
ESP®remains in its previously selected sta-
tus. Example: if ESP®was deactivated before
the engine was switched off, ESP®remains
deactivated when the engine is switched on
again.
Deactivating/activating ESP®
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (
Ypage 67).
You can select between the following states
of ESP
®:
RESP®is activated.
RESP®is deactivated.
GWARNING
If you deactivate ESP
®, ESP®no longer sta-
bilizes the vehicle. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP
®in the situations descri-
bed in the following.
It may be best to deactivate ESP®in the fol-
lowing situations:
Rwhen using snow chains
Rin deep snow
Ron sand or gravel
Activate ESP
®as soon as the situations
described above no longer apply. ESP®will
otherwise not be able to stabilize the vehicle
if the vehicle starts to skid or a wheel starts to
spin.
!Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP®deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain. Deactivating/activating ESP
®
XTo deactivate:
press button:.
The å ESP®OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
XTo activate: press button :.
The å ESP®OFF warning lamp in the
instrument 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 situa-
tions, ESP
®will not stabilize the vehicle.
If you deactivate ESP
®:
RESP®no longer improves driving stability.
REngine torque is no longer limited 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.
RCOLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST is no lon-
ger available; nor is it activated if you brake
firmly with assistance from ESP
®.
RPRE-SAFE®is no longer available, nor is it
activated if you brake firmly and ESP®
intervenes.
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.
74Driving safet ysystem s
Safety

You can prevent the intervention of the PRE-
SAFE®Brake at any time by:
Rdepressing the accelerator pedal further.
Ractivating kickdown.
Rreleasing the brake pedal.
The braking action of PRE-SAFE
®Brake is
ended automatically if:
Ryou maneuver to avoid the obstacle.
Rthere is no longer a risk of collision.
Rthere is no longer an obstacle detected in
front of your vehicle.
STEER CONTROL
General information
STEER CONTROL helps you by transmitting a noticeable steering force to the steering
wheel in the direction required for vehicle
stabilization.
This steering assistance is provided in partic-
ular if:
Rboth right wheels or both left wheels are on
a wet or slippery road surface when you
brake.
Rthe vehicle starts to skid.
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (
Ypage 67).
No steering support is provided from STEER
CONTROL, if:
RESP®is malfunctioning.
Rthe lighting is faulty.
If ESP
®is malfunctioning, you will be assisted
further by the electrical power steering.
Protection against theft
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct SmartKey.
XTo activate with the SmartKey: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
XTo activate with KEYLESS-GO start-
function or KEYLESS-GO: switch the igni-
tion off and open the driver's door.
XTo deactivate: switch on the ignition.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Any-
one can start the engine if a 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 is not operational. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA) or
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
ATA (anti-theft alarm system)
XTo arm: lock the vehicle with the SmartKey
or KEYLESS-GO.
Indicator lamp :flashes. The alarm sys-
tem is armed after approximately
10 seconds.
XTo disarm: unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO.
or
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
78Protection against theft
Safety

SmartKey functions
:&To lock the vehicle
;FTo open/close the tailgate
=%To unlock the vehicle
XTo unlock centrally: press%button.
If you do not open the vehicle within
approximately 40 seconds of unlocking:
Rthe vehicle is locked again.
Rprotection against theft is reactivated.
XTo lock centrally: press the&button.
The SmartKey centrally locks and unlocks the following components:
Rthe doors
Rthe tailgate
Rthe fuel filler flap
The turn signals flash once when unlocking
and three times when locking.
You can also set an audible signal to confirm
that the vehicle has been locked. The audible
signal can be activated and deactivated via
COMAND or Audio 20 (see the separate oper-
ating instructions).
You will receive visual and acoustic locking
confirmation if all components were able to
be locked.
When the locator lighting is activated via
COMAND or Audio 20, it lights up when it is
dark and after the vehicle is unlocked with the
SmartKey (see the separate operating
instructions).
XTo open the tailgate automatically from outside the vehicle: press and hold the
F button until the tailgate opens.
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO or KEYLESS-
GO start function:
XTo close the tailgate automatically from
outside the vehicle: if the SmartKey is
located in the immediate vicinity of the
vehicle, press the Fbutton on the
SmartKey.
When the tailgate closes you can then
release the button.
KEYLESS-GO
General notes
Bear in mind that the engine can be started by
any of the vehicle occupants if there is a
SmartKey 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.
The driver's door and the door at which the
handle is used, must both be closed. The
SmartKey must be outside the vehicle. When
locking or unlocking with KEYLESS-GO, the
distance between the SmartKey and the cor-
responding door handle must not be greater
than 3 ft (1 m).
A brief radio connection between the vehicle
and the SmartKey determines whether a valid
SmartKey is in, or in the direct vicinity of, the
vehicle. This occurs, for example:
Rwhen starting the engine
Rwhilst driving
Rwhen using HANDS-FREE ACCESS
SmartKey83
Opening and closing
Z

Rwhen the external door handles are
touched
Rduring convenience closing
XTo unlock the vehicle:touch the inner
surface of the door handle.
XTo lock the vehicle: touch sensor sur-
face :or;.
Make sure that you do not touch the inner
surface of the door handle.
XConvenience closing feature: touch
recessed sensor surface ;for an exten-
ded period.
Further information on the convenience
closing feature (
Ypage 99).
XTo unlock the tailgate: pull the tailgate
handle.
Deactivating and activating
If you do not intend to use a SmartKey for an
extended 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
flashes twice briefly and lights up once, then KEYLESS-GO is deactivated
(
Ypage 86).
XTo activate:
press any button on the
SmartKey.
or
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
KEYLESS-GO and all of its associated fea-
tures are available again.
KEYLESS-GO start function
Bear in mind that the engine can be started by
any of the vehicle occupants if there is a
SmartKey in the vehicle.
Changing the settings of the locking
system
You can change the settings of the locking
system. This means that only the driver's door
and the fuel filler flap are unlocked when the
vehicle is unlocked. This is useful if you fre-
quently travel on your own.
XTo change the setting: press and hold the
% and& buttons simultaneously for
approximately six seconds until the battery
indicator lamp flashes twice (
Ypage 86).
If the setting of the locking system is changed
within the signal range of the vehicle, press-
ing the &or% button:
Rlocks or
Runlocks the vehicle
The SmartKey now functions as follows:
XTo unlock: press the%button once.
XTo unlock centrally: press the%but-
ton twice.
XTo lock: press the &button.
84SmartKey
Opening and closing

and regard for the environment. National
guidelines must be observed during disposal.
In California, seewww.dtsc.ca.gov/
HazardousWaste/Perchlorate/
index.cfm.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have
the batteries replaced at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Checking the battery
XPress the &or% button.
The battery is working properly if battery
check lamp :lights up briefly.
The battery is discharged if battery check
lamp :does not light up briefly.
XChange the battery (Ypage 86).
If the SmartKey battery is checked within the
signal reception range of the vehicle, pressing
the & or% button:
Rlocks or
Runlocks the vehicle
iYou can get a battery at any qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Replacing the battery
You require a CR 2025 3 V cell battery.
XTake the mechanical key out of the Smart-
Key (
Ypage 85).
XPress mechanical key ;into the SmartKey
opening in the direction of the arrow until
battery compartment cover :opens. Do
not hold battery compartment cover :
closed while doing so.
XRemove battery compartment cover :.
XRepeatedly tap the SmartKey against your
palm until battery=falls out.
XInsert the new battery with the positive ter-
minal facing upwards. Use a lint-free cloth
to do so.
XMake sure that the surface of the battery is
free of lint, grease and other contaminants.
XInsert the front tabs of battery compart-
ment cover :into the housing first and
then press to close it.
XInsert mechanical key ;into the Smart-
Key.
XCheck the function of all SmartKey buttons
on the vehicle.
86SmartKey
Opening and closing

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The engine cannot be
started using the
SmartKey.The on-board voltage is too low.
XSwitch off non-essential consumers, e.g. seat heating or interior
lighting, and try to start the engine again.
If this does not work:
XCheck the starter battery and charge it if necessary
(
Ypage 363).
or
XJump-start the vehicle (Ypage 365).
or
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine cannot be
started using the Start/
Stop button. The
SmartKey is in the vehi-
cle.The vehicle is locked.
XUnlock the vehicle and try to start the vehicle again.
The SmartKey battery is discharged or nearly discharged.
XCheck the SmartKey battery (Ypage 86) and replace it if nec-
essary (
Ypage 86).
If this does not work:
XStart your vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock.
There is interference from a powerful source of radio waves.
XStart your vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock.
You have lost a Smart-
Key.XHave the SmartKey deactivated at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
XReport the loss immediately to the vehicle insurers.
XIf necessary, have the locks changed as well.
You have lost the
mechanical key.XReport the loss immediately to the vehicle insurers.
XIf necessary, have the locks changed as well.
88SmartKey
Opening and closing

XMake sure that the doors and the tailgate
are locked.
XCarefully press the protective cap onto the
lock cylinder until it engages and is seated
firmly. Do not pull the door handle when
doing so.
If you lock the vehicle as described above, the
fuel filler flap is not locked. The anti-theft
alarm system is not armed.
Cargo compartment
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the tailgate
is open when the engine is running, particu-
larly if the vehicle is moving, exhaust fumes
could enter the passenger compartment.
There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the tail-
gate. Never drive with the tailgate open.
GWARNING
If objects, luggage or loads are not secured or
not secured sufficiently, they could slip, tip
over or be flung around and thereby hit vehicle
occupants. There is a risk of injury, particu-
larly in the event of sudden braking or a sud-
den change in direction.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping before the
journey.
!The tailgate swings upwards and to the
rear when opened. Therefore, make sure
that there is sufficient clearance above and
behind the tailgate.
The opening dimensions of the tailgate can be
found in the "Vehicle data" section
(
Ypage 415).
You can limit the opening angle of the tailgate
(
Ypage 97). Do not leave the SmartKey in the cargo com-
partment. You could otherwise lock yourself
out.
You should preferably place luggage or loads
in the cargo compartment. Observe the load-
ing guidelines (
Ypage 306).
Tailgate obstruction detection with
reversing feature
Vehicles with remote tailgate closing fea-
ture: the tailgate is equipped with automatic
obstacle recognition with reversing feature. If
a solid object blocks or restricts the tailgate
when automatically opening, this procedure
is stopped. If a solid object blocks or restricts
the tailgate when automatically closing, the
trunk lid automatically opens again slightly.
The automatic obstacle recognition with
reversing feature is only an aid. It is not a
substitute for your attentiveness when open-
ing and closing the tailgate.
GWARNING
The reversing feature does not react:
Rto soft, light and thin objects, e.g. small fin-
gers
Rover the last 1/3 in (8 mm) of the closing
movement
This means that the reversing feature cannot
prevent someone being trapped in these sit-
uations. There is a risk of injury.
Make sure that no body parts are in close
proximity during the closing procedure.
If somebody becomes trapped:
Rpress the Fbutton on the SmartKey, or
Rpull or press the remote operating switch
on the driver's door or
Rpress the closing or locking button on the
tailgate or
Rpull the handle on the tailgate
Vehicles with HANDS-FREE ACCESS: it is
also possible to stop the closing process by
92Cargo compartment
Opening and closing

Opening automatically
You can open the tailgate automatically with
the SmartKey or the handle in the tailgate.
XPress and hold theFbutton on the
SmartKey until the tailgate opens.
or
XIf the tailgate is unlocked, pull the handle
and let it go again immediately.
or
XWith the tailgate stopped in an intermedi-
ate position, pull the tailgate upwards.
You can release the tailgate as soon as the
tailgate starts to open.
Closing automatically
:Closing button
;Locking button
XTo lock: press button :on the tailgate.
or
XPull the tailgate downwards slightly.
You can release the tailgate as soon as the
tailgate starts to close.
When the driver's door is closed, you can
simultaneously close the tailgate and lock the
vehicle. The KEYLESS-GO key must be in the
rear detection range of the vehicle.
XPress locking button ;in the tailgate.
If KEYLESS-GO detects a SmartKey outside
the vehicle, the tailgate closes. The vehicle
is locked.
or Vehicles with EASY-PACK tailgate and
with KEYLESS-GO or KEYLESS-GO start-
function:
XIf the SmartKey is located in the immediate
vicinity of the vehicle: press the
Fbut-
ton on the SmartKey.
You can release the button as soon as the
tailgate starts to close.
If KEYLESS-GO detects a SmartKey in the
cargo compartment, the tailgate is unlocked
again after closing.
If KEYLESS-GO detects a second SmartKey
outside the vehicle, the tailgate remains
locked.
If KEYLESS-GO detects a SmartKey in the
cargo compartment before the closing pro-
cedure starts, the tailgate remains open.
HANDS-FREE ACCESS
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The vehicle's exhaust system may be very hot. You could burn yourself by touching the
exhaust system if you use HANDS-FREE
ACCESS. There is a risk of injury. Always
ensure that you only make the kicking move-
ment within the detection range of sensors.
!If the SmartKey is within the rear detec-
tion range of KEYLESS-GO, the following
situations, for example, could lead to the
unintentional opening of the tailgate:
Rusing a car wash
Rusing a power washer
Make sure that the SmartKey is at least 3 m
away from the vehicle.
General notes
With KEYLESS-GO and HANDS-FREE
ACCESS, you can open or close the tailgate or
stop the procedure without using your hands. This is useful if you have your hands full. To do
94Cargo compartment
Opening and closing