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pressures.
X Remove unnecessary cargo. X Remove the roof rack when not in use. X Maintain a low engine speed until the
engine is warm.
X Avoid frequent acceleration and
deceleration.
X Have all maintenance work performed at
the service intervals specified in the Service Booklet or indicated by the service interval indicator.
Fuel consumption is also increased by driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic, on short trips and in mountainous areas.
Drinking and driving G Warning Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and driving are very dangerous combinations. Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can affect your reflexes, perceptions and judgment. The possibility of a serious or even fatal accident are greatly increased when you drink or take drugs and drive. Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow anyone to drive who has been drinking or taking drugs.
Pedals G Warning Make sure absolutely no objects are obstructing the pedals' range of movement. Keep the driver's footwell clear of all obstacles. If there are any floormats or carpets in the footwell, make sure that the pedals still have sufficient clearance. During sudden driving or braking maneuvers, the objects could get caught between the pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and injury.
Coasting with the engine switched off G Warning! There is no power assistance for the steering and the brake when the engine is not running. Steering and braking requires significantly more effort and you could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident as a result. Do not turn off the engine while the vehicle is in motion.
Exhaust check G Warning Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and possible death. Do not run the engine in confined areas (such as a garage) which are not properly ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas fumes are entering the vehicle while driving, have the cause determined and corrected immediately. If you must drive under these conditions, drive only with at least one window fully open at all times.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep the level of poisonous components in exhaust fumes within legal limits. These systems only work optimally if they are maintained exactly in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. For this reason, all work on the engine must be carried out by qualified and authorized Mercedes- Benz technicians. The engine settings must not be changed in any circumstances. Furthermore, all specific service work must be carried out at regular intervals and in accordance with the Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details can be found in the Service Booklet.
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Engine oil ! Vehicles with a diesel particle filter:
If the vehicle is mostly driven for short distances, it is possible that malfunctions may occur during the automatic cleaning of the diesel particle filter. This can lead to engine damage. Therefore, if you frequently drive short distances, make sure to drive on highways or inter-urban roads for 20
minutes at least every 310 miles (500 km).Brakes Important safety notes G Warning On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent this type of loss of control. G Warning Make sure that you do not endanger other road users when you apply the brakes.
Downhill gradients ! On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the cargo on the brakes by shifting to a lower gear in good time. This allows you to take advantage of engine braking and helps you to avoid overheating the brakes and wearing them out excessively. When you take advantage of engine braking, a drive wheel may not turn for some time, e.g. on a slippery road surface. This could cause damage to the drive train. Such damage is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Heavy and light loads G Warning Depressing the brake pedal constantly results in excessive and premature wear to the brake pads. It may also cause the brakes to overheat, seriously impairing their effectiveness. It may then not be possible to stop the vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an accident.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy cargo, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but drive on for a short while. This allows the airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads G Warning After driving in heavy rain for some time without applying the brakes or through water deep enough to wet brake components, the first braking action may be somewhat reduced. You have to depress the brake pedal more firmly. Maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying attention to the traffic conditions. This will warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly and protecting them against corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt treated roads G Warning The layer of salt on the brake discs and the brake pads/linings may cause a delay in the braking effect, resulting in a significantly longer braking distance, which could lead to an accident. To avoid this danger, you should: Roccasionally brake carefully, without
putting other road users at risk, when you are driving on salted roads. This helps to
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remove any salt that may have started to build up on the brake discs and the brake pads/linings.
Rmaintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care.
Rcarefully apply the brakes at the end of a trip and immediately after commencing a new trip, so that salt residues are removed from the brake discs.
Servicing the brakes ! If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a warning tone while the engine is running, the brake fluid level may be too low. Observe additional warning messages in the multifunction display. The brake fluid level may be too low due to brake pad wear or leaking brake lines. Have the brake system checked immediately. This work should be carried out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
All checks and maintenance work on the brake system must be carried out at a qualified specialist workshop. This work should be carried out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Only install brake pads and use brake fluid recommended by Mercedes-Benz. G Warning If other than recommended brake pads are installed, or other than recommended brake fluid is used, the braking properties of the vehicle can be degraded to an extent that safe braking is substantially impaired. This could result in an accident.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: a function or
performance test may only be carried out on a two-axle dynamometer. If you are planning to have the vehicle tested on such a dynamometer, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center to obtain further
information first. Otherwise, the drive train or the brake system may suffer damage.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®
system operates automatically, the engine and the ignition must be switched off (SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in the ignition lock or Start/Stop button in position 0 or 1) while the parking brake is being tested on a brake dynamometer. Braking maneuvers triggered automatically by ESP® may seriously damage the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®
system operates automatically, the engine and the ignition system must be switched off (SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in the ignition lock or Start/Stop button in position 0 or 1) when: Rtesting the parking brake on a brake
dynamometer.
Ryou intend to have the vehicle towed with
one of the axles raised.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically by ESP® may seriously damage the brake system.
If your brake system is only subjected to moderate loads, you should regularly test your brake system's function by forcefully depressing the brake pedal when driving at high speed. This will give the brake pads better grip. G Warning Make sure that you do not endanger other road users when you apply the brakes.
A description of Brake Assist (BAS) can be found on (Y page 66) or of BAS PLUS on (Y page 66).
AMG high-performance brake system and ceramic brake system The high-performance and ceramic brake system is only installed on the E 63 AMG.
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G Warning 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 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.
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: RLower 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 by the engine's air suction nozzles and this can cause engine damage.
Winter driving General information Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, at the onset of winter. Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" section (Y page 176). i Vehicles with a diesel engine: do not
cover the radiator, e.g. with a protective cover. The measuring function of the Onboard Diagnosis System may otherwise provide inaccurate values. Some of these values are required by law and must therefore always be accurate.
Winter tires At temperatures below 45 ‡(+7 †), use winter tires or all-season tires. Both types of tire are identified by the M+S marking. Only winter tires also bearing the i snowflake symbol next to the M+S marking provide the best possible grip in wintry road conditions. Only these tires will allow driving safety systems such as ABS and ESP® to function optimally in winter, as these tires have been designed specifically for driving on snow. Use M+S tires of the same make and tread on all wheels to maintain safe handling characteristics. G Warning M+S tires with a tread depth of less than 1/6
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Always observe the maximum permissible speed specified for the M+S tires you have mounted. Once you have installed the winter tires: X Check the tire pressures (Y page 355). X Restart the tire pressure monitor
(Y page 357). G Warning If you use your spare wheel when M+S tires are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that the difference in tire characteristics may very well impair turning stability and that overall driving stability may be reduced. Adapt your driving style accordingly. Have the spare wheel replaced by a regular road wheel with an M+S tire at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Snow chains For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use snow chains which have been specially approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or are of a corresponding standard of quality. ! On vehicles with AIRMATIC, you must
drive at raised vehicle level if snow chains have been mounted. The vehicle may otherwise be damaged.
! There is not enough space for snow
chains on some wheel sizes. Observe the information under "Tires and wheels" in the "Technical Data" section to avoid damage to the vehicle or the wheels.
ROnly use snow chains when driving on an area completely covered by snow. Do not exceed the maximum permissible speed of 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove the snow chains as soon as possible when you are no longer driving on snow-covered roads.
RLocal regulations may restrict the use of snow chains. Applicable regulations must
be observed if you wish to mount snow chains.
RSnow chains must not be mounted on
emergency spare wheels.
If you intend to mount snow chains, please bear the following points in mind: Ryou may not attach snow chains to all
wheel-tire combinations; see the "Tires and wheels" section in the "Technical data" chapter.
Rmount snow chains only in pairs and only
on the rear wheels. Observe the manufacturer's installation instructions.
! If snow chains are mounted on the front
wheels, the snow chains could grind against the bodywork or components of the chassis. This could result in damage to the vehicle or the tires.
! Vehicles with steel wheels
If you wish to mount snow chains to steel wheels, make sure that you remove the respective wheels' hubcaps first. The hubcaps may otherwise be damaged.
i You may wish to deactivate
ESP®(Y page 67) when pulling away with snow chains installed. This way you can allow the wheels to spin in a controlled manner, achieving an increased driving force (cutting action).
Slippery road surfaces G Warning If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle with the engine running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in unconsciousness and death. To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open a window slightly on the side of the vehicle not facing the wind.
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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 control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent this type of loss of control.
You should 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 176). G Warning Make sure that you do not endanger other road users when you apply the brakes.
Driving abroad An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network is also available in other countries. The Service Hotline's current telephone numbers for use when you are abroad are to be found in the "Service24h" section of the Service Booklet.
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 store 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. 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.
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G Warning! The cruise control brakes automatically so that the set speed is not exceeded.
evens out. Cruise control maintains the stored speed on downhill gradients by automatically applying the brakes.
Cruise control lever
: To store the current speed or a higher
speed
; To store the current speed or a lower
speed
= To deactivate cruise control ? To store the current speed or to call up
the last stored speed
When you activate cruise control, the stored speed is shown in the multifunction display for five seconds. In the multifunction display, the segments between the stored speed and the maximum speed light up.
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 ; to the pressure point. X Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal. Cruise control is activated. The vehicle automatically maintains the stored speed. i Cruise control may be unable to maintain the stored speed on uphill gradients. The stored speed is resumed when the gradient
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.
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 to the
pressure point, 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.
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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.
Setting 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.
Setting 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 depress the 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 vehicle's 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 recommend that you review the following information carefully before operating the system. 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.
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If you want DISTRONIC PLUS to assist you, the radar sensor system must be activated (Y page 232) and operational. If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS operates in the same way as cruise control in the speed range between 20 mph (Canada: 30 km/h) and 120 mph (Canada: 200 km/h). If there is a vehicle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS is operational in the speed range between 0 mph (Canada: 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 emits radar waves, it can simulate radar detectors used by police 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. Removing, tampering with, or altering 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. 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
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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
at roadworks 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/s(4 m/s2). This corresponds to approximately 40% of your vehicle's maximum possible braking power. You must apply the brakes yourself to avoid a collision. DISTRONIC PLUS brakes the vehicle to restore the set distance to the vehicle in front or to restore 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.
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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 ? To store the current speed or call up the
last stored speed
A To set the specified minimum distance
Activating DISTRONIC PLUS, storing and maintaining the current speed Important safety notes G Warning! When the DISTRONIC PLUS is switched on, the vehicle can be braked. You should therefore switch off the DISTRONIC PLUS if the vehicle must be towed.
You can activate DISTRONIC PLUS under the following circumstances: Rthe engine has been started and you have
been driving for up to two minutes
Rthe parking brake is not applied RESP® is activated Rthe transmission is in position D Rthe hood is closed Rthe driver's door is closed and you shift the transmission from position P to D or your seat belt is fastened
Rthe front-passenger door and the rear
doors are closed
Rthe vehicle has not skidded
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 not shown in the multifunction display and is no longer detected, because it has changed lanes, for example, DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated and a tone sounds. X Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards you ? or press it up : or down ; to the pressure point. 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 appears 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 ?. 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.
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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 185).
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 PLUS causes your vehicle to brake and maintain a preset distance to the vehicle in front. If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a faster-moving vehicle in front, it increases the driving speed, but only up to the desired speed you have stored. G Warning! When you step on the brake pedal, you switch off the DISTRONIC PLUS except when the vehicle is at a standstill. The DISTRONIC PLUS will no longer brake your vehicle. You are always responsible for maintaining a distance from other vehicles, observing road speeds and braking well in advance.
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 above 40 mph (60 km/h) RDISTRONIC PLUS is maintaining the
distance to a vehicle in front
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 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.
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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 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.
When DISTRONIC PLUS is activated, the transmission is shifted automatically to position P if: Rthe driver's door is open and the driver's
seat belt is unfastened.
Rthe engine is switched off. Rthe hood is opened. Ra system malfunction occurs. Rthe power supply is not sufficient.
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 to the
pressure point, 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.
Setting 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.
Setting 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 and adopts either the current speed or adjusts to the
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DISTRONIC PLUS displays in the speedometer
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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 see this distance in the multifunction display (Y page 185). 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 the
minimum distance to the vehicle in front as required by law. Adjust the distance to the vehicle in front if necessary.
When DISTRONIC PLUS is activated, one or two segments ; in the set speed range light up. 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, segments ; between speed of the vehicle in front : and stored speed = light up.
DISTRONIC PLUS displays in the multifunction display General information In the Assistance menu (Y page 227) of the on-board computer, you can select the distance display and activate or deactivate PRE-SAFE® Brake. Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated X Select the Distance Display function using the on-board computer (Y page 227).
When DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, you will see the following in the multifunction display:
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Example : Vehicle in front, if detected ; Distance indicator, current distance to
the vehicle in front
= Specified minimum distance to the
vehicle in front, adjustable
? Own vehicle A Symbol for the activated PRE-SAFE®
Brake
Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is activated X Select the Distance Display function using the on-board computer (Y page 227).
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:
Example : DISTRONIC PLUS activated ; Own vehicle
= Specified minimum distance to the
vehicle in front, adjustable ? Vehicle in front, if detected
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. 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 apply the 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 232).
Ryou pull the cruise control lever towards you in order to pull away and the front-
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G Warning! The DISTRONIC PLUS should not be used in snowy or icy road conditions.
Cornering, going into and coming out of a bend
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 may not detect vehicles traveling on a different line. The distance to the vehicle in front will be too short.
passenger door or one of the rear doors is open.
Rthe vehicle has skidded. If DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, you will hear a warning tone. You will see the DISTRONIC PLUS Off message in the multifunction display for approximately five seconds.
Tips for driving with DISTRONIC PLUS Important safety guidelines 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.
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Other vehicles changing lanes
example, the detected vehicle turns a corner and reveals an obstacle or stationary vehicle, DISTRONIC PLUS will not brake for these. Crossing vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS has not detected the vehicle cutting in yet. The distance to this vehicle will be too short. Narrow vehicles
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. Obstructions and stationary vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS does not brake for obstacles or stationary vehicles. If, for
DISTRONIC PLUS may detect vehicles that are crossing your lane by mistake. Activating DISTRONIC PLUS at traffic lights with crossing traffic, for example, could cause your vehicle to pull away unintentionally.
HOLD function General information 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 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 engine is running. Rthe driver's door is closed or if your seat
belt is fastened.
Rthe parking brake is not applied.
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Rthe hood is closed. Rthe transmission is in position D, R or N. RDISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
Activating the HOLD function X Make sure that the activation conditions
are met.
X Depress the brake pedal.
Example X Quickly depress the brake pedal further until the HOLD display appears in the multifunction display. 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.
Rthe transmission is in position P. Ryou apply the brakes again with a certain amount of pressure until HOLD disappears from the multifunction display. Ryou activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
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 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. If you leave the vehicle or park it, deactivate the HOLD function and secure the vehicle against rolling away.
When the HOLD function is activated, the transmission is shifted automatically to position P if: Rthe driver's door is open and the driver's
seat belt is unfastened.
Rthe engine is switched off. Rthe hood is opened. Ra system malfunction occurs. Rthe power supply is not sufficient. i If the engine has been switched off, it cannot be started again until the HOLD function has been deactivated.
If there is a malfunction in the system or power supply while the HOLD function is activated, the Brake Immediately message is shown in the multifunction display. Immediately depress the brake firmly until the warning message in the multifunction display goes out.
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RACE START Important safety guidelines i RACE START is only available in AMG
vehicles.
RACE START enables optimal acceleration from a standing start under suitable high-grip road surface conditions. G Risk of accident RACE START is only available when SPORT handling mode is activated. SPORT handling mode only stabilizes the vehicle to a certain extent if it is swerving or the wheels are spinning. RACE START may only be used on closed roads. Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit the current road and weather conditions.
Conditions for activation RACE START can be activated when: Rthe doors are closed Rthe engine is running and it has reached an
operating temperature of approximately 80 †. This is the case when the engine oil temperature in the multifunction display stops flashing.
RSPORT handling mode is activated
(Y page 69)
position
Rthe steering wheel is in the straight-ahead
Rthe vehicle is at rest and the brake pedal is
depressed (left foot)
Rthe transmission is in position D
Activating RACE START X Depress the brake pedal with your left foot,
and keep it depressed.
X Turn the program selector switch
clockwise (Y page 158) until the RS lamp lights up. The multifunction display shows the RACE START Confirm: Paddle UP Cancel: Paddle DOWN message. i If the conditions for activation are no longer fulfilled, RACE START is canceled. The multifunction display shows the RACE START Canceled message. X To cancel: pull the left steering wheel shift
paddle (Y page 159).
or X To confirm: pull the right steering wheel shift paddle (Y page 159). The multifunction display shows the RACE START Available Depress gas pedal message.
i If you do not depress the accelerator pedal fully within two seconds, RACE START is canceled. The multifunction display shows the RACE START Not Possible See Operator's Manual message.
X Depress the accelerator pedal fully.
The engine speed increases to approximately 4000 rpm. The multifunction display shows the RACE START Release brake to start message.
i If you do not release the brake pedal within seven seconds, RACE START is canceled. The multifunction display shows the RACE START Canceled message. X Take your foot off the brake, but keep the
accelerator pedal depressed. The vehicle pulls away at maximum acceleration. The multifunction display shows the RACE START Active message.
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RACE START is deactivated when a speed of approximately 30 mph (Canada: 50 km/h) is reached. Drive program S+ is activated. SPORT handling mode remains activated. RACE START is deactivated immediately if you release the accelerator pedal during RACE START or if any of the activation conditions are no longer fulfilled. The multifunction display shows the RACE START Not Possible See Operator's Manual message. i If RACE START is used repeatedly in a short period of time, it is only available again after having driven the vehicle a certain distance.
AIRMATIC General information i AIRMATIC is available only for the E 550
and E 550 4MATIC models.
Vehicle level 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 above the
normal level by 0.80 in (20 mm).
Rlowered: the vehicle is lowered beyond the
normal level by 0.40 in (10 mm).
The "Normal" and "Raised" vehicle levels can be set manually. The "Lowered” vehicle level is set automatically: Rat speeds above 70 mph (113 km/h) Rif you have selected "Sports tuning"
(Y page 192)
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.
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 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" setting remains saved when you are not driving within these speed ranges. Setting normal level X Start the engine.
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driving style, but also when driving fast on straight roads, e.g. highways. X Press button :.
Indicator lamp = lights up. You have selected the suspension for a comfortable driving style. The AIRMATIC COMFORT message appears in the multifunction display.
AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension General notes i AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension
is available for the E 63 AMG model.
Rear axle level control The vehicle automatically sets the vehicle level at the rear axle. Rear axle self-leveling ensures the best possible suspension and ensures that the ground clearance remains constant, even when the vehicle is loaded. This improves driving safety and fuel consumption.
Suspension tuning The electronically controlled damping system works continuously. This improves driving safety and ride comfort. 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 of Sport, Sport +
or Comfort
If you select Sport or Sport + mode and restart the engine, the suspension setting reverts to Comfort mode.
If indicator lamp ; is lit: X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The vehicle is adjusted to normal level.
Suspension tuning The electronically controlled damping system works continuously. This improves driving safety and ride comfort. 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 Press button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up. You have selected the suspension for a sporty driving style. The AIRMATIC SPORT message appears in the multifunction display.
