In the following situations, it may be better to
activate SPORT handling mode or deactivate
ESP
®:
Rwhen using snow chains
Rin deep snow
Ron sand or gravel
Ron specially designated roads when the
vehicle's own oversteering and understeer- ing characteristics are desired
Driving in SPORT handling mode or without
ESP
®requires an extremely qualified and
experienced driver.
iActivate ESP®as soon as the situations
described above no longer apply. ESP®will
otherwise not be able to stabilize the vehi-
cle if the vehicle starts to skid or a wheel
starts to spin.
Deactivating/activating ESP
®
XTo activate SPORT handling mode:
briefly press button :.
The M SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
The SPORT handling mode
message
appears in the multifunction display.
XTo deactivate SPORT handling mode:
briefly press button :.
The M SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
XTo deactivate ESP®: press button :until
the å ESP®OFF warning lamp lights up
in the instrument cluster.
The ÷ OFF
message appears in the mul-
tifunction display.
XTo activate ESP®: briefly press button :.
The å ESP®OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. The ÷ON
message appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
Characteristics of activated SPORT han-
dling mode
If SPORT handling mode is activated and one
or more wheels start to spin, the ÷ESP
®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. ESP®only stabilizes the vehicle to a
limited degree.
When SPORT handling mode is activated:
RESP®only improves driving stability to a
limited degree.
Rtraction control is still activated.
Rengine torque is restricted to a limited
degree and the drive wheels are able to
spin.
The spinning of the wheels results in a cut-
ting action for better traction on loose sur-
faces.
RESP®still provides support when you brake
firmly.
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 does not flash. In such
situations, ESP
®will not stabilize the vehicle.
If you deactivate ESP
®:
RESP®no longer improves driving stability.
Rengine torque is restricted to a limited
degree and the drive wheels are able to
spin.
The spinning of the wheels results in a cut-
ting action for better traction on loose sur-
faces.
Rtraction control is still activated.
RPRE-SAFE®is no longer available, nor is it
activated if you brake firmly and ESP®
intervenes.
Driving safety systems83
Safety
Z
RPRE-SAFE®Brake is no longer available, it
is also not activated if you brake firmly and
ESP
®intervenes.
RESP®still provides support when you brake
firmly.
ESP®trailer stabilization
General information
If your vehicle/trailer combination begins to
swerve, ESP
®assists you in this situation.
ESP®slows the vehicle down by braking and
limiting the engine output until the vehicle/
trailer combination has stabilized.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If road and weather conditions are poor,
trailer stabilization will not be able to prevent
the vehicle/trailer combination from swerv-
ing. Trailers with a high center of gravity can
tip over before ESP
®can detect this. There is
a risk of an accident.
Always adapt your driving style to the prevail-
ing road and weather conditions.
If your vehicle with trailer (vehicle/trailer
combination) begins to lurch, you can only
stabilize the vehicle/trailer combination by
depressing the brake firmly.
ESP
®trailer stabilization is active above
speeds of about 65 km/ h.
ESP
®trailer stabilization does not work if
ESP®is deactivated or disabled because of a
malfunction.
EBD (electronic brake force distribu-
tion)
General information
EBD monitors and controls the brake pres-
sure on the rear wheels to improve driving
stability while braking.
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion for driving safety systems (
Ypage 75).
GWARNING
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 (
Ypage 205) as well as dis-
play messages (
Ypage 194).
ADAPTIVE BRAKE
i
Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (
Ypage 75).
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety
and offers increased braking comfort. In addi-
tion to the braking function, ADAPTIVE BRAKE
also has the HOLD function (
Ypage 165 )and
hill start assist (
Ypage 141).
PRE-SAFE®Brake
General information
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (
Ypage 75).
PRE‑SAFE
®Brake is only available for vehi-
cles with the Driving Assistance package.
For PRE-SAFE
®Brake to assist you when driv-
ing, the radar sensor system and the camera
system must be switched on and be opera-
tional.
With the help of the radar sensor system and
the camera system, PRE-SAFE
®Brake can
detect obstacles that are in front of your vehi-
cle for an extended period of time.
In addition, pedestrians in the path of your
vehicle can be detected.
84Driving safety systems
Safety
PRE-SAFE®Brake detects pedestrians using
typical characteristics such as the body con-
tours and posture of a person standing
upright.
Observe the restrictions described in the
"Important safety notes" sec-
tion“ (
Ypage 85).
PRE-SAFE
®Brake can help you to minimize
the risk of a collision with a vehicle ahead or a
pedestrian, 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 brak-
ing.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
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 brake yourself. Even
after subsequent full application of the brakes
a collision cannot always be avoided, partic-
ularly when approaching at too high a speed.
There is a risk of an accident.
Always apply the brakes yourself and try to
take evasive action, provided it is safe to do
so.
GWARNING
PRE-SAFE
®Brake cannot always clearly iden-
tify objects and complex traffic conditions.
In these cases, PRE-SAFE
®Brake may:
Rgive an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
Rnot 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.
PRE-SAFE
®Brake can also brake the vehicle
automatically under the following conditions:
Rthe driver and front-passenger have their
seat belts fastened
and
Rthe vehicle speed is between approx-
imately 4 mph (7 km/h) and 124 mph
(200 km/h)
At a speed of up to approximately 44 mph
(70 km/h), PRE-SAFE
®Brake can also detect:
Rstationary objects in the path of your vehi-
cle, e.g. stopped or parked vehicles
Rpedestrians in the path of your vehicle
GWARNING
PRE-SAFE
®Brake does not react:
Rto small people, e.g. children
Rto animals
Rto oncoming vehicles
Rto crossing traffic
Rwhen 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:
Rthere is dirt on the sensors or anything elsecovering the sensors
Rthere is interference by other radar sources
Rthere are strong radar reflections, for
example in parking garages
Ra narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
Ra vehicle traveling in front on a different line
relative to the center of your vehicle
Driving safety systems85
Safety
Z
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (
Ypage 75).
No steering support isprovided by STEER
CONTROL, if:
RESP®is malfunctioning.
Rthe lighting isfaulty.
Power steering will, however, continue to
function.
Protection against theft
Immobilizer
The immobili zer prevents your vehicle from
bein g started without the correct SmartKey.
XTo activate with the SmartKey: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
XTo activate with KEYLESS-GO: switch the
ignit ion off and open the driver's door.
XTo deactivate: switch on the ignition.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
Sm artKey with you and lock the vehicle. Any-
one can start the engine ifa valid SmartKey
has been left inside the vehicle.
iThe immobilizer is always deactivated
when you start the engine.
In the event that the engine cannot be star-
ted (yet the vehicle's battery is charged),
the system isnot operational. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
1-800-FOR-M ERCedes (in the USA) or
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
ATA (anti-theft alarm system)
XTo ar m:lock the vehicle with the SmartKey
or KEYLESS -GO.
In dicator lamp :flashes. The alarm sys-
tem isarmed after approximately
15 seconds.
XTo disar m:unlock the vehicle with the
Sm artKey or KEYLESS -GO.
or
XIn sert the SmartKey into the ignit ion lock.
A visual and audiblealarmistriggered ifthe
alarm system isarmed and you open:
Ra door
Rthe vehicle with the mechanical key
Rthe trunk lid/tailgate
Rthe hood
XTo switch the ala rmoff with the Smar t-
Key: press the %or& button on the
Sm artKey.
The alarm isswitched off.
or
XRemo vethe Start /S top button from the
ignit ion lock.
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignit ion lock.
The alarm isswitched off.
Protection against theft87
Safety
Z
signal can be activated and deactivated using
the on-board computer (
Ypage 190).
When it is dark, the surround lighting also
comes on if it is activated in the on-board
computer (
Ypage 190).
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 &button on the SmartKey.
When locking or unlocking with KEYLESS-GO,
the distance between the SmartKey and the
corresponding 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:
Rwhen the external door handles are
touched
Rwhen starting the engine
Rwhile the vehicle is in motion
XTo unlock the vehicle: touch the inner
surface of the door handle.
XTo lock the vehicle: touch sensor sur-
face :.
XConvenience closing feature: touch
recessed sensor surface ;for an exten-
ded period.
For further information on the convenience
closing feature, see the Digital Operator's
Manual, keyword "Convenience closing".
(Example: Sedan)
XTo unlock the trunk lid/tailgate: pull the
handle on the trunk lid/tailgate.
The vehicle only unlocks the trunk lid/tail-
gate.
Deactivating and activating
If you do not intend to use a key for an exten-
ded period of time, you can deactivate the
KEYLESS-GO function of the SmartKey. The
SmartKey will then use very little power,
thereby conserving battery power. For the
purposes of activation/deactivation, the
vehicle must not be nearby.
XTo deactivate: press the&button on
the SmartKey twice in rapid succession.
The battery check lamp of the SmartKey
(
Ypage 93) flashes twice briefly and
SmartKey91
Opening and closing
Z
Unlocking the driver's door (mechan-
ical key)
If the vehicle can no longer be unlocked with
the SmartKey, use the mechanical key.
XTake the mechanical key out of the Smart-
Key (
Ypage 92).
XInsert the mechanical key into the lock of
the driver's door as far as it will go.
XTurn the mechanical key counter-clockwise
to position1.
The door is unlocked.
XTurn the mechanical key back and remove
it.
XInsert the mechanical key into the Smart-
Key.
If you use the mechanical key to unlock and
open the driver's door, the anti-theft alarm
system will be triggered (
Ypage 87).
Locking the vehicle (mechanical key)
If the vehicle can no longer be locked with the
SmartKey, use the mechanical key.
XOpen the driver's door.
XClose the front-passenger door, the rear
doors and the trunk lid/tailgate.
XPress the locking button (Ypage 95).
XCheck whether the locking knobs on the
front-passenger door and the rear doors
are still visible. Press down the locking
knobs by hand, if necessary.
XClose the driver's door.
XTake the mechanical key out of the Smart-
Key (
Ypage 92).
XInsert the mechanical key into the lock of
the driver's door as far as it will go.
XTurn the mechanical key clockwise to posi-
tion 1.
The door is unlocked.
XTurn the mechanical key back and remove
it.
XMake sure that the doors and the trunk lid/
tailgate are locked.
XInsert the mechanical key into the Smart-
Key.
Trunk/cargo compartment
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Exhaust
gases can enter the vehicle interior if the
trunk lid/tailgate is open when the engine is
running, especially if the vehicle is in motion.
There is a risk of poisoning.
Always switch off the engine before opening
the trunk lid/tailgate. Never drive with the
trunk lid/tailgate open.
!The trunk lid/tailgate swings upwards
and to the rear when opened. Therefore,
make sure that there is sufficient clearance
above and behind the trunk lid/tailgate.
96Trunk/cargo compartment
Opening and closing
ually.Ifyou release the handle, the tailgate
opens automatically.
Closing
Recess (example: Sedan )
XPull the trunk lid/tailgate downusing
recess :.
XWagon: let the tailgate drop and engage in
the lock.
XIf necessary, lock the vehicle with the &
button on the SmartKey (
Ypage 90) or with
KEYLESS -GO (
Ypage 91).
XIfnecessary, lock the vehicle with the &
button on the SmartKey (
Ypage 90) or with
KEYLESS -GO (
Ypage 91).
XIfnecessary, lock the vehicle with the &
button on the SmartKey (
Ypage 90).
iIfa KEYLESS -GO keyisdetected in the
trunk /cargo compartment, the trunk lid/
tailgate willnot lock.
Sedan: the trunk lid then opens again.
Opening/closing automatically from
outside
Important safety notes
GWARNIN G
Part sof th ebody could become trapped dur-
ing automatic closin gof th etrunk lid/tailgate.
Moreover, people, e.g. children ,may be
standing in th eclosin garea or may ente rth e
closin garea durin gth eclosin gprocess. Ther e
is aris kof injury.
Mak esure that nobody is in th evicinity of th e
closin garea durin gth eclosin gprocess.
Use on eof th efollowin goption sto stop th e
closin gprocess:
Rpress th eF buttonon th eSmartKey.
Rpull or press th eremot eoperating switch
on th edriver' sdoor .
Rpress th eclosin gor lockin gbutto non th e
trunk lid/tailgate.
Rpull th ehandle on th etrunk lid/tailgat e
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gase ssuc has carbon monoxide. Exhaust
gase scan ente rth evehicl einterio rif th e
trunk lid/tailgat eis open when th eengin eis
running, especially if th evehicl eis in motion .
Ther eis aris kof poisoning .
Always switch off th eengin ebefore opening
th etrunk lid/tailgate. Never driv ewit hth e
trunk lid/tailgat eopen .
!The trunk lid/tailgate swings upwards
and to the rear when opened. Therefore,
make sure that there issufficient clearance
above and behind the trunk lid/tailgate.
Opening
You can open the trunk lid/tailgate automat-
ical ly wit h the SmartKey or the handle inthe
trunk lid/tailgate.
XPress and hold the Fbutton on the
Sm artKey unt ilthe trunk lid/tailgate
opens.
or
XIf the trunk lid/tailgate isunlocked, pullthe
trunk lid/tailgate handle and let itgo again
immediately.(
Ypage 97)(Ypage 97)
98Trunk/cargo compartment
Opening and closing
Rpress the closing or locking button on the
tailgate or
Rpress theFbutton on the SmartKey
If the tailgate closing procedure has been
stopped:
Rmove your foot under the bumper again and
the tailgate will open
If the tailgate opening procedure has been
stopped:
Rkick with your foot under the bumper again
and the tailgate will close
Opening/closing automatically from
inside
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Parts of the body could become trapped dur-
ing automatic closing of the trunk lid/tailgate.
Moreover, people, e.g. children, may be
standing in the closing area or may enter the
closing area during the closing process. There
is a risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the vicinity of the
closing area during the closing process.
Use one of the following options to stop the
closing process:
Rpress the Fbutton on the SmartKey.
Rpull or press the remote operating switch
on the driver's door.
Rpress the closing or locking button on the
trunk lid/tailgate.
Rpull the handle on the trunk lid/tailgate
GWARNING
The trunk lid/tailgate can be automatically
opened or closed even if the SmartKey is not
in the vehicle. If children are left unsupervised
in the vehicle, they could activate the func-
tions. There is a risk of injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Exhaust
gases can enter the vehicle interior if the
trunk lid/tailgate is open when the engine is
running, especially if the vehicle is in motion.
There is a risk of poisoning.
Always switch off the engine before opening
the trunk lid/tailgate. Never drive with the
trunk lid/tailgate open.
!The trunk lid/tailgate swings upwards
and to the rear when opened. Therefore,
make sure that there is sufficient clearance
above and behind the trunk lid/tailgate.
Opening and closing
XTo open: pull remote operating switch for
the trunk lid/tailgate :until the trunk lid/
tailgate opens.
XTo close (Sedan): press remote operating
switch for trunk lid :until the trunk lid is
completely closed.
XTo close (Wagon): turn the SmartKey to
position 1or 2in the ignition lock.
XPress remote operating switch for tail-
gate :until the tailgate is completely
closed.
You can open and close the trunk lid/tailgate from the driver's seat when the vehicle is sta-
tionary and unlocked.
Trunk/cargo compartment101
Opening and closing
Z