stored. Otherwise, it sets the vehicle cruisespeed to the previously stored value.
Driving with DISTRONIC PLUS
Pulling away and driving
X If the vehicle in front pulls away: remove
your foot from the brake pedal.
X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you ?, or press it up :or down A.
or
X Accelerate briefly.
Your vehicle pulls away and adapts its
speed to that of the vehicle in front.
If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC
PLUS operates in the same way as cruise
control.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle in front has slowed down, it brakes your vehicle.
In this way, the distance you have selected is maintained.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle infront is driving faster, it accelerates your vehi-
cle, but only up to the speed you have stored.
If you depress the brake, DISTRONIC PLUS is
deactivated unless your vehicle is stationary.
Changing lanes
If you change to the passing lane, DISTRONIC
PLUS supports you when:
R you are driving faster than 40 mph
(60 km/h)
R DISTRONIC PLUS is maintaining the dis-
tance to a vehicle in front R
you switch on the appropriate turn signal
R DISTRONIC PLUS does not detect a danger
of collision
If these conditions are fulfilled, your vehicle is
accelerated. Acceleration will be interrupted
if changing lanes takes too long or if the dis-
tance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front becomes too small.
iWhen changing lanes, DISTRONIC PLUS
monitors the left lane on left-hand drive
vehicles and the right lane on right-hand
drive vehicles.
Stopping
GWARNING
When leaving the vehicle, even if it is braked
only by DISTRONIC PLUS, it could roll away if: R there is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.
R DISTRONIC PLUS has been deactivated
with the cruise control lever, e.g. by a vehi-
cle occupant or from outside the vehicle.
R the electrical system in the engine com-
partment, 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.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off
DISTRONIC PLUS and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle in front is stopping, it brakes your vehicle until it
is stationary.
Once your vehicle is stationary, it remains
stationary and you do not need to depress thebrake.
iDepending on the specified minimum dis-
tance, your vehicle will come to a standstill
at a sufficient distance behind the vehicle in front. The specified minimum distance is
set using the control on the cruise controllever.
Driving systems121
Driving and parking
Z
On steep uphill or downhill inclines or if there
is a malfunction, the transmission may also
automatically be shifted into positionP.
Deactivating DISTRONIC PLUS
There are several ways to deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS:
X Briefly press the cruise control lever for-wards :.
or
X Brake, unless the vehicle is stationary
or X Briefly press the cruise control lever in the
direction of arrow =.
Variable SPEEDTRONIC is selected. LIM
indicator lamp ;in the cruise control lever
lights up.
When you deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS, you
will see the
DISTRONICPLUSOffmessage in
the multifunction display for approximately
five seconds.
iThe last speed stored remains stored until
you switch off the engine.
DISTRONIC PLUS is automatically deactiva-
ted if:
R you engage the parking brake
R you are driving slower than 15 mph
(25 km/h) and there is no vehicle in front,
or if the vehicle in front is no longer detec-
ted
R ESP ®
intervenes or you deactivate ESP ®
R the transmission is in the P,R or Nposition R
you pull the cruise control lever towards
you in order to pull away and the front-
passenger door or one of the rear doors isopen
R the vehicle has skidded
If DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, you will
hear a warning tone. You will see the
DISTRONIC PLUS Offmessage in the multi-
function display for approximately five sec- onds.
In the Assistance menu ( Ypage 147) of the
on-board computer, you can select the dis-
tance display.
Tips for driving with DISTRONIC PLUS
General notes
The following contains descriptions of certain
road and traffic conditions in which you must be particularly attentive. In such situations,
brake if necessary. DISTRONIC PLUS is thendeactivated.
Cornering, going into and coming out of a
bend
The ability of DISTRONIC PLUS to detect vehi- cles when cornering is limited. Your vehicle
may brake unexpectedly or late.
122Driving systems
Driving and parking
Vehicles traveling on a different line
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect vehicles
traveling on a different line. The distance to
the vehicle in front will be too short.
Other vehicles changing lanes
DISTRONIC PLUS has not detected the vehi-
cle cutting in yet. The distance to this vehiclewill be too short.
Narrow vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS has not yet detected the
vehicle in front on the edge of the road, because of its narrow width. The distance to
the vehicle in front will be too short.
Obstructions and stationary vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS does not brake for obsta-
cles or stationary vehicles. If, for example, the
detected vehicle turns a corner and reveals
an obstacle or stationary vehicle, DISTRONIC PLUS will not brake for these.
Crossing vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS may detect vehicles that
are crossing your lane by mistake. Activating DISTRONIC PLUS at traffic lights with cross-
ing traffic, for example, could cause your vehi-
cle to pull away unintentionally.
Driving systems123
Driving and parking
Z
If a vehicle is detected in the monitoring range
of Blind Spot Assist and you switch on the
corresponding turn signal, a double warning
tone sounds. Red warning lamp :flashes. If
the turn signal remains on, vehicles detected
are indicated by the flashing of red warninglamp :. There are no further warning tones.
Switching on Blind Spot Assist
:Yellow indicator lamp/red warning lamp
X Make sure that Blind Spot Assist is activa-
ted in the on-board computer(Y page 147).
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock ( Ypage 103).
Warning lamps :in the exterior mirrors
light up red for approximately 1.5 seconds
and then turn yellow.
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.
iDo not use the HOLD function when driv-
ing off-road, on steep uphill or downhill gra- dients or on slippery or loose surfaces. The
HOLD function cannot hold the vehicle on
such surfaces.
Activation conditions
You can activate the HOLD function if: R the vehicle is stationary.
R the engine is running or it has been
switched off by the ECO start/stop func-
tion (AMG vehicles).
R the engine is running.
R the driver's door is closed or your seat belt
is fastened.
R the transmission is in position D,R or N.
R DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
Activating the HOLD function
The vehicle's brakes are applied when the
HOLD function is activated. For this reason,
deactivate the HOLD function while in the car
wash or while towing.
X Make sure that the activation conditions
are met.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Quickly depress the brake pedal furtheruntil ë appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
The HOLD function is activated. You can
release the brake pedal.
iIf depressing the brake pedal the first
time does not activate the HOLD function,
wait briefly and then try again.
126Driving systems
Driving and parking
Deactivating the HOLD function
GWARNING
When leaving the vehicle, it can still roll awaydespite 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 com-
partment, 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.
The HOLD function is deactivated automati-
cally 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 ëdis-
appears from the multifunction display.
R you activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
On steep uphill or downhill gradients or if
there is a malfunction, the transmission may
also be automatically shifted into position P.
Permanent all-wheel drive
!
Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case. Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground or
be fully raised. Observe the instructions for
towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
!When testing the parking brake, operate
the vehicle only briefly (for a maximum of ten seconds) on a brake test dynamometer.
When doing this, turn the SmartKey to posi-
tion 0or 1in the ignition. Failure to do this
can cause damage to the drive train or the brake system.
!A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a two-axle dyna-
mometer. Before you operate the vehicle
on such a dynamometer, please consult a
qualified workshop. You could otherwise
damage the drive train or the brake system.
The all-wheel drive system ensures that all
four wheels are permanently driven. The all-
wheel drive system improves vehicle traction together with ESP ®
and 4ETS if a drive wheel
spins due to insufficient grip.
If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip: R Only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary when pulling away.
R Take your foot off the accelerator, slowly,
while the vehicle is in motion.
The permanent all-wheel drive system can
neither reduce the risk of accident nor over-
ride the laws of physics if you fail to adapt
your driving style or if you are inattentive. The
all-wheel drive system cannot take into
account road, weather or traffic conditions.
The all-wheel drive system is only an aid. You
are responsible for maintaining a safe dis-
tance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good time and for staying in
lane.
In wintry driving conditions, always use winter
tires (M+S tires) and if necessary, snow
chains ( Ypage 232). Only in this way can the
maximum effect of all-wheel drive be ach-
ieved.
For information on driving off-road, see the
Digital Operator's Manual.
Driving syste ms127
Driving and parking
Z
PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes
!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 an electronic parking aid with ultrasonic sensors. It indicates visually and
audibly the distance between your vehicle
and an object.
PARKTRONIC is only an aid. It is not a replace-
ment for your attention to your immediate
surroundings. You are always responsible for
safe maneuvering, parking and exiting a park-
ing space. Ensure that the areas in front,
behind and to the side of the vehicle are safe
before maneuvering, parking or pulling away. There must not be any persons, animals or
objects in the area in which you are maneu-vering.
PARKTRONIC does not take into account any persons or objects located below or above
the detection range. As a result,
PARKTRONIC cannot warn you about objects
in this area.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when
you:
R switch on the ignition
R shift the transmission to position D,R or N
R release the parking brake
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
11 mph (18 km/h). It is reactivated at lowerspeeds. PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your
vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper
and four sensors in the rear bumper.Range of the sensors
General notes
:Example: sensors in the front bumper,
right-hand side
Side view
Top view
The sensors must be free from dirt, ice or
slush. Otherwise, they may not function cor-
rectly. Clean the sensors regularly, taking
care not to scratch or damage them( Y page 211).
128Driving systems
Driving and parking
is interrupted. As a result, the vehicle could
roll away. There is a risk of an accident.
Secure the vehicle with the parking brake, andon uphill or downhill gradients, also secure it
with a device such as a wheel chock.
Always wait for the gear change process from HIGH RANGE toLOW RANGE and from
LOW RANGE toHIGH RANGE to complete.
Do not switch off the engine while changing
gear and do not shift the automatic transmis-
sion to another gear.
General notes
:Current shift range
:Indicator lamp
;LOW RANGE button
Switching on the off-road gear ratio
!Only carry out the gear selection if:
R the engine is running.
R the vehicle is rolling.
R the automatic transmission is in selector
lever position N.
R you are driving no faster than 25 mph
(40 km/h).
You could otherwise damage the transfercase.
iAMG vehicles: the ECO start/stop func-
tion is not available in transfer case posi- tion LOW RANGE (Y page 105).
X Press LOW RANGE button ;.
When the shift procedure is complete, the
LOW RANGEtransfer case position appears
in the multifunction display.
Indicator lamp :lights up.
X Shift the transmission to position D.
Switching off the off-road gear ratio
GWARNING
When the transfer case is in the neutral posi-
tion, power transmission to the driven wheels
is interrupted. As a result, the vehicle could
roll away. There is a risk of an accident.
Secure the vehicle with the parking brake, and on uphill or downhill gradients, also secure it
with a device such as a wheel chock.
!Only carry out the gear selection if:
R the engine is running.
R the vehicle is rolling.
R the automatic transmission is in selector
lever position N.
R you are driving no faster than 43 mph
(70 km/h).
You could otherwise damage the transfercase.
X Press button ;.
When the shift procedure is complete, the
HIGHRANGEtransfer case position appears
in the multifunction display.
Indicator lamp :goes out.
If the gear change is not completed, the fol-
lowing messages could appear in the display: R
TC Shift Conditions Not Fulfilled
You have not met one or more shift condi-
tions.
R
TC NEUTRAL On
The transfer case has canceled the gear
change process and is in N. Transfer case
Off-road driving systems133
Driving and parking
Z
positionNappears in the multifunction dis-
play.
R
TC Shift Canceled
The transfer case has not performed the
gear change process.
X Carry out the gear change process again.
Make sure to meet all conditions for chang-
ing gears.
R
TC Malfunction Visit Workshop
There is a malfunction in the transfer case.
X Do not shift the transfer case.
X Have the vehicle checked as soon as pos-
sible at a qualified specialist workshop.
Shifting to neutral
GWARNING
When the transfer case is in the neutral posi-
tion, power transmission to the driven wheels
is interrupted. As a result, the vehicle could
roll away. There is a risk of an accident.
Secure the vehicle with the parking brake, and on uphill or downhill gradients, also secure it
with a device such as a wheel chock.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock ( Ypage 103).
X Apply the parking brake.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Move the selector lever to position N
( Y page 106).
X Press and hold LOW RANGE button ;for
approximately ten seconds.
When the shift procedure is complete, the
TC neutral onmessage appears in the
multifunction display for five seconds.
If the gear change is not completed, the fol-
lowing messages could appear in the display( Y page 148).
iIf the transfer case is in neutral, the
SmartKey is in the ignition lock and you
open the driver's door, the
TCInNeutral
message appears in the multifunction dis-
play. If you then release the parking brake, a warning tone will sound.
Differential locks
General notes
GWARNING
When the differential locks are engaged, ABS, 4ETS, ESP ®
and BAS are deactivated. As a
result, the wheels could lock when braking
and the braking distance is increased. There is
a risk of an accident.
Disengage the differential locks immediately
on firm surfaces with good grip.
!In order to avoid damage to the transfer
case, you must operate the vehicle on a
dynamometer (1-axle dynamometer) onlyif:
R the axle not driven on is jacked up or
R the corresponding propeller shaft is dis-
connected and the transfer case differ-
ential lock is engaged.
Otherwise, the transfer case can be dam-aged.
Differential locks improve the traction of the vehicle.
Your vehicle is equipped with a differential
lock each for: R the transfer case: this controls the balance
between the front and rear axles.
R the rear axle: this controls the balance
between the wheels on the rear axle.
R the front axle: this controls the balance
between the wheels on the front axle.
Information on differential gear system
and differential lock
When the vehicle drives around a curve, the
wheels on the outside of the curve must cover
a greater distance. Therefore, the wheels turn more rapidly than on the inside. The differen-
tial, a gear system in the drive train, allows for
differing rotational speeds and facilitates cor- nering.
134Off-road driving systems
Driving and parking