2013 Mercedes-benz G Class Owners Manual

Ralterations, installation work and

modifications

Rwork on electronic components

Correct use G WARNING There are various warning stickers affixed to your vehicle. Their purpose is to alert you and others to various dangers. Therefore, do not remove any warning stickers unless the sticker clearly states that you may do so. If you remove any warning stickers, you or others could fail to recognize certain dangers and be injured.

When driving your vehicle observe the following information: Rthe safety notes in this manual Rthe Technical Data section in this manual

24

Introduction

Rtraffic rules and regulations Rlaws and safety standards pertaining to

motor vehicles

Problems with your vehicle If you should experience a problem with your vehicle, particularly one that you believe may affect its safe operation, we urge you to contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately to have the problem diagnosed and rectified. If the problem is not resolved to your satisfaction, please discuss the problem again with a Mercedes-Benz Center or contact us at one of the following addresses. In the USA Customer Assistance Center Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC One Mercedes Drive Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada Customer Relations Department Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc. 98 Vanderhoof Avenue Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9

Reporting safety defects USA only: The following text is reproduced as required of all manufacturers according to Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575
pursuant to the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966. If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign.

However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236(TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to: Administrator, NHTSA Headquarters, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, West Building, Washington, DC 20590. You can obtain additional information about vehicle safety from: http://www.safercar.gov

Limited Warranty ! Follow the instructions in this manual

about the proper operation of your vehicle as well as about possible vehicle damage. Damage to your vehicle that arises from culpable contraventions against these instructions is not covered either by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty or by the New or Used-Vehicle Warranty.

Data stored in the vehicle Information about electronic data acquisition in the vehicle (Including notice pursuant to California Code § 9951) Your vehicle records electronic data. If your vehicle is equipped with mbrace (Canada: TELE AID), data is transmitted in the event of an accident. This information helps, for example, to test vehicle systems after an accident and to continually improve vehicle safety. Daimler AG can access this data and submit it: Rfor safety research or vehicle diagnosis

purposes

Rwith the consent of the vehicle owner

Introduction

25

Ron the instruction of prosecuting

authorities

Rfor use in arbitration of disputes that

involve Daimler AG, its affiliates or its sales and service organizations

Ras otherwise required or permitted by law. Please check your mbrace (Canada: TELE AID) purchase agreement to find out more about data that can be recorded and transmitted by this system.

Information on copyright Registered trademarks Registered trademarks: RBluetooth® is a registered trademark of

Bluetooth SIG Inc.

RDTS is a registered trademark of DTS, Inc. RDolby and MLP are registered trademarks

of DOLBY Laboratories.

RBabySmart™, ESP® and PRE-SAFE® are

registered trademarks of Daimler AG.

RHomeLink® is a registered trademark of

Prince.

RiPod® and iTunes® are registered

trademarks of Apple Inc.

RLogic7® is a registered trademark of

Harman International Industries.

RMicrosoft® and Windows media® are

registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

RSIRIUS is a registered trademark of Sirius

XM radio Inc.

RHD Radio is a registered trademark of

iBiquity Digital Corporation.

RGracenote® is a registered trademark of

Gracenote, Inc.

RZAGATSurvey® and related brands are registered trademarks of ZagatSurvey, LLC.

FreeType Portions of this software are copyright © 2005
The FreeType Project (www.freetype.org). All rights reserved. © 1996-2000 by David Turner, Robert Wilhelm, and Werner Lemberg.

Gnu compiler Copyright © 1982, 1986 Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved. The Berkeley software License Agreement specifies the terms and conditions for redistribution. Redistributions and use in source and binary forms, with or without modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions are met: 1. Redistribution of source code must retain

the above copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.

2. Redistribution in binary form must

reproduce the above copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer in the documentation and/or other materials provided with the distribution.

3. All advertising materials mentioning features or use of this software must display the following acknowledgment: This product includes software developed by the University of California, Berkeley and its contributors.

4. Neither the name of the University nor the names of its contributors may be used to endorse or promote products derived from this software without specific prior written permission.

THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE REGENTS AND CONTRIBUTORS "AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE REGENTS OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT,

26

Introduction

INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

Cockpit ................................................. 28
Instrument cluster .............................. 29
Multifunction steering wheel ............. 31
Center console .................................... 32
Overhead control panel ...................... 34
Door control panel .............................. 35

27

28

Cockpit

Cockpit

Function Combination switch Steering wheel paddle shifters Instrument cluster Horn Overhead control panel PARKTRONIC warning display Climate control systems Ignition lock Adjusts the steering wheel Cruise control lever Light switch Opens the hood

Page 103

209

34
194
118
139
90
170
98
289

Instrument cluster Displays and controls

Function Speedometer with segments Multifunction display Tachometer Coolant temperature display Fuel gauge Instrument cluster lighting control

Instrument cluster

29

Page 210
212
210
209

209

30

Instrument cluster

Warning and indicator lamps

Function

Page

Function

: L Low-beam

headlamps ; ÷ ESP® = K High-beam

headlamps

? J Brakes (yellow) A · Distance warning B #! Turn signals C h Tire pressure monitor D 6 SRS E ü Seat belt

F ? Coolant G R Rear fog lamp H O Front fog lamps I ; Check Engine J 8 Reserve fuel K å ESP® OFF L ! ABS M Brakes (red)

$ (USA only) J (Canada only)

99

252

103
249
258
103
259
255
248

Page 256
101
101
256
256

252
250

249

Multifunction steering wheel

31

Multifunction steering wheel

Function

A =;

Page

Selects a menu 9: Selects a submenu or scrolls through lists Confirms selections and hides messages

B % Back Switches off the Voice Control System; see the separate operating instructions

Function

Page : Multifunction display ~ ; COMAND display

= ?

Switches on the Voice Control System; see the separate operating instructions

? ~

Rejects or ends a call Exits phone book/redial memory Makes or accepts a call Switches to the redial memory WX Adjusts the volume Mute

32

Center console

Center console Center console, upper section

Function

Page

Function

: Audio system; see the

separate operating instructions COMAND

; Seat heating = s Seat ventilation ? c PARKTRONIC

89
90
194

A ¤ ECO start/stop

function

B £ Hazard warning

lamps

C 45 Indicator lamp D å ESP®

Page

141

104

62

Center console, lower section

Function

F Stowage compartment/

ashtray

G Automatic transmission

selector lever

H Selects park position I + Selects/deselects

Page

269

145
146

LOW RANGE off-road gear

199
J Stowage compartment ~ K Opens/closes the stowage

compartment

263

Center console

33

Function

L Cigarette lighter M Audio controller, see the

separate operating instructions COMAND controller

N Switches the windshield

heating on/off

O Ú Selects the drive

program

P Parking brake

Page 270

133

149
157

34 Overhead control panel

Overhead control panel

Function

Page

Function

: p Switches the left-

hand reading lamp on/off ; c Switches the front

interior lighting on

= u Switches the rear interior lighting on/off

? | Switches the front

interior lighting/automatic interior lighting control off A p Switches the right- hand reading lamp on/off

B ¡ Opens/closes the

sliding sunroof

C F Roadside Assistance

call button (mbrace system)

D G SOS button (mbrace

system)

E ï MB Info call button

(mbrace system) F Rear-view mirror G Buttons for the garage door

opener

H Microphone for mbrace (emergency call system), telephone and the Voice Control System

105

106

106

106

105

80

275

Page

274

276
93

284

Door control panel

Door control panel

35

Function

Page

Function

Page

: n Activates/

deactivates the override feature for the side windows in the rear compartment

; W Opens/closes the

side windows

= 7Zö\ Adjusts and folds the exterior mirrors in/out electrically

59

78

93

? r45=

Stores settings for the seat, exterior mirrors and steering wheel (memory function)

A Adjusts the seats B %& Unlocks/locks

the vehicle

C Opens the door

95
86

74
74

36

Useful information .............................. 38
Panic alarm .......................................... 38
Occupant safety .................................. 38
Children in the vehicle ........................ 54
Driving safety systems ....................... 60
Theft deterrent locking system ......... 64

37

38 Occupant safety

Useful information

i This Operator's Manual describes all models and all standard and optional equipment of your vehicle available at the time of publication of the Operator's Manual. Country-specific differences are possible. Please note that your vehicle may not be equipped with all features described. This also applies to safety- related systems and functions.

i Read the information on qualified specialist workshops: (Y page 23).

Panic alarm

X To activate: press ! button : for at

least one second. An alarm sounds and the indicator lamp flashes.

X To deactivate: press ! button :

again.

or X Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock. i USA only:

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference, and 2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. The Product label with FCC ID and IC certification number can be found in the battery case of the SmartKey.

i Canada only:

This device complies with the RSS-210
Rules of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference, and 2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. The Product label with FCC ID and IC certification number can be found in the battery case of the SmartKey.

Occupant safety Important safety notes G WARNING Modifications to or work improperly conducted on restraint system components or their wiring, as well as tampering with interconnected electronic systems, can lead to the restraint systems no longer functioning as intended. Air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs), for example, could deploy inadvertently or fail to deploy in accidents although the deceleration threshold for air bag deployment is exceeded. Therefore, never modify the restraint systems. Do not tamper with electronic components or their software.

In this section, you will learn the most important facts about the restraint system components of the vehicle.

The restraint system consists of: Rseat belts Rchild restraint systems RLATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat anchors Additional protection is provided by: RSRS (Supplemental Restraint System) RNECK-PRO head restraints RAir bag system components with: - The 45 indicator lamp - Front-passenger seat with BabySmart™

air bag deactivation system

The different air bag systems work independently of each other. The protective functions of the system work in conjunction with each other. Not all air bags are always deployed in an accident. i Observe the additional information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle and restraint systems for infants and children (Y page 54).

SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) Introduction SRS reduces the risk of occupants coming into contact with the vehicle's interior in the event of an accident. It can also reduce the effect of the forces to which occupants are subjected during an accident. SRS consists of: RThe 6 SRS warning lamp RAir bags RAir bag control unit (with crash sensors) REmergency Tensioning Device (ETD) for

seat belts

RSeat belt force limiter

Occupant safety

39

SRS warning lamp G WARNING The SRS self-check has detected a malfunction if the 6 SRS indicator lamp: Rdoes not light up at all Rdoes not go out after approximately four

seconds after the engine is started

Rlights up after the engine is started or while

the vehicle is in motion

For your safety, Mercedes-Benz strongly recommends that you have the system checked as soon as possible at a qualified specialist workshop. SRS may otherwise fail to activate when it is needed in the event of an accident, which could lead to serious or fatal injuries. SRS might also be activated unexpectedly and unnecessarily, which could also result in injury. In addition, work carried out improperly on SRS may render SRS inoperative or cause unintended air bag deployment. Work on the SRS system should only be carried out by qualified specialist personnel. Consult a qualified specialist workshop. If it is necessary to modify an air bag system to accommodate a person with disabilities, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for details. USA only: for further information, contact our Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372).

SRS functions are checked regularly when you switch on the ignition and when the engine is running. Therefore, malfunctions can be detected in good time. The 6 SRS warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up when the ignition is switched on. It goes out no later than a few seconds after the engine is started. The SRS components are in operational readiness when the SRS 6 indicator lamp goes out while the engine is running.

40 Occupant safety

Safety guidelines for seat belts, Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs) and air bags G WARNING RDamaged seat belts or seat belts that have been subjected to stress in an accident must be replaced. Their anchoring points must also be checked. Only use seat belts installed or supplied by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

RAir bags and pyrotechnic Emergency

Tensioning Devices (ETDs) contain perchlorate material, which may require special handling and regard for the environment. Check your national disposal guidelines. California residents, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/ Perchlorate/index.cfm.

RAir bags and ETDs are designed to function on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD that has deployed must be replaced.

RDo not pass seat belts over sharp edges.

They could tear.

RDo not make any modification that could

change the effectiveness of the seat belts. RDo not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to provide adequate protection. RNo modifications of any kind may be made

to any components or wiring of the SRS. RDo not change or remove any component

or part of the SRS.

RDo not install additional trim material, seat

covers, badges, etc. over the steering wheel hub, front-passenger front air bag cover, outer sides of the seat backrests, door trim panels, or door frame trims.

RDo not install additional electrical/

electronic equipment on or near SRS components and wiring.

RKeep area between air bags and occupants

free of objects (e.g. packages, purses, umbrellas, etc.).

RDo not hang items such as coat hangers from the coat hooks or handles over the door. These items may be thrown around in the vehicle and cause head and other injuries when the window curtain air bag is deployed.

RAir bag system components will be hot after an air bag has inflated. Do not touch them.

RNever place your feet on the instrument panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.

RImproper 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.

RFor your protection and the protection of others, when scrapping the air bag unit or ETD, our safety instructions must be followed. These instructions are available from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

RGiven the considerable deployment speed, required inflation volume, and the material of the air bags, there is the possibility of abrasions or other, potentially more serious injuries resulting from air bag deployment.

If you sell your vehicle, Mercedes-Benz strongly recommends that you inform the subsequent owner that the vehicle is equipped with SRS. Also, refer them to the applicable section in the Operator's Manual.

Air bags Important safety notes G WARNING Air bags are designed to reduce the potential of injury and fatality in certain Rfrontal impacts (front air bags) Rside impacts (window curtain air bags) However, no system available today can completely eliminate injuries and fatalities. Deployment of the air bags temporarily releases a small amount of dust from the air bags. This dust, however, is neither harmful to your health, nor does it indicate a fire in the vehicle. The dust might cause some temporary 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. G 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 belt. For maximum protection in the event of a collision always be in normal seated position with your back against the seat backrest. Fasten your seat belt and make sure it is properly positioned on your body.

Occupant safety

41

Since the air bag inflates with considerable speed and force, a proper seating position and correct positioning of the hands on the steering wheel will help to keep you at a safe distance from the air bag. Occupants who are not wearing their seat belt, are not seated properly or are too close to the air bag can be seriously injured or killed by an air bag as it inflates with great force instantaneously: RSit with the seat belt properly fastened in a position that is as upright as possible with your back against the seat backrest. RMove the driver's seat as far back as

possible, still permitting proper operation of vehicle controls. The distance from the center of the driver's chest to the center of the air bag cover on the steering wheel must be at least 10 inches (25 cm) or more. You should be able to accomplish this by adjusting the seat and steering wheel. If you have any difficulties, please contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

RDo not lean your head or chest close to the

steering wheel or dashboard.

RKeep hands on the outside of the steering wheel rim. Placing hands and arms inside the rim can increase the risk and potential severity of hand/arm injury when the driver front air bag inflates.

RAdjust the front passenger seat as far as

possible rearward from the dashboard when the seat is occupied.

ROccupants, especially children, should

never place their bodies or lean their heads in the area of the door where the window curtain air bag inflates. This could result in serious injuries or death should the window curtain air bag be deployed. Always sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt properly and use an appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child.

RChildren 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes- Benz authorized BabySmart™ compatible

42 Occupant safety

child seat, which operates with the BabySmart™ air bag deactivation system installed in the vehicle to deactivate the front passenger front air bag when it is installed properly. Otherwise they will be struck by the air bag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury will result.

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. G WARNING Accident research shows that the safest place for children in an automobile is in a rear seat. Should you choose to place a child 12 years old or under in the front passenger seat of your vehicle, you must properly use a BabySmartTM child restraint which will turn off the front passenger front air bag. To help avoid the possibility of injury, please follow these guidelines:

(1)

(2)

Always sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt properly, 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. Always wear seat belts properly.

If the air bags are deployed, you will hear a bang, and a small amount of powder may also be released. Only in rare cases will the bang affect your hearing. The powder that is released generally does not constitute a health hazard. The 6 SRS warning lamp lights up. The air bags are deployed if the air bag control unit detects the need for deployment. Only in the event of such a situation will the air bags provide their supplemental protection.

If the driver and front passenger do not wear their seat belts, it is not possible for the air bags to provide their supplemental protection. In the event of other types of impacts and impacts below air bag deployment thresholds, the air bags will not deploy. The driver and passengers 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 possible protection if the vehicle rolls over. Air bags provide additional protection; they are not, however, a substitute for seat belts. All vehicle occupants must fasten their seat belts regardless of whether your vehicle is equipped with air bags or not. It is important for your safety and that of your passengers to have deployed air bags replaced and to have any malfunctioning air bags repaired. This will help to make sure the air bags continue to perform their protective function for the vehicle occupants in the event of an accident.

Front air bags G WARNING Observe "Important safety notes" (Y page 41). G WARNING Your vehicle is equipped with air bag technology which disables the front- passenger air bag if the system recognizes that the front-passenger seat is empty . If the front-passenger seat is occupied by an adult or young person and the 4/ indicator lamp is lit up, the front-passenger air bag is disabled. If the front-passenger seat is recognized as empty, the air bag control unit will not deploy the front-passenger air bag in the event of a collision. Ask your passenger to sit correctly on the front-passenger seat in an upright position until the 4/ indicator lamp goes out.

If the 4/ indicator lamp does not go out, please consult an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center.

Driver's air bag : deploys in front of the steering wheel; front-passenger front air bag ; deploys in front of and above the glove box. The front air bags increase protection for the driver's and front-passenger's head, neck and chest. They are deployed: Rin the event of certain frontal impacts Rif the system determines that air bag

deployment can offer additional protection to that provided by the seat belt

Rindependently of other air bags in the

vehicle

Rdepending on whether the seat belt is being

used

If the vehicle rolls over, the front air bags are generally not deployed. If the system detects high vehicle deceleration in a longitudinal direction, the front air bags are deployed. Your vehicle is equipped with a dual-stage driver's air bag and a single-stage front- passenger front air bag. In the event of a collision, the air bag control unit evaluates the vehicle deceleration. In the first deployment stage, the driver's air bag is filled with enough propellant gas to reduce the risk of injuries. The front-passenger front air bag, however, is immediately filled with the maximum amount of propellant gas. The driver's air bag is fully

Occupant safety

43

deployed if a second deployment threshold is exceeded within a few milliseconds. The lighter the front passenger, the higher the vehicle deceleration rate required (predicted at the start of the impact) for triggering the front-passenger front air bag. The front air bags will not deploy in impacts with vehicle deceleration or acceleration rates which do not exceed the system’s preset deployment thresholds for vehicle deceleration or acceleration. You will then be protected by the fastened seat belt. Front-passenger front air bag ; will only deploy if: Rthe front-passenger seat is occupied. Rthe 45 indicator lamp on the center

console is not lit (Y page 44)

Rthe impact exceeds a preset deployment

threshold

The front-passenger air bag is automatically activated and deactivated. Both driver and passenger should always check whether the front-passenger air bag is activated or deactivated. The deployment of the driver's air bag does not mean that the front-passenger air bag will also deploy. If the system recognizes that the front-passenger seat is empty, the front- passenger air bag does not deploy even if the impact fulfills the criteria and the driver's air bag has deployed. If the system detects that the front-passenger seat is occupied, the 45 indicator lamp lights up for approximately six seconds if: Ryou turn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in

the ignition lock.

Rthe engine is running and then you switch

it off.

This indicates the operational readiness of the front-passenger air bag. Note that objects placed on the front- passenger seat may cause the system to recognize the seat as occupied. This can result in the deployment of the front-

44 Occupant safety

passenger air bag if the impact fulfills the specified criteria. If the 45 indicator lamp lights up, the front-passenger front air bag is disabled and will not be deployed in certain situations. If the 45 indicator lamp does not light up, the front-passenger front air bag is enabled and can be deployed.

Window curtain air bags G WARNING Observe "Important safety notes" (Y page 41).

Window curtain air bags : enhance the level of protection for the head, but not chest or arms, of the vehicle occupants on the side of the vehicle on which the impact occurs. Window curtain air bags : are integrated into the side of the roof frame and deploy in the area extending from the front door (A- pillar) to the rear door (C-pillar). Window curtain air bags : are deployed: Ron the side on which an impact occurs Rat the start of an accident with a high rate

of lateral vehicle deceleration or acceleration, e.g. in a side impact

Rregardless of whether the front-passenger

seat is occupied

Rindependently of seat belt use Rif the vehicle rolls over and the system determines that window curtain air bag deployment can offer additional protection to that provided by the seat belt

Rindependently of the front air bags

Window curtain air bags will not deploy in impacts which do not exceed the system's preset deployment thresholds for lateral acceleration/deceleration. You will then be protected by the fastened seat belt.

BabySmart™ air bag deactivation system How the air bag deactivation system works G WARNING According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating 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 restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended 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 instructions. Occupants, especially children, should always sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt properly and use an appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. Children can be killed or seriously injured by an inflating air bag. Note the following important information when circumstances require you to place a child in the front passenger seat: RChildren 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes- Benz authorized BabySmart™ compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmart™ system installed in the vehicle to deactivate the front passenger front air

bag when it is installed properly. Otherwise they will be struck by the air bag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury will result.

RA 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 in a collision which could occur under some circumstances, even with the air bag technology 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 a backseat.

RIf you must install a BabySmart™

compatible rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat because circumstances require you to do so, make sure the 4 / indicator lamp is illuminated, indicating that the front passenger front air bag is deactivated. Should the 4 / indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. Periodically check the 4 / indicator lamp while driving to make sure the 4 / indicator lamp is illuminated. If the 4 / 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.

RIf 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 secure child restraint with the vehicle's seat belt according to the child seat manufacturer's instructions.

Occupant safety

45

G WARNING When using a BabySmart™ compatible child seat on the front passenger seat, the front passenger front air bag will not deploy only if the 4 / indicator lamp remains illuminated. Please be sure to check the 4 / indicator lamp every time you use a BabySmart™ compatible child seat on the front passenger seat. Should the 4 / indicator lamp go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. If the 4 / indicator lamp remains out, do not use the BabySmart™ restraint to transport a child on the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired. G WARNING The BabySmart™ air bag disabling system ONLY works with specially adapted child restraint systems. It does not work with child restraint systems that are not compatible with BabySmart™. Never place anything between the seat cushion and the child restraint system (e.g. a cushion), as this reduces the effectiveness of the BabySmart™ air bag deactivation system. The underside of the child restraint system must lie against the seat cushion of the front- passenger seat. In the event of an accident, an incorrectly installed child restraint system could injure the child instead of offering protection. Observe the manufacturer's instructions when installing special child restraint systems.

simultaneously in the instrument cluster, the system is malfunctioning. The front- passenger air bag could deploy without cause, or may fail to deploy in the event of an accident. Have the system checked as soon as possible at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

The 45 indicator lamp lights up when the SmartKey is turned to position 1 or 2 in the ignition lock. The 45 indicator lamp goes out after approximately six seconds. If the 45 indicator lamp does not light up or is always lit, then the system is malfunctioning. Have the BabySmart™ system checked at an authorized Mercedes- Benz Center before transporting a child on the front-passenger seat. For further information, see "Problems with air bag deactivation system" (Y page 47).

46 Occupant safety

Your vehicle is equipped with a BabySmart™ system. Special child restraint systems which are compatible with BabySmart™ are necessary for deactivating the front-passenger air bag. When the special BabySmart™-compatible child restraint system is installed correctly and is recognized by the sensor system in the front-passenger seat, the front-passenger air bag is deactivated. In this case, 45
indicator lamp : lights up. If you have any questions regarding the special BabySmart™- compatible child restraint systems, consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. If the SmartKey has been removed from the ignition lock or is in position 0, 45
indicator lamp : does not light up. The system does not disable: Rthe window curtain air bag Rthe Emergency Tensioning Device

System self-test G WARNING Do not leave any switched on notebooks, mobile phones, electronic tags (e.g. a ski pass) or similar electronic devices on the front-passenger seat. Signals emitted from such devices can interfere with the BabySmart™ air bag deactivation system. Such interference can lead to the 45
indicator lamp not lighting up during the self- test. If the + SRS warning lamp and the 4/ indicator lamp light up

Occupant safety

47

Problems with the air bag deactivation system G WARNING If the 45 indicator lamp illuminates and remains illuminated when the weight of a typical adult or someone larger than a small individual has been detected on the passenger seat, do not allow any occupant to use the passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

Problem The 45
indicator lamp is continuously lit.

The 45
indicator lamp does not light up and/or remain lit when a BabySmart™- compatible child restraint system is installed on the front- passenger seat.

Possible causes/consequences and M Solutions A special BabySmart™-compatible child restraint system is mounted on the front-passenger seat. The front-passenger air bag is therefore disabled. There is no BabySmart™-compatible child restraint system mounted on the front-passenger seat. The BabySmart™ system is malfunctioning. X Have the BabySmart™ system checked as soon as possible at

an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

The BabySmart™ system is malfunctioning. X Make sure there is nothing between the seat cushion and the

child restraint system.

X Check that the child restraint system is installed correctly. X If the 45 indicator lamp does not light up, have the

BabySmart™ system checked as soon as possible at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Do not transport a child on the front-passenger seat until the air bag deactivation system has been repaired.

NECK-PRO head restraints Important safety notes G WARNING Do not secure any objects (e.g. coat hangers) on the NECK-PRO head restraints. Otherwise, the NECK-PRO head restraints may not function properly, or in the event of a rear-end collision may not be able offer the level of protection they are designed to provide. G WARNING Head restraint covers prevent the NECK-PRO head restraints from triggering correctly. Consequently, the NECK-PRO head restraints

cannot provide the intended level of protection. Do not use head restraint covers. G WARNING For your protection, drive only with properly positioned head restraints. Adjust the head restraint so that it is as close to the head as possible and the center of the head restraint supports the back of the head at eye level. This will reduce the potential for injury to the head and neck in the event of an accident or similar situation.

The NECK-PRO head restraints increase protection to the driver's and the front passenger's head and neck. The NECK-PRO head restraints on the driver's and front-

48 Occupant safety

passenger seats are moved forwards and upwards in the event of a rear-end collision of a certain severity. This provides better head support. If the NECK-PRO head restraints have been triggered in an accident, reset the NECK-PRO head restraints on the driver’s and front- passenger seat (Y page 48). Otherwise, the additional protection will not be available in the event of another rear-end collision. You can recognize if NECK-PRO head restraints have been triggered by the fact that they have moved forwards and can no longer be adjusted.

Resetting triggered NECK-PRO head restraints G WARNING For safety reasons, have the NECK-PRO head restraints checked at a qualified specialist workshop after a rear-end collision. G WARNING When pushing back the NECK-PRO head restraint cushion, make sure your fingers do not become caught between the head restraint cushion and the cover. Failure to observe this could result in injuries.

X Tilt the top of the NECK-PRO head restraint

cushion forwards in the direction of arrow :.

X Push the NECK-PRO head restraint cushion down in the direction of arrow ; as far as it will go.

X Firmly push the NECK-PRO head restraint cushion back in the direction of arrow = until the cushion engages.

X Repeat this procedure for the second

NECK-PRO head restraint.

i Resetting the NECK-PRO head restraints

requires a lot of strength. If you have difficulty resetting the NECK-PRO head restraints, have this work carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.

Seat belts Important safety notes G WARNING Always fasten your seat belt before driving off. Always make sure all of your passengers are properly restrained. You and your passengers should always wear seat belts. Failure to wear and properly fasten and position your seat belt greatly increases your risk of injuries and their likely severity in an accident. 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. The air bags can only protect as intended if the occupants are properly wearing their seat belts. G 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 serious or even fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat belt provide the best restraint when the

wearer is in a position that is as upright as possible and the seat belt is properly positioned on the body. G WARNING Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there are seat belts available. Make 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. G WARNING Always have damaged seat belts or seat belts that have been subjected to a load in an accident replaced and the anchorages checked. Only use seat belts that have been approved by Mercedes-Benz. Never tamper with seat belts. This can result in the unintended deployment of the Emergency Tensioning Devices or the failure to deploy when necessary. Do not bleach or dye seat belts, as this may severely weaken them. In the event of a collision, they may be unable to provide adequate protection. Have all work carried out only by qualified technicians. Consult a qualified specialist workshop.

The use of infant or child restraints is required by law in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, all U.S. territories and all Canadian provinces. Even where this is not the case, all vehicle occupants should have their seat belts fastened when the vehicle is in motion. i See "Children in the vehicle"

(Y page 54) for further information on infants and children traveling in the vehicle, as well as on child restraint systems.

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49

Correct use of the seat belts G WARNING CORRECT USE OF SEAT BELTS RSeat belts only work properly if they are

fastened correctly. Never wear seat belts in any other way than as described in this section, as that could result in serious injuries in the event of an accident.

RAll occupants should wear their seat belt at

all times, because seat belts help reduce the likelihood of and potential severity of injuries in accidents, even if the vehicle overturns. The restraint system installed is equipped with SRS (driver's air bag, front- passenger air bag, window curtain air bags), belt tensioners and belt force limiters. The system is designed to enhance the protection offered to occupants who are wearing their seat belts correctly, in certain frontal impacts (front air bags and belt tensioners) and side impacts (window curtain air bags and belt tensioners) which exceed preset deployment thresholds. RNever route the shoulder section of the

seat belt under your arm, across your neck or anywhere other than across your shoulder. In the event of a frontal impact, your body would be moved too far forward. This would increase the risk of head and neck injuries. The seat belt would then apply excessive force to the ribs or abdomen which could cause severe internal injuries to organs such as the liver or spleen. Adjust the seat belt so that the upper part of the belt is as close as possible to the center of the shoulder. It should not touch the neck. Never route the belt under the shoulder. The height of the belt outlet can be altered to ensure correct usage.

RThe lap belt should be routed as low as possible across the hips, not across the abdomen. If the lap belt is routed across the

50 Occupant safety

abdomen, it could cause serious injuries in the event of an impact.

RNever route the seat belt over rigid or

fragile objects in or on your clothing, such as eyeglasses, pens, keys etc, as this could cause injuries.

RAlways ensure that the seat belt is routed correctly. This is particularly important if you are wearing loose clothing.

ROnly one person should use each seat belt

at any one time. Never use a seat belt to restrain more than one person or route the belt around additional objects.

RNever wear seat belts when they are twisted. Otherwise, in the event of an impact, the full width of the seat belt is unavailable to distribute the force of the impact. The twisted seat belt routed across your body could cause injuries.

RPregnant women should also wear a three-

point seat belt. The lap belt must always pass across your lap as low down as possible, i.e. across your hips; not across your abdomen.

RThe seat backrest should be set as close to

vertical as possible.

RCheck the seat belt during the journey in

order to make sure that it is correctly positioned.

RNever rest your feet on the dashboard or

the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.

RWhen using a seat belt to secure an infant restraint system, child restraint system or a child on a booster seat, always follow the child seat manufacturer's instructions. G 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 mechanism. This could damage the seat belt.

Never attempt to make modifications to seat belts. This could impair the effectiveness of the seat belts.

Fastening seat belts Important safety notes G WARNING According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained on the rear seats than on the front-passenger seat. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed in the rear seat whenever possible. Regardless of seating position, children 12
years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriately sized child restraint system or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. For additional information, see the "Children in the vehicle" section. A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is significantly increased if the child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle and/ or the child is not properly secured in the child restraint. G WARNING Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes- Benz authorized BabySmart™ compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmart™ system installed in the vehicle to deactivate the front passenger front air bag when it is installed properly. Otherwise they will be struck by the air bag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury will result.

Three-point seat belt, front

Three-point seat belt in the rear, center

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51

X Adjust the seat and move the backrest to

an almost vertical position (Y page 84). X Pull the seat belt smoothly through belt

sash guide :.

X Without twisting it, guide the shoulder

section of the seat belt across the middle of your shoulder and the lap section across your hips.

X Engage belt tongue ; in buckle =. X If necessary, adjust the seat belt to the

appropriate height (Y page 52).

X If necessary, pull upwards on the shoulder section of the seat belt to tighten the belt across your body.

Further information on releasing the seat belts with release button ?(Y page 52).

: Bracket for seat belt tongues ; Belt buckle for fixed belt tongue = Release button for fixed belt tongue ? Fixed belt tongue A Belt buckle for moveable belt tongue B Release button for moveable belt tongue C Moveable belt tongue

X Pull both seat belt tongues ? and C from

bracket :.

52 Occupant safety

X Pull the seat belt smoothly from the seat

belt retractor.

X Engage fixed seat belt tongue ? in

buckle ;.

Further information on releasing the seat belts with release buttons B and =(Y page 52). Special seat belt retractor All seat belts in the vehicle with the exception of the driver's are equipped with a special seat belt retractor, to which a child restraint system can be secured. For further information on the "special seat belt retractor" (Y page 56).

Belt height adjustment You can adjust the belt height on the driver's and front-passenger seat, as well as on the outer rear seats.

Adjust the height so that the upper part of the seat belt is routed across the center of your shoulder. X To raise: slide the belt sash guide upwards.

The belt sash guide engages in various positions.

X To lower: draw belt sash guide release : forwards and hold it.

X Pull movable seat belt tongue C and route

the seat belt across your body. Without twisting it, guide the shoulder section of the seat belt across the middle of your shoulder and the lap section across your hips.

X Engage movable seat belt tongue C in

buckle A.

X If necessary, pull upwards on the shoulder section of the seat belt to tighten the belt across your body.

X Slide the belt sash guide downwards. X Let go of belt sash guide release : and make sure that the belt sash guide has engaged.

Releasing seat belts ! Make sure that the seat belt is fully rolled up. Otherwise, the seat belt or belt tongue will be trapped in the door or in the seat mechanism. This could damage the door,

the door trim panel and the seat belt. Damaged seat belts can no longer fulfill their protective function and must be replaced. Visit a qualified specialist workshop.

X Press release button ? of buckle = and

guide belt tongue ; back towards belt sash guide :.

Belt warning for the driver and front passenger The 7 seat belt warning lamp in the instrument cluster is a reminder for all occupants to fasten their seat belts. Regardless of whether the driver's and front- passenger seat belts have already been fastened, the 7 seat belt warning lamp lights up for six seconds each time the engine is started. It then goes out once the driver and the front passenger have fastened their seat belts. If the driver and/or front passenger have not fastened their seat belts after the engine has been started, an additional warning tone sounds. This warning tone switches off after approximately six seconds or once the driver's seat belt is fastened.

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53

If after six seconds, the driver or front passenger have not fastened their seat belts and the doors are closed: Rthe 7 seat belt warning lamp remains illuminated as long as either the driver's or front-passenger seat belt is not fastened

Rand if vehicle speed once exceeds

15 mph (25 km/h), the 7 seat belt warning lamp lights up. A warning tone also sounds with increasing intensity for a maximum of 60 seconds or until the driver or front-passenger seat belt has been fastened.

If the driver or front-passenger seat belt is unfastened while the vehicle is in motion, the 7 seat belt warning lamps light up and a warning tone sounds again. The warning tone ceases even if the driver or front-passenger seat belt has still not been fastened after 60 seconds. The 7 seat belt warning lamp stops flashing but remains illuminated. After the vehicle comes to a standstill, the warning tone is reactivated and the 7 seat belt warning lamp flashes again if the vehicle speed again exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h). The 7 seat belt warning lamp only goes out if: Rboth the driver and the front passenger

have fastened their seat belts.

or Rthe vehicle is stationary and a door is open. i Further information about the 7 seat

belt warning lamp (Y page 248).

Emergency Tensioning Devices, belt force limiters G WARNING Pyrotechnic ETDs that were activated must be replaced. For your safety, when disposing of the pyrotechnic ETDs always follow our safety instructions. These are available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

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Children in the vehicle

! If the front-passenger seat is not

occupied, do not engage the seat belt tongue in the buckle on the front- passenger seat. Otherwise, the Emergency Tensioning Device could be triggered in the event of an accident.

X In order to ensure that the pyrotechnic Emergency Tensioning Devices have not been triggered, always have the seat belts checked after an accident. If the Emergency Tensioning Devices have been triggered, they must be replaced. The seat belts for the front seats and rear outer seats are equipped with ETDs and seat belt force limiters. The ETDs on the driver's and front-passenger seat consist of pyrotechnic belt buckle tensioners and belt anchor installation tensioners that are triggered together. The belt buckle tensioner is mounted on the B- pillar and the belt anchor installation is mounted on the side of the seat. After deploying, both tensioners must always be replaced. The ETDs tighten the seat belts in an accident, pulling them close against the body. The ETDs do not correct incorrect seat positions or incorrectly fastened seat belts. The ETDs do not pull vehicle occupants back towards the backrest. When triggered, seat belt force limiters help to reduce the peak force exerted by the seat belt on the vehicle occupant. The front seat belt force limiters are synchronized with the front air bags, which take on a part of the deceleration force. Thus, the force exerted on the occupant is distributed over a greater area. The ETDs can only be activated when: Rthe SmartKey is in position 1 or 2 in the

ignition lock.

Rthe restraint systems are operational; see

"SRS warning lamp" (Y page 39).

Rthe belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on each of the lap-shoulder belts in the front. Rthe front-passenger seat is occupied and the belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on the front-passenger side

The Emergency Tensioning Devices are triggered depending on the type and severity of an accident, if: Rin the event of a head-on or rear-end collision, the vehicle decelerates or accelerates rapidly in a longitudinal direction during the initial stages of the impact

Rif, in the event of a side impact, on the side

opposite the impact the vehicle decelerates or accelerates rapidly in a lateral direction

Rin certain situations where the vehicle

overturns and the system determines that it can provide additional protection

If the ETDs are deployed, you will hear a bang, and a small amount of powder may also be released. Only in rare cases will the bang affect your hearing. The powder that is released generally does not constitute a health hazard. The 6 SRS warning lamp lights up.

Children in the vehicle Child restraint systems Important safety notes G WARNING According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating 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 restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended 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 instructions. Occupants, especially children, should always sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt properly and use an appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. Children can be killed or seriously injured by an inflating air bag. Note the following important information when circumstances require you to place a child in the front passenger seat: RChildren 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes- Benz authorized BabySmart™ compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmart™ system installed in the vehicle to deactivate the front passenger front air bag when it is installed properly. Otherwise they will be struck by the air bag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury will result.

RA 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 in a collision which could occur under some circumstances, even with the air bag technology 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 a backseat.