2004 Mercedes-benz E Class Owners Manual

46

i To signal minor directional changes, move combination switch to point of resistance only and release. The turn signal flashes three times.

High beam 왘 Push the combination switch forward. The high beam headlights are switched on. The high beam symbol A in the tachometer comes on.

More information can be found in the “Controls in detail” section (컄 page 127).

Turn signals and high beam

The combination switch is located on the left of the steering column.

Combination switch 1 Turn signal, right 2 Turn signal, left 왘 Press the combination switch up 1 or

down 2. The corresponding turn signal indicator lamp L or K flashes in the in- strument cluster.

Getting started Driving

Windshield wipers

The combination switch is located on the left of the steering column.

Combination switch 1 Single wipe 2 Switching on windshield wipers 왘 Make sure the ignition is switched on. All the lights in the instrument cluster come on.

47

Getting started Driving

Switching on windshield wipers 왘 Turn the combination switch to the de- sired position depending on the inten- sity of the rain. 0 Windshield wipers off

Intermittent wiping (interval depen- dent on wetness of windshield)

II Normal wiper speed III Fast wiper speed

The intermittent wiping interval is de- pendent on wetness of windshield. Wiping will not occur with a door open.

Do not leave windshield wipers in inter- mittent setting when the vehicle is tak- en to an automatic car wash or during windshield cleaning. Wipers will oper- ate in the presence of water sprayed on the windshield, and wipers may be damaged as a result. The switch should not be left in inter- mittent setting as the wipers will wipe the windshield once every time the en- gine is started. Dust that accumulates on the windshield might scratch the glass and/or damage the wiper blades when wiping occurs on a dry wind- shield.

Single wipe 왘 Press switch briefly in the direction of

arrow 1. The windshield wipers wipe one time without washer fluid.

Wiping with windshield washer fluid 왘 Push switch in the direction of

arrow 1 past the resistance point. The windshield wipers operate with washer fluid.

Information on filling up the washer reser- voir can be found in the “Operation” sec- tion (컄 page 289).

48

앫 Remove blockage. 앫 Turn the windshield wipers on

again.

If windshield wipers fail to function at all in switch position I, 앫 set the combination switch to the

next highest wiper speed

앫 have the windshield wipers

checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center

Getting started Driving

Problems while driving

The engine runs erratically and misfires 앫 An ignition cable may be damaged. 앫 The engine electronics may not be op-

erating properly.

앫 Unburned gasoline may have entered the catalytic converter and damaged it.

왘 Give very little gas. 왘 Have the problem repaired by an au- thorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.

If anything blocks the windshield wip- ers (leaves, snow, etc.), switch them off immediately. 앫 For safety reasons,

앫 turn off the engine by turning

the SmartKey to position 0 and withdraw SmartKey from starter switch

or 앫 turn off the engine by pressing the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button and open the driver’s door (with the driver’s door open, starter switch is in position 0, same as with SmartKey removed from starter switch)

before attempting to remove any blockage.

49

If the extent of the damage cannot be de- termined: 왘 Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center.

If no damage can be determined on the 앫 major assemblies 앫 fuel system 앫 engine mount: 왘 Start the engine in the usual manner.

Getting started Driving

The coolant temperature is above 248°F (120°C) The coolant is too hot and is no longer cooling the engine. 왘 Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and turn off the engine. Allow engine and coolant to cool.

왘 Check the coolant level and add cool-

ant if necessary (컄 page 287).

In case of accident If the vehicle is leaking gasoline: 왘 Do not start the engine under any cir-

cumstances.

왘 Notify local fire and/or police authori-

ties.

50

왔 Parking and locking You have now completed your first drive. You have properly stopped and parked your vehicle. End your drive as follows.

Warning!

Wait until the vehicle is stationary before re- moving the SmartKey from the starter switch. The vehicle cannot be steered when the SmartKey is removed.

Warning!

With the engine not running, there is no power assistance for the brake and steering systems. In this case, it is important to keep in mind that a considerably higher degree of effort is necessary to brake and steer the ve- hicle.

Getting started Parking and locking

Warning!

Parking brake

Do not park this vehicle in areas where com- bustible materials such as grass, hay or leaves can come into contact with the hot exhaust system, as these materials could be ignited and cause a vehicle fire.

To reduce the risk of personal injury as a re- sult of vehicle movement, before turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle always: 앫 Keep right foot on brake pedal. 앫 Firmly depress parking brake pedal. 앫 Move the selector lever to position P. 앫 Slowly release brake pedal. 앫 When parked on an incline, turn front

wheel towards the road curb.

앫 Turn the SmartKey to starter switch

position 0 and remove, or press start-/stop button (vehicles with KEY- LESS-GO*).

앫 Take the SmartKey or the SmartKey with

KEYLESS-GO* and lock vehicle when leaving.

1 Parking brake 2 Release handle 왘 Step firmly on parking brake 1.

When the engine is running, the warn- ing lamp ; (USA only) or 3 (Canada only) in the instrument cluster will be illuminated.

51

Getting started Parking and locking

Warning!

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* with you and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unat- tended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could release the parking brake and/or move the gear selec- tor lever from position P, either of which could result in an accident and/or serious injury.

Getting out of your vehicle with the gear se- lector lever not fully engaged in position P is dangerous. Also, when parked on an incline, position P alone may not prevent your vehi- cle from moving, possibly hitting people or objects.

Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting to position P.

When parked on an incline, turn front wheels towards the road curb.

52

Switching off headlamps

왘 Turn the exterior lamp switch to M

(컄 page 46).

More information can be found in the “Controls in detail” section (컄 page 124).

Turning off engine

왘 Place the gear selector lever in

position P.

Always set the parking brake in addi- tion to shifting to position P. On steep slopes, turn the front wheels towards the road curb.

Turning off with the SmartKey 왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch (컄 page 31) to position 0 and remove it. The immobilizer is activated.

The SmartKey can only be removed from the starter switch with the gear selector lever in position P.

왘 Press the seat belt release button

(컄 page 41). Allow the retractor to completely re- wind the seat belt by guiding the latch plate.

With the SmartKey removed and the driver’s door open, a warning sounds and the message Switch off lights appears in the multifunction display if the vehicle’s exterior lamps are not switched off.

Getting started Parking and locking

Warning!

Warning!

To prevent possible personal injury, always keep hands and fingers away from the door openings when closing the doors. Be espe- cially careful when small children are around.

Before closing doors, make sure that there is no possibility of someone getting caught in a door during closing.

왘 After exiting the vehicle press the lock

button ‹ on the SmartKey (컄 page 30). All turn signal lamps flash three times. The locking knobs on the doors move down.

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch and lock your vehicle. Do not leave children unat- tended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehi- cle may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

More information can be found in the “Controls in detail” section (컄 page 94).

Turning off with KEYLESS-GO* 왘 Place the gear selector lever in P. 왘 Press the KEYLESS-GO start/stop but-

ton to shut off the engine. With the driver's door closed, the start- er switch is now in position 1. With the driver’s door opened, the starter switch is set to position 0, same as SmartKey removed from starter switch (컄 page 31).

컄컄

53

Getting started Parking and locking

컄컄

왘 Press the seat belt release button

(컄 page 41).

Warning!

If you hear a warning signal, you have either 앫 forgotten to switch off the vehicle’s exterior lamps before opening the driver’s door, or

앫 tried to turn off the engine while the

gear selector lever is not in P.

Turn off the lights or place the gear se- lector lever in P.

To prevent possible personal injury, always keep hands and fingers away from the door openings when closing the doors. Be espe- cially careful when small children are around.

Before closing doors, make sure that there is no possibility of someone getting caught in a door during closing.

1 Lock button on the door handle

54

왘 After exiting the vehicle, press lock

button 1 on the door handle or on the trunk lid. All turn signal lamps flash three times. The locking knobs on the doors move down.

Warning!

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

More information can be found in the “Controls in detail” section (컄 page 97).

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Panic alarm

Driving safety systems

Anti-theft systems

55

Safety and Security Occupant safety 왔 Occupant safety In this section you will learn the most im- portant facts about the restraint system components of the vehicle. 앫 Seat belts (컄 page 63) 앫 Child restraints (컄 page 75) 앫 Lower anchors and tethers for children

(LATCH) (컄 page 77)

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with 앫 Air bags (컄 page 57) 앫 Air bag control unit (with crash sen-

sors)

앫 Emergency tensioning device (ETD) for

seat belts (컄 page 66)

56

Advanced air bag system components with 앫 PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp

(컄 page 73)

앫 Front passenger seat with Occupant

Classification System (OCS) (컄 page 70)

As independent systems, their protective functions work in conjunction with each other.

For information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle and restraint systems for infants and chil- dren, see “Children in the vehicle” (컄 page 66).

The SRS system conducts a self-test when the ignition is switched on and in regular intervals while the engine is running. This facilitates early detection of malfunctions. The 1 indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up when the ignition is switched on and goes out no later than a few seconds after the engine has been started. The SRS components are in operational readiness if the 1 indicator lamp is not lit when the engine is running. A malfunction in the system has been detected if the 1 indicator lamp: 앫 fails to go out after approximately four seconds after the engine was started

앫 does not come on at all 앫 comes on after the engine was started

or while driving

If it is necessary to modify an advanced air bag system to accommodate a person with disabilities, contact your local authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call our Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) for details.

Warning!

In the event that the 1 indicator lamp comes on during driving or does not come on at all, the SRS self-check has detected a malfunction. For your safety, we strongly recommend that you visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately to have the system checked; otherwise the SRS may not be activated when needed in an acci- dent, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily which could also result in injury.

In addition, improper repair work on the SRS creates a risk of rendering the SRS inopera- tive or causing unintended air bag deploy- ment. Work on the SRS must therefore only be performed by qualified technicians. Con- tact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Air bags

Warning!

Air bags are designed to reduce the poten- tial of injury and fatality in certain frontal im- pacts (front air bags), side impacts (side impact air bags and head protection window curtain air bags) or rollovers (head protec- tion window curtain air bags). However, no system available today can totally eliminate injuries and fatalities.

The deployment of the air bags temporarily releases a small amount of dust from the air bags. This dust, however, is neither injurious to your health, nor does it indicate a fire in the vehicle. The dust might cause some tem- porary breathing difficulty for people with asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, you may wish to get out of the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have any breathing difficulty but cannot get out of the vehicle after the air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door.

57

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

To reduce the risk of injury when the front air bags inflate, it is very important for the driver and front passenger to always be in a properly seated position and to wear their respective seat belts.

For maximum protection in the event of a collision always be in normal seated position with your back against the backrest. Fasten your seat belt and make sure that it is prop- erly positioned on your body.

Since the air bag inflates with considerable speed and force, a proper seating and hands on steering wheel position will help to keep you at a safe distance from the air bag. Oc- cupants who are unbelted, out of position or too close to the air bag can be seriously in- jured by an air bag as it inflates with great force in the blink of an eye: 앫 Sit properly belted in a nearly upright

position with your back against the seat backrest.

58

앫 Adjust the driver seat as far as possible rearward, still permitting proper opera- tion of vehicle controls. The distance from the center of the driver’s breast- bone to the center of the air bag cover on the steering wheel must be at least 10 in (25 cm) or more. You should be able to accomplish this by a combina- tion of adjustments to the seat and steering wheel. If you have any prob- lems, please see your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

앫 Do not lean your head or chest close to

the steering wheel or dashboard.

앫 Keep hands on the outside of steering wheel rim. Placing hands and arms in- side the rim can increase the risk and potential severity of hand/arm injury when driver front air bag inflates.

앫 Adjust the front passenger seat as far as possible rearward from the dashboard when the seat is occupied.

앫 Occupants, especially children, should never place their bodies or lean their heads in the area of the door where the side impact air bag inflates. This could result in serious injuries or death should the air bag be triggered. Always sit near- ly upright, properly use the seat belts and use an appropriately sized infant or toddler restraint or booster seat recom- mended for the size and weight of the child.

Failure to follow these instructions can re- sult in severe injuries to you or other occu- pants.

If you sell your vehicle, it is extremely impor- tant that you make the buyer aware of this safety information. Be sure to give the buyer this Operator's Manual.

Warning!

Accident research shows that the safest place for children in an automobile is in the rear seat.

It should be noted that with respect to both front and rear side impact air bags there is a possibility for a side impact air bag related injury if occupants, especially children, are not properly seated or restrained when next to a side impact air bag which needs to de- ploy rapidly in a side impact in order to do its job.

To help avoid the possibility of injury, please follow these guidelines:

(1) Occupants, especially children, should

never place their bodies or lean their heads in the area of the door where the side impact air bag inflates. This could result in serious injuries or death should the side impact air bag be deployed.

(2) Always sit nearly upright, properly use the seat belts and for children 12 years old and under, use an appropriately sized infant or toddler restraint or boost- er seat recommended for the size and weight of the child.

(3) Always wear seat belts properly.

If you believe that, even with the use of these guidelines, it would be safer for your rear seat occupants to have the rear mount- ed side impact air bags deactivated, then deactivation can be accomplished upon your written request to do so at your autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Center at an additional cost.

Please contact your local authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call our Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) for details.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Air bags are designed to deploy only in certain frontal impacts (front air bags), side impacts (side impact and head protection window curtain air bags) which exceed preset thresholds and in certain rollovers (head protection win- dow curtain air bags). Only during these events will they provide their supplemental protection. The driver and passengers should al- ways wear their seat belts. Otherwise it is not possible for air bags to provide their supplemental protection.

59

Safety and Security Occupant safety

In case of other types of impacts and impacts below air bag deployment thresholds, air bags will not be de- ployed. The driver and passenger will then be protected to the extent possi- ble by a properly fastened seat belt. A properly fastened seat belt is also needed to provide the best possible protection in a rollover. We caution you not to rely on the pres- ence of the air bags in order to avoid wearing your seat belt. It is important to your safety and that of your passengers that you replace de- ployed air bags and repair any malfunc- tioning air bags to make sure that the vehicle will continue to provide supple- mental crash protection for occupants.

60

Safety guidelines for the seat belt, emergency tensioning device and air bag

Warning!

앫 Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly stressed in an accident must be replaced and their anchoring points must also be checked. Use only belts in- stalled or supplied by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

앫 Air bags and emergency tensioning de- vices (ETDs) are designed to function on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD that was activated must be replaced. 앫 Do not pass belts over sharp edges.

They could tear.

앫 Do not make any modification that could

change the effectiveness of the belts. 앫 Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to provide ade- quate protection.

앫 No modifications of any kind may be made to any components or wiring of the SRS. This includes changing or re- moving any component or part of the SRS, the installation of additional trim material, badges etc. over the steering wheel hub, passenger front air bag cov- er, door trim panels, or door frame trims, and installation of additional elec- trical/electronic equipment on or near SRS components and wiring. Keep area between air bags and occupants free from objects (e.g. packages, purses, umbrellas, etc.).

앫 Do not hang items such as coat hangers from the coat hooks or handles over the door. These items may turn into projec- tiles and cause head and other injuries when curtain air bag is deployed.

앫 Never place your feet on the instrument panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.

앫 An air bag system component within the steering wheel gets hot after the air bag has inflated. Do not touch.

앫 In addition, improper repair work on the SRS creates a risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or causing unintended air bag deployment. Work on the SRS must therefore only be performed by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

앫 For your protection and the protection of others, when scrapping the air bag unit or emergency tensioning device, our safety instructions must be fol- lowed. These instructions are available from your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

앫 Given the considerable deployment

speed, required inflation volume, and the textile structure of the air bags, there is the possibility of abrasions or other more significant injuries resulting from air bag deployment.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

Front air bags

Only use seat covers which have been test- ed and approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model. Using other seat covers may interfere with or prevent the deployment of the front side impact air bags. Contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for avail- ability.

When you sell your vehicle we strongly urge you to give notice to the subsequent owner that it is equipped with an SRS by alerting them to the applicable section in the Operator’s Manual.

1 Driver air bag 2 Passenger air bag Driver and passenger air bags are de- ployed: 앫 in the event of certain frontal impacts 앫 if impact exceeds a preset deployment

threshold

앫 independently of the side impact air

bags

61

Safety and Security Occupant safety

The front air bags in this vehicle have been designed to inflate in two stages. This allows the air bag to have different rates of inflation that are based on the rate of relevant vehicle deceleration as assessed by the air bag control unit. On the front passenger side, the front air bag deployment is additionally influ- enced by the passenger’s weight cate- gory as identified by the Occupant Classification System (OCS) (컄 page 70). The lighter the front passenger side oc- cupant, the higher the vehicle deceler- ation rate required for the second stage inflation of the air bag.

The air bags will not deploy in impacts which do not exceed the system’s deploy- ment thresholds. You will then be protect- ed by the fastened seat belts. The passenger front air bag will only be deployed if: 앫 the system, based on OCS weight sen- sor readings, senses that the front pas- senger seat is occupied

앫 the PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp

in the center console is not lit (컄 page 73)

앫 the impact exceeds a preset deploy-

ment threshold

Side impact air bags, window curtain air bags

1 Side impact air bags 2 Window curtain air bag The side impact air bags and window cur- tain air bags are deployed: 앫 on the impacted side of the vehicle 앫 in impacts exceeding a preset deploy-

ment threshold

앫 independently of the front air bags

62

The use of seat belts and infant and child restraint systems is required by law in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories and all Canadian provinces. Even where this is not the case, all vehicle occupants should have their seat belts fas- tened whenever the vehicle is in motion. For more information, see “Fastening the seat belts” (컄 page 40).

For information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle and re- straint systems for infants and chil- dren, see “Children in the vehicle” (컄 page 66).

In addition, the window curtain air bags 2 are deployed: 앫 in certain vehicle rollovers The front passenger side impact air bags 1 will only deploy: 앫 independently of the front air bags The side impact air bags and window cur- tain air bags are not deployed in impacts which do not exceed the system’s deploy- ment threshold.

Seat belts

When the engine is started, the seat belt telltale < illuminates to remind you and your passengers to fasten your seat belts. If the driver's seat belt is not fastened be- fore the engine is started, the seat belt telltale < illuminates and a warning chime sounds for approximately six sec- onds when the engine is started.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

Always fasten your seat belt before driving off. Always make sure all of your passengers are properly restrained, even those sitting in the rear and pregnant women.

Failure to wear and properly fasten and po- sition your seat belt greatly increases your risk of injuries and their likely severity in an accident. You and your passengers should always wear seat belts.

If you are ever in an accident, your injuries can be considerably more severe without your seat belt properly buckled. Without your seat belt buckled, you are much more likely to hit the interior of the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed.

In the same crash, the possibility of injury or death is lessened if you are properly wearing your seat belt. Air bags can only protect as they are designed if the occupants are prop- erly wearing their seat belts.

63

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

Warning!

Warning!

Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly stressed in an accident must be replaced and their anchoring points must also be checked.

Only use seat belts which have been ap- proved by Mercedes-Benz.

Do not make any modifications to the seat belts. This can lead to unintended activation or to failure.

Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to provide adequate protection.

Have all work carried out only by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY 앫 Seat belts can only work when used

properly. Never wear seat belts in any other way than as described in this sec- tion, as that could result in serious inju- ries in case of an accident.

앫 Each occupant should wear their seat

belt at all times, because seat belts help reduce the likelihood of and potential severity of injuries in accidents, includ- ing rollovers. The integrated restraint system includes SRS (driver air bag, pas- senger front air bag, side impact air bags, head protection window curtain air bags for side windows), ETD (seat belt emergency tensioning device), and front seat knee bolsters.

Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat backrest in an excessively reclined position as this can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under it, the belt would apply force at the ab- domen or neck. That could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat belt provide the best restraint when the wearer is in a nearly upright position and the belt is properly positioned on the body.

Warning!

Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there are seat belts available. Be sure everyone riding in the vehicle is correctly restrained with a separate seat belt. Never use a seat belt for more than one person at a time.

64

The system is designed to enhance the protection offered to properly belted oc- cupants in certain frontal (front air bags and ETD) and side (side impact and win- dow curtain air bags and ETD) impacts which exceed preset deployment thresholds and in certain rollovers (win- dow curtain air bags and ETD).

앫 Never wear the shoulder belt under your arm, against your neck or off your shoul- der. In a frontal crash, your body would move too far forward. That would in- crease the chance of head and neck in- juries. The belt would also apply too much force to the ribs or abdomen, which could severely injure internal or- gans such as your liver or spleen.

앫 Never wear belts over rigid or breakable objects in or on your clothing, such as eyeglasses, pens, SmartKeys etc., as these might cause injuries.

앫 Position the lap belt as low as possible on your hips and not across the abdo- men. If the belt is positioned across your abdomen, it could cause serious injuries in a crash.

앫 Never use a seat belt for more than one person at a time. Do not fasten a seat belt around a person and another per- son or other objects.

앫 Belts should not be worn twisted. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to distribute impact forces. The twisted belt against your body could cause injuries.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

앫 Pregnant women should also use a

lap-shoulder belt. The lap belt portion should be positioned as low as possible on the hips to avoid any possible pres- sure on the abdomen.

앫 Never place your feet on the instrument panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.

앫 When using a seat belt to secure infant or toddler restraints or children in boost- er seats, always follow the child seat manufacturer's instructions.

65

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Emergency tensioning device (ETD), seat belt force limiter The seat belts for the front and rear outer seats are equipped with emergency ten- sioning devices and belt force limiters. The ETD is designed to activate in the fol- lowing cases: 앫 in frontal or rear-end impacts exceed-

ing a preset severity level 앫 in certain vehicle rollovers 앫 if the restraint systems are operational

and functioning correctly, see 1 indicator lamp (컄 page 56)

The ETDs for the front seats will only activate if the front seat belts are fas- tened (latch plate properly inserted into buckle). The ETDs for the rear outer seats will activate with or without the respective seat belts fastened.

66

In an impact, emergency tensioning devic- es remove slack from the belts. Belt force limiters reduce the force exerted by the seat belts on occupants during a crash.

Warning!

An emergency tensioning device (ETD) that was activated must be replaced.

When disposing of the emergency tension- ing device, our safety instructions must be followed. These are available at your autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Automatic comfort-fit feature seat belt An automatic comfort-fit feature for front seats reduces the retracting force of the seat belts when they are in normal use.

Children in the vehicle

If an infant or child is traveling with you in the vehicle: 앫 Secure the child using an infant or child

restraint appropriate to the age and size of the child and recommended for use by Mercedes-Benz.

앫 Make sure that the infant or child is

properly secured all times while the ve- hicle is in motion.

Infant and child restraint seats and information on choosing an appropriate restraint system can be obtained from any Mercedes-Benz Center.

Infant and child restraint systems We recommend all infants and children be properly restrained at all times while the vehicle is in motion. All lap-shoulder belts except the driver’s seat belt have special seat belt retractors for secure fastening of child restraints. To fasten a child restraint, follow child restraint instructions for mounting. Then pull the shoulder belt out completely and let it retract. During seat belt retraction, a ratcheting sound can be heard to indicate that the special seat belt retractor is acti- vated. The belt is now locked. Push down on child restraint to take up any slack. To deactivate, release seat belt buckle and let seat belt retract completely. The seat belt can again be used in the usual man- ner.

Information on child seats with mount- ing fittings for tether anchorages (컄 page 75). For information on LATCH-type child seat mounts (컄 page 77).

The use of infant or child restraints is required by law in all 50 states, the Dis- trict of Columbia, the U.S. territories and all Canadian provinces. Infants and small children should be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system properly secured by a lap/shoulder belt or, if so equipped, a top tether anchorage point and a child restraint lower anchorage system that complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehi- cle Safety Standards 213 and 225 and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Stan- dards 213 and 210.2.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

Never release the seat belt buckle while the vehicle is in motion, since the special seat belt retractor will be deactivated.

A statement by the child restraint man- ufacturer of compliance with this stan- dard can be found on the instruction label on the restraint and in the instruc- tion manual provided with the restraint. When using any infant or child restraint system, be sure to carefully read and follow all manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use. Please read and observe warning labels affixed to the inside of the vehicle and to infant or child restraints.

67

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seat- ing position. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed in the rear seats whenever possible. Regardless of seating position, children 12 years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriate infant or child restraint recom- mended for the size and weight of the child.

The infant or child restraint must be properly secured with the vehicle's seat belt, the seat belt and top tether strap, or lower anchors and top tether strap, fully in accordance with the child seat manufacturer's instruc- tions.

68

앫 If you must install a rear-facing child re- straint on the front passenger seat be- cause circumstances require you to do so, make sure that the PASS AIR BAG OFF lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front passenger air bag is deactivat- ed. Should the light not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. Periodically check the indicator lamp while driving to make sure the lamp is illuminated. If the PASS AIR BAG OFF light goes out or re- mains out, do not transport a child on the front passenger seat until the sys- tem has been repaired. A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front passenger front air bag inflates.

Children can be killed or seriously injured by an inflating air bag. Note the following im- portant information when circumstances re- quire you to place a child in the front passenger seat: 앫 Your vehicle is equipped with advanced air bag technology designed to turn off the front passenger front air bag in your vehicle when the OCS senses the weight of a typical 12-month-old child or less along with the weight of a standard ap- propriate child restraint on the front passenger seat.

앫 A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat will be serious- ly injured or even killed if the front pas- senger front air bag inflates in a collision which could occur under some circum- stances, even with advanced air bag technology. The only means to com- pletely eliminate this risk is to never place a child in a rear-facing child re- straint in the front seat. We therefore strongly recommend that you always place a child in a rear-facing child re- straint in the back seat.

앫 If you have to place a child in a

forward-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat, move the seat as far back as possible, use the proper child restraint recommended for the age, size and weight of the child, and se- cure child restraint with the vehicle's seat belt according to the child seat manufacturer's instructions. For children larger than the typical 12-month-old child, the front passenger air bag may or may not be activated (컄 page 71).

Warning!

Infants and small children should never share a seat belt with another occupant. During an accident, they could be crushed between the occupant and seat belt.

A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is significantly increased if the child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle and the child is not properly secured in the child restraint.

Children too big for a toddler restraint must ride in seats using regular seat belts. Posi- tion shoulder belt across chest and shoul- der, not face or neck. A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper belt positioning for children from 41 lbs until they reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt fits proper- ly without a booster.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

When the child restraint is not in use, re- move it from the vehicle or secure it with the seat belt to prevent the child restraint from becoming a projectile in the event of an ac- cident.

Do not leave children unattended in the ve- hicle, even if the children are secured in a child restraint system. Unsupervised chil- dren in a child restraint system may use ve- hicle equipment and may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

69

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Occupant Classification System The Occupant Classification System (OCS) automatically turns the front passenger front air bag on or off based on the classi- fied occupant weight category determined by weight sensor readings from the front passenger seat.

The system does not deactivate the front passenger side impact air bag, the window curtain air bag and the emergency tensioning device.

Occupants must sit properly belted in a nearly upright position with their back against the seat backrest and feet on the floor to be correctly classified. If the occu- pant's weight is transferred to another object in the vehicle (e.g. by leaning on armrests), the OCS may not be able to properly approximate the occupant’s weight category.

Furthermore, the occupant weight may ap- pear to increase or decrease due to objects hanging on the seat, other passen- gers pushing on the seat, objects lodged underneath the seat or stuffed between seat and middle console or between seat and door or due to objects applying pres- sure on the back of the seat. Always make sure that the seat has clearance in all di- rections at all times.

If your seat, including your trim cover and cushion needs to be serviced in any way, take the vehicle to your autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Center. Only seat accessories approved by Mercedes-Benz may be used.

Both driver and the front passenger should always use the PASS AIR BAG OFF indica- tor lamp as an indication of whether or not the front passenger is properly positioned.

Warning!

If the PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp illu- minates when an adult or someone larger than a small individual is in the front passen- ger seat, have the front passenger re-posi- tion himself or herself in the seat until the light goes out, or check whether objects are caught under or around the seat.

More information about air bag display mes- sages (컄 page 350). In the event of a collision, the air bag control unit will not allow front passenger front air bag deployment when the OCS classified the front passenger seat occupant as being up to or less than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child re- straint or if the front passenger seat is sensed as being empty.

70

When the OCS senses that the front passen- ger seat occupant is classified as being up to or less than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a standard child re- straint, the PASS AIR BAG OFF lamp will illu- minate when the engine is started and remain illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated.

When the OCS senses that the front passen- ger seat is classified as being empty, the PASS AIR BAG OFF lamp will illuminate when the engine is started and remain illu- minated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated.

When the OCS senses that the front passen- ger seat occupant is classified as being heavier than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child seated in a standard child restraint or as being a small individual (such as a young teenager or a small adult), the PASS AIR BAG OFF lamp will illuminate for approximately six seconds when the en- gine is started and then, depending on occu- pant weight sensor readings from the seat, remain illuminated or go out. With the PASS AIR BAG OFF lamp illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. With the PASS AIR BAG OFF lamp out, the front passenger front air bag is activated.

When the OCS senses that the front passen- ger seat occupant is classified as an adult or someone larger than a small individual, the PASS AIR BAG OFF lamp will illuminate for approximately six seconds when the engine is started and then go out, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is activat- ed.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

If the PASS AIR BAG OFF lamp is illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is deacti- vated and will not be deployed.

If the PASS AIR BAG OFF lamp is not illumi- nated, the front passenger front air bag is activated and will be deployed: 앫 in the event of certain frontal impacts 앫 if impact exceeds a preset deployment

threshold

앫 independently of the side impact air

bags.

If the front passenger front air bag is de- ployed, the rate of inflation will be influ- enced by: 앫 the rate of relevant vehicle deceleration as assessed by the air bag control unit 앫 front passenger's weight category as

identified by the Occupant Classification System (OCS).

71

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seat- ing position. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed in the rear seats whenever possible. Regardless of seating position, children 12 years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriate infant or child restraint recom- mended for the size and weight of the child.

The infant or child restraint must be properly secured with the vehicle's seat belt, the seat belt and top tether strap, or lower anchors and top tether strap, fully in accordance with the child seat manufacturer's instruc- tions.

72

앫 If you must install a rear-facing child re- straint on the front passenger seat be- cause circumstances require you to do so, make sure that the PASS AIR BAG OFF lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front passenger air bag is deactivat- ed. Should the light not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. Periodically check the indicator lamp while driving to make sure the lamp is illuminated. If the PASS AIR BAG OFF light goes out or re- mains out, do not transport a child on the front passenger seat until the sys- tem has been repaired. A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front passenger front air bag inflates.

Children can be killed or seriously injured by an inflating air bag. Note the following im- portant information when circumstances re- quire you to place a child in the front passenger seat: 앫 Your vehicle is equipped with advanced air bag technology designed to turn off the front passenger front air bag in your vehicle when the system senses the weight of a typical 12-month-old child or less along with the weight of a standard appropriate child restraint on the front passenger seat.

앫 A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat will be serious- ly injured or even killed if the front pas- senger front air bag inflates in a collision which could occur under some circum- stances, even with advanced air bag technology. The only means to com- pletely eliminate this risk is to never place a child in a rear-facing child re- straint in the front seat. We therefore strongly recommend that you always place a child in a rear-facing child re- straint in the back seat.

앫 If you have to place a child in a

forward-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat, move the seat as far back as possible, use the proper child restraint recommended for the age, size and weight of the child, and se- cure child restraint with the vehicle's seat belt according to the child seat manufacturer's instructions. For children larger than the typical 12-month-old child, the front passenger air bag may or may not be activated (컄 page 71).

Deployment of the driver front air bag does not mean that the front passenger front air bag also should have de- ployed. The Occupant Classification System (컄 page 70) may have determined: 앫 that the seat was empty or occu-

pied by the weight up to or less than that of a typical 12-month-old child seated in a standard child restraint - both instances where the system suppresses deployment of the pas- senger front air bag even though the impact met the criteria and was of sufficient severity to deploy the driver front air bag.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

앫 that the seat was occupied by a small individual (such as a young teenager or a small adult) or a child weighing more than the weight of a typical 12-month-old child in a stan- dard child restraint - instances where the system may suppress de- ployment of the passenger front air bag even though the impact met the criteria and was of sufficient se- verity to deploy the driver front air bag.

The PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp is located in the center console.

1 Indicator lamp

73

Safety and Security Occupant safety

The PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp 1 will be illuminated, except with the SmartKey removed or in starter switch position 0.

Warning!

If the 1 indicator lamp and the PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp are lit at the same time, there is a malfunction in the Occupant Classification System. The front passenger front air bag will be deactivated in this case.

In order to ensure proper operation of the airbag system and OCS: 앫 Have the system checked as soon as possible by qualified technicians. Con- tact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen- ter.

앫 Do not place more than 4.4 lbs (2 kg)

into the ruffled storage bag on the back of the front passenger seat. Otherwise, the OCS may not be able to properly ap- proximate the occupant weight catego- ry.

74

Self-test Occupant Classification Sys- tem After turning the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 1 or 2 or pressing the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button once or twice, the PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp 1 located in the center console illu- minates. If an adult occupant is properly sitting on the front passenger seat and the system senses the occupant as being an adult, the PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp will illuminate and go out after ap- proximately six seconds. If the seat is not occupied and the system senses the front passenger seat as being empty, the PASS AIR BAG OFF indicator lamp will illuminate and not go out.

앫 Do not place objects under and/or

around the front passenger seat.

앫 Do not hang anything from or attach any

items to the seats.

앫 Do not stuff objects such as books be- tween the middle console and the front passenger seat.

앫 Do not move the front passenger seat

backwards against stiff objects.

앫 Sit properly belted in a nearly upright

position with your back against the seat backrest.

앫 Do not lean on the armrests or lift your- self from the seat by using the handle over the door as this may cause the OCS to be unable to correctly approximate the occupant weight category.

앫 Only have the seat repaired or replaced

by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen- ter.

앫 Read and observe all warnings in this

chapter.

Warning!

If the indicator lamp should not illuminate, the system is not functioning. You must see an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center before seating any child on the front passenger seat.

More information can be found in the “Practical hints” section (컄 page 350).

Warning!

Never place anything between seat cushion and child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces the effectiveness of the Occupant Classifi- cation System. The bottom of the child seat must make full contact with the passenger seat cushion. An incorrectly mounted child seat could cause injuries to the child in case of an accident, instead of increasing protec- tion for the child.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation of child seats.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Installation of infant and child restraint systems This vehicle is equipped with tether an- chorages for a top tether strap at each of the rear seating positions.

Not foldable rear seat backrest

왘 Head restraint must be installed (if re- movable) and positioned such that the top tether strap can pass freely be- tween the head restraint and the top of the seat back. Make sure the tether strap is not twist- ed.

1 Cover 왘 Remove cover 1 from anchorage ring. 왘 Guide tether strap between head re-

straint and top of the seat back.

2 Hook 3 Anchorage ring 왘 Securely fasten the hook 2 to the an-

chorage ring 3.

75

Safety and Security Occupant safety

For safety, make sure the hook 2 has attached to the ring 3 beyond the safety catch, as illustrated.

Once the top tether anchorage hook is at- tached, the child restraint itself can be se- cured. Tighten the top tether strap according to the child restraint manufac- turer's instructions.

Foldable rear seat backrest* 왘 Fold rear seat backrest slightly for-

ward.

왘 Remove cover from anchorage ring. 왘 Guide tether strap between head re-

straint and top of the seat back.

왘 Head restraint must be positioned such that the top tether strap can pass freely between the head restraint and the top of the seat back. Make sure the tether strap is not twist- ed.

76

2 Hook 3 Anchorage ring 왘 Securely fasten the hook 2 to the an-

chorage ring 3.

For safety, make sure the hook 2 has attached to the ring 3 beyond the safety catch, as illustrated below.

2 Hook 3 Anchorage ring Once the top tether anchorage hook is attached, the child restraint itself can be secured. Tighten the top tether strap ac- cording to the child restraint manufactur- er's instructions. 왘 Swing rear seat backrest to the rear un-

til it engages.

왘 Check the rear seat backrest to be

locked in its upright position (컄 page 328).

Child seat anchors - LATCH type This vehicle is equipped with two LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) type anchors (at each of the outer rear seats) for the installation of a “LATCH” child seat with the matching mounting fit- tings. The anchors are located behind an uphol- stery blend.

1 Indicates the position of the anchors 2 Anchors 왘 Install child seat according to the

manufacturer’s instructions.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Make sure the seat belt for the center seat can operate freely with a child seat installed.

Non-LATCH type child seats may also be used and can be installed using the vehicle’s seat belt system. Install child seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

77

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

Children too big for a toddler restraint must ride in seats using regular seat belts. Posi- tion shoulder belt across chest and shoul- der, not face or neck. A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper belt positioning for children from 41 lbs until they reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt fits proper- ly without a booster.

Install child seat according to manufactur- er’s instructions.

The child seat must be firmly attached in the right and left side anchors 2. An incorrectly mounted child seat may come loose during an accident which could result in serious injury or death to your child.

Damaged or impact damaged child seats or child seat mounting fittings must be re- placed.

Do not leave children unattended in the ve- hicle, even if the children are secured in a child restraint system.

78

Warning!

Activate the override switch when children are riding in the back seats of the vehicle. The children may otherwise injure them- selves, e.g. by becoming trapped in the win- dow opening.

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattend- ed in the vehicle, or with access to an un- locked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment can cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

For more information on power windows, see the “Controls in detail” section (컄 page 201).

Blocking of rear door window operation

1 Override switch 2 Indicator lamp 왘 Press override switch 1.

Indicator lamp 2 comes on. The rear door windows can no longer be operat- ed using the switches located in the rear doors.

Operation of the rear door windows with the switches located on the door control panel of the driver’s door is still possible.

왔 Panic alarm An audible alarm and flashing exterior lamps will operate for approximately 2½ minutes.

1 Â button

Activating

왘 Press and hold button 1 for at least

one second.

Deactivating

왘 Press button 1 again.

or

왘 Insert SmartKey in starter switch.

Safety and Security Panic alarm

For operation in the USA only: This de- vice 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.

79

Safety and Security Driving safety systems 왔 Driving safety systems In this section you will find information on the following driving safety systems: 앫 ABS (Antilock Brake System) 앫 BAS (Brake Assist System) 앫 ESP (Electronic Stability Program) 앫 SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) 앫 4MATIC (Four Wheel Electronic

Traction System)

80

In winter operation, the maximum ef- fectiveness of the ABS, the BAS, the ESP, SBC and 4MATIC is only achieved with winter tires (M+S tires), or snow chains as required.

Warning!

The following factors increase the risk of ac- cidents: 앫 Excessive speed, especially in turns 앫 Wet and slippery road surfaces 앫 Following another vehicle too closely The ABS, BAS, ESP, SBC and 4MATIC cannot reduce this risk.

Always adjust your driving style to the pre- vailing road and weather conditions.

ABS

Warning!

Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump- ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS and significantly reduces braking effectiveness.

The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates the brake pressure so that the wheels do not lock during braking. This allows you to maintain the ability to steer your vehicle. The ABS is functional above a speed of ap- proximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent of road surface conditions. On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will re- spond even with light brake pressure.

The - malfunction warning lamp in the instrument cluster comes on when you switch on ignition. It goes out when the en- gine is running.

Braking If the ABS activates during braking, the ABS/ESP warning lamp v in the instru- ment cluster dial flashes. Because of the SBC brake system, you will not feel any pulsation in the brake pedal. 왘 Keep firm and steady pressure on the

brake pedal.

Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure yields the advantages provided by the ABS, namely braking power and the ability to steer the vehicle. The ABS/ESP warning lamp v flashes whenever the ABS is activated which can be an indication of hazardous road condi- tions and functions as a reminder to take extra care while driving.

Emergency brake maneuver 왘 Keep continuous full pressure on the

brake pedal.

Safety and Security Driving safety systems

Warning!

The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering efficiency be- yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction af- forded. The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, atten- tive, and skillful driver can prevent acci- dents. The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck- less or dangerous manner which could jeop- ardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

More information can be found in the “Practical hints” section (컄 page 313).

81

Safety and Security Driving safety systems

BAS

The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in emergency situations. If you apply the brakes very quickly, the BAS automatically provides full brake boost, thereby poten- tially reducing the braking distance. Apply continuous full braking pressure until the emergency braking situation is over. The ABS will prevent the wheels from locking. When you release the brake pedal, the brakes function again as normal. The BAS is then deactivated.

82

Warning!

ESP

The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction. The BAS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, fol- lowing another vehicle too closely, or hydro- planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabili- ties of a BAS equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of others.

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) monitors the vehicle's traction (force of adhesive friction between the tires and the road surface) and handling. The ESP recognizes when a wheel is spin- ning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By ap- plying brakes to the appropriate wheel and by limiting engine output, the ESP works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESP is especially useful while driving off and on wet or slip- pery road surfaces. The ABS/ESP warning lamp v in the instrument cluster flashes when the ESP is engaged. The ABS/ESP warning lamp v in the instrument cluster comes on when you switch on the ignition. It goes out when the engine is running.

Warning!

Warning!

Never switch off the ESP when you see the ABS/ESP warning lamp v flashing in the instrument cluster. In this case proceed as follows: 앫 While driving off, apply as little throttle

as possible.

앫 While driving, ease up on the accelera-

tor.

앫 Adapt your speed and driving style to

the prevailing road conditions.

Failure to observe these guidelines could cause the vehicle to skid.

The ESP cannot prevent accidents resulting from excessive speed.

The ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded. The ESP cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The ca- pabilities of an ESP equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or danger- ous manner which could jeopardize the us- er’s safety or the safety of others.

The ESP will only function properly if you use wheels of the recommended tire size (컄 page 398).

Safety and Security Driving safety systems

Vehicles without 4MATIC: Because of the ESP’s automatic opera- tion, the engine and ignition must be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button* in position 0 or 1) when: 앫 the parking brake is being tested on

a brake test dynamometer

앫 the vehicle is being towed with the

front axle raised

Active braking action through the ESP may otherwise seriously damage the brake system. For information on vehicles with 4MATIC, see “Four wheel electronic traction system (4MATIC) with the ESP” (컄 page 88).

More information can be found in the “Practical hints” section (컄 page 313).

83

Safety and Security Driving safety systems

Switching off the ESP

Warning!

DISTRONIC* cannot be activated when the ESP has been deactivated.

The switch is located on the center con- sole.

1 ESP off/on switch 왘 Press ESP switch 1 until the

ABS/ESP warning lamp v in the in- strument cluster comes on. The ESP is deactivated.

The ESP should not be switched off during normal driving other than in the circum- stances described below. Disabling of the system will reduce vehicle stability in driving maneuvers.

To improve the vehicle's traction, turn off the ESP in driving situations where it would be advantageous to have drive wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip such as: 앫 starting out on slippery surfaces and in

deep snow in conjunction with snow chains

앫 in sand or gravel

Turn on the ESP immediately if the aforementioned circumstances do not apply anymore.

84

If one or more drive wheels are spinning, the ABS/ESP warning lamp v in the in- strument cluster flashes, regardless of the speed. Traction control brakes a spinning wheel even when the ESP is deactivated. The ESP always operates when you are braking, even when it has been deactivat- ed.

Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an extended period with the ESP switched off. This may cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Warning!

The SBC brake system

The SBC brake system combines a hydrau- lic brake circuit with electronically con- trolled brake servo assistance. You have increased braking safety and improved braking comfort.

Warning!

Never ignore a brake malfunction indicated in the speedometer display, for example by the ; (USA only) or 3 (Canada only) warning lamp. Refer to the “Practical hints” section (컄 page 314). Also read and ob- serve the messages in the instrument clus- ter display (컄 page 321).

When the ABS/ESP warning lamp v is illuminated continuously, the ESP is switched off.

Adapt your speed and driving to the prevail- ing road conditions and to the non-operating status of the ESP.

Switching on the ESP 왘 Press ESP button 1.

The ABS/ESP warning lamp v in the instrument cluster goes out. You are now again in normal driving mode.

Turn on the ESP immediately if the aforementioned circumstances do not apply anymore.

Safety and Security Driving safety systems

Warning!

The SBC brake system requires electrical power to operate.

A malfunction in the vehicle’s power supply or electrical system may impair brake sys- tem operation and switch it into its emer-