2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class brake

If DISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist is
activated but is not ready for a steering
intervention, steering wheel symbol 0043
appears in gray. If the system provides you
with support by means of steering
interventions, symbol 0043is shown in green.
Deactivating Steering Assist X
Press button 0044.
Indicator lamp 0043goes out. The DTR+: DTR+:
Steering
Steering Assist.
Assist.Off
Offmessage appears
in the multifunction display. Steering Assist
is deactivated.
When DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated,
DISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist is
deactivated automatically. HOLD function
General notes The HOLD function can assist the driver in the
following situations:
R when pulling away, especially on steep
slopes
R when maneuvering on steep slopes
R when waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the
driver having to depress the brake pedal.
The braking effect is canceled and the HOLD
function deactivated when you depress the
accelerator pedal to pull away. Important safety notes G
WARNING
When leaving the vehicle, it can still roll away
despite being braked by the HOLD function if:
R there is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.
R the HOLD function has been deactivated by
pressing the accelerator pedal or the brake
pedal, e.g. by a vehicle occupant.
R the electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses have
been tampered with.
R the battery is disconnected
There is a risk of an accident.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off
the HOLD function and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
Further information on deactivating the HOLD
function ( Ypage 213).
! If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes
automatically in certain situations. To
prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations:
R when towing the vehicle
R in the car wash
Activation conditions You can activate the HOLD function if all of
the following conditions are fulfilled:
R the vehicle is stationary.
R the engine is running or if it has been
automatically switched off by the ECO
start/stop function.
R the driver's door is closed or your seat belt
is fastened.
R the electric parking brake is released.
R the transmission is in position D,Ror N.
R DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated. 212
Driving systemsDriving and parking

Activating the HOLD function
X
Make sure that the activation conditions
are met.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Quickly depress the brake pedal further
until 0043appears in the multifunction
display.
The HOLD function is activated. You can
release the brake pedal.
i If depressing the brake pedal the first
time does not activate the HOLD function,
wait briefly and then try again.
Deactivating the HOLD function The HOLD function is deactivated
automatically if:
R
you accelerate and the transmission is in
position Dor R.
R you shift the transmission to position P.
R you depress the brake pedal again with a
certain amount of pressure until 00D9
disappears from the multifunction display.
R you secure the vehicle using the electric
parking brake.
R you activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
i After a time, the electric parking brake
secures the vehicle and relieves the service
brake. The HOLD function is then
deactivated. The electric parking brake automatically
secures the vehicle if the HOLD function is
activated and:
R
the driver's door is open and the driver's
seat belt is unfastened.
R the engine is switched off, unless it is
automatically switched off by the ECO
start/stop function.
R a system malfunction occurs.
R the power supply is not sufficient.
If a malfunction occurs, then the transmission
may be shifted into position Pautomatically. Magic Body Control
General notes Magic Body Control consists of Active Body
Control (ABC), ROAD SURFACE SCAN as well
as automatic vehicle stabilization in the event
of a crosswind.
Your vehicle automatically adjusts its ride
height to improve driving safety and reduce
fuel consumption. The suspension mode is
adjusted according to your selection (sports
or comfort), the road condition and the
vehicle load. A multifunction camera detects
bumps in the road surface before the vehicle
drives over them. This reduces chassis
movements.
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
When the vehicle is being lowered, people
could become trapped if their limbs are
between the vehicle body and the wheels or
underneath the vehicle. There is a risk of
injury.
Make sure no one is underneath the vehicle
or in the immediate vicinity of the wheel
arches when the vehicle is being lowered.
! The vehicle is lowered when the engine is
switched off. When parking, position your
vehicle so that it does not make contact Driving systems
213Driving and parking Z

active if you select comfort suspension
tuning. The system is operational at speeds
of up to 81 mph (130 km/h).
This function allows bumps in the road
surface to be detected before the vehicle
drives over them. The spring struts are then
actuated, with the result that chassis
movements are significantly reduced when
driving over bumps.
The system is deactivated when you select
the raised vehicle level or the sports
suspension tuning.
The system may be impaired or may not
function if:
R the road surface is insufficiently lit
R there is poor visibility, e.g. snow, rain, fog
or spray
R there is glare, e.g. from the sun or from
oncoming traffic
R the windshield is dirty, fogged up or
covered, for instance by a sticker, in the
vicinity of the camera
R the road surface has no texture or is
reflective, e.g. in the case of newly laid
asphalt, concrete slabs or puddles
R the distance to the vehicle in front is too
short
R sections of the route have a very small
radius of curvature
R you accelerate hard or brake sharply AIRMATIC
General notes AIRMATIC is an air suspension with variable
damping for improved driving comfort. All-
round level control ensures the best possible
suspension and constant ground clearance,
even with a laden vehicle. When you drive
fast, the vehicle is lowered automatically to
improve driving safety and to reduce fuel
consumption. There is also the option to
manually adjust the vehicle level. AIRMATIC consists of level setting, level control and the
Adaptive Damping System ADS.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
When the vehicle is being lowered, people
could become trapped if their limbs are
between the vehicle body and the wheels or
underneath the vehicle. There is a risk of
injury.
Make sure no one is underneath the vehicle
or in the immediate vicinity of the wheel
arches when the vehicle is being lowered.
Vehicle level Setting the raised vehicle level
It is possible to choose between the "Normal"
and "Raised" vehicle levels. Select the
"Normal" setting for normal road surfaces
and "Raised" for driving with snow chains or
on particularly poor road surfaces. Your
selection remains stored even if you remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
X Start the engine.
If indicator lamp 0044is not lit:
X Press button 0043.
Indicator lamp 0044lights up. The vehicle is
raised by 1.0 in (25 mm) compared to the
normal level. 216
Driving systemsDriving and parking

responsible for safe maneuvering, parking
and exiting a parking space. When
maneuvering, parking or pulling out of a
parking space, make sure that there are no
persons, animals or objects in the area in
which you are maneuvering.
! When parking, pay particular attention to
objects above or below the sensors, such
as flower pots or trailer drawbars.
PARKTRONIC does not detect such objects
when they are in the immediate vicinity of
the vehicle. You could damage the vehicle
or the objects.
The sensors may not detect snow and other
objects that absorb ultrasonic waves.
Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic
car wash, the compressed-air brakes on a
truck or a pneumatic drill could cause
PARKTRONIC to malfunction.
PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on
uneven terrain.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when
you:
R switch on the ignition
R shift the transmission to position D,Ror N
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
11 mph (18 km/h). It is reactivated at lower
speeds.
Range of the sensors General notes
PARKTRONIC does not take objects into
consideration that are:
R below the detection range, e.g. people,
animals or objects
R above the detection range, e.g.
overhanging loads, truck overhangs or
loading ramps. 0043
Sensors in the front bumper, left-hand
side (example) The sensors must be free from dirt, ice or
slush. They can otherwise not function
correctly. Clean the sensors regularly, taking
care not to scratch or damage them
(Y
page 358).
Front sensors Center Approx. 40 in (approx.
100 cm)
Corners Approx. 24 in (approx.
60 cm) Driving systems
219Driving and parking Z

Problems with PARKTRONIC
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions Only the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning displays are lit.
You also hear a warning
tone for approximately
two seconds.
PARKTRONIC is then
deactivated and the
indicator lamp on the
PARKTRONIC button
lights up. PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has switched off.
X
If problems persist, have PARKTRONIC checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. Only the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning displays are lit.
PARKTRONIC is then
deactivated. The PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or there is interference.
X
Clean the PARKTRONIC sensors (Y page 358).
X Switch the ignition back on. The problem may be caused by an external source of radio or
ultrasound waves.
X
See if PARKTRONIC functions in a different location. Active Parking Assist
General notes Active Parking Assist is an electronic parking
aid with ultrasound. It measures the road on
both sides of the vehicle. A parking symbol
indicates a suitable parking space. Active
steering intervention and brake application
can assist you during parking and when
exiting a parking space. You may also use
PARKTRONIC (Y page 218).
Important safety notes Active Parking Assist is merely an aid. It is not
a replacement for your attention to your
immediate surroundings. You are always
responsible for safe maneuvering, parking
and exiting a parking space. Make sure that
no persons, animals or objects are in the
maneuvering range.
When PARKTRONIC is switched off, Active
Parking Assist is also unavailable. G
WARNING
While parking or pulling out of a parking
space, the vehicle swings out and can drive
onto areas of the oncoming lane. This could
result in a collision with another road user.
There is a risk of an accident.
Pay attention to other road users. Stop the
vehicle if necessary or cancel the Active
Parking Assist parking procedure.
! If unavoidable, you should drive over
obstacles such as curbs slowly and not at
a sharp angle. Otherwise, you may damage
the wheels or tires.
Active Parking Assist may possibly indicate
parking spaces which are not suitable for
parking, for example:
R where parking or stopping is prohibited
R in front of driveways or entrances and exits
R on unsuitable surfaces Driving systems
221Driving and parking Z

0043
Detected parking space on the left
0044 Parking symbol
0087 Detected parking space on the right
Active Parking Assist is switched on
automatically when driving forwards. The
system is operational at speeds of up to
approximately 22 mph (35 km/h). While in
operation, the system independently locates
and measures parking spaces on both sides
of the vehicle.
Active Parking Assist will only detect parking
spaces:
R that are parallel or at right-angles to the
direction of travel
R that are parallel to the direction of travel
and at least 59 in (1.5 m) wide
R that are parallel to the direction of travel
and at least 39.5 in (1.0 m) longer than your
vehicle
R that are at right-angles to the direction of
travel and at least 39.5 in (1.0 m) wider
than your vehicle
i Note that Active Parking Assist cannot
measure the length of a parking space if it
is at right angles to the direction of travel.
You will need to judge whether your vehicle
will fit in the parking space.
When driving at speeds below 19 mph
(30 km/h), you will see parking symbol as a
status indicator in the instrument cluster.
When a parking 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
0076
button on the multifunction steering wheel.
The system automatically determines
whether the parking space is parallel or at
right-angles to the direction of travel.
A parking space is displayed while you are
driving past it, and until you are
approximately 50 ft (15 m) away from it.
Parking G
WARNING
If you leave the vehicle when it is only being
braked by Active Parking Assist it could roll
away if:
R there is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.
R the electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses have
been tampered with.
R the battery is disconnected.
R the accelerator pedal has been depressed,
e.g. by a vehicle occupant.
There is a risk of an accident.
Before leaving the vehicle, always secure it
against rolling away.
i When PARKTRONIC detects obstacles,
Active Parking Assist brakes automatically
during the parking process. You are
responsible for braking in good time.
X Stop the vehicle when the parking space
symbol shows the desired parking space in
the instrument cluster.
X Shift the transmission to position R.
The Start Park Assist? Yes: OK No:
Start Park Assist? Yes: OK No:
0038 message appears in the multifunction
display. Driving systems
223Driving and parking Z

X
To cancel the procedure: press the
0038 button on the multifunction steering
wheel or pull away.
or
X To park using Active Parking Assist:
press the 0076button on the multifunction
steering wheel.
The Park Assist Active Accelerate
Park Assist Active Accelerate
and Brake Observe Surroundings
and Brake Observe Surroundings
message appears in the multifunction
display.
X Let go of the multifunction steering wheel.
X Back up the vehicle, being ready to brake
at all times. When backing up, drive at a
speed below approximately 6 mph
(10 km/h). Otherwise Active Parking Assist
will be canceled.
Active Parking Assist brakes the vehicle to
a standstill when the vehicle approaches
the rear border of the parking space.
Maneuvering may be required in tight
parking spaces.
The Park Assist Active Select D Park Assist Active Select D
Observe
Observe Surroundings
Surroundings message appears in
the multifunction display.
X Shift the transmission to position Dwhile
the vehicle is stationary.
Active Parking Assist immediately steers in
the other direction.
The Park Assist Active Accelerate
Park Assist Active Accelerate
and Brake Observe Surroundings
and Brake Observe Surroundings
message appears in the multifunction
display.
i You will achieve the best results by
waiting for the steering procedure to
complete before pulling away.
X Drive forwards and be ready to brake at all
times.
Active Parking Assist brakes the vehicle to
a standstill.
The Park Assist Active Select R
Park Assist Active Select R
Observe
Observe Surroundings Surroundings message appears in
the multifunction display. As soon as the parking procedure is
complete, the
Park Assist Finished
Park Assist Finished
message appears in the multifunction display
and a warning tone sounds. The vehicle is now
parked. The vehicle is kept stationary without
the driver having to depress the brake pedal.
The braking effect is canceled when you
depress the accelerator pedal.
Active Parking Assist no longer supports you
with steering interventions and brake
applications. When Active Parking Assist is
finished, you must steer and brake again
yourself. PARKTRONIC is still available.
Parking tips:
R The 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
onto the curb. If necessary, you should
cancel the parking procedure with Active
Parking Assist.
R You can also select preselect transmission
position D. The vehicle redirects and does
not drive as far into the parking space.
Should the transmission change take place
too early, the parking procedure will be
canceled. A sensible parking position can
no longer be achieved from this position.
Exiting a parking space In order that Active Parking Assist can
support you when you exit the parking space:
R the border of the parking space must be
high enough at the front and the rear. A
curb is too small, for example.
R the border of the parking space must not
be too wide, as the position of the vehicle
must not exceed an angle of 45° to the 224
Driving systemsDriving an
d parking

starting position as it is maneuvering into
the parking space.
R a maneuvering distance of at least 3.3 ft
(1.0 m) must be available.
Active Parking Assist can only assist you with
exiting a parking space if you have parked the
vehicle parallel to the direction of travel using
Active Parking Assist.
i If PARKTRONIC detects obstacles, Active
Parking Assist brakes automatically whilst
the vehicle exits the parking space. You are
responsible for braking in good time.
X Start the engine.
X Switch on the turn signal in the direction
you are pulling away.
X Shift the transmission to position Dor R.
The Start Park Assist? Yes: OK No:
Start Park Assist? Yes: OK No:
0038 message appears in the multifunction
display.
X To cancel the procedure: press the
0038 button on the multifunction steering
wheel or pull away.
or
X To exit a parking space using Active
Parking Assist: press the0076button on
the multifunction steering wheel.
The Park Assist Active Accelerate
Park Assist Active Accelerate
and Brake Observe Surroundings and Brake Observe Surroundings
message appears in the multifunction
display.
X Let go of the multifunction steering wheel.
X Pull away, being ready to brake at all times.
Do not exceed a maximum speed of
approximately 6 mph (10 km/h) when
exiting a parking space. Otherwise Active
Parking Assist will be canceled.
X Shift the transmission to position Dor Ras
required or according to the message while
the vehicle is stationary.
Active Parking Assist immediately steers in
the other direction. The Park Assist
Park Assist
Active Accelerate and Brake Active Accelerate and Brake
Observe Observe Surroundings
Surroundings message appears
in the multifunction display. i
You will achieve the best results by
waiting for the steering procedure to
complete before pulling away.
If you back up after activation, the steering
wheel is moved to the straight-ahead
position.
X Drive forwards and back up as prompted by
the PARKTRONIC warning displays, several
times if necessary.
Once you have exited the parking space
completely, the steering wheel is moved to
the straight-ahead position. You hear a tone
and the Park Assist Finished Park Assist Finished message
appears in the multifunction display. You will
then have to steer and merge into traffic on
your own. PARKTRONIC is still available. You
can take over the steering, before the vehicle
has exited the parking space completely. This
is useful, for example when you recognize
that it is already possible to pull out of the
parking space.
Canceling Active Parking Assist X
Stop the movement of the multifunction
steering wheel or steer yourself.
Active Parking Assist will be canceled at
once. The Park Assist Canceled Park Assist Canceled
message appears in the multifunction
display.
or
X Press the PARKTRONIC button
(Y page 220).
PARKTRONIC is switched off and Active
Parking Assist is immediately canceled.
The Park Assist Canceled Park Assist Canceled message
appears in the multifunction display.
Active Parking Assist is canceled
automatically if:
R the electric parking brake is engaged
R transmission position Pis selected
R parking using Active Parking Assist is no
longer possible Driving systems
225Driving and parking Z