
will be trapped in the door or in the seat
mechanism. This could damage the door,
the door trim panel and the seat belt. Dam- aged seat belts can no longer fulfil their
protective function and must be replaced.
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. X
Press release button :and guide belt
tongue ;back towards belt sash guide
=.
Seat belt adjustment The seat-belt adjustment is an integral part of
the PRE-SAFE ®
convenience function. This
function adjusts the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt to the upper body of the
occupants.
The belt strap is tightened slightly when:
R the seat belt tongue is engaged in the belt
buckle and
R the ignition is switched on
The seat-belt adjustment will apply a certain
tightening force if any slack is detected
between the vehicle occupant and the seat
belt. Do not hold on to the seat belt tightly
while it is adjusting.
You can switch the seat-belt adjustment on
and off in the on-board computer
(Y page 257). Belt warning for the driver and front
passenger The
7 seat belt warning lamp in the instru-
ment cluster is a reminder for all vehicle occu-
pants to fasten their seat belts. It may light up continuously or flash. A warning tone may
also sound.
The 7 seat belt warning lamp goes out and
the warning tone switches off as soon as the driver and co-driver have fastened their seat
belts.
i For more information on the
7seat
belt warning lamp, see the "Warning and
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster,
seat belt" section (Y page 287).
Rear seat belt status indicator The seat belt on the right rear seat, when viewed in
the direction of travel, is not fastened. (Example:
CLS Coupé)
The status indicator for the rear-compart-
ment seat belts is only available for certain
countries.
For approximately 30 seconds, the rear seat
belt status indicator informs you which rear
seat belt is not fastened.
The rear seat belt status indicator appears if:
R you drive off and reach a speed of approx-
imately 10 km/h.
R the rear passengers fasten or unfasten
their seat belts while the vehicle is in
motion.
R someone gets in or out of the vehicle and
you pull away again.
You can also cancel the rear seat belt status
indicator immediately (Y page 261). Occupant safety
47Safety Z

Airbags
Introduction The AIRBAG symbol indicates the installation
location of an airbag.
The airbag is supplementary to a correctly
fastened seatbelt. It does not replace a seat- belt. The airbag serves to provide additional
protection in an accident situation.
Not all airbags are deployed in an accident.
The various airbag systems work independ-
ently of one another (Y page 51).
However, no system available today can com- pletely eliminate injuries and fatalities.
Due to the speed of airbag deployment, it is
also not possible to entirely rule out the risk of
injuries caused by the driver's airbag deploy-
ing.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you deviate from the correct seat position,
the airbag cannot perform its intended pro-
tective function and can even cause addi-
tional injuries when deployed. There is an
increased risk of serious or even fatal injuries.
In order to avoid such risks, always ensure
that all vehicle occupants:
R fasten their seatbelts correctly, including
pregnant women
R are seated correctly and maintain the fur-
thest possible distance from the airbags
R observe the following notes
Always ensure that there are no objects loca-
ted between the airbag and the vehicle occu-
pant.
R Adjust the seats properly before beginning
your journey. Always make sure that the
seat is in an almost upright position. The
centre of the head restraint must support
the head at about eye level.
R Move the driver's and front-passenger
seats as far back as possible. The driver's seat position must allow the vehicle to be
driven safely.
R Only hold the steering wheel on the out-
side. This allows the airbag to be fully
deployed.
R Always lean against the backrest while driv-
ing. Do not lean forwards or lean against
the door or side window. You may other-
wise be in the deployment area of the air-
bags.
R Always keep your feet in the footwell in
front of the seat. Do not put your feet on the
dashboard, for example. Your feet may oth-
erwise be in the deployment area of the
airbag.
R For this reason, always secure persons less
than 1.50 mtall in suitable restraint sys-
tems. Up to this height, the seat belt cannot
be worn correctly.
If a child is travelling in your vehicle, also
observe the following notes:
R Always secure children under 12 years of
age and less than 1.50 mtall in suitable
child restraint systems.
R Child restraint systems should be fitted to
the rear seats.
R Only secure a child to the front-passenger
seat when the front-passenger front airbag
is disabled, and only then in a rearward-
facing child restraint system. If the
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is
permanently lit, the front-passenger front
airbag is disabled (Y page 43).
R Always observe the instructions and safety
notes on "Children in the vehicle"
(Y page 55) and on the "Child restraint
system on the front-passenger seat"
(Y page 61) in addition to the child
restraint system manufacturer's installa-
tion instructions. 48
Occupant safetySafety

Objects in the vehicle interior may pre-
vent the airbag from functioning cor-
rectly. Before starting your journey and to
avoid risks resulting from the speed of the
airbag as it deploys, make sure that:
R there are no people, animals or objects
between the vehicle occupants and an air-
bag.
R there are no objects between the seat, door
and B-pillar.
R no hard objects, e.g. coat hangers, hang on
the grab handles or coat hooks.
R no accessories, such as cup holders, are
attached to the vehicle within the deploy-
ment area of an airbag, e.g. to doors, side
windows, rear side trim or side walls.
R no heavy, sharp-edged or fragile objects
are in the pockets of your clothing. Store
such objects in a suitable place. G
WARNING
If you modify an airbag cover or affix objects
such as stickers to it, the airbag can no longer function correctly. There is an increased risk
of injury.
Never modify an airbag cover or affix objects
to it. G
WARNING
Sensors to control the airbags are located in
the doors. Modifications or work not per-
formed correctly to the doors or door panel-
ling, as well as damaged doors, can lead to the function of the sensors being impaired. The
airbags might therefore not function properly any more. Consequently, the airbags cannot
protect vehicle occupants as they are
designed to do. This poses an increased risk
of injury.
Never modify the doors or parts of the doors.
Always have work on the doors or door pan-
elling carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop. Front airbags
Driver's airbag
:deploys in front of the
steering wheel; front-passenger front air-
bag ;deploys in front of and above the glove
compartment.
When deployed, the front airbags offer addi-
tional head and thorax protection for the
occupants in the front seats.
The permanently lit PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp shows you that the front-
passenger front airbag is deactivated
(Y page 43).
Driver's kneebag Driver's kneebag
:deploys under the steer-
ing column. The driver's kneebag is triggered
together with the front airbag.
The driver's kneebag offers additional thigh,
knee and lower leg protection for the occu-
pant in the driver's seat.
i The driver's kneebag is only available in
certain countries. Occupant safety
49Safety Z

Sidebags
G
WARNING
Unsuitable seat covers may obstruct or even
prevent deployment of the airbags integrated into the seats. The airbags may then fail to
protect the vehicle occupants as intended.
Operation of the automatic child seat recog-
nition may also be impaired. There is an
increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Use only seat covers which have been specif-
ically approved for the respective seat by
Mercedes-Benz. Example: Coupé
Front sidebags :and rear sidebags ;
deploy next to the outer bolster of the seat
backrest.
When deployed, the sidebag offers additional thorax protection. However, it does not pro-
tect the:
R head
R neck
R arms
In the event of a side impact, the sidebag is
deployed on the side on which the impact
occurs.
Pelvisbags G
WARNING
Unsuitable seat covers may obstruct or even
prevent deployment of the airbags integrated into the seats. The airbags may then fail to
protect the vehicle occupants as intended. Operation of the automatic child seat recog-
nition may also be impaired. There is an
increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Use only seat covers which have been specif- ically approved for the respective seat by
Mercedes-Benz. Example: CLS Coupé, pelvisbag on the driver's side
Pelvisbags :deploy below next to the outer
seat cushions.
When activated, the pelvisbag enhances the
level of protection of the vehicle occupants
on the side of the vehicle on which the impact
occurs.
The pelvisbag is deployed on the side of the
impact.
i Pelvisbags are only available in certain
countries.
Windowbags Example: Coupé
Windowbags :are integrated into the side
of the roof frame and deployed in the area
from the A-pillar to the C-pillar. 50
Occupant safetySafety

When deployed, the windowbag enhances the
level of protection for the head. However, it
does not protect the chest or arms.
In the event of a side impact, the windowbag
is deployed on the side on which the impact
occurs.
If the system determines that they can offer
additional protection to that provided by the
seat belt, a windowbag may be deployed in
other accident situations (Y page 51).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
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 after an
accident, you have your vehicle towed to a
qualified specialist workshop. This is particu- larly important after the seat belt tensioners
have been triggered or after airbags have
been 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 belt tensioners are triggered or the airbags
are deployed, you will hear a bang, and a small amount of powder may also be released. The
6 restraint system warning lamp lights up.
Only in rare cases will the bang affect your
hearing. The powder that is released gener-
ally does not constitute a health hazard but
can cause short-term breathing difficulties for people with asthma or breathing problems. If
it is safe to do so, leave the vehicle immedi-
ately or open a window to avoid experiencing potential breathing difficulties.
Mode of 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 seat belt tensioner is triggered by the restraint
system control unit in the event of a frontal or
rear collision.
The belt tensioner can only be triggered if:
R the ignition is switched on
R the components of the restraint system are
operational; see the "Restraint system
warning lamp" section (Y page 43)
R the seat belt buckle tongue is engaged in
the belt buckle on your front seat
The belt tensioners in the rear compartment
are triggered independently of the lock status of the seat belts.
In certain frontal collision situations, further
components of the restraint system are acti-
vated independently of each other if the
restraint system control unit determines that the accident is severe:
R front airbags and driver's kneebag
R windowbag, if it is determined that it can
offer additional protection to the seat belt
for vehicle occupants
Depending on the classification of the person in the front-passenger seat, the front- Occupant safety
51Safety Z

NECK-PRO head restraint/NECK-PRO
luxury head restraints
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The function of the head restraint may be
impaired if you:
R attach objects such as coat hangers to the
head restraints, for example
R use unsuitable head restraint covers
If you do so, the head restraints cannot fulfil
their intended protective function in the event of an accident. In addition, objects attached
to the head restraints could endanger other
vehicle occupants. This poses an increased
risk of injury.
Do not attach any objects to the head
restraints and only use suitable head restraint
covers.
Consult a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre
regarding the availability of suitable seat or
head restraint covers.
Operation NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO luxury
head restraints offer additional protection
against head and chest injuries. In the event
of a rear collision of a certain severity, the
NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO luxury
head restraints on the driver's and front-
passenger seats are moved forwards and
upwards. This provides better head support.
If the NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO
luxury head restraints have been triggered in
an accident, reset the NECK-PRO head
restraints/NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
on the driver's and front-passenger seats
(Y page 54). Otherwise, the additional pro-
tection will not be available in the event of
another rear-end collision. NECK-PRO head
restraints/NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
that have been triggered are moved forwards and can no longer be adjusted. Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have
the functionality of the NECK-PRO head
restraints/NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
checked at a qualified specialist workshop
after a rear-end collision.
Resetting a triggered NECK-PRO head
restraint/NECK-PRO luxury head
restraint NECK-PRO head restraints
Example: Coupé
Do not insert your finger between the uphols- tery of the head restraint and the cover. Pay
particular attention while resetting the NECK-PRO head restraints.
X Tilt the top of the NECK-PRO head restraint
cushion forwards in the direction of
arrow :.
X Push the NECK-PRO head restraint cushion
down in the direction of arrow ;as far as
it will go.
X With your hand flat, firmly push the NECK-
PRO head restraint cushion backwards in
the direction of arrow =until it engages.
X Repeat this procedure for the second
NECK-PRO head restraint.
i Resetting the NECK-PRO head restraints
requires a lot of strength. If you have diffi-
culty resetting the NECK-PRO head
restraints, have this work carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. Occupant safety
53Safety Z

R
vehicles with the memory function: the
front-passenger seat is adjusted if it is in an unfavourable position.
R Vehicles with a multicontour seat or active
multicontour seat: the air pressure in the
side bolsters of the backrest is increased.
If the hazardous situation passes without
resulting in an accident, PRE-SAFE ®
slackens
the belt pre-tensioning. On vehicles with mul-
ticontour seats/active multicontour seats,
the air pressure in the side bolsters is reduced
again. 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. Fur-
ther information can be found under "Belt
adjustment" (Y page 47). 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 electrically adjustable steering wheel is
raised
R the engine is switched 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 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 P
R start the engine
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. Children in the vehicle
55Safety Z

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 44) and the notes on correct use of
seat belts (Y page 45). Child restraint system
Observe the instructions for correct use of
the child restraint system (Y page 63).
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use a child restraint sys-
tem recommended by Mercedes-Benz
(Y page 66). 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 or loads under "Loading
guidelines" (Y page 300). 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 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.
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 61).
You can also find information on disabling the
front-passenger front airbag.
Observe the warning labels in the vehicle inte- rior and on the child restraint system. 56
Children in the vehicleSafety