Brake fluidDisplay message ............................ 238
Notes ............................................. 37 7
Brake lamps
Display message ............................ 244
Brakes
ABS ................................................ .. 68
BAS ................................................ .. 69
BAS PLUS ........................................ 69
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 377
Display message ............................ 236
Important safety notes .................. 172
Maintenance .................................. 172
Parking brake ........................ 169, 173
Riding tips ...................................... 172
Warning lamp ................................. 262
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away/tow-starting
Brightness control knob (instru-
ment cluster lighting, multifunc-
tion steering wheel with 12 but-
tons) ................................................... .. 33
Bulbs
see Replacing bulbs
C
CaliforniaImportant notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 24
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Car wash ........................................ 306
Carpets .......................................... 312
Display ........................................... 31 0
Exterior lights ................................ 309
Gear or selector lever .................... 311
Interior ........................................... 310
Matte finish ................................... 308
Notes ............................................. 3 05
Paint .............................................. 307
Plastic trim .................................... 310
Power washer ................................ 306
Rear view camera .......................... 309 Roof lining ...................................... 312
Seat belt ........................................ 312
Seat cover ..................................... 311
Sensors ......................................... 309
Steering wheel ............................... 311
Tail pipes ....................................... 309
Trim pieces .................................... 311
Washing by hand ........................... 306
Wheels ........................................... 307
Windows ........................................ 308
Wiper blades .................................. 308
Wooden trim .................................. 311
Cargo compartment cover
Important safety notes .................. 278
Cargo compartment enlarge-
ment ................................................... 276
Cargo compartment floor
Opening/closing ............................ 281
Stowage well (under) ..................... 281
Cargo net
Attaching ....................................... 280
Important safety information ......... 279
Cargo tie down rings ......................... 277
CD player/CD changer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 226
Center console
Lower section .................................. 37
Upper section .................................. 36
Central locking
Automatic locking (on-board com-puter) ............................................. 232
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........ 78
Changing bulbs
Cornering light function ................. 124
High-beam headlamps ................... 124
Low-beam headlamps .................... 124
Parking lamps ................................ 124
Reversing lamps ............................ 125
Standing lamps (front) ................... 124
Turn signals (front) ......................... 124
Child seat
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ............................................ 64
Top Tether ....................................... 65
Child-proof locks
Important safety notes .................... 66
Rear doors ....................................... 67
6Index
Driving systems360°camera .................................. 198
Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 207
Active Driving Assistance pack-
age ................................................ . 207
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 210
Active Parking Assist ..................... 189
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................ 202
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 203
Cruise control ................................ 175
Display message ............................ 250
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 176
HOLD function ............................... 184
Lane Keeping Assist ...................... 205
Lane Tracking package .................. 203
PARKTRONIC ................................. 186
Rear view camera .......................... 193
Driving tips
Automatic transmission ................. 159
Brakes ........................................... 172
Break-in period .............................. 148
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 182
Downhill gradient ........................... 172
Drinking and driving ....................... 170
Driving in winter ............................. 174
Driving on flooded roads ................ 174
Driving on wet roads ...................... 173
Exhaust check ............................... 170
Fuel ............................................... . 170
General .......................................... 16 9
Hydroplaning ................................. 173
Icy road surfaces ........................... 174
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 172
Snow chains .................................. 335
Towing a trailer .............................. 212
Wet road surface ........................... 172
DVD video (on-board computer) ...... 227
E
EASY-ENTRY feature
Activating/deactivating ................. 233
Function/notes ............................. 108
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 109
Function/notes ............................. 108
Switching on/off ........................... 233 EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)
Display message ............................ 237
Function/notes ................................ 73
ECO display
Function/notes ............................. 170
On-board computer ....................... 224
ECO start/stop function
Automatic engine start .................. 153
Automatic engine switch-off .......... 153
Deactivating/activating ................. 154
General information ....................... 153
Important safety notes .................. 153
Introduction ................................... 152
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 86
Vehicle ............................................. 8 6
Emergency spare wheel
General notes ................................ 366
Important safety notes .................. 366
Storage location ............................ 366
Stowing .......................................... 36 7
Technical data ............................... 369
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function ........................................... 60
Safety guidelines ............................. 43
Emergency unlocking
Tailgate ........................................... . 91
Emissions control
Service and warranty information .... 23
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 267
Display message ............................ 246
ECO start/stop function ................ 152
Engine number ............................... 373
Irregular running ............................ 155
Jump-starting ................................. 323
Starting problems .......................... 155
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 151
Starting with KEYLESS-GO ............. 151
Switching off .................................. 168
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 328
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ................... 155
Index9
Emergency locking ........................... 86
Emergency unlocking ....................... 86
Equipment ....................................... 23
Individual settings .......................... 230
Limited Warranty ............................. 28
Loading .......................................... 343
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 86
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 78
Lowering ........................................ 359
Maintenance .................................... 24
Parking for a long period ................ 169
Pulling away ................................... 152
Raising ........................................... 35 7
Reporting problems ......................... 27
Securing from rolling away ............ 356
Towing away .................................. 325
Transporting .................................. 327
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 86
Unlocking (SmartKey) ...................... 78
Vehicle data ................................... 380
Vehicle data ....................................... 380
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 380
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 86
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 372
Vehicle maintenance
see ASSYST PLUS
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 314
Video (DVD) ........................................ 227
VIN ................................................... ... 372
W
Warning and indicator lamps
ABS ................................................ 262
Brakes ........................................... 26 2
Check Engine ................................. 267
Coolant .......................................... 26 8
Distance warning ........................... 270
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 270
ESP ®
.............................................. 264
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 265
Fuel tank ........................................ 267
Overview .......................................... 34
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF ................ 49
Reserve fuel ................................... 267
Seat belt ........................................ 260 SRS ................................................
266
Tire pressure monitor .................... 271
Warranty .............................................. 23
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 258
Wheel and tire combination
see Tires
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 359
Wheel chock ...................................... 356
Wheels
Changing a wheel .......................... 355
Checking ........................................ 333
Cleaning ......................................... 30 7
Emergency spare wheel ................. 366
General notes ................................ 360
Important safety notes .................. 332
Information on driving .................... 332
Interchanging/changing ................ 355
Mounting a new wheel ................... 358
Mounting a wheel .......................... 356
Removing a wheel .......................... 358
Storing ........................................... 3 55
Tightening torque ........................... 359
Wheel size/tire size ....................... 360
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 240
Operation ......................................... 49
Windows
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 141
Windshield washer fluid
see Windshield washer system
Windshield washer system .............. 303
Notes ............................................. 37 9
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ................... 129
Rear window wiper ........................ 127
Replacing the wiper blades ............ 127
Switching on/off ........................... 126
Winter driving
Important safety notes .................. 334
Slippery road surfaces ................... 174
Snow chains .................................. 335
Winter tires
M+S tires ....................................... 335
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 30 8
20Index
Warning and indicator lamps
FunctionPage
:÷ ESP®264
;·
Distance warning270
=å ESP®
OFF264
?$ Brakes (USA only)262
AJ Brakes (Canada only)262
B#! Turn signals118
C! ABS262
D6 SRS266
E; Check Engine267
Fh Tire pressure monitor271
Gü Seat belt260
FunctionPage
H% Diesel engine: pre-
glow
151
I? Coolant268
JK High-beam head-
lamps
118
KL Low-beam head-
lamps
117
LT Parking lamps118
MR Rear fog lamp118
NN Front fog lamps117
O8 Reserve fuel267
34Instrument cluster
At a glance
Driving safety systems
Overview of driving safety systems
In this section, you will find information aboutthe following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock Braking System)
( Y page 68)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System) ( Y page 69)
R BAS PLUS ( Brake Assist System Plus)
( Y page 69)
R ESP ®
(E lectronic Stability Program)
( Y page 70)
R EBD ( Electronic Brake force Distribution)
( Y page 73)
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ( Y page 73)
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style or if you
are inattentive, the driving safety systems can
neither reduce the risk of an accident nor
override the laws of physics. Driving safety
systems are merely aids designed to assist
driving. You are responsible for the distance
to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed and
for braking in good time. Always adapt your
driving style to suit the prevailing road,
weather and traffic conditions and maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front. Drive
carefully.
The driving safety systems described only
work as effectively as possible when there is
adequate contact between the tires and the
road surface. Please pay special attention to
the notes on tires, recommended minimum
tire tread depths, etc. ( Y page 332).
In wintry driving conditions, always use winter
tires (M+S tires) and if necessary, snow
chains. Only in this way will the driving safety
systems described in this section work as
effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
General information
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the vehi- cle when braking.
The yellow ! ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up when the ignition is switched on. It goes out when the engine is
running.
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y page 68).
GWARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking charac-
teristics may be severely impaired. Addition-
ally, further driving safety systems are deac-
tivated. There is an increased danger of skid-
ding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked imme-
diately at a qualified specialist workshop.
When ABS is malfunctioning, other systems,
including driving safety systems, will also
become inoperative. Observe the information on the ABS warning lamp ( Y page 262) and
display messages which may be shown in the
instrument cluster ( Y page 236).
ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph
(8 km/h), regardless of road-surface condi-
tions. ABS works on slippery surfaces, even if
you only brake gently.
Brakes
X If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking sit-
uation is over.
X To make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel a pulsing in the brake pedal.
68Driving safety systems
Safety
The pulsating brake pedal can be an indica-
tion of hazardous road conditions, and func-
tions as a reminder to take extra care while
driving.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
General information
BAS operates in emergency braking situa-
tions. If you depress the brake pedal quickly,
BAS automatically boosts the braking force,
thus shortening the stopping distance.
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y page 68).
GWARNING
If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance
in an emergency braking situation is
increased. There is a risk of an accident.
In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels from locking.
Braking
X
Keep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS)
General information
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y page 68).
BAS PLUS is only available in vehicles equip-
ped with DISTRONIC PLUS.
For BAS PLUS to assist you, the radar sensor system must be operational. With the help of the radar sensor system, BAS
PLUS can detect obstacles that are in the
path of your vehicle for an extended period of
time.
If the radar sensor system is malfunctioning,
BAS PLUS will not be available. The brake
system is still available with complete brake
boosting effect and BAS.
BAS PLUS can help you to minimize the risk of a collision with a vehicle or reduce the effects
of such a collision. If BAS PLUS detects a
danger of collision, you are assisted when
braking.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
BAS PLUS cannot always clearly identify
objects and complex traffic situations.
In such cases, BAS PLUS may:
R intervene unnecessarily
R not intervene
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit- uation and be ready to brake. Terminate the
intervention in a non-critical driving situation.
GWARNING
BAS PLUS does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R when cornering
As a result, BAS PLUS may not intervene in all
critical situations. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit-
uation and be ready to brake.
In the event of snowfall or heavy rain, the rec-
ognition can be impaired.
Driving safety systems69
Safety
Z
Recognition by the radar sensor system is
also impaired in the event of:R there is dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
R there is interference by other radar sources
R there are strong radar reflections, for
example in parking garages
R a narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
R a vehicle traveling in front on a different line
relative to the center of your vehicle
Following damage to the front end of the vehi-
cle, have the configuration and operation of
the radar sensors checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. This also applies to colli-
sions at low speeds where there is no visible
damage to the front of the vehicle.
Function
To avoid a collision, BAS PLUS calculates the
brake force necessary if:
R you approach an obstacle, and
R BAS PLUS has detected a risk of collision
When driving at a speed under 20 mph
(30 km/h) : if you depress the brake pedal,
BAS PLUS is activated. The increase in brake pressure will be carried out at the last possi-
ble moment.
When driving at a speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h) : if you depress the brake pedal
sharply, BAS PLUS automatically raises the
brake pressure to a value adapted to the traf-
fic situation.
BAS PLUS provides braking assistance in haz-
ardous situations with vehicles in front within a speed range between 4 mph (7 km/h) and
155 mph (250 km/h).
At speeds of up to approximately 40 mph
(70 km/h), BAS PLUS can also react to sta-
tionary objects. Examples of stationary
objects are stopped or parked vehicles.
iIf BAS PLUS demands particularly high
braking force, preventative passenger pro- tection measures (PRE-SAFE
®
) are activa-
ted simultaneously.
X Keep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
BAS PLUS is deactivated and the brakes func- tion as usual again, if:
R you release the brake pedal.
R there is no longer a risk of collision.
R no obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle.
ESP® (Electronic Stability Program)
General notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y page 68).
ESP ®
monitors driving stability and traction,
i.e. power transmission between the tires and the road surface.
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. The engine output is also modified to keep the vehicle on the desired course within
physical limits. ESP ®
assists the driver when
pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the vehicle during braking.
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y page 68).
ETS traction control is part of ESP ®
. On vehi-
cles with 4MATIC, 4ETS is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels indi-
vidually if they spin. This enables you to pull
away and accelerate on slippery surfaces, for example if the road surface is slippery on one
side. In addition, more drive torque is trans-
ferred to the wheel or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
70Driving safety systems
Safety
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y page 68).
GWARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further driv- ing safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! If you test the parking brake using a brake
dynamometer, switch the ignition off.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may oth-
erwise destroy the brake system.
Vehicles without 4MATIC: observe the notes
on ESP ®
(Y page 327) when towing the vehi-
cle with a raised rear axle.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or per-
formance tests may only be carried out on
a 2-axle dynamometer. 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.
ESP ®
is only deactivated if the å warning
lamp is lit continuously.
If the ÷ warning lamp and the å warn-
ing lamp are lit continuously, ESP ®
is not
available due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
( Y page 264) and display messages which
may be shown in the instrument cluster
( Y page 236).
iOnly use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
Characteristics of ESP®
General information
If the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp goes out
before beginning the journey, ESP ®
is auto-
matically active.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷ ESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP ®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any circum-
stances.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary when pulling away.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the prevail-
ing road and weather conditions.
ECO start/stop function
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically when the vehicle
stops moving. The engine starts automati-
cally when the driver wants to pull away again. ESP ®
remains in its previously selected sta-
tus. Example: if ESP®
was deactivated before
the engine was switched off, ESP ®
remains
deactivated when the engine is switched on
again.
Deactivating/activating ESP®
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y page 68).
You can select between the following sta-
tuses of ESP:
R ESP ®
is activated.
R ESP ®
is deactivated.
GWARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer sta-
bilizes the vehicle. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations descri-
bed in the following.
Driving safety systems71
Safety
Z