
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS)
.................................................... 69
Battery (SmartKey) Checking .......................................... 83
Important safety notes .................... 83
Replacing ......................................... 83
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 389
Display message ............................ 301
Important safety notes .................. 387
Jump starting ................................. 391
Overview ........................................ 387
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating ................. 276
Display message ............................ 308
Notes/function .............................. 237
Trailer towing ................................. 239
see Active Blind Spot Assist
BlueTEC
Adding DEF .................................... 180
BlueTEC (DEF) .................................... 451
Brake Assist see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 291
Notes ............................................. 453
Brake lamps
Changing bulb s.............................. 132
Display message ............................ 298
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 68
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 71
BAS .................................................. 68
BAS PLUS ........................................ 69
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 453
Display message ............................ 285
High-performance brake system .... 189
Important safety notes .................. 188
Maintenance .................................. 189
Parking brake ................................ 184
Riding tips ...................................... 188
Warning lamp ................................. 320
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting)
................................... 35
Bulbs see Replacing bulbs C
California Important notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 26
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Care
360° camera ................................. 376
Carpets .......................................... 379
Car wash ........................................ 372
Displa y........................................... 377
Exhaust pipe .................................. 376
Exterior lights ................................ 375
Gear or selector lever .................... 378
Interior ........................................... 377
Matte finish ................................... 374
Night View Assist Plus ................... 377
Notes ............................................. 371
Paint .............................................. 373
Plastic trim .................................... 378
Power washe r................................ 373
Rear view camera .......................... 376
Roof lining ...................................... 379
Seat belt ........................................ 379
Seat cover ..................................... 378
Sensors ......................................... 375
Steering wheel ............................... 378
Trim pieces .................................... 378
Washing by hand ........................... 373
Wheels ........................................... 374
Windows ........................................ 375
Wiper blades .................................. 375
Wooden trim .................................. 378
Cargo compartment cover
Notes/how to use ......................... 340
Cargo compartment enlargement
Important safety notes .................. 337
Cargo compartment floor
Opening/closing ............................ 344
Stowage well (under )..................... 344 6
Index 

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 

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 

Warning and indicator lamps
Function Page
0043
0058
Low-beam head-
lamps 121
0044
0060
Parking lamps 122
0087
00E5
ESP® 323
0085
0057
High-beam head-
lamps 124
0083
Electric parking brake (red) 326
0049
(USA only) 0024
(Canada only) 0084
0024
Electric parking brake
(yellow) 326
006B
00BA
Distance warning 330
006C
003E003D
Turn signals 123
006D
0077
Tire pressure monitor 331 Function Page
006E
0075
Restraint system 44
006F
00E9
Seat belt 318
0070
0028
Diesel engine: pre-
glow 160
0071
00AC
Coolant 328
0072
005E
Rear fog lamp 122
0073
00B9
Check Engine 327
0074
00B6
Reserve fuel 327
0075
00BB
ESP®
OFF 323
0076
0025
ABS 321
0077
Brakes 320
0027
(USA only) 004D
(Canada only) 36
Instrument clusterAt a glance 

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 

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.
i If 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.
If you have activated DSR (Y page 250), BAS
PLUS is likewise deactivated. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
General notes COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST consists of
Adaptive Brake Assist and the distance warn-
ing function, which are described in the fol-
lowing.
Distance warning function Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 67). G
WARNING
The distance warning function does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R when cornering
Thus, the distance warning function cannot
provide a warning in all critical situations.
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit-
uation and be ready to brake. G
WARNING
The distance warning function cannot always
clearly identify objects and complex traffic
situations.
In such cases, the distance warning function
may:
R give an unnecessary warning
R not give a warning
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit-
uation and do not rely solely on the distance
warning function.
Function X To activate/deactivate: activate or deac-
tivate the distance warning function in the
on-board computer (Y page 275).
If the distance warning function is not activa-
ted, the 00D4symbol appears in the assis-
tance graphics display.
The distance warning function can help you to minimize the risk of a front-end collision with
a vehicle ahead or reduce the effects of such
a collision. If the distance warning function
detects that there is a risk of a collision, you
will be warned visually and acoustically. The
distance warning function cannot prevent a
collision without your intervention.
Starting at a speed of around 4 mph (7 km/h),
the distance warning function warns you if
you rapidly approach a vehicle in front. An
intermittent warning tone will then sound, 70
Driving safety systemsSafety 

Should you approach an obstacle and Adap-
tive Brake Assist has detected a risk of colli-
sion, Adaptive Brake Assist calculates the
braking force necessary to avoid a rear-end
collision. Should you apply the brakes vigo-
rously, Adaptive Brake Assist will automati-
cally increase the braking force to a level suit- able for the traffic conditions.
X Keep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will work normally again if:
R you release the brake pedal.
R there is no longer any danger of a collision.
R no obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle.
Adaptive Brake Assist is then deactivated.
Vehicles with PRE-SAFE ®
:if adaptive Brake
Assist requires particularly high brake pres-
sure, preventive passenger protection meas-
ures (PRE-SAFE ®
) are deployed simultane-
ously.
Up to vehicle speeds of around 155 mph
(250 km/h), adaptive Brake Assist is capable
of reacting to moving objects that have
already been recognized as such at least once
over the period of observation. Adaptive
Brake Assist does not react to stationary
obstacles.
If Adaptive Brake Assist is not available due to
a malfunction in the radar sensor system, the brake system remains available with full
brake boosting effect and BAS.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if there is:
R dirt on the sensors or anything else cover-
ing the sensors
R there is snow or heavy rain
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
R new vehicles or after the COLLISION PRE-
VENTION ASSIST system has been serv-
iced
Observe the notes in the section on break- ing-in (Y page 156).
Following damage to the front end of the vehi-
cle, have the configuration and operation of
the radar sensor 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. ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
General notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 67).
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) ETS/4ETS traction control 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 ®
.
In appropriate driving situations, activate the
off-road program (Y page 251).72
Driving safety systemsSafety 

Off-road 4ETS (Electronic Traction Sys-
tem) A 4ETS system specifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically once the off-
road program is activated (Y page 251).
Important safety notes G
WARNING
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.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: only operate the
vehicle for a maximum of ten seconds on a
brake test dynamometer. Switch off the
ignition.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may oth-
erwise destroy the brake system.
! 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 deactivated if the 00BBwarning lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up continu-
ously when the engine is running.
If the 00E5 warning lamp and the 00BBwarn-
ing lamp are lit continuously, ESP ®
is not
available due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 323) and display messages which
may be shown in the instrument cluster
(Y page 285).
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly. Characteristics of ESP
® General information
If the
00E5 ESP warning lamp goes out before
beginning the journey, ESP ®
is automatically
active.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the 00E5ESP®
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
You can select between the following states
of ESP
®
:
R ESP ®
is activated.
R ESP ®
is deactivated. G
WARNING
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 systems
73Safety Z