2017 MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS brakes

Due to the nature of the system, particularly
complicated but non-critical driving conditions
may also cause the system to display a warning.
Autonomous braking function If the driver does not react to the distance warn-
ing signal in a critical situation, COLLISION PRE-
VENTION ASSIST PLUS can assist with the
autonomous braking function.
The autonomous braking function is available in
the following speed ranges: R
from 4 mph (7 km/h) to approx. 65 mph
(105 km/h) for moving objects R
from 4 mph (7 km/h) to approx. 31 mph
(50 km/h) for stationary objects
Due to the nature of the system, particularly
complicated but non-critical driving conditions
may also cause the Autonomous Braking Func-
tion to intervene.
If the autonomous braking function requires a
particularly high braking force, preventative
passenger protection measures (PRE-SAFE ®
)
are activated simultaneously ( Y
page 57).
Adaptive Brake Assist
General information
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y
page 66).
With the help of adaptive Brake Assist, the dis-
tance warning signal can detect obstacles that
are in the path of your vehicle for an extended
period of time.
If adaptive Brake Assist detects a risk of colli-
sion with the vehicle in front, it calculates the
braking force necessary to avoid a collision. If
you apply the brakes forcefully, adaptive Brake
Assist will automatically increase the braking
force to a level suitable for the traffic conditions.
Adaptive Brake Assist provides braking assis-
tance in hazardous situations at speeds above
4 mph (7 km/h). It uses radar sensor technology
to assess the traffic situation.
Up to a speed of approximately 155 mph
(250 km/h), Adaptive Brake Assist is capable of
reacting to moving objects that have already
been detected as such at least once over the
period of observation.
Up to a speed of approximately 44 mph
(70 km/h), Adaptive Brake Assist reacts to sta-
tionary obstacles. If adaptive Brake Assist demands particularly
high braking force, preventative passenger pro-
tection measures (PRE-SAFE ®
) are activated
simultaneou sly ( Y
page 57). X
Keep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will work normally again if: R
you release the brake pedal. R
there is no longer any danger of a collision. R
no obstacle is detected in front of your vehi-
cle.
Adaptive Brake Assist is then deactivated.
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Adaptive Brake Assist cannot always clearly
identify objects and complex traffic situa-
tions.
In such cases, Adaptive Brake Assist can: R
intervene unnecessarily R
not intervene
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit-
uation and be ready to brake. Terminate the
intervention in a non-critical driving situation.
G WARNING
Adaptive Brake Assist does not react: R
to people or animals R
to oncoming vehicles R
to crossing traffic R
when cornering
As a result, the Adaptive Brake Assist may not
intervene in all critical conditions. There is a
risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit-
uation and be ready to brake.
Due to the nature of the system, particularly
complicated but non-critical driving conditions
may also cause Brake Assist to intervene.
If adaptive Brake Assist is not available due to a
malfunction in the radar sensor system, the
brake system remains available with full brake
boosting effect and BAS.70
Driving safet y system s
Sa fety

ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
General notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y
page 66).
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 vehi-
cle 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/4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y
page 66).
ETS traction control is part of ESP ®
. On vehicles
with 4MATIC, 4ETS is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels indi-
vidually 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 transfer-
red to the wheel or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further driv-
ing safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
If the

Important safety notes
G WARNIN G
PRE-SAF E ®
Brake will initially brak e your vehi-
cle by a partial application of th e brakes if a
danger of collision is detected. Ther e may be
a collision unless you brak e yourself . Even
after subsequen t full application of th e brakes
a collision canno t always be avoided, partic-
ularly when approachin g at to o high a speed.
Ther e is a ris k of an accident.
Always apply th e brakes yourself and tr y to
tak e evasive action , provide d it is saf e to do
so.
In th e event of a partial application of th e brakes,
th e vehicl e is braked wit h up to 50 % of th e full
braking pressure.
G WARNIN G
PRE-SAF E ®
Brake canno t always clearly iden -
tify objects and comple x traffic conditions.
In these cases, PRE-SAF E ®
Brake may:R
giv e an unnecessary warning and then
brak e th e vehicl eR
no t giv e a warning or interven e
Ther e is a ris k of an accident.
Always pay particular attention to th e traffic
situation and be read y to brake, especially if
PRE-SAF E ®
Brake warn s you. Terminate th e
intervention in a non-critical driving situation .
G WARNIN G
PRE-SAF E ®
Brake canno t always clearly iden -
tify people, especially if they are moving . In
these cases, PRE-SAF E ®
Brake canno t inter-
vene. Ther e is a ris k of an accident.
Always pay particular attention to th e traffic
situation and be read y to brake, especially if
PRE-SAF E ®
Brake warn s you.
In order to maintai n th e appropriat e distanc e to
th e vehicl e in fron t and thus preven t a collision ,
you must apply th e brakes yourself . G WARNIN G
PRE-SAF E ®
Brake does no t react:R
to small people, e.g. children R
to animals R
to oncomin g vehicles R
to crossing traffic R
when cornering
As a result , PRE-SAF E ®
Brake may neither
giv e warning s no r interven e in all critical sit -
uations. Ther e is a ris k of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to th e traffic sit -
uation and be read y to brake.
In th e event of snowfall or heav y rain , th e rec -
ognition can be impaired.
Recognition by th e radar sensor system is also
impaire d if: R
there is dirt on th e sensor s or anythin g else
covering th e sensor sR
there is interferenc e by other radar source sR
there are stron g radar reflections, for exam-
ple in parking garages R
a narrow vehicl e is traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike R
a vehicl e is traveling in fron t on a differen t lin e
relative to th e center of your vehicl e
Recognition by th e camera system is also
impaire d in th e event of: R
dirt on th e camera or if th e camera is coveredR
glar e on th e camera system, e.g. from th e sun
bein g low in th e sk yR
darkness R
or if: -
pedestrian s mov e quickly, e.g. int o th e pat h
of th e vehicl e -
th e camera system no longer recognizes a
pedestri an as a p erson due to special cloth -
ing or other objects -
a pedestrian is concealed by other objects -
th e typical outlin e of a person is no t distin-
guishable from th e backgroun d
Followin g damag e to th e fron t en d of th e vehicle,
hav e th e configuration and operation of th e
radar sensor s checke d at a qualified specialist
workshop. This also applie s to collision s at slow
speeds wher e there is no visible damag e to th e
fron t of th e vehicle.74
Driving safety systems
Safety

D Neutral
Do not shift the transmission to N
while driving. Otherwise, the auto-
matic transmission could be dam-
aged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you to
move the vehicle freely, e.g. to push
it or tow it.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty: shift
the transmission to position N if the
vehicle is in danger of skidding, e.g.
on icy roads.
! Rolling in neutral N can damage
the drive train.
: Drive
The automatic transmission changes
gear automatically. All forward gears
are available.
Driving tips
Changing gear The automatic transmission shifts to the indi-
vidual gears automatically when it is in trans-
mission position D . This automatic gear shifting
behavior is determined by: R
the selected drive program R
the position of the accelerator pedal R
the road speed
Accelerator pedal position Your style of driving influences how the auto-
matic transmission shifts gear: R
little throttle: early upshifts R
more throttle: late upshifts Kickdown Use kickdown for maximum acceleration. X
Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a lower
gear depending on the engine speed. X
Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts back up.
Rocking the vehicle free Rocking the vehicle free by shifting back and
forth between transmission positions D and R
can help to free a vehicle that has become stuck
in mud or snow. The vehicle's engine manage-
ment restricts switching between transmission
positions D and R to speeds up to a maximum of
5 mph (9 km/h). To shift back and forth between
transmission positions D and R , move the
DIRECT SELECT lever up and down past the
point of resistance.
Program selector button
X
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): press program selector button C to
change the drive program.
The selected drive program appears in the
multifunction display.Automatic transmission 155
Driving an d parking Z

The ECO display consists of three bars: R
Accel. R
Constant R
Coasting
The percent value is the average value of the
three bars. The three bars and the mean value
begin at the value of 50%. A higher percentage
indicates a more economical driving style.
The ECO display does not indicate the actual fuel
consumption. A fixed percentage count in the
ECO display does not indicate a fixed consump-
tion.
Apart from driving style, consumption is
dependent on many factors such as, e.g.: R
Load R
Tire pressure R
Cold start R
Choice of route R
Active electrical consumers
These factors are not included in the ECO dis-
play.
The evaluation of your driving style is carried out
using the following three categories: R
Accel. (evaluation of all acceleration pro-
cesses) -
The bar fills up: moderate acceleration,
especially at higher speeds -
The bar empties: sporty acceleration R
Constant (assessment of driving behavior at
all times) -
The bar fills up: constant speed and avoid-
ance of unnecessary acceleration and
deceleration -
The bar empties: fluctuations in speed R
Coasting (assessment of all deceleration
processes) -
The bar fills up: anticipatory driving, keep-
ing your distance and early release of the
accelerator. The vehicle can coast without
use of the brakes. -
The bar empties: frequent braking
An economical driving style specially requires
driving at moderate engine speeds.
To achieve a higher value in the categories
Accel. and Constant :R
observe the gearshift recommendations. R
drive in drive program E .
On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g. on the
highway, only the bar for Constant
will change. The ECO display summarizes the driving char-
acteristics from the start of the journey to its
completion. For this reason, the bars change
dynamically at the beginning of the journey. On
longer journeys, there are fewer changes. For
more dynamic changes, carry out a manual
reset.
Show the ECO display ( Y
page 214).
Braking
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
! On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting to a
lower gear in good time. This allows you to
take advantage of the engine's braking effect.
This helps you to avoid overheating the
brakes and wearing them out excessively.
When you take advantage of engine braking, a
drive wheel may not turn for some time, e.g.
on a slippery road surface. This could cause
damage to the drive train. This type of damage
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz war-
ranty.
Heavy and light loads
G WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.166
Driving tips
Driving and parking

! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately. Drive
on for a short while. This allows the airflow to
cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed reac-
tion from the brakes when braking for the first
time. This may also occur after the vehicle has
been washed or driven through deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle
washed, brake firmly while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. This will warm up the
brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly
and protecting them against corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt resi-
due may form on the brake discs and brake
pads. This can result in a significantly longer
braking distance. R
In order to prevent any salt build-up, apply the
brakes occasionally while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. R
Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey. R
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
! The brake fluid level may be too low, if: R
if the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and R
you hear a warning tone while the engine is
running
Observe additional warning messages in the
multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines. Have the brake system checked immediately.
Consult a qualified specialist workshop to
arrange this.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or per-
formance tests may only be carried out on a 2-
axle dynamometer. If you wish to operate the
vehicle on such a dynamometer, please con-
sult a qualified specialist workshop in
advance. You could otherwise damage the
drive train or the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: the ESP ®
system
operates automatically. The engine and the
ignition must therefore be switched off (the
SmartKey must be in position 0 or 1 in the
ignition lock or the Start/Stop button must be
in position 0 or 1 ) if the electric parking brake
is tested on a brake dynamometer.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may
cause severe damage to the brake system.
! Vehicles without 4MATIC: the ESP ®
sys-
tem operates automatically. The engine and
the ignition must therefore be switched off
(the SmartKey must be in position 0 or 1 in the
ignition lock or the Start/Stop button must be
in position 0 or 1 ) if: R
the electric parking brake is tested using a
brake dynamometer. R
the vehicle is towed with one axle raised.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may
cause severe damage to the brake system.
All checks and maintenance work on the brake
system must be carried out at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the functional-
ity of your brakes at regular intervals.
Information on BAS (Brake Assist) ( Y
page 66)
and BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS) ( Y
page 67).
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends only installing the following brake disks
and brake pads/linings: R
brake disks that have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz R
brake pads/linings that have been approved
by Mercedes-Benz or that are of an equiva lent
standard of quality
Other brake disks or brake pads/linings can
compromise the safety of your vehicle. Driving tips 167
Driving and parking Z

Always replace all brake disks and brake pads/
linings on an axle at the same time. Always
install new brake pads/linings when replacing
brake disks.
The vehicle is equipped with lightweight brake
disks to which the wheel assembly with rim and
threaded connection is matched.
The use of brake disks other than those
approved by Mercedes-Benz can change the
track width and is subject to approval, if appli-
cable.
Shock-type loads when handling the brake
discs, such as when changing wheels, can lead
to a reduction in comfort when driving with light-
weight brake discs. Avoid shock-type loads on
the lightweight brake disks, particularly on the
brake plate.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use
brake fluid that has been specially approved for
your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or which corre-
sponds to an equivalent quality standard. Brake
fluid which has not been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which is not of an
equivalent quality could affect your vehicle's
operating safety.
AMG high-performance and ceramic
brakes The high-performance brake system is only
available on Mercedes-AMG vehicles.
The AMG brake systems are designed for heavy
loads. This may lead to noise when braking. This
will depend on: R
Speed R
Braking force R
Environmental conditions, such as tempera-
ture and humidity
The wear of individual components of the brake
system, such as the brake pads/linings or brake
discs, depends on the individual driving style
and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a mile-
age that will be valid under all circumstances. An
aggressive driving style will lead to high wear.
You can obtain more information on this from a
qualified specialist workshop.
New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after several
hundred kilometers of driving. Compensate for
this by applying greater force to the brake pedal.
Keep this in mind, and adapt your driving and
braking accordingly during this break-in period. Excessive heavy braking results in correspond-
ingly high brake wear. Observe the brake wear
warning lamp in the instrument cluster and note
any brake status messages in the multifunction
display. Especially for high performa nce d riving,
i
t is important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning If water has accumulated to a certain depth on
the road surface, there is a danger of hydro-
planing occurring, even if: R
you drive at low speeds R
the tires have adequate tread depth
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or in
conditions in which hydroplaning may occur,
you must drive in the following manner: R
lower your speed R
avoid ruts R
avoid sudden steering movements R
brake carefully
Driving on flooded roads
! Do not drive through flooded areas. Check
the depth of any water before driving through
it. Drive slowly through standing water. Oth-
erwise, water may enter the vehicle interior or
the engine compartment. This can damage
the electronic components in the engine or
the automatic transmission. Water can also
be drawn in by the engine's air suction nozzles
and this can cause engine damage.
Winter driving
G WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.168
Driving tips
Driving an d parking

G DANGER
If th e exhaust pipe is blocke d or adequate
ventilation is no t possible, poisonous gase s
suc h as carbon monoxide (CO) may ente r th e
vehicle. This is th e case, e.g. if th e vehicl e
become s trapped in snow. There is a ris k of
fatal injury.
If you leav e th e engin e or th e auxiliary heating
running, mak e sur e th e exhaust pipe and area
around th e vehicl e are clear of snow. To
ensur e an adequate supply of fresh air, open a
window on th e side of th e vehicl e that is no t
facing int o th e wind.
Hav e your vehicl e winter-proofe d at a qualified
specialist workshop at th e onset of winter.
Drive particularly carefully on slipper y roa d sur -
faces. Avoid sudden acceleration , steering and
braking maneuvers . Do no t use th e cruise con-
trol or DISTRONI C PLUS.
If th e vehicl e threaten s to skid or canno t be
stoppe d when moving at low speed:X
Shift th e transmission to position N .
The outside temperature indicator is no t
designed to serve as an ice-warning device and
is therefor e unsuitable for that purpose .
Changes in th e outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay.
Indicate d temperatures jus t abov e th e freezing
poin t do no t guarantee that th e roa d surfac e is
free of ice . The roa d may s till be icy, especially in
w ooded area s or on bridges .
You should pay special attention to roa d condi-
tion s when temperatures are around freezing
point.
Fo r mor e information on drivin g wit h snow
chains, see ( Y
page 345).
Fo r mor e information on drivin g wit h summer
tires , see ( Y
page 345).
Observ e th e note s in th e "Winte r operation " sec -
tion ( Y
page 345).
Driving systems
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive
Mercedes-Ben z Intelligent Drive stand s for inno-
vative driver assistanc e and safet y systems
whic h enhance comfort and support th e driver in critical situations. Wit h these intelligen t co-ordi -
nated systems Mercedes-Ben z has set a mile -
ston e on th e pat h toward s autonomous driving.
Mercedes-Ben z Intelligent Drive embraces all
elements of active and passive safet y in on e well
though t out system – for th e safet y of th e vehi-
cle occupant s and that of other roa d users.
Further information on drivin g safet y systems
( Y
page 65).
Cruise cont rol
Gene ra l notesCruis e control maintains a constan t roa d speed
for you. It brakes automatically in order to avoid
exceedin g th e set speed. Change int o a lower
gear in goo d time on lon g and steep downhill
gradients . This is especially important if th e
vehicl e is laden . By doin g so, you will mak e use
of th e braking effec t of th e engine. This relieves
th e load on th e brak e system and prevents th e
brakes from overheating and wearing to o
quickly.
You can use cruise control if you wan t to drive at
a steady speed for a prolonged period of time.
You can store any roa d speed abov e 20 mph
(30 km/h).
Import ant safety notesIf you fail to adapt your drivin g style, cruise con-
trol can neither reduce th e ris k of an acciden t
no r override th e laws of physics . Cruis e control
canno t tak e int o accoun t th e road, traffic and
weather conditions. Cruis e control is only an
aid. You are responsibl e for maintainin g a saf e
distanc e to th e vehicl e in front, for vehicl e
speed, for braking in goo d time and for stayin g in
lane.
Do no t use cruise control :R
in roa d and traffic condition s whic h do no t
allow you to maintai n a constan t speed, e.g. in
heav y traffic or on windin g roadsR
on slipper y roa d surfaces. Braking or accel-
erating could caus e th e drive wheels to lose
traction and th e vehicl e could then skidR
when there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog ,
heav y rain or snow
If there is a chang e of drivers, advise th e ne w
driver of th e speed stored.Driving systems 169
Driving and parking Z