2015 MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class Distronic

Distance warning function
Activating/deactivating ................ .275
Function/notes ................................ 70
Warning lamp ................................. 330
DISTRONIC PLUS
Activating ....................................... 200
Activation conditions ..................... 200
Cruise control lever ....................... 200
Deactivating ................................... 204
Display message ............................ 309
Displays in the multifunction dis-
play ................................................ 205
Driving tips ................................... .205
Function/notes ............................ .198
Important safety notes .................. 199
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 203
Warning lamp ................................. 330
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 279
Automatic locking (switch) .............. .88
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ...................................... .80
Control panel .................................. .42
Display message ............................ 316
Emergency locking ........................... 88
Emergency unlocking ....................... 88
Important safety note s.................... 86
Opening (from inside) ...................... 87
Overview .......................................... 86
Power closing feature ...................... 88
Downhill speed regulation
see DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
Drinking and driving ......................... 186
Drive program Automatic ...................................... 173
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ...... 168
Manual ........................................... 173
Manual (AMG vehicles) .................. 174
Manual (vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package) ................ 174
Off-road program (vehicles with
the ON&OFFROAD package) .......... 251
SETUP (on-board computer) .......... 281
see On-road programs Driver's door
see Doors
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service ................. 371
Symmetrical low beam .................. 120
Driving in mountainous terrain
Approach/departure angle ............ 194
Driving lamps
see Daytime running lamps
Driving off-road
see Off-road driving
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 68
ADAPTIVE BRAK E............................. 75
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 71
BAS (Brake Assist System) .............. 68
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) ............................................... 69
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST .... 70
Distance warning function ............... 70
EBD (electronic brake force distri- bution) ............................................. 75
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 72
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 72
Important safety information ........... 67
Overview .......................................... 67
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 75
STEER CONTROL ............................. 77
Driving systems
360°camera .................................. 229
Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 241
Active Curve System ...................... 212
Active Driving Assistance pack-
age ................................................. 241
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 244
Active Parking Assist ..................... 220
ADS ............................................... 212
AIRMATIC package ........................ 211
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 215
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................ 233
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 237
Cruise control ................................ 195
Display message ............................ 304
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 198 Index
9

HOLD functio
n............................... 210
Lane Keeping Assist ...................... 239
Level control (vehicles with AIR-
MATIC package) ............................. 213
Level control (vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package) ................ 206
On-road programs .......................... 247
PARKTRONIC ................................. 217
Rear view camera .......................... 224
Driving tips
Automatic transmission ................. 171
Brakes ........................................... 188
Break-in period .............................. 156
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 205
Downhill gradient ........................... 188
Drinking and driving ....................... 186
Driving abroad ............................... 120
Driving in winter ............................. 190
Driving on flooded roads ................ 190
Driving on sand .............................. 193
Driving on wet roads ...................... 190
Driving over obstacles ................... 194
Exhaust check ............................... 186
Fuel ................................................ 186
General .......................................... 186
Hydroplaning ................................. 190
Icy road surfaces ........................... 190
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 188
Off-road driving .............................. 192
Off-road fording ............................. 190
Snow chains .................................. 403
Symmetrical low beam .................. 120
Tire ruts ......................................... 194
Towing a trailer .............................. 257
Traveling uphill ............................... 194
Wet road surface ........................... 188
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
Display message ............................ 306
Function/note s............................. 250
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 273 E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating ................. 279
Function/note s............................. 113
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 114
Function/note s............................. 113
Switching on/of f........................... 279
EASY-PACK load-securing kit
Components and storage .............. 342
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)
Display message ............................ 287
Function/note s................................ 75
ECO display
Function/note s............................. 187
On-board computer ....................... 270
ECO start/stop function (ML 250
BlueTEC 4MATIC)
Automatic engine start .................. 165
Automatic engine switch-off .......... 165
General notes ................................ 164
Important safety notes .................. 164
Introduction ................................... 164
Switching on/of f........................... 165
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Emergency
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 60
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 88
Vehicle ............................................. 88
Emergency spare wheel
General notes ................................ 441
Important safety notes .................. 440
Removing ....................................... 441
Storage location ............................ 441
Technical data ............................... 443
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Activation ......................................... 58
Emergency unlocking
Tailgate ............................................ 93
Emissions control
Service and warranty information .... 25 10
Index

N
Navigation Menu (on-board computer) ............ 271
see separate operating instructions
Night View Assist Plus
Activating/deactivating ................. 235
Cleaning ......................................... 377
Problem (malfunction) ................... 237
Notes on breaking-in a new vehi-
cle ....................................................... 156 O
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) Conditions ....................................... 53
Faults ............................................... 57
Operation ......................................... 53
System self-test ............................... 55
Occupant safety
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 60
Children in the vehicle ..................... 61
Important safety note s.................... 45
Pets in the vehicle ........................... 67
PRE-SAFE ®
(anticipatory occu-
pant protection) ............................... 60
OCS
Conditions ....................................... 53
Faults ............................................... 57
Operation ......................................... 53
System self-test ............................... 55
Odometer ........................................... 269
Off-road driving Approach/departure angle ............ 458
Checklist after driving off-road ...... 193
Checklist before driving off-road .... 192
Fording depth ................................ 457
General information ....................... 192
Important safety notes .................. 191
Maximum gradient climbing abil-
ity .................................................. 458
Traveling uphill ............................... 194
Off-road programs (vehicles with
the ON&OFFROAD package)
Displays in the COMAND display ... 255
Function/note s............................. 251 Off-road program 1 ........................ 252
Off-road program 2 ........................ 252
Off-road system
4MATIC .......................................... 249
DSR ............................................... 250
LOW RANGE off-road gear ............. 253
Off-road 4ETS .................................. 73
Off-road ABS .................................... 68
Off-road ESP ®
.................................. 74
Off-road programs (vehicles with
the ON&OFFROAD package) .......... 251
Oil
see Engine oil
On and Offroad menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 281
On-board computer AMG menu ..................................... 281
Assistance menu ........................... 275
Audio menu ................................... 272
Convenience submenu .................. 279
Displaying a service message ........ 371
Display messages .......................... 284
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 205
Factory settings submenu ............. 281
Important safety notes .................. 266
Instrument cluster submenu .......... 277
Lighting submenu .......................... 277
Menu overview .............................. 269
Message memory .......................... 284
Navigation menu ............................ 271
On and Offroad menu .................... 281
Operation ....................................... 267
RACETIMER ................................... 282
Service menu ................................. 276
Settings menu ............................... 277
Standard display ............................ 269
Telephone menu ............................ 273
Trip menu ...................................... 269
Vehicle submenu ........................... 279
Video DVD operation ..................... 273
On-road programs
AUTO program ............................... 247
Function/note s............................. 247
Snow program ............................... 248
SPORT program ............................. 248
Trailer progra m.............................. 249 Index
15

Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions)
.................................................. 378
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 269
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 269
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 270
Trunk
see Tailgate
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 297
Switching on/off ........................... 123
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating) (defi-
nition) ................................................. 422
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking ....................... 88
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 87 V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........ 347
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 29
Data acquisition ............................... 30
Display message ............................ 315
Equipment ....................................... 25
Individual settings .......................... 277
Limited Warranty ............................. 30
Loading .......................................... 412
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 88
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 80
Lowering ........................................ 428
Maintenance .................................... 26
Parking for a long period ................ 185
Pulling away ................................... 160
Raising ........................................... 425
Reporting problems ......................... 29
Securing from rolling away ............ 424
Towing away .................................. 393
Transporting .................................. 395
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 88 Unlocking (SmartKey) ...................... 80
Vehicle data ................................... 456
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 456
Vehicle data (off-road driving) Approach/departure angle ............ 458
Fording depth ................................ 457
Maximum gradient climbing abil-
ity .................................................. 458
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 456
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 88
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 446
Vehicle level AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 216
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 304
Vehicle maintenance see ASSYST PLUS
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 382
Video Operating the DVD ........................ .273
VIN ...................................................... 446 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 321
Brakes .......................................... .320
Check Engine ................................. 327
Coolant .......................................... 328
Distance warning ........................... 330
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 330
ESP ®
.............................................. 323
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 324
Overview .......................................... 36
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF .............. .45
Reserve fuel .................................. .327
Restraint system ............................ 326
Seat belt ........................................ 318
Tire pressure monitor .................... 331
Warranty .............................................. 25
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 316 22
Index

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 i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 67).
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 G
WARNING
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. G
WARNING
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.
Recognition by the radar sensor system is
also impaired in the event of:
R dirt on the sensors or anything else cover-
ing 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. Driving safety systems
69Safety Z

ESP
®
trailer stabilization does not work if
ESP ®
is deactivated or disabled because of a
malfunction. EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribu-
tion)
General information EBD monitors and controls the brake pres-
sure on the rear wheels to improve driving
stability while braking.
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion for driving safety systems (Y page 67).G
WARNING
If EBD has malfunctioned, the rear wheels can still lock, e.g. under full braking. This increa-
ses the risk of skidding and an accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
to the different handling characteristics. Have the brake system checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Observe information regarding indicator and
warning lamps (Y page 321) as well as dis-
play messages (Y page 287). ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety
and offers increased braking comfort. In addi-
tion to the braking function, ADAPTIVE BRAKE
also has the HOLD function (Y page 210)and
hill start assist (Y page 161). PRE-SAFE
®
Brake
General information i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 67).
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is only available in vehicles
with DISTRONIC PLUS. For PRE-SAFE
®
Brake to assist you when driv-
ing, the radar sensor system must be opera-
tional.
With the help of the radar sensor system,
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can detect obstacles that
are in front of your vehicle for an extended
period of time.
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can help you to minimize
the risk of a collision with a vehicle ahead, and reduce the effects of such a collision. If PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake has detected a risk of collision,
you will be warned visually and acoustically as
well as by automatic braking. PRE-SAFE ®
Brake cannot prevent a collision without your intervention.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake will initially brake your vehi-
cle by a partial application of the brakes if a
danger of collision is detected. There may be
a collision unless you also brake. Automatic
emergency braking cannot prevent a colli-
sion. There is a risk of an accident.
Always apply the brakes yourself and try to
take evasive action. G
WARNING
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake cannot always clearly iden-
tify objects and complex traffic conditions.
In these cases, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may:
R give an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
R not give a warning or intervene
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay particular attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake, especially if
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake warns you. Terminate the
intervention in a non-critical driving situation.
In order to maintain the appropriate distance
to the vehicle in front and thus prevent a col- lision, you must apply the brakes yourself. Driving safety systems
75Safety Z

0044 Neutral
Do not shift the transmission to
N
while driving. Otherwise, the auto-
matic transmission could be dam-
aged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brake pedal will allow
you to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to push it or tow it.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to posi-
tion Nif the vehicle is in danger of
skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
If you switch off the engine using
the SmartKey or the Start/Stop
button, the automatic transmission shifts to neutral Nautomatically.
! Rolling in neutral
Ncan damage
the drive train. 003A Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Driving tips
Changing gear The automatic transmission shifts to the indi-
vidual gears automatically when it is in trans-
mission position D. This automatic gear shift-
ing behavior is determined by:
R the selected drive program (Y page 172)
R the position of the accelerator pedal
(Y page 171)
R the road speed
Accelerator pedal position Your style of driving influences how the auto-
matic transmission shifts gear:
R little throttle: early upshifts
R more throttle: late upshifts Kickdown Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
X Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a
lower gear depending on the engine speed.
X Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts back up.
Rocking the vehicle free Shifting the transmission repeatedly between
gears Dand Rmay help to free the vehicle if it
has become stuck in slush or snow. The vehi-
cle's engine management system limits the
speed to a maximum of 5 mph (9 km/h) when shifting back and forth. To shift back and forth
between transmission positions Dand R,
move the DIRECT SELECT lever up and down past the point of resistance.
Towing a trailer X
Drive in the middle of the engine speed
range on uphill gradients.
X Depending on the uphill or downhill gradi-
ent, use left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter (Y page 172) to select a lower gear,
even if cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS
are activated. Automatic transmission
171Driving and parking Z

Electric parking brake
General notes G
WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi- cle, they could set it in motion by, for example:
R release the parking brake.
R shift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P.
R start the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. There is a risk of
an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
The function of the electric parking brake is
dependent on the on-board voltage. If the on-
board voltage is low or there is a malfunction in the system, it may not be possible to apply
the released parking brake.
X If this is the case, only park the vehicle on
level ground and secure it to prevent it roll- ing away.
X Shift the automatic transmission to posi-
tion P.
It may not be possible to release an applied
parking brake if the on-board voltage is low or
there is a malfunction in the system. Contact a qualified specialist workshop.
i The electric parking brake performs a
function test at regular intervals while the
engine is switched off. The sounds that can
be heard while this is occurring are normal. Applying/releasing manually X
To engage: push handle 0043.
When the electric parking brake is
engaged, the 0049(USA only) or 0024
(Canada only) red indicator lamp lights up
in the instrument cluster.
i The electric parking brake can also be
applied when the SmartKey is removed.
X To release: pull handle0043.
The red 0049(USA only) or 0024(Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument clus- ter goes out.
i The electric parking brake can only be
released:
R if the SmartKey is in position 1in the
ignition lock (Y page 157) or
R if the ignition was switched on using the
Start/Stop button.
To ensure that you do not roll backwards
when pulling away on an uphill slope, engage
the electric parking brake (Y page 161).
Applying automatically The electric parking brake is applied auto-
matically:
R if DISTRONIC PLUS brings the vehicle to a
standstill or
R if the HOLD function is keeping the vehicle
stationary 184
ParkingDriving and parking