2014 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS instrument cluster

When leaving the vehicle, alwaystake the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
!Always secure the vehicle correctly
against rolling away.Otherwise, the vehicle
or its drivetraincould be damaged.
To ensure that the vehicle is secured against
rolling away unintentionally:
Rthe parking brake must be applied.
Rthe transmission must be in positionPand
the SmartKey must be removed from the
ignition lock.
Ron uphill or downhill gradients, the front
wheels must be turned towards the curb.
Switching off the engine
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The automatic transmission switches to
neutral positionNwhen you switch off the
engine. The vehicle may roll away.There is a
risk of an accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking positionP.Prevent the parked
vehicle from rolling away by applying the
parking brake.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
XApply the parking brake firmly.
XAll vehicles(except AMG vehicles):shift
the transmission to positionP.
Selector lever in AMG vehicles withPbutton
XAMG vehicles:pressPbutton.
Using the SmartKey
XTurn the SmartKey to position0in the
ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.
iIf you turn off the engine with the
SmartKey and then remove it from the
ignition lock or openafront door, the
automatic transmission shifts toP
automatically.
Using KEYLESS-GO
XPress the Start/Stop button (Ypage 147).
The engine stops and all the indicator
lamps in the instrumentcluster go out.
iWhen the driver's door is closed, this
corresponds to key position1.When the
driver's door is open,this corresponds to
key position0:"key removed".
iIf youturnoff the engine with the Start/
Stop button, the automatic transmission
shifts toN.Ifyou then open one of the front
doors, the automatic transmission shifts to
P.
iThe engine can be turned off while the
vehicle is in motion by pressing and holding
the Start/Stop button for about three
seconds. This function operates
independently of the ECO start/stop
automatic engine switch-off function.
168Parking
Driving and parking

Parking brake
GWARNING
If you must brake the vehicle with the parking
brake, the braking distance is considerably
longer and the wheels could lock. There is an
increased danger of skidding and accidents.
Only use the parking brake to brake the
vehicle when the service brake is faulty. Do
not apply the parking brake too firmly. If the
wheels lock, release the parking brake until
the wheels begin turningagain.
GWARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, they could set it in motion by, for
example:
Rreleasing the parking brake
Rshifting the automatic transmission out of
the parking positionP
Rstartingthe engine.
They could also operate the vehicle's
equipment. There isarisk of an accident and
injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
If you brake the vehicle with the parking
brake, the brake lamps will not light up.
XTo apply:depress parking brakefirmly.
When the engine is running, the(USA
only) or
(Canada only) indicator lamp
lights up in the instrumentcluster.
XTo release:depressthe brakepedal and
keep it depressed.
XPull release handle.
When the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running, the(USA only) or

(Canada only) indicator lamp goes out
in the instrumentcluster.
Parking thevehicle foralong period
If you leave thevehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, thebattery may be damagedby
exhaustive discharging.
If you leave thevehicle parked for longer than
six weeks, thevehicle may suffer damage as
aresult of lack of use.
XVisitaqualifiedspecialist workshop and
seek advice.
iYou can obtain informationabout trickle
chargers fromaqualifiedspecialist
workshop.
Driving tips
General notes
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you switch off theignitionwhile driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect.You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There isarisk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
GWARNING
If you operate mobile communication
equipment while driving, you will be
Driving tips169
Driving and parking
Z

Servicing the brakes
!If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrumentcluster and you hear a
warningtonewhile the engine is running,
the brakefluid level may be too low.
Observe additional warningmessages in
the multifunction display.
The brakefluid level may be too low due to
brakepad wear or leakingbrakelines.
Have the brakesystem checked
immediately. This work should be carried
out ataqualified specialist workshop.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC:function or
performancetests may only be carried out
ona2-axle dynamometer. If you are
planning to have the vehicle tested on such
adynamometer, contactanauthorized
Mercedes-BenzCenter to obtain further
information first. Otherwise, you could
damage the drive train or the brakesystem.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC:as the ESP®
system operates automatically, the engine
and the ignition must be switched off
(SmartKey in position0or1in the ignition
lock or Start/Stop button in position0or
1)while the parking brakeisbeing tested
onabrakedynamometer.
Brakingmaneuvers triggeredautomatically
by ESP®may seriouslydamagethebrake
system.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC:as theESP®
system operatesautomatically, theengine
and theignition system must be switched
off (SmartKey in position0or1in the
ignition lockorStart/Stopbuttonin
position0or1)when:
Rtesting theparking brakeonabrake
dynamometer.
Ryou intendtohave thevehicletowed with
oneoftheaxlesraised.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP®may seriouslydamagethebrake
system.
All checksand maintenance work on the
brakesystem must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. Consult a
qualified specialist workshoptoarrangethis.
Havebrakepads installed and brakefluid
replacedataqualified specialist workshop.
If thebrakesystem has only been subject to
moderateloads,you should test the
functionalityofyour brakes at regular
intervals. To do so, press firmly on thebrake
pedal when driving atahigh speed. This
improvesthegripofthebrakepads.
You can findadescription of Brake Assist
(BAS) on (Ypage 67)orofBASPLUSon
(Ypage 67).
The braking characteristics of thevehiclecan
be seriouslyimpaired if:
Rbrakepads other than those recommended
are installed
Rtherecommended brakefluid is notused
Safe braking can no longer be guaranteed.
AMG high-performance and ceramic
brakes
The high-performance brake system is
installed only on the CLS 63 AMG.
The AMG brake systems are designed for
heavy loads. This may lead to noise when
braking. This will depend on:
RSpeed
RBraking force
REnvironmental conditions, such as
temperature and humidity
The wear of individualcomponentsofthe
brake system, such as the brake pads/linings
or brake discs, depends on the individual
driving style and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossibletostate a
mileage that will be valid under all
circumstances. An aggressive driving style
will lead to high wear. You can obtain further
information aboutthis from your authorized
Mercedes-BenzCenter.
Driving tips173
Driving and parking
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New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after
several hundred kilometers of driving.
Compensate for this by applying greater force
to the brake pedal. Keep this in mind, and
adapt yourdriving and braking accordingly
during this break-in period.
Excessive heavy braking results in
correspondingly high brake wear. Observe
thebrake wearwarning lamp in the
instrumentcluster and noteany brakestatus
messages in the multifunction display.
Especially for high performancedriving, it is
importanttomaintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated toacertain depth
on the road surface, there isadanger of
hydroplaning occurring, even if:
Ryou drive at low speeds.
Rthe tires have adequate tread depth.
For this reason,inthe eventofheavy rain or
in conditions in which hydroplaning may
occur, you must drive in the following
manner:
Rlower your speed.
Ravoid ruts.
Rbrakecarefully.
Driving on flooded roads
!Do not drive through floodedareas.
Check the depthofany water beforedriving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water.Otherwise, water mayenterthe
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic
components in the engine or the automatic
transmission. Water can also be drawn in
by the engine's air suction nozzles and this
can cause engine damage.
Winter driving
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you shift down onaslippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect,the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking onaslippery road surface.
GDANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the
vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There isarisk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open
awindow on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winterproofed ataqualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Ypage 336).
Driving with summer tires
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Ypage 336).
Slippery road surfaces
GWARNING
If you shift down onaslippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect,the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking onaslippery road surface.
174Driving tips
Driving and parking

sensor system. DISTRONIC PLUS brakes
automaticallysothat the set speed is not
exceeded.
Change intoalower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. This is
especially important if the vehicle is laden. By
doing so, you will make use of the braking
effect of the engine. This relieves the load on
the brake system and prevents the brakes
from overheating and wearing too quickly.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that there isarisk
ofacollision, you will be warned visually and
acoustically.DISTRONIC PLUS cannot
preventacollision without your intervention.
An intermittent warning tone will then sound
and the distance warning lamp will light up in
the instrument cluster. Brake immediately in
order to increase the distance to the vehicle
in front or take evasive action provided it is
safe to do so.
For DISTRONIC PLUS to assist you, the radar
sensor system must be operational.
If there is no vehicle in front,DISTRONIC
PLUS operates in the same way as cruise
control in the speed range between 20 mph
(Canada: 30 km/h) and 120 mph (Canada:
200 km/h). Ifavehicle is driving in front of
you, it operates in the speed range between
0mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph (Canada:
200 km/h).
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS while driving on
roads with steep gradients.
As DISTRONIC PLUS transmits radar waves,
it can resemble the radar detectors of the
responsible authorities. You can refer to the
relevant chapter in the Operator's Manual if
questions are asked aboutthis.
iUSA only: This device has been approved
by the FCC asa"VehicularRadar System".
The radar sensor is intended for use in an
automotive radar system only. Removal,
tampering,oralteringofthedevice will void
any warranties, and is notpermitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
Anyunauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authorityto
operate the equipment.
iCanada only: This device complies with
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the
device will void any warranties, and is not
permitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or use
in any non-approved way.
Anyunauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authorityto
operate the equipment.
Cruise control lever
To storethe currentspeed orahigher
speed
To storethe currentspeed oralower
speed
$To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS
!To storethe currentspeed or call up the
last stored speed
To set the specified minimum distance
Driving systems179
Driving and parking
Z

Activating DISTRONIC PLUS
Activation conditions
In order to activateDISTRONICPLUS, the
followingconditionsmustbefulfilled:
Rthe enginemust be started. It may take up
to two minutes after pulling away before
DISTRONIC PLUS is operational.
Rthe parkingbrake must be released.
RESP®must be active, but not intervening.
RActive ParkingAssist must not be
activated.
Rthe transmission must be in positionD.
Rthe hood must be closed.
Rthe driver's door must be closed when you
shift fromPtoDor your seat belt must be
fastened.
Rthe front-passenger door and rear doors
must be closed.
Rthe vehicle must not skid.
Activating
XBriefly pull the cruise control lever towards
youor press it upor down$.
DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.
XPress the cruise control lever repeatedly
upor down$until the desired speed
is set.
XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Your vehicle adapts its speed to that of the
vehicle in front, but only up to the desired
stored speed.
When driving at speeds below 20 mph
(30 km/h),you can only activate DISTRONIC
PLUS if the vehicle in front has been detected
and is shown in the multifunction display.If
the vehicleinfront is no longerdetected and
displayed, DISTRONIC PLUS switches off and
atonesounds.
iIf you do not fully release the accelerator
pedal, theDISTRONIC PLUS Override
message appears in the multifunction
display. The set distancetoaslower-
movingvehicle in frontwill then not be
maintained. You will be driving at the speed
you determine by the position of the
accelerator pedal.
Activating when driving towardsa
stationary vehicle
XBriefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you!or press it upor down.
DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.
XPress the cruise control lever repeatedly
upor downuntil the desired speed
is set.
If the vehicle in frontofyou is stationary, you
can only activate DISTRONIC PLUS once your
vehicle is stationary as well.
iDISTRONIC PLUS can only be activated at
under 20 mph (30 km/h) ifavehicle in front
has been detected. Therefore, the
DISTRONIC PLUS distancedisplay in the
instrument cluster should be activated
(Ypage 227).
iYou can use the cruise control lever to set
the stored speed and the control on the
cruise control lever to set the specified
minimum distance(Ypage 183).
Activating at the current speed/last
stored speed
GWARNING
If you call up the stored speed and it differs
from the currentspeed, the vehicle
accelerates or decelerates. If you do not know
the stored speed, the vehicle could accelerate
180Driving systems
Driving and parking

status indicator in the instrument cluster.
Whenaparking space has been detected, an
arrow towards the right or the left also
appears. By default, Active Parking Assist
only displays parking spaces on the front-
passenger side. Parking spaces on the
driver's side are displayed as soon as the turn
signal on the driver's side is activated. When
parking on the driver's side, this must remain
switched on until you acknowledge the use of
Active Parking Assist by pressing the
button on the multifunction steering wheel.
iTake note that Active Parking Assist
cannot measure the size of parking spaces
that are at right angles to the direction of
travel. You must decide for yourself
whether the vehicle will fit in the parking
space.
Aparking spaceisdisplayed while you are
driving past it, and until you are
approximately 50 ft (15 m) away from it.
Parking
GWARNING
ActiveParking Assist merely aids you by
intervening activelyinthesteering.Ifyou do
notbrakethere isariskofanaccident.
Always apply thebrakes yourself when
maneuveringand parking.
XStop thevehicle when theparking space
symbol shows thedesired parking spacein
theinstrumentcluster.
XShift thetransmission to positionR.
TheStart ParkAssist?Yes:OKNo:
message appearsinthemultifunction
display.
XTo cancel theprocedure:pressthe
buttononthemultifunction steering
wheel or pull away.
or
XTo park usingActiveParking Assist:
pressthebuttononthe multifunction
steering wheel.
ThePark Assist Active Accelerate
and Brake Observe Surroundings
message appears in the multifunction
display.
XLet go of the multifunction steering wheel.
XBack up the vehicle, being ready to brake
at all times. When backing up, drive at a
speed below approximately6mph
(10 km/h). Otherwise Active ParkingAssist
will be canceled.
iIn tight parkingspaces, you will achieve
the best parkingresults by backingupas
far as possible. When doing so, also
observe the PARKTRONICmessages.
XStop as soon as PARKTRONICsounds the
continuous warning tone, if not before.
Maneuveringmay be required in tight
parkingspaces.
ThePark Assist Active Select D
ObserveSurroundingsmessage appears in
the multifunction display.
XShift the transmission to positionDwhile
the vehicle is stationary.
Active ParkingAssist immediately steersin
the other direction.
ThePark Assist Active Accelerate
and Brake ObserveSurroundings
message appears in the multifunction
display.
iYou will achieve the best results by
waiting for the steering procedure to
completebefore pulling away.
XDriveforwards and be ready to brake at all
times.
XStop as soon as PARKTRONICsounds the
continuous warning tone, if not before.
198Driving systems
Driving and parking

ThePark Assist Active Select R
ObserveSurroundingsmessage appears in
the multifunction display.
Further transmission shifts may be
necessary.
As soon as the parking procedure is
complete, thePark Assist Finished
message appears in the multifunction
display.PARKTRONICcontinuestobe
available.
XManeuver if necessary.
XAlways observe the warning messages
displayed by PARKTRONIC (Ypage 195).
Parking tips:
RThe way your vehicle is positioned in the
parking space after parking is dependent
on various factors. These include the
position and shape of the vehicles parked
in front and behind it and the conditions of
the location. It may be the case that Active
Parking Assist guides you too far into a
parking space, or not far enough into it. In
some cases, it may also lead you across or
ontothe curb. If necessary, you should
cancel the parking procedure with Active
Parking Assist.
RYou can also engage forward gear
prematurely. The vehicle redirects and
does not drive as far into the parking space.
Shouldagear be changed too early, the
parking procedure will be canceled. A
sensible parking position can no longer be
achieved from this position.
CancelingActive Parking Assist
You can cancel Active Parking Assist at any
time.
XStop the movementofthe multifunction
steeringwheel or steer yourself.
Active Parking Assist will be canceled at
once. ThePark Assist Canceled
message appears in the multifunction
display.
or
XPress the PARKTRONIC button on the
center console (Ypage 195).
PARKTRONIC is switched off and Active
Parking Assist is immediately canceled.
ThePark Assist Canceledmessage
appears in the multifunction display.
Active Parking Assist is canceled
automatically if:
Rthe transmission is shifted too early.
Rparking using Active Parking Assist is no
longer possible.
Ryou are driving faster than6mph
(10 km/h).
Rawheel spins, ESP®intervenes or fails. The
warning lamp lights up in the
instrument cluster.
Awarning tone sounds. The parking symbol
disappears and themultifunction display
shows theParkAssist Canceled
message.
If ActiveParking Assist is canceled, you must
steer again yourself.
Rearview camera
Important safety notes
The rear view camera is only an aid. It is not
areplacementfor your attentiontoyour
immediatesurroundings. You are always
responsible for safe maneuvering and
parking.When maneuvering or parking, make
sure that there are no persons, animals or
objectsinthe area in which you are
maneuvering.
Under the following circumstances, the rear
view camera will not function, or will function
inalimited manner:
Rif the trunk lid/tailgate is open
Rin heavy rain, snow or fog
Rat night or in very dark places
Driving systems199
Driving and parking
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