Rthe deformation characteristics of the
vehicle
Rthe characteristics of the object with
which the vehicle has collided
Factors which can only be seen and measured
after a collision has occurred do not play a
decisive role in the deployment of an air bag.
Nor do they provide an indication of air bag
deployment.
The vehicle can be deformed considerably,
without an air bag being deployed. This is the
case if only parts which are relatively easily deformed are affected and the rate of decel-
eration is not high. Conversely, air bags may
be deployed even though the vehicle suffers
only minor deformation. This is the case if,
for example, very rigid vehicle parts such as longitudinal body members are hit, and suf-
ficient deceleration occurs as a result.
If the control unit of the restraint system
detects a side impact or a vehicle rollover,
the relevant components of the restraint sys-
tem are activated separately depending on
the anticipated type of accident.
RThorax/pelvis air bag on the side of
impact, independently of the Emergency
Tensioning Device and the use of the seat
belt
The thorax/pelvis air bag on the front-
passenger side deploys under the following
conditions:
-the OCS system detects that the front-
passenger seat is occupied or
-the belt tongue is engaged in the belt
buckle of the front-passenger seat
RWindow curtain air bag on the side of
impact, independently of the use of the seat
belt and independently of whether the
front-passenger seat is occupied
RWindow curtain air bags on the driver's andfront-passenger side in certain situations
when the vehicle rolls over, if the system
determines that deployment can offer
additional protection to that provided by
the seat belt
REmergency Tensioning Devices, if the sys-
tem determines that deployment can offer
additional protection in this situation
iNot all air bags are deployed in an acci-
dent. The differ ent air bag systems work
independently of each other. How the air bag system works is determined
by the severity of the accident detected,
especially the vehicle deceleration or
acceleration and the apparent type of acci-
dent:
RFrontal collision
RSide impact
RRollover
Children in the vehicle
Important safety notes
If a child younger than 12 years and under 5 ft
(1.50 m) in height is traveling in the vehicle:
Ralways secure the child in a child restraint
system suitable for Mercedes-Benz vehi-
cles. The child restraint system must be
appropriate to the age, weight and size of
the child
Rbe sure to observe the instructions and
safety notes in this section in addition to
the child restraint system manufacturer's
installation instructions
Rbe sure to observe the instructions and
safety notes in "Occupant classification
system (OCS)" (
Ypage 36)
GWARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, they could set it in motion by, for example:
Rrelease the parking brake.
Rshift the automatic transmission out of
park position Por shift manual trans-
mission into neutral.
Rstart the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle
equipment and become trapped. There is a
risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle.
Never leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle.
GWARNING
If persons, particularly children are sub-
jected to prolonged exposure to extreme
42Children in the vehicle
>> Safety.
heat or cold, there is a risk of injury, pos-
sibly even fatal. Never leave children
unattended in the vehicle.
GWARNING
If the child restraint system is subjected to
direct sunlight, parts may get very hot.
Children may burn themselves on these
parts, particularly on the metal parts of the
child restraint system. There is a risk of
injury.
If you leave the vehicle, taking the child
with you, always ensure that the child
restraint system is not exposed to direct
sunlight. Protect it with a blanket, for
example. If the child restraint system has
been exposed to direct sunlight, let it cool
down before securing the child in it. Never
leave children unattended in the vehicle.
Always ensure that all vehicle occupants have
their seat belts fastened correctly and are
sitting properly. Particular attention must
be paid to children.
Read and follow the safety notes on the seat
belt (
Ypage 31) and the notes on correct use of
the seat belts (Ypage 32).
A booster seat may be necessary to achieve
proper seat belt positioning for children
over 41 lbs (18 kg) until they reach a height
where a lap/shoulder belt fits properly with-
out a booster seat.
Special seat belt retractor
GWARNING
If the seat belt is released while driving,
the child restraint system will no longer be
secured properly. The special seat belt
retractor is disabled and the inertia real
draws in a portion of the seat belt. The seat belt cannot be immediately refastened.
There is an increased risk of injury, pos-
sibly even fatal.
Stop the vehicle immediately, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
Reactivate the special seat belt retractor
and secure the child restraint system prop-erly.
The seat belt on the front-passenger side is
equipped with a special seat belt retractor.
When activated, the special seat belt retrac-
tor ensures that the seat belt will not slacken once the child restraint system has been
secured.
Installing a child restraint system:
XAlways comply with the child restraint sys-
tem manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions.
XPull the seat belt smoothly from the belt
loop.
XEngage the seat belt tongue in the belt
buckle.
Activating the special seat belt retractor:
XPull the seat belt out fully and let the seat
belt retractor retract it again.
While the seat belt is retracting, you
should hear a ratcheting sound. The special seat belt retractor is activated.
XPress the child restraint system down so
that the seat belt fits tightly and does not
slacken.
Removing a child restraint system and deac-
tivating the special seat belt retractor:
XAlways comply with the child restraint sys-
tem manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions.
XPress the seat belt buckle release button,
hold the belt tongue firmly and guide it
back towards the belt outlet.
The special seat belt retractor is deacti-
vated.
Child restraint system
The use of seat belts and child restraint sys- tems is required by law in:
Rall 50 states
Rthe U.S. territories
Rthe District of Columbia
Rall Canadian provinces
You can obtain further information about the correct child restraint system from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Children in the vehicle43
>> Safety.
Z
GWARNING
If the child restraint system is installed
incorrectly on a suitable seat, it cannot
protect as intended. The child cannot then
be restrained in the event of an accident,
heavy braking or sudden changes of direc-
tion. There is an increased risk of injury,
possibly even fatal.
Make sure that you observe the child
restraint system manufacturer's installa-
tion instructions and the notes on use.
Please ensure, that the base of the child
restraint system is always resting com-
pletely on the seat cushion. Never place
objects, e.g. cushions, under or behind the
child restraint system. Only use child
restraint systems with the original cover
designed for them. Only replace damaged
covers with genuine covers.
GWARNING
If the child restraint system is installed
incorrectly or is not secured, it can come
loose in the event of an accident, heavy
braking or a sudden change in direction.
The child restraint system could be thrown
about, striking vehicle occupants. There is an increased risk of injury, possibly even
fatal.
Always install child restraint systems
properly, even if they are not being used.
Make sure that you observe the child
restraint system manufacturer's installa-
tion instructions.
You will find further information on stowing
objects, luggage or loads under "Loading
guidelines" (
Ypage 142).
GWARNING
Child restraint systems or their securing
systems which have been damaged or sub-
jected to a load in an accident can no longer protect as intended. The child cannot then
be restrained in the event of an accident,
heavy braking or sudden changes of direc-
tion. There is an increased risk of injury,
possibly even fatal.
Replace child restraint systems which have
been damaged or subjected to a load in an
accident as soon as possible. Have the
securing systems on the child restraint
system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop, before you install a child
restraint system again.
Securing systems for child restraint systems
include:
Rthe seat belt system
Rthe Top Tether anchorages
iIf you install a child restraint system on
the front-passenger seat, make sure that
the backrest is securely engaged
(
Ypage 63).
iIf a child is carried on the front-
passenger seat, be sure to observe the
information on "Child restraint systems on
the front-passenger seat" (
Ypage 45).
There you will also find information on
disabling the front-passenger front air-
bag.
All child restraint systems must meet the fol-
lowing standards:
RU.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stand-
ards 213 and 225
RCanadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
213 and 210.2
Confirmation that the child restraint system
corresponds to the standards can be found on
an instruction label on the child restraint
system. This confirmation can also be found
in the installation instructions that are
included with the child restraint system.
Observe the warning labels in the vehicle
interior and on the child restraint system.
Top Tether
Introduction
Top Tether provides an additional connec-
tion between the child restraint system and
the vehicle. This helps reduce the risk of
injury even further. If the child restraint
44Children in the vehicle
>> Safety.
Pets in the vehicle
GWARNING
If you leave animals unattended or unse-
cured in the vehicle, they could press but-
tons or switches, for example.
As a result, they could:
Ractivate vehicle equipment and become
trapped, for example
Ractivate or deactivate systems, thereby
endangering other road users
Unsecured animals could also be flung
around the vehicle in the event of an acci- dent or sudden steering or braking, thereby
injuring vehicle occupants. There is a risk
of an accident and injury.
Never leave animals unattended in the
vehicle. Always secure animals properly
during the journey, e.g. use a suitable ani-
mal transport box.
Protection against theft
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct Smart Key.
XTo activate: remove the Smart Key from the
ignition lock.
XTo deactivate: switch on the ignition.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
Smart Key with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
Smart Key that is left inside the vehicle.
iThe immobilizer is always deactivated
when you start the engine.
In the event that the engine cannot be star-
ted when the starter battery is fully
charged, the immobilizer may be faulty.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter or call 1-800-367-6372 (in USA) or
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
Anti-theft alarm system
Switching on
XMake sure that:
Rthe side windows are closed.
Rno objects, such as mascots, are hanging
from the rear-view mirror or grab han-
dles.
This will prevent false alarms.
XMake sure that:
Rthe doors are closed.
Rthe tailgate is closed
Rthe service cover is closed.
XPress the 0037button on the key.
The alarm system is primed after approx-
imately 30 seconds.
iIf the service cover is open or is not
properly closed, the vehicle will be
locked. The anti-theft alarm system is
primed. To remind you that the service
cover is not secured, a warning tone sounds
for 30 seconds. Ensure that the service
cover is properly closed. Only then is the
anti-theft alarm system correctly primed
and the service cover properly secured.
Switching off
XPress the 0036button on the key.
or
XUnlock the vehicle by using the key in the
emergency lock.
and
Switch on the ignition.
Examples for triggering the alarm
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is armed and you open:
Rthe vehicle by using the key in the emer-
gency lock
Ra door
Rthe tailgate
Rthe service cover
46Protection against theft
>> Safety.
Switching off the alarm
XTo switch off the alarm:press the0036
button on the key.
The alarm is switched off.
or
XSwitch on the ignition.
The alarm is switched off.
The alarm is not switched off, even if you
close the open door that triggered it, for
example.
Driving safety systems
Overview of driving safety systems
In this section, you will find information
about the following driving safety systems:
RABS (Anti-lock BrakingSystem)
(Ypage 47)
RDistance warning function (Ypage 48)
Resp®(Electronic StabilityProgram)
(Ypage 49)
REBD (Electronic Brake forceDistribution)
(Ypage 50)
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style or
become distracted, the driving safety sys-
tems can neither reduce the risk of accident
nor override the laws of physics. Driving
safety systems are merely aids designed to
assist driving. You are responsible for the
distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle
speed and for braking in good time. Always
adapt your driving style to suit the prevail-
ing road, weather and traffic conditions and
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in
front. Drive carefully.
The driving safety systems described only
work as effectively as possible when there is
adequate contact between the tires and the
road surface. Please pay special attention to
the notes on tires, recommended minimum
tire tread depths, etc. (
Ypage 177).
In wintry driving conditions, always use win-
ter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary, snow
chains. Only in this way will the driving
safety systems described in this section work
as effectively as possible. For safety reasons, smart recommends that you
only use snow chains that have been specially
approved for your vehicle by smart, or fine-
link snow chains that are of a corresponding
standard of quality. For more information,
please contact a qualified specialist work-
shop.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
General information
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the vehi-
cle when braking.
The 0025 (Canada only) or 00DF(USA only) abs
warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up when the ignition is switched on. It goes
out when the engine is running.
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion for driving safety systems (Ypage 47).
When ABS is malfunctioning, other systems,
including driving safety systems, will also
become inoperative. Observe the information
on the ABS warning lamp (
Ypage 132) and
display messages which may be shown in the
instrument cluster (
Ypage 121).
GWARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking
characteristics may be severely impaired.
Additionally, further driving safety sys-
tems are deactivated. There is an increased
danger of skidding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked imme-
diately at a qualified specialist workshop.
abs works from a speed of about 4 mph (6 km/h),
regardless of road-surface conditions. ABS
works on slippery surfaces, even if you only
brake gently.
Driving safety systems47
>> Safety.
Z
Braking
XIf ABS intervenes:continue to depress the
brake pedal vigorously until the braking
situation is over.
XTo 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 indica-
tion of hazardous road conditions, and func-
tions as a reminder to take extra care while
driving.
Forward collision warning
General information
The distance warning function can help you to
minimize the risk of a collision with a vehi-
cle ahead or reduce the effects of such an
accident. If the distance warning function
detects that there is a risk of a collision, you
will be warned visually and acoustically.
Starting the engine also switches on the dis-
tance warning function.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The distance warning function does not
react:
Rto people or animals
Rto oncoming vehicles
Rto crossing traffic
Rwhen cornering
Thus, the distance warning function cannot
provide a warning in all critical situa-
tions. There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake.
GWARNING
The distance warning function cannot
always clearly identify objects and com-
plex traffic situations.
In such cases, the distance warning func-
tion may:
Rgive an unnecessary warning
Rnot give a warning
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and do not rely solely on the dis-
tance warning function.
Observe the "Important safety notes" section for driving safety systems (
Ypage 47).
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if:
Rthere is dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors.
Rsnow or heavy rain
Rinterference by other radar sources
Rthe possibility of strong radar reflec-
tions, for example in parking garages
Ra narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
Ra vehicle traveling in front on a different
line
Rnew vehicles or after a service on the dis-
tance warning system
Please observe the information in the sec-
tion on running-in the vehicle
(
Ypage 86).
Following damage to the front end of the vehi-
cle, have the configuration and operation of
the radar sensor checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop. This also applies to colli-
sions at low speeds where there is no visible
damage to the front of the vehicle.
Function
48Driving safety systems
>> Safety.
XTo switch off:press button0044.
Indicator lamp 0043lights up.
XTo switch on: press button0044.
Indicator lamp 0043goes out.
Starting at a speed of around 4 mph (7 km/h),
the distance warning function warns you if
you rapidly approach a vehicle in front. An
intermittent warning tone will then sound
and the 00BAdistance warning lamp will
light up in the instrument cluster.
XBrake immediately in order to increase the distance from the vehicle in front.
or
XTake evasive action, provided it is safe to
do so.
Due to the nature of the system, particularly
complicated but non-critical driving condi-
tions may also cause the system to display a
warning.
With the help of the radar sensor system, the
distance warning function can detect obsta-
cles that are in the path of your vehicle for an
extended period of time.
Up to a speed of around 45 mph (70 km/h), the
distance warning function can also react to
stationary obstacles, such as stopped or
parked vehicles.
ESP®(Electronic Stability Program)
General notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Ypage 47).
esp
®monitors driving stability and traction,
i.e. power transmission between the tires and the road surface.
If esp
®detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. The engine output is also modified
to keep the vehicle on the desired course
within physical limits. esp
®assists the
driver when pulling away on wet or slippery
roads. esp
®can also stabilize the vehicle
during braking.
ETS (Electronic Traction System)
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Ypage 47).
ETS traction control is part of esp
®.
ETS brakes the drive wheels individually if
they spin. This enables you to pull away and
accelerate on slippery surfaces, for example if the road surface is slippery on one side. In
addition, more drive torque is transferred to
the wheel with traction.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If ESP
®is malfunctioning, ESP®is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, fur-
ther driving safety systems are deactiva-
ted. This increases the risk of skidding and
an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP
®checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
!If you test the parking brake using a brake
dynamometer, switch the ignition off.
Application of the brakes by ESP
®may oth-
erwise destroy the brake system.
When towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised, observe the notes on esp
®
(Ypage 171).
If the 00E5esp®warning lamp lights up per-
manently, esp®or hill start assist are
unavailable due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(
Ypage 134) and display messages which may
be shown in the instrument cluster
(
Ypage 121).
iOnly use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will esp®function
properly.
Characteristics of ESP®
General information
If the 00E5esp®warning lamp goes out before
the journey begins, esp®is automatically
active.
If esp
®intervenes, the 00E5esp®warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
Driving safety systems49
>> Safety.
Z
If esp®intervenes:
XOnly depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary when pulling away.
XAdapt your driving style to suit the pre-
vailing road and weather conditions.
Crosswind Assist
General information
Strong crosswinds can cause your vehicle to
deviate from a straight course. The crosswind
driving assistance function integrated into
esp
®significantly reduces these effects.
esp®intervenes automatically according to
the direction and intensity of the crosswinds
affecting your vehicle.
esp
®intervenes with stabilizing braking to
assist you in keeping the vehicle in the lane.
crosswind assist is active at vehicle speeds
above 45 mph (70 km/h )when driving straight
ahead or cornering gently.
Important safety notes
crosswind assist does not work if esp®is dis-
abled because of a malfunction.
EBD (electronic brake force distribu-
tion)
General information
EBD monitors and controls the brake pressure
on the rear wheels to improve driving sta-
bility while braking.
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Ypage 47).
GWARNING
If EBD is malfunctioning, the rear wheels
can lock, e.g. under full braking. This
increases the risk of skidding and an acci-
dent.
You should therefore adapt your driving
style to the different handling character-
istics. Have the brake system checked at a
qualified specialist workshop. Observe information regarding indicator
and warning lamps (
Ypage 134) as well as
display messages (Ypage 120).
50Driving safety systems
>> Safety.