2018 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS ignition

Head restraints
Adjusting ........................................ .9 5
Adjusting (electrically) ..................... 95
Adjusting (rear) ................................ 95
Installing/removing (rear) ................ 96
Luxury .............................................. 95
see NECK-PRO head restraints
see NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
Headlamps
Fogging up .................................... .1 08
see Automatic headlamp mode
Heating
see Climate control
High beam flasher ............................ .1 06
High-beam headlamps
Adaptive Highbeam Assist ............. 107
Display message ............................ 212
Switching on/off ........................... 106
Hill start assist .................................. 126
HOLD function
Activating ....................................... 158
Deactivating ................................... 158
Display message ............................ 216
Function/notes ............................ .1 57
Home address
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual ................................................. .2 36
Hood
Closing .......................................... .2 66
Display message ............................ 224
Important safety notes .................. 265
Opening ......................................... 265
Horn ...................................................... 33
Hydroplaning ..................................... 147
I
Ignition lock
see Key positions
Immobilizer .......................................... 74
Indicator and warning lamps
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
PLUS .............................................. 234
Indicator lamps
see Warning and indicator lamps
Indicators
see Turn signals
Insect protection on the radiator .... 266 Instrument cluster
Overview .......................................... 34
Settings ......................................... 197
Warning and indicator lamps ........... 34
Instrument cluster lighting .............. 198
Interior lighting
Automatic control .......................... 109
Control .......................................... .1 09
Delayed switch-off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 199
Overview ........................................ 108
Reading lamp ................................. 108
Setting the brightness of the
ambient lighting (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 198
Setting the brightness of the dis-
play/switch (on-board computer) .. 198
Setting the color of the ambient
lighting (on-board computer) ......... 198
iPod ®
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual ................................................. .2 36
J Jack
Storage location ............................ 277
Using ............................................. 313
Jump starting (engine) ..................... .2 85
K
Key positions
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 123
SmartKey ....................................... 123
KEYLESS-GO
Activating ......................................... 76
Convenience closing feature ............ 89
Deactivation ..................................... 76
Display message ............................ 225
Locking ............................................ 76
Removing the Start/Stop button ... 124
Start/Stop button .......................... 123
Starting the engine ........................ 125
Unlocking ......................................... 76
Kickdown
Driving tips ................................... .1 33
Manual drive program .................... 13712
Index

Switching seat heating on/off ......... 97
Switching seat ventilation on/off .... 98
Section
Trunk ............................................... 83
Securing cargo .................................. 246
Selector lever
Cleaning ......................................... 275
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 274
Service menu (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 197
Service message
see ASSYST PLUS
Service products
Brake fluid ..................................... 326
Coolant (engine) ............................ 326
Engine oil ....................................... 325
Fuel ................................................ 324
Important safety notes .................. 323
Refrigerant (air-conditioning sys-
tem) ............................................... 327
Washer fluid ................................... 327
Setting the air distribution ............... 118
Setting the airflow ............................ 118
Setting the date/time format
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 236
Setting the language
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 236
Setting the time
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 236
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) ......... 200
On-board computer ....................... 197
SETUP (on-board computer) ............. 201
Side impact air bag ............................. 47
Side marker lamp (display mes-
sage) ................................................... 212
Side windows
Cleaning ......................................... 273
Convenience closing feature ............ 88
Convenience opening feature .......... 88
Important safety information ........... 87
Opening/closing .............................. 87
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 89
Resetting ......................................... 89 Reversing feature ............................. 87
SIRIUS services
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 236
Sliding sunroof
Important safety notes .................... 90
Opening/closing .............................. 91
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 91
Resetting ......................................... 91
SmartKey
Changing the battery ....................... 79
Changing the programmi ng ............. 77
C h ecking the battery ....................... 79
Convenience closing feature ............ 88
Convenience opening feature .......... 88
Display message ............................ 225
Door central locking/unlocking ....... 76
Important safety notes .................... 76
Loss ................................................. 80
Mechanical key ................................ 78
Overview .......................................... 76
Positions (ignition lock) ................. 123
Problem (malfunction) ..................... 80
Starting the engine ........................ 125
SMS
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 236
Snow chains ...................................... 294
Sockets
Center console .............................. 253
General notes ................................ 253
Rear compartment ......................... 254
Sound
Switching on/off ........................... 237
Spare wheel
Stowing .......................................... 319
Special seat belt retractor .................. 58
Specialist workshop ............................ 29
Speed, controlling
see Cruise control
Speedometer
Digital ............................................ 191
In the Instrument cluster ................. 34
Segments ...................................... 188
Selecting the display unit ............... 197
SPORT handling mode
Deactivating/activating
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ................ 7118
Index

Panic alarm X
To arm: press 3 button C for approx-
imately one second.
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is armed. X
To disarm: press 3 button C again.
or X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
or, on vehicles with KEYLESS ‑ GO:X
Press the Start/Stop button.
The SmartKey must be in the vehicle.
Occupant safety
Introduction to the restraint system The restraint system can reduce the risk of vehi-
cle occupants coming into contact with parts of
the vehicle's interior in the event of an accident.
The restraint system can also reduce the forces
to which vehicle occupants are subjected during
an accident.
The restraint system comprises: R
seat belt system R
air bags R
child restraint system R
child seat securing systems
The components of the restraint system work in
conjunction with each other. They can only
deploy their protective function if, at all times, all
vehicle occupants: R
have fastened their seat belts correctly
( Y
page 44) R
have adjusted their seat and head restraint
properly ( Y
page 93). As the driver, you also have to make sure that
the steering wheel is adjusted correctly.
Observe the information relating to the correct
driver's seat position ( Y
page 93).
You also have to make sure that an air bag can
inflate properly if deployed ( Y
page 46).
An air bag supplements a correctly worn seat
belt. As an additional safety device, the air bag
increases the level of protection for vehicle
occupants in the event of an accident. For exam-
ple, if, in the event of an accident, the protection
offered by the seat belt is sufficient, the air bags
are not deployed. When an accident occurs, only
the air bags that increase protection in that par-
ticular accident situation are deployed. How-
ever, seat belts and air bags generally do not
protect against objects penetrating the vehicle
from the outside.
Information on restraint system operation can
be found under "Triggering of the Emergency
Tensioning Devices and air bags" ( Y
page 53).
For information on children traveling with you in
the vehicle and on child restraint systems, see
"Children in the vehicle" ( Y
page 58).
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Modifications to the restraint system may
cause it to no longer work as intended. The
restraint system may then not perform its
intended protective function and may fail in an
accident or trigger unexpectedly, for example.
This poses an increased risk of injury or even
fatal injury.
Never modify parts of the restraint system.
Never tamper with the wiring, the electronic
components or their software.
If it is necessary to modify components of the
restraint system to accommodate a person
with disabilities, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for details. USA only:
for further information contact our Customer
Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1 ‑ 800 ‑ 367 ‑ 6372).
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use
driving aids which have been approved specifi-
cally for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz.Occupant safety 41
Safety Z

Restraint system warning lamp The functions of the restraint system are
checked after the ignition is switched on and at
regular intervals while the engine is running.
Therefore, malfunctions can be detected in
good time.
The u restraint system warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up when the ignition is
switched on. It goes out no later than a few sec-
onds after the vehicle is started. The compo-
nents of the restraint system are in operational
readiness.
A malfunction has occurred if the u restraint
system warning lamp: R
does not light up after the ignition is switched
on R
does not go out after a few seconds with the
engine running R
lights up again while the engine is running
G WARNING
If the restraint system is malfunctioning,
restraint system components may be trig-
gered unintentionally or may not deploy as
intended during an accident. This can affect
for example the Emergency Tensioning
Device or the air bag. This poses an increased
risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Have the restraint system checked and
repaired in a qualified specialist workshop as
soon as possible.
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp C is
part of the Occupant Classification System
(OCS).
The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
informs you about the status of the front-
passenger front air bag.
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp: R
is lit : the front-passenger front air bag is
deactivated. It will then not be deployed in the
event of an accident. R
is not lit : the front-passenger front air bag is
enabled. If, in the event of an accident, all
deployment criteria are met, the front-
passenger front air bag is deployed.
Depending on the person in the front-passenger
seat, the front-passenger front air bag must
either be deactivated or enabled; see the fol-
lowing points. You must make sure of this both
before and during a journey. R
Children in a child restraint system:
whether the front-passenger front air bag is
enabled or deactivated depends on the instal-
led child restraint system, and the age and
size of the child. Therefore, be sure to observe
the notes on the "Occupant Classification
System (OCS)" ( Y
page 49) and on "Chil-
dren in the vehicle" ( Y
page 58). There you
will also find instructions on rearward and
forward-facing child restraint systems on the
front-passenger seat. R
All other persons: depending on the classi-
fication of the person in the front-passe nger
se
at, the front-passenger front air bag is ena-
bled or deactivated ( Y
page 49). Be sure to
observe the notes on "Seat
belts“ ( Y
page 42) and "Air bags"
( Y
page 46). There you can also find infor-
mation on the correct seat position.
Seat belts
Introduction
Seat belts are the most effective means of
restricting the movement of vehicle occupants
in the event of an accident or the vehicle rolling
over. This reduces the risk of vehicle occupants
coming into contact with parts of the vehicle
interior or being ejected from the vehicle. Fur-
thermore, the seat belt helps to keep the vehicle42
Occupant safety
Safety

PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp C
shows you whether the front-passenger front air
bag is deactivated. X
Turn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in the
ignition lock or on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
press the Start/Stop button once or twice.
The system carries out self-diagnostics.
The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
must light up for approximately six seconds.
The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp
then displays the status of the front-passenger
front air bag. If the status of the front-passenger
front air bag changes while the vehicle is in
motion, an air bag display message may appear
in the instrument cluster ( Y
page 210). When
the front-passenger seat is occupied, always
pay attention to the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp. Be aware of the status of the
front-passenger front air bag both before and
during the journey.
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp: R
is lit : the front-passenger front air bag is
deactivated. It will then not be deployed in the
event of an accident. R
is not lit : the front-passenger front air bag is
enabled. If, in the event of an accident, all
deployment criteria are met, the front-
passenger front air bag is deployed.
G WARNING
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp is lit, the front-passenger front air bag is
disabled. It will not be deployed in the event of
an accident and cannot perform its intended
protective function. A person in the front-
passenger seat could then, for example, come
into contact with the vehicle's interior, espe-
cially if the person is sitting too close to the
dashboard. This poses an increased risk of
injury or even fatal injury.
When the front-passenger seat is occupied,
always ensure that: R
the classification of the person in the front-
passenger seat is correct and the front-
passenger front air bag is enabled or disa- bled in accordance with the person in the
front-passenger seat R
the front-passenger seat has been moved
back as far back as possible. R
the person is seated correctly.
Make sure, both before and during the jour-
ney, that the status of the front-passenger
front air bag is correct.
G WARNING
If you secure a child in a child restraint system
on the front-passenger seat and the
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is
off, the front-passenger front air bag can
deploy in the event of an accident. The child
could be struck by the air bag. This poses an
increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Make sure that the front-passenger front air
bag has been disabled. The PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indicator lamp must be lit.
G WARNING
If you secure a child in a forward-facing child
restraint system on the front-passenger seat
and you position the front-passenger seat too
close to the dashboard, the child could, in the
event of an accident: R
come into contact with the vehicle's inte-
rior if the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indi-
cator lamp is lit, for example R
be struck by the air bag if the PASSENGER
AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is off
This poses an increased risk of injury or even
fatal injury.
Move the front-passenger seat as far back as
possible. Always make sure that the shoulder
belt strap is correctly routed from the vehicle
belt sash guide to the shoulder belt guide on
the child restraint system. The shoulder belt
strap must be routed forwards and down-
wards from the vehicle belt sash guide. If nec-
essary, adjust the vehicle belt sash guide and
the front-passenger seat accordingly. Always
observe the child restraint system manufac-
turer's installation instructions.50
Occupant safety
Safety

continue to perform their protective function for
the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash.
G WARNING
Emergency Tensioning Devices that have
deployed pyrotechnically are no longer opera-
tional and are unable to perform their inten-
ded protective function. This poses an
increased risk of injury or even fatal injury.
Have pyrotechnically triggered Emergency
Tensioning Devices replaced immediately at a
qualified specialist workshop.
An electric motor is used by PRE-SAFE ®
to trig-
ger the tightening of the seat belt in hazardous
situations. This procedure is reversible.
If Emergency Tensioning Devices are triggered
or air bags are deployed, you will hear a bang,
and a small amount of powder may also be
released. The u restraint system warning
lamp lights up.
Only in rare cases will the bang affect your hear-
ing. The powder that is released generally does
not constitute a health hazard, but it may cause
short-term breathing difficulties in people with
asthma or other respiratory problems. Provided
it is safe to do so, you should leave the vehicle
immediately or open the window in order to pre-
vent breathing difficulties.
Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency Tensioning
Devices (ETDs) contain perchlorate material,
which may require special handling and regard
for the environment. National guidelines must
be observed during disposal. In California, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/
Perchlorate/index.cfm .
Method of operation During the first stage of a collision, the restraint
system control unit evaluates important physi-
cal data relating to vehicle deceleration or accel-
eration, such as: R
duration R
direction R
intensity
Based on the evaluation of this data, the
restraint system control unit triggers the Emer-
gency Tensioning Devices during a frontal or
rear collision. An Emergency Tensioning Device can only be
triggered, if: R
the ignition is switched on R
the components of the restraint system are
operational. You can find further information
under: "Restraint system warning lamp"
( Y
page 42) R
the belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on
the respective front-passenger seat
The Emergency Tensioning Devices in the rear
compartment are triggered independently of the
lock status of the seat belts.
If the restraint system control unit detects a
more severe accident, further components of
the restraint system are activated independ-
ently of each other in certain frontal collision
situations: R
Front air bags and driver's knee bag R
Window curtain air bag, if the system deter-
mines that deployment can offer additional
protection to that provided by the seat belt
The front-passenger front air bag is activated or
deactivated depending on the person on the
front-passenger seat. The front-passenger front
air bag can only deploy in an accident if the
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is off.
Observe the information on the PASSENGER AIR
BAG OFF indica tor lamp ( Y
page 42).
Your vehicle has two-stage front air bags. During
the first deployment stage, the front air bag is
filled with propellant gas to reduce the risk of
injuries. The front air bag is fully deployed with
the maximum amount of propellant gas if a sec-
ond deployment threshold is reached within a
few milliseconds.
The activation threshold of the Emergency Ten-
sioning Devices and the air bag are determined
by evaluating the rate of vehicle deceleration or
acceleration which occurs at various points in
the vehicle. This process is pre-emptive in
nature. Deployment should take place in good
time at the start of the collision.
The rate of vehicle deceleration or acceleration
and the direction of the force are essentially
determined by: R
the distribution of forces during the collision R
the collision angle R
the deformation characteristics of the vehicle R
the 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 deci-54
Occupant safety
Safety

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

i The immobilizer is always deactivated when
you start the engine.
In the event that the engine cannot be started
(yet the vehicle's battery is charged), the sys-
tem 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) X
To arm: lock the vehicle with the SmartKey or
KEYLESS-GO.
Indicator lamp C flashes. The alarm system
is armed after approximately 15 seconds. X
To disarm: unlock the vehicle with the Smart-
Key or KEYLESS-GO.
or X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
or X
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: press the
Start/Stop button.
The SmartKey must be in the vehicle.
A visual and audible alarm is triggered if the
alarm system is armed and you open: R
a door R
the vehicle with the mechanical key R
the trunk lid R
the hood X
To stop the alarm with the SmartKey:
press the 6 or 7 button on the Smart-
Key.
The alarm is stopped.
or X
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
( Y
page 124). X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
The alarm is stopped. X
To stop the alarm using KEYLESS-GO:
grasp the outside door handle. The SmartKey
must be outside the vehicle.
The alarm is stopped.
or X
Press the Start/Stop button on the dash-
board. The SmartKey must be inside the vehi-
cle.
The alarm is stopped.
The alarm is not switched off, even if you close
the open door that triggered it, for example.
i If the alarm continues for more than
30 seconds, the mbrace emergency call sys-
tem automatically notifies the Customer
Assistance Center. This is done either by text
message or data connection.
The emergency call system sends the mes-
sage or data provided that: R
you have subscribed to the mbrace service. R
the mbrace service has been activated
properly. R
the necessary mobile phone network is
available.Protection against theft 75
Safety Z