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 0025ABS 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 i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 71). G
WARNING
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 271) and
display messages which may be shown in the
instrument cluster (Y page 240).
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.
Braking 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. 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 i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 71). G
WARNING
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 i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 71).
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. 72
Driving safety systemsSafety
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.
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- Driving safety systems
73Safety Z
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. G
WARNING
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R when cornering
As a result, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may neither
give warnings nor intervene in all critical sit-
uations. There is a risk of an accident.
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 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 X
To activate/deactivate: activate or deac-
tivate PRE-SAFE ®
Brake in the on-board
computer (Y page 231).
When the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is deactivated,
the multifunction display in the assistance
graphic shows the 00D4symbol.
Starting at a speed of around 4 mph (7 km/h),
this function warns you if you rapidly
approach a vehicle in front. An intermittent
warning tone will then sound and the 00BA78
Driving safety systemsSafety
The SmartKey centrally locks/unlocks:
R the doors
R the trunk lid
R the glove box
R the stowage compartment under the arm-
rest
R the stowage compartment in the rear com-
partment
R the fuel filler flap
The turn signals flash once when unlocking
and three times when locking.
You can also set an audible signal to confirm that the vehicle has been locked. The audiblesignal can be activated and deactivated using
the on-board computer (Y page 234).
When it is dark, the surround lighting also
comes on if it is activated in the on-board
computer (Y page 233). KEYLESS-GO
General notes Bear in mind that the engine can be started by
any of the vehicle occupants if there is a KEY- LESS-GO key in the vehicle.
Locking/unlocking centrally You can start, lock or unlock the vehicle using
KEYLESS-GO. To do this, you only need carry
the SmartKey with you. You can combine the functions of KEYLESS-GO with those of a con-
ventional SmartKey. Unlock the vehicle by
using KEYLESS-GO, for instance, and lock it
using the 0037button on the SmartKey.
When locking or unlocking with KEYLESS-GO,
the distance between the key and the corre-
sponding door handle must not be greater
than 3 ft (1 m). A check which periodically establishes a radio
connection between the vehicle and the
SmartKey determines whether a valid Smart- Key is in the vehicle. This occurs, for example:
R when the external door handles are
touched
R when starting the engine
R while the vehicle is in motion X
To unlock the vehicle: touch the inner
surface of the door handle.
X To lock the vehicle: touch sensor sur-
face 0043.
X Convenience closing feature: touch
recessed sensor surface 0044for an exten-
ded period.
Further information on the convenience
closing feature (Y page 99).
X To unlock the trunk lid: pull the handle on
the trunk lid.
The vehicle only unlocks the trunk lid. Changing the settings of the locking
system
You can change the settings of the locking
system. This means only the driver's door, the
lockable stowage compartments in the vehi-
cle interior and the fuel filler flap are unlocked when the vehicle is unlocked. This is useful if
you frequently travel on your own.
X To change the setting: press and hold
down the 0036and0037 buttons simulta-
neously for approximately six seconds until SmartKey
83Opening and closing Z
the battery check lamp flashes twice
(Y page 85).
i If the setting of the locking system is
changed within the signal range of the vehi- cle, pressing the 0037or0036 button:
R locks or
R unlocks the vehicle
The SmartKey now functions as follows:
X To unlock the driver's door: press the
0036 button once.
X To unlock centrally: press the0036but-
ton twice.
X To lock centrally: press the0037button.
The KEYLESS-GO function is changed as fol-
lows:
X To unlock the driver's door: touch the
inner surface of the door handle on the
driver's door.
X To unlock centrally: touch the inner sur-
face of the front-passenger door handle.
X To lock centrally: touch the outer sensor
surface on one of the door handles.
X To restore the factory settings: press
and hold down the 0036and0037 buttons
simultaneously for approximately six sec-
onds until the battery check lamp flashes
twice (Y page 85). Mechanical key
General notes If the vehicle can no longer be locked or
unlocked with the SmartKey, use the
mechanical key.
If you use the mechanical key to unlock and
open the driver's door or the trunk lid, the
anti-theft alarm system will be triggered
(Y page 80). There are several ways to turn off the alarm:
X To turn the alarm off with the SmartKey:
press the 0036or0037 button on the
SmartKey.
or
X Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
or
X To deactivate the alarm with KEYLESS-
GO: press the Start/Stop button in the igni-
tion lock. The SmartKey must be in the
vehicle.
or
X Lock or unlock the vehicle using KEYLESS-
GO. The SmartKey must be outside the
vehicle.
If you unlock the vehicle using the mechanical key, the fuel filler flap will not be unlocked
automatically.
X To unlock the fuel filler flap: insert the
SmartKey into the ignition lock.
Removing the mechanical key X
Push release catch 0043in the direction of
the arrow and at the same time remove
mechanical key 0044from the SmartKey.
For further information about: R unlocking the driver's door (Y page 90)
R unlocking the trunk (Y page 95)
R locking the vehicle (Y page 90)84
SmartKeyOpening and closing
Use one of the following options to stop the
closing process:
R press the 0054button on the SmartKey.
R press the remote operating switch on the
driver's door.
R press the closing or locking button on the
tailgate.
R pull the handle on the tailgate.
! The trunk lid swings upwards when
opened. Therefore, make sure that there is sufficient clearance above the trunk lid.
i Opening dimensions of the trunk lid
(Y page 607).
Opening You can open the trunk lid automatically
using the handle in the trunk lid.
X If the trunk lid is unlocked, pull the trunk lid
handle and let it go again immediately.
Vehicles with the trunk lid remote closing fea-
ture: the trunk lid can be also be opened
automatically using the SmartKey.
X Press and hold the 0054button on the
SmartKey until the trunk lid opens.
Closing 0043
Closing button
0044 Locking button
X To close: press closing button 0043in the
trunk lid. Vehicles with trunk lid remote closing feature
and KEYLESS-GO: you can simultaneously
close the trunk lid and lock the vehicle.
X Press locking button 0044in the trunk lid.
If a KEYLESS-GO key is detected outside
the vehicle, the trunk lid closes and the
vehicle locks.
i If a SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is detec-
ted in the trunk, the trunk lid opens again
after it is closed. It does not lock. HANDS-FREE ACCESS
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The vehicle's exhaust system may be very hot. You could burn yourself by touching the
exhaust system if you use HANDS-FREE
ACCESS. There is a risk of injury. Always
ensure that you only make the kicking move-
ment within the detection range of sensors.
! If the SmartKey is within the rear detec-
tion range of KEYLESS-GO, the following
situations, for example, could lead to the
unintentional opening of the trunk:
R using a car wash
R using a power washer
Make sure that the SmartKey is at least
10 ft (3 m) away from the vehicle.
General notes With KEYLESS-GO and HANDS-FREE
ACCESS, you can open or close the trunk lid
or stop the procedure without using your
hands. This is useful if you have your hands
full. To do this, make a kicking movement
under the bumper with your foot.
Observe the following points:
R Carry your KEYLESS-GO key about your
person. The KEYLESS-GO key must be in
the rear detection range of the vehicle.
R When making the kicking movement, make
sure that you are standing firmly on the Trunk
93Opening and closing Z
ground and that there is sufficient clear-
ance to the rear of the vehicle. You could
otherwise lose your balance e.g. on ice. R
Always ensure that you only make the kick-
ing movement within the detection range of
sensors 0043.
R Stand at least 12 in (30 cm) away from the
rear area while doing so.
R Do not come into contact with the bumper
while making the kicking movement. Oth-
erwise, the sensors may not function cor-
rectly.
R HANDS-FREE ACCESS does not function
when the engine is started.
R If a KEYLESS-GO key is within the rear
detection range of KEYLESS-GO, HAND-
FREE ACCESS could be triggered. The trunk
lid could thus be opened or closed unin-
tentionally, for example, if you:
- set something down or lift something up
behind the vehicle.
- polish the rear of the vehicle.
Do not carry the KEYLESS-GO key about
your person in these situations or in situa-
tions similar to these. This will prevent the
unintentional opening/closing of the trunk.
R Dirt caused by road salt around sensors 0043
may restrict functionality.
R Using the HANDS-FREE ACCESS with a
prosthetic leg may restrict functionality. Operation
X
To open/close: move your foot in sensor
detection range 0043using your leg.
You will hear a warning tone while the trunk lid is opening or closing.
X If the trunk lid does not open after sev-
eral attempts: wait at least ten seconds
then move your leg under the bumper once
again.
i If you hold your foot under the bumper for
too long, the trunk lid does not open or
close. Repeat the leg movement more
quickly if this occurs.
To stop the opening or closing procedure:
R move your foot in sensor detection
range 0043under the bumper, or
R pull the handle on the outside of the trunk
lid or
R press the closing button in the trunk lid or
R press the 0054button on the SmartKey
If the trunk lid closing procedure has been
stopped:
R move your foot under the bumper again and
the trunk lid will open.
If the trunk lid opening procedure has been
stopped:
R move your foot under the bumper again and
the trunk lid will close. 94
TrunkOpening and closing
X
To close all side windows: press the
0037 button on the SmartKey until the side
windows are fully closed.
X To interrupt the closing procedure:
release the 0037button.
Convenience closing with KEYLESS-GO G
WARNING
When using the convenience closing feature,
parts of the body could be trapped in the clos- ing area when a side window is being closed. There is a risk of injury.
Observe the complete closing procedure
when the convenience closing feature is oper-
ating. Make sure that no body parts are in
close proximity during the closing procedure.
If someone is trapped: X Release the recessed sensor surface on the
door handle immediately.
X Pull the door handle immediately and hold
it until the side windows open again.
With KEYLESS-GO you can close all side win-
dows simultaneously. The KEYLESS-GO key
must be outside the vehicle. All the doors
must be closed. X
Touch recessed sensor surface 0043on the
door handle until the side windows are fully
closed.
i Make sure you only touch recessed sen-
sor surface 0043. X
Make sure that all the side windows are
closed.
X To interrupt convenience closing:
release recessed sensor surface 0043on the
door handle. Resetting the side windows
If a side window can no longer be closed fully, you must reset it.
X Close all the doors.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 1or 2in the
ignition lock.
X Pull the corresponding switch on the door
control panel until the side window is com- pletely closed. (Y page 97)
X Hold the switch for an additional second.
If the side window opens again slightly: X Immediately pull the corresponding switch
on the door control panel until the side win-
dow is completely closed (Y page 97).
X Hold the switch for an additional second.
X If the corresponding side window remains
closed after the button has been released,
the side window has been reset correctly. If
this is not the case, repeat the steps aboveagain. Side windows
99Opening and closing Z