
Windowbags
Windowbags
:are integrated into the side of
the roof frame and deploy in the area from the A-
pillar to the C-pillar.
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 46).Automatic front-passenger front air-
bag deactivation
Introduction In order to recognise a child restraint system on
the front-passenger seat, the automatic front-
passenger front airbag deactivation system cat- egorises the person in the front-passenger seat.
Depending on that result, the front-passenger
front airbag is either enabled or disabled. If a
rearward-facing child restraint system is fitted
to the front-passenger seat, the PASSENGER
AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp must light up after
the system self-test and remain lit. The front-
passenger front airbag is disabled.
The system does not disable:
R the sidebag
R the windowbag
R the seat belt tensioner
Make sure that your vehicle is equipped with the automatic front-passenger front airbag deacti-
vation system (Y page 52). If this is not the case, always install a child restraint system on a
suitable rear seat (Y page 54).
If it is absolutely necessary to install a child
restraint system on the front-passenger seat, be sure to observe the correct positioning of the
child restraint system. Never place objects
under or behind the child restraint system, e.g. a
cushion. Fully retract the seat cushion length.
The entire base of the child restraint system
must always rest on the seat cushion of the
front-passenger seat. The backrest of the
forward-facing child restraint system must, as
far as possible, be resting on the backrest of the
front-passenger seat. The child restraint system
must not touch the roof or be put under strain by the head restraint. Adjust the angle of the seat
backrest and the head restraint position accord- ingly. Only then is the correct function of the
automatic front-passenger front airbag deacti-
vation system guaranteed. Always observe the
information on suitable positioning of the child
restraint system (Y page 54) in addition to the
child restraint system manufacturer's installa-
tion instructions.
Operation of automatic front-passenger
front airbag deactivation :
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
; PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp
The indicator lamps inform you whether the
front-passenger front airbag is disabled or ena-
bled. X Press the Start/Stop button once or twice, or
turn the key to position 1or 2in the ignition
lock.
The system carries out a self-diagnosis.
The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF and PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamps must light up simul-
taneously for approximately six seconds. 42
Occupant safetySafety

after an accident. Take this into account, par-
ticularly if a seat belt tensioner was triggered or
an airbag was deployed.
An electric motor is used by PRE-SAFE ®
to trig-
ger the tightening of the seat belt in hazardous
situations. This procedure is reversible.
If the belt tensioners are triggered or an airbag is
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 hear-
ing. In general, the powder released is not haz-
ardous to health but may cause short-term
breathing difficulties to persons suffering from
asthma or other pulmonary conditions. Provided it is safe to do so, you should leave the vehicle
immediately or open the window in order to pre- vent breathing difficulties.
Operation During the first stage of a collision, the restraint
system control unit evaluates important physi-
cal data relating to vehicle deceleration or accel-
eration, such as:
R duration
R direction
R intensity
Based on the evaluation of this data, the
restraint system control unit triggers the seat
belt tensioners in the event of a head-on or rear
collision.
A seat belt tensioner can only be triggered if:
R the ignition is switched on
R the components of the restraint system are
operational. You can find further information
under: "Restraint system warning lamp"
(Y page 34)
R the belt tongue has engaged in the belt buckle
of the respective front seat
The seat belt tensioners in the rear compart-
ment are triggered independently of the lock
status of the seat belts.
If the restraint system control unit detects a high severity accident, in certain head-on collisions,
additional components of the restraint system
are deployed independently of each other:
R front airbags and driver's kneebag
R windowbag, if the system determines that
deployment can offer additional protection to
that provided by the seat belt On vehicles with the automatic front-passenger
front airbag deactivation system: depending on the person in the front-passenger seat, the
front-passenger front airbag is either disabled or
enabled. The front-passenger front airbag can
only be deployed in an accident if the
PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp is lit.
Observe the information on the PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamps (Y page 35).
Your vehicle has two-stage front airbags. In the
first deployment stage, the front airbag is filled
with propellant gas to reduce the risk of injuries. The front airbag is fully deployed if the second
deployment stage is activated within a few mil-
liseconds.
The activation threshold for the seat belt ten-
sioners and airbags is determined based on the
evaluation of the vehicle's rate of deceleration
or acceleration at various points in the vehicle.
This process is pre-emptive in nature. The trig-
gering/deployment process should take place
in good time at the start of the collision.
The rate of vehicle deceleration or acceleration
and the direction of the force are essentially
determined by:
R the distribution of forces during the collision
R the collision angle
R the deformation characteristics of the vehicle
R the characteristics of the object with which
the vehicle has collided
Factors which can only be seen and measured
after a collision has occurred do not play a deci-
sive role in the deployment of an airbag, nor do
they provide an indication of airbag deployment.
The vehicle may be deformed significantly with-out an airbag being deployed. This is the case if
only parts which are relatively easily deformed
are affected and the rate of deceleration is not
high. Conversely, an airbag may be deployed
even though the vehicle suffers only minor
deformation. This is the case if, for example,
very rigid vehicle parts such as longitudinal body
members are hit, and sufficient deceleration
occurs as a result.
If the restraint system control unit detects a side impact, the applicable components of the
restraint system are activated independently of
each other.
R Sidebags on the side on which an impact
occurs, independent from the seat belt ten-
sioner and seat belt usage
Vehicles with the automatic front-passenger
airbag deactivation system: the sidebag on Occupant safety
47Safety Z

You can thus avoid the risks that could arise as
a result of:
R a child restraint system that is not detected
by the automatic front-passenger front airbag deactivation system
R the unintentional disabling of the front-
passenger front airbag
R the unsuitable positioning of the child
restraint system, e.g. too close to the dash-
board Please observe the warning notice on the front-
passenger sun visor, see the illustration. G
WARNING
If you secure a child on the co-driver's seat in a rearward-facing child restraint system and
the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp
lights up, the co-driver's airbag could be
deployed in the event of an accident. The childcould be struck by the airbag. There is an
increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
In this case, always ensure that the co-driver's
airbag is disabled. The PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF indicator lamp must light up.
NEVER use a rearward facing child restraint on a seat protected by an ACTIVE AIRBAG in front of
it; DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY to the CHILD can
occur.
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp is lit, the front-passenger front airbag is enabled
(Y page 35). Vehicles without the automatic front-
passenger front airbag deactivation
system If the front-passenger seat of your vehicle is not
equipped with the automatic front-passenger
front airbag deactivation system, this is indica-
ted by a special sticker. The sticker is affixed to
the side of the dashboard on the front-
passenger side. The sticker is visible when you
open the front-passenger door.
If you turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock, the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF and
PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamps light
up briefly. However, they have no function and
do not indicate that there is an automatic front-
passenger front airbag deactivation system.
Always fit the rearward-facing restraint system
to a suitable rear seat in this case (Y page 54).
Observe the following information under "Rear-
ward-facing child restraint system" and
"Forward-facing child restraint system" as well
as information on the suitable positioning of the child restraint system (Y page 54).
Rearward-facing child restraint system If it is absolutely necessary to fit a rearward-
facing child restraint system to the front-
passenger seat, always make sure that the
front-passenger front airbag is disabled. Only if
the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is
lit continuously (Y page 35)is the front-
passenger front airbag disabled.
Always observe the information on suitable
positioning of the child restraint system
(Y page 54) in addition to the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation and operat-
ing instructions. Children in the vehicle
53Safety Z

allows you to continue steering the vehicle when
braking.
The ! ABS warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
ABS works from a speed of about 8 km/h,
regardless of road-surface conditions. ABS
works on slippery surfaces, even when you only
brake gently.
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 61). G
WARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking charac-
teristics may be severely impaired. Addition-
ally, further driving safety systems are deac-
tivated. There is an increased danger of skid- ding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked imme-
diately at a qualified specialist workshop.
If ABS is malfunctioning, other systems, includ-
ing driving safety systems, will also become
inoperative. Observe the information on the ABS warning lamp (Y page 216) and display mes-
sages which may be shown in the instrument
cluster (Y page 190).
Brakes X
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking sit-
uation is over.
X To make a full brake application: depress
the brake pedal with full force.
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel a
pulsing in the brake pedal.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication
of hazardous road conditions; this serves as a
reminder to take extra care while driving. BAS (Brake Assist)
General notes BAS operates in emergency braking situations.
If you depress the brake pedal quickly, BAS
automatically boosts the braking force, thus
shortening the stopping distance.
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 61). G
WARNING
If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance
in an emergency braking situation is
increased. There is a risk of accident.
In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels from locking.
Braking X
Keep the brake pedal depressed firmly until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
PLUS
General notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 61).
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS consists of a distance warning function with an autono-
mous braking function and Adaptive Brake
Assist.
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS can help you to minimise the risk of a collision with the
vehicle in front or reduce the effects of such a
collision.
If COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS
detects that there is a risk of a collision, you will
be warned visually and acoustically. If you do not react to the visual and audible collision warning,autonomous braking can be initiated in critical
situations. If you apply the brake yourself in a 62
Driving safety systemsSafety

You should therefore adapt your driving style
to the different handling characteristics. Have the brake system checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Observe information regarding indicator and
warning lamps (Y page 216) as well as display
messages (Y page 192). ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety and
offers increased braking comfort. In addition to
the braking function, ADAPTIVE BRAKE also has
the HOLD function (Y page 154) and hill start
assist (Y page 128). STEER CONTROL
General notes STEER CONTROL helps you by transmitting a
noticeable steering force to the steering wheel
in the direction required for vehicle stabilisation.
This steering support is provided in particular if:
R both right wheels or both left wheels are on a
wet or slippery road surface when you brake
R the vehicle starts to skid
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 61).
No steering support is provided from STEER
CONTROL, if: R ESP ®
is malfunctioning
R the steering is faulty
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, you will be assisted
further by the electrical power steering. Recuperative Brake System
G
WARNING
In the event of malfunctions in the Recupera- tive Brake System, the following may occur: R
the braking performance of the electric
motor may be either reduced or not effec-
tive
R brake pedal resistance may be lower than
usual
R pedal travel may be longer than usual
If you do not make an additional effort to apply the brake yourself, the braking effect may not
be sufficient. There is a risk of an accident.
In the event of a malfunction, depress the
brake pedal further. The brake system is still
fully functional.
Observe the important safety notes on driving
safety systems (Y page 61).
The Recuperative Brake System converts the
kinetic energy when braking into electrical
energy. The electric motor is used as an alter-
nator during braking. This electrical energy is
then stored in the high-voltage battery.
You can find information about manually adjust- able recuperation under "Steering wheel gear-
shift paddles" (Y page 132).
If the warning light in the instrument cluster is lit up, there is a motor malfunction or a brake mal-
function.
Observe information regarding indicator and
warning lamps (Y page 215) as well as display
messages (Y page 190). Protection against theft
Immobiliser
The immobiliser prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct key.
X To activate with the key: remove the key
from the ignition lock.
X To activate with KEYLESS-GO start func-
tion or KEYLESS-GO:
switch the ignition off
and open the driver's door.
X To deactivate: switch on the ignition.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key
with you and lock the vehicle. Anyone can start
the drive system if a valid key has been left
inside the vehicle.
i The immobiliser is always deactivated when
you start the drive system. Protection against theft
67Safety Z

ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
X
To prime: lock the vehicle with the key or
KEYLESS-GO.
Indicator lamp :flashes. The alarm system
is primed after approximately 15 seconds.
X To deactivate: unlock the vehicle with the
key or KEYLESS-GO.
or X Insert the key into the ignition lock.
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is primed and you open: R a door
R the vehicle with the emergency key element
R the tailgate
R the bonnet
X To switch the alarm off with the key: press
the % or& button on the key.
The alarm is deactivated.
or X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start-function
or KEYLESS-GO: remove the Start/Stop but-
ton from the ignition lock (Y page 126).
X Insert the key into the ignition lock.
The alarm is deactivated.
X To deactivate the alarm using KEYLESS-
GO:
grasp the outside door handle. The key
must be outside the vehicle.
The alarm is deactivated.
or X Press the Start/Stop button on the dash-
board. The key must be inside the vehicle.
The alarm is deactivated.
The alarm is not switched off, even if you close
the open door that has triggered it, for example.
i If the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, the Mercedes ‑Benz emergencycall system automatically sends a message to
the Customer Assistance Centre. This is done by means of a text message or a data con-
nection.
The emergency call system sends a message
or establishes a data connection provided
that:
R you have subscribed to the Mercedes ‑Benz
emergency call system
R the Mercedes‑Benz emergency call system
has been activated properly
R the necessary mobile phone network is
available Tow-away protection
Function An audible and visual alarm is triggered if your
vehicle's angle of inclination is altered while
tow-away protection is primed. This can occur if
the vehicle is jacked up on one side, for exam-
ple.
Activating X
Make sure that:
R the doors are closed
R the tailgate is closed
Only then is tow-away protection primed.
X Lock the vehicle with the key or KEYLESS-GO.
Tow-away protection is primed after approx-
imately 60 seconds.
Switching off X
Unlock the vehicle with the key or KEYLESS-
GO.
or X Insert the key into the ignition lock.
Tow-away protection is switched off automat-
ically. 68
Protection against theftSafety

Deactivating
X
Remove the key from the ignition lock.
or X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start function
or KEYLESS-GO: switch off the drive system
using the Start/Stop button and open the
driver's door.
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up briefly.
X Lock the vehicle with the key or KEYLESS-GO.
Tow-away protection is deactivated.
Tow-away protection remains deactivated until: R the vehicle is unlocked again
R a door is opened and closed again and
R the vehicle is locked again
To prevent a false alarm, deactivate tow-away
protection if you lock your vehicle and it:
R is being transported
R is being loaded onto a ferry or car transporter,
for example
R is parked on a movable surface, e.g. in a split-
level garage Interior motion sensor
Function When the interior motion sensor is primed, a
visual and audible alarm is triggered if move-
ment is detected in the vehicle interior. This can occur if someone reaches into the vehicle inte-
rior, for example.
Activating X
Make sure that: R
the side windows are closed
R there are no objects, e.g. mascots, hanging
on the rear-view mirror or on the grab han- dles on the roof trim
This will prevent false alarms.
X Make sure that:
R the doors are closed
R the tailgate is closed
Only then is the interior motion sensor
primed.
X Lock the vehicle with the key or KEYLESS-GO.
The interior motion sensor is primed after
approximately 30 seconds.
Switching off X
Unlock the vehicle with the key or KEYLESS-
GO.
or X Insert the key into the ignition lock.
or X Press the Start/Stop button.
The key must be in the vehicle.
The interior motion sensor is automatically
switched off.
Deactivating X
Remove the key from the ignition lock.
or X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start function
or KEYLESS-GO: switch off the drive system
using the Start/Stop button and open the
driver's door.
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ;flashes several times in
rapid succession.
X Lock the vehicle with the key or KEYLESS-GO.
The interior motion sensor is deactivated. Protection against theft
69Safety Z

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all models,
series and optional equipment for your vehi-
cle that were available at the time of going to
press. National variations are possible. Note
that your vehicle may not be equipped with all
of the functions described. This is also the
case for systems and functions relevant to
safety.
i Read the information on qualified specialist
workshops: (Y page 23). Key
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle, they could:
R open doors, thereby endangering other per-
sons or road users
R get out and be struck by oncoming traffic
R operate vehicle equipment and become
trapped, for example
In addition, the children could also set the
vehicle in motion by, for example:
R releasing the parking brake
R shifting the transmission out of park posi-
tion P
R starting the vehicle's drive system
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 and animals unattended in the vehi-
cle. Keep the keys out of the reach of children. G
WARNING
If you attach heavy or large objects to the key, the key could be unintentionally turned in the
ignition lock. This could cause the engine to
be switched off. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not attach any heavy or large objects to the
key. Remove any bulky keyrings before insert-
ing the key into the ignition lock. !
Keep the key away from strong magnetic
fields. Otherwise, the remote control function could be affected.
Strong magnetic fields can occur in the vicin-
ity of powerful electrical installations.
Do not keep the key: R with electronic devices, e.g. a mobile phone
or another key
R with metallic objects, e.g. coins or metal film
R inside metallic objects, e.g. a metal case
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start function: do
not keep the key in the luggage compartment.
Otherwise, the key may not be detected, e.g.
when starting the drive system using the Start/
Stop button.
United Kingdom only: G
WARNING
When the double locks are activated, the
doors can no longer be opened from the
inside. People in the vehicle can no longer get out, e.g. in hazardous situations. There is a
risk of injury.
Therefore, do not leave any people unsuper-
vised in the vehicle, particularly children, eld-
erly people or people in need of special assis-
tance. Do not activate the double lock when
people are in the vehicle.
If the vehicle has been locked from the outside, the double lock function is activated as stand-
ard. It is then not possible to open the doors
from inside the vehicle. You can deactivate the
double lock function by deactivating the interior
motion sensor (Y page 69). The doors can then
be opened from the inside after the vehicle has
been locked from the outside. You can open the rear doors from inside the vehicle if they are not
secured by the child-proof locks (Y page 60).
The anti-theft alarm system is triggered if the
door is opened from the inside. Switch off the
alarm (Y page 68). 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. Key
71Opening and closing Z