The operating and road safety of the vehicle is jeopardized. There is a risk of an accident. Make sure that all objects in the vehicle are stowed correctly, and that they cannot enter the driver's footwell. Install the floormats securely and as specified in order to ensure sufficient clearance for the pedals. Do not use loose floormats.
! If the engine is switched off and
equipment on the diagnostics connection is used, the starter battery may discharge.
Connecting equipment to the diagnostics connection can lead to emissions monitoring information being reset, for example. This may lead to the vehicle failing to meet the requirements of the next emissions test during the main inspection.
Qualified specialist workshop An authorized Mercedes-Benz Center is a qualified specialist workshop. It has the necessary specialist knowledge, tools and qualifications to correctly carry out the work
required on your vehicle. This is especially the case for work relevant to safety. Observe the notes in the Maintenance Booklet. Always have the following work carried out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center: Rwork relevant to safety Rservice and maintenance work Rrepair work Ralterations, installation work and
modifications
Rwork on electronic components
Correct use If you remove any warning stickers, you or others could fail to recognize certain dangers. Leave warning stickers in position. Observe the following information when driving your vehicle: Rthe safety notes in this manual Rthe Technical Data section in this manual Rtraffic rules and regulations Rlaws and safety standards pertaining to
motor vehicles
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the problem diagnosed
and rectified. If the problem is not resolved to
your satisfaction, please discuss the problem
again with a Mercedes-Benz Center or
contact us at one of the following addresses.
In the USA
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Introduction
25
Customer Relations Department
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Reporting safety defects USA only: The following text is published as required of manufacturers under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the "National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966". If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236(TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to: Administrator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov
Limited Warranty ! Follow the instructions in this manual
about the proper operation of your vehicle as well as about possible vehicle damage. Damage to your vehicle that arises from culpable contraventions against these instructions is not covered either by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty or by the New or Used-Vehicle Warranty.
Data stored in the vehicle Information about electronic data acquisition in the vehicle (Including notice pursuant to California Code § 9951) Your vehicle records electronic data. If your vehicle is equipped with mbrace (Canada: TELE AID), data is transmitted in the event of an accident. This information helps, for example, to test vehicle systems after an accident and to continually improve vehicle safety. Daimler AG can access this data and submit it: Rfor safety research or vehicle diagnosis
purposes
Rwith the consent of the vehicle owner Ron the instruction of prosecuting
authorities
Rfor use in arbitration of disputes that
involve Daimler AG, its affiliates or its sales and service organizations
Ras otherwise required or permitted by law. Please check your mbrace (Canada: TELE AID) purchase agreement to find out more about data that can be recorded and transmitted by this system.
Information on copyright General information Information on license for free and open- source software used in your vehicle and its electronic components is available on the following website: http://www.mercedes-benz.com/ opensource
26
Dashboard ........................................... 28
Instrument cluster .............................. 29
Multifunction steering wheel ............. 31
Center console .................................... 32
Overhead control panel ...................... 34
Door control panel .............................. 35
27
28 Dashboard
Dashboard
Function
Page
Function
: Steering wheel paddle
shifters
; Combination switch = Instrument cluster ? Horn A DIRECT SELECT lever B PARKTRONIC warning
display
C Overhead control panel D Climate control systems
144
100
29
140
169
34
118
E Ignition lock F Adjusting the steering
wheel
G Cruise control lever H Electric parking brake I Light switch J Diagnostics connection K Opening the hood
Page
135
91
158
150
98
24
266
Instrument cluster Displays and controls
Instrument cluster
29
Function
: Speedometer with
segments
; Multifunction display = Tachometer
Page
187
188
187
Function
? Coolant temperature A Fuel gauge B Instrument cluster lighting
Page
186
186
30
Instrument cluster
Warning and indicator lamps
Function
: L Low-beam
headlamps
; T Parking lamps = K High-beam
headlamps ? ÷ ESP® A ! Electric parking brake
(red)
B ! Electric parking brake
(yellow)
C · Distance warning D #! Turn signals
Page
99
100
100
227
230
230
233
100
Function E 6 SRS F ü Seat belt G ? Coolant H R Rear fog lamp I N Front fog lamps J ; Check Engine K æ Reserve fuel L å ESP® OFF M ! ABS N J Brakes
Page
230
224
231
100
99
231
231
227
225
225
Multifunction steering wheel
31
Multifunction steering wheel
Page
188
Function
A =;
Selects a menu 9: Selects a submenu or scrolls through lists Confirms your selection Hides display messages
193
B % Back Switches off the Voice Control System; see the separate operating instructions
Page
187
187
187
200
187
Function
: Multifunction display ; Audio/COMAND display;
see the separate operating instructions
= ?
Switches on the Voice Control System; see the separate operating instructions
? ~
Rejects or ends a call Exits phone book/redial memory Makes or accepts a call Switches to the redial memory WX Adjusts the volume Mute
32
Center console
Center console Center console, upper section
Function
Page
Function
: Audio system/COMAND;
see the separate operating instructions
; c Seat heating = c PARKTRONIC ? ¤ ECO start/stop
function
91
169
136
A £ Hazard warning
lamps
B 4 PASSENGER AIRBAG
OFF indicator lamp
C Ú Selects the drive
program
Page
101
53
143
Center console, lower section
Center console
33
Function
D Ashtray
Cigarette lighter Socket Stowage compartment E Stowage compartment
Page
249
250
250
237
237
Function F Cup holder G Stowage compartment H Audio/COMAND
controller; see the separate operating instructions
Page
247
237
34 Overhead control panel
Overhead control panel
Function
Page
Function
Page
: u Switches the rear
compartment interior lighting on/off
; p Switches the right- hand reading lamp on/off = | Switches the front
interior lighting/automatic interior lighting control off ? ï MB Info call button
(mbrace system) A Rear-view mirror B Buttons for the garage door
opener
C G SOS button (mbrace
system)
D F Roadside Assistance
call button (mbrace system)
E Eyeglasses compartment F 3 Opens/closes the
panorama roof with power tilt/sliding panel with roller sunblinds
G c Switches the front
interior lighting on
H p Switches the left-
hand reading lamp on/off
254
237
81
104
103
104
103
104
255
92
262
253
Door control panel
Door control panel
35
Function
B W Opens/closes the
side windows
C n Activates/
deactivates the override feature for the side windows in the rear compartment
Page
77
58
Function
: Opens the door ; %& Unlocks/locks
the vehicle
= r45= Saves the seat and exterior mirror settings
? Adjusts the seats
electrically
A 7Zö\ Adjusts and folds the exterior mirrors in/out electrically
Page
73
74
95
88
92
36
Useful information .............................. 38
Panic alarm .......................................... 38
Occupant safety .................................. 38
Children in the vehicle ........................ 50
Driving safety systems ....................... 58
Theft deterrent locking system ......... 64
37
38 Occupant safety
Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all models and all standard and optional equipment of your vehicle available at the time of publication of the Operator's Manual. Country-specific differences are possible. Please note that your vehicle may not be equipped with all features described. This also applies to safety- related systems and functions.
i Read the information on qualified specialist workshops: (Y page 24).
Panic alarm
X To activate: press ! button : for at
least one second. An alarm sounds and the exterior lighting flashes.
X To deactivate: press ! button :
again.
or X Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
Occupant safety Important safety notes G WARNING Modifications to or work improperly conducted on restraint system components or their wiring, as well as tampering with
interconnected electronic systems, can lead to the restraint systems no longer functioning as intended. Air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs), for example, could deploy inadvertently or fail to deploy in accidents although the deceleration threshold for air bag deployment is exceeded. Therefore, never modify the restraint systems. Do not tamper with electronic components or their software.
In this section, you will learn the most important facts about the restraint system components of the vehicle. The restraint system consists of: RSeat belts RChild restraint systems RLATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat securing
system
Additional protection is provided by: RSRS (Supplemental Restraint System) RAir bag system components with the
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp
The different air bag systems work independently of each other. The protective functions of the system work in conjunction with each other. Not all air bags are always deployed in an accident. i For information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle restraint systems for infants and children, see "Children in the vehicle" (Y page 50).
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) Introduction Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with: RThe 6 SRS warning lamp RAir bags RAir bag control unit (with crash sensors)
REmergency Tensioning Device for the front
seat belts and the outer seat belts in the rear
RSeat belt force limiters for the front seat belts and the outer seat belts in the rear SRS reduces the risk of occupants coming into contact with parts of the vehicle's interior in the event of an accident. It can also reduce the effect of the forces to which occupants are subjected during an accident.
SRS warning lamp G WARNING The SRS self-check has detected a malfunction if the 6 SRS indicator lamp: Rdoes not light up at all Rdoes not go out after approximately four
seconds after the engine is started
Rlights up after the engine is started or while
the vehicle is in motion
For your safety, Mercedes-Benz strongly recommends that you have the system checked as soon as possible at a qualified specialist workshop. SRS may otherwise fail to activate when it is needed in the event of an accident, which could lead to serious or fatal injuries. SRS might also be activated unexpectedly and unnecessarily, which could also result in injury. In addition, work carried out improperly on SRS may render SRS inoperative or cause unintended air bag deployment. Work on the SRS system should only be carried out by qualified specialist personnel. Consult a qualified specialist workshop. If it is necessary to modify an air bag 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).
The 6 SRS warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
Occupant safety
39
on. It goes out no later than a few seconds after the engine is started. SRS functions are checked regularly when the ignition is switched on or the engine is running. Therefore, malfunctions can be detected in good time.
Triggering of Emergency Tensioning Device and air bags During the first stage of a collision, the air bag control unit evaluates important physical data relating to vehicle deceleration or acceleration, such as: Rduration Rdirection Rmagnitude Based on the evaluation of this data, the air bag control unit pre-emptively triggers the Emergency Tensioning Device in the first stage. If there is an even higher rate of vehicle deceleration or acceleration in a longitudinal direction, the front air bags are also deployed. Your vehicle has adaptive, two-stage front air bags. The air bag control unit evaluates vehicle deceleration or acceleration in the event of a collision. In the first deployment stage, the front air bag is filled with enough propellant gas to reduce the risk of injuries. The front air bag is fully deployed if a second deployment threshold is reached within a few milliseconds. The Emergency Tensioning Device and air bag triggering thresholds are variable and are adapted to the detected rate of deceleration or acceleration of the vehicle. This process is pre-emptive in nature. The triggering process must 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: Rthe distribution of forces during the
collision
Rthe collision angle
40 Occupant safety
Rthe deformation characteristics of the
vehicle
Rthe characteristics of the object with which
the vehicle has collided
Factors that can only be seen and measured after a collision has occurred do not play a decisive role in the deployment of an air bag, nor do they provide an indication of air bag deployment. The vehicle may be deformed significantly, e.g. the hood or the fender, without an air bag being deployed. This is the case if only parts which are relatively easily deformed are affected and the rate of deceleration is not high. Conversely, air bags may be deployed even though the vehicle suffers only minor deformation. This is the case if, for example, very rigid vehicle parts such as longitudinal body members are hit, and sufficient deceleration occurs as a result. i The front Emergency Tensioning Devices
can only be triggered if the seat belt tongues on the front seats are correctly engaged in the seat belt buckles.
i Not all air bags are deployed in an
accident. The different air bag systems work independently of each other. How the air bag system works is determined by predicting the severity of the accident, especially vehicle deceleration or acceleration, and the type of accident: Rhead-on collision Rside impact Rrollover
Safety guidelines for seat belts, Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs) and air bags G WARNING RDamaged seat belts or seat belts that have been subjected to stress in an accident must be replaced. Their anchoring points must also be checked. Only use seat belts
installed or supplied by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
RAir bags and pyrotechnic Emergency
Tensioning Devices (ETDs) contain perchlorate material, which may require special handling and regard for the environment. Check your national disposal guidelines. In California, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/ Perchlorate/index.cfm.
RAir bags and ETDs are designed to function on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD that has deployed must be replaced.
RDo not pass seat belts over sharp edges.
They could tear.
RDo not make any modification that could
change the effectiveness of the seat belts. RDo not bleach or dye seat belts, as this may severely weaken them. In a crash, they may not be able to provide adequate protection. RDo not make any modifications to the SRS
wiring or components.
RDo not modify or remove any components
or parts of the SRS.
RDo not install additional trim material, seat
covers, badges, etc. to the: - padded steering wheel boss - knee bag covers - outer side of front seat bolsters - outer seat bolsters of the rear bench seat
front-passenger air bag cover
backrest roof frame trim
RDo not install additional electrical/
electronic equipment on or near SRS components and wiring.
RKeep the area between the air bags and occupants free of objects (e.g. packages, handbags, umbrellas etc.).
RDo not hang any objects such as coat hangers on the coat hooks or the grab handle above the door. These items may be thrown around in the vehicle and cause
head and other injuries when the window curtain air bag is deployed.
RAir bag system components will be hot after an air bag has inflated. Do not touch them.
RNever rest your feet on the dashboard or
the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.
RImproper repair work on the SRS creates a
risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or causing unintended air bag deployment. Work on the SRS must therefore only be performed by qualified technicians. Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
RFor your protection and the protection of others, when scrapping the air bag unit or ETD, our safety instructions must be followed. These are available from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
RGiven the considerable deployment speed, required inflation volume, and the material of the air bags, there is the possibility of abrasions or other, potentially more serious injuries resulting from air bag deployment.
If you sell your vehicle, Mercedes-Benz strongly recommends that you inform the subsequent owner that the vehicle is equipped with SRS. Also, refer them to the applicable section in the Operator's Manual.
Air bags Important safety notes G WARNING Air bags are designed to reduce the incidence of injuries and fatalities in certain situations: Rfrontal impacts (driver's and front-
passenger front air bags and driver's knee bag)
Rside impacts (side impact air bags and
window curtain air bags)
Rrollover (window curtain air bags)
Occupant safety
41
However, no system available today can completely eliminate injuries and fatalities. When the air bags are deployed, a small amount of powder is released. The powder generally does not constitute a health hazard and does not indicate that there is a fire in the vehicle. In order to prevent potential breathing difficulties, you should leave the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have any breathing difficulty but cannot get out of the vehicle after the air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door. G WARNING In order to reduce the potential danger of injuries caused during the deployment of the front air bags, the driver and front passenger must always be correctly seated and wear their seat belts. For maximum protection in the event of a collision, you must always be in the normal seat position with your back against the backrest. Fasten your seat belt and make sure that it is correctly positioned on your body. As the air bag inflates with considerable speed and force, a proper seating position and correct positioning of the hands on the steering wheel will help to keep you at a safe distance from the air bag. Occupants who are not wearing their seat belt, are not seated properly or are too close to the air bag can be seriously injured or killed by an air bag, as it inflates with great force instantaneously: Rsit with the seat belt fastened correctly and in a position that is as upright as possible with your back against the backrest. Rmove the driver's seat as far back as
possible, still permitting proper operation of vehicle controls. The distance from the center of the driver's chest to the center of the air bag cover on the steering wheel must be at least 10 inches (25 cm). You should be able to accomplish this by adjusting the seat and steering wheel. If
42 Occupant safety
you have any difficulties, please contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Rdo not lean your head or chest close to the
steering wheel or dashboard.
Ronly hold the steering wheel on the outside. Placing hands and arms inside the rim can increase the risk and potential severity of hand/arm injury if the driver front air bag inflates.
Radjust the front-passenger seat as far back as possible from the dashboard when the seat is occupied.
Roccupants, especially children, should
never place their bodies or lean their heads in the area of the door where the side impact air bag inflates. This could result in serious or fatal injuries should the side impact air bag be deployed. Always sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt properly and use an appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler restraint or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in severe injuries to you or other occupants. If you sell your vehicle, it is important that you make the buyer aware of this safety information. Be sure to give the buyer this Operator's Manual. G WARNING Accident research shows that the safest place for children in an automobile is in a rear seat. A side impact air bag related injury may occur if occupants, especially children, are not properly seated or restrained when next to a side impact air bag which needs to deploy rapidly in a side impact in order to do its job. To help avoid the possibility of injury, please follow these guidelines:
(1)
Always sit as upright as possible and use the seat belts properly. Make sure that children 12 years old and under use an appropriately sized child restraint, infant
restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. Always wear seat belts properly.
(2)
If the air bags are deployed, you will hear a bang, and a small amount of powder may also be released. Only in rare cases will the bang affect your hearing. The powder that is released generally does not constitute a health hazard. The 6 SRS warning lamp lights up. The air bags are deployed if the air bag control unit detects the need for deployment. Only in the event of such a situation will the air bags provide their supplemental protection. If the driver and front passenger do not wear their seat belts, it is not possible for the air bags to provide their supplemental protection. In the event of other types of impacts and impacts below air bag deployment thresholds, the air bags will not deploy. The driver and passenger will then be protected to the extent possible by a properly fastened seat belt. A properly fastened seat belt is also needed to provide the best possible protection in a rollover. Air bags provide additional protection; they are not, however, a substitute for seat belts. All vehicle occupants must fasten their seat belts regardless of whether your vehicle is equipped with air bags or not. It is important for your safety and that of your passengers to have deployed air bags replaced and to have any malfunctioning air bags repaired. This will help to make sure the air bags continue to perform their protective function for the vehicle occupants in the event of a crash.
Front air bags ! Make sure that there are no objects
exerting force on the front-passenger seat. This could cause the system to identify the seat as being occupied, and in the event of
an accident, the restraint systems on the front-passenger side might be triggered. Have triggered restraint systems replaced.
Occupant safety
43
If a child restraint system is installed on the front-passenger seat and the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF 4 indicator lamp on the center console is not on: Ra child restraint system without a
transponder for the air bag deactivation system is installed or
Ra child restraint system with a transponder
has not been installed properly.
Driver's air bag : deploys in front of the steering wheel; front-passenger front air bag ; deploys in front of and above the glove box. The front air bags increase protection for the driver's and front-passenger's head and chest. They are deployed: Rat the start of an accident with a high rate of vehicle acceleration or deceleration in a longitudinal direction
Rin the event of certain frontal impacts Rif the system determines that air bag
deployment can offer additional protection to that provided by the seat belt
Rdepending on whether the seat belt is being
used
Rindependently of other air bags in the
vehicle
If the vehicle rolls over, the front air bags are
generally not deployed.
Front-passenger air bag ; is only activated
if the system determines that the front-
passenger seat is occupied. The 4
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp on
the center console does not light up
(Y page 53).
Your vehicle has adaptive, two-stage front air bags. The air bag control unit evaluates vehicle deceleration or acceleration in the event of a collision. In the first deployment stage, the front air bag is filled with part of the total available propellant gas, thereby reducing the risk of injury. If the air bag control unit recognizes within a few milliseconds that the vehicle is being braked or accelerated faster than originally predicted, the front air bag is filled with the maximum amount of propellant gas available. The lighter the passenger-side occupant, the higher the vehicle deceleration rate required (predicted at the start of the impact) for second stage inflation of the front-passenger front air bag. In the second stage, the front air bags are inflated with the maximum amount of propellant gas available. The front air bags are not deployed in situations where a low impact severity is predicted. You will then be protected by the fastened seat belt. The front-passenger front air bag will only deploy if: Rthe 45 indicator lamp on the center
console is not lit (Y page 53)
Rthe air bag control unit predicts a high
impact severity
44 Occupant safety
Driver's knee bag
doors create a risk of rendering the side impact air bags inoperative or causing unintended air bag deployment. Work on the doors must therefore only be performed by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Driver's knee bag : deploys under the steering column. The driver's knee bag is always deployed along with the driver's front air bag. The driver's knee bag is designed to operate together with the front air bags in frontal impacts if certain thresholds are exceeded. The driver's knee bag operates best in conjunction with correctly positioned and fastened seat belts. Driver's knee bag : increases the driver's protection against: Rknee injuries Rthigh injuries Rlower leg injuries
Side impact air bags G WARNING Only use seat covers which have been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model. Using other seat covers may interfere with or prevent the deployment of the side impact air bags. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for availability. G WARNING The pressure sensors for side impact air bag control are located in the doors. Do not modify any components of the doors or door trim panels including, for example, the addition of door speakers. Improper repair work on the doors or the modification or addition of components to the
Front side impact air bags : and rear side impact air bags ; deploy next to the outer seat cushions. When deployed, the side impact air bags offer additional protection of the thorax for occupants on the front seats as well as also of the pelvis for the vehicle occupants on the side of the vehicle on which the impact occurs. However, they do not protect the: Rhead Rneck Rarms The side impact air bags are deployed: Ron the side on which an impact occurs Rat the start of an accident with a high rate
of lateral vehicle deceleration or acceleration, e.g. in a side impact
Rindependently of the use of the seat belt Rindependently of the front air bags Rindependently of the ETDs If the vehicle rolls over, the side impact air bags are generally not deployed. Side impact air bags are deployed if the system detects high vehicle deceleration or acceleration in a lateral direction and determines that side impact air bag deployment can offer
additional protection to that provided by the seat belt. Side impact air bags will not deploy in side impacts which do not exceed the system's preset deployment thresholds for lateral acceleration/deceleration. You will then be protected by the fastened seat belt. The side impact air bag on the front- passenger side is not deployed in the following situations: ROCS has detected that the front-passenger
seat is unoccupied.
Rthe front-passenger seat belt is not
fastened.
The side impact air bag on the front- passenger side will deploy if the front- passenger seat belt is fastened, regardless of whether the front-passenger seat is occupied or not.
Window curtain air bags
Window curtain air bags : enhance the level of protection for the head, but not chest or arms, of the vehicle occupants on the side of the vehicle on which the impact occurs. Window curtain air bags : are integrated into the side of the roof frame and deployed in the area from the A-pillar to the C-pillar. Window curtain air bags are deployed: Rat the start of an accident with a high rate
of lateral vehicle deceleration or acceleration, e.g. in a side impact
Ron the side on which an impact occurs
Occupant safety
45
Ron the driver's side and passenger side, in
the event of a vehicle rollover and if the system determines that air bag deployment can offer the vehicle occupants additional protection to that provided by the seat belt
Rindependently of the use of the seat belt Rregardless of whether the front-passenger
seat is occupied
Rindependently of the front air bags Window curtain air bags : will not deploy in the event of impacts which do not exceed the system's preset deployment thresholds for vehicle acceleration/deceleration. You will then be protected by the fastened seat belt.
Seat belts Important safety notes G WARNING Always fasten your seat belt before driving off. Always make sure all of your passengers are properly restrained. You and your passengers should always wear seat belts. Failure to wear and properly fasten and position your seat belt greatly increases your risk of injuries and their likely severity in an accident. If you are ever in an accident, your injuries can be considerably more severe without your seat belt properly buckled. Without your seat belt buckled, you are much more likely to hit the interior of the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, the possibility of injury or death is lessened if you are properly wearing your seat belt. The air bags can only protect as intended if the occupants are properly wearing their seat belts. G WARNING Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat backrest in an excessively reclined position as this can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under
46 Occupant safety
it, the seat belt would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat belt provide the best restraint when the wearer is in a position that is as upright as possible and the seat belt is properly positioned on the body. G WARNING Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there are seat belts available. Make sure everyone riding in the vehicle is correctly restrained with a separate seat belt. Never use a seat belt for more than one person at a time. G WARNING Always have damaged seat belts or seat belts that have been subjected to a load in an accident replaced and the anchorages checked. Only use seat belts that have been approved by Mercedes-Benz. Never tamper with seat belts. This can result in the unintended deployment of the Emergency Tensioning Devices or the failure to deploy when necessary. Do not bleach or dye seat belts, as this may severely weaken them. In the event of a collision, they may be unable to provide adequate protection. Have all work carried out only by qualified technicians. Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The use of seat belts and infant and child restraint systems is required by law in: Rall 50 states Rthe U.S. territories Rthe District of Columbia Rall Canadian provinces Even where this is not required by law, all vehicle occupants should correctly fasten their seat belts before starting the journey.
i See "Children in the vehicle"
(Y page 50) for further information on infants and children traveling in the vehicle as well as on child restraint systems.
Proper use of the seat belts G WARNING USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY RSeat belts can only work when used
properly. Never wear seat belts in any other way than as described in this section, as that could result in serious injuries in the event of an accident.
REach occupant should wear their seat belt at all times, because seat belts help reduce the likelihood of and potential severity of injuries in accidents, including rollovers. The integrated restraint system includes SRS (driver front air bag, driver's side knee bag, front-passenger front air bag, side impact air bags, window curtain air bags for the side windows), Emergency Tensioning Devices, seat belt force limiters, and front seat knee bolsters. The system is designed to enhance the protection offered to properly belted occupants in certain frontal (front air bags, driver's side knee bag and ETDs) and side (side impact air bags, window curtain air bags, and ETDs) impacts which exceed preset deployment thresholds and in certain rollovers (window curtain air bags and ETDs).
RNever wear the shoulder belt under your
arm, across your neck or off your shoulder. In a frontal crash, your body would move too far forward. That would increase the chance of head and neck injuries. The seat belt would also apply too much force to the ribs or abdomen, which could severely injure internal organs such as your liver or spleen. Adjust the seat belt so that the shoulder section is located as close as possible to the middle of the shoulder. It should not
touch the neck. Never pass the shoulder portion of the seat belt under your arm. For this purpose, you can adjust the height of the seat belt outlet.
RPosition the lap belt as low as possible on your hips and not across the abdomen. If the lap belt is positioned across your abdomen, it could cause serious injuries in a crash.
RNever wear seat belts over rigid or
breakable objects in or on your clothing, such as eyeglasses, pens, keys etc., as these might cause injuries.
RMake sure the seat belt is always fitted snugly. Take special care of this when wearing loose clothing.
RNever use a seat belt for more than one
person at a time. Do not fasten a seat belt around a person and another person or other objects at the same time.
RSeat belts should not be worn twisted. In a crash, you would not have the full width of the seat belt to distribute impact forces. The twisted seat belt against your body could cause injuries.
RPregnant women should also always use a
lap-shoulder belt. The lap belt portion should be positioned as low as possible on the hips to avoid any possible pressure on the abdomen.
RPlace the seat backrest in a position that is
as upright as possible.
RCheck your seat belt during travel to make
sure it is properly positioned.
RNever place your feet on the instrument panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.
RWhen using a seat belt to secure infant
restraints, toddler restraints, or children in booster seats, always follow the child seat manufacturer's instructions.
Occupant safety
47
G WARNING Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges. They could tear. Do not allow the seat belt to get caught in the door or in the seat adjustment mechanism. This could damage the seat belt. Never attempt to make modifications to seat belts. This could impair the effectiveness of the seat belts.
Fastening seat belts
G WARNING
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained on the rear
seats than on the front-passenger seat. Thus,
we strongly recommend that children be
placed in the rear seat whenever possible.
Regardless of seating position, children 12
years old and under must be seated and
properly secured in an appropriately sized
child restraint system or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child. For additional information, see the
"Children in the vehicle" section.
A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and/
or the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
48 Occupant safety
X Adjust the seat and move the backrest to
an almost vertical position (Y page 86). X Pull the seat belt smoothly through belt
sash guide :.
X Without twisting it, guide the shoulder
section of the seat belt across the middle of your shoulder and the lap section across your pelvis.
X Engage belt tongue ; in buckle =. X If necessary, adjust the seat belt to the
appropriate height (Y page 48).
X If necessary, pull upwards on the shoulder section of the seat belt to tighten the belt across your body.
Information on releasing the seat belt with release button ?(Y page 48).
Belt height adjustment
You can adjust the seat belt height on the front seats. Adjust the belt to a height that allows the upper part of the seat belt to be routed across the center of your shoulder. X To raise: slide the belt sash guide upwards.
The belt sash guide engages in various positions.
X To lower: press and hold belt sash guide
release :.
X Slide the belt sash guide downwards. X Release belt sash guide release : and make sure that the belt sash guide has engaged.
Using the seat belt for the center rear- compartment seat If the left-hand rear seat backrest is folded down and back up again, the rear center seat belt may lock. The seat belt can then not be pulled out. X To release the rear center seat belt: pull
the seat belt out approximately 1 in (25 mm) at the belt outlet on the backrest and then release it again. The seat belt is retracted and released.
Releasing seat belts ! Make sure that the seat belt is fully rolled up. Otherwise, the seat belt or belt tongue will be trapped in the door or in the seat mechanism. This could damage the door, the door trim panel and the seat belt. Damaged seat belts can no longer fulfill their protective function and must be replaced. Visit a qualified specialist workshop.
X Press release button ? on belt buckle =. X Guide belt tongue ; back to belt sash
guide :.
Belt warning for the driver and front passenger Regardless of whether the driver's and front- passenger seat belts have already been fastened, the 7 seat belt warning lamp lights up for six seconds each time the engine is started. It then goes out if the driver and the front passenger have already fastened their seat belts. If the driver's seat belt is not fastened when the engine is started, an additional warning tone will sound. This warning tone stops after a maximum of six seconds or once the driver's seat belt is fastened. If after six seconds the driver or front passenger have not fastened their seat belts and the doors are closed, the 7 seat belt warning lamp lights up: Runtil the driver's or front passenger's seat
belt is fastened
Rif a vehicle speed of 15 mph (25 km/h) is exceeded, a warning tone also sounds with increasing intensity for a maximum of 60 seconds or until the driver or front- passenger seat belt has been fastened.
If the driver/front passenger unfasten their seat belt while the vehicle is in motion, the 7 seat belt warning lamp lights up and a warning tone sounds again. The warning tone ceases even if the driver or front-passenger seat belt has still not been fastened after 60 seconds. The 7 seat belt warning lamp stops flashing but remains illuminated. After the vehicle comes to a standstill, the warning tone is reactivated and the 7 seat belt warning lamp flashes again if the vehicle speed again exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h). The 7 seat belt warning lamp only goes out if: Rboth the driver and the front passenger
have fastened their seat belts. or
Rthe vehicle is stationary and a door is open.
Occupant safety
49
i For more information on the 7 seat
belt warning lamp, see "Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster, seat belts" (Y page 224).
Emergency Tensioning Devices, seat belt force limiters G WARNING Pyrotechnic ETDs that were activated must be replaced. For your safety, when disposing of the pyrotechnic ETDs always follow our safety instructions. These are available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
! If the front-passenger seat is not
occupied, do not engage the seat belt tongue in the buckle on the front- passenger seat. Otherwise, the Emergency Tensioning Device could be triggered in the event of an accident.
The front seat belts and the outer seat belts in the rear are equipped with Emergency Tensioning Devices and seat belt force limiters. The ETDs tighten the seat belts in an accident, pulling them close against the body. The ETDs do not correct incorrect seat positions or incorrectly fastened seat belts. The ETDs do not pull vehicle occupants back towards the backrest. The ETDs can only be activated when: Rthe ignition is switched on. Rthe restraint systems are operational; see
"SRS warning lamp" 6(Y page 39).
Rthe belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on
each of the front seat belts.
The ETDs on the outside seats in the rear compartment are triggered independently of the lock status of the seat belts. The ETDs are triggered depending on the type and severity of an accident: Rif, in the event of a head-on or rear-end
collision, the vehicle decelerates or
50
Children in the vehicle
accelerates rapidly in a longitudinal direction during the initial stages of the impact
Rif, in the event of a side impact, on the side
opposite the impact the vehicle decelerates or accelerates rapidly in a lateral direction
Rif, in certain situations where the vehicle rolls over, the system determines that it can provide additional protection
If the ETDs are deployed, you will hear a bang, and a small amount of powder may also be released. Only in rare cases will the bang affect your hearing. The powder that is released generally does not constitute a health hazard. The 6 SRS warning lamp lights up. If the seat belt is also equipped with a seat belt force limiter and this is triggered, the force exerted by the seat belt on the vehicle occupant is reduced. The seat belt force limiters for the front seats are synchronized with the front air bags, which take on a part of the deceleration force. This results in the force exerted on the occupant being distributed over a greater area.
Children in the vehicle Child restraint systems Important safety notes G WARNING According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed in the rear seats whenever possible. Regardless of seating position, children 12 years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriate infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child.
The infant or child restraint must be properly secured with the vehicle's seat belt, the seat belt and top tether strap, or lower anchors and top tether strap, fully in accordance with the child seat manufacturer's instructions. Occupants, especially children, should always sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt properly and use an appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. Children can be killed or seriously injured by an inflating air bag. Note the following important information when circumstances require you to place a child in the front passenger seat: RYour vehicle is equipped with air bag
technology designed to deactivate the front passenger front air bag in your vehicle when the system senses the weight of a typical 12-month-old child or less along with the weight of a standard appropriate child restraint on the front passenger seat.
RFor children larger than the typical
12-month-old child, the front passenger front air bag may or may not be activated. Always make sure the 4 5 indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated.
RA child in a rear-facing child restraint on the
front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front passenger front air bag inflates in a collision which could occur under some circumstances, even with the air bag technology installed in your vehicle. The only means to completely eliminate this risk is to never place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat. We therefore strongly recommend that you always place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in a backseat.
RIf you must install a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat because circumstances require you to do so, make sure the 4 5 indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front
passenger front air bag is deactivated.
Should the 4 5 indicator lamp not
illuminate or go out while the restraint is
installed, please check installation.
Periodically check the 4 5 indicator
lamp while driving to make sure the 4
5 indicator lamp is illuminated. If the
4 5 indicator lamp goes out or
remains out, do not transport a child on the
front passenger seat until the system has
been repaired.
A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the
front passenger seat will be seriously
injured or even killed if the front passenger
front air bag inflates.
RIf you have to place a child in a forward-
facing child restraint on the front passenger seat, move the seat as far back as possible, use the proper child restraint recommended for the age, size and weight of the child, and secure child restraint with the vehicle's seat belt according to the child seat manufacturer's instructions. G WARNING Infants and small children should never share a seat belt with another occupant. In the event of an accident, they could be crushed between the occupant and seat belt. A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is significantly increased if the child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle and/ or the child is not properly secured in the child restraint. Children that are too large for a child restraint must travel in seats using normal seat belts. Position the shoulder belt across the chest and shoulder, not the face or neck. A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper seat belt positioning for children over 41 lbs (18 kg) until they reach a height where a lap/ shoulder belt fits properly without a booster seat. When the child restraint is not in use, remove it from the vehicle or secure it with the seat belt to prevent the child restraint from
Children in the vehicle
51
becoming a projectile in the event of an accident. G WARNING When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, even if they are secured in a child restraint system, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised access to a vehicle could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury. The children could: Rinjure themselves on parts of the vehicle Rbe seriously or fatally injured through
excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold Rinjure themselves or cause an accident with
vehicle equipment that can be operated even if the SmartKey is removed from the ignition lock or removed from the vehicle, such as seat adjustment, steering wheel adjustment, or the memory function
If children open a door, they could injure other persons or get out of the vehicle and injure themselves or be injured by following traffic. Do not expose the child restraint system to direct sunlight. The child restraint system's metal parts, for example, could become very hot, and the child could be burned on these parts. G WARNING Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the passenger compartment or trunk unless they are firmly secured in place. Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo increases a child's risk of injury in the event of Rstrong braking maneuvers Rsudden changes of direction Ran accident
52
Children in the vehicle
Further information on secure stowage of loads can be found under "Loading guidelines". If an infant or child is traveling in the vehicle: RSecure the child with a child or infant seat restraint system appropriate to the age and weight of the child.
RMake sure that the infant or child is
properly secured at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you always properly secure all infants and children with a child or infant seat restraint system for the trip. The use of seat belts and infant and child restraint systems is required by law in: Rall 50 states Rthe U.S. territories Rthe District of Columbia Rall Canadian provinces Infants and children must always be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system recommended for the size and weight of the child. The infant or child restraint system must be properly secured in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. All infant or child restraint systems must meet the following standards: RU.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards 213 and 225
RCanadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
213 and 210.2
Confirmation that the child restraint system corresponds to the standards can be found on an instruction label on the child restraint system. This confirmation can also be found in the installation instructions that are included with the child restraint system. Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions when using an infant or child restraint system or booster seat. Observe the warning labels in the vehicle interior or on the infant or child restraint.
Child restraint system on the front- passenger seat G WARNING If the front-passenger air bag is not disabled: Ra child secured in a child restraint system
on the front-passenger seat could be seriously or even fatally injured by the front- passenger air bag deploying. This is especially a risk if the child is in the immediate vicinity of the front-passenger air bag when it deploys.
Rnever secure a child on the front-passenger
seat in a rearward-facing child restraint system. Only secure a rearward-facing child restraint system on a suitable rear seat.
Ralways move the front-passenger seat to the rearmost position if you secure a child in a forward-facing child restraint system on the front-passenger seat.
The front-passenger air bag is not disabled: Ron vehicles without an air bag deactivation
system on the front-passenger seat.
Ron vehicles with an air bag deactivation
system on the front-passenger seat, unless a child restraint system with transponders for an air bag deactivation system is installed on the front-passenger seat
Ron vehicles with an air bag deactivation
system on the front-passenger seat, if the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp 4 is not lit.
To make you aware of this danger, a corresponding warning sticker has been affixed on the dashboard and on both sides of the sun visor on the front-passenger side. Information about recommended child restraint systems is available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Children in the vehicle
53
Ronly use a forward-facing child restraint system on the front-passenger seat and move the front-passenger seat to the rearmost position.
Rhave the air bag deactivation system
checked at a qualified specialist workshop. To ensure that the air bag deactivation system on the front-passenger seat functions/ communicates correctly, never place objects, e.g. a cushion, under the child restraint system. The entire base of the child restraint system must always rest on the seat cushion. An incorrectly installed child restraint system cannot perform its intended protective function in the event of an accident, and could lead to injuries. G WARNING Do not place electronic devices on the front- passenger seat, e.g.: Rlaptops, when switched on Rmobile phones Rcards with transponders, e.g. ski passes or
access cards
Signals from electronic equipment can cause interference in the sensor system of the air bag deactivation system. This can lead to a system malfunction. This may cause the 4 PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp to light up even if no child seat with a transponder for an air bag deactivation system is installed. The front-passenger air bag would not then deploy during an accident. It is also possible that the 6 SRS warning lamp lights up and/or the 4 PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp does not light up briefly when you turn the key in the ignition lock to position 2.
Warning notice on the front-passenger sun visor
Warning symbol for a rearward-facing child restraint system Do not use a rearward-facing child restraint system on a seat that is protected by an air bag installed in front of it.
Air bag deactivation system on the front-passenger seat G WARNING If the 4 PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp does not light up when the child restraint system is installed, the front- passenger air bag has not been disabled. If the front-passenger air bag deploys, the child could be seriously or even fatally injured. Proceed as follows: Rdo not use a rearward-facing child restraint
system on the front-passenger seat.
Rinstall a rearward-facing child restraint
system on a suitable rear seat.
or
54
Children in the vehicle
If the front-passenger seat of your vehicle does not have an air bag deactivation system, this is indicated by a special sticker. The sticker is affixed to the side of the dashboard on the front-passenger side. The sticker is visible when you open the front-passenger door. Vehicles without an air bag deactivation system on the front-passenger seat: if you turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock, the 45 indicator lamp lights up briefly but has no function. It does not indicate that there is an air bag deactivation system on the front-passenger seat.
The sensor system for the air bag deactivation system detects whether a special Mercedes- Benz child seat with a transponder for the air bag deactivation system has been installed. In this case, 45 indicator lamp : lights up. The front-passenger front air bag is deactivated:
i If the front-passenger front air bag is
disabled by the air bag deactivation system, the following remain enabled on the front-passenger side: Rthe side impact air bag Rthe window curtain air bag Rthe Emergency Tensioning Device
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat anchors in the rear G WARNING Children that are too large for a child restraint must travel in seats using normal seat belts. Position the shoulder belt across the chest and shoulder, not the face or neck. A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper seat belt positioning for children over 41 lbs (18 kg) until they reach a height where a normal shoulder/lap belt fit properly without a booster. Install the child seat according to manufacturer's instructions. The child seat must be firmly attached to both anchors. An incorrectly installed child restraint system could come loose during an accident and seriously or even fatally injure the child. Damaged or impact damaged child seats or child seat mountings must be replaced.
! When installing the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child restraint system, make sure that the seat belt for the center seat does not get trapped. Otherwise, the seat belt could be damaged.
Children in the vehicle
55
is then no longer supported correctly or held in position and can no longer perform its intended function. This can cause serious or even fatal injuries.
X Install the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child
restraint system. Comply with the manufacturer's instructions when