amount of powder may also be released. The
6 restraint system warning lamp lights up.
Only in rare cases will the bang affect your hear-
ing. In general, the powder released is not haz-
ardous to health but may cause short-term
breathing difficulties to persons suffering from
asthma or other pulmonary conditions. Provided
it is safe to do so, you should leave the vehicle
immediately or open the window in order to pre- vent breathing difficulties.
Operation During the first stage of a collision, the restraint
system control unit evaluates important physi-
cal data relating to vehicle deceleration or accel-
eration, such as:
R duration
R direction
R intensity
Based on the evaluation of this data, the
restraint system control unit triggers the seat
belt tensioners in the event of a head-on or rear collision.
A seat belt tensioner can be triggered only if:
R the ignition is switched on
R the components of the restraint system are
operational. You can find further information
under: "Restraint system warning lamp"
(Y page 40)
R the seat belt buckle tongue has engaged in
the belt buckle of the respective front seat
The seat belt tensioners in the rear compart-
ment are triggered independently of the lock
status of the seat belts.
If the restraint system control unit detects a
high-severity accident, in certain head-on colli-
sions, additional components of the restraint
system are deployed independently of each
other:
R Front airbags and driver's kneebag
R Windowbag, if the system determines that
deployment can offer additional protection to
that provided by the seat belt
On vehicles with the automatic front-passenger
front airbag deactivation system: depending on the person in the front-passenger seat, the
front-passenger front airbag is either disabled or
enabled. The front-passenger front airbag can
be deployed in an accident only if the
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is off. Observe the information on the PASSENGER AIR
BAG indicator lamps (Y page 40).
Your vehicle has two-stage front airbags. In the
first deployment stage, the front airbag is filled
with propellant gas to reduce the risk of injuries. The front airbag is fully deployed if the second
deployment stage is activated within a few mil-
liseconds.
The activation threshold for the seat belt ten-
sioners and airbags is determined based on the
evaluation of the vehicle's rate of deceleration
or acceleration at various points in the vehicle.
This process is pre-emptive in nature. The trig-
gering/deployment process should take place
in good time at the start of the collision.
The rate of vehicle deceleration or acceleration
and the direction of the force are essentially
determined by:
R the distribution of forces during the collision
R the collision angle
R the deformation characteristics of the vehicle
R the characteristics of the object with which
the vehicle has collided
Factors that can be seen and measured only
after a collision has occurred do not play a deci-
sive role in the deployment of an airbag, nor do
they provide an indication of airbag deployment.
The vehicle may be deformed significantly with-
out an airbag being deployed. This is the case if only parts that are relatively easily deformed are
affected and the rate of deceleration is not high. Conversely, an airbag may be deployed even
though the vehicle suffers only minor deforma-
tion. This is the case if, for example, very rigid
vehicle parts such as longitudinal body mem-
bers are hit, and sufficient deceleration occurs
as a result.
If the restraint system control unit detects a side
impact, the applicable components of the
restraint system are activated independently of each other.
R Sidebags on the side on which an impact
occurs, independently of the seat belt ten-
sioner and seat belt usage
Vehicles with the automatic front-passenger
front airbag deactivation system: the sidebag 52
Occupant safetySafety
Vehicles with the automatic front-passenger
front airbag deactivation system: if it is abso-
lutely necessary to fit a child restraint system to the front-passenger seat, always observe the
information on the "Automatic front-passenger
front airbag deactivation system" (Y page 47).
You can thus avoid the risks that could arise as
a result of:
R a child restraint system that is not detected
by the automatic front-passenger front airbag
deactivation system
R unintentional disabling of the front-passenger
front airbag
R unsuitable positioning of the child restraint
system, e.g. too close to the dashboard Please observe the warning notice on the
front-passenger sun visor; see illustration. G
WARNING
If you secure a child in a rearward-facing child
restraint system on the co-driver's seat and
the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
is off, the co-driver's front airbag can deploy in the event of an accident. The child could be
struck by the airbag. There is an increased risk
of injury, possibly even fatal.
In this case, always make sure that the co-
driver's front airbag has been disabled. The
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
must be lit.
NEVER use a rearward-facing child restraint on a
seat protected by an ACTIVE FRONT AIRBAG;
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY to the child can
occur.
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
is not lit, the front-passenger front airbag is ena- bled (Y page 40). Vehicles without the automatic front-
passenger front airbag deactivation
system If the front-passenger seat of your vehicle is not
equipped with the automatic front-passenger
front airbag deactivation system, this is indica-
ted by a special sticker. The sticker is affixed to
the side of the dashboard on the front-
passenger side. The sticker is visible when you
open the front-passenger door.
If you turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock, the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF and
PASSENGER AIR BAG ON indicator lamps light
up briefly. However, they have no function and
do not indicate that there is an automatic front- passenger front airbag deactivation system.
In this case, never fit a rearward-facing child
restraint system on the front passenger seat
(Y page 59).
Observe the following information under "Rear-
ward-facing child restraint system"
(Y page 58) and "Forward-facing child
restraint system" (Y page 59) as well as infor-
mation on the suitable positioning of the child
restraint system (Y page 59).
Rearward-facing child restraint system If it is absolutely necessary to fit a rearward-
facing child restraint system to the front-
passenger seat, always make sure that the
front-passenger front airbag is disabled. Only if
the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is lit continuously (Y page 40) is the front-
passenger front airbag disabled.
Always observe the information on suitable
positioning of the child restraint system
(Y page 59) in addition to the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation and operat-
ing instructions. 58
Children in the vehicleSafety
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style or if you are
inattentive, the driving safety systems can nei-
ther reduce the risk of an accident nor override the laws of physics. Driving safety systems are
merely aids designed to assist driving. You are
responsible for maintaining the distance to the
vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in
good time and for staying in lane. Always adapt your driving style to suit the prevailing road and
weather conditions and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Drive carefully.
The driving safety systems described work as
effectively as possible only when there is ade-
quate contact between the tyres and the road
surface. Please pay special attention to the
notes on tyres, recommended minimum tyre
tread depths etc. (Y page 310).
In wintry driving conditions, always use winter
tyres (M+S tyres) and, if necessary, snow
chains. Only in this way will the driving safety
systems described in this section work as effec-
tively as possible. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
General notes ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way that
the wheels do not lock when you brake. This
allows you to continue steering the vehicle when braking.
The ! ABS warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
ABS works from a speed of about 8 km/h,
regardless of road-surface conditions. ABS
works on slippery surfaces, even when you only
brake gently.
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 66). 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.
If ABS is malfunctioning, other systems, includ-
ing driving safety systems, will also become
inoperative. Observe the information on the ABS warning lamp (Y page 250) and display mes-
sages which may be shown in the instrument
cluster (Y page 217).
Braking X
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force 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 indication
of hazardous road conditions; this serves as a
reminder to take extra care while driving. BAS (Brake Assist)
General notes BAS operates in emergency braking situations.
If you depress the brake pedal quickly, BAS
automatically boosts the braking force, thus
shortening the stopping distance.
Important safety notes i
Read the "Important safety notes" section
(Y page 66). G
WARNING
If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance
in an emergency braking situation is
increased. There is a risk of accident.
In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels from locking. 66
Driving safety systemsSafety
Braking
X
Keep the brake pedal depressed firmly 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. Active Brake Assist
General information i
Read the "Important safety notes" section
(Y page 66).
Active Brake Assist consists of a distance warn-
ing function with an autonomous braking func-
tion and braking assistance appropriate to the
situation.
Active Brake Assist can help you to minimise the risk of a collision with the vehicle travelling in
front or reduce the effects of such a collision.
If Active Brake Assist detects that there is a risk
of collision, you will be warned visually and
acoustically. If you do not react to the visual and audible collision warning, autonomous braking
can be initiated in critical situations. If you apply
the brake yourself in a critical situation, Adap-
tive Brake Assist supports you with braking
assistance appropriate to the situation.
Important safety notes Detection of hazardous situations can be par-
ticularly impaired by:
R
dirt on the sensors or obscured sensors
R snow or heavy rain
R interference by other radar sources
R strong radar reflections, for example, in multi-
storey car parks
R a narrow vehicle travelling in front, e.g. a
motorcycle
R a vehicle travelling in front on a different line
R new vehicles or after servicing is carried out
on the Active Brake Assist system
Read the important safety notes in the "Run-
ning-in notes" section (Y page 132).
Following damage to the front end of the vehicle, have the configuration and operation of the
radar sensor checked at a qualified specialist
workshop. This also applies to collisions at low speeds where no visible damage to the front of
the vehicle is apparent.
Activating/deactivating Active Brake Assist is active after every ignition
cycle.
You can activate or deactivate Active Brake
Assist (Y page 209) in the on-board computer.
When the system is deactivated, the distance
warning function and the autonomous braking
function are also deactivated.
If Active Brake Assist is deactivated, the æ
symbol appears in the assistance graphic dis-
play.
Distance warning function General information
The distance warning function can help you to
minimise the risk of collision with the vehicle in
front or reduce the effects of such a collision. If the distance warning function detects a risk of
collision with the vehicle in front, you will be
warned visually and audibly.
Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion for driving safety systems (Y page 66). 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. Driving safety systems
67Safety
Z
Important safety notes
i
Read the "Important safety notes" section
(Y page 66). G
WARNING
If EBD is malfunctioning, the rear wheels can
lock, e.g. under full braking. This increases 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 250) as well as display
messages (Y page 219). ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety and
offers increased braking comfort. In addition to
the braking function, ADAPTIVE BRAKE also has the HOLD function (Y page 172) and hill start
assist (Y page 136). STEER CONTROL
General information STEER CONTROL helps you by transmitting a
noticeable steering force to the steering wheel
in the direction required for vehicle stabilisation.
This steering support is provided in particular if:
R both right wheels or both left wheels are on a
wet or slippery road surface when you brake
R the vehicle begins to skid
Important safety notes i
Read the "Important safety notes" section
(Y page 66).
No steering support is provided from STEER
CONTROL, if: R ESP ®
is malfunctioning
R the steering is malfunctioning
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, you will be assisted
further by the electrical power steering. Protection against theft
Immobiliser
The immobiliser prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct key.
X To activate with the key: remove the key
from the ignition lock.
X To activate with KEYLESS-GO start func-
tion or KEYLESS-GO:
switch the ignition off
and open the driver's door.
X To deactivate: switch on the ignition.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key
with you and lock the vehicle. Anyone can start
the engine if a valid key has been left inside the
vehicle.
i The immobiliser is always deactivated when
you start the engine. ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
X
To prime: lock the vehicle with the key or
KEYLESS-GO.
Indicator lamp :flashes. The alarm system
is primed after approximately 15 seconds.
X To deactivate: unlock the vehicle with the
key or KEYLESS-GO.
or X Insert the key into the ignition lock.
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is primed and you open: R a door
R the vehicle with the emergency key element
R the boot lid
R the bonnet Protection against theft
73Safety Z
X
To stop the alarm with the key: press the
% or& button on the key.
The alarm stops.
or X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start function
or KEYLESS-GO: remove the Start/Stop but-
ton from the ignition lock (Y page 133).
X Insert the key into the ignition lock.
The alarm stops.
X To stop the alarm using KEYLESS-GO:
grasp the outside door handle. The key must
be outside the vehicle.
The alarm stops.
or X Press the Start/Stop button on the dash-
board. The key must be inside the vehicle.
The alarm stops.
The alarm does not switch off, even if you close the open door that has triggered it, for example.
i If the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, the Mercedes‑Benz emergency
call system automatically sends a message to
the Customer Centre. This is done by means
of a text message or a data connection.
The emergency call system sends a message or establishes a data connection provided
that:
R you have subscribed to the Mercedes‑Benz
emergency call system
R the Mercedes‑Benz emergency call system
has been activated properly
R the necessary mobile phone network is
available Tow-away protection
Function An audible and visual alarm is triggered if your
vehicle's angle of inclination is altered while
tow-away protection is primed. This can occur if
the vehicle is jacked up on one side, for exam-
ple.
Switching on X
Make sure that: R
the doors are closed
R the boot lid is closed
Only then is tow-away protection activated.
X Lock the vehicle with the key or KEYLESS-GO.
Tow-away protection is activated after
approximately 60 seconds.
Switching off X
Unlock the vehicle with the key or KEYLESS-
GO.
or X Insert the key into the ignition lock.
Tow-away protection is switched off automat-
ically.
Deactivating X
Remove the key from the ignition lock.
or X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start function
or KEYLESS-GO: switch off the engine using
the Start/Stop button and open the driver's
door.
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up briefly.
X Lock the vehicle with the key or KEYLESS-GO.
Tow-away protection is deactivated.
Tow-away protection remains deactivated until: R the vehicle is unlocked again
R a door is opened and closed again and
R the vehicle is locked again 74
Protection against theftSafety
To prevent a false alarm, deactivate tow-away
protection if you lock your vehicle and it:
R is being transported
R is being loaded onto a ferry or car transporter,
for example
R is parked on a movable surface, e.g. in a split-
level garage Interior motion sensor
Function When the interior motion sensor is switched on,
a visual and audible alarm is triggered if move-
ment is detected in the vehicle interior. This can occur if someone reaches into the vehicle inte-
rior, for example.
Switching on X
Make sure that:
R the side windows are closed
R the panorama sliding sunroof is closed
R there are no objects, e.g. mascots, hanging
on the rear-view mirror or on the grab han- dles on the roof trim
This will prevent false alarms.
X Make sure that:
R the doors are closed
R the panorama sliding sunroof is closed
R the boot lid is closed
Only then is the interior motion sensor acti-
vated.
X Lock the vehicle with the key or KEYLESS-GO.
The interior motion sensor is primed after
approximately 30 seconds.
Switching off X
Unlock the vehicle with the key or KEYLESS-
GO.
or X Insert the key into the ignition lock.
or X Press the Start/Stop button.
The key must be in the vehicle.
The interior motion sensor is automatically
switched off. Deactivating
X
Remove the key from the ignition lock.
or X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start function
or KEYLESS-GO: switch off the engine using
the Start/Stop button and open the driver's
door.
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ;flashes several times in
rapid succession.
X Lock the vehicle with the key or KEYLESS-GO.
The interior motion sensor is deactivated.
The interior motion sensor remains deactivated
until:
R the vehicle is unlocked again and
R a door is opened and closed again and
R the vehicle is locked again
To prevent a false alarm, deactivate the interior
motion sensor if you lock your vehicle and:
R people or animals remain in the vehicle
R the panorama sliding sunroof remains open
R the side windows remain open
i UK only:
your vehicle is equipped with a
double-lock function. The doors cannot be
opened from the inside if the vehicle has been
locked with the key (Y page 83). Deactivate
the interior motion sensor before you lock the
vehicle with the key. The doors can then be
opened from the inside after the vehicle has
been locked from the outside with the key.
Observe the "Important safety notes"
(Y page 83). Protection against theft
75Safety Z
Key
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle, they could:
R open doors, thereby endangering other per-
sons or road users
R get out and be struck by oncoming traffic
R operate vehicle equipment and become
trapped, for example
In addition, the children could also set the
vehicle in motion, for example, if they:
R release the parking brake
R shift the automatic transmission out of park
position P or shift manual transmission into
neutral
R start the engine
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children and animals unattended in the vehi-
cle. Keep the keys out of the reach of children. G
WARNING
If you attach heavy or large objects to the key, the key could be unintentionally turned in the
ignition lock. This could cause the engine to
be switched off. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not attach any heavy or large objects to the
key. Remove any bulky keyrings before insert-
ing the key into the ignition lock.
! Keep the key away from strong magnetic
fields. Otherwise, the remote control function could be affected.
Strong magnetic fields can occur in the vicin-
ity of powerful electrical installations.
Do not keep the key: R with electronic devices, e.g. a mobile phone
or another key
R with metallic objects, e.g. coins or metal foil
R inside metallic objects, e.g. a metal case
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start function: do
not keep the key in the boot. Otherwise, the key may not be detected, e.g. when starting the
engine using the Start/Stop button.
United Kingdom only: G
WARNING
When the double locks are activated, the
doors can no longer be opened from the
inside. People in the vehicle can no longer get out, e.g. in hazardous situations. There is a
risk of injury.
Therefore, do not leave any people unsuper-
vised in the vehicle, particularly children, eld-
erly people or people in need of special assis-
tance. Do not activate the double lock when
people are in the vehicle.
If the vehicle has been locked from the outside, the double lock function is activated as stand-
ard. It is then not possible to open the doors
from inside the vehicle. You can deactivate the
double lock function by deactivating the interior
motion sensor (Y page 75). The doors can then
be opened from the inside after the vehicle has
been locked from the outside. You can open the rear doors from inside the vehicle if they are not
secured by the child-proof locks (Y page 65).
The anti-theft alarm system is triggered if the
door is opened from the inside. Switch off the
alarm (Y page 73). Key functions
:
& Locks the vehicle
; F Opens the boot lid
= % Unlocks the vehicle
If you do not open the vehicle within approx-
imately 40 seconds of unlocking:
R the vehicle locks again
R protection against theft is reactivated 76
KeyOpening and closing