2014 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS instrument cluster

If ESP®detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desiredbythe driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle.The engine output is also modified to
keep the vehicle on the desired course within
physical limits. ESP®assists the driver when
pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP®
can also stabilize the vehicle during braking.
If ESP®intervenes, theESP®warning
lamp flashes in the instrumentcluster.
If ESP®intervenes:
XDo not deactivateESP®under any
circumstances.
XOnly depressthe accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
XAdapt your drivingstyle to suit the
prevailing road and weatherconditions.
iOnly use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP®function
properly.
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
ETS/4ETS traction control is part of ESP®.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individuallyifthey 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
transferred to the wheel or wheels with
traction.
Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP®.
Deactivating/activating ESP®(except
AMG vehicles)
GWARNING
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 spinningthe driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP®deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
XTo deactivate:(Ypage 227).
The ESP®OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
XTo activate:(Ypage 227).
The ESP®OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
ESP®is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically when the vehicle
stops moving. 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.
If ESP®is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, theESP®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:
Rwhen using snow chains
Rin deep snow
Ron sand or gravel
If you deactivate ESP®:
RESP®no longer improves driving stability.
Rtraction control is still activated.
RESP®still provides support when you
brake.
Rengine torque is not limited and the drive
wheels are able to spin. The spinning
wheels produceacutting effect for better
traction.
Driving safety systems69
Safety
Z

Deactivating/activating ESP®(AMG
vehicles)
Activating/deactivating SPORT handling
mode
GWARNING
WhenSPORT handling mode is activated,
there isagreater risk of skidding and
accidents.
Only activateSPORT handling mode in the
situations described in the following.
XTo activate:briefly press button.
TheSPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
TheSPORT handling modemessage
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.
DrivinginSPORT handling mode requires
an extremely qualified and experienced
driver who is able to cope with these critical
driving conditions.
XTo deactivate:briefly press button.
TheSPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
ESP®is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
It may be best to activateSPORT handling
mode in the following situations:
Rwhen using snow chains
Rin deep snow
Ron sand or gravel
If SPORT handling mode is activated and one
or more wheels start to spin, theESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. ESP®only stabilizes the vehicle to a
limited degree.
When SPORT handling mode is activated:
RESP®only improves driving stability to a
limited degree.
Rtraction control is still activated.
RESP®still provides support when you
brake.
Rengine torque is only restricted toalimited
degree, and the drive wheels are able to
spin. The spinningwheels 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
astop. The engine startsautomatically when
the driver wants to pull away again. ESP®
remains in its previously selected status. For
example, if ESP®was deactivated before the
engine was switched off, ESP®remains
deactivated when the engine is switched on
again.
Deactivating/activating ESP®
GWARNING
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 spinningthe driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP®deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
70Driving safety systems
Safety

XTo deactivate:press buttonuntilthe
ESP®OFF warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster.
TheOFFmessage appearsinthe
multifunctiondisplay.
Deactivate ESP®when drivingon
designated roads when the vehicle's own
oversteeringand understeering
characteristics are desired. Drivingwithout
ESP®requiresanextremely qualified and
experienced driverwho is able to cope with
these critical driving conditions.
XTo activate:briefly press button.
The ESP®OFF warning lamp in the
instrumentcluster goes out. TheON
message appears in the multifunction
display.
ESP®is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
If ESP®is deactivated and one or morewheels
start to spin,theESP®warninglamp in
the instrumentcluster does not flash. In such
situations, ESP®will not stabilize the vehicle.
It may be best to deactivateESP®in the
followingsituations:
Rwhen using snowchains
Rin deep snow
Ron sand or gravel
If you deactivateESP®:
RESP®no longer improves drivingstability.
Rtraction control is still activated.
RPRE-SAFE®is no longer available, nor is it
activated if you brakefirmly and ESP®
intervenes.
RPRE-SAFE®Brake is no longer available, it
is also not activated if you brakefirmly and
ESP®intervenes.
RESP®still provides support when you
brake.
Rengine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels are able to spin.The spinning
wheels produceacuttingeffect for better
traction.
Vehicles with ECO start/stop function: the
ECO start/stop function switches the engine
off automatically when the vehicle comes to
astop. The engine starts automatically when
the driver wants to pull away again. ESP®
remains in its previously selected status. For
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)
iObserve the "Important safety notes"
section (Ypage 66).
GWARNING
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 ataqualified
specialist workshop.
Observe information regarding indicator and
warning lamps (Ypage 267) as well as
displaymessages (Ypage 240).
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking.
Driving safety systems71
Safety
Z

In order to maintain the appropriatedistance
to the vehicle in front and thus prevent a
collision, you must apply the brakes yourself.
Due to the nature of the system, particularly
complicated driving conditionsmay cause
unnecessarywarningsortheunnecessary
intervention of PRE-SAFE®Brake.
Followingdamagetothe front end of the
vehicle, have the configurationand operation
of the radarsensorschecked ataqualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where thereisno
visible damage to the frontofthe vehicle.
Function
XTo activate/deactivate:activate or
deactivate PRE-SAFE®Brake in the on-
board computer (Ypage 228).
If the PRE-SAFE®Brake is not activated, the

symbol appears in the multifunction
display.
If you approachavehicle in front very quickly,
this function warns you fromaspeed of
approximately4mph (7 km/h). An
intermittent warning tone sounds and the
distance warning signal lamp in the
instrumentcluster lightsup.
XBrake immediately to defuse the situation.
or
XTake evasiveaction provided it is safe to do
so.
Fromaspeed of approximately4mph
(7 km/h), if the driver and frontpassenger
have fastened their seat belts, PRE-SAFE®
Brakecan brake the vehicle automatically at
speeds up to approximately 124 mph
(200 km/h).
You can preventthe intervention of the PRE-
SAFE®Brakeatany time by:
Rdepressingthe accelerator pedal further.
Ractivating kickdown.
Rreleasing the brake pedal.
The brakingaction of PRE-SAFE®Brakeis
ended automatically if:
Ryou maneuver to avoid the obstacle.
Rthereisnolonger any danger ofarear-end
collision.
Rthereisnolonger an obstacle detected in
frontofyour vehicle.
If you approach an obstacle and PRE-SAFE®
Brakedetectsarisk ofacollision, the system
will alert you both visually and acoustically. If
you do not brake or takeevasive action,the
system will warn you by automatically braking
the vehicle gently. If thereisanincreased risk
of collision, preventative passenger
protection measures (PRE-SAFE®)are
activated (Ypage 54). Ifarisk of collision
remains at speeds of over 20 mph
(30 km/h) and you do not brake, takeevasive
action or significantly accelerate, automatic
brakingmay be performed up to and including
emergency braking. Automatic emergency
brakingisnot performed until immediately
prior to an accidentthat can no longer be
avoided.
Theftdeterrent locking system
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct SmartKey.
XTo activate with the SmartKey:remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
XTo activate with KEYLESS-GO:switchthe
ignition off and open the driver'sdoor.
XTo deactivate:switchonthe ignition.
When leaving the vehicle, always takethe
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle.
Anyone can start the engineifavalid
SmartKey has been left inside the vehicle.
iThe immobilizer is always deactivated
when you start the engine.
In the event that the enginecannot be
started when the starter battery is fully
charged, the immobilizer may be faulty.
Theft deterrent locking system73
Safety
Z

Useful information
iThis Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please notethat your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systemsand functions.
iRead the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Ypage 26).
Correct driver's seat position
GWARNING
You could lose controlofyour vehicle if you
do the following while driving:
Radjust the driver'sseat, head restraint,
steering wheel or mirrors
Rfastenthe seat belt
There isarisk of an accident.
Adjust the driver's seat, head restraint,
steering wheel and mirror and fasten your
seat belt before startingthe engine.
XObserve the safety guidelines on seat
adjustment (Ypage 99).
XMake sure that seat$is adjusted
properly.
Electrical seat adjustment (Ypage 100)
When adjusting the seat, make sure that:
Ryou are as far away from the driver's air bag
as possible.
Ryou are sitting inanormal upright position.
Ryou can fasten the seat belt properly.
Ryou have moved the backrest to an almost
vertical position.
Ryou have set the seat cushion angle so that
your thighs are gently supported.
Ryou can depress the pedals properly.
XCheck whether the head restraint is
adjusted properly.
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 center of the head restraint.
XObserve the safety guidelines on steering
wheel adjustment (Ypage 106).
XMake sure that steering wheelis
adjusted properly.
Adjustingthe steering wheel electrically
(Ypage 106)
When adjusting the steering wheel, make
sure that:
Ryou can hold the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent.
Ryou can move your legs freely.
Ryou can see all the displays in the
instrumentcluster clearly.
XObserve the safetyguidelinesfor seat belts
(Ypage 55).
XCheck whether you have fastened seat
beltproperly (Ypage 56).
98Correct driver'sseat position
Seats, steering wheel and mirrors

Useful information
iThis Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please notethat your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systemsand functions.
iRead the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Ypage 26).
Exterior lighting
Generalnotes
For reasonsofsafety, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you drive with the lights
switched on even during the daytime.
Therefore, your vehicle is equipped with
special daytime running lamps. In some
countries, operation of the headlamps varies
due to legal requirements and self-imposed
obligations.
If you wish to drive during the daytime without
lights, switchoff the daytime running lamps
function in the on-board computer
(Ypage 230).
Driving abroad
Symmetrical low-beam headlamps
Switchthe headlamps to symmetrical low
beam in countries in which traffic drives on
the opposite side of the road from the country
where the vehicle is registered. This prevents
glare to oncoming traffic. When using
symmetrical lights, the edge of the road is not
lit as widely and as far ahead as normal.
Have the headlamps converted ataqualified
specialist workshop as close to the border as
possible before drivinginthesecountries.
Asymmetrical low beam
Have the headlamps converted back to
asymmetrical low-beam headlamps at a
qualified specialist workshop as soon as
possible after crossing the border again.
Setting the exterior lighting
Setting options
Exterior lightingcan be set using:
Rthe light switch
Rthe combination switch(Ypage 119)
Rthe on-board computer (Ypage 230)
Light switch
Operation

Left-handstanding lamps
\nRight-hand standing lamps
Parkinglamps, licenseplate and
instrumentclusterlighting
\rAutomatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the light sensor
Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
If you hearawarningtonewhen you leave the
vehicle, the lightsmay still be switched on.
XTurn the light switchto\r.
116Exterior lighting
Light sa nd windshield wipers

The exterior lighting (except the parking/
standinglamps) switches off automatically if
you:
Rremove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
Ropen the driver's door with the SmartKey
in position0.
Automatic headlampmode
GWARNING
When the light switch is set to\r,the low-
beam headlamps may not be switched on
automatically if there is fog, snow or other
causes of poor visibility due to the weather
conditions such as spray. There isarisk of an
accident.
In such situations, turn the light switch to
.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The driver is responsible for the vehicle's
lighting at all times.

Left-hand standinglamps
\nRight-hand standinglamps
Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
\rAutomatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the light sensor
Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
\ris the favored light switch setting. The
light setting is automatically selected
accordingtothe brightness of the ambient
light (exception: poor visibility due to weather
conditions such as fog, snow or spray):
RSmartKey in position1in the ignition lock:
the parking lamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light.
RWith the engine running: if you have
activated the daytime runninglamps
function via the on-board computer,the
daytime runninglamps or the low-beam
headlamps and parking lamps are switched
on or off automatically depending on the
brightness of the ambient light.
XTo switch on automatic headlamp
mode:turn the light switch to\r.
Only for Canada:
The daytime runninglamps improve the
visibility of your vehicle during the day. The
daytime runninglamps function is required by
law in Canada. It cannot therefore be
deactivated.
When the engine is runningand the vehicle is
stationary: if you move the selector lever from
adrive position toP,the daytime running
lamps/low-beam headlamps go out after
three minutes.
When the engine is running, the vehicle is
stationary and in high ambient light: if you
turn the light switch to,the daytime
runninglamps and parking lamps switch on.
If the engine is runningand you turn the light
switch to,the manual settings take
precedenceover the daytime runninglamps.
USA only:
The daytime runninglamps improve the
visibility of your vehicle during the day. To do
this, the daytime runninglamps function must
be switched on using the on-board computer
(Ypage 230).
If the engine is runningand you turn the light
switch toor,the manual settings
Exterior lighting117
Lights and windshield wipers
Z

take precedence overthe daytime running
lamps.
Low-beam headlamps
GWARNING
When the lightswitchisset to\r,thelow-
beam headlampsmay not be switchedon
automatically if there is fog, snow or other
causes of poor visibility due to theweather
conditions such as spray. Thereisarisk of an
accident.
In such situations, turnthe light switch to
.

Left-hand standing lamps
\nRight-hand standing lamps
Parking lamps, license plate and
instrumentcluster lighting
\rAutomatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the light sensor
Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
Even if the light sensor does not detect that
it is dark,the parking lamps and low-beam
headlamps switchonwhen the ignition is
switched on and the light switchisset to the
position. This isaparticularly useful
function in the eventofrain and fog.
XTo switch on thelow-beam headlamps:
turnthe SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position2or start the engine.
XTurn the light switchto.
The greenindicator lamp in the
instrumentcluster lightsup.
Parking lamps
!If the battery has been excessively
discharged, the parking lamps or standing
lamps are automatically switched off to
enable the nextengine start. Alwayspark
your vehiclesafelyand sufficiently lit
according to legalstandards.Avoid the
continuoususe of theparking lamps
for severalhours.Ifpossible, switch on the
\nright or theleft standinglamp.

Left-hand standinglamps
\nRight-hand standinglamps
Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
\rAutomatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the light sensor
Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
XTo switch on:turn the light switch to
.
The greenindicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
118Exterior lighting
Lights and windshiel dw ipers