2011 Mercedes-benz C Class Coupe Owners Manual

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 Headquarters,

1 The system is called TELE AID in Canada.

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, West Building, Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain additional information about 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 are not covered either by Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty or by the New or Used-Vehicle Warranty of Daimler AG.

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 mbrace1, 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 observe the mbrace1 purchase agreement for further details on the recording and transfer of data by this system.

Introduction

25

1 The system is called TELE AID in Canada.

26

Cockpit ................................................. 28
Instrument cluster .............................. 29
Multifunction steering wheel ............. 31
Center console .................................... 32
Overhead control panel ...................... 33
Door control panel .............................. 34

27

28

Cockpit

Cockpit

Function

Page

Function

Page

: Steering wheel paddle

shifters

; Cruise control lever = Instrument cluster ? Horn A PARKTRONIC warning display (Canada only)

B Overhead control panel C Climate control systems D Ignition lock

Start/Stop button

E Adjusts the steering wheel

manually

F Adjusts the steering wheel

electrically

G Combination switch H Parking brake I On-board diagnostic

interface

J Opens the hood K Releases the parking brake L Light switch

93

93
103
141

23
264
141
100

133
147
29

162
33
114
125
125

Instrument cluster Displays and controls

Instrument cluster

29

Function : Fuel gauge ; Coolant temperature = Speedometer with

segments

? Multifunction display

Page 183

Page

Function

A Tachometer B Instrument cluster lighting

brightness control: turn clockwise or counter- clockwise

182

183
184

30

Instrument cluster

Warning and indicator lamps

Function : ÷ ESP®

M SPORT handling mode in AMG vehicles

; Distance warning = ESP® OFF ? Brakes (USA only) A Brakes (Canada only) B Turn signal C ABS D SRS E Check engine

Page 231

232
237
231
229
229
103
230
233
234

Function

F Tire pressure monitor G Seat belt H ESP® on AMG vehicles I Coolant J Rear fog lamp K High-beam headlamps L Low-beam headlamps M Front fog lamps N Reserve fuel

Page 238
227
231
235
102
103
101
102
234

Multifunction steering wheel

31

Multifunction steering wheel

Page

186

186

Page 184

Function

A =;

Selects a menu 9: Selects the submenu or scrolls through lists Confirms selections and hides display messages

B %

Back or deactivates the Voice Control System

190

Function

: Multifunction display ; Audio system/COMAND;

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

Function

Page

Function

: Audio system/COMAND;

see the separate operating instructions

; c Seat heating = s Seat ventilation ? 5 PARKTRONIC

(Canada only)

A £ Hazard warning

lamps

B 45 Indicator lamp C M Dynamic driving

package with sports mode å AMG vehicles: ESP®

92
92

162

103
42

158
60

D Stowage compartment

Ashtray Cigarette lighter Power socket E Selector lever F Cup holder G Stowage compartment H Audio/COMAND controller I Selects the drive program

Page 242
248
248
249
130
246
242

132

Overhead control panel

Overhead control panel

33

Page

260

259

253

106

106

Function

: u Switches the rear interior lighting on/off

; | Switches the

automatic interior lighting control on/off

= p Switches the right- hand reading lamp on/off

? 3 Opens/closes the

panorama roof with power tilt/sliding panel and roller sunblinds

A ï Button for MB Info call

(mbrace system)

B G SOS button (mbrace

system)

C Rear-view mirror

Page

106

106

106

85

254

252
95

Function

D Integrated electronic

compass

E Buttons for the garage door

opener

F Microphone for mbrace (emergency call system), telephone and the Voice Control System2

G F Roadside Assistance

button (mbrace system) H p Switches the left-

hand reading lamp on/off I c Switches the front

interior lighting on/off

2 The Voice Control System is only available together with COMAND. Observe the additional operating

instructions.

34 Door control panel

Door control panel

Function

: Opens the door ; %& Unlocks/locks

the vehicle

= Adjusts the seat electrically

? r45=

Stores settings for the seat, exterior mirrors and steering wheel

A 7Zö\ Adjusts and folds the exterior mirrors in/out electrically

B W Opens/closes the

side windows

C o Opens the trunk lid

Page 76

76
90

97

95

81
79

Useful information .............................. 36
Occupant safety .................................. 36
Children in the vehicle ........................ 52
Panic alarm .......................................... 56
Driving safety systems ....................... 56
Theft deterrent locking systems ....... 64

35

36 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 Please read the information on qualified

specialist workshops (Y page 23).

Occupant safety Overview of occupant safety 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 anchors Additional protection is provided by: RSRS (Supplemental Restraint System) RNECK-PRO head restraints RAir bag system components with:

- PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp

front-passenger seat with Occupant Classification System (OCS)

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 deployed in an accident. 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.

i See "Children in the vehicle"

(Y page 52) for more information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle and restraints for infants and children.

SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) Introduction SRS consists of: Rthe 6 SRS warning lamp Rair bags Rair bag control unit (with crash sensors) REmergency Tensioning Devices Rbelt force limiters SRS reduces the risk of occupants coming into contact with 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 SRS functions are checked regularly when you switch on the ignition and when the engine is running. Therefore, malfunctions can be detected in good time. The 6 SRS warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up when the ignition is switched on. It goes out no later than a few seconds after the engine is started. The SRS components are in operational readiness when the 6 SRS warning lamp is not lit while the engine is running .

G WARNING The SRS self-check has detected a malfunction if the 6 SRS warning lamp: Rdoes not come on at all Rfails to go out approximately 4 seconds

after the engine was started

Rcomes on after the engine was started or

while driving

For your safety, Mercedes-Benz strongly recommends that you have the system checked as soon as possible at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Otherwise the SRS may not be activated when it is needed in an accident, which could result in serious or fatal injury. The SRS might also deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily which could also result in injury. In addition, improper 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 authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. 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: Call our Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) for details.

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

Occupant safety

37

environment. Check your national disposal guidelines. California residents, 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. RNo modifications of any kind may be made

to any components or wiring of the SRS. RDo not change or remove any component

or part of the SRS.

RDo not install additional trim material, seat

covers, badges, etc. over the steering wheel hub, front-passenger front air bag cover, outer sides of the seat backrests, door trim panels, or door frame trims.

RDo not install additional electrical/

electronic equipment on or near SRS components and wiring.

RKeep area between air bags and occupants

free of objects (e.g. packages, purses, umbrellas, etc.).

RDo not hang items such as coat hangers from the coat hooks or handles over 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 place your feet on the instrument panel, dashboard, or on 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

38 Occupant safety

performed by qualified technicians. Contact 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 instructions 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, window

curtain air bags and pelvis air bags)

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 To reduce the risk of injuries during front air bag inflation, the driver and front-passenger must always be seated correctly and have their seat belts fastened accordingly. 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. Since 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 properly fastened in a position that is as upright as possible with your back against the seat 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) or more. You should be able to accomplish this by adjusting the seat and steering wheel. If 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 by the rim.

Placing hands and arms inside the rim can increase the risk and potential severity of hand/arm injury when 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 or the rear side trim panel where the side impact air bag

inflates. This could result in serious injuries or death should the side impact air bag be deployed. Always sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt properly and use an appropriately sized child restraint, infant 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)

(2)

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.

The air bags are only deployed if the air bag control unit detects the need for deployment. Only in the event of such a situation will they provide their supplemental protection. The driver and passenger should always wear their seat belts. Otherwise, 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 passengers will then be protected

Occupant safety

39

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 passenger 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 The front air bags increase protection for the driver's and front-passenger's head and chest.

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. They are deployed: 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

Rif the seat belt is fastened Rindependently of other air bags in the

vehicle

40 Occupant safety

Your vehicle has adaptive, two-stage front air bags. In the event of a collision, the air bag control unit evaluates the vehicle deceleration. 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 exceeded within a few milliseconds. The deployment of the front-passenger front air bag is also influenced by the weight category of the front passenger, which is determined by the Occupant Classification System (OCS) (Y page 42). 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 system, based on the OCS weight sensor readings, detects that the front- passenger seat is occupied.

Rthe 45 indicator lamp in the center

console is not lit, (Y page 42).

Rthe air bag control unit predicts a high

impact severity.

Driver's knee bag

Driver's knee bag : provides additional protection for the driver against: Rknee injuries Rthigh injuries Rlower leg injuries Driver's knee bag : deploys below the steering wheel. During a frontal impact, if the system determines that air bag deployment can offer additional protection to that provided by the seat belt, driver's knee bag : is deployed along with the driver's air bag. The driver's knee bag : operates best in conjunction with a properly positioned and fastened seat belt.

Side impact air bags 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 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.

G WARNING Only use seat covers which have been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model. Using seat covers or other seat coverings can cause a malfunction of the side impact air bags and/or the pelvis air bags. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for availability.

When deployed, the side impact air bags offer additional protection for the thorax of the vehicle occupants on the side of the vehicle on which the impact occurs. However, they do not protect the: Rhead Rneck Rarms

Front side impact air bags : and rear side impact air bags ; deploy next to the outer seat cushions. 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 seat belt use Rindependently of the front air bags Rindependently of the ETDs 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.

Occupant safety

41

If the OCS detects that the front-passenger seat is not occupied and the front-passenger seat belt is not fastened (the belt tongue is not engaged in the seat belt buckle), the side impact air bag on the front-passenger side will not deploy. 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.

Pelvis air bags G WARNING Only use seat covers which have been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model. Using seat covers or other seat coverings can cause a malfunction of the side impact air bags and/or the pelvis air bags. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for availability.

Pelvis air bag deployment enhances the level of protection of the vehicle occupants on the side of the vehicle on which the impact occurs.

Pelvis air bags : deploy next to and below the outer seat cushions. They 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 seat belt use Rindependently of the front air bags Rindependently of the ETDs

42 Occupant safety

Pelvis 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. If the OCS detects that the front-passenger seat is not occupied and the front-passenger seat belt is not fastened (the belt tongue is not engaged in the seat belt buckle), the pelvis air bag on the front-passenger side will not deploy. The pelvis 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 The 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. The window curtain air bags are integrated into the side of the roof frame and deploy in the area extending from the front door (A- pillar) to the rear sidewall (C-pillar).

Window curtain 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

Rregardless of whether the front-passenger

seat is occupied

Rindependently of seat belt use Rindependently of the front air bags

Window curtain air bags : will not deploy in impacts with deceleration rates which do not exceed the system's preset deployment thresholds for vehicle deceleration or acceleration. You will then be protected by the fastened seat belt.

Occupant Classification System (OCS) How the occupant classification system works The Occupant Classification System (OCS) categorizes the occupant on the front- passenger seat by means of a weight sensor. The front-passenger front air bag is deactivated automatically for certain weight categories. The 45 indicator lamp shows you the current status. If the 45 indicator lamp is illuminated, the front-passenger front air bag is deactivated. The system does not deactivate: Rthe side impact air bag Rthe pelvis air bag Rthe window curtain air bag Rthe Emergency Tensioning Devices To be classified correctly, the front passenger must sit: Rwith the seat belt fastened correctly Rin a position that is as upright as possible with their back against the seat backrest

Rwith their feet on the floor If the front-passenger's weight is transferred to another object in the vehicle (e.g. by leaning on armrests), OCS may not be able to approximate the occupant's weight category. If the front-passenger seat, the seat cover or the seat cushion are damaged, have the necessary repair work carried out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use seat accessories which have been approved by Mercedes-Benz.

Occupant safety

43

Both the driver and the passenger should always use the 45 indicator lamp as an indication of whether or not the passenger is properly positioned. G WARNING If the 45 indicator lamp illuminates when an adult or someone larger than a small individual is in the front passenger seat, have the front passenger reposition himself or herself in the seat until the 45
indicator lamp goes out. In the event of a collision, the air bag control unit will not allow front passenger front air bag deployment when the OCS has classified the front passenger seat occupant as weighing as much as or less than a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint or if the front passenger seat is classified as being empty. When the OCS senses that the front passenger seat occupant is classified as being up to or less than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint, the 45 indicator lamp will illuminate when the engine is started and remain illuminated. This indicates that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. When the OCS senses that the front passenger seat is classified as being empty, the 45 indicator lamp will illuminate when the engine is started and remain illuminated. This indicates that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. When the OCS senses that the front passenger seat occupant is classified as being heavier than the weight of a typical 12- month-old child seated in a standard child restraint or as being a small individual (such as a young teenager or a small adult), the 45 indicator lamp will illuminate for approximately 6 seconds when the engine is started. Depending on occupant weight sensor readings from the seat, it will then remain illuminated or go out. With the 45 indicator lamp illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is deactivated.

With the 45 indicator lamp out, the front passenger front air bag is activated. When the OCS senses that the front passenger seat occupant is classified as an adult or someone larger than a small individual, the 45 indicator lamp will illuminate for approximately six seconds when the engine is started and then go out. This indicates that the front passenger front air bag is activated. If the 45 indicator lamp is illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is deactivated and will not be deployed. If the 45 indicator lamp is not illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is activated and will be deployed Rin the event of certain frontal impacts Rif the impact exceeds a predetermined

triggering threshold

Rindependent of the side impact air bag or

pelvis air bag

If the front passenger front air bag is deployed, the rate of inflation will be influenced by Rthe rate of vehicle deceleration as assessed

by the air bag control unit

Rthe front passenger's weight category as

identified by the OCS

For further information, see "Air bag display messages" (Y page 209). 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 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.

44 Occupant safety

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. 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 eliminate this risk completely is never to place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the front- passenger seat. We therefore strongly recommend that you always place a child in a rear-facing child restraint on the rear seat.

RIf you install a rear-facing child restraint on

the front-passenger seat, make sure the 45 indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front-passenger front air bag is deactivated. Should the 45
indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. Periodically check the 45 indicator lamp while driving to make sure that the 45 indicator

lamp is illuminated. If the 45
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 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

- secure child restraint with the vehicle's

seat belt according to the child seat manufacturer's instructions

RFor children larger than the typical 12-

month-old child, the front-passenger front air bag may or may not be activated.

If the driver's air bag deploys, this does not mean that the front-passenger front air bag also has to deploy. The OCS may have detected that the seat: Rwas empty or occupied by a person with a weight of up to or less than that of a typical 12-month-old child seated in a standard child restraint

Rwas occupied by a small individual, such as

a young teenager or a small adult

Rwas occupied by a child in a child restraint system, whose weight is greater than that of a typical 12-month-old child.

These are examples of when the OCS deactivates the front-passenger front air bag. Deactivation takes place although the collision fulfills the criteria for deploying the driver's air bag.

If the SmartKey has been removed from the ignition lock or is in position 0, indicator lamp 45: does not light up. G WARNING If the red 6 SRS warning lamp in the instrument cluster and the 45
indicator lamp light up simultaneously, the OCS is malfunctioning. The front passenger front air bag will be deactivated in this case. Have the system checked by qualified technicians as soon as possible. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Only have the seat repaired or replaced at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. In order to ensure proper operation of the air bag system and OCS: RSit with the seat belt properly fastened in a position that is as upright as possible with your back against the seat backrest. RWhen seated, a passenger should not

position him/herself in such a way as to cause the passenger's weight to be lifted from the seat cushion as this may result in the OCS being unable to correctly approximate the passenger's weight category.

RRead and observe all warnings in this

chapter.

Occupant safety

45

System self-test The 45 indicator lamp illuminates when you: Rturn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in the

ignition lock

Ron vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the

Start/Stop button once or twice

If an adult occupant is properly sitting on the passenger seat and the OCS classifies the occupant as an adult, the 45 indicator lamp illuminates and goes out again after approximately 6 seconds. If the seat is not occupied and the OCS classifies the front passenger seat as being unoccupied, the 45 indicator lamp will illuminate and not go out. G WARNING If the 4 5 indicator lamp does not illuminate, the system is not functioning. You must contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center before seating any child on the front passenger seat.

For more information, see "Problems with the Occupant Classification System" (Y page 46). G WARNING Never place anything between seat cushion and child seat (e.g. a pillow), since it reduces the effectiveness of the OCS. The underside and rear side child restraint system must be placed entirely on the seat cushion and the backrest of the front-passenger seat backrest. If necessary, adjust the tilt of the passenger seat backrest. An incorrectly mounted child seat could cause injuries to the child in case of an accident, instead of increasing protection for the child. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation of child restraint systems.

46 Occupant safety

Problems with the occupant classification system

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions The OCS is malfunctioning. X Have the OCS checked as soon as possible at an authorized

Mercedes-Benz Center.

X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction

display (Y page 209).

Problem The 45
indicator lamp illuminates and remains illuminated. The person on the front-passenger seat: Rhas the weight of a

typical adult

Rhas been determined by the system not to be a child.

G WARNING If the 45 indicator lamp illuminates and remains illuminated when the weight of a typical adult or someone larger than a small individual has been detected on the passenger seat, do not allow any occupant to use the passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

Problem The 45
indicator lamp does not illuminate and/or does not remain illuminated. The front-passenger seat is: Runoccupied Roccupied with a

weight up to or less than a typical 12- month-old child in a standard child restraint system

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions The OCS is malfunctioning. X Make sure there is nothing between the seat cushion and the

child seat.

X Check the installation of the child restraint system. X Make sure that no objects are applying additional weight onto

the seat.

X If the 45 indicator lamp does not illuminate, have the OCS checked as soon as possible at an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center. Do not transport a child on the front-passenger seat as long as the OCS is not functioning.

X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction

display (Y page 209).

G WARNING If the 45 indicator lamp does not illuminate or remains out with the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child restraint or less, or is unoccupied, on the front-passenger seat, do not transport a child on the front-passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

NECK-PRO head restraints The NECK-PRO head restraints increase protection to the driver's and front passenger's head and neck. To this end, the NECK-PRO head restraints on the driver's and front-passenger seats are moved forwards and upwards in the event of a rear-end collision of a certain severity. This provides better head support. G WARNING Do not secure any objects (e.g. coat hangers) on the NECK-PRO head restraints. Otherwise, the NECK-PRO head restraints may not function properly, or in the event of a rear-end collision may not be able offer the level of protection they are designed to provide. G WARNING Seat or head restraint covers can cause a malfunction when the NECK-PRO head restraints are activated or when the side impact air bags or pelvis air bags are deployed, or they can prevent this completely. The NECK-PRO head restraints or side impact air bags/pelvis air bags can therefore not provide the intended protection. Do not use any seat or head restraint covers.

If the NECK-PRO head restraints have been triggered in an accident, reset the NECK-PRO head restraints on the driver’s and front- passenger seat (Y page 47). Otherwise, the additional protection will not be available in the event of another rear-end collision. You can recognize when NECK-PRO head restraints have been triggered by the fact that they have moved forwards and can no longer be adjusted. G WARNING For your protection, drive only with properly positioned head restraints. Adjust the head restraint so that it is as close to the head as possible and the center of the head restraint supports the back of the head at eye level. This will reduce the potential for

Occupant safety

47

injury to the head and neck in the event of an accident or similar situation.

Resetting triggered NECK-PRO head restraints G WARNING For safety reasons, have the NECK-PRO head restraints checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center after a rear-end collision. G WARNING When pushing back the NECK-PRO head restraint cushion, make sure your fingers do not become caught between the head restraint cushion and the cover. Failure to observe this could result in injuries.

i Resetting the NECK-PRO head restraints

requires a lot of strength. If you have difficulty resetting the NECK-PRO head restraints, have this work carried out at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

X Tilt the top of the NECK-PRO head restraint

cushion forwards in the direction of arrow :.

X Push the NECK-PRO head restraint cushion down in the direction of arrow ; as far as it will go.

48 Occupant safety

X Firmly push the NECK-PRO head restraint cushion back in the direction of arrow = until the cushion engages.

X Repeat this procedure for the second

NECK-PRO head restraint.

Seat belts Important safety notes 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 fastened when the vehicle is in motion. i For further information on infants and children traveling in the vehicle and on infant and child restraint systems, see "Children in the vehicle" (Y page 52). 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 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 Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have been subjected to stress 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 their failure to activate when necessary. 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.

Correct 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, pelvis 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, pelvis air bags, window curtain air bags, and ETDs) impacts which exceed preset deployment thresholds.

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.

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.

Occupant safety

49

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. 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

50 Occupant safety

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.

X Adjust the seat and move the backrest to

an almost vertical position (Y page 88). 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 hips.

X Engage belt tongue ; in buckle =. X If necessary, pull upwards on the shoulder section of the seat belt to tighten the belt across your body.

All seat belts except the driver's seat belt are equipped with a special seat belt retractor to

securely fasten child restraint systems in the vehicle. For further information on special seat belt retractors, see (Y page 54). For more information about releasing the seat belt with release button ?, see "Releasing seat belts" (Y page 50).

Releasing seat belts X Press release button ?(Y page 49) and guide belt tongue ; back towards belt sash guide :.

i If you have guided the seat belt back, it is turned 180°. This is necessary in order to guarantee that the seat belt is not twisted and that it is routed correctly when the belt is fastened.

! 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. Consult an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center.

Belt warning for the driver and front passenger Regardless of whether the driver and front passenger have fastened their seat belts already, the 7 seat belt warning lamp lights up for 6 seconds after every engine start. It then goes out if the driver and the front passenger have fastened their seat belts. If the driver's seat belt is not fastened after the engine is started, an additional warning tone will sound. The warning tone goes out after approximately six seconds or once the driver's seat belt is fastened.

If the driver or front passenger have not fastened their seat belt after 6 seconds and the doors are closed, the 7 seat belt warning lamp lights up. Runtil the driver or the front passenger have

fastened their seat belts

Rif a vehicle speed of 15 mph (25 km/h) is

exceeded once, a warning tone with increasing intensity sounds additionally for a maximum of 60 seconds or until the driver or front passenger have fastened their seat belts.

If the driver or front passenger undo their seat belts during the journey, the 7 seat belt warning lamp lights up and the warning tone sounds again. The warning tone ceases even if the driver or front passenger have still not fastened their seat belt after 60 seconds. The 7 seat belt warning lamp stops flashing but continues to be lit. Once the vehicle is stationary, the warning tone is reactivated and the 7 seat belt warning lamp starts to flash again if the vehicle speed exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h) once. 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. i For more information on the 7 seat

belt warning lamp, see "Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster, seat belt" (Y page 227).

Emergency Tensioning Devices, belt force limiters The seat belts are equipped with ETDs and seat belt force limiters. The ETDs tighten the seat belts in an accident, pulling them close against the body.

Occupant safety

51

The ETDs do not correct incorrect seat positions or incorrectly fastened seat belts. The ETDs do not pull vehicle occupants back towards the backrest. Seat belt force limiters, when triggered, help to reduce the peak force exerted by the seat belt on the vehicle occupant. The seat belt force limiters for the front seats are synchronized with the front air bags. These take on a part of the deceleration force. Thus, the force exerted on the occupant is distributed over a greater area. The ETDs can only be activated when: Rthe ignition is switched on. Rthe restraint systems are operational; see

"SRS warning lamp" (Y page 36).

Rthe belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on each of the lap-shoulder belts in the front. Rthe front-passenger seat is occupied and the belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on the front-passenger side.

The ETDs on the 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 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

If the Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs) are triggered, you will hear a bang, and a small amount of smoke may also be released. Only in rare cases will the bang affect your hearing. The smoke that is released generally does not constitute a health hazard. The 6 SRS warning lamp lights up.

52

Children in the vehicle

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.

Children in the vehicle Child restraint systems Important safety notes We recommend that all infants and children be properly secured in an infant or child restraint system at all times while the vehicle is in motion. 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. 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 U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213
and 225 and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213 and 210.2. An information label on the child restraint system indicates whether it meets these standards. This information is also provided in the installation instructions supplied 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 all warning signs in the vehicle interior and on the infant or child restraint. 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. 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

Children in the vehicle

53

are not properly secured in the vehicle and/ or the child is not properly secured in the child restraint. Children too big for a toddler restraint must ride in seats using regular seat belts. Position the shoulder belt across the chest and shoulder, not face or neck. A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper seat belt positioning for children over 41 lb (18 kg) 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.

If an infant or child is traveling in the vehicle: X Secure the infant or child with an

appropriate infant or child restraint recommended for the child's age and weight.

X Make sure that the infant or child is

properly secured at all times while the vehicle is in motion. 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

54

Children in the vehicle

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