XTo release:depress the brake pedal and keep
it depressed.
The selector lever lock is released.
XPull parking brake ;up firmly.
XPress release button :on parking brake ;
and move parking brake ;down to the stop.
When the ignition is switched on or the engine
is running, the F(USA only) or !(Can-
ada only) indicator lamp goes out in the instru-
ment cluster.
iIf you pull away with parking brake ;
applied, a warning tone sounds.
Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharge.
XConnect a trickle charger.
iYou can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist work-
shop.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than six
weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as a
result of lack of use.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop and seek
advice.
Driving tips
General driving tips
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Always remember that you must concentrate primarily on driving the vehicle. The driver's
concentration must always be directed pri-
marily at road traffic. For your own safety and
that of others, we recommend that you stop
the vehicle at a safe place and in accordance
with the traffic conditions before making or
accepting a phone call.
Comply with all legal requirements if you use
the telephone while driving. Use the hands-
free system and only use the telephone when
road, weather and traffic conditions permit. In
some jurisdictions, it is forbidden for drivers
to use mobile phones while driving.
Only operate COMAND (Cockpit Managementand Data System) in compliance with all legal
requirements and when the road, weather and
traffic conditions permit. You may otherwise
not be able to observe the traffic conditions,
endangering yourself and others.
Remember that your vehicle covers a distance
of 44 ft (approximately 14 m)a second when
it is traveling at only 30 mph (approximately
50 km/h).
GWARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect, for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Observe the following tips to save fuel:
XThe tires should always be inflated to the rec-
ommended tire pressure.
XRemove unnecessary loads.
XRemove roof carriers when they are not nee-
ded.
XWarm up the engine at low engine speeds.
XAvoid frequent acceleration or braking.
XHave all maintenance work performed at the
service intervals specified in the Maintenance
Booklet or indicated by the service interval
indicator.
Fuel consumption also increases when driving in cold weather, in stop-start traffic and in hilly ter-
rain.
Drinking and driving
GWARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
132Driving tips
Driving and parking
iWhen changing lanes, DISTRONIC PLUS
monitors the left lane on left-hand drive vehi-
cles and the right lane on right-hand drive
vehicles.
Stopping
GWARNING
When leaving the vehicle, even if it is braked
only by DISTRONIC PLUS, it could roll away if:
Rthere is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.
RDISTRONIC PLUS has been deactivated
with the cruise control lever, e.g. by a vehi-
cle occupant or from outside the vehicle.
Rthe electrical system in the engine com-
partment, the battery or the fuses have
been tampered with.
Rthe battery is disconnected.
Rthe accelerator pedal has been depressed, e.g. by a vehicle occupant.
There is a risk of an accident.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off
DISTRONIC PLUS and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle in
front is stopping, it brakes your vehicle until it is stationary.
Once your vehicle is stationary, it remains sta-
tionary and you do not need to depress the
brake.
iDepending on the specified minimum dis-
tance, your vehicle will come to a standstill at
a sufficient distance behind the vehicle in
front. The specified minimum distance is set
using the control on the cruise control lever.
On steep uphill or downhill inclines or if there is
a malfunction, the transmission may also auto-
matically be shifted into position P.
Displays in the instrument cluster
Displays in the speedometer
Example: DISTRONIC PLUS displays in the speed-
ometer
When DISTRONIC PLUS is activated, one or two
segments ;in the set speed range light up.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle in front,
segments ;between speed of the vehicle in
front :and stored speed =light up.
iFor design reasons, the speed displayed in
the speedometer may differ slightly from the
speed set for DISTRONIC PLUS.
Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is deacti-
vated
Distance display when DISTRONIC PLUS is deacti-
vated
:
Vehicle in front, if detected
;Distance indicator, current distance to the
vehicle in front
=Specified minimum distance to the vehicle
in front; adjustable
?Own vehicle
You can select the distance display in the Assis- tance menu (
Ypage 178) of the on-board com-
puter.
Driving systems151
Driving and parking
Z
HOLD function
General notes
The HOLD function can assist the driver in the
following situations:
Rwhen pulling away, especially on steep slopes
Rwhen maneuvering on steep slopes
Rwhen waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the driver having to depress the brake pedal.
The braking effect is canceled and the HOLD
function deactivated when you depress the
accelerator pedal to pull away.
iDo not use the HOLD function when driving
off-road, on steep uphill or downhill gradients
or on slippery or loose surfaces. The HOLD
function cannot hold the vehicle on such sur-
faces.
Activation conditions
You can activate the HOLD function if:
Rthe vehicle is stationary
Rthe engine is running or if it has been auto-
matically switched off by the ECO start/stop
function
Rthe engine is running
Rthe driver's door is closed or your seat belt is
fastened
Rthe transmission is in position D,R or N
RDISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated
Activating the HOLD function
The vehicle's brakes are applied when the HOLD
function is activated. For this reason, deactivate
the HOLD function while in the car wash or while
towing.
XMake sure that the activation conditions are
met.
XDepress the brake pedal.
XQuickly depress the brake pedal further until
ë appears in the multifunction display.
The HOLD function is activated. You can
release the brake pedal.
iIf depressing the brake pedal the first time
does not activate the HOLD function, wait
briefly and then try again.
Deactivating the HOLD function
GWARNING
When leaving the vehicle, it can still roll away despite being braked by the HOLD function if:
Rthere is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.
Rthe HOLD function has been deactivated by
pressing the accelerator pedal or the brake
pedal, e.g. by a vehicle occupant.
Rthe electrical system in the engine com-
partment, the battery or the fuses have
been tampered with.
Rthe battery is disconnected
There is a risk of an accident.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off the HOLD function and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
The HOLD function is deactivated automatically if:
Ryou accelerate and the transmission is in
position Dor R.
Ryou shift the transmission to position P.
Ryou depress the brake pedal again with a cer-
tain amount of pressure untilëdisap-
pears from the multifunction display.
Ryou activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
On steep uphill or downhill gradients or if there
is a malfunction, the transmission may also be
automatically shifted into position P.
Permanent all-wheel drive
!
Never tow the vehicle with one axle raised.
This may damage the transfer case. Damage
of this sort is not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty. All wheels must
remain either on the ground or be fully raised.
Observe the instructions for towing the vehi-
cle with all wheels in full contact with the
ground.
!When testing the parking brake, operate the
vehicle only briefly (for a maximum of ten sec-
onds) on a brake test dynamometer. When
doing this, turn the SmartKey to position 0or
1 in the ignition. Failure to do this can cause
damage to the drive train or the brake system.
Driving systems157
Driving and parking
Z
The maximum noseweight of the trailer drawbar
on the ball coupling for up to 3 people is 562 lbs
(255 kg). The maximum permissible trailer draw-bar noseweight for more than 3 persons and the
maximum load in the trunk can be found in the
trailer drawbar noseweight table (
Ypage 298).
However, the actual noseweight must not
exceed the value given on the trailer tow hitch or trailer identification plates. The lowest weight
applies.
Please note that when towing a trailer,
PARKTRONIC (
Ypage 158) and Blind Spot
Assist (Ypage 154) are only available with lim-
itations, or not at all.
iOn vehicles without level control, the height
of the ball coupling will alter according to the
load placed on the vehicle. If necessary, use a
trailer with a height-adjustable drawbar.
Driving tips
XOn long and steep downhill gradients, select
shift range 1,2or 3(Ypage 123) in good
time.
iThis also applies if you have activated cruise
control or SPEEDTRONIC.
XIf necessary, shift the transfer case to LOW
RANGE (Ypage 162).
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so that less braking will be required to main-
tain the speed. This relieves the load on the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you
need additional braking, depress the brake
pedal repeatedly rather than continuously.
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check the
trailer's documents to see what the maximum
permissible speed is. Observe the legally pre-
scribed maximum speed in the relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the maxi-
mum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. Refer to the "Technical
data" section to find out whether this applies to
your vehicle. If you utilize any of the added max- imum rear axle load when towing a trailer, the
vehicle/trailer combination may not exceed a
maximum speed of 60 mph (100 km/h) for rea-
sons concerning the operating permit. This also applies in countries in which the permissible
maximum speed for vehicle/trailer combina-
tions is above 60 mph (100 km/h). When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to
when driving without a trailer and it will con-
sume more fuel.
On long and steep downhill gradients, you must
select shift range
1,2or 3in good time.
iThis also applies if you have activated cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine, so
that less braking will be required to maintain the
speed. This relieves the load on the brake sys-
tem and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly. If you need additional
braking, depre ss the bra
ke pedal repeatedly
rather than continuously.
Driving tips
If the trailer swings from side to side:
XDo not accelerate.
XDo not counter-steer.
XBrake if necessary.
RMaintain a greater distance from the vehicle
in front than when driving without a trailer.
RAvoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gen- tly at first to allow the trailer to run on. Then,
increase the braking force rapidly.
RThe values given for gradient-climbing capa-
bilities from a standstill refer to sea level.
When driving in mountainous areas, note that
the power output of the engine and, conse-
quently, the vehicle's gradient-climbing capa-
bility, decreases with increasing altitude.
Trailer power supply
!
You can connect accessories with a maxi-
mum power consumption of 180 W to the
permanent power supply.
You must not charge a trailer battery using the
power supply.
The trailer socket of your vehicle is equipped at
the factory with a permanent power supply.
The permanent power supply is supplied via
trailer socket pin 9.
A qualified specialist workshop can provide
more information about installing the trailer
electrics.
168Towing a trailer
Driving and parking
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The poly-V-belt may havetorn .
XPull ove rand stop th evehicl esafely and switch off th eengine, pay-
ing attention to roa dand traffic conditions.
XChec kth epoly-V-belt .
If th epoly-V-belt is torn:
!Do no tcontinu edriving. The engin ecould otherwise overheat.
XConsult aqualified specialist workshop .
If th epoly-V-belt is not damaged :
XWait until thedisplay message disappear sbefore restarting th e
engine. Otherwise ,th eengin ecould be damaged.
XPay attention to th ecoolan ttemperature display.
XVisit aqualified specialist workshop .
#The battery is notbein gcharged.
A warning tone also sounds.
Possibl ecauses are:
Radefective alternato r
Ratorn poly-V-belt
Ramalfunction in th eelectronics
XPull ove rand stop th evehicl esafely and switch off th eengine, pay-
ing attention to roa dand traffic conditions.
XOpe nth ehood.
XChec kwhether th epoly-V-belt is torn .
If th epoly-V-belt is torn:
!Do no tcontinu edriving. The engin ecould otherwise overheat.
XConsult aqualified specialist workshop .
If th epoly-V-belt is not damaged :
XVisitaqualified specialist workshop .
4
CheckEngineOilAtNextRefueling
The engin eoil level has dropped to th eminimum level.
A warning tone also sounds.
XChec kth eoil level when next refueling, at th elatest (Ypage 236).
XIf necessary, add engin eoil (Ypage 237).
XHav eth eengin echecke dat aqualified specialist workshop if engin e
oil needs to be added mor eoften than usual.
!Avoid lon gjourneys wit hto olittl eengin eoil. The engin ewill oth-
erwise be damaged.
Information on approve dengin eoils can be obtained from any quali-
fie dspecialist workshop or on th eInternet at http:/ /
www.mbusa.com (US Aonly).
Display messages19 3
On-board computer and displays
Z
Vehicle
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
Shift to P or N toStart EngineYou have attempted to start the engine with the transmission in posi-
tionRor D.
XShift the transmission to position Por N.
Auxiliary BatteryMalfunctionThe auxiliary battery for the automatic transmission is no longer being
charged.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop at the next opportunity.
XUntil then, set the automatic transmission to position Pbefore you
switch off the engine.
XBefore leaving the vehicle, apply the parking brake.
Apply Brake toShift from PYou have attempted to move the transmission selector lever to posi-
tion D,R or Nwithout depressing the brake pedal.
XDepress the brake pedal.
AThe rear door is open.
GWARNING
When the engine is running, exhaust gases can enter the vehicle inte-
rior if the tailgate is open.
There is a risk of poisoning.
XClose the rear door.
?The hood is open.
GWARNING
The open hood may block your view when the vehicle is in motion.
There is a risk of an accident.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away (Ypage 130).
XClose the hood.
CAt least one door is open.
A warning tone also sounds.
XClose all the doors.
Display messages201
On-board computer and displays
Z
XPress in cigarette lighter:.
Cigarette lighter :will pop out automatically
when the heating element is red-hot.
12 V sockets
General notes
!If you are simultaneously using all three
sockets in the vehicle, make sure that you do
not exceed the maximum current draw of
45 A. Otherwise, you will overload the fuses.
The sockets can be used for accessories with a
maximum current draw of 180 W (15 A) each,
e.g. bulbs or chargers for mobile phones.
If you use the sockets for long periods when the
engine is switched off, the battery may dis-
charge.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock.
Socket in the front-passenger footwell
XLift up the cover of the socket.
iThe cigarette lighter socket can be also used
(Ypage 222). This is the case even if the
SmartKey has been removed from the ignition
lock.
Socket in the rear compartment
The socket is located on the center console in
the rear compartment.
XLift up the cover of the socket.
Socket in the cargo compartment
The socket is located in the cargo compartment
on the left-hand side, when viewed in the direc-
tion of travel, next to the rear door.
XLift up the cover of the socket.
115 V socket
GWARNING
The 115 VAC power socket operates on high
voltage. Use the 115 V AC power socket in the
vehicle with the same caution and care that
you would take with power sockets at home.
Keep fluids away from the 115 V AC power
socket. Do not use liquids or sharp tools to
clean the power socket. Keep the cover of the
115 V AC power socket closed when not in
use. Otherwise, you could suffer an electric
shock and beseriously or even fat allyinjured.
Features223
Stowage and features
Z
The mbrace system is available if:
Rit has been activated and is operational. Acti-vation requires an available mobile phone net-
work, a valid SIM card and a subscription to a
security service.
Rthe battery is sufficiently charged.
Rthe corresponding mobile phone network is
available for transmitting data to the Cus-
tomer Center.
iDetermining the location of the vehicle on a
map is only possible if there is sufficient GPS
reception and the vehicle position can be for-
warded to the Customer Center.
The mbrace system
To adjust the volume during an mbrace call, pro-
ceed as follows:
XPress the WorX button on the multi-
function steering wheel.
or
XUse the COMAND volume control.
The mbrace system provides three different
services:
RAutomatic and manual emergency call
RRoadside Assistance call
RMB Info call
USA only: you can find more information and a
description of all available features under "Own-
ers Online" at http://www.mbusa.com.
System self-test
GWARNING
A malfunction in the system has been detec-
ted if one of the following conditions occurs:
Rthe indicator lamp in the SOS button does
not light up during the system self-diagno-
sis.
Rthe indicator lamp in the ºRoadside
Assistance button does not light up during
the system self-diagnosis.
Rthe indicator lamp in the Einformation
button does not light up during the system
self-diagnosis.
Rthe indicator lamp in the SOS button, º
Roadside Assistance button or Einfor-
mation button continues to be lit red after
the system self-diagnosis.
RtheTeleAidinoperativeorTeleAid
not activatedmessage appears on the
multifunction display after the system self-
diagnosis.
If a malfunction is indicated as outlined above,
the system may not operate as expected. In
the event of an emergency, assistance must
be summoned by other means.
Have the system checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or contact
the following service hotlines:
RUSA: Response Center at
1-888-990-9007
RCanada: Customer Service at
1-888-923-8367
After you have switched on the ignition, the sys- tem carries out a self-diagnosis.
Emergency call
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the indicator lamp in the SOS button is
flashing continuously and there was no voice
connection to the Response Center estab-
lished, then the mbrace system could not ini- tiate an emergency call (e.g. the relevant cel-
lular phone network is not available).
The message Call Failed
appears in the
multifunction display for approximately
10 seconds.
Should this occur, assistance must be sum-
moned by other means.
!You must have a license agreement to acti-
vate the mbrace service. Ensure that your
system is activated and ready for use, and
press the EMB Info call button to register.
If one of these steps is not carried out, it may
not be possible to activate the system.
Features225
Stowage and features
Z