2012 Mercedes-benz CL Class Owners Manual

New vehicle brake pads and discs, and replacement brake pads and discs may take several hundred miles of driving until they provide optimum braking efficiency. Until that time, you may need to use increased brake pedal pressure while braking. Please be aware of this and adjust your driving and braking accordingly during this break-in period. Excessive high-demand braking will cause correspondingly high brake wear. Please be attentive to the brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster and brake condition messages in the multifunction display. Especially for high performance driving, it is important to maintain and have the brake system checked regularly.

The high-performance brake system is designed for heavy loads. This may lead to noise when braking. This will depend on: Rspeed Rbraking force Renvironmental conditions, such as

temperature and humidity

The wear of individual components of the brake system, such as the brake pads/linings or brake discs, depends on the individual driving style and operating conditions. For this reason, it is impossible to state a mileage that will be valid under all circumstances. An aggressive driving style will lead to high wear. You can obtain further information about this from your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Driving on wet roads Hydroplaning If water has accumulated to a certain depth on the road surface, there is a danger of hydroplaning occurring, even if: Ryou drive at low speeds. Rthe tires have adequate tread depth. For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or in conditions in which hydroplaning can occur you must drive in the following manner: Rreduce your speed Ravoid ruts Rbrake carefully

Driving on flooded roads ! Do not drive through flooded areas.

Check the depth of any water before driving through it. Drive slowly through standing water. Otherwise, water may enter the vehicle interior or the engine compartment. This can damage the electronic components in the engine or the automatic transmission. Water can also be drawn in

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by the engine's air suction nozzles and this can cause engine damage.

control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent this type of loss of control.

Winter driving General notes G WARNING If the vehicle becomes trapped in snow, ensure that snow is kept away from the exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle as long as the engine is running. Otherwise, poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the vehicle, resulting in loss of consciousness and even death. To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open a window slightly on the side of the vehicle not facing the wind.

At the onset of winter, have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center. Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" section (Y page 444).

Driving with summer tires Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" section (Y page 444).

Slippery road surfaces G WARNING The outside temperature indicator is not designed to serve as an ice-warning device and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. Indicated temperatures just above the freezing point do not guarantee that the road surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in wooded areas or on bridges. G WARNING On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle

Drive particularly carefully on slippery road surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering and braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS. If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be stopped when moving at low speed: X Shift the transmission to position N. i For more information on driving with

snow chains, see (Y page 445). G WARNING Make sure that you do not endanger other road users when you apply the brakes.

Driving systems Cruise control Important safety notes Cruise control maintains a constant road speed for you. It brakes automatically in order to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and steep downhill gradients, especially if the vehicle is laden, you must select shift range 1, 2 or 3 in good time. By doing so, you will make use of the braking effect of the engine, which relieves the load on the brake system and prevents the brakes from overheating and wearing too quickly. Use cruise control only if road and traffic conditions make it appropriate to maintain a steady speed for a prolonged period. You can set any road speed above 20 mph (30 km/h). G WARNING The cruise control is a convenience system designed to assist the driver during vehicle operation. The driver is and must always remain responsible for the vehicle's speed and for safe brake operation.

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Only use the cruise control if the road, traffic, and weather conditions make it advisable to travel at a constant speed. RThe use of the cruise control can be

dangerous on winding roads or in heavy traffic because conditions do not allow safe driving at a constant speed.

RThe use of the cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire traction can result in wheel spin and loss of control.

RDeactivate the cruise control when driving

in fog.

The "Resume" function should only be operated if the driver is fully aware of the previously set speed and wishes to resume this particular preset speed.

Cruise control lever

: To switch on or to increase the speed ; To switch on or to reduce the speed = To deactivate cruise control ? To switch on with the current speed or

with the last stored speed

When you activate cruise control, the stored speed is shown in the multifunction display for five seconds and is indicated in the speedometer by a triangle. The speedometer dial lights up between the set speed and the maximum speed.

Storing and maintaining the current speed You can store the current speed if you are driving faster than 20 mph (30 km/h). X Accelerate the vehicle to the desired

speed.

X Briefly press the cruise control lever

up : or down ;.

X Remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal. Cruise control is activated. The vehicle automatically maintains the speed.

i Cruise control may be unable to maintain the stored speed on uphill gradients. The stored speed is resumed when the gradient evens out. Cruise control maintains the stored speed on downhill gradients by automatically applying the brakes.

Storing the current speed or calling up the last stored speed G WARNING The set speed stored in memory should only be set again if prevailing road conditions and legal speed limits permit. Possible acceleration or deceleration differences arising from returning to the preset speed could cause an accident and/or serious injury to you and others.

X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you ?.

X Remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal. The first time cruise control is activated, it stores the current speed or regulates the speed of the vehicle to the previously stored speed.

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Setting a speed G WARNING Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment until the vehicle has made the necessary adjustments. Increase or decrease the set vehicle speed to a value that the prevailing road conditions and legal speed limits permit. Otherwise, sudden and unexpected acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle could cause an accident and/ or serious injury to you and others.

X Press the cruise control lever up : for a higher speed or down ; for a lower speed. X Keep the cruise control lever pressed until

the desired speed is reached.

X Release the cruise control lever.

The new speed is stored.

i Cruise control is not deactivated if you

depress the accelerator pedal. For example, if you accelerate briefly to overtake, cruise control adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last speed stored after you have finished overtaking.

Making adjustments in 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h) increments X Briefly press the cruise control lever to the pressure point, up : for a higher speed or down ; for a lower speed. The last speed stored is increased or reduced.

Making adjustments in 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h) increments X Briefly press the cruise control lever

beyond the pressure point, up : for a higher speed or down ; for a lower speed. The last speed stored is increased or reduced.

Deactivating cruise control There are several ways to deactivate cruise control: X Briefly press the cruise control lever

forwards =.

or X Brake. Cruise control is automatically deactivated if: Ryou engage the electric parking brake. Ryou are driving below 20 mph (30 km/h). RESP® intervenes or you deactivate ESP®. Ryou shift the transmission to position N

while driving. If cruise control is deactivated, you will hear a warning tone. You will see the Cruise Control Off message in the multifunction display for approximately five seconds. i The last speed stored is cleared when you

switch off the engine.

DISTRONIC PLUS Important safety notes DISTRONIC PLUS regulates the speed and automatically helps you maintain the distance to the vehicle detected in front. It brakes automatically in order to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and steep downhill gradients, especially if the vehicle is laden, you must select shift range 1, 2 or 3 in good time. By doing so, you will make use of the braking effect of the engine, which relieves the load on the brake system and prevents the brakes from overheating and wearing too quickly. If a slower-moving vehicle is detected in front, DISTRONIC PLUS causes your vehicle to brake and maintain a preset distance to the vehicle in front. G WARNING The DISTRONIC PLUS requires familiarity with its operational characteristics. We strongly

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recommend that you review the following information carefully before operating the system. G WARNING When DISTRONIC brakes, the brake pedal is pulled back (i.e. operated automatically). The area around the pedal must not be blocked by obstacles: Rdo not place any objects in the footwell. Rensure that floormats and carpets are fixed securely. In particular, do not place several floormats on top of one another.

Rdo not place your foot under the brake

pedal, as it could become trapped.

Non-compliance could lead you to cause an accident in which you and/or others could be seriously injured. G WARNING The DISTRONIC PLUS is a convenience system. Its speed adjustment reduction capability is intended to make cruise control more effective and usable when traffic speeds vary. It is not however, intended to, nor does it, replace the need for extreme care. The responsibility for the vehicle's speed, distance to the preceding vehicle and, most importantly, brake operation to ensure a safe stopping distance, always remains with the driver. The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take street and traffic conditions into account. Complex driving situations are not always fully recognized by the DISTRONIC PLUS. This could result in wrong or missing distance warnings.

If you want DISTRONIC PLUS to assist you, the radar sensor system must be activated (Y page 344) and operational. If there is no vehicle driving in front of you, DISTRONIC PLUS functions like cruise control at a speed range between 20 mph (Canada: 30 km/h) and 120 mph (Canada: 200 km/h). If a vehicle is driving in

front of you, it functions at a speed range between 0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph (Canada: 200 km/h). Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS while driving on roads with steep gradients. As DISTRONIC PLUS transmits radar waves, it can resemble the radar detectors of the responsible authorities. You can refer to the applicable section in the Operator's Manual if there are any questions concerning this. i USA only:

This device has been approved by the FCC as a “Vehicular Radar System”. The radar sensor is intended for use in an automotive radar system only. Removal, tampering, or altering of the device will void any warranties, and is not permitted by the FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in any non-approved way. Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. G WARNING The DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control is not a substitute for active driving involvement. It does not react to pedestrians or on stationary objects, nor does it recognize or predict the curvature and lane layout or the movement of preceding vehicles. The DISTRONIC PLUS can only apply a maximum of 40% of the vehicle's braking power. The DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow vehicles possibly driving in front of you, such as motorcycles and vehicles driving in an offset formation. It is the driver's responsibility at all times to be attentive to the road, weather and traffic conditions. Additionally, the driver must provide the steering, braking and other driving inputs necessary to remain in control of the vehicle. High-frequency sources such as toll stations, speed measuring systems etc. can cause the DISTRONIC PLUS system to temporarily cease functioning.

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G WARNING The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take road and traffic conditions into account. Only use the DISTRONIC PLUS if the road, weather and traffic conditions make it advisable to travel at a constant speed. G WARNING Use of the DISTRONIC PLUS can be dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire traction can result in wheel spin and loss of control. The DISTRONIC PLUS does not function in adverse sight and distance conditions. Do not use the DISTRONIC PLUS during conditions of fog, heavy rain, snow or sleet. G WARNING The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take weather conditions into account. Switch off the DISTRONIC PLUS or do not switch it on if: Rroads are slippery or covered with snow or

ice. The wheels could lose traction while braking or accelerating, and the vehicle could skid.

Rthe DISTRONIC PLUS system sensor covers

are dirty or visibility is diminished due to snow, rain or fog, for example. The distance control system functionality could be impaired.

Always pay attention to surrounding traffic conditions even while the DISTRONIC PLUS is switched on. Otherwise, you may not be able to recognize dangerous situations until it is too late. This could cause an accident in which you and/or others could be injured. G WARNING The "Resume" function should only be operated if the driver is fully aware of the previously set speed and wishes to resume this particular preset speed.

G WARNING Your undivided attention to street and traffic conditions is necessary at all times whether DISTRONIC PLUS is active or not. The use of DISTRONIC PLUS can be dangerous on winding roads or in heavy traffic because conditions do not allow safe driving at a constant speed. DISTRONIC PLUS does not react to stationary objects on the road (for example, a vehicle stopped in traffic or an abandoned vehicle). DISTRONIC PLUS likewise does not react to oncoming vehicles. Deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS: Rwhen changing to the right lane, if the

vehicles in the left lane are driving slower

Rwhen driving into a filter lane or an

expressway exit

Rin complex driving situations, for example

in construction sites on an expressway In these situations DISTRONIC PLUS will maintain the set speed if it is not deactivated. DISTRONIC PLUS is intended only for maintaining a set speed and a set distance from the objects moving in front of the vehicle. G WARNING An intermittent warning sounds and the distance warning lamp · in the instrument cluster is illuminated if the DISTRONIC PLUS system calculates that the distance to the vehicle ahead and your vehicle's current speed indicate that the DISTRONIC PLUS will not be capable of slowing the vehicle sufficiently to maintain the preset following distance, which creates a danger of a collision. Immediately brake the vehicle to increase your distance to the preceding vehicle. The warning sound is intended as a final caution in which you should intercede with your own braking inputs to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Do not wait for the operation of the warning signal to intercede

with your own braking. This will result in potentially dangerous emergency braking which will not always result in an impact being avoided. Tailgating increases the risk of an accident. G WARNING DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle with a maximum deceleration of 13 ft/s2(4 m/s2). This is equivalent to approximately 40 % of your vehicle's maximum possible deceleration. You need to brake yourself to prevent a collision. DISTRONIC PLUS brakes the vehicle to restore the set distance from the vehicle ahead or the set speed. G WARNING If you do not receive visual or acoustic warning signals during a critical traffic situation, DISTRONIC PLUS has either not recognized the collision risk, has been deactivated or is malfunctioning. Remember, whether or not DISTRONIC PLUS is operating, it is ultimately always the drivers responsibility to apply the brakes in order to control the vehicle and avoid a collision.

Cruise control lever

: To store the current speed or a higher

speed

; To store the current speed or a lower

speed

= To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS

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? To store the current speed or to call up

the last stored speed

A To set the specified minimum distance

Switching on DISTRONIC PLUS, storing the current speed and maintaining it Important safety notes G WARNING The vehicle can be braked when DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. For this reason, deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS if the vehicle is to be set in motion by other means (e.g. in a car wash or by towing).

In order to activate DISTRONIC PLUS, the following conditions must be fulfilled: Rthe engine must be started. It may take up

to two minutes after pulling away before DISTRONIC PLUS is operational.

Rthe electric parking brake must be

released.

RESP® must be activated but not

intervening.

Rthe transmission must be in position D. Rthe hood must be closed. Rthe driver's door must be closed when you shift from P to D or your seat belt must be fastened.

Rthe front-passenger door must be closed. Rthe vehicle must not skid. Activating while driving When driving at speeds below 20 mph (30 km/h), you can only activate DISTRONIC PLUS if the vehicle in front has been detected and is shown in the multifunction display. If the vehicle in front is no longer detected and shown, DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated and a warning tone sounds.

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X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards you ?, or briefly press up : or down ;. DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.

X Keep the cruise control lever pressed

up : or down ; until the desired speed is set.

X Remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal. Your vehicle adapts its speed to that of the vehicle in front, but only up to the desired stored speed. i If you do not fully release the accelerator pedal, the DISTRONIC PLUS Override message is shown in the multifunction display. The set distance to a slower- moving vehicle in front will then not be maintained. You will be driving at the speed you determine by the position of the accelerator pedal.

Activating when driving towards a stationary vehicle If the vehicle in front of you is stationary, you can only activate DISTRONIC PLUS once your vehicle is stationary as well. X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards you ?, or briefly press up : or down ;. DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.

i DISTRONIC PLUS can only be activated at under 20 mph (30 km/h) if a vehicle in front has been detected. Therefore, the DISTRONIC PLUS distance display in the instrument cluster should be activated (Y page 341).

X Keep the cruise control lever pressed

up : or down ; until the desired speed is set.

i You can use the cruise control lever to set

the stored speed and the control on the cruise control lever to set the specified minimum distance (Y page 298).

Pulling away X If the vehicle in front pulls away: remove

your foot from the brake pedal.

X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you ?.

or X Accelerate briefly.

Your vehicle pulls away and adapts its speed to that of the vehicle in front.

Driving If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS operates in the same way as cruise control. If a slower-moving vehicle is detected in front, DISTRONIC causes your vehicle to brake. This maintains the preset distance to the vehicle in front. If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a faster-moving vehicle in front, it increases the driving speed of your vehicle, but only up to the desired speed you have stored. G WARNING If you depress the brake, DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated unless your vehicle is stationary. DISTRONIC PLUS then no longer brakes your vehicle. In such cases, control the distance from vehicles travelling in front with the brake alone. You could otherwise cause an accident and thereby injure yourself and others. The driver remains fully responsible for the vehicle's distance from other vehicles, the speed being driven and for braking in good time.

Changing lanes If you wish to change to the passing lane (in left-hand-drive vehicles, the passing lane is the left-hand lane), DISTRONIC PLUS supports you if: Ryou are driving faster than 40 mph

(60 km/h).

RDISTRONIC PLUS is maintaining the

distance to a vehicle in front.

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Ryou switch on the appropriate turn signals. RDISTRONIC PLUS does not detect a danger

of collision.

If these conditions are met, your vehicle is accelerated. Acceleration will be interrupted if changing lanes takes too long or if the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front becomes too small. G WARNING DISTRONIC PLUS and Active Blind Spot Assist are only aids designed to assist driving. They do not relieve you of the responsibility of paying attention. The driver remains fully responsible for the vehicle's distance from other vehicles, the vehicle's speed and for braking in good time. Always pay attention to traffic conditions and your surroundings. Otherwise, you may fail to recognize dangers in time, cause an accident and injure yourself and others.

Stopping G WARNING Never get out of the vehicle when DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. DISTRONIC PLUS must also never be operated, activated or deactivated by a passenger or from outside the vehicle. DISTRONIC PLUS does not replace the electric parking brake and must not be used for parking. The DISTRONIC PLUS braking effect is canceled and the vehicle can start moving if: RDISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated using the

cruise control lever.

Ryou accelerate. Rthere is a malfunction in the system or an

interruption in the power supply, e.g. battery failure.

Rthe electrical system in the engine

compartment, the battery or the fuses are tampered with.

Rthe battery is disconnected.

If you wish to leave the vehicle or park it, deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS and secure the vehicle against rolling away.

If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle in front is stopping, it brakes your vehicle until it is stationary. Once your vehicle is stationary, it remains stationary and you do not need to depress the brake. i After a time, the electric parking brake

secures the vehicle and relieves the service brake.

i Depending on the specified minimum

distance, your vehicle will come to a standstill at a sufficient distance behind the vehicle in front. The specified minimum distance is set using the control on the cruise control lever.

Setting a speed G WARNING Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment until the vehicle has made the necessary adjustments. Increase or decrease the set vehicle speed to a value that the prevailing road conditions and legal speed limits permit. Otherwise, sudden and unexpected acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle could cause an accident and/ or serious injury to you and others.

X Press the cruise control lever up : for a higher speed or down ; for a lower speed. X Keep the cruise control lever pressed until

the desired speed is reached.

X Release the cruise control lever.

The new speed is stored. DISTRONIC PLUS is activated and adjusts the vehicle's speed to the new speed stored.

see this distance in the multifunction display (Y page 299). G WARNING It is up to the driver to exercise discretion to select the appropriate setting given road conditions, traffic, driver's preferred driving style and applicable laws and driving recommendations for safe following distance.

X To increase: turn control ; in direction

=. DISTRONIC PLUS then maintains a greater distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.

X To decrease: turn control ; in

direction :. DISTRONIC PLUS then maintains a shorter distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.

i Make sure that you maintain a sufficient and safe distance from the vehicle in front. Adjust the distance to the vehicle in front if necessary.

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Making adjustments in 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h) increments X Briefly press the cruise control lever to the pressure point, up : for a higher speed or down ; for a lower speed. The last speed stored is increased or reduced.

Making adjustments in 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h) increments X Briefly press the cruise control lever

beyond the pressure point, up : for a higher speed or down ; for a lower speed. The last speed stored is increased or reduced.

Storing the current speed or calling up a stored speed G WARNING The set speed stored in memory should only be set again if prevailing road conditions and legal speed limits permit. Possible acceleration or deceleration differences arising from returning to the preset speed could cause an accident and/or serious injury to you and others.

X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards

you ?.

X Remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal. DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. The first time it is activated, the current speed is stored. Otherwise, it sets the vehicle cruise speed to the previously stored value.

Setting the specified minimum distance You can set the specified minimum distance for DISTRONIC PLUS by varying the time span between one and two seconds. With this function, you can set the minimum distance that DISTRONIC PLUS keeps to the vehicle in front, dependent on vehicle speed. You can

DISTRONIC PLUS displays in the speedometer

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When you switch on DISTRONIC PLUS, triangle ; shows the stored speed. i For design reasons, the speed displayed in the speedometer may differ slightly from the speed set for DISTRONIC PLUS.

If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle in front, the speedometer dial lights up between speed of the vehicle in front : and stored speed ;.

DISTRONIC PLUS displays in the multifunction display General notes You can select the distance display in the Assistance menu (Y page 341) of the on- board computer. Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated X Select the Distance Display function using the on-board computer (Y page 341).

When DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, you will see the following in the multifunction display:

: Symbol for activated PRE-SAFE® Brake ; Vehicle in front, if detected = Distance indicator, current distance to

the vehicle in front

? Specified minimum distance to the

vehicle in front; adjustable

A Own vehicle Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is activated X Select the Distance Display function using the on-board computer (Y page 341).

You will see the stored speed for about five seconds when you activate DISTRONIC PLUS. After this time, you will see the following in the multifunction display while DISTRONIC PLUS is activated:

: DISTRONIC PLUS activated ; Own vehicle = Specified minimum distance to the

vehicle in front; adjustable ? Vehicle in front, if detected

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Deactivating DISTRONIC PLUS

There are several ways to deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS: X Briefly press the cruise control lever

forwards :.

or X Brake, unless the vehicle is stationary. When you deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS, the DISTRONIC PLUS Off message is shown in the multifunction display for approximately five seconds. i The last speed stored remains stored until

you switch off the engine.

i DISTRONIC PLUS is not deactivated if you

depress the accelerator pedal. If you accelerate to overtake, DISTRONIC PLUS adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last speed stored after you have finished overtaking.

DISTRONIC PLUS is automatically deactivated if: Ryou engage the electric parking brake or if

the vehicle is automatically secured with the electric parking brake. Ryou are driving slower than

15 mph (25 km/h) and there is no vehicle in front, or if the vehicle in front is no longer detected.

RESP® intervenes or you deactivate ESP®. Rthe transmission is in the P, R or N position. Ryou switch off the radar sensor system

(Y page 344).

Ryou pull the cruise control lever towards you in order to pull away and the front- passenger door is open. Rthe vehicle has skidded. If DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, you will hear a warning tone. The DISTRONIC PLUS Off message is shown in the multifunction display for approximately five seconds. G WARNING The DISTRONIC PLUS switches off and releases the brakes when the vehicle decelerates below the minimum speed of 20 mph (30 km/h) by operation of the system unless the DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle directly ahead of you. At that time the driver must apply the brakes in order to reduce vehicle speed further or bring it to a stop.

Tips for driving with DISTRONIC PLUS Important safety notes The following contains descriptions of certain road and traffic conditions in which you must be particularly attentive. In such situations, brake if necessary. DISTRONIC PLUS is then deactivated. G WARNING The DISTRONIC PLUS works to maintain the speed selected by the driver unless a moving obstacle proceeding directly ahead of it in the same travel direction is detected (e.g. following another vehicle ahead of you at your set distance). This means that: RYour vehicle can pass another vehicle after

you have changed lanes.

RWhile in a sharp turn or if the preceding vehicle is in a sharp turn, the DISTRONIC PLUS could lose sight of the preceding vehicle. Your vehicle could then accelerate to the previously selected speed.

The DISTRONIC PLUS regulates only the distance between your vehicle and those directly ahead of it. It may not register stationary objects in the road, e.g.: Ra stopped vehicle in a traffic jam Ra disabled vehicle Ran oncoming vehicle The driver must always be alert, observe all traffic and intercede as required by means of steering or braking the vehicle. G WARNING The DISTRONIC PLUS should not be used in snowy or icy road conditions.

Cornering, going into and coming out of a bend

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DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect vehicles traveling on a different line. The distance to the vehicle in front will be too short. Other vehicles changing lane

DISTRONIC PLUS has not detected the vehicle cutting in yet. The distance to this vehicle will be too short. Narrow vehicles

The ability of DISTRONIC PLUS to detect vehicles when cornering is limited. Your vehicle may brake unexpectedly or late. Vehicles traveling on a different line

DISTRONIC PLUS has not yet detected the vehicle in front on the edge of the road, because of its narrow width. The distance to the vehicle in front will be too short.

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Obstructions and stationary vehicles

DISTRONIC PLUS does not brake for obstacles or stationary vehicles. If, for example, the detected vehicle turns a corner and reveals an obstacle or stationary vehicle, DISTRONIC PLUS will not brake for these. Crossing vehicles

The vehicle is kept stationary without the driver having to depress the brake pedal. The braking effect is canceled and the HOLD function deactivated when you depress the accelerator pedal to pull away.

Activation conditions You can activate the HOLD function if: Rthe vehicle is stationary. Rthe driver's door is closed or your seat belt

is fastened.

Rthe electric parking brake is released. Rthe hood is closed. Rthe transmission is in position R, N or D. The trunk lid must be closed in position R.

RDISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.

Activating the HOLD function X Make sure that the activation conditions

are met.

X Depress the brake pedal.

DISTRONIC PLUS may mistakenly detect vehicles that are crossing your lane. Activating DISTRONIC PLUS at traffic lights with crossing traffic, for example, could cause your vehicle to pull away unintentionally.

HOLD function General notes The HOLD function can assist the driver in the following situations: Rwhen pulling away, especially on steep

slopes

Rwhen maneuvering on steep slopes Rwhen waiting in traffic

X Quickly depress the brake pedal further until HOLD display : appears in the instrument cluster. The HOLD function is activated. You can release the brake pedal.

i If depressing the brake pedal the first

time does not activate the HOLD function, wait briefly and then try again. G WARNING The vehicle's brakes are applied when the HOLD function is activated. For this reason, deactivate the HOLD function if the vehicle is to be set in motion by other means (e.g. in a car wash or by towing).

Deactivating the HOLD function The HOLD function is deactivated automatically if: Ryou accelerate and the transmission is in

position D or R.

Ryou shift the transmission to position P. Ryou apply the brakes again with a certain amount of pressure until HOLD disappears from the instrument cluster.

Ryou secure the vehicle using the electric

parking brake.

Ryou activate DISTRONIC PLUS. i After a time, the electric parking brake

secures the vehicle and relieves the service brake. G WARNING Never get out of the vehicle when the HOLD function is activated. The HOLD function must never be operated or deactivated by a passenger or from outside the vehicle. The HOLD function does not replace the electric parking brake and must not be used for parking. The braking effect of the HOLD function is canceled and the vehicle could roll away if: Rthe HOLD function is deactivated by

depressing the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal.

Rthere is a malfunction in the system or an

interruption in the power supply, e.g. battery failure.

Rthe electrical system in the engine

compartment, the battery or the fuses are tampered with.

Rthe battery is disconnected.

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AIRMATIC Vehicle level Important safety notes Your vehicle regulates its height automatically. All-round self-leveling ensures the best possible suspension and constant ground clearance, even with a laden vehicle. When you drive fast, the vehicle is lowered automatically to improve driving safety and to reduce fuel consumption. The following vehicle levels are possible: Rnormal Rraised: the vehicle is raised by about 1.20 in (30 mm) when compared with the normal level

Rlowered: the vehicle is lowered by about 0.40 in (10 mm) when compared with the normal level

The "Normal" and "Raised" vehicle levels can be set manually. The "Lowered” vehicle level is set automatically at speeds over 60 mph (100 km/h). Setting the vehicle level Select the "Normal" setting for normal road surfaces and "Raised" for driving with snow chains or on particularly poor road surfaces. Your selection remains stored even if you remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. G WARNING To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and feet away from wheel housing area, and stay away from under the vehicle when lowering the vehicle chassis.

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The damping is tuned individually to each wheel and depends on: Ryour driving style, e.g. sporty Rthe road surface condition, e.g. bumps Ryour individual selection, i.e. sports or

comfort

Your selection remains stored even if you remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.

Sports tuning The firmer suspension tuning in Sport mode ensures even better contact with the road. Select this mode when employing a sporty driving style, e.g. on winding country roads. X If indicator lamp ; is not lit: press

button :. Indicator lamp ; lights up. Sports suspension tuning is selected. The AIRMATIC SPORT message appears in the multifunction display.

Comfort tuning In Comfort mode, the driving characteristics of your vehicle are more comfortable. Select this mode if you prefer a more comfortable driving style, but also when driving fast on straight roads, e.g. highways. X If indicator lamp ; is lit: press

button :. Indicator lamp ; goes out. Comfort tuning is selected. The AIRMATIC COMFORT message appears in the multifunction display.

Setting raised level X Start the engine. If indicator lamp ; is not lit: X Press button :.

Indicator lamp ; lights up. The vehicle height is adjusted to raised level. The Vehicle rising message appears in the multifunction display.

The "Raised level" setting is canceled if you: Rdrive at speeds above approximately

75 mph (120 km/h)

Rdrive about 3 minutes at speeds above

50 mph (80 km/h)

The "Raised level" remains active when you are not driving within these speed ranges. Setting the normal level X Start the engine. If indicator lamp ; is lit: X Press button :.

Indicator lamp ; goes out. The vehicle is adjusted to normal level.

Suspension tuning General notes The Adaptive Damping System (ADS) automatically controls the calibration of the dampers and springs.

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Active Body Control (ABC) Vehicle level Your vehicle automatically adjusts its ride height to improve driving safety and reduce fuel consumption. Depending on the vehicle height that has been set, the vehicle automatically adjusts its height dependent on the current speed. As speed increases, the vehicle is lowered by up to 0.4 in (10 mm). As the speed is reduced, the vehicle is raised up to the set vehicle height. G WARNING The vehicle is lowered when the engine is switched off. Therefore, make sure that nobody is in the vicinity of the wheel housing or under the vehicle when you switch off the engine. Otherwise, limbs could become trapped.

! The vehicle is lowered when the engine is switched off. Make sure when parking that you position your vehicle so that it does not make contact with the curb as the vehicle is lowered. Your vehicle could otherwise be damaged.

i For AMG vehicles: when the engine is switched off, the vehicle is lowered by approx. 0.2 in (5 mm). Setting the vehicle level Select the "Normal" setting for normal road surfaces and "Raised" for driving with snow chains or on particularly poor road surfaces. G WARNING To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and feet away from wheel housing area, and stay away from under the vehicle when lowering the vehicle chassis.

Your selection remains stored even if you remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.

Setting raised level X Start the engine. If indicator lamp ; is not lit: X Press button :.

Indicator lamp ; lights up. The vehicle height is adjusted to raised level.

Setting the normal level X Start the engine. If indicator lamp ; is lit: X Press button :.

Indicator lamp ; goes out. The vehicle is adjusted to normal level.

Suspension tuning The electronically controlled ABC suspension system works continuously. This improves driving safety and comfort. The ABC suspension system is tuned individually to each wheel and depends on: Ryour driving style, e.g. sporty Rthe road surface condition, e.g. bumps Ryour individual selection, i.e. sports or

comfort

Rthe vehicle load Your selection remains stored even if you remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.

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whenever a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip. G WARNING If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient traction: RWhile driving off, apply as little throttle as

possible.

RWhile driving, ease up on the accelerator

pedal.

RAdapt your speed and driving style to the

prevailing road conditions.

Failure to observe these guidelines could cause the vehicle to skid. The 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents resulting from excessive speed.

! Never tow the vehicle with one axle

raised. This may damage the transfer case. Damage of this sort is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All wheels must remain either on the ground or be fully raised. Observe the instructions for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full contact with the ground.

i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum

effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if you use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow chains if necessary.

PARKTRONIC Important safety notes G WARNING The PARKTRONIC is a supplemental system. It is not intended to, nor does it replace, the need for extreme care. The responsibility during parking and other critical maneuvers always remains with the driver. G WARNING Make sure no persons or animals are in or near the area in which you are parking/ maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be injured.

Sports tuning The firmer suspension tuning in Sport mode ensures even better contact with the road. Select this mode if you prefer a firmer suspension tuning. X If indicator lamp ; is not lit: press

button :. Indicator lamp ; lights up. You have selected the suspension for a sporty driving style. The ABC Active Body Control SPORT message appears in the multifunction display.

Comfort tuning In Comfort mode, the driving characteristics of your vehicle are more comfortable. Select this mode if you prefer a more comfortable driving style. X If indicator lamp ; is lit: press

button :. Indicator lamp ; goes out. You have selected the suspension for a comfortable driving style. The ABC Active Body Control COMFORT message appears in the multifunction display.

4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive) 4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are permanently driven. Together with ESP®, it improves the traction of your vehicle

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PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with ultrasonic sensors. It indicates visually and audibly the distance between your vehicle and an object. PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when you: Rswitch on the ignition Rshift the transmission to position D, R or N Rrelease the electric parking brake PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above 11 mph (18 km/h). It is reactivated at lower speeds. PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper and four sensors in the rear bumper.

Side view

: Sensors in the front bumper, left-hand

side (example)

Range of the sensors General notes The sensors must be free of dirt, ice and slush; otherwise they may not function correctly. Clean the sensors regularly, taking care not to scratch or damage them (Y page 418).

Top view Front sensors Center

Corners

Rear sensors Center

Corners

Approximately 40 in (approximately 100 cm) Approximately 24 in (approximately 60 cm)

Approximately 48 in (approximately 120 cm) Approximately 32 in (approximately 80 cm)

! When parking, pay particular attention to objects above or below the sensors, such as flower pots or trailer drawbars. PARKTRONIC does not detect such objects when they are in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. You could damage the vehicle or the objects. The sensors may not detect snow and other objects that absorb ultrasonic waves.

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Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic car wash, the compressed-air brakes on a truck or a pneumatic drill could cause PARKTRONIC to malfunction. PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on uneven terrain.

Minimum distance Center

Corners

Approximately 8 in (approximately 20 cm) Approximately 8 in (approximately 20 cm)

If there is an obstacle within this range, the relevant warning displays light up and a warning tone sounds. If the distance falls below the minimum, the distance may no longer be shown.

Warning displays The warning displays show the distance between the sensors and the obstacle. The warning display for the front area is in the instrument cluster. The warning display for the rear area is located on the headliner in the rear compartment.

yellow segments showing operational readiness = light up. The selected transmission position determines which warning display is active when the engine is running. Transmission position

Warning display

Front area activated Rear and front areas activated If the electric parking brake is engaged: no areas are activated If the electric parking brake is released: rear and front areas are activated No areas activated

One or more segments light up as the vehicle approaches an obstacle, depending on the vehicle's distance from the obstacle. When the first red segment lights up, you hear an intermittent warning for about two seconds. From the second red segment, you hear a continuous warning. This indicates that you have now reached the minimum distance.

Deactivating/activating PARKTRONIC

Warning display for the front area : Segments on the left-hand side of the

vehicle

; Segments on the right-hand side of the

vehicle

= Segments showing operational readiness The warning display for each side of the vehicle is divided into five yellow and two red segments. PARKTRONIC is operational if

: To deactivate/activate PARKTRONIC ; Indicator lamp

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If indicator lamp ; lights up, PARKTRONIC is deactivated. i PARKTRONIC is automatically activated when you turn the SmartKey to position 2
in the ignition lock.

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Problems with PARKTRONIC

Problem Only the red segments in the PARKTRONIC warning displays are lit. You also hear a warning tone for approximately two seconds. PARKTRONIC is deactivated after approximately 20 seconds, and the indicator lamp in the PARKTRONIC button lights up.

Only the red segments in the PARKTRONIC warning displays are lit. PARKTRONIC is deactivated after approximately 20
seconds.

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has switched off. X If problems persist, have PARKTRONIC checked at a qualified

specialist workshop.

The PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or there is interference. X Clean the PARKTRONIC sensors (Y page 418). X Switch the ignition back on. The problem may be caused by an external source of radio or ultrasound waves. X See if PARKTRONIC functions in a different location.

Parking Guidance Important safety notes Parking Guidance is an electronic parking aid with ultrasound. Ultrasound is used to measure the road on both sides of the vehicle. A suitable parking space is indicated by the parking symbol. You receive steering instructions when parking. You may also use PARKTRONIC (Y page 306). G WARNING Parking Guidance is merely an aid and may display parking spaces that are not suitable for parking, for example: Rno-parking areas Rparking spaces with unsuitable surfaces

(road surface)

Rdriveways Rentrances and exits Parking Guidance detects and measures potential parking spaces while driving past. Changes to the parking space after this point are not taken into account, for example if the vehicle in front of or behind the parking space changes position or objects in the parking space are moved. Even when using Parking Guidance, you are still responsible for driving carefully. If you rely on Parking Guidance alone, you could cause an accident and injure yourself and others. Safety always remains your responsibility and you must continue paying careful attention to your immediate surroundings when parking and maneuvering.

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G WARNING Objects located above the height range of Parking Guidance will not be detected when the parking space is measured. These objects are not taken into account when the parking procedure is calculated, e.g. overhanging loads, tail sections or loading ramps of goods vehicles. Under some circumstances, Parking Guidance might therefore issue steering instructions too soon. This may lead to a collision. For this reason, you should avoid using Parking Guidance in such situations. G WARNING Make sure that no persons or animals are in the maneuvering range. Otherwise, they could be injured.

! Pay particular attention to low objects or

objects with flat surfaces, such as trailer drawbars, posts, cross beams and curbs. These types of objects cannot be detected by Parking Guidance and may damage the vehicle.

When PARKTRONIC is deactivated, Parking Guidance is also unavailable. Use Parking Guidance for parking spaces: Rthat are parallel to the direction of travel Rthat are on straight roads, not bends Rthat are on the same level as the road, i.e. not on the pavement, for example. Parking Guidance may not detect flat curbs

Parking tips: Ron narrow roads, drive past the parking

space as close as possible.

Rparking spaces that are littered, overgrown

or partially occupied by trailer drawbars might be identified incorrectly or not at all. Rsnowfall or heavy rain may lead to a parking

space being measured inaccurately.

Rpay attention to the PARKTRONIC

(Y page 308) warning messages during the parking procedure.

Rwhen transporting a load which protrudes from your vehicle, you must not use Parking Guidance.

Rnever use Parking Guidance with snow

chains or an emergency spare wheel installed.

Rmake sure that the tire pressures are

always correct. This has a direct effect on the steering instructions.

Rthe way your vehicle is positioned in the parking space after parking is dependent on various factors. These include the position and shape of the vehicles parked in front and behind it and the conditions of the location. In some cases, Parking Guidance may guide you too far or not far enough into a parking space. In some cases, it may also lead you across or onto the curb. If necessary, cancel the parking procedure with Parking Guidance.

! If unavoidable, you should drive over

obstacles such as curbs slowly and not at a sharp angle. Otherwise, you may damage the wheels or tires.

Detecting a parking space

: Detected parking space on the left ; Parking symbol = Detected parking space on the right Parking Guidance is automatically activated when you drive forwards. The system is operational at speeds of up to approximately 22 mph (35 km/h). While in operation, the system independently locates and measures parking spaces on both sides of the vehicle. At speeds below 19 mph (30 km/h), you see white parking symbol ; in the instrument cluster as a status indicator. Parking

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Guidance only shows parking spaces on the passenger side in the default setting. Parking spaces on the driver's side are displayed as soon as the turn signal on the driver's side is activated. To park on the driver's side, you must leave the driver's side turn signal switched on until you have engaged reverse gear. If a parking space is detected, parking symbol ; changes to blue. Additionally, an arrow pointing right = or left : is shown. Parking Guidance will only detect parking spaces: Rthat are closed in at the back Rthat are parallel to the direction of travel Rthat are at least 5 ft (1.5 m) wide Rthat are at least 4.3 ft (1.3 m) longer than

your vehicle

A parking space is displayed while you are driving past it, and until you are approximately 50 ft (15 m) away from it.

Parking The following instructions refer to parking in a space on the front-passenger side. To park in a space on the driver's side, mirror the instructions. G WARNING The Parking Guidance is only an aid and may not detect all obstacles. The Parking Guidance does not relieve you of the responsibility to pay attention. You are always responsible for safety and must continue to pay attention to your immediate surroundings when parking and maneuvering. Otherwise, you could endanger yourself and others.

X Stop the vehicle when the blue parking space symbol shows the desired parking space in the instrument cluster.

X Engage reverse gear. The multifunction display shows the message: Check surroundings Confirm with OK. X Press a on the multifunction steering

wheel to confirm. The display in the instrument cluster switches to Parking Guidance.

: Green lane ; White bracket marking the target position X Depending on the distance, you may have

to reverse along the lane towards the parking space. This is indicated by green lane :. Continue backing up until you hear a tone. Stop; the parking position has been reached and is marked by white bracket ; with an arrow for the target position.

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Countersteering

Steering tips : Red lane indicating the route the vehicle