2017 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS warning

sive role in the deployment of an air bag. Nor do
they provide an indication of air bag deploy-
ment.
The vehicle can be deformed considerably, with-
out an air bag being deployed. This is the case if
only parts which are relatively easily deformed
are affected and the rate of deceleration is not
high. Conversely, air bags may be deployed even
though the vehicle suffers only minor deforma-
tion. This is the case if, for example, very rigid
vehicle parts such as longitudinal body mem-
bers are hit, and sufficient deceleration occurs
as a result.
If the restraint system control unit detects a side
impact or if the vehicle rolls over, the applicable
components of the restraint system are activa-
ted independently of each other depending on
the apparent type of accident. R
Side impact air bags and pelvis air bag on the
side the impact takes place, independently of
the Emergency Tensioning Device and the use
of the seat belt on the driver's seat and outer
seats in the second row -
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 R
Window 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 R
Emergency Tensioning Devices, if the system
determines that deployment can offer addi-
tional protection in this situation R
Window curtain air bags on the driver's and
front-passenger side in certain situations
when the vehicle rolls over, if the system
determines that deployment can offer addi-
tional protection to that provided by the seat
belt
i Not all air bags are deployed in an accident.
The different air bag systems work independ-
ently of each other.
How the air bag system works is determined
by the severity of the accident detected,
especially the vehicle deceleration or accel-
eration and the apparent type of accident: R
Frontal collision R
Side impact R
Rollover NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-
PRO luxury head restraints
Important safety notes
G WARNING
The function of the head restraint may be
impaired if you: R
attach objects such as coat hangers to the
head restraints, for example R
use head restraint covers
If you do so, the head restraints cannot fulfill
their intended protective function in the event
of an accident. In addition, objects attached
to the head restraints could endanger other
vehicle occupants. There is an increased risk
of injury.
Do not attach any objects to the head
restraints and do not use head restraint cov-
ers.
Method of operation NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO luxury
head restraints offer additional protection
against head and neck injuries. In the event of a
rear collision of a certain severity, the NECK-
PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO luxury head
restraints on the driver's and front-passenger
seats are moved forwards and upwards. This
provides better head support.
If the NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO
luxury head restraints have been triggered in an
accident, reset the NECK-PRO head restraints/
NECK-PRO luxury head restraints on the driver's
seat and the front-passenger seat
( Y
page 56). Otherwise, the additional protec-
tion will not be available in the event of another
rear-end collision. You can see that a NECK-PRO
head restraint/NECK-PRO luxury head restraint
has been triggered if it is tilted forward and can
no longer be adjusted.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have the
functionality of the NECK-PRO head restraints/
NECK-PRO luxury head restraints checked at a
qualified specialist workshop after a rear-end
collision.Occupant safety 55
Safety Z

Aut oma tic measures after an acci-
dent Immediately after an accident, th e followin g
measures are implemented, depending on th e
typ e and severity of th e impact :R
th e hazard warning lamp s are activatedR
th e emergenc y lighting is activatedR
th e vehicl e door s are unlocke dR
th e fron t side windows are loweredR
vehicles wit h a memory function : th e electri-
call y adjustable steering whee l is raisedR
th e engin e is switched off and th e fuel supply
is cut off R
vehicles wit h mbrace : automatic emergenc y
call
Children in the vehicle
Import ant safety notesAcciden t statistics sho w that children secured
in th e rear seat s are safer than children secured
in th e front-passenger seat . Fo r this reason ,
Mercedes-Benz strongly advises that you instal l
a child restrain t system on a rear seat . Children
are generally bette r protected there .
If a child younger than twelve years old and
under 5 ft (1.5 0 m) in height is traveling in the
vehicle: R
always secure the child in a child restraint
system suitable for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
The child restraint system must be appropri-
ate to the age, weight and size of the child R
be sure to observe the instructions and safety
notes in this section in addition to the child
restraint system manufacturer's installation
instructions R
be sure to observe the instructions and safety
notes on the "Occupant classification system
(OCS)" ( Y
page 49)
G WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example: R
release the parking brake. R
shift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P .R
start the engine. In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment 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.
G WARNING
If persons, particularly children are subjected
to prolonged exposure to extreme heat or
cold, there is a risk of injury, possibly even
fatal. Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle.
G WARNING
If the child restraint system is subjected to
direct sunlight, parts may get very hot. Chil-
dren 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. Pro-
tect 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.
Observe the safety notes on the seat belt
( Y
page 43) and the notes on correct use of seat
belts ( Y
page 44).
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
three-point seat belt can be properly fastened
without a booster seat.
Special seat belt retractor
G WARNING
If the seat belt is released while driving, the
child restraint system will no longer be58
Children in the vehicle
Safety

secured properly. The special seat belt retrac-
tor 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, possibly even fatal.
Stop the vehicle immediately, paying atten-
tion to road and traffic conditions. Reactivate
the special seat belt retractor and secure the
child restraint system properly.
All seat belts except the driver's seat belt are
equipped with a special seat belt retractor.
When activated, the special seat belt retractor
ensures that the seat belt will not slacken once
the child restraint system has been secured.
Installing a child restraint system: X
Always comply with the child restraint system
manufacturer's installation instructions. X
Pull the seat belt smoothly from the belt out-
let. X
Engage the seat belt tongue in the belt buckle.
Activating the special seat belt retractor: X
Pull the seat belt out fully and let the inertia
reel retract it again.
While the seat belt is retracting, you should
hear a ratcheting sound. The special seat belt
retractor is activated. X
Push the child seat restraint system down so
that the seat belt is tight and does not loosen.
Removing a child restraint system and deacti-
vating the special seat belt retractor: X
Always comply with the child restraint system
manufacturer's installation instructions. X
Press the release button of the belt buckle,
hold the belt tongue firmly and guide it back
towards the belt outlet.
The special seat belt retractor is deactivated.
Child restraint system
The use of seat belts and child restraint systems
is required by law in: R
all 50 states R
the U.S. territories R
the District of Columbia R
all Canadian provinces You can obtain further information about the
correct child restraint system from any author-
ized Mercedes-Benz Center.
G WARNING
If the child restraint system is installed incor-
rectly 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 direction. There is an
increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Make sure that you observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions and the notes on use. Please ensure,
that the base of the child restraint system is
always resting completely on the seat cush-
ion. 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.
G WARNING
If the child restraint system is installed incor-
rectly 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, strik-
ing vehicle occupants. There is an increased
risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Always install child restraint systems prop-
erly, even if they are not being used. Make
sure that you observe the child restraint sys-
tem manufacturer's installation instructions.
You will find further information on stowing
objects, luggage or loads under "Loading guide-
lines" ( Y
page 242).
G WARNING
Child restraint systems or their securing sys-
tems which have been damaged or subjected
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 direction. There
is an increased risk of injury, possibly even
fatal.Children in the vehicle 59
Safety Z

Replac e child restrain t systems whic h hav e
been damaged or subjecte d to a load in an
acciden t as soo n as possible. Hav e th e secur-
ing systems on th e child restrain t system
checke d at a qualified specialist workshop,
before you instal l a child restrain t system
again .
The securin g systems of child restrain t systems
are: R
th e seat belt systemR
th e LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securin g ringsR
th e Top Tether anchorages
If it is absolutely necessar y to carry a child on
th e front-passenger seat , be sur e to observ e th e
information on th e "Occupant Classification
Syste m (OCS)" ( Y
page 49). There you will also
fin d information on deactivating th e front-
passenger fron t air bag.
All child restrain t systems mus t mee t th e fol -
lowin g standards :R
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicl e Safet y Standards
21 3 and 22 5R
Canadian Motor Vehicl e Safet y Standards
21 3 and 210. 2
Confirmation that th e child restrain t system cor-
responds to th e standards can be foun d on an
instruction label on th e child restrain t system.
This confirmation can also be foun d in th e instal -
lation instruction s that are included wit h th e
child restrain t system.
Observ e th e warning labels in th e vehicl e inte-
rio r and on th e ch ild re strain t s
ystem.
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat secur-
ing system
G WARNIN G
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restrain t systems
do no t offer sufficien t protective effec t for
children whos e weigh t is greate r than 48 lbs
(22 kg ) who are secured usin g th e safet y belt
integrate d in th e child restrain t system. In th e
event of an accident, a child might no t be
restrained correctly. This poses an increased
ris k of injury or eve n fatal injury.
If th e child weigh s mor e than 48 lbs (22 kg),
only use LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restrain t systems wit h whic h th e child is also secured
wit h th e vehicl e seat belt . Als o secure th e
child restrain t system wit h th e Top Tether
belt , if available.
Always comply wit h th e manufacturer' s instal -
lation and operating instruction s for th e child
restrain t system used .
Before every trip, mak e sur e that th e LATCH -
typ e (ISOFIX) child restrain t system is engage d
correctl y in bot h LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securin g
rings
When installin g th e LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child
restrain t system, fol d protective cap s D of
securin g rings C inwards .X
Install th e LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restrain t
system on bot h LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securin g
rings C .
ISOFIX is a standardize d securin g system for
specially designed child restrain t systems on
th e rear seats. LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securin g
rings for two LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restrain t
systems are installed on th e lef t and right of th e
rear seats.
Non-LATCH-typ e (ISOFIX) child seat s may also
be used and can be installed usin g th e vehicle's
seat belt system. Install th e child seat according
to th e manufacturer' s instructions.
Top Tether
Introduction
Top Tether provide s an additional connection
between th e child restrain t system secured wit h
a LATCH-type (ISOFIX) system and th e vehicle.
This help s reduce th e ris k of injury eve n further.
If th e child restrain t system is equipped wit h a
Top Tether belt , this should always be used .60
Children in the vehicle
Safety

Important safety notes
G WARNIN G
If th e rear seat backrest s are no t locked, they
could fol d forwards in th e event of an acci-
dent, heav y braking or sudde n changes of
direction . As a result , child restrain t systems
canno t perfor m their intended protective
function . Rear seat backrest s that are no t
locke d can also caus e additional injuries, e.g.
in th e event of an accident. This poses an
increased ris k of injury or eve n fatal injury.
Always loc k rear seat backrest s after instal -
lin g a Top Tether belt . Observ e th e loc k veri-
fication indicator. Adjus t th e rear seat backr -
est s so that they are in an upright position .
If th e rear seat backrest is no t engage d and
locked, this will be shown in th e multifunction
display in th e instrumen t cluster. A warning tone
also sounds.
Top Tether anchorages
Top Tether anchorage points

You can thus avoid the risks that could arise as
a result of: R
an incorrectly categorized person in the front-
passenger seat R
the unintentional deactivation of the front-
passenger front air bag R
the unsuitable positioning of the child
restraint system, e.g. too close to the dash-
board
Rearward-facing child restraint system If it is absolutely necessary to install a rearward-
facing child restraint system on the front-
passenger seat, always make sure that the
front-passenger front air bag is deactivated.
Only if the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp is permanently lit ( Y
page 42) is the front-
passenger front air bag deactivated.
Always observe the child restraint system man-
ufacturer's installation and operating instruc-
tions.
Forward-facing child restraint system If it is absolutely necessary to install a forward-
facing child restraint system on the front-
passenger seat, always move the front-
passenger seat as far back as possible. The
entire base of the child restraint system must
always rest on the seat cushion of the front-
passenger seat. The backrest of the child
restraint system must lie as flat as possible
against the backrest of the front-passenger
seat. The child restraint system must not touch
the roof or be subjected to a load by the head
restraint. Adjust the angle of the seat backrest
and the head restraint position accordingly.
Always make sure that the shoulder belt strap is
correctly routed from the vehicle belt outlet to
the shoulder belt guide on the child restraint
system. The shoulder belt strap must be routed
forwards and downwards from the vehicle belt
outlet. If necessary, adjust the vehicle belt out-
let and the front-passenger seat accordingly.
Always observe the child restraint system man-
ufacturer's installation and operating instruc-
tions. Child-proof locks
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If children are traveling in the vehicle, they
could: R
open doors, thus endangering other people
or road users R
exit the vehicle and be caught by oncoming
traffic R
operate vehicle equipment and become
trapped
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always activate the child-proof locks and
override feature if children are traveling in the
vehicle. When leaving the vehicle, always take
the key with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unattended in the vehicle.
Override feature for: R
the rear doors ( Y
page 63)R
the rear side windows ( Y
page 63)
G WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example: R
release the parking brake. R
shift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P .R
start the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment 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.
G WARNING
If persons, particularly children are subjected
to prolonged exposure to extreme heat or
cold, there is a risk of injury, possibly even
fatal. Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle.62
Children in the vehicle
Safety

G WARNING
If the child restraint system is subjected to
direct sunlight, parts may get very hot. Chil-
dren 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. Pro-
tect 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.
Child-proof locks for the rear doors
You secure each door individually with the child-
proof locks on the rear doors. A door secured
with a child-proof lock cannot be opened from
inside the vehicle. When the vehicle is unlocked,
the door can be opened from the outside. X
To activate: press the child-proof lock lever
up in the direction of arrow C .X
Make sure that the child-proof locks are work-
ing properly. X
To deactivate: press the child-proof lock
lever down in the direction of arrow D . Override feature for the rear side win-
dows X
To activate/deactivate: press button D .
If indicator lamp C is lit, operation of the rear
side windows is disabled. Operation is only
possible using the switches in the driver's
door. If indicator lamp C is off, operation is
possible using the switches in the rear com-
partment.
Pets in the vehicle
G WARNING
If you leave animals unattended or unsecured
in the vehicle, they could press buttons or
switches, for example.
As a result, they could: R
activate vehicle equipment and become
trapped, for example R
activate or deactivate systems, thereby
endangering other road users
Unsecured animals could also be flung around
the vehicle in the event of an accident or sud-
den steering or braking, thereby injuring vehi-
cle occupants. There is a risk of an accident
and injury.
Never leave animals unattended in the vehi-
cle. Always secure animals properly during
the journey, e.g. use a suitable animal trans-
port box.Pets in the vehicle 63
Safety Z

Drivin g safet y systems
Overview of drivin g safet y systemsIn this section , you will fin d information about
th e followin g drivin g safet y systems :R
AB S ( A n ti-loc k B rakin g S ystem)
( Y
page 64)R
BA S ( B rak e A ssist S ystem) ( Y
page 65)R
BA S PLU S ( B rake A s sis t S ystem PLUS) wit h
Cross-Traffic Assis t ( Y
page 65)R
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLU S
( Y
page 67 )R
ES P ®
( E lectronic S t ability P r ogram)
( Y
page 69)R
EB D ( E lectroni c B rak e forc e D istribution )
( Y
page 72 )R
ADAPTIV E BRAKE ( Y
page 72 )R
PRE-SAF E ®
Brak e ( Y
page 72 )
Important safet y notesIf you fail to adapt your drivin g style or if you are
inattentive , th e drivin g safet y systems can nei-
ther reduce th e ris k of an acciden t no r override
th e laws of physics. Driving safet y systems are
merely aids designed to assist driving. You are
responsible fo r maintainin g th e distanc e to th e
vehicle in front, fo r vehicle speed, fo r braking in
goo d time, and fo r stayin g in lane. Always adapt
your drivin g style to suit th e prevailin g road and
weather condition s and maintain a saf e distanc e
from th e vehicle in front. Drive carefully.
The drivin g safet y systems described only wor k
as effectively as possible when there is ade-
quat e contact between th e tires and th e road
surface. Pay particular attention to th e informa-
tion regardin g tires , recommended minimum
tire tread depths etc. in th e "Wheels and tires "
section ( Y
page 292).
In wintr y drivin g conditions, always use winte r
tires (M+ S tires )a nd if necessary, snow chains.
Only in this way will the driving safety systems
described in this section work as effectively as
possible. 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 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 5 mph
(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 64).
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.
When ABS is malfunctioning, other systems,
including driving safety systems, will also
become inoperative. Observe the information
on the ABS warning lamp ( Y
page 229) and dis-
play messages which may be shown in the
instrument cluster ( Y
page 204).
Braking X
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal vigorously 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, and functions as a
reminder to take extra care while driving.64
Driving safety systems
Safety