
Visual and acoustic collision warning
If you switch on the turn signals to change lanes
and a vehicle is detected in the side monitoring range, you receive a visual and acoustic collision
warning. You then hear a double warning tone
and red warning lamp 0043flashes. If the turn sig-
nal remains on, detected vehicles are indicated
by the flashing of red warning lamp 0043. There are
no further warning tones.
Course-correcting brake application If Active Blind Spot Assist detects a risk of a lat-
eral collision in the monitoring range, a course-
correcting brake application is carried out. This is meant to assist you in avoiding a collision. G
WARNING
A course-correcting brake application cannot always prevent a collision. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always steer, brake or accelerate yourself,
especially if Active Blind Spot Assist warns
you or makes a course-correcting brake appli-
cation. Always maintain a safe distance at the sides.
If a course-correcting brake application occurs, red warning lamp 0043flashes in the exterior mir-
ror and a double warning tone sounds. In addi-
tion, a display underlining the danger of a side
collision appears in the multifunction display.
In very rare cases, the system may make an
inappropriate brake application. A course-cor-
recting brake application may be interrupted at
any time by countersteering slightly or acceler-
ating.
The course-correcting brake application is avail-
able in the speed range between 20 mph
(30 km/h) and 120 mph (200 km/h).
Either no braking application, or a course-cor-
recting brake application adapted to the driving situation occurs if:
R there are vehicles or obstacles, e.g. crash
barriers, located on both sides of your vehicle.
R a vehicle approaches you too closely at the
side.
R you have adopted a sporty driving style with
high cornering speeds.
R you clearly brake or accelerate.
R a driving safety system intervenes, e.g. ESP ®
or PRE-SAFE ®
Brake. R
ESP ®
is switched off.
R the offroad program is activated (vehicles
without the Offroad Engineering package).
R the Offroad or Offroad Plus drive program is
activated (vehicles with the Off-Road Engi-
neering package).
R the LOW RANGE offroad gear is activated
(vehicles with the Offroad Engineering pack-
age).
R a loss of tire pressure or a defective tire is
detected.
Switching on Active Blind Spot Assist
X Make sure that Active Blind Spot Assist
(Y page 239) is activated in the on-board
computer.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0048in the igni-
tion lock.
Warning lamps 0043in the exterior mirrors light
up red for approximately 1.5 seconds and
then turn yellow.
Towing a trailer
When you attach a trailer, make sure you have
correctly established the electrical connection.
This can be accomplished by checking the trailer
lighting. Active Blind Spot Assist is then deacti-
vated. The indicator lamp lights up yellow in the
exterior mirrors and the Active Blind Spot
Active Blind Spot
Asst. Not Available When Towing a Asst. Not Available When Towing a
Trailer See Operator's Manual
Trailer See Operator's Manual message
appears in the multifunction display.
Active Lane Keeping Assist General notes
Active Lane Keeping Assist monitors the area in
front of your vehicle by means of multifunction
camera 0043at the top of the windshield. Various
different areas to the front, rear and side of your 212
Driving systemsDriving and parking

cases, the system may make an inappropriate
brake application, e.g. after intentionally driv-
ing over a solid lane marking. There is a risk of an accident.
An inappropriate brake application may be
interrupted at any time if you steer slightly in
the opposite direction. Always make sure that
there is sufficient distance on the side for
other traffic or obstacles. If you leave your lane, under certain circumstan-
ces the vehicle will brake briefly on one side.
This is meant to assist you in bringing the vehicle
back to the original lane.
If a lane-correcting brake application occurs,
display 0043appears in the multifunction display.
A lane-correcting brake application can be made
after driving over a solid or broken lane marking.
Before this, a warning must be given by means of
intermittent vibration in the steering wheel. In
addition, a lane with lane markings on both sides must have been detected.
In the case of a broken lane marking being
detected, a lane-correcting brake application
can only be made if a vehicle has been detected
in the adjacent lane. The following vehicles can
have an influence on brake application: oncom- ing traffic, vehicles that are overtaking and vehi-cles that are driving parallel to your vehicle.
i A further lane-correcting brake application
can only occur after your vehicle has returned
to the original lane.
No lane-correcting brake application occurs if:
R you clearly and actively steer, brake or accel-
erate
R you cut the corner on a sharp bend
R you have switched on the turn signal R
a driving safety system intervenes, e.g. ESP ®
,
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake or Active Blind Spot Assist
R you have adopted a sporty driving style with
high cornering speeds or high rates of accel-
eration
R ESP ®
is switched off
R the transmission is not in position 005B
R on vehicles with a trailer tow hitch, the elec-
trical connection to the trailer has been cor-
rectly established
R the Off-road program is activated (vehicles
without the Off-road Engineering Package)
R the Off-road or Off-road Plus drive program is
activated (vehicles with the Off-road Engi-
neering Package)
R the LOW RANGE off-road gear is activated
(vehicles with the Off-road Engineering Pack-
age)
R an obstacle has been detected in the lane in
which you are driving
R when a loss of tire pressure or a defective tire
has been detected and displayed
There is a possibility that the Active Lane Keep-
ing Assist could misjudge the given traffic sit-
uation. An inappropriate brake application may
be interrupted at any time if you:
R steer slightly in the opposite direction
R switch on the turn signal
R clearly brake or accelerate
A lane-correcting brake application is interrup-
ted automatically if:
R a driving safety system intervenes, e.g. ESP ®
,
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake or Active Blind Spot Assist
R lane markings are no longer detected
Switching on Active Lane Keeping Assist X Switch on Active Lane Keeping Assist using
the on-board computer; to do so, select
Standard
Standard orAdaptive
Adaptive (Ypage 239).
If you drive at speeds above 40 mph
(60 km/h) and lane markings are detected,
the lines in the assistance graphic are shown in green (Y page 238). Active Lane Keeping
Assist is ready for use.
If Standard Standard is selected, no warning vibration
occurs if: 214
Driving systemsDriving and parking

R
you switch on the turn signals. In this event,
the warnings are suppressed for a certain
period of time.
R a driving safety system intervenes, such as
ABS, BAS or ESP ®
.
When Adaptive
Adaptive is selected, no warning vibra-
tion occurs if:
R you switch on the turn signals. In this event,
the warnings are suppressed for a certain
period of time.
R a driving safety system intervenes, e.g.
ABS, BAS or ESP ®
.
R you accelerate hard, e.g. kickdown.
R you brake hard.
R you steer actively, e.g. swerve to avoid an
obstacle or change lanes quickly.
R you cut the corner on a sharp bend.
Towing a trailer
When you attach a trailer, make sure you have
correctly established the electrical connection.
This can be accomplished by checking the trailer
lighting. Lane-correcting brake application does not take place when towing a trailer. Active Lane
Keeping Assist is not activated and the lines in
the assistance graphic are gray. Off-road driving systems
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive) 4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are perma-
nently driven. Together with ESP ®
and 4ETS, it
improves the traction of your vehicle whenever
a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip.
If you fail to adapt your driving style, 4MATIC can
neither reduce the risk of accident nor override
the laws of physics. 4MATIC cannot take
account of road, weather and traffic conditions. 4MATIC is only an aid. You are responsible for
the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle
speed, for braking in good time and for staying in
your lane.
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle raised.
This may damage the transfer case. Damage
of this sort is not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty. All wheels must
remain either on the ground or be fully raised. Observe the instructions for towing the vehi-
cle with all wheels in full contact with the
ground. !
A function or performance test should only
be carried out on a two-axle dynamometer.
Before you operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult a qualified
workshop. You could otherwise damage the
drive train or the brake system.
i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if you
use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow chains
if necessary.
Further information about "Driving off-road"
(Y page 166).
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) General notes
DSR is an aid to assist you when driving down-
hill. It keeps the speed of travel at the speed
selected on the on-board computer. The steeper
the downhill gradient, the greater the DSR brak- ing effect on the vehicle. When driving on flat
stretches of road or on an uphill gradient, the
DSR braking effect is minimal or nonexistent.
DSR controls the vehicle’s speed when it is acti-
vated and the transmission is in position 005B,005E
or 005C. You can drive at a higher or a lower speed
than that set on the on-board computer at any
time by accelerating or braking.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If the speed driven and the set speed deviate and you activate DSR on a slippery road sur-
face, the wheels may lose traction. There is an
increased danger of skidding and accidents.
Before switching DSR on, please take into
consideration the road surface and the differ- ence between driving speed and the set
speed.
If you fail to adapt your driving style, DSR can
neither reduce the risk of accident nor override the laws of physics. DSR cannot take account of
road, weather and traffic conditions. DSR is only
an aid. You are responsible for the distance to
the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for brak-
ing in good time and for staying in your lane.
You are always responsible for keeping control
of the vehicle and for assessing whether the
downhill gradient can be managed. DSR may not always be able to keep to the set speed, depend- Driving systems
215Driving and parking Z

ing on road surface and tire conditions. Select a
set speed suitable for the prevailing conditions
and when necessary, apply the brakes manually.
Activating DSR X
Press button 0043.
Indicator lamp 0044lights up.
The 00C6 DSR symbol appears in the multi-
function display.
You can only activate DSR when driving at
speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h).
If the current vehicle speed is too high, the 00C6
DSR symbol appears in the multifunction display
with the Max. Speed 25 mph
Max. Speed 25 mph message (Can-
ada: 40 km/h 40 km/h ).
If you have activated DSR and you change the
drive program, DSR is deactivated. If you switch between the offroad and offroad plus drive pro-grams, DSR remains activated.
Deactivating DSR
X Press button 0043.
Indicator lamp 0044goes out.
The 00C6 DSR symbol appears in the multi-
function display with the Off
Off message.
On vehicles with the Off-road Engineering Pack-
age, if you select a different drive program, DSR is also deactivated. If you switch between the
Offroad programs, DSR remains activated.
DSR switches off automatically if you drive
faster than 28 mph (Canada: 45 km/h). The
00C6 DSR symbol appears in the multifunction
display with the Off
Off message. The status indi-
cator in the multifunction display goes out. You
also hear a warning. On vehicles with the Off-
road Engineering Package, if you select a differ-
ent onroad/offroad program, DSR is also deac- tivated. Changing the set speed
X
To increase or reduce the set speed in
1 mp
hincrements (Canada: 1 km/h incre-
ments): briefly press the cruise control lever
up 0043 for a higher set speed or down 0044for a
lower set speed.
The set speed appears in the multifunction
display with the 00C6DSR symbol.
When DSR is activated, you can change the set
speed to a value between 1 mph and 11 mph
(Canada: between 2 km/h and 18 km/h).
i The DSR set speed is always changed in
1 mph increments (Canada: 1 km/h incre-
ments). This is regardless of whether you
press the cruise control lever to or beyond the
pressure point.
Off-road program (vehicles without the
Off-Road Engineering package) General notes
Select the Offroadprogram for easily negotia-
ble off-road terrain, e.g. dirt tracks, gravel or
sandy surfaces. The engine's torque is restric-
ted to a limited degree and the drive wheels can
spin. The spinning wheels produce a cutting
effect for better traction. ABS, ESP ®
and 4ETS
programs especially adapted to off-road driving are activated. A gentle accelerator pedal curve
is also selected, i.e. the accelerator pedal must
be depressed much further in order to acceler-
ate.
You can select the Offroaddrive program at
speeds below 60 mph (96 km/h). The Drive
Drive
program "Offroad" Max. Speed 60 mph program "Offroad" Max. Speed 60 mph
message appears in the multifunction display. If
you drive at speeds of more than 60 mph
(96 km/h) and select the Offroaddrive pro-
gram, the Drive More Slowly Drive More Slowly message216
Driving systemsDriving and parking

X
Slide bolt 0083into the hole in the ball coupling
recess and the ball coupling to the stop. X
Secure the bolt using spring cotter 0084.X
Check the ball coupling, bolt and spring cotter
for correct installation.
If the ball coupling cannot be correctly mounted,
remove the ball coupling. Under these circum-
stances, the ball coupling must not be used for
trailer towing.
Have the entire trailer tow hitch checked at a
qualified specialist workshop. Coupling up a trailer
! Do not connect the trailer's brake system (if
featured) to the hydraulic brake system of the towing vehicle, as the latter is equipped with
an anti-lock brake system. Doing so will result
in a loss of function of the brake systems of
both the vehicle and the trailer.
X Shift the transmission to position 005D.
X Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Vehicles with AIRMATIC Package: select
normal level and the Comfortdrive program.
X Switch off the engine.
X Close the doors and tailgate.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish the electrical connection between
the vehicle and the trailer.
X Check that the trailer lighting system is work-
ing.
X Push the combination switch upwards/down-
wards and check whether the corresponding
turn signal on the trailer flashes.
A trailer that is connected is recognized only
when the electrical connection is established
correctly and when the lighting system is work-
ing properly. The function of other systems also depends on this, for example:
R ESP ®
R Parking Assist PARKTRONIC
R Active Parking Assist
R Parking Package with rear view camera
R Active Blind Spot Assist
R Active Lane Keeping Assist
i Vehicles with the AIRMATIC Package: if you
couple up a trailer, the vehicle always remains
at normal level. When coupling up a trailer,
please observe the following:
R If the normal level has not been set man-
ually, the vehicle is automatically lowered
to normal level. This is the case if a speed of
5 mph (8 km/h) is reached.
R The Sport drive program is not available.
These restrictions apply to all accessories
powered through a connection to the trailer
power socket of your vehicle, e.g. a bicycle
carrier.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length). 224
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

Most U.S. states and all Canadian provinces
require by law:
R Safety chains between the towing vehicle and
the trailer. The chains should be cross-woundunder the trailer drawbar. They must be fas-
tened to the vehicle's trailer coupling, not to
the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough play in the chains to make tight
cornering possible.
R A separate brake system for certain types of
trailer.
R Safety switch for braked trailers. Check the
specific legal requirements applicable to your
state.
If the trailer becomes detached from the tow-
ing vehicle, the safety feature triggers the
trailer brakes. Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed restric-
tions. Make sure that your car/trailer combina- tion complies with the local regulations:
R in your place of residence
R in the location to which you are driving
The police and local authorities can provide reli-
able information.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
R To gain driving experience and to become
accustomed to the new handling characteris-
tics, you should practice the following in a
traffic-free location:
- cornering
- stopping
- backing up
R Before driving, check:
- trailer tow hitch
- safety switch for braked trailers
- safety chains
- electrical connections
- lights
- wheels
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away carefully. Brake manually using the brake controller and check whether
the brakes function correctly.
R Secure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is in
motion.
R When you couple up a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is firmly secured. If the trailer is equipped with trailer lights and
brakes, check the trailer to ensure that these
are working.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driving
without one. Avoid sudden steering move-
ments.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
R If possible, do not brake suddenly, but instead
depress the brake pedal moderately at first sothat the trailer can activate its brakes. Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears on uphill or downhill gra-
dients, shift to a lower gear using the left-hand
steering wheel paddle shifter.
A lower gear and lower speed reduce the risk of engine failure.
R When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear to
utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if instal- led, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases dramat-
ically while the air-conditioning system is
switched on, switch off the air-conditioning
system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by open-
ing the windows and switching the ventilation blower and the interior temperature to the
highest level.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention to
the extended length of your vehicle/trailer
combination.
Due to the length of the vehicle/trailer com-
bination, you require additional road space in
relation to the vehicle you are overtaking
before you can change back to the original
lane. Towing a trailer
225Driving and parking Z

Safety systems
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 002500E5
Currently Unavaila‐
Currently Unavaila‐
ble See Operator's ble See Operator's
Manual Manual ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) are temporarily not available.
Other driving systems and driving safety systems may also malfunc-
tion.
In addition, the 00E5,00BBand0025 warning lamps light up in the
instrument cluster.
Possible causes are:
R Self-diagnosis is not yet complete
R The on-board voltage may be insufficient
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you brake
hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely affected. The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Carefully drive a suitable distance, making slight steering move-
ments at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h).
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned above
are available again.
If the multifunction display still shows the display message:
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 002500E5
Inoperative See Inoperative See
Operator's Manual Operator's Manual ABS and ESP
®
are malfunctioning.
Other driving systems and driving safety systems may also malfunc-
tion.
The 0027 (USA only) or 004D(Canada only), 00E5,00BBand0025
warning lamps in the instrument cluster also light up.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you brake
hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely affected. The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 246
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions 00E5
Currently Unavaila‐ Currently Unavaila‐
ble See Operator's ble See Operator's
Manual Manual ESP
®
is temporarily unavailable.
Other driving systems and driving safety systems may also malfunc-
tion.
In addition, the 00E5and00BB warning lamps light up in the instru-
ment cluster.
The self-diagnosis function might not be complete, for example.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you brake
hard, for example.
The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can thus
increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Carefully drive a suitable distance, making slight steering move-
ments at a speed above 12 mph (20 km/h).
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned above are available again.
If the multifunction display still shows the display message:
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 00E5
Inoperative See Inoperative See
Operator's Manual Operator's Manual ESP
®
is malfunctioning.
Other driving systems and driving safety systems may also malfunc-
tion.
In addition, the 00E5and00BB warning lamps light up in the instru-
ment cluster.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you brake
hard, for example.
The braking distance in an emergency braking situation can thus
increase.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Display messages
247On-board computer and displays Z