iMake sure that you maintain a sufficient
distance to the vehicle in front and comply with the minimum distance as required by
law. Adjust the distance to the vehicle in
front if necessary.
X To increase: turn control ; in direction
= .
DISTRONIC PLUS then maintains a greater distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front.
X To decrease: turn control ; in direc-
tion :.
DISTRONIC PLUS then maintains a shorter
distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front.
DISTRONIC PLUS displays in the speed- ometer
When DISTRONIC PLUS is activated, one or
two segments ; in the set speed range light
up.
iFor design reasons, the speed displayed
in the speedometer may differ slightly from the speed set for DISTRONIC PLUS. If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle in front,
segments ; between speed of the vehicle in
front : and stored speed = light up.
DISTRONIC PLUS displays in the multi-
function display
General notes
In the Assistance menu ( Y page 228) of the
on-board computer, you can select the assis-
tance display.
Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is deacti-
vated
X Select the
Assist. Graphic function
using the on-board computer
( Y page 229).
When DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, you
will see the following in the multifunction dis- play:
:Vehicle in front, if detected
;Distance indicator, current distance to
the vehicle in front
=Specified minimum distance to the vehi-
cle in front; adjustable
?Own vehicle
Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is activa-
ted X Select the
Assist. Graphic function
using the on-board computer
( Y page 229).
You will see the stored speed for about five
seconds when you activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
After this time, you will see the following in
Driving systems181
Driving and parking
Z
Crossing vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS may mistakenly detect
vehicles that are crossing your lane. Activat-
ing DISTRONIC PLUS at traffic lights with
crossing traffic, for example, could cause
your vehicle to pull away unintentionally.
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.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When leaving the vehicle, it can still roll away despite 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.
! If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes automati-
cally in certain situations. To prevent dam-
age to the vehicle, deactivate DISTRONIC
PLUS and the HOLD function in the follow-
ing or other similar situations:
R when towing the vehicle
R in the car wash
Deactivating the HOLD function
( Y page 185).
Activation conditions
You can activate the HOLD function if:
R the vehicle is stationary
R the engine is running or if it has been auto-
matically switched off by the ECO start/
stop function
R the driver's door is closed or your seat belt
is fastened
R the parking brake is released
R the hood is closed.
R the transmission is in position D, R or N
R DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated
184Driving systems
Driving and parking
Problems with PARKTRONIC
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions
Only the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning displays are lit.
You also hear a warning
tone for approximately
two seconds.
PARKTRONIC is deacti-
vated after approx-
imately five seconds,
and the indicator lamp
in the PARKTRONIC
button lights up.PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has switched off.
X If problems persist, have PARKTRONIC checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Only the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning displays are lit.
PARKTRONIC is deacti-
vated after approx-
imately five seconds.The PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or there is interference. X Clean the PARKTRONIC sensors ( Y page 309).
X Switch the ignition back on.
The problem may be caused by an external source of radio or
ultrasound waves. XSee if PARKTRONIC functions in a different location.
Active Parking Assist
Important safety notes
Active Parking Assist is an electronic parking
aid with ultrasound. Ultrasound is used to
measure the road on both sides of the vehicle. A parking symbol indicates a suitable parking
space. Active steering intervention can assist you during parking. You may also use
PARKTRONIC ( Y page 186).
GWARNING
While parking or pulling out of a parking
space, the vehicle swings out and can drive
onto areas of the oncoming lane. This could
result in a collision with another road user.
There is a risk of an accident.
Pay attention to other road users. Stop the
vehicle if necessary or cancel the Active Park-
ing Assist parking procedure.
! If unavoidable, you should drive over
obstacles such as curbs slowly and not at a sharp angle. Otherwise, you may damage
the wheels or tires.
Active Parking Assist is merely an aid. It is not
a replacement for your attention to your
immediate surroundings. You are always
responsible for safe maneuvering, parking
and exiting a parking space. Make sure that
no persons, animals or objects are in the
maneuvering range.
When PARKTRONIC is switched off, Active
Parking Assist is also unavailable.
Active Parking Assist may possibly indicate
parking spaces which are not suitable for
parking, for example:
R where parking or stopping is prohibited
R in front of driveways or entrances and exits
R on unsuitable surfaces
Driving systems189
Driving and parking
Z
Parking tips:R On narrow roads, drive as close to the park-
ing space as possible.
R Parking spaces that are littered or over-
grown might be identified or measured
incorrectly.
R Parking spaces that are partially occupied
by trailer drawbars might not be identified
as such or be measured incorrectly.
R Snowfall or heavy rain may lead to a parking
space being measured inaccurately.
R Pay attention to the PARKTRONIC
(Y page 187) warning messages during the
parking procedure.
R You can intervene in the steering procedure
to correct it at any time. Active Parking
Assist will then be canceled.
R When transporting a load which protrudes
from your vehicle, you should not use
Active Parking Assist.
R Never use Active Parking Assist when snow
chains are installed.
R Make sure that the tire pressures are
always correct. This has a direct influence
on the parking characteristics of the vehi-
cle.
Use Active Parking Assist for parking spaces:
R that are parallel to the direction of travel
R that are on straight roads, not bends
R that are on the same level as the road, e.g.
not on the pavement
Detecting parking spaces
Objects located above the height range of
Active Parking Assist will not be detected
when the parking space is measured. These
are not taken into account when the parking
procedure is calculated, e.g. overhanging
loads, tail sections or loading ramps of goods
vehicles.
GWARNING
If there are objects above the detection range, Active Parking Assist may turn prematurely.
You may cause a collision as a result. There isa risk of an accident.
If there are objects above the detection range,
stop and deactivate Active Parking Assist.
For further information on the detection
range ( Y page 186).
Active Parking Assist does not support you
with parking spaces parallel to the direction
of travel if:
R the parking space is on a curb
R the system reads the parking space as
being blocked, for example by foliage or
grass paving blocks
R the area is too small for the vehicle to
maneuver into
R the parking space is bordered by an obsta-
cle, e.g. a tree, a post or a trailer
Example: detected parking space :
Detected parking space on the left
;Parking symbol
=Detected parking space on the right
Active Parking Assist is switched on automat-
ically when driving forwards. The system is
operational at speeds of up to approximately 22 mph (35 km/h). While in operation, the
system independently locates and measures
parking spaces on both sides of the vehicle.
Active Parking Assist will only detect parking spaces:
R that are parallel to the direction of travel
R that are at least 59 in (1.5 m) wide
R that are at least 51 in (1.3 m) longer than
your vehicle
When driving at speeds below 19 mph
(30 km/h), you will see the parking symbol as a status indicator in the instrument cluster.
190Driving systems
Driving and parking
When a parking space has been detected, anarrow towards the right or the left also
appears. By default, Active Parking Assist
only displays parking spaces on the front-
passenger side. Parking spaces on the driv-
er's side are displayed as soon as the turn
signal on the driver's side is activated. When
parking on the driver's side, this must remain
switched on until you acknowledge the use of Active Parking Assist by pressing the a
button on the multifunction steering wheel.
A parking space is displayed while you are
driving past it, and until you are approx-
imately 50 ft (15 m) away from it.
Parking
GWARNING
Active Parking Assist merely aids you by inter- vening actively in the steering. If you do not
brake there is a risk of an accident.
Always apply the brakes yourself when
maneuvering and parking.
X Stop the vehicle when the parking space
symbol shows the desired parking space in
the instrument cluster.
X Shift the transmission to position R.
The
Start Park Assist? Yes: OK No:
% message appears in the multifunction
display.
X To cancel the procedure: press the %
button on the multifunction steering wheel or pull away.
or
X To park using Active Parking Assist:
press the a button on the multifunction
steering wheel.
The
Park Assist Active Accelerate
and Brake Observe Surroundings mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
X Let go of the multifunction steering wheel.
X Back up the vehicle, being ready to brake at
all times. When backing up, drive at a speed below approximately 6 mph (10 km/h). Otherwise Active Parking Assist will be can-
celed.
iIn tight parking spaces, you will achieve
the best parking results by backing up as
far as possible. When doing so, also
observe the PARKTRONIC messages.
X Stop as soon as PARKTRONIC sounds the
continuous warning tone, if not before.
Maneuvering may be required in tight park-
ing spaces.
The
Park Assist Active Select D
Observe Surroundings message appears in
the multifunction display. X Shift the transmission to position D while
the vehicle is stationary.
Active Parking Assist immediately steers in
the other direction.
The
Park Assist Active Accelerate
and Brake Observe Surroundings mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
iYou will achieve the best results by wait-
ing for the steering procedure to complete before pulling away.
X Drive forwards and be ready to brake at all
times.
X Stop as soon as PARKTRONIC sounds the
continuous warning tone, if not before.
The
Park Assist Active Select R
Observe Surroundings message appears in
the multifunction display. X Further transmission shifts may be neces-
sary.
As soon as the parking procedure is com-
plete, the
Park Assist Disabled message
appears and a warning tone sounds. Active
Parking Assist no longer supports you with
steering interventions. When Active Parking
Assist is finished, you must steer again your-
self. PARKTRONIC is still available.
X Maneuver if necessary.
X Always observe the warning messages dis-
played by PARKTRONIC ( Y page 187).
Driving systems191
Driving and parking
Z
Parking tips:R The way your vehicle is positioned in the
parking space after parking is dependent
on various factors. These include the posi-
tion and shape of the vehicles parked in
front and behind it and the conditions of the
location. It may be the case that Active
Parking Assist guides you too far into a
parking space, or not far enough into it. In
some cases, it may also lead you across or
onto the curb. If necessary, you should can- cel the parking procedure with Active Park-
ing Assist.
R You can also select preselect transmission
position D. The vehicle redirects and does
not drive as far into the parking space.
Should a gear be changed too early, the
parking procedure will be canceled. A sen-
sible parking position can no longer be ach- ieved from this position.
Exiting a parking space
In order that Active Parking Assist can sup-
port you when you exit the parking space:
R the border of the parking space must be
high enough at the front and the rear. A
curb is too small, for example.
R the border of the parking space must not be
too wide, as the position of the vehicle must
not exceed an angle of 45° to the starting
position as it is maneuvering into the park-
ing space.
R a maneuvering distance of at least 3.3 ft
(1.0 m) must be available.
X Start the engine.
X Release the parking brake.
X Switch on the turn signal on the side facing
the street.
X Shift the transmission to position D or R.
The
Start Park Assist? Yes: OK No:
% message appears in the multifunction
display. X
To cancel the procedure: press the %
button on the multifunction steering wheel or pull away.
or
X To exit a parking space using Active
Parking Assist: press the a button on
the multifunction steering wheel.
The
Park Assist Active Accelerate
and Brake Observe Surroundings mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
X Let go of the multifunction steering wheel.
X Reverse the vehicle or drive forwards, being
ready to brake at all times. Do not exceed a maximum speed of approximately 6 mph
(10 km/h) when exiting a parking space.
Otherwise Active Parking Assist will be can- celed.
X Stop when PARKTRONIC sounds the con-
tinuous warning tone, if not before.
X Shift the transmission to position D or R as
required while the vehicle is stationary.
Active Parking Assist immediately steers in
the other direction. The
Park Assist
Active Accelerate and Brake
Observe Surroundings message appears
in the multifunction display.
iYou will achieve the best results by wait-
ing for the steering procedure to complete before pulling away.
If you back up after activation, the steeringwheel is moved to the straight-ahead posi-
tion.
X Drive forwards or back up the vehicle, being
ready to brake at all times.
X Stop as soon as PARKTRONIC sounds the
continuous warning tone, if not before.
X Drive forwards and back up as prompted by
the PARKTRONIC warning displays, several
times if necessary.
Once you have exited the parking space com- pletely, the steering wheel is moved to the
straight-ahead position. You hear a tone and
the
Park Assist Finished message
appears in the multifunction display. You will
192Driving systems
Driving and parking
then have to steer and merge into traffic on
your own. PARKTRONIC is still available.
Canceling Active Parking Assist
You can cancel Active Parking Assist at any
time.
X Stop the movement of the multifunction
steering wheel or steer yourself.
Active Parking Assist will be canceled at
once. The
Park Assist Canceled mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
or
X Press the PARKTRONIC button on the cen-
ter console ( Y page 188).
PARKTRONIC is switched off and Active
Parking Assist is immediately canceled.
The
Park Assist Canceled message
appears in the multifunction display.
Active Parking Assist is canceled automati-
cally if: R transmission position P is selected
R parking using Active Parking Assist is no
longer possible
R you are driving faster than 6 mph (10 km/h)
R a wheel spins, ESP ®
intervenes or fails. The
÷ warning lamp lights up in the instru-
ment cluster.
A warning tone sounds. The parking symbol
goes out and the
Park Assist Canceled
message appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
If Active Parking Assist is canceled, you must
steer again yourself.
Towing a trailer
For vehicles with a trailer tow hitch, the min-
imum length for parking spaces is slightly
increased.
If you have attached a trailer to your vehicle,
you should not use Active Parking Assist.
Once the electrical connection is established between your vehicle and the trailer, Active
Parking Assist is no longer available.
PARKTRONIC is deactivated for the rear area.
Rear view camera
General notes
:Rear view camera
Rear view camera : is located in the handle
strip of the tailgate.
Rear view camera : is an optical parking and
maneuvering aid. It uses guide lines to show
the area behind your vehicle in the Audio/
COMAND display.
The area behind the vehicle is displayed as a
mirror image, as in the rear view mirror.
iThe text of messages shown in the
COMAND display depends on the language
setting. The following are examples of rear view camera messages in the COMAND
display.
Important safety notes
The rear view camera is only an aid. It is not a
replacement for your attention to your imme- diate surroundings. You are always responsi-
ble for safe maneuvering and parking. When
maneuvering or parking, make sure that there are no persons, animals or objects in the area
in which you are maneuvering.
Under the following circumstances, the rear
view camera will not function, or will function
in a limited manner:
R if the tailgate is open
R in heavy rain, snow or fog
R at night or in very dark places
R if the camera is exposed to very bright light
Driving systems193
Driving and parking
Z
AYellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 3 ft (1.0 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
BVehicle center axle (marker assistance)
CBumper
DRed guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 12 in (0.30 m) from the rear of thevehicle
The guide lines are shown when the trans-
mission is in position R.
The distance specifications only apply to
objects that are at ground level.
Additional messages for vehicles with
PARKTRONIC :
Front warning display
;Additional PARKTRONIC measurement
operational readiness indicator
=Rear warning display
Vehicles with PARKTRONIC: if
PARKTRONIC is operational ( Y page 187), an
additional operational readiness indicator will
appear in COMAND display ;. If the
PARKTRONIC warning displays are active or
light up, warning displays : and = are also active or light up correspondingly in the
COMAND display.
"Reverse parking" function
X
Make sure that the rear view camera is
activated and the "Reverse parking" func-
tion is selected; see the separate operating
instructions for the audio system/
COMAND.
The lane and the guide lines are shown.
Backing up straight into a parking space
without turning the steering wheel
:White guide line without turning the steer-
ing wheel, vehicle width including the
exterior mirrors (static)
;Red guide line for the vehicle width includ-
ing the exterior mirrors, for current steer-
ing wheel angle (dynamic)
=Yellow guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 3 ft (1.0 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
?Red guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 12 in (0.30 m) from the rear of the
vehicle
Driving systems195
Driving and parking
Z