Driving on wet roads
Aquaplaning If water has accumulated to a certain depth on
the road surface, there is a danger of aquaplan- ing occurring, even if:
R you are driving at low speeds
R the tyres have adequate tread depth
For this reason, drive in the following manner in the event of heavy rain or in conditions in which
aquaplaning can occur:
R lower your speed
R avoid tyre ruts
R avoid sudden steering movements
R brake carefully
Driving on flooded roads !
Bear in mind that vehicles travelling in front
or in the opposite direction create waves. This may cause the maximum permissible water
depth to be exceeded.
These notes must be observed under all cir-
cumstances. You could otherwise damage
the engine, the electronics or the transmis-
sion.
If you must drive on stretches of road on which
water has collected, please bear in mind that:
R in the case of standing water, the water level
must be no higher than the lower edge of the
vehicle body
R you should drive no faster than walking pace Winter driving
G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
This increases the risk of skidding and having
an accident.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface. G
DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the
vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open a window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
You should drive particularly carefully on slip-
pery road surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration,
steering and braking manoeuvres. Do not use
cruise control.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Shift the transmission to position N.
X Try to bring the vehicle under control by using
corrective steering.
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device and
is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the freezing
point do not guarantee that the road surface is
free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in wooded areas or on bridges. The vehicle could
skid if you fail to adapt your driving style. Always
adapt your driving style and drive at a speed to
suit the prevailing weather conditions.
You should pay special attention to road condi-
tions when temperatures are around freezing
point.
Further information on driving with snow chains (Y page 263).
Further information on driving with summer
tyres (Y page 263).
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" sec-
tion (Y page 263). Driving tips
125Driving and pa rking Z
G
WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS cannot always clearly rec-
ognise other road users and complex traffic
conditions.
In such cases, DISTRONIC PLUS may:
R give an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
R neither give a warning nor intervene
R accelerate or brake unexpectedly
There is a risk of an accident.
Continue to drive carefully and be prepared to
brake, particularly if DISTRONIC PLUS warns
you. G
WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle with up to 50% of the maximum possible deceleration.
If this deceleration is not sufficient,
DISTRONIC PLUS alerts you with a visual and
acoustic warning. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
Apply the brakes yourself in these situations
and try to take evasive action.
! When DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD func-
tion is activated, the vehicle brakes automat- ically in certain situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or similar situations:
R when towing away
R in a car wash
If you fail to adapt your driving style, DISTRONIC PLUS can neither reduce the risk of an accident
nor override the laws of physics. DISTRONIC
PLUS cannot take road and weather conditions
or traffic conditions into account. DISTRONIC
PLUS is only an aid. You are responsible for the
distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle
speed, for braking in good time and for staying in lane. Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS:
R in road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed, e.g. in
heavy traffic or on winding roads.
R on icy or slippery roads. Braking or acceler-
ating can cause the drive wheels to lose trac-
tion and the vehicle could then skid.
R when there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow.
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow vehi-
cles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or vehi-
cles driving on a different line.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can be
impaired in the following situations:
R dirt on the sensors or obscured sensors
R snow or heavy rain
R interference by other radar sources
R strong radar reflections, e.g. in multi-storey
car parks
If DISTRONIC PLUS no longer detects a vehicle
in front, it may unexpectedly accelerate to the
speed stored.
This speed can:
R be too high for a filter lane or a slip road
R be so high in the right lane that you pass vehi-
cles driving on the left (in countries where
they drive on the right)
R be so high in the left lane that you pass vehi-
cles driving on the right (in countries where
they drive on the left)
If a new driver takes over, advise the new driver
of the speed stored.
Cruise control lever :
To activate or increase speed
; To set the specified minimum distance
= LIM indicator lamp Driving systems
131Driving and parking Z
top of the windscreen. The data and general
traffic regulations stored in the navigation sys-
tem are also used to determine the current
speed limit.
If a traffic sign that is relevant to your vehicle is passed, the display of the speed limits and over-
taking restrictions is updated.
The display can also be updated without a visible traffic sign if:
R the vehicle changes roads (e.g. motorway exit
or slip road)
R a village or town boundary is passed which is
stored in the digital map
R the last traffic sign detected by the camera
has not been repeated
If a sign indicating the end of a restriction (speed limit or overtaking restriction) is passed, the
sign is displayed for five seconds. The currently
applicable traffic regulation continues to be
shown in the assistance graphic display
(Y page 163).
The camera also detects traffic signs with a
restriction indicated by an additional sign (e.g. in wet conditions).
The traffic signs are only displayed with the
restrictions if:
R the regulation must be observed with the
restriction, or
R Traffic Sign Assist is unable to determine
whether the restriction applies
If Traffic Sign Assist is unable to determine a
maximum permitted speed from any of the avail- able sources, no speed limit is displayed in the
instrument cluster either. Traffic Sign Assist is not available in all coun-
tries. In this case, symbol :is shown in the
assistance graphic display (Y page 163).Important safety notes Traffic Sign Assist is only an aid and is not always
able to correctly display speed limits and over-
taking restrictions. Traffic signs always have pri-
ority over the Traffic Sign Assist display.
The system may be either functionally impaired
or temporarily unavailable if:
R visibility is poor, e.g. due to snow, rain, fog or
spray
R there is glare, e.g. from the sun being low in
the sky
R there is dirt, ice or misting on the windscreen
in the vicinity of the camera
R traffic signs are hard to detect, e.g. due to dirt,
ice or snow
R the traffic signs are insufficiently lit at night
R signs are ambiguous, e.g. traffic signs on con-
struction sites or in adjacent lanes
R the information in the digital street map of the
navigation system is incorrect or out of date
Switching the message function on/off The Traffic Sign Assist message function can be
switched on in the on-board computer. When
you pass a traffic sign, traffic regulations (speed
limits and overtaking restrictions) are shown in
the multifunction display for five seconds. The
previous menu is then shown automatically.
The wrong-way warning and the traffic sign dis- play for speed limits and overtaking restrictionsremain active even when the display has been
deactivated.
X Switch on the Traffic Sign Assist message
function via the on-board computer
(Y page 164).
Instrument cluster display Showing the assistance graphic
X Call up the assistance graphics display func-
tion using the on-board computer
(Y page 163).
X Select the Traffic Sign Assist display.
Detected traffic signs are displayed in the
instrument cluster. Driving systems
149Driving and parking Z
Lane Keeping Assist
General notes
Lane Keeping Assist monitors the area in front of
your vehicle by means of multifunction cam-
era :attached at the top of the windscreen.
Lane Keeping Assist detects lane markings on
the road and can warn you before you leave your lane unintentionally.
This function is available in a speed range
between 60 km/h and 200 km/h.
A warning may be given if a front wheel passes
over a lane marking. It will warn you by means of intermittent vibration through the steering
wheel for up to 1.5 seconds.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Lane Keeping Assist cannot always clearly
identify lane markings.
In these cases, Lane Keeping Assist may:
R give an unnecessary warning
R not give a warning
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay particular attention to the traffic
situation and keep in lane, especially if Lane
Keeping Assist alerts you. G
WARNING
The Lane Keeping Assist warning does not
return the vehicle to the original lane. There is a risk of an accident.
Always steer, apply the brakes or accelerate
the vehicle yourself, especially if Lane Keep-
ing Assist alerts you. If you fail to adapt your driving style, Lane Keep-
ing Assist can neither reduce the risk of an acci-
dent nor override the laws of physics. Lane
Keeping Assist cannot take into account road,
weather or traffic conditions. Lane Keeping
Assist is only an aid. You are responsible for the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle
speed, for braking in good time and for staying in
lane.
Lane Keeping Assist does not keep your vehicle
in its lane.
The system may be impaired or may not function if:
R there is poor visibility, e.g. due to insufficient
illumination of the road, or due to snow, rain,fog or spray
R there is glare, e.g. from oncoming traffic, the
sun or reflection from other vehicles (e.g. if
the road surface is wet)
R the windscreen is dirty, misted up, damaged
or covered, for instance by a sticker, in the
vicinity of the camera
R no or several, unclear lane markings are pres-
ent for one lane, e.g. in a construction area
R the lane markings are worn away, dark or cov-
ered up, e.g. by dirt or snow
R the distance to the vehicle in front is too small
and the lane markings thus cannot be detec-
ted
R the lane markings change quickly, e.g. lanes
branch off, cross one another or merge
R the road is narrow and winding
R there are highly variable shade conditions on
the road
Activating Lane Keeping Assist
X Activate Lane Keeping Assist using the on-
board computer; to do so, select Standard Standardor
Adaptive
Adaptive (Ypage 165).
If you drive at speeds above 60 km/h and lane
markings are detected, the lines in the assis- tance graphic display (Y page 163) are
shown in green. Lane Keeping Assist is ready
for use.
Standard When Standard Standard is selected, no warning vibra-
tion occurs if: Driving systems
153Driving and parking Z
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Operating the integrated information systems and communications equipment in the vehicle
while driving will distract you from traffic con-
ditions. You could then lose control of the
vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate these devices if road traffic con-
ditions permit. If you are unsure about the
surrounding conditions, pull over to a safe
location and make entries only while the vehi-
cle is stationary.
You must observe the legal requirements for the country in which you are currently driving whenoperating the on-board computer. G
WARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or mal-
functioned, you may not recognise function
restrictions 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.
The on-board computer only shows messages or warnings from certain systems in the multifunc-tion display. You should therefore make sure
your vehicle is operating safely at all times.
If the operating safety of your vehicle is
impaired, park the vehicle safely as soon as pos- sible. Contact a qualified specialist workshop.
For an overview, see the instrument cluster illus-
tration (Y page 29). Displays and operation
Speedometer with segments
The segments in the speedometer indicate
which speed range is available:
R Cruise control enabled (Y page 126):
The segments light up from the stored speed to the type-tested maximum speed.
R Variable SPEEDTRONIC enabled
(Y page 128): The segments light up from the start of the
scale to the selected speed limitation.
R DISTRONIC PLUS enabled (Y page 130):
One or two segments in the stored speed
range light up.
R DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle in front
moving more slowly than the stored speed:
The segments between the speed of the vehi-
cle in front and the stored speed light up. Rev counter
! Do not drive in the overrevving range. Doing
so will damage the engine.
The red band in the rev counter 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 condi-
tions when temperatures are around the freez-
ing point.
Bear in mind that the outside temperature dis-
play indicates the temperature measured and
does not record the road temperature.
The outside temperature display is in the multi-
function display (Y page 157).
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay. Coolant temperature gauge
G
WARNING
If you open the bonnet while the engine is
overheating or while there is a fire in the
engine compartment, you could come into
contact with hot gases or other leaking ser-
vice products. There is a danger of injury.
Allow an overheating engine to cool down
before opening the bonnet. If there is a fire in the engine compartment, leave the bonnet
closed and notify the fire brigade.
The multifunction display shows the coolant
temperature gauge in the lower section of the
rev counter (Y page 29). Displays and operation
155On-board computer and displays Z
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The yellow
!warning lamp lights up. If you manually apply or
release the electric parking brake, the red !indicator lamp
flashes.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning. The electric parking
brake cannot be applied manually.
X Shift the transmission to position P, as the electric parking brake is
not applied automatically.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
If it is not possible to release the electric parking brake manually:
X Release the electric parking brake automatically (Y page 121).!
Parking brake inop‐ Parking brake inop‐
erative erative The yellow
!warning lamp lights up. The red !indicator lamp
flashes for about ten seconds after the electric parking brake has been applied or released. It then goes out or remains lit.
The electric parking brake is malfunctioning, e.g. because of over-
voltage or undervoltage.
X Rectify the cause of the overvoltage or undervoltage, e.g. by charg-
ing the battery or restarting the engine.
X Apply or release the electric parking brake.
If the electric parking brake still cannot be applied or released: X Switch off the ignition and switch it back on.
X Apply or release the electric parking brake.
If the electric parking brake still cannot be released: X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the electric parking brake still cannot be applied:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The yellow
!warning lamp lights up and the red !indicator
lamp flashes.
The electric parking brake cannot be applied manually.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. J
Check brake fluid Check brake fluid
level level There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
In addition, the red Jwarning lamp lights up on the instrument
cluster and a warning tone sounds.
G WARNING
Braking efficiency may be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 119).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Do not top up the brake fluid. This does not correct the fault. 176
Display
messagesOn-board computer and displays
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions #
Check Check
brake
brakepad
padwear
wear The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. G
Inoperative Inoperative One or more main features of the Mercedes-Benz Contact system is/
are malfunctioning.
X Have the system checked at a qualified specialist workshop. Collision Preven‐
Collision Preven‐
tion Assist Plus tion Assist Plus
currently unavaila‐ currently unavaila‐
ble ble
See
SeeOwner's
Owner's Man‐
Man‐
ual
ual COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS is temporarily inoperative.
Possible causes:
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to elec-
tromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio stations or
other sources of electromagnetic radiation
R the system is outside the operating temperature range
R the on-board voltage is too low
Once the causes listed above no longer apply, the display message
disappears.
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS is operational again.
If the display message does not disappear:
X Stop the vehicle, paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 119).
X Restart the engine. Collision Preven‐ Collision Preven‐
tion Assist Plus tion Assist Plus
inoperative inoperative COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS is inoperative due to a mal-
function. Adaptive Brake Assist may also have failed.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. PRE-SAFE inopera‐ PRE-SAFE inopera‐
tive See Owner's tive See Owner's
Manual Manual
Important PRE-SAFE
®
functions have failed. All other occupant safety
systems, e.g. airbags, remain available.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Display
messages
177On-board computer and displays Z
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions Radar
Radar
sensors
sensors dirty
dirty
See Owner's Manual
See Owner's Manual At least one of the following driving systems or driving safety systems
is temporarily restricted or inoperative:
R COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS
Possible causes:
R the sensors in the radiator trim and/or in the bumpers are dirty
R the function of the driving system or driving safety system is
impaired due to heavy rain or snow
A warning tone also sounds.
Once the causes listed above no longer apply, the display message
disappears. All driving systems or driving safety systems are operative
again.
If the display message does not disappear:
X Stop the vehicle, paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 119).
X Switch off the engine.
X Clean the sensors (Y page 241) in the following locations:
R in the radiator trim
R in the front bumper
R in the rear bumper, particularly in the middle of the rear bumper
X Restart the engine.
The display message disappears. 6
Restraint sys. mal‐ Restraint sys. mal‐
function Consult function Consult
workshop workshop The restraint system is malfunctioning. The
6warning lamp also
lights up on the instrument cluster.
G WARNING
The airbags or belt tensioners may either be triggered unintentionally or, in the event of an accident, may not be triggered.
This poses an increased risk of injury.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
Further information about the restraint system (Y page 34).6
Front left malfunc‐ Front left malfunc‐
tion Consult work‐ tion Consult work‐
shop shop
orFront right
Front right
malfunction
malfunction Consult
Consult
workshop
workshop The front left or right restraint system is malfunctioning. The
6
warning lamp also lights up on the instrument cluster.
G WARNING
The airbags or belt tensioners may either be triggered unintentionally or, in the event of an accident, may not be triggered.
This poses an increased risk of injury.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 178
Display
messagesOn-board computer and displays