2007 Mercedes-benz E Class Owners Manual

(컄 page 135).

switched on or

앫 insert the SmartKey into the starter

switch or press the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button (컄 page 39) once with the driver’s door closed

i The last set steering wheel position is stored when 앫 the ignition is switched off (컄 page 63) 앫 the position is stored in memory

(컄 page 135)

46

With the easy-entry/exit feature activated, the steering wheel tilts upwards when you: 앫 remove the SmartKey from the starter

switch or

앫 open the driver’s door with the

SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or 1 or the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button (컄 page 39) in position 1

i If the current position for the steering wheel is in the uppermost tilt position, the steering wheel will no longer be able to move upward when the easy-entry/exit feature is activated. The adjustment procedure is briefly interrupted when the engine is started.

Warning!

Mirrors

Let the system complete the adjustment procedure before setting the vehicle in mo- tion. All steering wheel adjustment must be completed before setting the vehicle in mo- tion. Driving off with the steering wheel still adjusting could cause the driver to lose con- trol of the vehicle.

Adjust the interior and exterior rear view mirrors before driving so that you have a good view of the road and traffic condi- tions.

Getting started Adjusting

Interior rear view mirror 왘 Manually adjust the interior rear view

mirror.

For more information, see “Rear view mir- rors” (컄 page 198).

Warning!

Exterior rear view mirrors

In case of an accident, liquid electrolyte may escape the mirror housing if the mirror glass breaks.

Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not al- low the liquid to come into contact with eyes, skin, clothing, or respiratory system. In case it does, immediately flush affected area with water, and seek medical help if necessary.

! Electrolyte drops coming into contact with the vehicle paint finish can only be completely removed while in their liquid state and by apply- ing plenty of water.

Warning!

Exercise care when using the passenger-side exterior rear view mirror. The mirror surface is convex (outwardly curved surface for a wider field of view). Ob- jects in mirror are closer than they appear. Check your interior rear view mirror or glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.

47

Getting started Adjusting

The buttons are located on the driver’s door.

1 Driver’s side exterior rear view mirror

button

2 Adjustment button 3 Passenger-side exterior rear view mir-

ror button

왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 37). 왘 Press button 1 for the driver’s side ex- terior rear view mirror or button 3 for the passenger-side exterior rear view mirror.

왘 Push adjustment button 2 up, down, left or right according to the desired setting.

48

! If an exterior rear view mirror was forcibly pushed forward (hit from the rear) or forcibly pushed rearward (hit from the front), reposition it by applying firm pressure until it snaps into place. The mirror housing is now properly posi- tioned and you can adjust the mirror in the usual manner.

i At low ambient temperatures, the exterior rear view mirrors will be heated automatically. i The memory function (컄 page 134) lets you store the settings for the exterior rear view mir- rors together with the settings for the steering wheel and the driver’s seat position.

For more information, see “Activating exte- rior rear view mirror parking position” (컄 page 200). For more information, see “Rear view mir- rors” (컄 page 198).

왔 Driving

Warning!

Make sure that absolutely no objects are ob- structing the pedals’ range of movement. Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all obsta- cles. 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.

Fastening the seat belts

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.

Failure to wear and properly fasten and position 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 wearing your seat belt. The air bags can only provide the protection they were designed to afford if the occupants are using their seat belts (컄 page 82).

Getting started Driving

Warning!

Canada only: Children 12 years old and un- der must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmartTM compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM system in- stalled in the vehicle to deactivate the front passenger front air bag when it is properly installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the air bag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury will result.

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. Regardless of seating position, children 12 years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. For additional information, see “Children in the vehicle” (컄 page 88).

컄컄

49

Getting started Driving

컄컄

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.

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.

50

Warning!

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

Warning!

Read and observe the additional warning no- tices printed in the “Safety and Security” section (컄 page 72) and (컄 page 83).

1 Belt outlet 2 Latch plate 3 Buckle 4 Release button 왘 With a smooth motion, pull the seat

belt from belt outlet 1.

왘 Place the shoulder portion of the seat

belt across the top of your shoulder and the lap portion across your hips.

왘 Push latch plate 2 into buckle 3 until

it clicks.

왘 If necessary, tighten the lap portion to

a snug fit by pulling shoulder portion up.

Belt outlet height adjustment

1 Release button 왘 Press release button 1 and move the

seat belt height adjuster upward or downward.

Getting started Driving

Proper use of seat belts 앫 Do not twist the seat belt when fasten-

ing.

앫 Adjust seat belt so that the shoulder

portion is located as close as possible to the middle of the shoulder (it should not touch the neck). Never pass the shoulder portion of the seat belt under your arm.

앫 Position the lap belt as low as possible

on your hips (over hip joint) and not across the abdomen.

앫 Place the seat backrest in a nearly

upright position.

앫 Never use a seat belt for more than one

person at a time.

앫 Do not fasten a seat belt around a

person and another object at the same time. When using a seat belt to secure infant restraint or toddler restraint or children in booster seats, always follow the child seat manufacturer’s instruc- tions.

앫 Check your seat belt periodically

during travel to make sure that it is properly positioned.

앫 Make sure that the seat belt is always fitted snugly. Take special care of this when wearing loose clothing.

Warning!

Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges. They could tear.

Do not allow the seat belt to get caught in the door or in the seat adjustment mecha- nism. This could damage the seat belt.

Never attempt to make modifications to seat belts. This could impair the effective- ness of the seat belts.

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.

Damaged seat belts or seat belts that were highly stressed in an accident must be re- placed. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

51

Getting started Driving

Starting the engine

Automatic transmission

Warning!

Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause un- consciousness 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 win- dow fully open.

52

Gearshift pattern for automatic transmission P Park position with gear selector lever

lock

R Reverse gear N Neutral D Drive position For more information, see the “Controls in detail” section (컄 page 189).

Starting with the SmartKey For information on turning off the engine with the SmartKey, see “Turning off en- gine” (컄 page 63).

Gasoline engine: 왘 Make sure the gear selector lever is set

to P.

왘 Do not depress the accelerator. 왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 3 and hold until the engine starts (컄 page 38).

i You can also use the “touch-start” function. Turn the SmartKey to position 3 (컄 page 38) and release it again immediately. The engine then starts automatically.

Diesel engine: 왘 Make sure the gear selector lever is set

to P.

왘 Do not depress the accelerator. 왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch

to position 2 (컄 page 38). The preglow indicator lamp q in the instrument cluster comes on.

왘 As soon as the preglow indicator

lamp q goes out, turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 3 (컄 page 38) and release it. The engine starts automatically.

i If the engine is at operating temperature, the preglow indicator lamp q may not stay on and you can start the engine without preglowing.

Starting with KEYLESS-GO*

Warning!

As long as the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is in your vehicle, the vehicle can be started. Therefore, never leave children unattended in the vehicle, as they could otherwise acci- dentally start the engine.

When leaving the vehicle, always 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.

You can start your vehicle without the SmartKey in the starter switch using the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button on the gear selector lever. For information on turning off the engine with KEYLESS-GO, see “Turning off with KEYLESS-GO*” (컄 page 64). The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO must be located in the vehicle.

Getting started Driving

KEYLESS-GO start/stop button 1 USA only 2 Canada only

Gasoline engine: 왘 Make sure the gear selector lever is set

to P.

왘 Depress the brake pedal during the

starting procedure. Do not depress ac- celerator. The gear selector lever lock is released.

컄컄

53

왘 Repeat the starting procedure

(컄 page 52). Remember that extended starting attempts can drain the battery.

왘 Get a jump start (컄 page 464). If the engine does not start after several starting attempts, there could be a mal- function in the engine electronics or in the fuel supply system. 왘 Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center.

Getting started Driving

컄컄

왘 Press KEYLESS-GO start/stop button

(컄 page 53) once. The engine starts if the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO is in the vehicle.

Diesel engine: 왘 Make sure the gear selector lever is set

to P.

왘 Depress the brake pedal during the

starting procedure. Do not depress ac- celerator. The gear selector lever lock is released. 왘 Press KEYLESS-GO start/stop button

(컄 page 53) once. The engine begins to preglow and will start automatically.

If the engine is at operating temperature, the preglow indicator lamp q may not stay on and you can start the engine with- out preglowing: 왘 Press KEYLESS-GO start/stop button (컄 page 53) until the engine is running.

Starting difficulties If the SmartKey is left in starter switch position 0 for an extended period of time, it can no longer be turned in the switch. In this case, the steering is locked. 왘 To unlock remove SmartKey from the

starter switch and reinsert.

If the engine does not start as described, carry out the following steps: 왘 If you are starting the engine with the

SmartKey, turn SmartKey in starter switch to position 0 and repeat starting procedure.

왘 If you are starting the engine with KEYLESS-GO: Close any doors that may be open to allow for better detec- tion of the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO. Or: Start the engine with the SmartKey as radio signals from another source may be interfering with the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO.

54

Parking brake

Warning!

Engaging the parking brake while the vehicle is in motion can cause the rear wheels to lock up. You could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. In addition, the vehi- cle’s brake lights do not light up when the parking brake is engaged.

1 Release handle 2 Parking brake pedal

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey or the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could release the parking brake, which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

왘 Release the parking brake by pulling on

release handle 1. The warning lamp ; (USA only) or 3 (Canada only) in the instrument cluster goes out.

Getting started Driving

Driving

왘 Depress the brake pedal. 왘 Move the gear selector lever to

position D or R.

i Wait for the gear selection process to com- plete before setting the vehicle in motion. 왘 Release the brake pedal. 왘 Carefully depress the accelerator

pedal.

i Once the vehicle is in motion, the automatic central locking system engages and the locking knobs drop down. The automatic door lock feature can be deacti- vated (컄 page 176). You can open a locked door from the inside. Open door only when conditions are safe to do so.

컄컄

55

Getting started Driving

컄컄

! If you hear a warning signal and the mes- sage Release parking brake appears in the multifunction display when driving off, you have forgotten to release the parking brake. Release the parking brake (컄 page 62). After a cold start, the automatic transmis- sion shifts at a higher engine revolution. This allows the catalytic converter (gasoline engine) or the oxidation catalyst (diesel engine) to reach its operating tem- perature earlier.

Warning!

Switching on headlamps

Low beam headlamps The exterior lamp switch is located on the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel.

It is dangerous to shift the gear selector le- ver out of P or N if the engine speed is high- er than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accel- erate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

Warning!

On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi- cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre- vent this type of loss of control.

For more information on driving, see “Driv- ing instructions” (컄 page 309).

! Simultaneously depressing the accelerator pedal and applying the brakes reduces engine performance and causes premature brake and drivetrain wear.

Exterior lamp switch 1 Off 2 Low beam headlamps on 왘 Turn the exterior lamp switch to

position B. The low beam headlamps and the low beam headlamp indicator lamp B in the instrument cluster come on (컄 page 26).

56

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

Turn signals

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

Getting started Driving

The combination switch resets automati- cally after major steering wheel move- ments.

i To signal minor directional changes such as changing lanes, press combination switch only to point of resistance and release. The corre- sponding turn signals will flash three times.

Combination switch 1 High beam 2 High beam flasher 왘 Push the combination switch in direc-

tion of arrow 1. The high beam headlamps and the high beam headlamp indicator lamp A in the instrument cluster come on (컄 page 142).

For more information on headlamps, see “Lighting” (컄 page 137).

Combination switch 1 Turn signals, right 2 Turn signals, left 왘 Press the combination switch in direc-

tion of arrow 1 or 2. The corresponding turn signal indicator lamp L or K in the instrument cluster flashes (컄 page 27).

57

Getting started Driving

Windshield wipers

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

Combination switch 1 Switching on windshield wipers 2 Single wipe

Wiping with windshield washer fluid 왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 37).

58

! Do not operate the windshield wipers when the windshield is dry. Dust that accumulates on a windshield might scratch the glass and/or damage the wiper blades when wiping occurs on a dry windshield. If it is necessary to operate the windshield wipers in dry weather conditions, al- ways operate the windshield wipers with wind- shield washer fluid (컄 page 59).

! If anything blocks the windshield wipers (leaves, snow, etc.), switch them off immediate- ly. 앫 For safety reasons, stop the vehicle in a safe

location and 앫 remove 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 re- moved from starter switch)

before attempting to remove any blockage. 앫 Remove blockage. 앫 Turn the windshield wipers on again.

If windshield wipers fail to function at all in com- bination switch position U or V, 앫 set the combination switch to the next high-

er wiper speed

앫 have the windshield wipers checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Switching on/off windshield wipers 왘 Turn the combination switch to the de- sired position depending on the inten- sity of the rain. M Windshield wipers off U Slow intermittent wiping

Rain sensor operation with low sensitivity.

V Fast intermittent wiping

Rain sensor operation with high sensitivity.

u Slow continuous wiping t Fast continuous wiping

i When the windshield wipers are switched on and you brake the vehicle to a stop, the time in- terval between wiper operations is increased.

Intermittent wiping Only switch on intermittent wiping under wet weather conditions or in the presence of precipitation.

! Do not leave windshield wipers in intermittent setting when the vehicle is taken to an automatic car wash or during windshield cleaning. Windshield wipers will operate in the presence of water sprayed on the windshield, and windshield wipers may be damaged as a re- sult.

! If you have set intermittent wiping, dirt on the surface of the rain sensor or optical effects may cause the windshield wipers to wipe in an undesired fashion. This could then damage the windshield wiper blades or scratch the windows. You should therefore switch off the windshield wipers when weather conditions are dry. 왘 Turn the combination switch to

position U or V. The wipers move across the wind- shield. Afterward, the wiping intervals are determined by the wetness of the windshield.

After the initial wipe, pauses between wipes are automatically controlled by the rain sensor.

i Intermittent wiping is interrupted when the vehicle is at a standstill and a door is opened. This protects persons getting into or out of the vehicle from being sprayed. Intermittent wiping will be continued when 앫 all doors are closed and 앫 the gear selector lever is in position D or R or 앫 the wiper setting is changed using the com-

bination switch

Single wipe 왘 Press the combination switch briefly in

direction of arrow 2 (컄 page 58) to the resistance point. The windshield wipers wipe one time without washer fluid.

Getting started Driving

Wiping with windshield washer fluid 왘 Push the combination switch in direc- tion of arrow 2 (컄 page 58) past the resistance point. The windshield wipers operate with washer fluid.

i To prevent smears on the windshield or noisy/chattering wiper blades, wipe with wind- shield washer fluid every now and then even when it is raining.

For information on filling up the windshield washer reservoir, see “Windshield washer system and headlamp cleaning system*” (컄 page 332).

59

Getting started Driving

Problems while driving

The engine runs erratically and misfires 앫 An ignition cable may be damaged

(gasoline engine only).

앫 The engine electronics may not be op-

erating properly.

앫 Unburned gasoline may have entered the catalytic converter and damaged it (gasoline engine only).

왘 Give very little gas. 왘 Have the problem repaired by an

authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.

60

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 in a safe location and turn off the engine. Allow engine and coolant to cool off. 왘 Check the coolant level and add cool-

ant if necessary (컄 page 330).

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

cumstances.

왘 Notify local fire and/or police authori-

ties.

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.

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!

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.

Warning!

Vehicles with Airmatic: If you have selected the Comfort suspension tuning (컄 page 265), the vehicle lowers slightly when it is locked. You should therefore make sure that no one is standing near the wheel arches or lying underneath the vehi- cle when it is being locked. Otherwise, per- sonal injury could result.

Warning!

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, or damage to the vehicle drivetrain, as a result 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 gear selector lever to

position P.

앫 Slowly release brake pedal. 앫 When parked on an incline, turn front

wheel towards the road curb.

Getting started Parking and locking

앫 Turn the SmartKey to starter switch

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

앫 Take the SmartKey or the SmartKey with

KEYLESS-GO* and lock vehicle when leaving.

! Vehicles with Airmatic: If you have selected the Comfort suspension tuning (컄 page 265), the vehicle lowers slightly when you lock it within approximately 60 seconds after switching off the engine. When parking, make sure that your vehi- cle cannot come into contact with other objects, such as a curb, while lowering. Your vehicle could otherwise be damaged.

61

Warning!

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

1 Release handle 2 Parking brake pedal 왘 Step firmly on parking brake pedal 2. When the engine is running, the warn- ing lamp ; (USA only) or 3 (Canada only) in the instrument cluster will be illuminated.

Getting started Parking and locking

Parking brake

Warning!

Engaging the parking brake while the vehicle is in motion can cause the rear wheels to lock up. You could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. In addition, the vehi- cle’s brake lights do not light up when the parking brake is engaged. Make sure not to endanger any other road users when you en- gage the parking brake.

62

Warning!

Switching off headlamps

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.

왘 Turn the exterior lamp switch to M

(컄 page 56).

For more information, see “Lighting” (컄 page 137).

Turning off engine

왘 Move the gear selector lever to

position P.

왘 Apply the parking brake (컄 page 62).

i Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting to position P. On slopes, turn the front wheels towards the road curb.

Getting started Parking and locking

Turning off with the SmartKey 왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch (컄 page 38) to position 0 and remove it. The immobilizer is activated.

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

63

Getting started Parking and locking

Turning off with KEYLESS-GO* 왘 Place the gear selector lever in

position 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 38).

i If you hear a warning signal, you have tried to turn off the engine while the gear selector le- ver was not in position P. In addition, the message Gear selector le- ver in Park position appears in the multi- function display. Place the gear selector lever in position P.

64

Releasing seat belts

Locking

왘 Press the seat belt release button

(컄 page 50). Allow the retractor to completely re- wind the seat belt by guiding the latch plate.

! Make sure the seat belt retracts fully so that the seat belt and/or latch plate cannot get caught or pinched in the door or in the seat mechanism. This can damage the seat belt and impair the effectiveness of the seat belt, and/or cause damage to the door and/or door trim pan- el. Such damage is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Damaged seat belts must be replaced. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

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.

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always take the SmartKey or SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. A child’s un- supervised access to a vehicle could result in an accident and/or serious personal inju- ry.

왘 Exit the vehicle and close all doors and

Locking with KEYLESS-GO*

the trunk.

i If you hear a warning signal you have forgot- ten to switch off the headlamps before opening the driver’s door. In addition the message Switch off lights appears in the multifunction display. Switch off the headlamps.

Locking with the SmartKey 왘 After exiting the vehicle, press lock

button ‹ on the SmartKey (컄 page 36). 앫 All turn signal lamps flash three

times.

앫 An acoustic signal sounds three

times.

앫 The locking knobs in the doors

move down.

앫 The anti-theft alarm system is

armed.

For more information, see the “Controls in detail” section (컄 page 110).

1 Lock button

Getting started Parking and locking

왘 After exiting the vehicle, press lock button 1 on an outside door handle. 앫 All turn signal lamps flash three

times.

앫 An acoustic signal sounds three

times.

앫 The locking knobs in the doors

move down.

앫 The anti-theft alarm system is

armed.

For more information, see “SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*” (컄 page 113).

65

66

Safety and Security

Occupant safety Panic alarm Driving safety systems Anti-theft systems

67

Safety and Security Occupant safety

In this section you will learn the most important facts about the restraint sys- tems of the vehicle. The restraint systems are 앫 Seat belts (컄 page 82) 앫 Child restraints (컄 page 89) 앫 Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) (컄 page 94)

Additional protection is provided by 앫 Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

with 앫 Air bags (컄 page 70) 앫 Air bag control unit (with crash

sensors)

앫 Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD) for seat belts (컄 page 85) 앫 Active head restraints (컄 page 87) 앫 Preventive occupant safety

(PRE-SAFE®) (컄 page 86)

68

Air bag system components with 앫 Front passenger front air bag off indica-

tor lamp (컄 page 79)

앫 USA only:

Front passenger seat with Occupant Classification System (OCS) (컄 page 75) 앫 Canada only:

Front passenger seat with BabySmartTM air bag deactivation sys- tem (컄 page 81)

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

i For information on infants and children trav- eling with you in the vehicle and restraint sys- tems for infants and children, see “Children in the vehicle” (컄 page 88).

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

4 seconds after the engine was started

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

or while driving

Warning!

Warning!

Modifications to or work improperly con- ducted on restraint systems (such as seat belts and anchors, emergency tensioning devices, seat belt force limiters or air bags) or their wiring, as well as tampering with in- terconnected electronic systems, can lead to the restraint systems no longer function- ing as intended.

Air bags or emergency tensioning devices, for example, could deploy inadvertently or fail to deploy in accidents although the de- celeration threshold for air bag deployment is exceeded. Therefore, never modify the re- straint systems. Do not tamper with elec- tronic components or their software.

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

If it is necessary to modify an 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.

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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 window curtain air bags) or rollovers (window curtain air bags). How- ever, no system available today can totally eliminate injuries and fatalities.

The activation of the air bags temporarily re- leases a small amount of dust from the air bags. This dust, however, is neither inju- rious to your health, nor does it indicate a fire in the vehicle. The dust might cause some temporary breathing difficulty for peo- ple 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.

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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. Occupants who are unbelted, out of position or too close to the air bag can be seriously injured or killed 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.

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 contact 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 inside 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.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in severe injuries to you or other occupants.

If you sell your vehicle, it is important that you make the buyer aware of this safety information. Be sure to give the buyer this Operator’s Manual.

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 re- straint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child.

앫 Canada only: Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmartTM compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM system installed in the vehicle to deacti- vate the front passenger front air bag when it is properly installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the air bag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, seri- ous or fatal injury will result.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

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.

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(2) Always sit nearly upright, properly use the seat belts and for children 12 years old and under, use an appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster 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.

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i Air bags are designed to deploy only in cer- tain frontal impacts (front air bags), side impacts (side impact and window curtain air bags) which exceed preset thresholds and in certain rollovers (window curtain air bags). Only during these events will they provide their supplemental pro- tection. The driver and passengers should always wear their seat belts. Otherwise it is not possible for air bags to provide their supplemental protec- tion. In case of other types of impacts and impacts be- low air bag deployment thresholds, air bags will not be deployed. The driver and passenger will then be protected to the extent possible by a properly fastened seat belt. A properly fastened seat belt is also needed to provide the best pro- tection in a rollover. We caution you not to rely on the presence of the air bags in order to avoid wearing your seat belt. It is important to your safety and that of your pas- sengers that you replace deployed air bags and repair any malfunctioning air bags to make sure that the vehicle will continue to provide supple- mental crash protection for occupants.

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

Warning!

앫 Damaged seat belts or seat belts that

were highly stressed in an accident must be replaced and their anchoring points must also be checked. Use only seat belts installed or supplied by an au- thorized 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 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, front passenger front air bag cover, outboard sides of the front seat backrests, door trim panels,

or door frame trims, and installation of additional electrical/electronic equip- ment on or near SRS components and wiring. Keep area between air bags and occupants free from objects (e.g. pack- ages, purses, umbrellas, etc.).

앫 Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges.

They could tear.

앫 Do not make any modification that could

change the effectiveness of the seat 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 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 the window curtain air bag is de- ployed.

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 Air bag system components will be hot

after an 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 autho- rized 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, potentially more serious injuries resulting from air bag deployment.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

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 side impact air bags. Contact your au- thorized Mercedes-Benz Center for availabil- ity.

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.

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i 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 vehicle deceleration as as- sessed by the air bag control unit. USA only: On the front passenger side, the front air bag de- ployment is additionally influenced by the pas- senger’s weight category as identified by the Occupant Classification System (OCS) (컄 page 75). USA only: The lighter the front passenger side occupant, the higher the vehicle deceleration 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 front passenger front air bag will only be deployed if: 앫 the system senses that the front pas-

senger seat is occupied

앫 the 75 indicator lamp in

the center console is not lit (컄 page 79)

앫 the impact exceeds a preset deploy-

ment threshold

! Canada only: Do not place objects heavier than 20 lb (9 kg) on the front passenger seat. This could cause the front or side impact air bag on the front passen- ger side to deploy in a crash which exceeds the system’s deployment threshold.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Front air bags

1 Driver front air bag 2 Front passenger front air bag Driver and front passenger front air bags are 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

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Side impact air bags, window curtain air bags

In addition, the window curtain air bags 2 are deployed: 앫 in certain vehicle rollovers The side impact air bags 1 and window curtain air bags 2 are not deployed in im- pacts which do not exceed the system’s deployment threshold.

1 Side impact air bags 2 Window curtain air bag The side impact air bags 1 and window curtain air bags 2 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

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Occupant Classification System (USA only)

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.

i The system does not deactivate the front passenger side impact air bag, the window cur- tain air bag and the emergency tensioning de- vice.

Occupants must sit properly belted in a po- sition that is as upright as possible with their back against the seat backrest and feet on the floor to be correctly classified. If the occupant’s weight is transferred to another object in the vehicle (e.g. by lean- ing on armrests), the OCS may not be able to properly approximate the occupant’s weight category.

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

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.

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

Both driver and the front passenger should always use the 75 indicator lamp as an indication of whether or not the front passenger is properly positioned.

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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 75 indicator lamp will illuminate 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 75 indicator lamp will illumi- nate when the engine is started and remain illuminated, indicating that the front passen- ger front air bag is deactivated.

Warning!

If the 75 indicator lamp illumi- nates when an adult or someone larger than a small individual is in the front passenger seat, have the front passenger re-position himself or herself in the seat until the 75 indicator lamp goes out, or check whether objects are caught under or around the seat.

More information about air bag display mes- sages (컄 page 403). 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.

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 75 indicator lamp will illu- minate for approximately 6 seconds when the engine is started and then, depending on occupant weight sensor readings from the seat, remain illuminated or go out. With the 75 indicator lamp illuminated, the front passenger front air bag is deacti- vated. With the 75 indicator 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 75 indicator lamp will illumi- nate for approximately 6 seconds when the engine is started and then go out, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is acti- vated.

If the 75 indicator lamp is illu- minated, the front passenger front air bag is deactivated and will not be deployed.

If the 75 indicator lamp is not illuminated, 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 deployed, the rate of inflation will be influenced 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).

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.

Always sit nearly upright, properly use the seat belts and for children 12 years old and under, use an appropriately sized infant re- straint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child.

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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 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 appropri- ate child restraint on the front passen- ger 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 the air bag technolo- gy installed in your vehicle. The only means to completely eliminate this risk is to never place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat. We therefore strongly recommend that you always place a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the back seat.

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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 front air bag may or may not be activat- ed (컄 page 77).

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 75 indicator lamp is illumi- nated, indicating that the front passen- ger front air bag is deactivated. Should the indicator lamp 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 75 indicator lamp goes out or remains out, do not transport a child on the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired. A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat will be seriously injured or even killed if the front passenger front air bag inflates.

i Deployment of the driver front air bag does not mean that the front passenger front air bag also should have deployed. The Occupant Classification System (컄 page 75) may have determined: 앫 that the seat was empty or occupied 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 front passenger front air bag even though the im- pact met the criteria and was of sufficient severity to deploy the driver front air bag

앫 that the seat was occupied by a small individ-

ual (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 standard child restraint - instances where the system may suppress deployment of the front passenger front air bag even though the impact met the criteria and was of suffi- cient severity to deploy the driver front air bag

Safety and Security Occupant safety

The 75 indicator lamp is lo- cated in the center console.

Warning!

1 Indicator lamp The 75 indicator lamp 1 will be illuminated, except with the SmartKey removed or in starter switch position 0 (컄 page 38).

If the 1 indicator lamp and the 75 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 air bag system and OCS: 앫 Have the system checked as soon as

possible by qualified technicians. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

앫 Do not place more than 4.4 lb (2 kg) into the ruffled storage bag on the back of the front passenger seat. Otherwise, the OCS may not be able to properly approx- imate the occupant weight category.

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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 Center.

앫 Read and observe all warnings in this

chapter.

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Self-test Occupant Classification Sys- tem (USA only) 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 75 indicator lamp located in the center console illuminates. If an adult occupant is properly sitting on the front passenger seat and the system sens- es the occupant as being an adult, the 75 indicator lamp will illumi- nate and go out after approximately 6 seconds. If the seat is not occupied and the system senses the front passenger seat as being empty, the 75 indicator lamp will illuminate and not go out.

Warning!

If the 75 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.

For more information, see the “Practical hints” section (컄 page 393).

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.

BabySmartTM air bag deactivation system (Canada only)

175 indicator lamp Special BabySmartTM compatible child seats, designed for use with the Mercedes-Benz system, are required for use with the BabySmartTM air bag deactiva- tion system. Please contact your autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Center for information on availability. With the special child seat properly installed, the front pas- senger front air bag will not deploy.

The 75 indicator lamp locat- ed in the center console will be illuminat- ed, except with the SmartKey removed or in starter switch position 0.

i The system does not deactivate the side im- pact air bag, the window curtain air bag and the emergency tensioning device.

Self-test BabySmartTM without special child seat installed (Canada only) 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 75 indicator lamp located in the center console comes on for approximately 6 seconds and then goes out. If the 75 indicator lamp should not come on or is continuously lit, the system is not functioning. You must see an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center before seating any child on the passenger seat. More information can be found in the “Practical hints” section (컄 page 395).

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

The BabySmartTM air bag deactivation sys- tem will ONLY work with a special child seat designed to operate with it. It will not work with child seats which are not BabySmartTM compatible.

Never place anything between seat cushion and child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces the effectiveness of the deactivation sys- tem. 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 protecting the child.

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

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

Warning!

Seat belts

When using a BabySmartTM compatible child seat on the front passenger seat, the front passenger front air bag will not deploy only if the 75 indicator lamp re- mains illuminated.

Please be sure to check the indicator every time you use the special system child seat. Should the indicator lamp go out while the restraint is installed, please check installa- tion. If the indicator lamp remains out, do not use the BabySmartTM restraint to trans- port children on the front passenger seat un- til the system has been repaired.

Do not place powered-on laptops, cell phones, electronic tags such as those used in ski passes and like electronic devices on the front passenger seat. Signals from such devices may interfere with the BabySmartTM system. Such signal interference may cause the 75 indicator lamp not to come on during self-test or be continuously lit, indicating that the system is not function- ing.

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 49).

i For information on infants and children trav- eling with you in the vehicle and restraint sys- tems for infants and children, see “Children in the vehicle” (컄 page 88).

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Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

Warning!

Warning!

Always fasten your seat belt before driving off. Always make sure your passenger is properly restrained.

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.

Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat backrest in an excessively reclined position as this can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under it, the seat belt would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That could cause se- rious or even fatal injuries. The seat back- rest and seat belt provide the best restraint when the wearer is in a nearly upright posi- tion and the seat 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.

Damaged seat belts or seat belts that were highly stressed in an accident must be re- placed 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.

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The system is designed to enhance the protection offered to properly belted oc-