LOW RANGE in the "Safety" section
(Y
page 67).
From HIGH RANGE to LOW RANGE ! Only change from LOW RANGE to HIGH
RANGE if:
R the engine is running.
R the transmission is in position N
R you are driving at a speed below
40 km/h
X Press LOW RANGE button 0043.
Indicator lamp 0044flashes.
When the gear change is complete, indica-
tor lamp 0044lights up. LOW RANGE indica-
tor appears in the multifunction display and in the status indicator.
While indicator lamp 0044is flashing, you can
cancel the gear change by pressing LOW
RANGE button 0043again.
i You cannot activate LOW RANGE if the
SPORT on-road program is activated. The
LOW RANGE Not in Drive Program LOW RANGE Not in Drive Program
SPORT SPORT message then appears in the multi-
function display.
From LOW RANGE to HIGH RANGE ! Only change from LOW RANGE to HIGH
RANGE if:
R the engine is running.
R the transmission is in position N
R you are driving at a speed below
70 km/h
X Press LOW RANGE button 0043.
Indicator lamp 0044flashes.
When the gear change is complete, indica- tor lamp 0044goes out. In the multifunction
display, the LOW RANGE Off
LOW RANGE Off message
appears and status indicator 0087goes out.
While indicator lamp 0044is flashing, you can
cancel the gear change by pressing LOW
RANGE button 0043again. 254
Driving systemsDriving and parking
of the towing vehicle, as the latter is equip-
ped with an anti-lock brake system. Doing
so will result in a loss of function of the
brake systems of both the vehicle and the
trailer.
X Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select highway level.
X Vehicles with ADS: set ADS toAUTOor
COMF.
X Switch off the engine.
X Close all doors and the tailgate.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish all electrical connections.
X Check that the trailer lighting system is
working.
i Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
with a trailer attached, the vehicle will
always remain at highway level. When cou-
pling up a trailer, please observe the fol-
lowing:
R Unless highway level has been set man-
ually, the vehicle is automatically low-
ered to highway level. This is the case if a
speed of 5 mph (8 km/h) is reached.
R High-speed level is not available.
These restrictions apply to all accessories
powered through a connection to the trailer power socket of your vehicle, e.g. a bicycle
carrier.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most U.S. states and all Canadian provinces
require by law:
R Safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer. The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must be fastened to the vehicle's trailer cou-
pling, not to the bumper or the axle. Leave enough play in the chains to make
tight cornering possible.
R A separate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
R A safety switch for braked trailers. Check
the specific legal requirements applicable
to your state.
If the trailer detaches from the towing vehi- cle, the safety switch applies the trailer's
brakes. Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed
restrictions. Make sure that your car/trailer
combination complies with the local regula-
tions: R in your place of residence
R in the location to which you are driving
The police and local authorities can provide
reliable information.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
R To gain driving experience and to become
accustomed to the new handling charac-
teristics, you should practice the following
in a traffic-free location:
- cornering
- stopping
- backing up
R Before driving, check:
- trailer tow hitch
- safety switch for braked trailers
- safety chains
- electrical connections
- lights
- wheels
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the trailer.
R If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away carefully. Brake manually 260
Towing a trailerDriving and parking
using the brake controller and check
whether the brakes function correctly.
R Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
R When you couple up a trailer, check at reg-
ular intervals that the load is firmly secured.If the trailer is equipped with trailer lights
and brakes, check the trailer to ensure that
these are working.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driv- ing without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
R If possible, do not brake suddenly, but
instead depress the brake pedal moder-
ately at first so that the trailer can activate its brakes. Then increase the pressure on
the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears on uphill or downhill
gradients, shift to a lower gear using the
left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
R When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
to utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases dra-
matically while the air-conditioning system
is switched on, switch off the air-condition-
ing system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
opening the windows and switching the ventilation blower and the interior temper-
ature to the highest level.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination.
Due to the length of the vehicle/trailer
combination, you require additional road
space in relation to the vehicle you are
overtaking before you can change back to
the original lane. Decoupling a trailer
G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun brake is engaged. G
WARNING
Vehicles with level control:
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you discon-
nect the trailer cable. This could result in your limbs or those of other people that are
between the vehicle body and tires or under-
neath the vehicle being trapped. There is a
risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel housings or under the
vehicle when you disconnect the trailer cable.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound- ing of the overrun brake.
X Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Close all doors and the tailgate.
X Apply the trailer's parking brake. Towing a trailer
261Driving and parking Z
Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional equip- ment of your vehicle available at the time of
publication of the Operator's Manual.
Country-specific differences are possible.
Please note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all features described. This
also applies to safety-related systems and
functions.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops (Y page 29). Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipment integrated in the vehi- cle while driving, you will be distracted from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate the equipment when the traffic
situation permits. If you are not sure that this
is possible, park the vehicle paying attention
to traffic conditions and operate the equip-
ment when the vehicle is stationary. G
WARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or mal-
functioned, you may not recognize function
restrictions in systems relevant to safety. The operating safety of your vehicle may be
impaired. There is a risk of an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have the vehicle checked
at a qualified specialist workshop immedi-
ately.
You must observe the legal requirements for
the country in which you are currently driving when operating the on-board computer.
The on-board computer only shows messages
or warnings from certain systems in the mul- tifunction display. You should therefore make
sure your vehicle is operating safely at all times. Otherwise, a vehicle that is not oper-
ating safely may cause an accident.
For an overview, see the instrument panel
illustration (Y
page 35). Displays and operation
Instrument cluster lighting
The lighting in the instrument cluster, in the
displays and the controls in the vehicle inte-
rior can be adjusted using the brightness con-
trol knob.
The brightness control knob is located on the bottom left of the instrument cluster
(Y page 35).
X Turn the brightness control knob clockwise
or counter-clockwise.
If the light switch is set to 0058,0060or
0058, the brightness is dependent upon
the brightness of the ambient light.
i The light sensor in the instrument cluster
automatically controls the brightness of
the multifunction display.
In daylight, the displays in the instrument
cluster are not illuminated. Coolant temperature display
G
WARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is over-
heated or when there is a fire in the engine
compartment could expose you to hot gases
or other service products. There is a risk of
injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department.
! A display message is shown if the coolant
temperature is too high.
If the coolant temperature is over 248 ‡
(120 †), do not continue driving. The
engine will otherwise be damaged. 266
Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays
The coolant temperature gauge is in the
instrument cluster on the right-hand side
(Y page 35).
Under normal operating conditions and with
the specified coolant level, the coolant tem-
perature may rise to 248 ‡ (120 †). Tachometer
! Do not drive in the overrevving range, as
this could damage the engine.
The red band in the tachometer indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached. Outside temperature display
You should pay special attention to road con-
ditions when temperatures are around freez-
ing point.
Bear in mind that the outside temperature
display indicates the temperature measured
and does not record the road temperature.
The outside temperature display is in the mul- tifunction display (Y page 268).
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay. Speedometer with segments
The segments in the speedometer indicate
which speed range is available.
R Cruise control activated (Y page 195):
The segments light up from the stored
speed to the maximum speed.
R DISTRONIC PLUS activated (Y page 198):
One or two segments in the set speed
range light up.
R DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle in front:
The segments between the speed of the
vehicle in front and the stored speed light
up. Operating the on-board computer
Overview 0043
Multifunction display
0044 Switches on the Voice Control System;
see the separate operating instructions
0087 Right control panel
0085 Left control panel
0083 Back button
X To activate the on-board computer: turn
the SmartKey to position 1in the ignition
lock.
You can control the multifunction display and
the settings in the on-board computer using
the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel. Displays and operation
267On-board computer and displays Z
R
Checking the tire pressure electronically
(Y page 408)
R Calling up the service due date
(Y page 371) Settings menu
Introduction In the
Sett. Sett. menu, you have the following
options:
R Changing the instrument cluster settings
(Y page 277)
R Changing the light settings (Y page 277)
R Changing the vehicle settings
(Y page 279)
R Changing the convenience settings
(Y page 279)
R Restoring the factory settings
(Y page 281)
Instrument cluster submenu Selecting the unit of measurement for dis-
tance
The Display Unit Speed-/Odometer: Display Unit Speed-/Odometer:
function allows you to choose whether cer-
tain displays appear in kilometers or miles in the multifunction display.
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Settings Settingsmenu.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Instrument Cluster Instrument Cluster submenu.
X Press 0076to confirm. X
Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Display Unit Speed-/Odometer Display Unit Speed-/Odometer func-
tion.
You will see the selected setting: km kmor
miles
miles.
X Press the 0076button to save the setting.
The selected unit of measurement for dis-
tance applies to: R Digital speedometer in the Trip
Trip menu
R Odometer and the trip odometer
R Trip computer
R Current consumption and the range
R Navigation messages in the Navi Navimenu
R Cruise control
R DISTRONIC PLUS
R ASSYST PLUS service interval display
Selecting the permanent display function
You can determine whether the multifunction
display permanently shows your speed or the outside temperature.
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Sett Settmenu.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Instrument Cluster
Instrument Cluster submenu.
X Press 0076to confirm.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Permanent Display:
Permanent Display: function.
You will see the selected setting Outside
Outside
Temperature
Temperature orSpeedometer [mph]
Speedometer [mph]/
Speedometer [km/h]
Speedometer [km/h] .
X Press the 0076button to save the setting.
i The speed is highlighted in km/h or in
mph conversely to your speedometer.
Light submenu Setting the daytime running lamps
i This function is not available in Canada.
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Sett.
Sett.menu.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Light
Light submenu. Menus and submenus
277On-board computer and displays Z
X
Press 0076to confirm.
X Press 0064or0063 to select the Daytime
Daytime
Running Lights
Running Lights function.
If the Daytime Running Lights
Daytime Running Lights function
has been switched on, the cone of light and
the 0086 symbol in the multifunction dis-
play are shown in orange.
X Press the 0076button to save the setting.
Further information on daytime running
lamps (Y page 120).
Setting the brightness of the ambient
lighting
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Sett Settmenu.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Light
Light submenu.
X Press 0076to confirm.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Amb. Light +/-.
Amb. Light +/-. function.
You will see the selected setting.
X Press 0076to confirm.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to adjust the
brightness to any level from Off
OfftoLevel 5
Level 5
(bright).
X Press the 0076or0038 button to save the
setting.
Setting the ambient lighting color X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Sett.
Sett.menu.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Lights
Lights submenu.
X Press 0076to confirm.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Ambient Light Color
Ambient Light Color function.
X Press 0076to confirm.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to set the
color to SOLAR
SOLAR,NEUTRAL
NEUTRAL orPOLAR
POLAR.
X Press the 0076or0038 button to save the
setting. Surround lighting and exterior lighting
delayed switch-off
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Sett.
Sett. menu.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Lights
Lights submenu.
X Press 0076to confirm.
X Press 0064or0063 to select the Sur‐
Sur‐
round Lighting
round Lighting function.
When the Surround Lighting
Surround Lighting function is
activated, the light cone and the area
around the vehicle are displayed in orange
in the multifunction display.
X Press the 0076button to save the setting.
Deactivating delayed switch-off of the exte-
rior lighting temporarily: X Before leaving the vehicle, turn the Smart-
Key to position 0in the ignition lock.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock.
The exterior lighting delayed switch-off is
deactivated.
Delayed switch-off of the exterior lighting is
reactivated the next time you start the
engine.
If you have activated the Surround Light‐ Surround Light‐
ing
ing function and the light switch is set to
0058, the following functions are activated
when it is dark:
R surround lighting: the exterior lighting
remains lit for 40 seconds after unlocking
with the SmartKey. If you start the engine,
the surround lighting is switched off and
automatic headlamp mode is activated
(Y page 120).
R exterior lighting delayed switch-off: the
exterior lighting remains lit for 60 seconds
after the engine is switched off. If you close all the doors and the tailgate, the exterior
lighting goes off after 5 seconds.
i Depending on your vehicle's equipment,
when the surround lighting and delayed
switch-off exterior lighting are on, the fol-
lowing light up: 278
Menus and submenusOn-board computer and displays
R
Parking lamps
R Daytime running lamps
R Side marker lamps
R Surround lighting in the exterior mirrors
Activating/deactivating the interior light-
ing delayed switch-off
If you activate the Interior Lighting
Interior Lighting
Delay Delay function, the interior lighting remains
on for 20 seconds after you remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock.
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Sett
Sett menu.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Light Light submenu.
X Press 0076to confirm.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Interior Lighting Delay
Interior Lighting Delay function.
If the Interior
Interior Lighting
LightingDelay
Delayfunction
has been switched on, the vehicle interior is
displayed in orange in the multifunction
display.
X Press the 0076button to save the setting.
Vehicle submenu Activating/deactivating the automatic
door locking mechanism
If you activate the Automatic Door Lock Automatic Door Lock
function, the vehicle is centrally locked above
a speed of approximately 9 mph (15 km/h).
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Sett
Settmenu.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Vehicle
Vehicle submenu.
X Press 0076to confirm.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Automatic Door Lock
Automatic Door Lock function.
When the Automatic
Automatic Door
DoorLock
Lockfunction
is activated, the vehicle doors are displayed
in orange in the multifunction display.
X Press the 0076button to save the setting.
For further information on the automatic lock- ing feature, see (Y page 88). Activating/deactivating the acoustic
locking verification signal
If you switch on the
Acoustic AcousticLock
Lockfunction,
an acoustic signal sounds when you lock the
vehicle.
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Sett.
Sett. menu.
X Press 0064or0063 to select the Vehicle Vehicle
submenu.
X Press 0076to confirm.
X Press the 0064or0063 button to select the
Acoustic Lock
Acoustic Lock function.
If the Acoustic
Acoustic Lock
Lockfunction is activated,
the 0037 symbol in the multifunction dis-
play lights up orange.
X Press the 0076button to save the setting.
Activating/deactivating the radar sensor
system
X Press the 0059or0065 button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Sett.
Sett. menu.
X Press 0064or0063 to select the Vehicle Vehicle
submenu.
X Press 0076to confirm.
X Press the 0063or0064 button to select
Radar Sensor (See Oper. Manual):
Radar Sensor (See Oper. Manual):.
You will see the selected setting: Enabled
Enabled
or Disabled Disabled.
X Press the 0076button to save the setting.
The following systems are switched off when the radar sensor system is deactivated:
R DISTRONIC PLUS (Y page 198)
R BAS PLUS (Y page 69)
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (Y page 75)
R Blind Spot Assist (Y page 237)
R Active Blind Spot Assist (Y page 241)
Convenience submenu Activating/deactivating the EASY-
ENTRY/EXIT feature
G
WARNING
When the EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature adjusts
the steering wheel, you and other vehicle Menus and submenus
279On-board computer and displays
Z