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For more information, see “Automatic central locking” (컄 page 103).
Do not run cold engine at high engine speeds. Running a cold engine at high engine speeds may shorten the service life of the engine.
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Getting started Driving
Automatic transmission
Wait for the gear selection process to complete before setting the vehicle in motion.
왘 Depress the brake pedal. 왘 Move gear selector lever to position D
to drive forward, or to position R to drive rearward.
Place the gear selector lever in position P or R only when the vehicle is stopped in order to avoid damaging the transmission.
왘 Release the brake pedal. 왘 Carefully depress the accelerator
pedal.
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Warning!
Switching on headlamps
Low beam headlamps The exterior lamp switch is located on the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel.
It is dangerous to shift the gear selector le- ver out of P or N if the engine speed is high- er than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accel- erate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
Exterior lamp switch 1 Off 2 Low beam headlamps on 왘 Turn exterior lamp switch to
position B. The low beam headlamp indicator lamp B in the instrument cluster comes on (컄 page 24).
High beam The combination switch is located on the left of the steering column.
Turn signals
The combination switch is located on the left of the steering column.
Combination switch 1 Turn signals, right 2 Turn signals, left
Combination switch 1 High beam 2 High beam flasher 왘 Push combination switch in direction of
arrow 1. The high beam headlamp indicator lamp A in the instrument cluster comes on (컄 page 24).
For more information on headlamps, see “Lighting” (컄 page 114).
Getting started Driving
왘 Press combination switch in direction
of arrow 1 or 2. The corresponding turn signal indicator lamp L or K in the instrument cluster flashes (컄 page 24). The combination switch resets auto- matically after major directional changes.
If the combination switch is pressed to point of resistance the turn signals will flash three times.
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Getting started Driving
Windshield wipers
The combination switch is located on the left of the steering column.
Combination switch 1 Single wipe
Wiping with windshield washer fluid
2 Switching on windshield wipers 왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 33).
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Do not operate the windshield wipers when the windshield is dry. Dust that accumulates on a windshield might scratch the glass and/or damage the wiper blades when wiping occurs on a dry windshield. If it is necessary to op- erate the windshield wipers in dry weather conditions, always operate the windshield wipers with windshield washer fluid (컄 page 51).
Switching on windshield wipers 왘 Turn the combination switch to the desired position depending on the intensity of the rain. 0 Windshield wipers off Intermittent wiping II Normal wiper speed III Fast wiper speed
Intermittent wiping
Vehicles with rain sensor*: Do not leave windshield wipers in intermittent setting when the vehicle is taken to an automatic car wash or during windshield cleaning. Windshield wipers will operate in the presence of water sprayed on the windshield, and windshield wipers may be damaged as a result.
Vehicles with rain sensor*: If you have set intermittent wiping, dirt on the surface of the rain sensor or op- tical effects may cause the windshield wipers to wipe in an undesired fashion. This could then damage the windshield wiper blades or scratch the windows. You should therefore switch off the windshield wipers when weather condi- tions are dry.
Vehicles with rain sensor*: Intermittent wiping interval is dependent on wetness of windshield. 왘 Turn the combination switch to
position I. Vehicles with rain sensor*: After the initial wipe, pauses between wipes are automatically controlled by the rain sensor.
Intermittent wiping is interrupted when the vehicle is at a standstill and a front door is opened. This protects persons getting into or out of the vehicle from being sprayed. Intermittent wiping will be continued when 앫 all doors are closed and 앫 the gear selector lever is in
position D or R or
앫 the wiper setting is changed using
the combination switch
Getting started Driving
Single wipe 왘 Press the combination switch briefly in direction of arrow 1 to the resistance point. The windshield wipers wipe one time without washer fluid.
Wiping with windshield washer fluid 왘 Press the combination switch in direc-
tion of arrow 1 past the resistance point. The windshield wipers operate with washer fluid.
To prevent smears on the windshield, wipe with windshield washer fluid every now and then even when it is raining.
For information on filling up the washer reservoir, see “Windshield washer system and headlamp cleaning system*” (컄 page 304).
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Problems while driving
The engine runs erratically and misfires 앫 An ignition cable may be damaged. 앫 The engine electronics may not be op-
erating properly.
앫 Unburned gasoline may have entered the catalytic converter and damaged it.
왘 Give very little gas. 왘 Have the problem repaired by an au- thorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
The coolant temperature is above 248°F (120°C) The coolant is too hot and is no longer cooling the engine. 왘 Stop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as possible and turn off the en- gine. Allow engine and coolant to cool.
왘 Check the coolant level and add
coolant if necessary (컄 page 301).
Getting started Driving
If anything blocks the windshield wipers (leaves, snow, etc.), switch them off immediately. 앫 For safety reasons, stop the vehicle
in a safe location and remove SmartKey from starter switch before attempting to remove any blockage.
앫 Remove blockage. 앫 Turn the windshield wipers on
again.
If the windshield wipers fail to function at all with combination switch in position I, 앫 set the combination switch to the
next higher wiper speed
앫 have the windshield wipers
checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
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In case of accident If the vehicle is leaking gasoline: 왘 Do not start the engine under any cir-
cumstances.
왘 Notify local fire and/or police authori-
ties.
If the extent of the damage cannot be de- termined: 왘 Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
If no damage can be determined on the 앫 Major assemblies 앫 Fuel system 앫 Engine mount 왘 Start the engine in the usual manner.
Getting started Driving
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Getting started Parking and locking
You have now completed your first drive. You have properly stopped and parked your vehicle. End your drive as follows.
Warning!
With the engine not running, there is no power assistance for the brake and steering system. In this case, it is important to keep in mind that a considerably higher degree of effort is necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.
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Warning!
Parking brake
Do not park this vehicle in areas where com- bustible materials such as grass, hay or leaves can come into contact with the hot exhaust system, as these materials could be ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
To reduce the risk of personal injury as a re- sult of vehicle movement, before turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle always: 앫 Keep right foot on brake pedal. 앫 Firmly depress parking brake pedal. 앫 Move the gear selector lever to
position P.
앫 Slowly release brake pedal. 앫 When parked on an incline, turn front
wheels towards the road curb.
앫 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 0 and remove the SmartKey from the starter switch.
앫 Take the SmartKey and lock the vehicle
when leaving.
1 Release handle 2 Parking brake pedal 왘 Step firmly on parking brake pedal 2. When the engine is running, the brake warning lamp ; (USA only) or 3 (Canada only) in the instrument cluster comes on.
Getting started Parking and locking
Switching off headlamps
왘 Turn exterior lamp switch
to M (컄 page 48).
For more information, see “Lighting” (컄 page 114).
Warning!
Warning!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could release the parking brake and/or move the gear selector lever from position P, either of which could result in an accident and/or serious injury.
Getting out of your vehicle with the gear se- lector lever not fully engaged in position P is dangerous. Also, when parked on an incline, position P alone may not prevent your vehi- cle from moving, possibly hitting people or objects.
Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting to position P.
When parked on an incline, turn front wheel towards the road curb.
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Getting started Parking and locking
Turning off engine
Releasing seat belts
Locking
왘 Place the gear selector lever in
position P.
Always set the parking brake in addi- tion to shifting to position P. On slopes, turn the front wheels towards the road curb.
왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 0.
왘 Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch. The immobilizer is activated.
The SmartKey can only be removed from the starter switch with the gear selector lever in position P.
왘 Press the seat belt release button
(컄 page 43). Allow the retractor to completely rewind the seat belt by guiding the latch plate.
Make sure the seat belt retracts fully so that the seat belt and/or latch plate cannot get caught or pinched in the door or in the seat mechanism. This can damage the seat belt and impair the effectiveness of the seat belt, and/or cause damage to the door and/or door trim panel. Such damage is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Damaged seat belts must be replaced. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
To prevent possible personal injury, always keep hands and fingers away from the door openings when closing the doors. Be espe- cially careful when small children are around.
Before closing doors, make sure there is no possibility of someone getting caught in a door during closing.
Warning!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsuper- vised use of vehicle equipment may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.
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i With the SmartKey removed and the driver’s door open, a warning sounds if the vehicle’s exterior lamps are not switched off. The message Switch off lights ap- pears in the multifunction display.
왘 Exit the vehicle and close all doors. 왘 After exiting the vehicle, press the lock
button ‹ on the SmartKey (컄 page 32). 앫 All turn signal lamps flash three
times.
앫 An acoustic signal sounds three
times (if equipped and feature acti- vated). For more information, see “Factory setting” (컄 page 96).
앫 The locking knobs in the doors
move down.
앫 The anti-theft alarm system* is
armed.
Getting started Parking and locking
For more information, see “Locking and unlocking” (컄 page 94).
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58
Safety and Security Occupant safety
Panic alarm*
Driving safety systems
Anti-theft systems
59
The 1 indicator lamp in the instrument cluster (컄 page 24) comes on: 앫 for about 4 seconds when you turn the
SmartKey in the starter switch to position 1.
앫 for about 4 seconds when you start the
engine by turning the SmartKey.
The 1 indicator lamp remains lit if the SmartKey in the starter switch is turned to position 2 and left there. The indicator lamp will go out when you start the engine.
The 1 indicator lamp goes out shortly after you start the engine. This shows that the restraint systems are operational. A malfunction in the system has been detected if the 1 indicator lamp: 앫 fails to extinguish after approximately
4 seconds.
앫 does not come on at all. 앫 comes on after the engine was started
or while driving.
For safety reasons, we strongly recommend that you visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately to have the system checked. For more information, see “Practical hints” (컄 page 356).
Safety and Security Occupant safety
In this section you will learn the most im- portant facts about the restraint systems of the vehicle. The restraint systems are 앫 Seat belts 앫 Emergency tensioning device 앫 Air bags 앫 Child seats 앫 Child seat recognition 앫 Lower anchors and tethers for children
(LATCH)
As independent systems, their protective effects work in conjunction with each other.
For information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle and restraint systems for infants and children, see “Children in the vehicle” (컄 page 72).
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Warning!
Air bags
In the event that the 1 indicator lamp comes on during driving or does not come on at all, the SRS self-check has detected a malfunction. For your safety, we strongly recommend that you visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately to have the system checked; otherwise the SRS may not be activated when needed in an acci- dent, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily which could also result in injury.
In addition, improper work on the SRS creates a risk of rendering the SRS inopera- tive or causing unintended air bag deploy- ment. Work on the SRS must therefore only be performed by qualified technicians. Con- tact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
Air bags are designed to reduce the poten- tial of injury and fatality in certain frontal impacts (front air bags), or side impacts (front side impact air bags, rear side impact air bags * and head protection window cur- tain air bags). However, no system available today can totally eliminate injuries and fatal- ities.
The activation of the air bags temporarily releases a small amount of dust from the air bags. This dust, however, is neither inju- rious to your health, nor does it indicate a fire in the vehicle. The dust might cause some temporary breathing difficulty for peo- ple with asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, you may wish to get out of 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.
Safety and Security Occupant safety
Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury when the front air bags inflate, it is very important for the driver and front passenger to always be in a properly seated position and to wear your seat belts.
For maximum protection in the event of a collision always be in normal seated position with your back against the backrest. Fasten your seat belt and make sure that it is prop- erly positioned on your body.
Since the air bag inflates with considerable speed and force, a proper seating and hands on steering wheel position will help to keep you at a safe distance from the air bag. Occupants who are unbelted, out of position or too close to the air bag can be seriously injured or killed by an air bag as it inflates with great force in the blink of an eye: 앫 Sit properly belted in a nearly upright
position with your back against the seat backrest.
컄컄
61
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.
Safety and Security Occupant safety
컄컄
앫 Adjust the driver seat as far as possible rearward, still permitting proper opera- tion of vehicle controls. The distance from the center of the driver’s breast- bone to the center of the air bag cover on the steering wheel must be at least 10 in (25 cm) or more. You should be able to accomplish this by a combina- tion of adjustments to the seat and steering wheel. If you have any prob- lems, please see an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
앫 Do not lean with your head or chest close to the steering wheel or dash- board.
앫 Keep hands on the outside of steering wheel rim. Placing hands and arms in- side the rim can increase the risk and potential severity of hand/arm injury when driver front air bag inflates.
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앫 Adjust the front passenger seat as far as possible rearward from the dashboard when the seat is occupied.
앫 Occupants, especially children, should never place their bodies or lean their heads in the area of the door or the rear side trim panel where the front side im- pact air bag and/or the rear side impact air bag* inflates. This could result in se- rious injuries or death should the air bag be triggered. Always sit nearly upright, properly use the seat belts and appropri- ate size infant or child restraint system. 앫 Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmartTM compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM system installed in the vehicle to deacti- vate the passenger front air bag when it is properly installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the air bag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fa- tal injury will result.
Warning!
To help avoid the possibility of injury, please follow these guidelines:
Accident research shows that the safest place for children in an automobile is in the rear seat. Should you choose to place a child 12 years old or under in the front passenger seat of your vehicle, you must properly use a BabySmartTM child restraint which will turn off the passenger front air bag. BabySmartTM will not, however, turn off any side impact air bag (front side impact air bag and/or rear side impact air bag*).
It should be noted that with respect to both front side impact air bags and rear side im- pact air bags* there is a possibility for a side air bag related injury if occupants, especial- ly children, are not properly seated or re- strained when next to a side air bag which needs to deploy rapidly in a side impact in order to do its job.
(1) Occupants, especially children, should
never place their bodies or lean their heads in the area of the door where the front side impact air bag and/or rear side impact air bag* inflates. This could result in serious injuries or death should the front side impact air bag and/or rear side impact air bag* be activated.
(2) Always sit nearly upright, properly use the seat belts and use an appropriately sized infant or child restraint system for all children 12 years old or under.
(3) Always wear seat belts properly.
If you believe that, even with the use of these guidelines, it would be safer for your rear seat occupants to have both rear door mounted side air bags* deactivated, then deactivation can be accomplished upon your written request to do so at an autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Center at an additional cost.
Safety and Security Occupant safety
Please contact your local authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call our Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) for details.
Air bags are designed to activate only in certain frontal impacts (front air bags) and in side impacts (front side impact air bags, rear side impact air bags* and head protection window curtain air bags) which exceed preset thresholds. Only during these types of impacts, if of sufficient severity to meet the deploy- ment tresholds, will they provide their supplemental protection. The driver and passengers should always wear their seat belts. Otherwise it is not possible for air bags to provide their supplemental protection.
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Safety and Security Occupant safety
In cases of other frontal impacts, angled impacts, roll-overs, other side impacts, rear collisions, or other acci- dents, the air bags will not be activat- ed. The driver and passengers will then be protected by the fastened seat belts. We caution you not to rely on the presence of the air bags in order to avoid wearing your seat belt. Your vehicle was originally equipped with air bags that are designed to acti- vate in certain impacts exceeding a preset threshold to reduce the poten- tial and severity of injury. It is important to your safety and that of your passen- gers that you replace deployed air bags and repair any malfunctioning air bags to make sure that the vehicle will con- tinue to provide supplemental crash protection for occupants.
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Safety guidelines for the seat belt, emergency tensioning device and air bag
Warning!
앫 Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly stressed in an accident must be replaced and their anchoring points must also be checked. Only use belts in- stalled or supplied by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
앫 Air bags and emergency tensioning
devices (ETDs) are designed to function on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD that was activated must be replaced.
앫 No modifications of any kind may be made to any components or wiring of the SRS. This includes changing or re- moving any component or part of the SRS, the installation of additional trim material, badges, etc. over the steering wheel hub, passenger front air bag cover, outboard sides of the front seat backrests, door trim panels, or door frame trims, and installation of addition- al electrical/electronic equipment on or near SRS components and wiring. Keep area between air bags and occupants free from objects (e.g. packages, purs- es, umbrellas, etc.).
앫 Do not pass belts over sharp edges.
They could tear.
앫 Do not make any modification that could
change the effectiveness of the belts. 앫 Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to provide ade- quate protection.
앫 Do not hang items such as coat hangers from the coat hooks or handles over the door. These items may turn into projec- tiles and cause head and other injuries when curtain air bag is deployed.
앫 Never place your feet on the instrument panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.
앫 Air bag system components will be hot
after an air bag has inflated. Do not touch.
앫 In addition, improper 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. Contact an autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Center.
앫 For your protection and the protection of others, when scrapping the air bag unit or emergency tensioning device, our safety instructions must be fol- lowed. These instructions are available from your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
앫 Given the considerable deployment
speed, required inflation volume, and the textile structure of the air bags, there is the possibility of abrasions or other, potentially more serious injuries resulting from air bag deployment.
When you sell your vehicle we strongly urge you to give notice to the subsequent owner that it is equipped with an SRS by alerting them to the applicable section in the Operator’s Manual.
Safety and Security Occupant safety
Front air bags
1 Driver’s air bag 2 Passenger front air bag Driver and front passenger air bags are deployed 앫 in the event of a frontal impact 앫 if impact exceeds a preset deployment
threshold
앫 independently of the front side impact
air bags and/or rear side impact air bags*
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Front side impact air bags, rear side im- pact air bags*, window curtain air bags The window curtain air bags 1 fill up the area between the A and C pillars (see arrows).
1 Window curtain air bag 2 Front side impact air bags 3 Rear side impact air bags*
The front side impact air bags, rear side impact air bags* and window curtain air bags are deployed: 앫 on the impacted side of the vehicle 앫 in impacts exceeding a preset
deployment threshold
앫 independently of the front air bags The front passenger side impact air bag will only deploy if the system senses that the front passenger seat is occupied. The front side impact air bags, rear side impact air bags* and window curtain air bags are not deployed in impacts which do not exceed the system’s deployment threshold.
Safety and Security Occupant safety
The air bags will not deploy in impacts which do not exceed the system’s deployment thresholds. You will then be protected by the fastened seat belts. The passenger front air bag will only be deployed if: 앫 the front passenger seat is occupied 앫 the 56 indicator lamp in the center console is not lit (컄 page 75)
앫 the impact exceeds a preset
deployment threshold
Do not place objects heavier than 20 lbs (9 kg) on the front passenger seat. This could cause the front or side impact air bag on the front passenger side to deploy in a crash which exceeds the system’s deployment threshold.
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Seat belts
The use of seat belts and infant and child restraint systems is required by law in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories and all Canadian provinces. Even where this is not the case, all vehicle occupants should have their seat belts fas- tened whenever the vehicle is in motion. For more information on seat belts, see “Fastening the seat belt” (컄 page 42).
For information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle and restraint systems for infants and children, see “Children in the vehicle” (컄 page 72).
Safety and Security Occupant safety
Warning!
Warning!
Always fasten your seat belt before driving off. Always make sure your passengers are properly restrained, even those sitting in the rear and pregnant women.
Failure to wear and properly fasten and po- sition your seat belt greatly increases your risk of injuries and their likely severity in an accident. You and your passengers should always wear seat belts.
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. Air bags can only protect as they are designed if the occupants are prop- erly wearing their seat belts.
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 it, the belt would apply force at the ab- domen 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 nearly upright position and the belt is properly positioned on the body.
Warning!
Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there are seat belts available. Be 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.
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Safety and Security Occupant safety
Warning!
Warning!
Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly stressed in an accident must be replaced and their anchoring points must also be checked.
Only use seat belts which have been approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Do not make any modifications to the seat belts. This can lead to unintended activation of the ETDs or to failure.
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely weaken them. In a crash, they may not be able to provide adequate protection.
Have all work carried out only by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY 앫 Each occupant should wear their seat
belt at all times, because seat belts help reduce the likelihood of and potential severity of injuries in accidents, includ- ing rollovers. The integrated restraint system includes SRS (driver air bag, passenger front air bag, front side im- pact air bags, rear side impact air bags*, head protection window cur- tain air bags for side windows), ETD (seat belt emergency tensioning device), and front seat knee bolsters. The system is designed to enhance the protection offered to properly belted oc- cupants in certain frontal (front air bags and ETD) and side (front side impact air bags, rear side impact air bags*, win- dow curtain air bags and ETD) impacts which exceed preset deployment thresholds.
앫 Seat belts can only work when used
properly. Never wear seat belts in any other way than as described in this sec- tion, as that could result in serious inju- ries in case of an accident.
앫 Never wear the shoulder belt under your arm, against your neck or off your shoul- der. In a crash, your body would move too far forward. That would increase the chance of head and neck injuries. The belt would also apply too much force to the ribs or abdomen, which could se- verely injure internal organs such as your liver or spleen.
앫 Never wear belts over rigid or breakable objects in or on your clothing, such as eyeglasses, pens, keys, etc., as these might cause injuries.
앫 Position the lap belt as low as possible on your hips and not across the abdo- men. If the belt is positioned across your abdomen, it could cause serious injuries in a crash.
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Safety and Security Occupant safety
앫 Never use a seat belt for more than one person at a time. Do not fasten a seat belt around a person and another per- son or other objects.
앫 Belts should not be worn twisted. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to manage impact forces. The twisted belt against your body could cause injuries.
앫 Pregnant women should also use a
lap-shoulder belt. The lap belt portion should be positioned as low as possible on the hips to avoid any possible pres- sure on the abdomen.
앫 Never place your feet on the instrument panel, dashboard or on the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.
Depending on vehicle production date, your vehicle is equipped with either a seat belt reminder system or an enhanced seat belt reminder system as follows:
Seat belt reminder system When the engine is started the seat belt telltale < illuminates for a maximum of 6 seconds and a warning chime sounds to remind you and your passengers to fasten your seat belts. For more information on the seat belt telltale <, see “Practical hints” (컄 page 355).
Enhanced seat belt reminder system When the engine is started the seat belt telltale < illuminates for a maximum of 6 seconds and a warning chime sounds to remind you and your passengers to fasten your seat belts. If after these 6 seconds the driver’s or the front passenger’s seat belt (with the front passenger seat occupied and with all doors closed) are not fastened, 앫 and the vehicle speed does not exceed
15 mph (25 km/h), the seat belt tell- tale < remains illuminated for as long as either the driver’s or front pas- senger’s seat belt is not fastened.
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Safety and Security Occupant safety
앫 and the vehicle speed exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h), the seat belt telltale < starts flashing and a warning chime sounds with increasing intensity until both the driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt are fastened, or for a maxi- mum of 60 seconds from the time the vehicle speed exceeded 15 mph (25 km/h) if either the driver’s or front passenger’s seat belt remains unfas- tened. If the driver’s or front passenger’s seat belt remains unfastened after 60 sec- onds, the seat belt telltale < stops flashing and the warning chime stops sounding. The seat belt telltale < then continues to be illuminated for as long as either the driver’s or front pas- senger’s seat belt are not fastened.
The seat belt telltale < will only go out if both the driver and front passenger’s seat belt (with the front passenger seat oc- cupied) are fastened, or the vehicle is standing still and a front door is opened.
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For more information on the seat belt telltale <, see “Practical hints” (컄 page 355).
Emergency tensioning device (ETD), seat belt force limiter The seat belts for the front and rear outer seats are equipped with emergency tensioning devices and belt force limiters. The ETD is designed to activate in the following cases: 앫 in frontal or rear-end impacts
exceeding a preset severity level.
앫 if the restraint systems are operational
and functioning correctly. See 1 indicator lamp (컄 page 60).
The ETDs for the front seats will only activate if the respective front seat belt is fastened (latch plate properly inserted into buckle). The ETDs for the rear outer seats will activate with or without the respective seat belt fastened.
In an impact, emergency tensioning devices remove slack from the belts in such a way that the seat belts fit more snugly against the body. Belt force limiters reduce the force exerted by the seat belts on occupants during a crash.
Warning!
An emergency tensioning device (ETD) that was activated must be replaced.
When scrapping the emergency tensioning device, our safety instructions must be followed. These are available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
! Do not place objects heavier than 20 lbs (9 kg) on the front passenger seat. This could cause the front or side impact air bag on the front passenger side and, with the seat belt fastened to secure the object, the ETD to deploy in a crash which exceeds the system’s de- ployment threshold.
Active head restraint
The active head restraints are intended to offer the driver and front passenger in- creased protection from head and neck in- jury. In the event of a rear-end collision, the active head restraints on the driver’s and front passenger’s seats are designed to move forward in the direction of travel, providing the head with increased support earlier on in the collision sequence. The ac- tive head restraints move forward whether the seat is occupied or not.
Warning!
Do not attach any objects (e.g. hangers) to the head restraint posts. Otherwise, the ac- tive head restraints may not be able to func- tion properly or offer the intended degree of protection in the event of an accident.
For information on resetting the activated active head restraints, see “Resetting acti- vated head restraints” (컄 page 391).
Safety and Security Occupant safety
You cannot remove the active head re- straints on the driver’s and passenger’s seats. For removal of the active head restraints we recommend that you contact an autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
Only use seat- or head restraint covers which have been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model. Using other seat- or head restraint covers may interfere with or prevent the activation of the active head restraints. Contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for avail- ability.
71
Safety and Security Occupant safety
Warning!
Children in the vehicle
For your protection, drive only with properly positioned head restraints.
Adjust head restraints so that the center of the head restraint supports the back of the head at eye level. This will reduce the poten- tial for injury to the head and neck in the event of an accident or similar situation.
Do not drive the vehicle without the seat head restraints. Head restraints are intend- ed to help reduce injuries during an accident.
For information on head restraint adjust- ment, see “Seats” (컄 page 35).
If an infant or child is traveling with you in the vehicle: 앫 Secure the child using an infant or child
restraint appropriate to the age and size of the child.
앫 Make sure the infant or child is proper- ly secured at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
Infant and child restraint seats and infor- mation on choosing an appropriate re- straint system can be obtained from any Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, even if they are secured in a child restraint system. The children could 앫 injure themselves on parts of the vehicle 앫 be seriously or fatally injured through excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold
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.
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Safety and Security Occupant safety
If children open a door, they could 앫 injure other persons 앫 get out of the car and injure themselves
or be injured by following traffic
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the passenger or cargo compartment unless they are firmly secured in place. For more in- formation, see “Loading” (컄 page 248) and “Useful features” (컄 page 256). Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo increases a child’s risk of injury in the event of 앫 strong braking maneuvers 앫 sudden changes of direction 앫 an accident
Infant and child restraint systems Only use a BabySmartTM compatible child restraint for the front passenger seat in this vehicle. We recommend all infants and children be properly restrained at all times while the vehicle is in motion. All lap-shoulder belts except the driver’s seat belt have special seat belt retractors for secure fastening of child restraints. To fasten a child restraint, follow child restraint instructions for mounting. Then pull the shoulder belt out completely and let it retract. During seat belt retraction, a ratcheting sound can be heard to indi- cate that the special seat belt retractor is activated. The belt is now locked. Push down on child restraint to take up any slack.
To deactivate, release seat belt buckle and let seat belt retract completely. The seat belt can again be used in the usual manner.
Warning!
Never release the seat belt buckle while the vehicle is in motion, since the special seat belt retractor will be deactivated.
For information on child seats with an- chor fittings for tether anchorages, see “Installation of infant and child re- straint systems” (컄 page 77). For information on child seat anchors - LATCH-type (컄 page 79).
73
Safety and Security Occupant safety
The use of infant or child restraints is required by law in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territo- ries and all Canadian provinces. Infants and small children should be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system properly secured by a lap-shoulder belt or, if so equipped, a child restraint lower anchorage system that complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213 and 225 and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213 and 210.2.
A statement by the child restraint man- ufacturer of compliance with this stan- dard can be found on the instruction label on the restraint and in the instruction manual provided with the restraint. When using any infant or child restraint system, be sure to carefully read and follow all manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use. Please read and observe warning labels affixed to inside of vehicle and to infant or child restraints.
Warning!
Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmartTM compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM system installed in the ve- hicle to deactivate the passenger front air bag when it is properly installed. Other- wise they will be struck by the air bag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury will result.
According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seat- ing positions. Infants and small children must ride in back seats and be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system, which is properly secured with the vehicle’s seat belt and top tether strap, or secured via lower anchors and top tether strap, fully in accordance with the child seat manufactur- er’s instructions.
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Occupants, especially children, should nev- er place their bodies or lean their heads in the area of the door or the rear side trim panel where the front side impact air bag and/or the rear side impact air bag* in- flates. This could result in serious injuries or death should the air bag be triggered. Al- ways sit nearly upright, properly use the seat belts and appropriate size infant or child restraint system.
Infants and small children should never share a seat belt with another occupant. During 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 the child is not properly secured in the child restraint.
Children too big for child restraint systems must ride in back seats using regular seat belts. Position shoulder belt across chest and shoulder, not face or neck. A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper belt positioning for children from 41 lbs until they reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt fits properly without a booster.
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 becoming a projectile in the event of an accident.
Do not leave children unattended in the ve- hicle; even if the children are secured in a child restraint system. Unsupervised chil- dren in a child restraint system may use ve- hicle equipment and may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.
Safety and Security Occupant safety
BabySmartTM air bag deactivation system The 56 indicator lamp is located on the center console.
1 Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp
Special BabySmartTM compatible child seats, designed for use with the Mercedes-Benz system and available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center are required for use with the BabySmartTM air bag deactivation system. With the special child seat properly installed, the passenger front air bag will not deploy.
75
Self-test BabySmartTM without special child seat installed After turning the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 1 or 2, the 56 indicator lamp comes on for approximately 6 seconds and then goes out. If the 56 indicator lamp should not come on or is continuously lit, the system is not functioning. You must see an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center before seating any child on the front passenger seat. For more information, see “Practical hints” (컄 page 357).
Warning!
The BabySmartTM air bag deactivation sys- tem will ONLY work with a special child seat designed to operate with it. It will not work with child seats which are not BabySmartTM compatible.
Never place anything between seat cushion and child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces the effectiveness of the deactivation sys- tem. The bottom of the child seat must make full contact with the passenger seat cushion. An incorrectly mounted child seat could cause injuries to the child in case of an accident, instead of protecting the child.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation of special child seats.
Safety and Security Occupant safety
The indicator lamp will be illuminated, ex- cept with the SmartKey removed or in starter switch position 0.
The system does not deactivate the side impact air bag (front side impact air bag and/or rear side impact air bag*) and the emergency tension- ing device.
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Warning!
Warning!
Do not place powered-on laptops, cell phones, electronic tags such as those used in ski passes and like electronic devices on the front passenger seat. Signals from such devices may interfere with the BabySmartTM system. Such signal interference may cause the 56 indicator lamp (컄 page 75) not to come on during self-test or be contin- uously lit, indicating that the system is not functioning.
When using a BabySmartTM compatible child seat on the front passenger seat, the passenger front air bag will not deploy only if the 56 indicator lamp (컄 page 75) remains illuminated.
Please be sure to check the 56 indicator lamp every time you use the special system child seat. Should the 56 indicator lamp go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. If the 56 indicator lamp remains out, do not use the BabySmartTM restraint to transport children on the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
Safety and Security Occupant safety
Installation of infant and child restraint systems This vehicle is equipped with tether anchorages for a top tether strap at each of the rear seating positions.
1 Cover of top anchorage ring 왘 Make sure the rear backrest is locked
in its upright position (컄 page 253).
컄컄
77
Once the top tether anchorage hook is attached, the child restraint itself can be secured. Tighten the top tether strap according to the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions.
For safety, make sure the hook has attached to the ring beyond the safety catch, as illustrated.
왘 Reinstall cover 1 after removing the
tether strap.
2 Hook 3 Anchorage ring 왘 Securely fasten hook 2, which is part
of the tether strap, to anchorage ring 3.
Safety and Security Occupant safety
컄컄
Warning!
Always lock backrest in its upright position when rear seat bench is occupied by pas- sengers, or the extended cargo area is not in use. Check for secure locking by pushing and pulling on the backrest.
왘 Remove cover 1 from anchorage
ring 3.
왘 Guide tether strap between head
restraint and top of seat back. Head restraint must be installed (if removable) and positioned such that the top tether strap can pass freely between the head restraint and top of seat back. Make sure the tether strap is not twisted.
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Child seat anchors – LATCH-type This vehicle is equipped with two LATCH- (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) type anchors (at each of the outer rear seats) for the installation of a LATCH-type child seat with the matching mounting fittings.
Warning!
Children too big for a toddler restraint must ride in seats using regular seat belts. Position shoulder belt across chest and shoulder, not face or neck.
A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper belt positioning for children over 41 lbs until they reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt fits properly without a booster.
Install child seat according to manufactur- er’s instructions.
The child seat must be firmly attached in the right and left side anchors 1. An incorrectly mounted child seat may come loose during an accident which could result in serious injury or death to the child.
Damaged or impact damaged child seats or child seat mounting fittings must be replaced.
Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, even if the children are secured in a child restraint system.
With a child seat installed in the left rear seat, the seat belt for the center seat occupied by a passenger must op- erate freely. Guide seat belt between its seat cushion mount and backrest mount along outside of right side child seat anchor.
Safety and Security Occupant safety
Non-LATCH-type child seats may also be used and can be installed using the vehicle’s seat belt system. Install child seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The LATCH-type anchors are located be- tween the seat cushion and the backrest.
1 Anchors 왘 Install child seat according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
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Safety and Security Occupant safety
Blocking of rear door window operation
You can block the rear door window operation (for instance when you have children riding in the rear passenger compartment). The override switch is located on the door control panel of the driver’s door.
1 Deactivating override switch 2 Activating override switch 3 Override switch
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Warning!
Activate the override switch when children are riding in the back seats of the vehicle. The children may otherwise injure them- selves, e.g. by becoming trapped in the win- dow opening.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsuper- vised use of vehicle equipment can cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.
Activating override switch 왘 Slide override switch 3 to the right. The rear door windows can no longer be operated using the respective switch located in the rear doors.
Operation of the rear door windows with the switches located on the door control panel of the driver’s door is still possible.
Deactivating override switch 왘 Slide override switch 3 to the left.
The rear door windows can be operated again using the respective switch located in the rear doors.
For more information, see “Power win- dows” (컄 page 238).
왔 Panic alarm* An audible alarm and flashing exterior lamps will operate for approximately 21/2 minutes.
1 Â button
Canada only: Only vehicles equipped with an anti-theft alarm system* have SmartKeys with integrated panic button 1.
USA only: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
(2) this device must accept any inter-
ference received, including interfer- ence that may cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Canada only: This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interfer-
ence, and
Safety and Security Panic alarm*
(2) this device must accept any inter-
ference received, including interfer- ence that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Activating
왘 Press and hold button 1 for at least
1 second.
Deactivating
왘 Press button 1 again. or 왘 Insert SmartKey in starter switch.
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Safety and Security Driving safety systems
In this section you will find information on the following driving safety systems: 앫 ABS (Antilock Brake System) 앫 BAS (Brake Assist System) 앫 ESP® (Electronic Stability Program)
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the ABS and ESP® is only achieved with winter tires (컄 page 336), or snow chains as re- quired.
Warning!
The following factors increase the risk of accidents: 앫 Excessive speed, especially in turns 앫 Wet and slippery road surfaces 앫 Following another vehicle too closely The ABS, BAS and ESP® cannot reduce this risk.
Always adjust your driving style to the prevailing road and weather conditions.
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ABS
Warning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump- ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS and significantly reduces braking effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates the brake pressure so that the wheels do not lock during braking. This allows you to maintain the ability to steer your vehicle. The ABS is functional above a speed of ap- proximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent of road surface conditions. On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even to light brake pressure. The - indicator lamp in the instrument cluster (컄 page 24) comes on when you switch on the ignition. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in the regulating mode. 왘 Keep firm and steady pressure on the
brake pedal while experiencing the pulsation.
Continuous steady brake pedal pressure yields the advantages provided by the ABS, namely braking power and ability to steer the vehicle. The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road conditions and functions as a reminder to take extra care while driving.
Safety and Security Driving safety systems
Emergency brake maneuver 왘 Keep continuous full pressure on the
Warning!
brake pedal.
Warning!
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the BAS and the ESP® are also switched off.
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the wheels may lock during hard braking, reducing steering capability and extending the brak- ing distance.
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction af- forded. The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, atten- tive, and skillful driver can prevent acci- dents. The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck- less or dangerous manner which could jeop- ardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
For more information, see the “Practical hints” section (컄 page 350) and (컄 page 360).
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Safety and Security Driving safety systems
BAS
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in emergency situations. If you apply the brakes very quickly, the BAS automatically provides full brake boost, thereby poten- tially reducing the braking distance. 왘 Apply continuous full braking pressure until the emergency braking situation is over. The ABS will prevent the wheels from locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes function again as normal. The BAS is then deactivated.
Warning!
If the BAS is malfunctioning, the brake sys- tem is still functioning normally, but without the additional brake boost available that BAS would normally provide in an emergen- cy braking maneuver. Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
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Warning!
ESP®
The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded. The BAS cannot prevent accidents, includ- ing those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of a BAS equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or danger- ous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) is operational as soon as the engine is run- ning and monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of adhesive friction between the tires and the road surface) and handling. The ESP® recognizes when a wheel is spinning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By applying brakes to the appropriate wheel and by limiting the engine output, the ESP® works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESP® is especially useful while driving off and on wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP® also stabilizes the vehicle during braking maneuvers. The ESP® warning lamp v in the speedometer flashes when the ESP® is engaged. The ESP® warning lamp v in the speedometer comes on when you switch on the ignition. It goes out when the engine is running.
Warning!
Warning!
Never switch off the ESP® when you see the ESP® warning lamp v flashing in the speedometer. In this case, proceed as follows: 앫 While driving off, apply as little throttle
as possible.
앫 While driving, ease up on the accelera-
tor.
앫 Adapt your speed and driving style to
the prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP® cannot prevent accidents result- ing from excessive speed.
The ESP® cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded. The ESP® cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ESP® equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dan- gerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
The ESP® will only function properly if you use wheels of the recommended tire size (컄 page 429).
Safety and Security Driving safety systems
Because of the ESP®’s automatic operation, the engine must be turned off (SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or 1) when 앫 the parking brake is being tested on
a brake test dynamometer
앫 the vehicle is being towed with the
front axle raised
Active braking action through the ESP® may otherwise seriously damage the brake system.
For more information, see the “Practical hints” section (컄 page 354) and (컄 page 361).
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Safety and Security Driving safety systems
Switching off the ESP®
Warning!
The ESP® should not be switched off during normal driving other than in the circum- stances described below. Disabling of the system will reduce vehicle stability in stan- dard driving maneuvers. Do not switch off the ESP® when a Minis- pare wheel or a collapsible tire is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, turn off the ESP® in driving situations where it would be advantageous to have the drive wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip such as: 앫 when driving with snow chains 앫 in deep snow 앫 in sand or gravel
86
Turn on the ESP® immediately if the aforementioned circumstances do not apply anymore.
When you switch off the ESP® 앫 the ESP® does not stabilize the vehicle 앫 the engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip 앫 the traction control will still brake a
spinning wheel
앫 the ESP® continues to operate when
you are braking
When the ESP® is switched off and one or more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP® warning lamp v in the speed- ometer flashes. However, the ESP® will then not stabilize the vehicle.
The switch is located on the upper part of the center console.
1 ESP® switch (off/on) 왘 With the engine running, Press
switch 1. The ESP® warning lamp v in the speedometer comes on. The ESP® is deactivated.
Warning!
Switching on the ESP® 왘 Press ESP® switch 1.
The ESP® warning lamp v in the speedometer goes out. You are now again in normal driving mode with the ESP® switched on.
When the ESP® warning lamp v is illuminated continuously, the ESP® is switched off.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevail- ing road conditions and to the non-operating status of the ESP®.
Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an extended period with the ESP® switched off. This may cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Safety and Security Driving safety systems
87
i If the alarm stays on for more than 30 seconds, a call to the Response Center is initiated automatically by the Tele Aid system* (컄 page 264) provided Tele Aid service was subscribed to and properly activated, and that necessary cellular service and GPS coverage are available.
Safety and Security Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
Anti-theft alarm system*
The immobilizer prevents unauthorized persons from starting your vehicle.
Activating 왘 Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
Deactivating 왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 33).
Starting the engine will also deactivate the immobilizer. In case the engine cannot be started (yet the vehicle’s battery is charged), the system 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).
Once the alarm system has been armed, a visual and audible alarm is triggered when someone opens 앫 a door 앫 the trunk 앫 the hood The alarm will stay on even if the activating element (e. g. a door) is immediately closed. The alarm system will also be triggered when 앫 someone attempts to raise the vehicle
(only vehicles with tow-away alarm)
앫 opening the vehicle with the
mechanical key
앫 someone opens a door from the inside 앫 someone opens the trunk with the
emergency release button
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Arming the alarm system The indicator lamp is in the center console.
1 Indicator lamp (vehicles with tow-away
왘 Lock the vehicle with the SmartKey.
1 Indicator lamp (vehicles without
tow-away alarm)
alarm)
The turn signal lamps flash three times and an acoustic signal sounds three
