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 and pelvisbag on the side on which
an impact occurs, independent from the seat
belt tensioner and seat belt usage
Vehicles with the automatic child seat recog- nition on the front-passenger seat: the side-
bag and pelvisbag on the front-passenger side (front) deploy under the following conditions:
- an occupant is detected on the front-
passenger seat or
- the belt tongue is engaged in the belt
buckle of the front-passenger seat
R Windowbag on the side on which an impact
occurs, independent of seat belt usage and
regardless of whether the front-passenger
seat is occupied
R Seat belt tensioners, if the system determines
that deployment can offer additional protec-
tion for the vehicle occupants in this situation i
Not all airbags are deployed in an accident.
The different airbag systems work independ-
ently of each other.
How the airbag system works is determined
by the severity of the accident detected,
especially the vehicle deceleration or accel-
eration, and the apparent type of accident:
R frontal collision
R side impact NECK-PRO 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 reduce the likelihood
of head and chest injuries. The NECK-PRO head
restraints on the driver's and front-passenger
seats are moved forwards and upwards in the
event of a rear-end collision of a certain severity. This provides better head support.
If the NECK-PRO head restraints have been trig-
gered in an accident, you must reset the NECK-
PRO head restraints on the driver's and front-
passenger seat (Y page 46). Otherwise, the
additional protection will not be available in the
event of another rear-end collision. You can rec- ognise when NECK-PRO head restraints have Occupant safety
45Safety Z
been triggered by the fact that they have moved
forwards and can no longer be adjusted.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have the
NECK-PRO head restraints checked for func-
tionality at a qualified specialist workshop after
a rear-end collision.
Resetting triggered NECK-PRO head
restraints Do not place your fingers between the uphols-
tery of the head restraint and the seat. Pay par-
ticular 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 as far as it will go in the direction of
arrow ;.
X Firmly push the NECK-PRO head restraint
cushion back in the direction of arrow =until
the cushion 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 difficulty
resetting the NECK-PRO head restraints, have this work carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop. PRE-SAFE
®
(anticipatory occupant
protection)
Introduction In certain hazardous situations, PRE-SAFE
®
takes pre-emptive measures to protect the vehi- cle occupants. Important safety notes !
Make sure that there are no objects in the
footwell or behind the seats. There is a risk
that the seats and/or the objects could be
damaged when PRE-SAFE ®
is activated.
Although your vehicle is equipped with PRE-
SAFE ®
, the possibility of injury in the event of an
accident cannot be ruled out. Always adapt your
driving style to suit the prevailing road and
weather conditions and maintain a 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 physi-
cal limits are exceeded and the vehicle under- steers or oversteers severely
R on vehicles with the Driving Assistance pack-
age: if BAS PLUS intervenes powerfully or the
radar sensor system detects an imminent
danger of collision in certain situations
PRE-SAFE ®
takes the following measures
depending on the hazardous situation detected:
R the front seat belts are pre-tensioned
R if the vehicle skids, the front 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 unfav-
ourable position
R vehicles with a multicontour seat: the air pres-
sure in the side bolsters of the backrest is
increased
If the hazardous situation passes without result- ing in an accident, PRE-SAFE ®
slackens the belt
pre-tensioning. On vehicles with 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. Informa-
tion about the convenience function can be
found under "Belt adjustment" (Y page 40).46
Occupant safetySafety
PRE-SAFE
®
PLUS (anticipatory occu-
pant protection PLUS)
Introduction PRE-SAFE
®
PLUS is only available in vehicles
with the Driving Assistance package.
Using the radar sensor system, PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS is able to detect that a head-on or rear-end collision is imminent. In certain hazardous sit-
uations, PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS takes pre-emptive
measures to protect the vehicle occupants.
Important safety notes The intervention of PRE-SAFE
®
PLUS cannot
prevent an imminent collision.
The driver is not warned before the intervention
of PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS.
PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS does not intervene:
R if the vehicle is reversing
R when the vehicle is towing a trailer and there
is a risk of a rear-end collision
When driving, or when parking or exiting a park- ing space with assistance from Active Parking
Assist, PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS will not apply the
brakes.
Function PRE-SAFE
®
PLUS intervenes in certain situa-
tions if the radar sensor system detects an
imminent head-on or rear-end collision.
PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS takes the following measures
depending on the hazardous situation detected:
R if the radar sensor system detects that a
head-on collision is imminent, the seat belts
are pre-tensioned
R if the radar sensor system detects that a rear-
end collision is imminent:
- the rear hazard warning lamps are activa-
ted and flash at a higher frequency
- the brake pressure is increased if the driver
applies the brakes when the vehicle is sta-
tionary
- the seat belts are pre-tensioned The PRE-SAFE
®
PLUS braking application is can-
celled:
R if the accelerator pedal is depressed when a
gear is engaged
R if the risk of a collision passes or is no longer
detected
R if DISTRONIC PLUS indicates an intention to
pull away
If the hazardous situation passes without result- ing in an accident, the original settings are
restored. 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 vehicles with a memory function: the electri-
cally adjustable steering wheel is raised
R the engine is switched off and the fuel supply
is cut off
R vehicles with the Mercedes-Benz emergency
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 children secured in the front seats. For this reason, Mercedes-
Benz strongly advises that you fit a child
restraint system on a rear seat. Children are
generally better protected there.
If a child younger than twelve years old and
under 1.50 m in height is travelling in the vehi-
cle:
R always secure the child in a child restraint
system suitable for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
The child restraint system must be appropri-
ate 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. Children in the vehicle
47Safety Z
Before each journey, make sure that the ISOFIX
child restraint system is properly engaged in
both ISOFIX securing rings. X
Press the upholstery over both the slots
above ISOFIX retaining loops :to the side.
X Install the ISOFIX child restraint system on
both ISOFIX securing rings :.
ISOFIX is a standardised securing system for
special child restraint systems on the rear seats. ISOFIX securing rings for two ISOFIX child
restraint systems are fitted on the left and right
of the rear seats.
Mercedes-Benz recommends the use of the lis-
ted ISOFIX child restraint systems together with the insertion guides included (Y page 58).
Using insertion guides makes it easier to fit ISO-
FIX child restraint systems.
Secure child restraint systems without an ISO-
FIX child seat securing system using the seat
belts in the vehicle. Always observe the notes on using the child restraint system (Y page 55) as
well as the installation and operating instruc-
tions provided by the manufacturer for the child
restraint system being used. 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 sys-
tem 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 seat backrest is not engaged and
locked, this will be shown in the multifunction
display in the instrument cluster. An additional
warning tone sounds.
Top Tether anchorage points The Top Tether anchorage points are fitted in the
rear compartment behind the head restraints. Example: Top Tether belt with one belt strap50
Children in the vehicleSafety
wards from the retracted seat-belt extender.
If necessary, adjust the front-passenger seat
accordingly. Always observe the information
about suitable positioning of the child
restraint system in this Owner's Manual as
well as the child restraint system manufac-
turer's installation instructions.
i Ensure that your vehicle is equipped with
automatic child seat recognition for the front-
passenger seat (Y page 52). If this is not the
case, always install a child restraint system on a suitable rear seat (Y page 55).PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
:
shows you whether the front-passenger front
airbag is disabled.
X Turn the key to position 1or 2in the ignition
lock or, on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press
the Start/Stop button once or twice.
The system carries out a self-diagnosis.
The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
must light up for approximately six seconds.
If, after the system self-test, the
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp:
R lights up , the front-passenger front airbag is
disabled. It will then not be deployed in the
event of an accident.
R is not lit , the sensor system did not detect a
child restraint system with transponder for
automatic child seat recognition. If, in the
case of an accident, all deployment criteria
are met, the front-passenger front airbag is
deployed. G
WARNING
Electronic devices on the front-passenger
seat can affect the function of the automatic
child seat recognition, for example:
R laptop
R mobile phone
R transponder cards such as ski passes or
access passes
The front-passenger front airbag could deploy unintentionally or not function as intended
during an accident. This poses an increased
risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Do not place any of the devices mentioned
above or similar devices on the front-
passenger seat. Be aware of the status of the front-passenger front airbag both before and
during the journey. Child restraint system on the front-
passenger seat
General notes Accident statistics show that children secured
in the rear seats are safer than children secured
in the front seats. For this reason, Mercedes-
Benz strongly advises that you fit a child
restraint system on a rear seat.
Vehicles with automatic child seat recognition
on the co-driver's seat: if it is absolutely neces-
sary to fit a child restraint system to the co-driv- er's seat, always observe the notes on "Auto-
matic child seat recognition on the co-driver's
seat" (Y page 52).
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 child seat recognition's sen-
sor system
R the unintentional disabling of the co-driver's
front airbag
R the unsuitable positioning of the child
restraint system, e.g. too close to the dash-
board. 52
Children in the vehicleSafety
Problems with automatic child seat recognition
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator lamp
on the centre console is
lit. A special Mercedes-Benz child restraint system with a transponder for
automatic child seat recognition has been fitted to the front-
passenger seat. The front-passenger front airbag has therefore been
disabled as desired. G
WARNING
There is no child restraint system fitted to the front-passenger seat.
Automatic child seat recognition is malfunctioning, for example due to
electronic devices on the front-passenger seat.
There is a risk of injury.
X Remove electronic equipment from the front-passenger seat, e.g.:
R laptop
R mobile phone
R a card with a transponder, such as a ski pass or access pass
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp remains lit, the front- passenger seat may not be used.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. When you switch the
ignition on, the
6
restraint system warning lamp lights up and/or
the PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator lamp
does not light up briefly. G
WARNING
Automatic child seat recognition is malfunctioning.
Do not install a child restraint system on the front-passenger seat.
It is recommended that you fit the child restraint system to a suitable rear seat.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Please also refer to the notes about the restraint system warning
lamp (Y page 228). Suitable positioning of the child
restraint system
Introduction Only child restraint systems which are approved
in accordance with the ECE standard ECE R44
are permitted for use in the vehicle.
For certain child restraint systems in weight cat-
egories II or III, this can mean that the area of
use is restricted. The maximum size setting of
the child restraint system is not possible due to possible contact with the roof.
"Universal" category child restraint systems can
be recognised by their orange approval label and the text "Universal". Example: approval label on the child restraint
system
"Universal" category child restraint systems can
be used on the seats indicated with U, UF or IUF according to the tables "Suitability of the seats
for attaching belt-secured child restraint sys- Children in the vehicle
55Safety Z
tems" or "Suitability of the seats for attaching an
ISOFIX child restraint system".
Semi-universal child restraint systems are indi-
cated by the text "semi-universal" on the
approval label. These can be used if the vehicle and the seat are listed in the child restraint sys-
tem manufacturer's vehicle model list. For more
information, contact the child restraint system
manufacturer or visit their website.
If it is absolutely necessary to fit a child restraint system to the front-passenger seat:
X Always pay attention to the instructions under
"Child restraint system on the front-
passenger seat" (Y page 52).
There you will find instructions on how to cor- rectly route the shoulder belt strap from the
vehicle seat-belt extender or belt outlet to the
shoulder belt guide on the child restraint sys-
tem (Y page 54).
X Move the front-passenger seat as far back as
possible and into the lowest position.
X Move the backrest to an almost vertical posi-
tion.
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 accordingly. Also observe
the child restraint system manufacturer's
installation instructions. 56
Children in the vehicleSafety
Suitability of the seats for attaching belt-secured child restraint systems
If you use a baby car seat of category 0 or 0+ or a rearward-facing child restraint system of category
I on a rear seat, you must adjust the driver's or front-passenger seat so that the seat does not touch
the child restraint system.
Always observe the notes in the "Child restraint system" section (Y page 48) and the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation instructions.
Legend for the table:
XS eat which is unsuitable for children in this weight category.
US uitable for child restraint systems in the "Universal" category that are approved for use in this
weight category.
UF Suitable for forward-facing child restraint systems that belong to the "Universal" category and are approved for use in this weight category.
LS uitable for child restraint systems as recommended; see the "Recommended child restraint
systems" table (Y page 58). Suitable for semi-universal child restraint systems if the vehicle
and the seat are listed in the child restraint system manufacturer's vehicle model list.
Front-passenger seat Weight category Front-passenger
front airbag enabled The front-passenger
front airbag is disa- bled 0
up to 10 kg X
U
1
, L 1 0+
up to 13 kg X
U
1
, L 1 I
Attaching a forward-facing
child restraint system
9 kg up to 18 kg UF, L U, L
I
Attaching a rearward-facing
child restraint system
9 kg up to 18 kg X
U
1
, L 1 II
15 kg up to 25 kg UF, L U, L
III
22 kg up to 36 kg UF, L U, L
Rear seats
Weight category Left, right
0
up to 10 kg U
0+
up to 13 kg U
I
9 kg up to 18 kg U
II
15 kg up to 25 kg U
III
22 kg up to 36 kg U
1
Vehicles with automatic child seat recognition in the front-passenger seat: a child restraint system of the
"Universal" category with a transponder for automatic child seat recognition must be fitted. The PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp in the centre console must be lit. Children in the vehicle
57Safety Z