Panic alarm
X
To activate: press and hold
! button :for approx. one second.
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is primed.
X To deactivate: press!button :again.
or
X Insert the key into the ignition lock.
or, on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start function
or KEYLESS ‑GO:
X Press the Start/Stop button.
The key must be in the vehicle.
The panic alarm function is only available in cer-
tain countries. Occupant safety
Introduction to the restraint system
The restraint system can reduce the risk of vehi-
cle occupants coming into contact with parts of
the vehicle's interior in the event of an accident. Furthermore, the restraint system can also
reduce the forces to which vehicle occupants
are subjected during an accident.
The restraint system includes:
R Seat belt system
R Airbags
R Child restraint system
R Child seat securing system The various components of the restraint system
work complementary to one another. They can
only perform their intended protective function
if all vehicle occupants:
R have correctly fastened their seat belt
(Y page 42)
R have correctly adjusted their seat and head
restraint (Y page 97).
As the driver, you must also ensure that the
steering wheel is correctly adjusted. Observe
the information relating to the correct driver's
seat position (Y page 97).
Additionally, you must ensure that an airbag can
deploy freely (Y page 44).
The airbag is supplementary to a correctly fas-
tened seat belt. As an additional safety device,
the airbag increases the level of protection for
vehicle occupants in the event of an accident. If
the protection provided by the seat belt is suf-
ficient, the airbags do not deploy. Furthermore, in the event of an accident, only airbags which
provide greater protection in the given accident
situation deploy. However, seat belts and air-
bags generally do not protect against objects
penetrating the vehicle from the outside.
Information on how the restraint system oper-
ates can be found in "Deployment of the seat
belt tensioner and airbags" (Y page 51).
See "Children in the vehicle" for information on
infants and children traveling with you in the
vehicle restraint systems for infants and chil-
dren(Y page 54). Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If the restraint system is modified, it may no
longer work as intended. The restraint system
may then not perform its intended protective function by failing in an accident or triggering
unexpectedly, for example. There is an
increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Never modify parts of the restraint system. Do not attempt to modify the wiring as well as
electronic components or their software.
If the vehicle needs to be adapted to accommo- date a person with disabilities, please contact a
specialist workshop. Occupant safety
39Safety Z
Belt warning for the driver and front
passenger The
7 seat belt warning lamp in the instru-
ment cluster reminds you that all vehicle occu-
pants must fasten their seat belts. It may light up continuously or flash. A warning tone may also
sound.
The 7 seat belt warning lamp goes out and
the warning tone stops as soon as the driver's
and the co-driver's seat belts have been fas-
tened.
Rear seat belt status indicator The seat belts on the left and centre rear seats,
when viewed in the direction of travel, are not
fastened. (Example)
The rear seat belt status indicator is available
only in certain countries.
The rear seat belt status indicator informs you
which rear seat belt is not fastened.
Cancelling the rear seat belt status indicator
immediately (Y page 216). Airbags
Introduction The airbag installation location is identified by
the label AIRBAG.
An airbag supplements a correctly fastened seat
belt. It is not a substitute for seat belts. The air- bag provides additional protection in the corre-
sponding accident situations.
Not all airbags are deployed in an accident. The
various airbag systems work independently of
one another (Y page 51).
However, no system available today can com-
pletely eliminate injuries and fatalities.
Due to the required speed of the airbag after
deployment, it is also not possible to entirely
rule out the risk of injuries caused by the airbag. Important safety notes G
WARNING
If you deviate from the correct seat position,
the airbag cannot perform its intended pro-
tective function and can even cause addi-
tional injuries when deployed. There is an
increased risk of serious or even fatal injuries.
In order to avoid such risks, always ensure
that all vehicle occupants:
R fasten their seatbelts correctly, including
pregnant women
R are seated correctly and maintain the fur-
thest possible distance from the airbags
R observe the following notes
Always ensure that there are no objects loca-
ted between the airbag and the vehicle occu-
pant.
R Adjust the seats properly before beginning
your journey. Always make sure that the seat
is in an almost upright position. The centre of
the head restraint must support the head at
about eye level.
R Move the driver's and front-passenger seats
as far back as possible. The driver's seat posi-
tion must allow the vehicle to be driven safely.
R Only hold the steering wheel on the outside.
This allows the airbag to be fully deployed.
R Always lean against the backrest while driv-
ing. Do not lean forwards or lean against the
door or side window. You may otherwise be in
the deployment area of the airbags.
R Always keep your feet in the footwell in front
of the seat. Do not put your feet on the dash-
board, for example. Your feet may otherwise
be in the deployment area of the airbag.
R Always secure persons less than 1.50 mtall in
suitable restraint systems. Up to this height,
the seat belt cannot be worn correctly.
If a child is travelling in your vehicle, also
observe the following notes:
R Always secure children under twelve years of
age and less than 1.50 mtall in suitable child
restraint systems.
R Child restraint systems should be fitted to the
rear seats.
R Only secure a child to the front-passenger
seat when the front-passenger front airbag is 44
Occupant safetySafety
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
if the vehicle starts to skid or a wheel starts to
spin.
Activating/deactivating ESP ®
You can deactivate or activate ESP ®
via the on-
board computer (Y page 209).
ESP ®
deactivated:
The å ESP®
OFF warning lamp on the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
ESP ®
activated:
The å ESP®
OFF warning lamp on the instru-
ment cluster goes out.
Characteristics when ESP ®
is deactivated
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ESP®
warning lamp in the
instrument cluster flashes. In such situations,
ESP ®
will not stabilise the vehicle.
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability
R engine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels may start to spin
R traction control is still activated
R PRE-SAFE ®
is no longer available; it is not
activated even if you brake firmly with assis-
tance from ESP ®
R STEER CONTROL is no longer active
R ESP ®
still provides support when you brake
firmly.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
(Mercedes ‑AMG vehicles) Important safety notes
i Read the "Important safety notes" section
(Y page 66).
You can select between the following ESP ®
sta-
tuses:
R ESP ®
is activated
R SPORT handling mode is activated
R ESP ®
is deactivated
ESP ®
is activated every time the engine is star-
ted, regardless of whether ESP ®
was deactiva-
ted before the engine was switched off. G
WARNING
When SPORT handling mode is activated,
there is a greater risk of skidding and acci-
dents.
Only activate SPORT handling mode in the sit- uations described in the following. G
WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer sta-
bilises the vehicle. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations descri-
bed in the following.
In the following situations, it may be better to
activate SPORT handling mode or deactivate
ESP ®
:
R when snow chains are used
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
R on specially designated roads when the vehi-
cle's own oversteering and understeering
characteristics are desired
Driving in SPORT handling mode or without
ESP ®
requires a highly qualified and experi-
enced driver.
i Activate ESP ®
as soon as the situations
described above no longer apply. ESP ®
will
otherwise not be able to stabilise the vehicle
if the vehicle starts to skid or a wheel starts to spin.
Activating/deactivating ESP ® X
To activate SPORT handling mode: briefly
press button :.
The M SPORT handling mode warning
lamp on the instrument cluster lights up. The Driving safety systems
71Safety 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
Correct driver's seat position
G
WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle while
driving if you:
R adjust the driver's seat, steering wheel or
mirrors
R fasten the seat belt
There is a risk of an accident.
Adjust the driver's seat, head restraint, steer-
ing wheel and mirrors and fasten your seat
belt before starting the engine. Observe the following when adjusting steering
wheel
:, seat belt ;and driver's seat =:
R you are as far away from the driver's airbag as
possible
R you are sitting in an upright position
R your thighs are slightly supported by the seat
cushion
R your legs are not entirely stretched and you
can depress the pedals properly
R the back of your head is supported at eye level
by the centre of the head restraint
R you can hold the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent
R you can move your legs freely
R you can see all the displays in the instrument
cluster clearly R
you have a good overview of traffic conditions
R the seat belt is pulled snugly against the body
and must be routed across the centre of your
shoulder and across your hips in the pelvic
area
Further related subjects:
R Adjusting the seats manually (Y page 98)
R Adjusting the seats electrically
(Y page 99)
R Adjusting the steering wheel manually
(Y page 102)
R Fastening the seat belt correctly
(Y page 43)
R Adjusting the rear-view mirror and exterior
mirrors (Y page 103)
R Vehicles with a memory function: save the
seat, steering wheel and exterior mirror set-
tings using the memory function
(Y page 106) Seats
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If children adjust the seats, they could
become trapped, especially if they are unat-
tended. There is a risk of injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children unattended in the vehicle.
The seats can still be adjusted when there is no
key in the ignition lock. G
WARNING
When adjusting a seat, you or another vehicle occupant could become trapped by the guiderail of the seat, for instance. There is a risk of
injury.
Make sure that no one has any part of their
body within the sweep of the seat when
adjusting it.
Observe the safety notes on "Airbags"
(Y page 44) and "Children in the Vehicle"
(Y page 54). Seats
97Seats, steering wheel and mirrors Z
G
WARNING
If the driver's seat is not correctly engaged, it could unexpectedly move while driving. This
could cause you to lose control of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Always ensure that the driver's seat is
engaged before starting the vehicle. G
WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle while
driving if you:
R adjust the driver's seat, steering wheel or
mirrors
R fasten the seat belt
There is a risk of an accident.
Adjust the driver's seat, head restraint, steer-
ing wheel and mirrors and fasten your seat
belt before starting the engine. G
WARNING
If you adjust the seat height carelessly, you or other vehicle occupants could be trapped andthereby injured. Children in particular could
accidentally press the electrical seat adjust-
ment buttons and become trapped. There is a
risk of injury.
While moving the seats, make sure that your
hands or other body parts do not get under the
lever assembly of the seat adjustment sys-
tem.
! To avoid damage to the seats and the seat
heating, observe the following information:
R do not spill any liquids on the seats. If liquid
is spilled on the seats, dry them as soon aspossible.
R if the seat covers are damp or wet, do not
switch on the seat heating. The seat heat-
ing should also not be used to dry the seats.
R clean the seat covers as recommended;
see the "Interior care" section.
R do not transport heavy loads on the seats.
Do not place sharp objects on the seat
cushions, e.g. knives, nails or tools. The seats should only be occupied by passen-
gers, if possible.
R when the seat heating is in operation, do
not cover the seats with insulating materi-
als, e.g. blankets, coats, bags, seat covers,
child seats or booster seats.
! Make sure that there are no objects in the
footwell under or behind the seats when mov-
ing the seats back. There is a risk that the
seats and/or the objects could be damaged.
i Further related subjects:
R Luggage compartment enlargement (fold-
ing down the rear seats) (Y page 271) Adjusting the seats manually
Vehicles without the seating comfort
package Seat fore-and-aft adjustment:
X
Lift handle :and slide the seat forwards or
backwards.
X Release lever :again.
Ensure that the seat engages audibly.
Backrest angle:
X Relieve the pressure on the backrest.
X Turn handwheel =forwards or backwards.
Seat height: X Pull handle ;upwards or push it down
repeatedly until the seat has reached the
desired height. 98
SeatsSeats, steering wheel and mirrors
Vehicles with the seating comfort pack-
age Seat fore-and-aft adjustment:
X Lift handle :and slide the seat forwards or
rearwards.
X Release lever :again.
Ensure that the seat engages audibly.
Backrest angle:
X Relieve the pressure on the backrest.
X Turn handwheel Aforwards or backwards.
Seat height: X Pull handle ?upwards or push it down
repeatedly until the seat has reached the
desired height.
Seat cushion angle:
X Adjust the angle so that your thighs have gen-
tle support.
X Turn handwheel =forwards or backwards.
Seat cushion length: X Lift handle ;and slide the front part of the
seat cushion forwards or backwards.
X Release lever ;again.
The seat cushion engages. Adjusting the seats electrically
:
Seat height
; Seat cushion angle
= Seat fore-and-aft adjustment
? Backrest angle
i You can store the seat settings using the
memory function (Y page 106). Adjusting the head restraints
Important safety notes G
WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle while
driving if you:
R adjust the driver's seat, steering wheel or
mirrors
R fasten the seat belt
There is a risk of an accident.
Adjust the driver's seat, head restraint, steer-
ing wheel and mirrors and fasten your seat
belt before starting the engine. G
WARNING
The head restraints cannot provide the inten-
ded protection unless they are fitted and
adjusted correctly. There is an increased risk of injury to the head and neck in the event of
an accident or sudden braking, for example.
Always drive with the head restraints fitted.
Ensure that the centre of the head restraints
support the back of each vehicle occupant's
head at eye level before driving off. Seats
99Seats, steering wheel and mirrors Z