2014 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS snow chains

Driving tips
AMGceramic brakes.....................173
Automatic transmission.................158
Brakes...........................................172
Break-in period..............................146
Downhill gradient...........................172
Drinking and driving.......................170
Driving abroad...............................116
Driving in winter .............................174
Driving on flooded roads................174
Driving on wet roads......................174
Exhaustcheck...............................170
Fuel ................................................ 170
General..........................................169
Hydroplaning.................................174
Icy road surfaces...........................174
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads...................................172
Snow chains..................................337
Symmetrical low beam..................116
Wet road surface...........................172
DVD audio
Operating (on-board computer).....225
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer).....226
E
EASY-ENTRY feature
Activating/deactivating.................233
Function/notes.............................108
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive...........................109
Function/notes.............................108
Switching on/off...........................233
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Display message............................240
Function/notes ................................ 71
ECOdisplay
Function/notes.............................170
On-board computer.......................223
ECOstart/stop function
Automatic engine switch-off..........151
Deactivating/activating.................152
General information.......................151
Important safety notes..................151
Introduction...................................150
Emergency release
Driver's door....................................84
Fuel filler flap.................................166
Trunk...............................................88
Vehicle.............................................84
Emergency spare wheel
Important safety notes..................367
Points to remember.......................367
Removing.......................................368
Storage location............................368
Stowing .......................................... 368
Technical data...............................370
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function ...........................................59
Safety guidelines.............................41
Emissions control
Service and warranty information....23
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 273
Display message............................248
ECO start/stop function................150
Engine number............................... 373
Irregularrunning............................154
Jump-starting.................................326
Starting problems..........................154
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey.......................................149
Starting with KEYLESS-GO.............149
Switching off..................................168
Tow-starting (vehicle)..................... 331
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction)...................154
Engine oil
Adding...........................................308
Additives........................................376
Checking the oil level..................... 307
Checking the oil levelusing the
dipstick..........................................307
Display message............................250
Filling capacity...............................376
Notes about oil grades ................... 375
Notes on oil level/consumption....307
Temperature (on-board computer).234
Viscosity........................................376
Index9

Setting the air distribution...............138
Settingthe airflow............................139
SETUP (on-board computer).............234
Side impact air bag.............................45
Side marker lamp (display
message)............................................ 247
Side windows
Cleaning ......................................... 314
Convenience closing feature............90
Convenience opening feature..........89
Important safety information...........88
Opening/closing..............................89
Problem (malfunction).....................92
Resetting.........................................91
Sliding sunroof
Important safety notes....................92
Opening/closing..............................93
Problem (malfunction).....................95
Resetting.........................................94
SmartKey
Changing the battery.......................79
Changing the programming.............77
Checking the battery.......................79
Convenience closing feature............90
Convenience opening feature..........89
Display message............................262
Door central locking/unlocking.......76
Important safety notes....................76
Loss.................................................81
Mechanical key................................78
Positions (ignition lock).................147
Problem (malfunction).....................81
Starting the engine........................149
Snowchains......................................337
Sockets
Center console..............................289
General notes................................289
Rearcompartment.........................290
Trunk.............................................290
Under the armrest.........................289
Spare wheel
Stowing .......................................... 368
Specialist workshop............................ 26
Special seat beltretractor.................. 63
Speed,controlling
see Cruise control
Speedometer
Digital............................................223
In the Instrument cluster.........31, 219
Segments......................................220
Selecting the unit of
measurement................................229
see Instrument cluster
SPORT handling mode
Activating/deactivating (AMG
vehicles)..........................................70
Warning lamp ................................. 270
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Display message............................242
Introduction.....................................41
Warning lamp ................................. 272
Warning lamp (function) ................... 41
Standinglamps
Display message............................246
Switching on/off...........................119
Start/stop function
see ECO start/stop function
Starting (engine)................................ 149
Steering (display message)..............262
Steering wheel
Adjusting (electrically)...................106
Button overview...............................33
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 220
Cleaning ......................................... 316
Important safety notes..................106
Paddle shifters...............................160
Steering wheel heating..................107
Storing settings (memory
function)........................................112
Steering wheel heating
Problem (malfunction)...................108
Switching on/off...........................107
Steering wheel paddle shifters........160
Stopwatch (RACETIMER)................... 235
Stowage areas...................................278
Stowage compartments
Armrest (under).............................280
Center console..............................279
Cupholders...................................284
Eyeglasses compartment...............279
Glove box .......................................279
Important safety information.........278
Rear...............................................281
16Index

Tighteningtorque ........................... 361
Wheel size/tire size.......................362
Windowcurtain air bag
Operation .........................................47
Windows
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting......................................139
Windshieldwasher fluid
see Windshield washer system
Windshield washer system
Adding washer fluid.......................309
Notes.............................................378
Windshieldwipers
Problem (malfunction)...................128
Replacing the wiper blades............126
Switching on/off...........................125
Winterdriving
Important safety notes..................336
Slippery road surfaces...................174
Snow chains..................................337
Wintertires
M+S tires.......................................336
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 314
Important safety notes..................126
Replacing.......................................126
Wooden trim (cleaning
instructions)......................................316
Z
ZONE function
Switching on/off...........................139
20Index

XTo activate/deactivate:press button.
If indicator lampis lit, operationofthe
rear side windows is disabled. Operation is
only possible using the switches in the
driver's door. If indicator lampis off,
operation is possible using the switches in
the rear compartment.
Driving safety systems
Overview of driving safety systems
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
RABS (Anti-lockBrakingSystem)
(Ypage 66)
RBAS (BrakeAssistSystem) (Ypage 67)
RBAS PLUS (BrakeAssistSystem Plus)
(Ypage 67)
RESP®(ElectronicStabilityProgram)
(Ypage 68)
REBD (ElectronicBrake forceDistribution)
(Ypage 71)
RADAPTIVE BRAKE (Ypage 72)
RPRE-SAFE®Brake (Ypage 72)
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style or
become distracted, the driving safety
systems can neither reduce the risk of
accident nor override the laws of physics.
Driving safety systems are merely aids
designed to assist driving. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front,for vehicle speed and for braking in
good time. Always adapt your driving style to
suit the prevailing road, weather and traffic
conditionsand maintainasafe distancefrom
thevehicle in front. Drive carefully.
iThe driving safety systems describedonly
work as effectivelyaspossible when there
is adequatecontactbetween thetires and
theroad surface. Pleasepay special
attentiontothenotesontires,
recommendedminimumtire tread depths,
etc.(Ypage 334).
In wintry drivingconditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snowchains. Only in this way will the
drivingsafetysystems described in this
section work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock BrakingSystem)
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Importantsafetynotes"
section(Ypage 66).
GWARNING
If ABSisfaulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking
characteristics may be severely impaired.
Additionally, further driving safety systems
are deactivated. There is an increased danger
of skidding and accidents.
Drive on carefully.Have ABS checked
immediately ataqualified specialist
workshop.
When ABS is malfunctioning, other systems,
including driving safety systems, will also
become inoperative. Observe the information
on the ABS warning lamp (Ypage 267) and
displaymessages which may be shown in the
instrument cluster (Ypage 238).
ABS regulates brake pressure in suchaway
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
66Driving safety systems
Safety

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

If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to positionN.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces.Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
iFor more information on driving with
snow chains, see (Ypage337).
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitablefor that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are
displayed afterashort delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areasoronbridges. The
vehiclecouldskid if you fail to adapt your
driving style.Always adapt your drivingstyle
and drive ataspeed to suit the prevailing
weatherconditions.
You should pay special attention to road
conditions when temperatures are around
freezingpoint.
Driving systems
Cruise control
Important safety notes
Cruise control maintainsaconstant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must select shift range
1,2or3in good time. By doing so, you will
make use of the braking effect of the engine.
This relieves the load on the brake system and
preventsthe brakes from overheating and
wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed foraprolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise
control can neither reduce the risk of an
accident nor override the laws of physics.
Cruise control cannot take into account the
road, traffic and weather conditions. Cruise
control is only an aid. You are responsible for
the distance to the vehicle in front,for vehicle
speed, for braking in good time and for
staying in your lane.
Do not use cruise control:
Rin road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintainaconstant speed e.g.
in heavy traffic or on winding roads
Ron slippery road surfaces. Brakingor
accelerating could cause the drive wheels
to lose traction and the vehicle could then
skid
Rwhen there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
If there isachange of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
General notes
Cruise control maintainsaconstant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must select shift range
1,2or3in good time. By doing so, you will
make use of the braking effect of the engine,
which relieves the load on the brake system
and preventsthe brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed foraprolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
Driving systems175
Driving and parking
Z