2006 Mercedes-benz CLS Class Owners Manual

For draft-free ventilation, push slides 1 and 2 (컄 page 210) upward.

Adjusting air volume 왘 Turn thumbwheel 3 or 7

(컄 page 210) up or down. The air volume is increased or decreased.

212

Front center console storage compart- ment ventilation

왘 To open air vent slide the lever 1 up. 왘 To close air vent slide the lever 1

The front center console storage compart- ment under the armrest has its own air vent. The air temperature is about the same as that of the dashboard air vents. The lever is located in the front center vent.

down.

The compartment can get very warm due to its confined space. When storing heat sensitive objects (e.g. groceries) in the compartment, close the air vent while heating the passenger compart- ment.

1 Lever

Controls in detail 4-zone automatic climate control

213

Controls in detail Power windows

Opening and closing the windows

The side windows are opened and closed electrically. The switches for all of the side windows are on the driver’s door. The switches for the respective windows are on the front passenger door and the rear doors.

1 Rear window override switch

(컄 page 82)

2 Right front window 3 Right rear window 4 Left rear window 5 Left front window

214

Warning!

When closing the windows, make sure that there is no danger of anyone being harmed by the closing procedure.

The closing of the door windows can be immediately halted by releasing the switch or, if switch was pulled past the resistance point and released, by either pressing or pulling the respective switch.

The door windows are equipped with the express-close and automatic reversal func- tion. If the window encounters an obstruc- tion that blocks its path in a circumstance where you pulled the switch past the resis- tance point and released it to close the win- dow, the automatic reversal function will stop the window and open it slightly.

If the window encounters an obstruction that blocks its path in a circumstance where you are closing the window by pulling and holding the switch, by pressing and holding button ‹ on the SmartKey, by pressing and holding the lock button (vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*) on an outside door handle, the automatic reversal function will not op- erate.

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unat- tended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment can cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

i You can also open or close the win- dows using the SmartKey, see “Sum- mer opening feature” (컄 page 217) and “Convenience closing feature” (컄 page 217). Depending on current position, the win- dows may also open or close when the air recirculation button , in the au- tomatic climate control (컄 page 198) or (컄 page 199) is pressed and held.

Operating the windows from the rear is not possible if you activate the override switch (컄 page 82).

With the SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or removed from the starter switch, the power windows can be operated: 앫 until you open the driver’s or front

passenger’s door

앫 for at least 5 minutes.

왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

Opening the windows 왘 Press switch 2 to 5 to the resistance

point. The corresponding window will move downwards until you release the switch.

Controls in detail Power windows

Closing the windows 왘 Pull switch 2 to 5 to the resistance

point. The corresponding window will move upwards until you release the switch.

Warning!

If you pull and hold the switch up when clos- ing the window, and upward movement of the window is blocked by some obstruction including but not limited to arms, hands, fin- gers, etc., the automatic reversal will not op- erate.

215

Controls in detail Power windows

Fully opening the windows (Express-open) 왘 Press switch 2 to 5 past the resis-

tance point and release. The corresponding window opens com- pletely.

Fully closing the windows (Express-close) 왘 Pull switch 2 to 5 past the resis-

tance point and release. The corresponding window closes com- pletely.

Warning!

Driver’s door only: If within 5 seconds switch is again pulled past the resistance point and released, the automatic reversal will not operate.

216

If the upward movement of the window is blocked during the closing proce- dure, the window will stop and open slightly. Remove the obstruction, pull the re- spective power window switch again past the resistance point and release. If the window still does not close when there is no obstruction, pull and hold the respective power window switch. The side window will then close without the obstruction sensor function.

Stopping windows during Express-op- eration 왘 Press or pull the respective power win-

dow switch again.

Synchronizing power windows

The power windows must be synchronized 앫 after the battery has been disconnect-

ed

앫 if the power windows cannot be fully

opened (Express-open) or closed (Express-close)

Synchronizing 왘 Close all doors. 왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36). 왘 Pull switch 2 to 5 until the side win-

dows are completely closed.

왘 Hold on to switches 2 to 5 for

approximately 1 second.

The power windows are synchronized.

Summer opening feature

If the weather is warm, you can ventilate the vehicle before driving off by simulta- neously: 앫 opening the side windows 앫 opening the tilt/sliding sunroof 앫 turning on the seat ventilation* for the

driver’s seat

The seat ventilation* for the driver’s seat is automatically set to the highest level if activated via summer opening feature.

SmartKey 왘 With the vehicle unlocked, aim trans-

mitter eye of the SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* at the driver’s outside door handle. The SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* must be in close proxim- ity to the driver’s outside door handle. 왘 Press and hold button Œ until the windows and the tilt/sliding sunroof have reached the desired position.

왘 Release button Œ to interrupt pro-

cedure.

Controls in detail Power windows

Convenience closing feature

When you lock the vehicle, you can close the windows, tilt/sliding sunroof simulta- neously. 왘 Aim transmitter eye of the SmartKey at

the driver’s outside door handle (컄 page 217). The SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* must be in close proximity to the driver’s out- side door handle.

왘 Press and hold button ‹ until the windows, the tilt/sliding sunroof are completely closed.

컄컄

217

Controls in detail Power windows

컄컄

Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*:

1 Lock button 왘 Press and hold the lock button 1 at an outside door handle until the windows, the tilt/sliding sunroof are completely closed.

왘 Release the lock button 1 at the out-

side door handle to interrupt proce- dure.

218

Warning!

When closing the windows and the tilt/slid- ing sunroof, make sure that there is no dan- ger of anyone being harmed by the closing procedure.

If potential danger exists, proceed as fol- lows: 앫 Release button ‹ to stop the closing

procedure. To open, press and hold button Œ. To continue the closing procedure after making sure that there is no danger of anyone being harmed by the closing procedure, press and hold button ‹.

Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*: 앫 Release the lock button (컄 page 62) on the exterior driver’s door handle to stop the closing procedure.

앫 Pull on the exterior driver’s door handle and hold firmly. The side windows and the tilt/sliding sunroof will open for as long as the door handle is held but the door not opened.

왔 Power tilt /sliding sunroof Opening and closing the power tilt/sliding sunroof

The tilt/sliding sunroof can be opened and closed electrically. The switch for the tilt/sliding sunroof is on the overhead control panel.

With the sunroof closed or tilted open, a screen can be slid into the sunroof opening to guard against sun rays. When sliding the sunroof open, the screen will also retract.

Sunroof switch 1 Push back to slide sunroof open 2 Push forward to slide sunroof closed 3 Push up to raise sunroof at rear 4 Pull down to lower sunroof at rear

Controls in detail Power tilt /sliding sunroof

Warning!

When closing the tilt/sliding sunroof, make sure there is no danger of anyone being harmed by the closing procedure.

The opening/closing procedure of the tilt/sliding sunroof can be immediately halt- ed by releasing the switch or, if the switch was moved past the resistance point and released, by moving the switch in any direc- tion.

The tilt/sliding sunroof is made out of glass. In the event of an accident, the glass may shatter. This may result in an opening in the roof.

In a vehicle rollover, occupants not wearing their seat belts or not wearing them properly may be thrown out of the opening. Such an opening also presents a potential for injury for occupants wearing their seat belts prop- erly as entire body parts or portions of them may protrude from the passenger compart- ment.

컄컄

219

Controls in detail Power tilt /sliding sunroof

컄컄

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey or the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsu- pervised use of vehicle equipment can cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

To avoid damaging the seals, do not transport any objects with sharp edges which can stick out of the tilt/sliding sunroof. Do not open the tilt/sliding sunroof if there is snow or ice on the roof, as this could result in malfunctions. The tilt/sliding sunroof can be opened or closed manually should an electrical malfunction occur (컄 page 407).

220

You can also open or close the tilt/slid- ing sunroof using the SmartKey (sum- mer opening/convenience closing feature) (컄 page 217). Depending on current position, the tilt/sliding sunroof may also open or close when the air recirculation button , in the automatic climate control (컄 page 198) or (컄 page 199) is pressed and held.

왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 49).

Opening and closing the power tilt/sliding sunroof 왘 To open, close, raise or lower the

tilt/sliding sunroof, move the sunroof switch to resistance point in the re- quired direction of arrows 1 to 4. Release the sunroof switch when the tilt/sliding sunroof has reached the desired position.

Fully opening (Express-open) and clos- ing (Express-close) the power tilt/slid- ing sunroof 왘 To open or close the tilt/sliding sun-

roof, move the sunroof switch past the resistance point in the direction of arrow 1 to 2 and release. The tilt/pop up roof opens or closes completely.

Stopping the power tilt/sliding sunroof during Express-operation 왘 Move the sunroof switch in any direc-

tion.

If the movement of the tilt/sliding sun- roof is blocked during the closing procedure, the tilt/sliding sunroof will stop and reopen slightly.

왘 Move and hold the sunroof switch in

the direction of arrow 3 until the tilt/sliding sunroof is fully raised at the rear. Keep holding the sunroof switch in the direction of arrow 3 for approximately 1 second.

왘 Check the Express-open feature

(컄 page 220). If the tilt/sliding sunroof opens com- pletely, the roof is synchronized. Other- wise repeat the above steps.

Synchronizing the power tilt/sliding sunroof

The tilt/sliding sunroof must be synchro- nized 앫 after the battery has been disconnected or discharged

앫 after the tilt/sliding sunroof has been

closed manually (컄 page 407)

앫 after a malfunction 앫 if the tilt/sliding sunroof does not open

smoothly

왘 Remove the respective fuse from the

main fuse box (컄 page 441).

왘 Reinsert the fuse in the main fuse box. 왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 36).

Controls in detail Power tilt /sliding sunroof

221

Controls in detail Driving systems

The following driving systems are explained on the following pages: 앫 Cruise control and Distronic*, with

which the vehicle can maintain a preset speed

앫 Airmatic DC adjusts the vehicle sus-

pension characteristics automatically and controls the vehicle level

앫 Parktronic system*, which assists the

driver during parking maneuvers

For information on the BAS, ABS, ESP® and electro-hydraulic brake system, see “Driving safety systems” (컄 page 84).

Cruise control

The cruise control automatically maintains the speed you set for your vehicle. Use of cruise control is recommended for driving at a constant speed for extended periods of time. You can set or resume cruise control at any speed above 20 mph (30 km/h). The cruise control function is operated by means of the cruise control lever. The cruise control lever is the uppermost lever on the left-hand side of the steering column (컄 page 22).

222

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.

Only use the cruise control if the road, traffic, and weather conditions make it ad- visable to travel at a steady speed. 앫 The use of cruise control can be danger- ous on winding roads or in heavy traffic because conditions do not allow safe driving at a steady speed.

앫 The use of cruise control can be danger- ous on slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire traction can result in wheel spin and loss of control.

앫 Deactivate the cruise control when driv-

ing in fog.

The “Resume” function should only be oper- ated if the driver is fully aware of the previ- ously set speed and wishes to resume this particular preset speed.

Controls in detail Driving systems

On uphill or downhill grades, the cruise control may not be able to maintain the set speed. Once the grade eases, the set speed will be resumed. On downhill grades, the cruise control maintains the set speed with active braking action. In addition, on longer downhill grades the automatic trans- mission will automatically downshift.

Setting current speed 왘 Accelerate or decelerate to the desired

speed.

왘 Briefly lift 1 or depress 2 the cruise

control lever. The current speed is set.

왘 Remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal. Cruise control is activated.

The selected speed appears in the multi- function display for approximately 5 seconds, and the corresponding speed- ometer segments from the selected speed to the vehicle maximum speed are illumi- nated.

223

1 Set current or higher speed 2 Set current or lower speed 3 Cancel cruise control 4 Resume at last set speed

Warning!

The cruise control brakes automatically so that the set speed is not exceeded.

Keep in mind that the cruise control is a con- venience system designed to assist the driv- er during vehicle operation. The driver is and must always remain responsible for the ve- hicle’s speed and for safe brake operation.

Controls in detail Driving systems

Canceling cruise control There are several ways to cancel the cruise control: 왘 Step on the brake pedal.

The cruise control is canceled. The last speed set is stored for later use.

or 왘 Briefly push the cruise control lever in

direction of arrow 3 (컄 page 223). The cruise control is canceled. The last speed set is stored for later use.

The last stored speed is canceled when you turn off the engine.

224

Moving the gear selector lever to position N while driving also cancels the cruise control. However, the gear selector lever should not be moved to position N while driving except to coast when the vehicle is in danger of skid- ding (e.g. on icy roads).

Depressing the accelerator pedal does not deactivate the cruise control. After brief acceleration (e.g. for passing), the cruise control will resume the last speed set.

The cruise control automatically switches off, if 앫 you step on the brake pedal. 앫 you depress the parking brake

pedal. In this case the segments in the multifunction display (컄 page 147) go out and no warning sounds.

앫 the vehicle speed is below 20 mph

(30 km/h).

앫 the ESP® is in operation or switched

off with the ESP® switch (컄 page 88).

앫 you move the gear selector lever to

position N while driving.

The segments in the multifunction display (컄 page 147) go out, and an acoustic warning sounds.

Setting a higher speed 왘 Lift the cruise control lever in direction

of arrow 1 (컄 page 223) and hold it up until the desired speed is reached.

왘 Release the cruise control lever.

The new speed is set.

Setting a lower speed 왘 Depress the cruise control lever in

direction of arrow 2 (컄 page 223) and hold it down until the desired speed is reached.

왘 Release the cruise control lever.

The new speed is set.

When you use the cruise control lever to decelerate, the brake system will automatically brake the vehicle if the engine’s braking power does not brake the vehicle sufficiently.

Controls in detail Driving systems

Fine adjustment in 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h) increments

Setting to last stored speed (“Resume” function)

Faster 왘 Briefly tip the cruise control lever in di-

rection of arrow 1 (컄 page 223).

Slower 왘 Briefly tip the cruise control lever in di-

rection of arrow 2 (컄 page 223).

Warning!

The speed stored in memory should only be set again if prevailing road conditions per- mit. Possible acceleration or deceleration differences arising from returning to the pre- set speed could cause an accident and/or serious injury to you and others.

왘 Briefly pull the cruise control lever to

position 4 (컄 page 223). The cruise control resume the last set speed.

왘 Remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal.

The selected speed appears in the multi- function display for approximately 5 seconds, and the corresponding speed- ometer segments from the selected speed to the vehicle maximum speed are illumi- nated.

225

Controls in detail Driving systems

Distronic*

When activated, the Distronic adaptive cruise control system increases driving convenience afforded by the cruise control during travel on expressways and other major roads. 앫 If the Distronic distance sensor detects a slower moving vehicle directly ahead, your vehicle speed will be reduced so that you follow that vehicle at a preset distance.

앫 If there is no vehicle directly ahead of you, Distronic will function in the same way as cruise control (컄 page 223).

Warning!

Distronic adaptive cruise control is no sub- stitute for active driving involvement. It does not react to stationary objects, nor recog- nize or predict the curvature and lane layout or the movement of vehicles ahead. Distronic can only apply a maximum of 20% of the vehicle’s braking power.

226

It is the driver’s responsibility at all times to be attentive to road, traffic, and weather conditions and to provide the steering, brak- ing and other driving inputs necessary to re- tain control of the vehicle.

Warning!

Distronic 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 responsibili- ty for the vehicle speed and the distance to the vehicle ahead, including most impor- tantly brake operation to assure safe stop- ping distance, always rests with the driver.

Distronic cannot take street and traffic con- ditions into account.

Warning!

Distronic requires familiarity with its opera- tional characteristics. We strongly recom- mend that you review the following information carefully before operating the system.

USA only: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful

interference, and

(2) this device must accept any inter-

ference received, including interfer- ence that may cause undesired operation.

Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Controls in detail Driving systems

Canada only: This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interfer-

ence, and

(2) this device must accept any inter-

ference received, including interfer- ence that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Warning!

Warning!

Distronic cannot take street and traffic con- ditions into account. Only use Distronic if the road, weather and traffic conditions make it advisable to travel at a steady speed.

Warning!

Use of Distronic can be dangerous on slip- pery roads. Rapid changes in tire traction can result in wheel spin and loss of control.

Distronic does not act upon adverse sight distance conditions. Do not use Distronic during conditions of fog and heavy rain, snow or sleet.

Distronic cannot take weather conditions into account. Switch off Distronic or do not turn it on if: 앫 roads are slippery or covered with snow

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

앫 the sensor is dirty or visibility is

diminished due to snow, rain or fog. The distance control could be impaired.

Always pay attention to traffic conditions even while Distronic is switched on. Other- wise, you may not be able to recognize dangerous situations until it is too late and could cause an accident resulting in person- al or fatal injury to you or others.

227

Controls in detail Driving systems

Warning!

Close attention to road and traffic condi- tions is imperative at all times, regardless of whether or not Distronic is activated.

Use of Distronic can be dangerous on wind- ing roads or in heavy traffic because condi- tions do not allow safe driving at a steady speed.

Distronic will not react to stationary objects in the roadway (e.g. a stopped vehicle in a traffic jam or a disabled vehicle). Distronic will also not respond to oncoming vehicles.

Switch off Distronic: 앫 when changing from the left to the right lane if vehicles are moving more slowly in the left lane

앫 when entering a turn lane or highway off

ramp

앫 in complex driving situations, such as in

highway construction zones

In these situations, Distronic will continue to maintain the set speed unless deactivated.

228

Distronic is designed and intended only to maintain a set speed and keep a set dis- tance from moving objects in front of it.

Warning!

The “Resume” function should only be oper- ated if the driver is fully aware of the previ- ously set speed and wishes to resume this particular preset speed.

Distronic displays in the speedometer dial

1 Set speed If Distronic is activated, one or two seg- ments come on around the set speed.

The vehicle speed displayed on the speedometer can briefly vary from the speed setting on the Distronic system.

왘 Immediately brake the vehicle to avoid

a collision. Under no circumstances should the driver await the intermittent warning sound before braking. See the follow- ing warning note. The intermittent warning sound ceases and the red distance warning lamp l goes out when the neces- sary distance to the vehicle ahead is again established.

1 Segments If Distronic detects a vehicle directly ahead, the segments (representing the difference) from the speed of the vehicle ahead to the set speed come on. If Distronic calculates that there is a dan- ger of collision: 앫 The distance warning lamp l in the

instrument cluster comes on red. 앫 An intermittent warning sounds.

Controls in detail Driving systems

Warning!

An intermittent warning sounds and the distance warning lamp l in the instru- ment cluster is illuminated if the Distronic system calculates that the distance to the vehicle ahead and your vehicle’s current speed indicate that Distronic will not be ca- pable of slowing the vehicle sufficiently to maintain the preset following distance, which creates a danger of a collision.

Immediately brake the vehicle to increase the distance to the vehicle in front of you. The warning sound is intended as a final cau- tion that you have not interceded with your own braking inputs to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Do not wait for the op- eration of the warning signal to intercede with your own braking, as that will result in potentially dangerous emergency braking which will not always result in an impact being avoided.

Tailgating increases the risk of an accident.

229

Controls in detail Driving systems

Warning!

Distronic brakes your vehicle with a maxi- mum deceleration of 6.5 ft/s2 (2 m/s2). This corresponds to about 20% of the maxi- mum deceleration ability of your vehicle.

Distronic brakes the vehicle in an effort to restore the preset distance or to maintain the speed.

Distronic menu in the control system In the Distronic menu you can read the cur- rent settings for Distronic. What appears in the multifunction display depends on whether Distronic and the distance warn- ing function are turned on or off. 왘 Press button è or ÿ repeatedly until you see one of the following dis- plays.

Distronic deactivated When Distronic is deactivated you will see the standard display in the multifunction display.

1 Vehicle ahead, if detected 2 Actual distance to vehicle ahead 3 Preset distance threshold to vehicle

ahead

4 Your vehicle 5 Symbol for activated distance warning

function

230

Distronic activated If you turn Distronic on, you will see the set speed in the multifunction display for about 5 seconds. When Distronic is activated, you will see the following display in the multifunction display.

Cruise control lever The Distronic system is operated by means of the cruise control lever. The cruise control lever is the uppermost lever on the left-hand side of the steering column.

1 Distronic activated

1 Set current or higher speed 2 Set current or lower speed 3 Deactivate Distronic 4 Resume at last set speed

Controls in detail Driving systems

Activating Distronic You can activate Distronic if: 앫 you are driving between 20 mph

(30 km/h) and 110 mph (180 km/h)

앫 the ESP® is activated (컄 page 86) If Distronic has not been activated after pressing the cruise control lever you will see the message --- in the multifunction display. In the following cases you cannot activate Distronic: 앫 up to 2 minutes after starting the

engine

앫 when you brake 앫 if you have set the parking brake 앫 if the gear selector lever is in

position P, R or N

앫 if the ESP® is switched off

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Controls in detail Driving systems

Setting the current speed 왘 Accelerate or decelerate to the desired

speed.

왘 Briefly lift or depress the cruise control

lever. Distronic is activated and the current speed is set.

왘 Remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal.

If you do not take your foot off the accelerator completely, the following message will appear in the multifunc- tion display: Distronic override. The distance to a slower moving vehi- cles in front of you will not be set. Your vehicle speed will then be determined only by the accelerator pedal position.

Setting a higher speed 왘 Briefly tip the cruise control lever in the direction of arrow 1 (컄 page 231) to increase vehicle speed in increments of 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h). The new speed is set. The stored speed is displayed in the multifunction display for approximately 5 seconds (컄 page 231), and one or two segments around the stored speed come on, on the speedometer (컄 page 228).

Setting a lower speed 왘 Briefly tip the cruise control lever in the direction of arrow 2 (컄 page 231) to decrease vehicle speed in increments of 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h). The new speed is set. The stored speed is displayed in the multifunction display for approximately 5 seconds (컄 page 231), and one or two segments around the stored speed come on, on the speedometer (컄 page 228).

Depressing the accelerator pedal does not deactivate Distronic. After brief acceleration (e.g. for passing), the cruise control will resume the last speed set.

When you use the cruise control lever to decelerate, the brakes will be ap- plied to support deceleration. In addition, the transmission will automatically downshift on long down- hill grades.

232

Fine adjustment in 1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h) increments

Setting stored speed (“Resume” function)

Faster 왘 Briefly tip the cruise control lever in the

direction of arrow 4 (컄 page 231).

Warning!

The speed stored in memory should only be set again if prevailing road conditions per- mit. Possible acceleration or deceleration differences arising from returning to the pre- set speed could cause an accident and/or serious injury to you and others.

왘 Briefly tip the cruise control lever in the

direction of arrow 4 (컄 page 231). Distronic is activated and set to the last stored speed.

왘 Remove your foot from the accelerator

pedal.

Controls in detail Driving systems

Deactivating Distronic There are several ways to deactivate the Distronic system: 왘 Briefly tip the cruise control lever in the

direction of arrow 3 (컄 page 231).

or 왘 Step on the brake pedal.

Distronic will be deactivated. The last speed set will be stored in memory.

The following message will appear in the multifunction display for approxi- mately 5 seconds: Distronic off. The last stored speed is deleted when you turn off the engine.

233

Controls in detail Driving systems

Distronic deactivates automatically when: 앫 you set the parking brake 앫 you drive slower than 20 mph

(30 km/h)

앫 the ESP® is active (컄 page 86) or you

deactivate the ESP®

앫 you move the gear selector lever into

position N A signal will sound. The Distronic off message appears in the multifunction display for approximately 5 seconds.

Setting the following distance in Distronic You can set the specified following dis- tance for Distronic by varying the time set- ting between 1.0 and 2.0 seconds. Using this time setting and the current speed of your vehicle, Distronic calculates and sets the required following distance to the vehi- cle ahead. The set distance will be shown in the multifunction display field. The thumbwheel for making the time set- ting is located on the lower section of the center console.

Warning!

Warning!

Distronic switches off and releases the brakes when the vehicle decelerates below the minimum speed of approximately 20 mph (30 km/h) by operation of the system. At that time the driver must apply the brakes in order to reduce vehicle speed further or bring it to a stop.

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 recom- mendations for safe following distance.

234

1 Distance warning function on/off

switch

2 Indicator lamp 3 Thumbwheel for setting distance

Increasing distance Increasing the distance setting tells Distronic to maintain a greater following distance to the vehicle ahead. 왘 Turn thumbwheel 3 towards ¯.

Controls in detail Driving systems

Decreasing distance Decreasing the distance setting tells Distronic to maintain a shorter following distance to the vehicle ahead. 왘 Turn thumbwheel 3 towards ¯.

When pressing the brake pedal, the warn- ing sound ceases. The warning sound will also cease when the distance to the vehi- cle ahead is sufficient again without apply- ing the brakes. In this case, the distance warning lamp also go out.

Complex driving situations are not always fully recognized by Distronic. This could result in wrong or missing distance warnings.

Distance warning function When Distronic is deactivated, this func- tion will continue to warn you when recog- nizing a stationary obstacle or a slower vehicle moving in the vehicle’s path and the danger of a collision exists: 앫 The distance warning lamp l in the

instrument cluster comes on.

앫 An intermittent warning will sound if

necessary.

If these warnings are issued, you must brake manually to maintain a safe distance and avoid a collision with the vehicle ahead.

Warning!

Activating 왘 Press switch 1.

If the distance warning lamp l in the in- strument cluster comes on while driving and/or an intermittent warning sounds, im- mediate attention on the part of the driver is required. As required by the traffic situation, apply the brakes and navigate around a pos- sible obstacle. However, do not drive by relying on the distance warning function, as this will result in an emergency braking application. Especially depending on road surface conditions and driver reaction, this will not always enable you to avoid a colli- sion.

The indicator lamp 2 on the switch comes on. A loudspeaker symbol appears in the multifunction display (컄 page 231).

Deactivating 왘 Press switch 1.

The indicator lamp 2 on the switch goes out. No loudspeaker symbol appears in the multifunction display.

235

Controls in detail Driving systems

Driving with Distronic This section describes a number of driving situations where special precaution is required on the part of the driver. Be pre- pared to brake in such situations. This will deactivate the Distronic system.

Warning!

Distronic works to maintain the speed se- lected by the driver unless a moving obsta- cle proceeding directly ahead of it in the same travel direction is detected (e.g. fol- lowing another vehicle ahead of you at a dis- tance set by Distronic). This means that: 앫 Your vehicle can pass another vehicle

after you change lanes.

앫 While in a sharp turn or if the vehicle in front is in a sharp turn, Distronic could lose sight of a vehicle traveling in front of it, then your vehicle could accelerate to the previously selected speed.

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Distronic regulates only the distance be- tween your vehicle and those directly ahead of it, but does not register stationary objects in the road, e.g.: 앫 a stopped vehicle in a traffic jam 앫 a disabled vehicle 앫 an oncoming vehicle The driver must always be on the alert, observe all traffic and intercede as required by steering or braking the vehicle.

Warning!

Distronic should not be used in snowy or icy road conditions.

The most likely cause for a malfunctioning system is a dirty sensor (located behind the hood grille), especially at times of snow and ice or heavy rain. In such a case, Distronic will switch off, and the message Distronic Currently unavailable See Operator’s Manual appears in the multifunction display. For cleaning and care of the Distronic sen- sor, see “Cleaning the Distronic system sensor” (컄 page 346).

If the message Distronic Currently unavailable See Operator’s Manual disappears during driving and the last speed stored flashes for approximately 5 seconds, the dirt (e.g. slush) has dis- solved; Distronic works again.

Turns and bends

Offset driving

Lane changing

Controls in detail Driving systems

In turns or bends, Distronic may not detect a moving vehicle in front, or it may detect one too soon. This may cause your vehicle to brake late or unexpectedly.

A vehicle traveling in your lane but offset from your direct line of travel may not be detected by Distronic. There will be insuffi- cient distance to the vehicle ahead.

Distronic has not yet detected the vehicle changing lanes. There will be insufficient distance to the lane-changing vehicle.

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Controls in detail Driving systems

Narrow vehicles

Airmatic DC (Dual Control)

Airmatic automatically selects the opti- mum suspension tuning and ride height for your vehicle. The Airmatic consists of two components: 앫 Adaptive Damping System (ADS) 앫 Vehicle level control The ADS automatically selects the opti- mum damping for the respective driving conditions. At the same time the suspen- sion is set to either Sport 1, Sport 2 or Comfort.

Suspension tuning The suspension tuning is set according to: 앫 Your driving style 앫 Road surface conditions 앫 Your choice of suspension style,

Sport 1, Sport 2 or Comfort, which you select using the damping button.

Because of their narrow profile, the vehi- cles traveling near the outer edges of the lane have not yet been detected by Distronic. There will be insufficient dis- tance to the vehicles ahead.

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The following suspension styles are avail- able: 앫 Comfort

Both indicator lamps 2 are off.

앫 Sport 1

One indicator lamp 2 is on.

앫 Sport 2

Both indicator lamps 2 are on.

1 Damping button 2 Indicator lamps

왘 Start the engine (컄 page 49). 왘 Press the damping button 1 until the

desired suspension style is set.

If you have selected the Comfort sus- pension tuning (컄 page 238), the vehi- cle lowers slightly when you lock it within approximately 60 seconds after switching off the engine. When parking, make sure that your vehicle cannot come into contact with other objects, such as a curb, while lowering. Your ve- hicle could otherwise be damaged.

The selected suspension style is stored in memory, even after the SmartKey is removed from the starter switch.

Vehicle level control Your vehicle automatically adjusts its ride height to 앫 increase vehicle safety 앫 reduce fuel consumption The following vehicle chassis ride heights can be selected: 앫 Normal 앫 Raised The vehicle chassis ride height is raised or lowered according to the selected level setting and to the vehicle speed: 앫 At a speed exceeding approximately

68 mph (110 km/h) with normal level set or exceeding 75 mph (120 km/h) with raised level set, the ride height is reduced automatically. The table on the next page provides an overview of the vehicle levels.

Controls in detail Driving systems

앫 With decreasing speed, the ride height

is again raised to the normal level.

These height adjustments are so small that you may not notice any change.

Select the raised level only when required by current driving conditions. Otherwise 앫 handling may be impaired 앫 fuel consumption may increase

Warning!

To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and feet away from wheel housing area, and stay away from under the vehicle when low- ering the vehicle chassis.

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Controls in detail Driving systems

The following vehicle level settings can be selected when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running:

Vehicle level when stationary Normal

Indicator lamp (컄 page 241) Lamp off

Suspension tuning Comfort

Normal

Raised

Lamp off

Sport 1 or 2

Lamp on

Comfort

Raised

Lamp on

Sport 1 or 2

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Use for

For driving on normal roads For driving on normal roads For driving on rough roads or with snow chains For driving on rough roads or with snow chains

Ride height increase over normal None

Automatic lowering

Max. approx. 0.4 in (10 mm)

None

Max. approx. 0.6 in (15 mm)

Approx. 0.8 in (20 mm) Max. approx. 1.2 in (30 mm)

Approx. 0.8 in (20 mm) Max. approx. 1.4 in (35 mm)

왘 Start the engine (컄 page 49). 왘 Briefly press button 1 to change from normal level to raised level. When vehi- cle is at raised level, pressing the but- ton will return the vehicle to normal level. When raised level is set, indicator lamp 2 in the button comes on. When normal level is set, indicator lamp 2 in the button goes out.

Controls in detail Driving systems

At a speed of approximately above 75 mph (120 km/h) or if the speed amounts to between 50 mph (80 km/h) and 75 mph (120 km/h) for approximately five minutes, the set- ting raised is canceled. The indicator lamp 2 in the button goes out. If you do not drive in this speed range, the raised level remains stored even if the SmartKey is removed from the starter switch.

The button is located in the lower section of the center console.

1 Vehicle level control button 2 Indicator lamp

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Controls in detail Driving systems

Parktronic system (Parking assist)*

Warning!

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 rests with the driver.

Special attention must be paid to objects with smooth surfaces or low silhouettes (e.g. trailer couplings, painted posts, or road curbs). Such objects may not be detected by the system and can damage the vehicle.

The operational function of the Parktronic system can be affected by dirty sensors, especially at times of snow and ice, see “Cleaning the Parktronic system* sensors” (컄 page 347). Interference caused by other ultrasonic sig- nals (e.g. working jackhammers, car wash or the air brakes of trucks) can cause the sys- tem to send erratic indications, and should be taken into consideration.

242

Warning!

Make sure no persons or animals are in the area in which you are maneuvering. You could otherwise injure them.

The Parktronic system is an electronic aid designed to assist the driver during park- ing maneuvers. It visually and audibly indi- cates the relative distance between the vehicle and an obstacle. The Parktronic system is automatically activated when you switch on the ignition, release the parking brake, and placed the gear selector lever in position D, R, or N. The Parktronic system deactivates at speeds over approximately 11 mph (18 km/h). At lower speeds the Parktronic system turns on again. The Parktronic system also deactivates when you place the gear selector lever in position P or depress the parking brake pedal.

The Parktronic system monitors the sur- roundings of your vehicle with six sensors in the front bumper and four sensors in the rear bumper.

1 Sensors in the front bumper

Range of the sensors To function properly, the sensors must be free of dirt, ice, snow and slush. Clean the sensors regularly, being careful not to scratch or damage the sensors, see “Cleaning the Parktronic system* sensors” (컄 page 347).

Controls in detail Driving systems

Front sensors

Minimum distance

Center Corners

approx. 40 in (100 cm) approx. 24 in (60 cm)

Center Corners

approx. 8 in (20 cm) approx. 6 in (15 cm)

If the system detects an obstacle in this range, all the distance warning segments illuminate and you hear a warning signal. If the obstacle is closer than the minimum distance, the actual distance might no longer be indicated by the system.

Rear sensors

Center Corners

approx. 48 in (120 cm) approx. 32 in (80 cm)

During parking maneuvers, pay special attention to objects located above or below the height of the sensors (e.g. planters or trailer hitches). The Parktronic system will not detect such objects at close range and damage to your vehicle or the object may result. Ultrasonic signals from outside sourc- es (e.g. truck air brakes, car wash or jackhammers) may impair the opera- tion of the Parktronic system.

243

Controls in detail Driving systems

Warning indicators Visual signals indicate to the driver the rel- ative distance between the sensors and an obstacle. The warning indicator for the front area is located above the center air vents in the dashboard. The warning indi- cator for the rear area is integrated in the rear trim.

Each warning indicator is divided into five yellow and two red segments for either side of the vehicle. The Parktonic system is operational when the yellow readiness indicators 3 are illuminated. The position of the gear selector lever determines which warning indicators will be activated.

Gear selector lever position R or N

Warning indicator

Front area activated Front and rear area activated Neither activated

As your vehicle approaches an object, one or more segments will come on, depending on the distance. When the seventh seg- ment illuminates, you have reached the minimum distance.

Front area warning indicator 1 Left side of the vehicle 2 Right side of the vehicle 3 Readiness indicators

244

앫 Front area: An intermittent acoustic

warning will sound as the first red dis- tance segment illuminates and a con- stant acoustic warning lasting a maximum of 2 seconds will sound for the second red distance segment. The signal is canceled when the gear selec- tor lever is placed in position P or the parking brake is activated.

앫 Rear area: An intermittent acoustic warning will sound as the first red distance segment illuminates and a constant acoustic warning lasting a maximum of 2 seconds will sound for the second red distance segment. The signal is canceled when the gear selec- tor lever is placed in position D, P or the parking brake is activated.

Switching the Parktronic system on/off The Parktronic system can be switched off manually. The Parktronic switch is located in the low- er part of the center console (컄 page 28).

1 Parktronic switch 2 Indicator lamp

Controls in detail Driving systems

Switching off the Parktronic system 왘 Press Parktronic switch 1. Indicator lamp 2 comes on.

Switching on the Parktronic system 왘 Press Parktronic switch 1 again.

Indicator lamp 2 goes out.

The Parktronic system is automatically switched on when the ignition is switched on (컄 page 36).

Parktronic system malfunction If only the red distance segments illumi- nates and an acoustic warning sounds, there is a malfunction in the Parktronic system. The Parktronic system will auto- matically switch off after 20 seconds and the indicator lamp in the Parktronic switch comes on.

왘 Have the Parktronic system checked

by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.

If only the red distance segments illumi- nates and no acoustic warning sounds, the Parktronic system sensors are dirty or there is an interference from other radio or ultrasonic signals. The Parktronic system will automatically switch off after 20 seconds and the indicator lamp in the Parktronic switch comes on. 왘 Switch off the ignition (컄 page 36). 왘 Clean the Parktronic system sensors

(컄 page 347).

왘 Switch on the ignition.

or

왘 Check the Parktronic system operation at another location to rule out interfer- ence from outside radio or ultrasonic signals.

245

! Load the roof rack in such a way that the vehicle cannot be damaged while driving. Make sure 앫 you can fully raise the tilt/sliding

sunroof

앫 you can fully open the trunk

1 Trim 왘 Open trim 1 at the trim strips in the

roof.

왘 Secure the roof rack according to

manufacturer’s instructions for instal- lation.

Controls in detail Loading

Roof rack*

Warning!

Only use roof racks approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model to avoid damage to the vehicle.

Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Otherwise, an improperly at- tached roof rack system or its load could be- come detached from the vehicle.

Do not exceed the maximum roof load of 220 lb (100 kg).

Take into consideration that when the roof rack is loaded, the handling characteristics are different from those when operating the vehicles without the roof rack loaded.

246

Loading instructions

The total load weight including vehicle occupants and luggage/cargo should not exceed the load limit or vehicle capacity weight indicated on the corresponding placard located on the driver’s door B-pillar. The handling characteristics of a fully load- ed vehicle depend greatly on the load dis- tribution. It is therefore recommended to load the vehicle according to the illustra- tions shown, with the heaviest items being placed towards the front of the vehicle. Always place items being carried against front or rear seat backrests, and fasten them as securely as possible. The heaviest portion of the cargo should always be kept as low as possible since it influences the handling characteristics of the vehicle.

Controls in detail Loading

Warning!

Ski sack* (Canada only)

Always fasten items being carried as secure- ly as possible fastening materials appropri- ate for the weight and size of the load.

In an accident, during hard braking or sud- den maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around inside the vehicle and can cause in- jury to vehicle occupants unless the items are securely fastened in the vehicle.

To help avoid personal injury during a colli- sion or sudden maneuver, exercise care when transporting cargo. Put luggage or car- go in the trunk if possible. Do not pile lug- gage or cargo higher than the seat backs. Do not place anything on the rear-window shelf.

Never drive vehicle with trunk open. Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter ve- hicle interior, resulting in unconsciousness and death.

Unfolding and loading 왘 Fold rear armrest down (arrow).

1 Cover 2 Catch 왘 Pull catches 2 in direction of arrows. 왘 Open the cover 1 downwards in the

direction of the arrow.

컄컄

247

Controls in detail Loading

컄컄

1 Hook and loop fastener 왘 Unfasten hook and loop fastener 1. 왘 Pull ski sack into passenger compart-

1 Button 왘 Open the trunk. 왘 Press button 1.

ment and unfold.

왘 Open the front storage compartment in the rear center console (컄 page 256). 왘 Remove the cup holder (컄 page 256).

The flap opens in direction of arrow.

왘 From trunk, slide skis into ski sack.

Warning!

The ski sack is designed for up to four pairs of skis. Do not load the ski sack with other objects.

Always fasten the ski sack securely. In an accident, an unfastened ski sack can cause injury to vehicle occupants.

248

Controls in detail Loading

1 Strap 왘 Tighten strap 1 by pulling at the loose end (arrow) until the skis in the ski sack are tightly secured.

1 Cover 왘 With insert or cup holder removed, fold

cover 1 upward.

1 Hook 2 Eye 왘 Connect hook 1 to eye 2 located in the front storage compartment in the rear center console.

왘 Tighten strap by pulling at the loose

end (arrow).

249

Controls in detail Loading

Unloading and folding 왘 Loosen both straps. 왘 Disconnect hook 1 from eye 2. 왘 Unload skis. 왘 Close flap in trunk. 왘 Fold and flatten ski sack lengthwise. 왘 Place folded ski sack inside recess of

backrest.

왘 Fasten hook and loop fastener 왘 Close ski sack compartment cover.

Removal of ski sack For removal of the ski sack, we recom- mend that you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Warning!

Never drive vehicle with trunk open while the ski sack is removed. Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle interior, resulting in unconsciousness and death.

Cargo tie-down hooks

Four hooks are located in the trunk. 왘 Carefully secure cargo by applying

even load on all hooks with rope of suf- ficient strength to hold down the cargo. Always follow loading instructions (컄 page 247).

To prevent unauthorized persons from access to the trunk, always close the cover.

250

왔 Useful features Storage compartments

Glove box

Warning!

To help avoid personal injury during a colli- sion or sudden maneuver, exercise care when storing objects in the vehicle. Put lug- gage or cargo in the trunk if possible. Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the seat backs. Do not place anything on the shelf below the rear window.

Luggage nets cannot secure hard or heavy objects.

Keep compartment lids closed. This will help to prevent stored objects from being thrown about and injuring vehicle occupants during an accident.

1 Unlocked 2 Locked 3 Glove box lid release

Controls in detail Useful features

Opening and closing the glove box 왘 Press glove box lid release 3 to open.

The glove box lid opens downward.

왘 Push lid up to close.

Locking and unlocking the glove box 왘 Insert mechanical key (컄 page 402)

into the glove box lock.

왘 Turn the mechanical key to position 2 to lock or to position 1 to unlock the glove box.

251

Controls in detail Useful features

Storage compartment in the center console (no CD changer* installed)

1 Opening/closing button 왘 Press button 1 to open.

The control panel swings out upwards and the storage compartment extends out.

252

Storage compartment under center armrest

The storage compartment closes automatically after approximately 30 seconds. Never place any medications in the storage compartment. If there is a pow- er failure, the storage compartment cannot be opened.

왘 Press button 1 to close.

1 Button to open storage compartment 2 Cover

Opening 왘 Press button 1 right or left and fold

the cover 2 sideward.

The Roadside Assistance button • and the Information button ¡ are located below the cover 2.

Rear storage compartment in the rear center console

Storage compartment in the rear arm- rest

Storage compartment under the driv- er’s seat

Controls in detail Useful features

1 Socket (컄 page 259) 2 Cover 왘 Slide cover 2 back.

왘 Press the handle upwards and fold the

rear armrest up.

Do not sit on or lean your body weight against the armrest when it is folded down, as you could otherwise damage it.

1 Tab 왘 Pull tab 1 upward. 왘 Fold the covering forward.

253

Controls in detail Useful features

Ruffled storage bags

Ruffled storage bags are located on the back of the front seats.

Warning!

The ruffled storage bag is intended for stor- ing light-weight items only.

Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges or fragile objects may not be transported in the parcel net. In an accident, during hard brak- ing, or sudden maneuvers, they could be thrown around inside the vehicle and cause injury to vehicle occupants.

254

The ruffled storage bag cannot protect transported goods in the event of an acci- dent.

Parcel net in front passenger footwell

Warning!

The parcel net is intended for storing light-weight items only.

Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges or fragile objects may not be transported in the parcel net. In an accident, during hard brak- ing, or sudden maneuvers, they could be thrown around inside the vehicle and cause injury to vehicle occupants.

The parcel net cannot protect transported goods in the event of an accident.

A small convenience parcel net is located in the front passenger footwell. It is for small and light items, such as road maps, mail, etc.

Cup holders

Warning!

In order to help prevent spilling liquids on vehicle occupants and/or vehicle equip- ment, only use containers that fit into the cup holder. Use lids on open containers and do not fill containers to a height where the contents, especially hot liquids, could spill during braking, vehicle maneuvers, or in an accident. Liquids spilled on vehicle occu- pants may cause serious injury. Liquids spilled on vehicle equipment may cause damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

The cup holder must be extended when in use with bottles.

When not in use, keep the cup holder closed. An open cup holder may cause injury to you or others when contacted during braking, vehicle maneuvers, or in an acci- dent.

Keep in mind that objects placed in the cup holder may come loose during braking, vehi- cle maneuvers, or in an accident and be thrown around in the vehicle interior. Objects thrown around in the vehicle interi- or may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Controls in detail Useful features

Cup holder in the center console

Extending the cup holder

왘 Briefly press mark on cup holder.

The cup holder automatically extends upward.

Retracting the cup holder 왘 Press mark on cup holder and push cup

holder in until it engages.

255

Controls in detail Useful features

Removing the cup holder