!Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP®deactivated. You
could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
Deactivating/activating ESP®
You can deactivate or activate ESP®via the on-
board computer (Ypage 194).
ESP®deactivated:
The å ESP®OFF warning lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
ESP
®activated:
The å ESP®OFF warning lamp in the instru-
ment cluster goes out.
Characteristics when ESP®is deactivated
If ESP®is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ESP®warning lamp in the
instrument cluster flashes. In such situations,
ESP
®will not stabilize the vehicle.
If you deactivate ESP®:
RESP®no longer improves driving stability.
REngine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels are able to spin.
RTraction control is still activated.
RActive Brake Assist is no longer available; nor
is it activated if you brake firmly with assis-
tance from ESP
®.
RSTEER CONTROL is no longer active.
RESP®still provides support when you brake
firmly.
Deactivating/activating ESP®
(Mercedes ‑AMG vehicles)
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Ypage 60).
You can select between the following states of
ESP
®:
RESP®is activated.
RSPORT handling mode is activated.
RESP®is deactivated.
GWARNING
When SPORT handling mode is activated,
there is a greater risk of skidding and acci-
dents.
Only activate SPORT handling mode in the sit-
uations described in the following.
GWARNING
If you deactivate ESP
®, ESP®no longer sta-
bilizes the vehicle. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP
®in the situations descri-
bed in the following.
In the following situations, it may be better to
activate SPORT handling mode or deactivate
ESP
®:
Rwhen using snow chains
Rin deep snow
Ron sand or gravel
Ron specially designated roads when the vehi-
cle's own oversteering and understeering
characteristics are desired
Driving in SPORT handling mode or without
ESP
®requires an extremely qualified and expe-
rienced driver.
iActivate ESP®as soon as the situations
described above no longer apply. ESP®will
otherwise not be able to stabilize the vehicle if
the vehicle starts to skid or a wheel starts to
spin.
!Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP®deactivated. You
could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
Deactivating/activating ESP®
XTo activate SPORT handling mode: briefly
press button :.
The M SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up. The
Driving safety systems65
Safety
Z
SPORT handling modemessage appears in
the multifunction display.
XTo deactivate SPORT handling mode:
briefly press button :.
The M SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
XTo deactivate ESP®: press button :until
the å ESP®OFF warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster.
The ÷ OFF
message appears in the multi-
function display.
XTo activate ESP®: briefly press button :.
The å ESP®OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. The ÷ESP®
ONmessage appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
Characteristics of activated SPORT han-
dling mode
If SPORT handling mode is activated and one or
more wheels start to spin, the ÷ESP®warn-
ing lamp in the instrument cluster flashes. ESP®
only stabilizes the vehicle to a limited degree.
When SPORT handling mode is activated:
RESP®only improves driving stability to a limi-
ted degree.
RTraction control is still activated.
RThe engine's torque is only restricted to a
limited degree and the drive wheels may start
to spin.
The spinning of the wheels results in a cutting
action for better traction on loose surfaces.
RESP®still provides support when you brake
firmly.
Characteristics when ESP®is deactivated
If ESP®is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ESP®warning lamp in the
instrument cluster does not flash. In such situa-
tions, ESP
®will not stabilize the vehicle.
If you deactivate ESP®:
RESP®no longer improves driving stability.
REngine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels are able to spin.
The spinning of the wheels results in a cutting
action for better traction on loose surfaces.
RTraction control is still activated.
RActive Brake Assist is no longer available; nor
is it activated if you brake firmly with assis-
tance from ESP
®.
RESP®still provides support when you brake
firmly.
Off-road ESP®
An ESP®system specifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically once the off-
road program is activated (
Ypage 167).
Offroad ESP®intervenes with a delay if there is
oversteering or understeering, thus improving
traction.
ESP®trailer stabilization
General information
If your vehicle/trailer combination begins to
swerve, ESP®assists you in this situation. ESP®
slows the vehicle down by braking and limiting
the engine output until the vehicle/trailer com-
bination has stabilized.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If road and weather conditions are poor,
trailer stabilization will not be able to prevent
the vehicle/trailer combination from swerv-
ing. Trailers with a high center of gravity can
tip over before ESP
®can detect this. There is
a risk of an accident.
Always adapt your driving style to the prevail-
ing road and weather conditions.
If your vehicle with trailer (vehicle/trailer com-
bination) begins to lurch, you can only stabilize
the vehicle/trailer combination by depressing
the brake firmly.
ESP
®trailer stabilization is active above speeds
of about 65 km/h.
ESP
®trailer stabilization does not work if ESP®
is deactivated or disabled because of a malfunc-
tion.
66Driving safety systems
Safety
EBD (electronic brake force distribu-
tion)
General information
EBD monitors and controls the brake pressure
on the rear wheels to improve driving stability
while braking.
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Ypage 60).
GWARNING
If EBD is malfunctioning, the rear wheels can
lock, e.g. under full braking. This increases the
risk of skidding and an accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
to the different handling characteristics. Have
the brake system checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Please observe the information on warning and
indicator lamps (
Ypage 230)
(
Ypage 230) as well as on display messages
(Ypage 203).
ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety and
offers increased braking comfort. In addition to
the braking function, ADAPTIVE BRAKE also has
the HOLD function (
Ypage 162) and hill start
assist (Ypage 127).
STEER CONTROL
General information
STEER CONTROL helps you by transmitting a
noticeable steering force to the steering wheel
in the direction required for vehicle stabilization.
This steering assistance is provided in particular if:
Rboth right wheels or both left wheels are on a
wet or slippery road surface when you brake
Rthe vehicle begins to skid
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Ypage 60).
No steering assistance is provided from STEER
CONTROL, if:
RESP®is malfunctioning
Rthe steering is malfunctioning
If ESP®is malfunctioning, you will be assisted
further by the electrical power steering.
Protection against theft
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct SmartKey.
XTo activate with the SmartKey: remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock.
XTo activate with KEYLESS-GO start-func-
tion or KEYLESS-GO: switch the ignition off
and open the driver's door.
XTo deactivate: switch on the ignition.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Anyone
can start the engine if a valid SmartKey has been
left inside the vehicle.
iThe immobilizer is always deactivated when
you start the engine.
In the event that the engine cannot be 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)
Protection against theft67
Safety
Z
SmartKey
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
Roperate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
Rrelease the parking brake
Rshift the automatic transmission out of park
position P
Rstart the engine
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Never leave children or animals unattended in
the vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. This
also applies to mobile phones if the "Digital
Car Key in smartphone" function is activated
via the Mercedes me connect web app.
GWARNING
If you attach heavy or large objects to the
SmartKey, the SmartKey could be uninten-
tionally turned in the ignition lock. This could
cause the engine to be switched off. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not attach any heavy or large objects to the
SmartKey. Remove any bulky key rings before
inserting the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
!Keep the SmartKey away from strong mag-
netic fields. Otherwise, the remote control
function could be affected.
Strong magnetic fields can occur in the vicin-
ity of powerful electrical installations.
Do not keep the SmartKey:
Rwith electronic devices, e.g. a mobile phone
or another SmartKey
Rwith metallic objects, e.g. coins or metal foil
Rinside metallic objects, e.g. a metal case
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start function: do
not keep the SmartKey in the cargo compart-
ment. Otherwise, the SmartKey may not be detected, e.g. when starting the engine using
the Start/Stop button.
SmartKey functions
:&
To lock the vehicle
;FTo open the tailgate
=%To unlock the vehicle
XTo unlock centrally: press the%button.
If you do not open the vehicle within approx-
imately 40 seconds of unlocking:
Rthe vehicle is locked again
Ranti-theft protection is reactivated
XTo lock: press the &button.
The SmartKey centrally locks/unlocks:
Rthe doors
Rthe tailgate
Rthe fuel filler flap
The turn signals flash once when unlocking and
three times when locking.
When the locator lighting is activated via the
multimedia system, it lights up when it is dark
after the vehicle is unlocked with the remote
control; see Digital Operator's Manual.
You can also set an audible signal to confirm
that the vehicle has been locked. The audible
signal can be activated and deactivated using
the on-board computer (
Ypage 197).
XTo open the tailgate automatically from
outside the vehicle: press and hold theF
button until the tailgate opens .
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO or KEYLESS-GO
start function:
XTo close the tailgate automatically from
outside the vehicle: if the SmartKey is loca-
ted in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle,
SmartKey69
Opening and closing
Z
press theFbutton on the SmartKey
(Ypage 79).
When the tailgate closes you can then release
the button.
KEYLESS-GO
General notes
Bear in mind that the engine can be started by
any of the vehicle occupants if there is a Smart-
Key in the vehicle.
Locking and unlocking
You can start, lock or unlock the vehicle using
KEYLESS-GO. To do this, you only need carry the
SmartKey with you. You can combine the func-
tions of KEYLESS-GO with those of a conven-
tional SmartKey. Unlock the vehicle by using
KEYLESS-GO, for instance, and lock it using the
& button on the SmartKey.
The driver's door and the door at which the han-
dle is used, must both be closed. The SmartKey
must be outside the vehicle. When locking or
unlocking with KEYLESS-GO, the distance
between the SmartKey and the corresponding
door handle must not be greater than three feet
(one meter).
A check which periodically establishes a radio
connection between the vehicle and the Smart-
Key determines whether a valid SmartKey is in
the vehicle. This occurs, for example:
Rwhen starting the engine
Rwhile driving
Rwhen the external door handles are touched
Rduring convenience closing
XTo unlock the vehicle: touch the inner sur-
face of the door handle.
XTo lock the vehicle: touch sensor surface :
or ;.
Make sure that you do not touch the inner
surface of the door handle.
XConvenience closing feature: touch
recessed sensor surface ;for an extended
period.
Further information on the convenience clos-
ing feature (
Ypage 85).
XTo unlock the tailgate: pull tailgate han-
dle :.
Deactivating and activating
If you do not intend to use the vehicle for a lon-
ger period of time, you can deactivate KEYLESS-
GO. The SmartKey will then use very little power,
thereby conserving battery power. For the pur-
poses of activation/deactivation, the vehicle
must not be nearby.
XTo deactivate: press the&button on the
SmartKey twice in rapid succession.
The indicator light on the SmartKey flashes
twice briefly then one long flash, then KEY-
LESS-GO is deactivated (
Ypage 72).
XTo activate: press any button on the Smart-
Key.
or
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
KEYLESS-GO and all of its associated features
are available again.
70SmartKey
Opening and closing
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
You can no longer lock or
unlock the vehicle using
KEYLESS-GO.The SmartKey battery is discharged or nearly discharged.
XCheck the SmartKey battery (Ypage 72) and replace it if necessary
(Ypage 72).
If this does not work:
XUnlock (Ypage 76) or lock (Ypage 77) the vehicle using the
mechanical key.
There is interference from a powerful source of radio waves.
XUnlock (Ypage 76) or lock (Ypage 77) the vehicle using the
mechanical key.
KEYLESS-GO is malfunctioning.
XLock/unlock the vehicle using the remote control function of the
SmartKey.
XHave the vehicle and SmartKey checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
If the vehicle can also not be locked/unlocked using the remote con-
trol function:
XUnlock (Ypage 76) or lock (Ypage 77) the vehicle using the
mechanical key.
XHave the vehicle and SmartKey checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
The engine cannot be
started using the Smart-
Key.The on-board voltage is too low.
XSwitch off non-essential consumers, e.g. seat heating or interior
lighting, and try to start the engine again.
If this does not work:
XCheck the starter battery and charge it if necessary (Ypage 290).
or
XJump-start the vehicle (Ypage 291).
or
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine cannot be
started using the Start/
Stop button. The Smart-
Key is in the vehicle.The vehicle is locked.
XUnlock the vehicle and try to start the vehicle again.
The SmartKey battery is discharged or nearly discharged.
XCheck the SmartKey battery (Ypage 72) and replace it if necessary
(Ypage 72).
If this does not work:
XStart your vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock.
There is interference from a powerful source of radio waves.
XStart your vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock.
74SmartKey
Opening and closing
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
You have lost a Smart-
Key.XHave the SmartKey deactivated at a qualified specialist workshop.
XReport the loss immediately to the vehicle insurers.
XIf necessary, have the locks changed as well.
You have lost the
mechanical key.XReport the loss immediately to the vehicle insurers.
XIf necessary, have the locks changed as well.
Doors
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
Roperate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
Rrelease the parking brake
Rshift the automatic transmission out of park
position P
Rstart the engine
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Never leave children or animals unattended in
the vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. This
also applies to mobile phones if the "Digital
Car Key in smartphone" function is activated
via the Mercedes me connect web app.
You should preferably place luggage or loads in
the cargo compartment. Observe the loading
guidelines (
Ypage 247).
Unlocking and opening doors from
the inside
XTo unlock and open a front door: pull door
handle ;.
If the door is locked, locking knob :pops up.
The door is unlocked and opens.
XTo unlock a rear door: pull up locking
knob :.
The door is unlocked and can be opened.
XTo open a rear door: pull door handle;.
You can open a door from inside the vehicle
even if it has been locked. You can only open the
rear doors from inside the vehicle if they are not
secured by the child-proof locks (
Ypage 59).
If the vehicle has previously been locked with
the SmartKey from the outside, opening a door
from the inside will trigger the anti-theft alarm
system. Switch off the alarm (
Ypage 67).
Centrally locking and unlocking the
vehicle from the inside
You can centrally lock or unlock the vehicle from
the inside. This can be useful if you wish to lock
the vehicle before pulling away, for example.
Doors75
Opening and closing
Z
XTurn the mechanical key counter-clockwise
as far as it will go to position1.
The door is unlocked.
XTurn the mechanical key back and remove it.
XInsert mechanical key into the SmartKey
(Ypage 72).
Locking the vehicle (mechanical key)
If the vehicle can no longer be locked with the
SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO, use the mechanical
key.
XOpen the driver's door.
XClose the front-passenger door, the rear
doors and the tailgate.
XPress the locking button on the driver’s door
(Ypage 75).
XCheck whether the locking knobs on the
front-passenger door and the rear doors are
still visible. Press down the locking knobs by
hand, if necessary.
XClose the driver's door.
XTake the mechanical key out of the SmartKey
(Ypage 71).
XInsert the mechanical key into the lock of the
driver's door as far as it will go.
XTurn the mechanical key clockwise as far as it
will go to position 1.
XTurn the mechanical key back and remove it.
XMake sure that the doors and the tailgate are
locked.
XInsert mechanical key into the SmartKey
(Ypage 72).
iIf you lock the vehicle as described above,
the fuel filler flap is not locked. The anti-theft
alarm system is not armed.
Cargo compartment
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Parts of the body could become trapped dur-
ing automatic closing of the tailgate. More-
over, people, e.g. children, may be standing in the closing area or may enter the closing area
during the closing process. There is a risk of
injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the vicinity of the
closing area during the closing process.
Use one of the following options to stop the
closing process:
Rpress the Fbutton on the SmartKey.
Rpull or press the remote operating switch
on the driver's door.
Rpress the close button or STOP button on
the tailgate.
Rpull the handle on the tailgate.
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the tailgate
is open when the engine is running, particu-
larly if the vehicle is moving, exhaust fumes
could enter the passenger compartment.
There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the tail-
gate. Never drive with the tailgate open.
Cargo compartment77
Opening and closing
Z