional equipment for your
vehicle that were available at the time of
going to press. National variations are pos- sible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the functions descri-
bed. This is also the case for systems and
functions relevant to safety.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops: (Y page 27). Correct driver's seat position
G
WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle while
driving if you:
R adjust the driver's seat, steering wheel or
mirrors
R fasten the seat belt
There is a risk of an accident.
Adjust the driver's seat, head restraint, steer-
ing wheel and mirrors and fasten your seat
belt before starting the engine. X
Observe the safety guidelines on seat
adjustment (Y page 119).
X Make sure that seat =is correctly adjus-
ted.
Manual and electrical seat adjustment
(Y page 120)
Electrical seat adjustment (Y page 121)
When adjusting the seat, make sure that:
R you are as far away from the driver's airbag
as possible
R you are sitting in a normal upright position
R you can fasten the seat belt properly
R you have moved the backrest to an almost
vertical position
R you have set the seat angle so that your
thighs are gently supported
R you can depress the pedals properly
R your legs are not fully extended
X Check whether the head restraint is adjus-
ted correctly.
When doing so, make sure that you have
adjusted the head restraint so that the back of your head is supported at eye level by the centre of the head restraint.
X Observe the safety guidelines on steering
wheel adjustment (Y page 125).
X Make sure that steering wheel :is adjus-
ted correctly.
Adjusting the steering wheel manually
(Y page 125)
Adjusting the steering wheel electrically
(Y page 126)
When adjusting the steering wheel, make
sure that:
R you can hold the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent
R you can move your legs freely
R you can see all the displays in the instru-
ment cluster clearly
X Observe the safety guidelines for seat belts
(Y page 47).
X Check whether you have fastened seat
belt ;properly (Y page 49).118
Correct driver's seat positionSeats, steering wheel and mirrors
Problems with the seat ventilation
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The seat ventilation has
switched off prema-
turely or cannot be
switched on. The on-board voltage is too low because too many electrical con-
sumers are switched on.
X Switch off electrical consumers that you do not need, such as
the rear window heating or interior lighting.
Once the battery is sufficiently charged, the seat ventilation can
be switched back on. Steering wheel
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle while
driving if you:
R adjust the driver's seat, steering wheel or
mirrors
R fasten the seat belt
There is a risk of an accident.
Adjust the driver's seat, head restraint, steer-
ing wheel and mirrors and fasten your seat
belt before starting the engine. G
WARNING
Children could become trapped by the steer-
ing wheel if they adjust it. There is a risk of
injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children unattended in the vehicle.
The electrically adjustable steering wheel can
still be adjusted when there is no key in the
ignition lock. Adjusting the steering wheel man-
ually
:
Release lever
; To adjust the steering wheel height
= To adjust the steering wheel position
(fore-and-aft adjustment)
X Push release lever :down completely.
The steering column is unlocked.
X Adjust the steering wheel to the desired
position.
X Push release lever :up completely.
The steering column is locked.
X Check if the steering column is locked.
When doing so, try to push the steering
wheel up or down or try to move it in the
fore-and-aft direction. Steering wheel
125Seats, steering wheel and mirrors Z
Problems with the windscreen wipers
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The windscreen wipers
are jammed. Leaves or snow, for example, may be obstructing the windscreen
wiper movement. The wiper motor has been deactivated.
X For safety reasons, you should remove the key from the ignition
lock.
or
X Switch off the engine using the Start/Stop button and open the
driver's door.
X Remove the cause of the obstruction.
X Switch the windscreen wipers back on. The windscreen wipers
fail completely. The windscreen wiper drive is malfunctioning.
X Select another wiper speed on the combination switch.
X Have the windscreen wipers checked at a qualified specialist
workshop. The windscreen washer
fluid from the spray
nozzles no longer hits
the centre of the wind-
screen. The spray nozzles are misaligned.
X Have the spray nozzles adjusted at a qualified specialist work-
shop. 150
Windscreen wipersLights and windscreen wipers
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a riskof an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving. G
WARNING
If the parking brake has not been fully
released when driving, the parking brake can:
R overheat and cause a fire
R lose its hold function.
There is a risk of fire and an accident. Release
the parking brake fully before driving off.
! Do not warm up the engine when the vehi-
cle is stationary. Drive off immediately.
Avoid high engine speeds and driving at full throttle until the engine has reached its
operating temperature.
Only shift the automatic transmission to
the desired drive position when the vehicle is stationary.
Where possible, avoid spinning the drive
wheels when pulling away on slippery
roads. You could otherwise damage the
drive train.
Hybrid vehicles: observe the important
safety notes for hybrid vehicles
(Y page 273). Key positions
Key g
To remove the key
1 Power supply for some consumers, such
as the windscreen wipers
2 Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position
3 Starting the engine
i If the key does not belong to the vehicle, it
can still be turned in the ignition lock. How-
ever, the ignition will not be switched on
The engine cannot be started.
Vehicles with AIRPANEL: you can open the
shutters in the radiator trim by turning the key to position 2in the ignition lock. After approx-
imately 120 seconds the shutters open auto-
matically. Further information on opening and cleaning the shutters (Y page 404).
Start/Stop button General notes
A check which periodically establishes a radio
connection between the vehicle and the key
determines whether a valid key is in the vehi-
cle. This occurs, for example, when starting
the engine. Driving
185Driving and parking Z