
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 Always secure persons less than 1.50 mtall
in suitable restraint systems. Up to this
height, the seat belt cannot be worn cor-
rectly.
If a child is travelling in your vehicle, also
observe the following notes:
R Always secure children under twelve 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 the automatic front-passenger
front airbag deactivation system
(Y page 51) and on "Children in the vehi-
cle" (Y page 59) in addition to the child
restraint system manufacturer's installa-
tion instructions.
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, are
hanging 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 !
Do not place heavy objects on the front-
passenger seat. This could cause the sys-
tem to identify the seat as being occupied.
In the event of an accident, the restraint
systems on the front-passenger side may
be triggered and have to be replaced. Occupant safety
49Safety Z

bled in accordance with the person in the
front-passenger seat.
R the front-passenger seat has been moved
back as far back as possible.
R the person is seated correctly.
Make sure, both before and during the jour-
ney, that the status of the front-passenger
front airbag is correct. 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.
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp remains off and/or the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp lights up, do not install
a rearward-facing child restraint system on
the front-passenger seat. Further information can be found under "Problems with the auto-matic front-passenger front airbag deactiva-
tion system" (Y page 56). G
WARNING
If you secure a child in a forward-facing child
restraint system on the front-passenger seat
and you position the front-passenger seat too close to the dashboard, in the event of an
accident, the child could:
R come into contact with the vehicle's inte-
rior if the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indi-
cator lamp is lit, for example
R be struck by the airbag if the PASSENGER
AIR BAG ON indicator lamp is lit
This poses an increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Always move the front-passenger seat as far
back as possible and fully retract the seat
cushion length. Always make sure that the shoulder belt strap is correctly routed from
the vehicle belt outlet to the shoulder belt
guide on the child restraint system. The shoul-
der belt strap must be routed forwards and
downwards from the vehicle belt outlet. If
necessary, adjust the vehicle belt outlet and
the front-passenger seat accordingly. Always
observe the information about suitable posi-
tioning of the child restraint system in this
Owner's Manual as well as the child restraint system manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions.
If the automatic front-passenger front airbag
deactivation system detects that:
R the front-passenger seat is unoccupied, the
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
lights up after the system self-test and
remains lit. This indicates that the front-
passenger front airbag is disabled.
R the front-passenger seat is occupied by a
child in a rearward-facing child restraint
system, the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indi-
cator lamp lights up after the system self-
test and remains lit. This indicates that the
front-passenger front airbag is disabled.
But in the case of a child in a rearward-
facing child restraint, the PASSENGER AIR
BAG ON indicator lamp can light up after
the system self-test and remain lit. This
indicates that the front-passenger front air-
bag is enabled. The result of the classifica- tion is dependent on, among other factors, the child restraint system and the child's
build. It is recommended that you fit the
child restraint system to a suitable rear
seat.
R the front-passenger seat is occupied by a
child in a forward-facing child restraint sys-
tem, either the PASSENGER AIR BAG ON or
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
lights up and remains lit after the system
self-test depending on the result of the
classification. The result of the classifica-
tion is dependent on, among other factors,
the child restraint system and the child's
build. Occupant safety
53Safety Z

safe distance from the vehicle in front. Drive
carefully.
Function PRE-SAFE
®
intervenes:
R in emergency braking situations, e.g. when
BAS is activated
R in critical driving situations, e.g. when phys-
ical limits are exceeded and the vehicle
understeers or oversteers severely
R on vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS: if adap-
tive Brake Assist intervenes powerfully
PRE-SAFE ®
takes the following measures
depending on the hazardous situation detec-
ted:
R the front seat belts are pre-tensioned.
R if the vehicle skids, the side windows and
the panorama sliding sunroof are closed.
R vehicles with the memory function: the
front-passenger seat is adjusted if it is in an
unfavourable position.
If the hazardous situation passes without
resulting in an accident, PRE-SAFE ®
slackens
the belt pre-tensioning. 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. Infor-
mation about the convenience function can
be found under "Belt adjustment"
(Y page 47). Automatic measures after an acci-
dent
Immediately after an accident, the following
measures may be 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 engine is switched off and the fuel sup-
ply is cut 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 twelve 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.
R always pay attention to the instructions
and safety notes on the automatic front-
passenger front airbag deactivation system (Y page 51). Children in the vehicle
59Safety Z

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 Por shift manual transmission into
neutral
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. 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 information on the cor-
rect use of the seat belt (Y page 46). Child restraint system
If you fit a rearward-facing child restraint sys- tem to the centre rear seat, the rear arm restmust be folded back as far as possible.
Observe the instructions for correct use of
the child restraint system (Y page 65).
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use a child restraint sys- tem recommended by Mercedes-Benz
(Y page 69). 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 and loads securely under
"Loading guidelines" (Y page 316).60
Children in the vehicleSafety

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.
The securing systems of child restraint sys-
tems are:
R the seat belt system
R the ISOFIX or i-Size securing rings
R the Top Tether anchorages
If it is absolutely necessary to fit a child
restraint system to the front-passenger seat,
always observe the information on "Child
restraint systems on the front-passenger
seat" (Y page 63).
Observe the warning labels in the vehicle inte- rior and on the child restraint system.
i It is advisable to use Mercedes-Benz care
products to clean child restraint systems
recommended by Mercedes-Benz. You can
obtain information about this at any
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. ISOFIX and i-Size child restraint sys-
tems G
WARNING
ISOFIX child restraint systems or i-Size child
restraint systems do not offer sufficient pro-
tection for children whose weight is greater
than 22 kg, who are secured using the safety belt integrated in the child restraint system.
The child could, for example, not be restrained
correctly in the event of an accident. This poses an increased risk of injury or even fatal
injury.
If the child weighs more than 22 kg, only use
ISOFIX child restraint systems or i-Size child
restraint systems with which the child is also
secured with the vehicle seat belt. Also secure
the child restraint system with the Top Tether belt, if available.
When fitting a child restraint system, be sure to observe the manufacturer's installation
and operating instructions and the instruc-
tions for correct use of the child restraint sys-
tem (Y page 65).
Before every trip, make sure that the ISOFIX
child restraint system is engaged correctly in both ISOFIX securing rings. This symbol indicates an ISOFIX position
which is suitable for attaching an ISOFIX child
restraint system. A similar symbol can be
found on the ISOFIX child restraint system. This symbol indicates an i‑Size position which
is suitable for attaching an i-Size child
restraint system. A similar symbol can be
found on the i-Size child restraint system. Children in the vehicle
61Safety Z

!
When fitting the child restraint system,
make sure that the seat belt for the centre seat does not get trapped. Otherwise, the
seat belt could be damaged. :
ISOFIX securing rings ;
i-Size securing rings
X Install the ISOFIX child restraint system on
both ISOFIX securing rings :or i-Size
securing rings ;.
or
X Install the i-Size child restraint system on
both i-Size securing rings ;.
ISOFIX and i-Size are standardised securing
systems for special child restraint systems.
ISOFIX child restraint systems are approved
in accordance with ECE R-44. i-Size child
restraint systems are approved in accord-
ance with ECE R-129.
Only child restraint systems that have been
approved in accordance with ECE R-44 may
be attached to ISOFIX securing rings. i-Size
child restraint systems that have been
approved in accordance with ECE R-44 and
ECE R-129 may be attached to i-Size securing rings. ISOFIX securing ring
:or i-Size secur-
ing ring ;are installed on the left and right
sides of the rear seats. Top Tether
Introduction Top Tether provides an additional connection
between the child restraint system secured
with ISOFIX and the vehicle. It helps reduce
the risk of injury even further. If the child
restraint system is fitted with a Top Tether
belt, this should always be used.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If the rear seat backrests are not locked, they
could fold forwards in the event of an acci-
dent, heavy braking or sudden changes of
direction. As a result, child restraint systems
cannot perform their intended protective
function. Rear seat backrests that are not
locked can also cause additional injuries, e.g. in the event of an accident. This poses an
increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Always lock rear seat backrests after fitting a Top Tether belt. Observe the lock verificationindicator. Adjust the rear seat backrests so
that they are in an upright position.
If the rear backrest is not engaged and
locked, the red lock verification indicator will be visible (Y page 319).62
Children in the vehicleSafety

Top Tether anchorages
The Top Tether anchorage points are located
on the rear side of the backrests on both
outer rear seats. Vehicles with adjustable head restraints:
X Move head restraint :upwards.
X Route Top Tether belt ?under head
restraint :between the two head restraint
bars.
Vehicles without adjustable head
restraints: X Top Tether belt with one belt strap: route
Top Tether belt ?centrally over head
restraint :.
or
X Top Tether belt with two belt straps:
route one Top Tether belt ?to the left and
one to the right past the side of head
restraint :.
All vehicles: X Fit the ISOFIX child restraint system with
Top Tether. Always comply with the child restraint system manufacturer's installa-
tion instructions when doing so.
X Hook Top Tether hook =of Top Tether
belt ?into Top Tether anchorage ;.
Ensure that:
R Top Tether hook =is hooked into Top
Tether anchorage ;as shown
R Top Tether belt ?is not twisted
R Top Tether belt ?is routed between the
rear seat backrest and the luggage com- partment cover if the luggage compart-
ment cover is fitted
X Tension Top Tether belt ?. Always comply
with the child restraint system manufactur- er's installation instructions when doing so.
Vehicles with adjustable head restraints: X If necessary, move head restraint :back
down again slightly (Y page 116). Make
sure that you do not interfere with the cor-
rect routing of Top Tether belt ?. Child restraint system on the front-
passenger seat
General 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.
Vehicles with the automatic front-passenger
front airbag deactivation system: if it is abso- lutely necessary to fit a child restraint system
to the front-passenger seat, always observe
the information on the "Automatic front-
passenger front airbag deactivation system"
(Y page 51). Children in the vehicle
63Safety 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 air-
bag 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 illustra-
tion. 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 ena-
bled (Y page 43). 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 indicated 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 func-
tion and do not indicate that there is an auto- matic front-passenger front airbag deactiva-
tion system.
Always fit the rearward-facing restraint sys-
tem to a suitable rear seat in this case
(Y page 65).
Observe the following information under
"Rearward-facing child restraint system" and
"Forward-facing child restraint system" as
well as information on the suitable position-
ing of the child restraint system
(Y page 65).
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 64
Children in the vehicleSafety