Page 49 of 497

high-voltage battery connected to a charg-
ing station.
Charging the high-voltage battery
(Y page 210).
Engine compartment Before opening the bonnet:
X Apply the electric parking brake.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Switch the ignition off.
X Remove the key from the ignition lock.
or, on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start func-
tion or KEYLESS ‑GO:
X Remove the Start/Stop button from the
ignition lock.
X Observe the warning notes on the risk of
electric shock (Y page 44).
X Observe the warning notes about the bon-
net (Y page 415). RBS driving safety system (Recupera-
tive Brake System)
The Recuperative Braking System supports
you when braking with an electronically-con-
trolled brake boost mode and enables the
recovery of kinetic energy (recuperation).
Further information about the Recuperative
Braking System (Y page 287).Panic alarm X
To prime: press the!button :for
approximately one second.
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the alarm system is primed.
X To deactivate: press the!button :
again.
or
X Insert the key into the ignition lock.
or, on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start func-
tion or KEYLESS ‑GO
X Press the Start/Stop button.
The key must be in the vehicle.
The panic alarm function is only available in
certain countries. Occupant safety
Introduction to the restraint system
The restraint system can reduce the risk of
vehicle occupants coming into contact with
parts of the vehicle's interior in the event of
an accident. The restraint system can also
reduce the forces to which vehicle occupants are subjected during an accident.
The restraint system comprises:
R Seat belt system
R Airbags
R Child restraint system
R Child seat securing systems
The components of the restraint system work
in conjunction with each other. They can only
deploy their protective function if all vehicle
occupants always:
R fasten their seat belts correctly
(Y page 50)
R adjust their seat and head restraint prop-
erly (Y page 121).
As the driver, you also have to make sure that
the steering wheel is adjusted correctly.
Observe the information relating to the cor-
rect driver's seat position .
You also have to make sure that an airbag can
inflate properly if deployed (Y page 53).46
Occupant safetySafety
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An airbag supplements a correctly fastened
seat belt. As an additional safety device, the
airbag increases the level of protection for
vehicle occupants in the event of an accident.
For example, if the protection of the seat belt is sufficient in an accident, the airbags are not
deployed. In the event of an accident, only the airbags that increase protection in the rele-
vant accident situation are deployed. How-
ever, seat belts and airbags generally do not
protect against objects penetrating the vehi-
cle from the outside.
Information on the restraint system operation
can be found under "Triggering of belt ten-
sioners and airbags" (Y page 62).
For more information about children travel-
ling with you in the vehicle, see "Children in
the vehicle" (Y page 65). Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If the restraint system is modified, it may no
longer work as intended. The restraint system
may then not perform its intended protective function by failing in an accident or triggering
unexpectedly, for example. There is an
increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Never modify parts of the restraint system. Do not attempt to modify the wiring as well as
electronic components or their software.
If it is necessary to modify an airbag system to
accommodate a person with disabilities, con- tact a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. Restraint system warning lamp
The functions of the restraint system are
checked after the ignition is switched on and at regular intervals while the engine is run-
ning. Therefore, malfunctions can be detec-
ted in good time.
The 6 restraint system warning lamp in
the instrument cluster lights up when the igni- tion is switched on. It goes out no later than a few seconds after the vehicle is started. The
components of the restraint system are in
operational readiness.
A malfunction has occurred if the
6
restraint system warning lamp:
R does not light up after the ignition is
switched on
R does not go out after a few seconds with
the engine running
R lights up again while the engine is running
All vehicles, except hybrid vehicles: G
WARNING
If the restraint system is malfunctioning,
restraint system components may be trig-
gered unintentionally or might not be trig-
gered at all in the event of an accident with a high rate of vehicle deceleration. This can
effect belt tensioners or airbags, for example. There is an increased risk of serious or even
fatal injuries.
Have the restraint system checked and
repaired immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Hybrid vehicles: G
DANGER
If the restraint system is malfunctioning,
restraint system components may be trig-
gered unintentionally or might not be trig-
gered at all in the event of an accident with a high rate of vehicle deceleration. This can
effect belt tensioners or airbags, for example. In addition, the vehicle's high-voltage electri-
cal system may not be deactivated as inten-
ded in the event of an accident. Touching
damaged components of the vehicle's high-
voltage electrical system could result in an
electric shock. There is an increased risk of
injury, possibly even fatal.
Have the restraint system checked and
repaired immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop. After an accident, immediately
switch the ignition off and remove the key
from the ignition lock. Occupant safety
47Safety Z
Page 51 of 497

PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp
PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamp
:
and PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp ;are part of the automatic deactiva-
tion system of the front-passenger front air-
bag.
The indicator lamps display the status of the
front-passenger front airbag.
R PASSENGER AIR BAG ON lights up: the
front-passenger front airbag is enabled. If,
in the event of an accident, all deployment
criteria are met, the front-passenger front
airbag is deployed.
R PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF lights up: the
front-passenger front airbag is disabled. It
will then not be deployed in the event of an
accident.
Depending on the person in the front-
passenger seat, the front-passenger front air-
bag must either be disabled or enabled; see
the following points. You must make sure of
this both before and during a journey.
R Children in a rearward-facing child
restraint system: the PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator lamp must be lit. The
front-passenger front airbag is disabled. It
is imperative to observe the notes on the
"Automatic front-passenger front airbag
deactivation system" (Y page 56) and on
"Children in the vehicle" (Y page 65).
R Children in a forward-facing child
restraint system: depending on the instal-
led child restraint system and the age and
size of the child, the front-passenger front
airbag is either disabled or enabled. There- fore, it is imperative to observe the notes
on the "Automatic front-passenger front
airbag deactivation system" (Y
page 56)
and on "Children in the vehicle"
(Y page 65).
R All other persons: the PASSENGER AIR
BAG ON indicator lamp must be lit. The
front-passenger front airbag is enabled.
Depending on the build of the person on the front-passenger seat, the PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator lamp may light up. The
front-passenger front airbag is disabled. It
will then not be deployed in the event of an
accident. In this case, the front-passenger
seat should not be used.
It is imperative to observe the notes on the "Automatic front-passenger front airbag
deactivation system" (Y page 56) as well
as on "Seat belts" (Y page 48) and "Air-
bags" (Y page 53). There you can also find
information on the correct seat position. Seat belts
Introduction A correctly worn seat belt is the most effec-
tive means of restraining the movement of
vehicle occupants in the event of a collision or
if the vehicle overturns. This reduces the risk of vehicle occupants coming into contact with
parts of the vehicle interior or being ejected
from it. The seat belt also helps to keep the
vehicle occupants in the best position in rela-
tion to the airbag being deployed.
The seat belt system consists of:
R seat belts
R belt tensioners for the front seat belts and
the outer seat belts in the rear
R belt force limiters for the front seat belts
and the outer seat belts in the rear
If the seat belt is pulled quickly or sharply
from the belt outlet, the inertia reel locks. The
belt strap cannot be pulled out any further.
The belt tensioner tightens the seat belt in the event of a collision so that it fits tightly across 48
Occupant safetySafety
Page 52 of 497

your body. However, it does not pull the vehi-
cle occupants back in the direction of the seat
backrest.
The belt tensioner does not, however, correct an incorrect seat position or correct the rout-
ing of a seat belt that is worn incorrectly.
If the seat belt is also fitted with a belt force
limiter and this is triggered, the force exerted by the seat belt on the vehicle occupant is
reduced.
The belt force limiters on the front seats are
synchronised with the front airbags, which
take on a part of the deceleration force. This
can reduce the forces to which the vehicle
occupants are subjected during an accident.
! If the co-driver's seat is not occupied, do
not engage the seat belt tongue in the
buckle on the co-driver's seat. Otherwise,
the belt tensioner could be triggered in the
event of an accident and would have to be
replaced.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The seat belt cannot perform its intended pro- tective function if it is not fastened correctly. Also, an improperly fastened seat belt can
cause additional injuries in the event of an
accident, sudden braking or abrupt changes
of direction. There is an increased risk of
injury, possibly even fatal.
Always make sure that all vehicle occupants
are wearing their seat belt properly and are
seated correctly. G
WARNING
The seat belt does not offer the intended level of protection if you have not moved the back-
rest to an almost vertical position. When brak-
ing or in the event of an accident, you could
slide underneath the seat belt and sustain
abdomen or neck injuries, for example. This
poses an increased risk of injury or even fatal injury. Adjust the seat properly before beginning
your journey. Always ensure that the backrest
is in an almost vertical position and that the
shoulder section of your seatbelt is routed
across the centre of your shoulder. G
WARNING
Persons under 1.50 mtall cannot wear the
seat belts correctly without a suitable, addi-
tional restraint system. The seat belt cannot
perform its intended protective function if it is not fastened correctly. Also, an improperly
fastened seat belt can cause additional inju-
ries in the event of an accident, sudden brak-
ing or abrupt changes of direction. There is an increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Secure persons less than 1.50 mtall in a suit-
able restraint system.
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 this Mercedes-Benz
vehicle. The child restraint system must be appropriate to the age, weight and size of
the child.
R always pay attention to the instructions
and safety notes on the automatic co-driv-
er's front airbag deactivation system
(Y page 56)
R be sure to observe the instructions and
safety notes on "Children in the vehicle" in
these Operating Instructions (Y page 65)
in addition to the child restraint system
manufacturer's installation instructions G
WARNING
Seat belts cannot protect as intended, if:
R they are damaged, have been modified, are
extremely dirty, bleached or dyed
R the seat belt buckle is damaged or
extremely dirty
R modifications have been made to the belt
tensioners, belt anchorages or inertia reels Occupant safety
49Safety
Z
Page 53 of 497

Seat belts may sustain non-visible damage in
an accident, e.g. due to glass splinters. Modi-
fied or damaged seat belts can tear or fail, for example in the event of an accident. Modified
seat belt tensioners may be deployed unin-
tentionally or fail to be deployed when
required. There is an increased risk of injury,
possibly even fatal.
Never modify safety belts, seat belt tension-
ers, seat belt anchorages and inertia reels.
Ensure that seat belts are not damaged or
worn and are clean. After an accident, have
the seat belts checked immediately at a quali- fied specialist workshop.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
use seat belts which have been approved
specifically for your vehicle by Mercedes-
Benz. The general operating permit may oth-
erwise be invalidated.
Correct seat belt use Observe the safety notes on the seat belt
(Y
page 49).
All vehicle occupants must be wearing the
seat belt correctly before beginning the jour-
ney. Also make sure that all vehicle occu-
pants are always wearing the seat belt cor-
rectly while the vehicle is in motion.
When fastening the seat belt, always make
sure that:
R the seat belt tongue is only inserted into the
belt buckle belonging to that seat
R the seat belt is tight across your body
Avoid wearing bulky clothing, e.g. a winter
coat.
R the seat belt is not twisted
Only then can forces which occur be dis-
tributed across the surface of the seat belt.
R the shoulder section of the belt is always
routed across the centre of your shoulder
The shoulder section of the seat belt should
not touch your neck nor be routed under
your arm. If possible, adjust the seat belt to the appropriate height. R
the lap belt passes across your lap as
tightly and as low down as possible
The lap belt must always be routed across
your hip joints and never across your abdo- men. This applies particularly to pregnant
women. If necessary, press the lap belt
down into your hip joints and pull tight with
the shoulder section of the belt.
R the seat belt is not routed across sharp,
pointed or fragile objects
If you have such items located on or in your
clothing, e.g. pens, keys or spectacles,
store these in a suitable place.
R only one person is using a seat belt
Infants and children must never travel sit-
ting on the lap of a vehicle occupant. In the
event of an accident, they could be crushed
between the vehicle occupant and seat
belt.
R objects are never secured with a seat belt if
the seat belt is also being used by one of the
vehicle's occupants
Also ensure that no objects are placed
between a person and the seat. e.g. a cush- ion.
Seat belts are only intended to secure and
restrain vehicle occupants. Always observe
the "Loading guidelines" for securing objects,
luggage or loads (Y page 390).
Fastening and adjusting the seat belts Observe the safety notes on the seat belt
(Y page 49) and the information on the cor-
rect use of the seat belt (Y page 50).
If a passenger is wearing the centre rear seat
belt, also observe the information on the seat belt for the centre rear seat (Y page 51).50
Occupant safetySafety
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Basic illustration
X Adjust the seat (Y page 120).
The seat backrest must be in an almost
vertical position.
X Pull the seat belt smoothly from belt outlet
= and engage belt tongue ;into belt
buckle :.
The seat belt on the driver's seat and the
front-passenger seat may be tightened
automatically; see "Belt adjustment"
(Y page 52).
X If necessary, pull upwards on the shoulder
section of the seat belt to tighten the belt
across your body. The shoulder section of the seat belt must
always be routed across the centre of the
shoulder. Adjust the belt outlet if necessary.
X To raise: slide the belt outlet upwards.
The belt outlet will engage in various posi-
tions.
X To lower: hold belt outlet release ?and
slide belt outlet downwards.
X Let go of belt outlet release ?in the
desired position and make sure that the
belt outlet engages.
Seat belt for the centre rear seat If the left-hand rear seat backrest is folded
down and back up again, the rear centre seat
belt may lock. The seat belt can then not be
pulled out.
X To release the rear centre seat belt: pull
the seat belt out approximately 20 mm at
the belt outlet on the backrest and then
release it again.
The seat belt is retracted and released.
Releasing the seat belts !
Make sure that the seat belt is fully rolled
up. Otherwise, the seat belt or belt tongue
will be trapped in the door or in the seat
mechanism. This could damage the door,
the door trim panel and the seat belt. Dam- aged seat belts can no longer fulfil their
protective function and must be replaced.
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Occupant safety
51Safety Z
Page 55 of 497

Basic illustration
X Press release button :, hold belt
tongue ;firmly and guide it back towards
belt outlet =.
Seat belt adjustment The seat-belt adjustment is an integral part of
the PRE-SAFE ®
convenience function. This
function adjusts the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt to the upper body of the
occupants.
The belt strap is tightened slightly when:
R the seat belt tongue is engaged in the belt
buckle and
R the ignition is switched on
The seat-belt adjustment will apply a certain
tightening force if any slack is detected
between the vehicle occupant and the seat
belt. Do not hold on to the seat belt tightly
while it is adjusting.
You can switch the seat-belt adjustment on
and off using COMAND Online or Audio 20.
Information on switching the seat-belt adjust-
ment function on and off can be found in the
Digital Owner's Manual or in the separate
COMAND Online or Audio 20 operating
instructions. Belt warning for the driver and front
passenger The
7 seat belt warning lamp in the instru-
ment cluster reminds you that all vehicle
occupants must fasten their seat belts. It may
light up continuously or flash. A warning tone
may also sound.
The 7 seat belt warning lamp goes out and
the warning tone stops as soon as the driver's and the co-driver's seat belts have been fas-
tened.
i For more information on the
7seat
belt warning lamp, see "Warning and indi-
cator lamps in the instrument cluster, seat
belt" (Y page 376).
Rear seat belt status indicator The rear seat belt status indicator is only
available for certain countries.
For approximately 30 seconds, the rear seat
belt status indicator informs you which rear
seat belt is not fastened.
The rear seat belt status indicator appears if:
R you drive off and reach a speed of approx-
imately 10 km/h
R the rear passengers fasten or unfasten
their seat belts while the vehicle is in
motion
R someone gets in or out of the vehicle and
you pull away again
You can also cancel the rear seat belt status
indicator immediately (Y page 335).52
Occupant safetySafety
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Airbags
Introduction The installation location of an airbag is iden-
tified by the AIRBAG symbol.
An airbag supplements a correctly worn seat
belt. It is not a replacement for the seat belt. The airbag offers additional protection in
applicable accident situations.
Not all airbags are deployed in an accident.
The different airbag systems work independ-
ently of each other (Y page 62).
However, no system available today can com-
pletely eliminate injuries and fatalities.
It is also not possible to completely rule out a risk of injury caused by an airbag due to the
speed at which the airbag must be deployed.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you deviate from the correct seat position,
the airbag cannot perform its intended pro-
tective function and can even cause addi-
tional injuries when deployed. There is an
increased risk of serious or even fatal injuries.
In order to avoid such risks, always ensure
that all vehicle occupants:
R fasten their seatbelts correctly, including
pregnant women
R are seated correctly and maintain the fur-
thest possible distance from the airbags
R observe the following notes
Always ensure that there are no objects loca-
ted between the airbag and the vehicle occu-
pant.
R Adjust the seats properly before beginning
your journey. Always make sure that the
seat is in an almost upright position. The
centre of the head restraint must support
the head at about eye level.
R Move the driver's and front-passenger
seats as far back as possible. The driver's
seat position must allow the vehicle to be
driven safely. R
Only hold the steering wheel on the out-
side. This allows the airbag to be fully
deployed.
R Always lean against the backrest while driv-
ing. Do not lean forwards or lean against
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 .
R Always observe the instructions and safety
notes on the automatic front-passenger
front airbag deactivation system
(Y page 56) and on "Children in the vehi-
cle" (Y page 65) in addition to the child
restraint system manufacturer's installa-
tion instructions. Occupant safety
53Safety Z